Designs created to support Alaskan offshore exploration

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · Offshore; (United States)

OSTI ID:6197945

Logistical problems encountered in exploring for oil and gas in Alaskan waters require special designs for economy and safety. Mobile drilling rigs in the deepwater areas of the Alaskan west coast, such as the Navarin Basin, are currently supported by an intermediate shore base that is supplied from a major port in the lower 48 states. Environmental considerations, however, have hindered development of shore base close to the proposed drilling sites, and the costs of trans-shipment and storage at the staging base are usually high. In addition, there is a future need in the Beaufort Sea for high-powered, ice-worthy work boats to aid in rig moves, caisson towing, resupply and ice management. Using these criteria, engineers Peter Noble and James Duerr of Houston-based Marine Technology Corp. have developed the super supply ship (SSS) with a cargo capacity of over 6000 tons. This enables it to carry a complete well's worth of consumables directly to the drillsite from a port such as Seattle or San Francisco. In addition, its size and power combined with an Arctic Class 6 ice strengthened hull make the vessel suitable for Beaufort Sea duty.

• OSTI ID: 6197945
• Journal Information: Offshore; (United States), Vol. 45:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
ALASKA
OFFSHORE DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
SHIPS
DRILLING
EQUIPMENT
FEDERAL REGION X
INDUSTRY
NORTH AMERICA
USA
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
030200 - Natural Gas- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration