Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Shell plan rapid deployment system for deepwater oil leaks
22 Jul 2010
Washington – Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Shell have launched a plan to build and deploy a rapid response system that will be available to capture and contain oil in the event of a potential future underwater well blowout in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The rapid deployment system is being developed by a team of marine, subsea and construction engineers from the four companies.
The flexible system, they said, could be mobilised within 24 hours and used on a wide range of well designs and equipment, oil and natural gas flow rates and weather conditions. It will be engineered for use in deepwater depths up to 10,000 feet and have initial capacity to contain 100,000 barrels per day with potential for expansion.
The partners have committed $1 billion to fund the initial costs of the system. However, further operational and maintenance costs for the subsea and modular processing equipment, contracts with existing operating vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and any potential new vessels that may be constructed are likely to increase the costs.
The system will include specially designed subsea containment equipment connected by manifolds, jumpers and risers to capture vessels that will store and offload the oil. Dedicated crews will ensure regular maintenance, inspection and readiness of the facilities and subsea equipment.
The four companies are form a non-profit organization, the Marine Well Containment Co., to operate and maintain this system. Other companies will be invited and encouraged to participate in this organisation.
Work on the containment system is being accelerated to enhance deepwater safety and environmental protection in the Gulf of Mexico, which accounts for 30% of US oil and gas production and supports more than 170,000 jobs, said a joint statement.
The companies added that they will proceed immediately with the engineering, procurement and construction of equipment and vessels for the system. ExxonMobil is to lead this effort on behalf of the four sponsor companies.
