Brutus TLP development wells drilled through production risers

摘要

Shell's previous tension leg platforms (TLP) for the producer's deepwater developments in the Gulf of Mexico have had a well count between 16 and 24 wells. Brutus, the producer's latest TLP version now being assembled, has only an 8-well template. Why the difference?rnWhen the development decision for Brutus was being made, oil prices were about $10/bbl. Keith Craik, Brutus Well Systems Project Leader, said that low oil prices make cost control very important With the lessons learned from previous TLPs, it was determined that Brutus reserves could be produced with fewer wells. It was also decided that more cost savings could be gained by drilling through the production riser.