Challenges evolve for directional drilling through salt in deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Posted on 30 October 2009 in 2008, May/June

by R.R. Israel, P. D’Ambrosio, A.D. Leavitt, Schlumberger; J.M. Shaughnessey, BP America; and J. Sanclemente, Chevron North America E&P As an increasing number of 6,000-ft-plus deepwater developments come on stream in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), project economics dictate that fewer subsurface drill centers be used to develop these fields. This requires longer step-outs, pushing [...]

Is the gulf of Mexico the dead sea? Not by a long shot, judging from operator investments

Posted on 30 October 2009 in 2008, May/June

Is the Gulf of Mexico the dead sea? Not by long shot, judging from operator investments The US Gulf of Mexico has been called the Dead Sea more than once in the last quarter-century, and some companies are beginning to think that again – at least as far as the shelf is concerned. However, many [...]

3-year study concludes industry needs stronger focus on asset integrity

Posted on 30 October 2009 in 2008, May/June

By Taf Powell, International Regulators Forum Editor’s note: This article is the first in a series of articles to be published during 2008 that will focus on the critical issue of asset integrity. The International Regulators Forum kicks off the series in this issue, presenting findings from a three-year inspection programme. In upcoming issues, The [...]

Deepwater Gulf of Mexico, where risks are big but rewards can be bigger

Posted on 30 October 2009 in 2008, May/June

by Linda Hsieh, assistant managing editor These days, you have to look much further out in the Gulf of Mexico – past the slowly thinning jackups on the shelf – to see the region’s brightest prospects. It’s no secret that deepwater is seen as the future of the Gulf of Mexico. Significant discoveries in the [...]