Drilling optimization enhances development of harsh-environment East Shetland fields

摘要

NEW OPERATOR IN the North Sea EnQuest PLC, which acquired Petrofac Energy Developments Ltd,faced a daunting first drilling project in the northern-most reaches of the East Shetland basin. The goal was to develop the West Don and Don Southwest fields, which were discovered in 1975 but had lain fallow for a third of a century awaiting a commercially viable development plan. The location brought with it harsh environmental challenges. Due to weather conditions in the area, for example, floating rigs can experience serious heave issues. Logistics are also problematic due to weather and the fields' distance from Aberdeen. A typical well construction sequence on a third-generation semi requires 70 to 80 days to execute.