Drilling operations in the mediterranean concessions: challenges for drilling engineers and rig personnel

摘要

Exploration offshore Mediterranean in Egypt is getting more and more important due to gas reserve discovered by IEOC in PortFouad, Baltim and Temsah concessions. This paper will discuss some of the challenges required to drill safely and economically through the overpressurized sensitive shales of Nile Delta basin. It also summarises the problems encountered while drilling the very high pressure wells in Port Fouad and Temsah concessions, such as: hole instability, mud problems, water and gas kick, overpressure detection, lost of circulation, casing setting depth and related design, running and cementing operations, environmental pollution, safety and logistic problems. Experience gained from the past and undergoing drilling operations in offshore Mediterrancan is included in this paper and it could be a support for future exploration and development in the area.