Conoco's Ultra-Deepwater Drillship Gets a 'Thumbs Up' on Performance
GULF OF MEXICO, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Deepwater Pathfinder -- a first-of-its-kind, ultra-deepwater drillship owned by Conoco (NYSE: COC) and R&B Falcon Corporation (NYSE: FLC) -- is operating remarkably well in the Gulf of Mexico.
The ship, which is the first new build capable of operating in 10,000 feet of water, began drilling its first well for Conoco on January 27 at Garden Banks Block 783. The vessel is expected to drill three or four wells in 1999. Over the next five years, it will fulfill a $400 million drilling program for Conoco in the Gulf of Mexico, where Conoco has interests in 295 deepwater leases.
"For the Pathfinder's first well, we chose a location that was both a good prospect for oil and natural gas, and in a water depth that was appropriate for her maiden voyage," said Marcel Robichaux, Conoco's deepwater drilling operations manager, based in Lafayette, La. "We expected our fair share of 'glitches' on a ship with this much brand-new computer technology; but, so far the response has been excellent. I give her a thumbs up! Our team, which consisted of R&B Falcon, Conoco and Samsung Heavy Industries, did a great job."
Floating in nearly 5,000 feet of water, the ship will drill 13,000 feet below the surface of the ocean floor.
"The Deepwater Pathfinder has an incredible amount of 'first-of-its-kind' technology," said Offshore Installation Manager Otis Gordy, who heads operations on the ship. "I'm extremely pleased with the ship's performance and our crew's teamwork. This is especially true of their ability to adapt to the new technology. As with anything new, we knew there would be challenges; but, the crew has kept us moving forward on a very ambitious project."
The new technology includes a specialized combination of seabed and satellite systems that send signals to onboard computers, controlling six high-powered thrusters. The thrusters counter the force of currents, wind and waves to keep the vessel exactly on target -- within one meter of her mark -- without an anchor.
"As the Master of the Pathfinder, I have seen in the last months a lot of appreciation for the technology that has been installed on board the Pathfinder," said Captain Fernando Gutierrez. "I have been myself impressed with the Hitec cyber station in the drillers' workstation and the finest mathematical model system that manages a network of 44 computers to keep the vessel in position. But what I most value on the Pathfinder is her crew."
Completely new for the crew is the vessel's computerized rig floor. The automation virtually eliminates the human element from operating much of the traditional drilling equipment, thereby reducing the risk of injury and increasing efficiency.
"Working with the cyberbase system for the first time is a learning experience that is both challenging and exciting," said driller Nathan Kimbal. "Using a computer and joystick to pick up 90-foot joints of riser and a maximum block weight of 1.3 million pounds, without a single incident or accident -- that's amazing."
Conoco and R&B Falcon have recently completed construction on their second deepwater drillship, the Deepwater Frontier. The Frontier, which will operate in other parts of the world, is presently sailing to its first drilling location offshore New Zealand. Conoco holds more than 35 million acres of deepwater leases throughout the world.
Conoco will contract the second ship for 2.5 years out of the first five years of its operation, with renewal options. Conoco is a major, integrated energy company based in Houston and active in 40 countries.
SOURCE Conoco Inc.
CO: Conoco Inc.; R&B Falcon Corporation
ST: Texas
IN: OIL ENV
SU:
04/20/99 08:53 EDT prnewswire.com
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