How do you manage deepwater drilling challenges?

I found it helpful to limit the scope in deep water wells as much as possible. We dealt with top hole construction entirely ‘off line’ by having a construction vessel install a CanDuctor before the MODU came on contract. Top hole construction in deep water wells carries much of the time, cost and risk uncertainty and this can be eliminated. At the ‘other end’ of the well - it’s important to have formation evaluation strategies that rapidly deliver definitive outcomes. Likewise for development wells - I favoured ease of deployment for lower completions especially (SAS or Geoform for example over APGP). Mostly deep water operations carry the same risks but the consequence of any issues is dramatically amplified - DO LESS.

In my decade-long journey as an offshore oil drilling worker, I've sailed the tumultuous seas of both nature's unpredictability and technological challenges. The deep ocean floor is a realm of mysteries; no matter how meticulously one plans, it always has surprises. From the humbling moments deciphering seismic surveys to the pulse-racing times managing unforeseen geological pockets, every drill feels like a dive into the unknown. Over the years, our equipment has become more sophisticated, yet the sea never ceases to challenge its limits. But what truly stands between success and catastrophe is our trained response. There's an unsaid bond among the crew; we trust the machines, but more importantly, we trust each other.

Managing deepwater drilling challenges involves advanced technology, rigorous planning, and strict safety measures. Utilize specialized equipment designed for deep-sea conditions, conduct thorough risk assessments, and implement real-time monitoring systems to ensure safe and efficient operations. Regular training for personnel, adherence to regulations, and continuous innovation in drilling technologies contribute to successful deepwater drilling management.

In my decade offshore, the interplay of costs and logistics in deepwater drilling has always been front and center. Every piece of specialized equipment, from floating rigs to blowout preventers, carries a heavy price tag. Yet, it's not just about the machinery. Every individual aboard signifies an investment in expertise. Distances from shore amplify the need for impeccable planning, where even a minor oversight can cause significant delays. The key is innovation. With cutting-edge technologies, we streamline, ensuring that every dollar spent optimizes operations. It's an intricate dance of precision and anticipation, where thorough planning meets the unpredictable oceanic ballet, creating a harmony that ensures operational success.

Lost Circulation and Shallow Water Flow come to my mind as major challenges, but there are others. The outcomes can be so bad that operators prefer to go conservative when evaluating new prospects.

Deepwater drilling isn't just about the machinery and geology—it's also about navigating a web of intricate regulations and understanding the varied perspectives of diverse stakeholders. Every venture into the deep blue begins with a deep dive into regulatory documentation. This tapestry of rules, ranging from environmental assessments to audits, often varies from one region to another. In essence, in the world of deepwater drilling, beyond the roaring engines and towering rigs, lies a nuanced realm of dialogue, cooperation, and adherence. It's a realm where every decision reverberates across ecosystems, communities, and economies, emphasizing the intertwined nature of our work with the broader tapestry of society and nature.

The Deepwater Drilling community has been resistant to rethinking the drilling of the Riser-less sections. Deepening the 36” structural casing beyond the limits of jetting would add significant value to the overall well design. This would result in less casing strings, less drilling operating time, and improving well integrity at the deeper depths. Casing drilling the first string through the shallow hazards is a significant improvement in the management of the shallow risks in where there is only one well barrier. This would allows a safer operation in setting the HPWH conductor significantly deeper than current practices. Contact Subsea Drive Corporation for more information.

We continue to improve our offshore communications infrastructure; with StarLink Maritime this is a gamechanger not only for the crew to have improved welfare, but also the tech available to the team - we can now stream real time data from offshore to onshore; with many operators now hosting 24/7 real time operations centres which can support offshore operations. With more data, you can unlock new business and operations insight never previously available.