Marine Technology Reporter Blogs - deepwater

The Society for Underwater Technology Technical Conference 2010 in Rio de Janeiro discusses the main challenges to be faced in Deepwater O&G exploration and examines the many possible solutions through technological innovations.The challenges faced in exploring deepwater O&G reservoirs are truly incredible. Quoting the visionary Brazilian businessman and investor Eike Batista, himself a player in the O&G industry, “The pre-salt is like going to the moon”. Pre-salt E&P is certainly not the only challenge in deepwater development, but most specialists in the area of deepwater subsea systems development agree that it may be the biggest challenge…

MCS was founded in Galway, Ireland, in 1983. From small beginnings as an offshoot of the University of Galway, its directors have created a dynamic, ambitious and forward thinking company which has achieved a world class reputation and standing for its advanced engineering capability and software. Employing almost 200 people located in key oil and gas hubs around the world – Aberdeen, Houston, Rio, Perth, Paris and Kuala Lumpur they deliver complex systems solutions to demanding clients. From front-end feasibility studies to redevelopment studies and integrity reviews we cover life-of-field engineering for subsea developments and floaters. We can safely say we are the largest riser consultancy in the world.nts worldwide.

PROCAP 3000: next ultra-deepwater exploration frontier.Over the past 23 years, Petrobras, forerunner in the use of the floating production concept, has always emphasized innovation and upgrade based on its professional expertise. The first PROCAP – Technological Development Program for Deepwater Production Systems was launched in 1986 in order to improve the company’s technical skills in oil and natural gas production in water until 1,000m. To do so, Albacora and Marlin fields were chosen as a development unit. The results obtained in this first program and the other discoveries in deeper water encouraged the company to create a new program in 1993, PROCAP-2000 - Technological Development Program for Deepwater Exploration Systems.

FMC signs an $80 million subsea service contract with Petrobras in January and is awarded a $400 million contract for subsea trees in February.FMC Technologies signed a subsea service contract with Petrobras effective through 2012 and expected to result in an additional $80 million in revenue. FMC's scope of supply includes storage, maintenance, commissioning and offshore services for subsea and topside control systems and drill pipe riser systems. "FMC has a strong and longstanding relationship with Petrobras," said John Gremp, Executive Vice President of FMC Technologies. FMC Technologies has signed a four-year subsea tree frame agreement with Petrobras.

The partnership between Schilling Robotics and FMC is having a very positive impact on nearly all of the fifteen projects FMC operates in Brazil.Since 1985, Schilling Robotics has been engineering, manufacturing, and delivering the highest quality subsea equipment in the subsea market. Its first small, hydraulically powered underwater remote manipulator went to market in 1986, and by 1988 Schilling had become a leading supplier of high-performance subsea remote manipulator systems used in offshore oil, telecommunications, scientific, and military operations. By 1997, Schilling had developed a suite of manipulator systems and accessories to fit a variety of needs and budgets.

With headquarters in the UK, Wellstream has invested heavily in the Brazilian O&G market since 2007 and currently has an ongoing contract with Petrobras for around 700km of flexible pipes. They are the acknowledged leaders in flexible riser manufacture in Brazil.Wellstream is a world leader in design and manufacture of flexible pipeline products, systems and solutions for fluid transportation in the O&G industry. The business, founded in 1983 is headquartered in Newcastle, UK, with manufacturing facilities in the UK, Brazil and USA. The company has over 1,000 employees worldwide and also has sales and project offices in Canada and Australia. Flexible pipe products are used in many offshore field developments, but particularly where floating production vessels are involved.

The state of art facility in Rio das Ostras completes two years of operation with excellent results and having made a lasting contribution to the region and to regional supplier chain growth. The facility which was built in Rio das Ostras with an initial investment of around $10 million in 2007 and primarily manufactures for the Brazilian market, has also been able to deliver to other regions of the world. The facility, which has a workshop that covers a space of 2,450 square metres, offers clients services ranging from engineering and manufacturing to maintenance and technical support. The timing of the Rio das Ostras investment was…

Investing in subsea pipeline technology development, PROTUBO has been producing interesting pipe bending solutions.Pipes are one of the most costly equipments in subsea systems. Here in Brazil subsea pipelines can range from tens, to hundreds of kilometers. Usually subsea pipelines include bended sections and more recently ( T ) pieces are installed in them to facilitate intervention, specially in deep water sections, where intervention costs are huge and new rigless intervention techniques are being introduced. In deep water pipelines, pipe in pipe technology is being extensively used and upgraded in order to optimize surveillance capabilities, where real time fiber optic surveillance technology appears to be the way to go.

The SUT Technical Conference 2010 will be held in Rio de Janeiro and promises to be the main subsea event of the year in Brazil.The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) is a multi-disciplinary learned society that brings together organisations and individuals with a common interest in underwater technology, ocean science and offshore engineering. SUT was founded in 1966 and has members from more than 40 countries, including engineers, scientists, other professionals and students working in these areas. Cross-fertilisation and dissemination of ideas, experience and information between workers in academic research, applied research and technology, industry and government. Development of techniques and tools to explore, study and exploit the oceans.

Knowing that new deepwater contracts in Brazil will be forthcoming in 2010, DOF Subsea invests in the new Cougar XTi ROV from Saab Seaeye to boost its already highly competitive profile.DOF Subsea, has taken delivery of an advanced design of deep-swimming ROV from Saab Seaeye, destined for Brazil. The new 3000 metre-rated Cougar XTi ROV features technological developments that open up a greater range of deep water applications. It will be permanently commissioned aboard a specially built DOF Subsea vessel, along with two hydraulic work-class vehicles. The vessel has been constructed in Norway and will operate offshore in Brazil for Light Well Intervention. The onboard Launch and Recovery System (LARS) has been built by ODIM, and includes Active Heave Compensation.