Offshore Drilling in the North

Abstract

Much has been learned during the first 3 years of drilling in the U.K. sector of the North Sea. Generally, conditions have been difficult. Although few conditions can be pointed out as being the worst known, many of the conditions are among the worst and require considerable attention to engineering and planning. This paper discusses various aspects of planning and drilling exploratory and development wells in the North Sea. It covers the initial planning of equipment to drill exploratory wells) some of the problems encountered in drilling these wells; Phillips' solution to these problems, and finally the planning of a directional drilling program for shallow gas production from a fixed platform of limited area. Prior to selecting drilling equipment for a project like this, consideration must be given to the weather conditions, water depths, drilling depths, rig mobility, availability and logistics of moving materials and supplies, means of transportation and numerous lesser considerations.This paper presents one major operator's solution to the many problems and considerations.There are other ways of doing many of these things and reaching the same end point.There are other problems which we did. not encounter. We believe that, in general, we have used a practical and economical approach to drilling in the North Sea.