Deepwater Engineering Trends
Authors: Birrell N.D. 
Published: October 2008

The integrated design process for offshore developments utilizing the design spiral concept is discussed. Methodologies for reaching decisions in a systematic way and that can deal with the choice amongst competing alternatives, while considering a variety of criteria that range from economic and technical feasibility to performance are addressed. A low cost production system utilizing a contract platform and pipeline is discussed. Reliability based design methods are identified as a means of rationally designing ocean structures by balancing the consequence of failure against design and construction costs. The impact on future of engineering in the oceans is examined. It is recognized that economics rather than technology will set the pace and direction for engineering development in the ocean. A major conclusion is that the challenge to our industry is the internationalization process of developing reliability based design standards that show potential to reduce the life cycle costs of offshore development. It also is noted that to regain the technological edge that the US oil industry once had will require the coordinated efforts of the educational system, the government, private industry, and most importantly, we, the individual engineers that can make it happen. Mandating of continuing education as a licensing requirement, and its inclusion in the accreditation process, is a real possibility and seen as a positive move.

INTRODUCTION

The offshore industry, most notably the petroleum sector, has faced a challenge to move into deepwater for several decades. There have been numerous milestones along the way, and recent technology has extended the capability to produce from compliant platforms. Conoco's Jolliet Tension Leg Well Platform (TLWP), operating in nearly 2000 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico, is a prime example (Birrell 1991). The Auger TLP installed in 2860ft GOM during Dec. '93 and scheduled for production early this year, is another good example (Snyder 1994). With the continued pressure on the industry to eliminate jobs in the face of low prices, environmental costs and government restrictions on exploration and production in this country, (Mitchell 1992) our challenge as engineers is to reduce costs through implementation of innovative technology and better design.

During the 1980's, politics and economics led to a greater reliance on the market to manage energy trade. Deregulation and greater price sensitivity have resulted in markets that are more responsive to changes in supply and demand. This was clearly demonstrated during the 1990-91 Persian Gulf crisis, when prices rose rapidly following the loss of Iraqi and Kuwaiti supplies, but quickly returned to equilibrium once uncertainty over future oil supplies was reduced.

As this crisis reminded us, the risk of oil price shocks remains, and such shocks can significantly impact economic growth and the need for new technology. Middle Eastern politics have been the major source of post-World War II price shocks, and international political events will continue to have the greatest potential to destabilize oil markets.