A few examples of offshore rigs, drilling and production platforms. Left to right: onshore platform; fixed platform; jackup rig; semi-submersible; drill ship; tension leg platform.

Exploratory wells have been drilled at depths in excess of 10,000 feet. Production systems are being designed for depths of 6,000 feet and greater. The product pipeline networks for gas and oil will extend well off the continental slope. Large reservoirs serviced by tension leg platforms or spar platform derivatives will be operated by a consortia of companies and have extended capability to handle distant subsea completions. Smaller reservoirs will use small moored floating platforms for production, many of which will be reusable in other locations. The business climate will demand innovative platform configurations, reductions in the weight and cost of risers and mooring systems and solutions to the pipeline reliability problems.

As more reserves are being discovered in deep water, the technology needed to design and build deep-ocean compliant structures, such as tension leg platforms, continues to evolve to meet technical and economic needs for deepwater development. This rapid evolution in technology needs to be independently verified to ensure continued safety of operations and protection of the environment.

Recent interest in exploration and development on the Alaskan-area OCS has led to a need for new research to ensure the Best Available and Safest Technologies are utilized in this expanding frontier.

A complete list of projects BOEMRE TA&R Project has undertaken pertaining to structural issues is outlined below. Double-clicking on the number will bring up more information on the project.