BP's Subsea Developments: Past Successes and Future Challenges

摘要

BP's successful track record in subsea developments dates back to the 1970's. Since that time, BP has developed about 180 subsea wells which are producing some 800,000 bpd of oil and gas. These developments have endowed BP with unique knowledge and experience in the development and operation of an eclectic mix of subsea installations worldwide. The envelope of our existing developments cover water depths exceeding 2500m, shut-in pressures of 1000 bars combined with 135°C temperatures, and tied back to all major types of floating hubs at offset distances of up to 90km. The next wave of deepwater and subsea projects will require the development of reservoirs with compound issues: HPHT (1400 bars, 177°C), heavy crude, low permeability, low pressure among others. Some of these reservoirs are located in remote regions with few offshore host facilities and/or ecologically sensitive environments with extreme climatic swings. This paper presents an overview of BP's many milestones in subsea projects over the years. The intent is to underscore our achievements and capabilities in project development and operations, enumerate the challenges facing the next generation of subsea developments, and outline the company's approach to technology development to ensure success.^