Low Cost Flexible Production System for Remote Ultra-Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Development

摘要

The present paper presents a study of an innovative production concept for ultra deep Gulf of Mexico sub-salt Paleogene reservoirs, for hypothetical fields anticipated to be far from existing infrastructure, and for early phased development. Following the concept screening, corresponding to stakeholders’ requirements, a round hull FPSO concept has been selected, alternatively to already existing ship-shaped solution in the Gulf. The project focuses on a cylindrical hull of Sevan type combined with a more cost efficient steel catenary riser configuration. The cylindrical concept has been engineered for the Gulf of Mexico application. Furthermore, results of the risk assessment for the given concept are presented. Recommendations have been developed as to which protections are to be taken to manage risk. Regulatory assessment for the novel FPSO concept has been performed by the American Bureau of Shipping. The FPSO solution based on cylindrical hull has then been concept evaluated by comparing its technical properties and economical and regulatory aspects to other ultra- deepwater applicable production concepts.