The trend toward dynamically positioned well service vessels

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Petroleum Engineer International

OSTI ID:458487

Several factors have been driving forces for the increased use of boats -- as opposed to operators` rigs -- for performing well completions, stimulations, workovers and sand control operations. Technology factors, such as the increase in high permeability fracture treatments -- or frac packs -- for controlling sand and stimulating the Gulf of Mexico`s unconsolidated Miocene formations, have increased the demand for dedicated stimulation vessels. In a recent study, operators` strong preferences for frac packing as the completion method of choice in the Gulf of Mexico will most likely make this technique the primary mode of completion, with conventional gravel packing following as a specialty option for completing newly drilled wells. In addition, with this broad acceptance of frac packing, the growing demand for specialized stimulation vessels has resulted in an undercapacity situation in the Gulf of Mexico. Deepwater development has also been a major factor influencing the trend toward boat-based well services. Companies have stringent specifications for boats operating in close proximity to their high-tech, deepwater facilities -- yet most of today`s conventional vessels do not meet these standards. Boats equipped with true dynamic positioning (DP) capabilities are now more the rule rather than the exception, assuring the vessels` safe operations near deepwater platforms in extreme weather and sea conditions. Additionally, boat-based stimulation operations have inherent operational and cost efficiencies compared to rig-based; thus increasing the overall profitability of a company`s operations.

• OSTI ID: 458487
• Journal Information: Petroleum Engineer International, Journal Name: Petroleum Engineer International Journal Issue: 3SUP Vol. 70; ISSN 0164-8322; ISSN PEEID4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
42 ENGINEERING
AVAILABILITY
ECONOMICS
GULF OF MEXICO
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
SHIPS
WELL COMPLETION
WELL SERVICING
WELL STIMULATION