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Gulf of Mexico Deep Water HPHT Wells Project

Deep Water HPHT Operations
Alaminos Canyon and Mississippi Canyon, Gulf of Mexico
October 2014 - April 2016

COD Drilling executed critical deep water HPHT drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico, pioneering the integration of Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology on advanced drillship operations. Working within narrow pressure windows at ultra-deep water depths, the team planned and delivered key wells while advancing rig systems reliability, well integrity assurance, and HSE performance.

Project Overview

Client
Vanguard Oil & Gas LP
Project Duration
October 2014 - April 2016
Project Location
Alaminos Canyon and Mississippi Canyon, Gulf of Mexico
Project Type
Deep Water HPHT Drilling with Advanced MPD Implementation
Gulf of Mexico Deep Water HPHT Wells Project

Deep Water HPHT & MPD Operations

Solomon (MOC), Melmar, Horus Deep, Socorro wells delivered

Project Scope & Deliverables

Pioneered drillship MPD integration for HPHT wells with narrow pressure windows
Delivered key wells: Solomon (MOC approval), Melmar, Horus Deep, Socorro
Comprehensive MPD system commissioning and supervision on advanced drillship operations
Maintained NPT <10% through optimized procedures and contingency planning
Zero Lost Time Incidents (LTI) with rigorous HSE programs

Technical Specifications

HPHT Conditions

  • • Water depths: 3,200+ feet
  • • Total drilling depths: 16,000+ feet MD/TVD
  • • Narrow pressure windows in HPHT environments

Key Wells Delivered

  • • Solomon (with MOC approval)
  • • Melmar
  • • Horus Deep
  • • Socorro

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge

Deep water drilling in harsh GOM environment

Solution

Advanced weather monitoring and risk assessment protocols

Challenge

Complex MPD system integration

Solution

Comprehensive MOC process and system commissioning with Marathon Oil

Challenge

Maintaining efficiency in deep water operations

Solution

Optimized drilling parameters and real-time monitoring systems

Project Impact

Advanced MPD integration on deep water HPHT wells delivered safe and efficient operations with strong HSE performance and regulatory compliance across Alaminos Canyon and Mississippi Canyon blocks.

0
Lost Time Incidents
<10%
NPT
3,200+ ft
Water Depth