Island design proposed for Iceberg Alley fields
For the recovery of hydrocarbons lying beneath the iceberg infested waters of the North Atlantic, an artificial island made of quarried rock and sand would provide a large, stable, iceberg resistant platform above the water level. The conceptual design shows enough room for many directional wells, separation and liquefaction plants, living quarters for several hundred people, heliports, loading piers, and other facilities. Called NORPEX, the rock island would (1) protect berthed vessels from icebergs and the prevailing swell, (2) have a soft boulder-free core to allow the passage of production casing, and (3) accommodate simultaneously up to six helicopters to prevent landing delays. Provided the field output justifies it and the reservoir lies deep enough below the seafloor to allow sufficient offset for the directional wells, NORPEX would have an investment cost in line with other types of production platforms.
- OSTI ID:
- 5918800
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 79
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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