Market changes pressure development of rules for specialized offshore well intervention vessels

摘要

Driven by global demand for energy, sub-sea exploration and well construction has boomed in the past decade. According to consultants Infield Systems and Douglas Westwood, the total number of subsea wells will balloon to more than 5,500 by the end of this year. While some projects may be delayed due to financing issues related to the global economic downturn, the rapid construction of new wells is likely to continue, if not accelerate, in the years to come.rnThis creates challenges for energy companies and suppliers alike. Increased demand has forced many energy companies to:rn1. Re-evaluate stranded or marginal fieldsrn2. Work in deeper watersrn3. Use more complex tieback solutionsrn4. Improve recovery rates for aging wells, which are about 10-20% below platform wells.