DNV To Evaluate Two Dry Tree Semi-Submersible Rig Concepts For Use In Ultra-Deepwater Through U.S. Department Of Energy Funded Program

DNV in North America is awarded a USD 3 million US Department of Energy funded RPSEA project to evaluate and support the development of two cost competitive dry tree semi-submersible rig concepts, suitable for the Gulf Of Mexico in a minimum of 8,000 foot water depth with drilling and production capabilities.

The Research Partnership for Securing Energy for America (RPSEA) has awarded a subcontract to DNV to perform this work on two concepts developed by Houston Offshore Engineering and Kvaerner Field Development.

DNV’s role in the project is to act as an independent third party to evaluate the maturity level of each concept, define the further development scope based on critical design issues for each concept and manage the execution of this. Also part of DNV’s scope is to perform an approval-in-principal for each concept and technology qualification for the riser tensioners.

Prior to this project, DNV has been working with Deepstar on maturing these concepts. “We are drawing on all of DNV’s international deep water and technology knowledge and bringing it to Houston for the benefit of the local industry and development of floater concepts for the Gulf of Mexico,” says Jenny Lu, who heads DNV’s involvement in the project.

“DNV will also be updating its existing technical standards on deep draft floaters based on the experience from these projects and other work carried out for designers in Houston during the concept evaluation phase,” says Santhosh M. Kumar, DNV’s Director of Approval and Technology in North America.

About DNV
DNV is a global provider of knowledge for managing risk. The independent foundation’s core competency is to identify, assess and advise on risk management, helping customers safely and responsibly improve their business performance. DNV’s purpose is to safeguard life, property and the environment. DNV serves a range of industries, with a special focus on the energy and maritime sectors. Since 1864, DNV has balanced the needs of business and society based on its independence and integrity. Today, the Oslo-headquartered company has 12,000 employees and a global presence with a network of 300 offices in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit http://www.dnv.com, www.dnvusa.com.

About RPSEA
Funding for the projects is provided through the “Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Research and Development Program” authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This program—funded from lease bonuses and royalties paid by industry to produce oil and gas on federal lands—is specifically designed to increase supply and reduce costs to consumers while enhancing the global leadership position of the United States in energy technology through the development of domestic intellectual capital.

RPSEA is under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory to administer several elements of the program. RPSEA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit consortium with more than 180 members, including 24 of the nation's premier research universities, five national laboratories, other major research institutions, large and small energy producers and energy consumers.

The mission of RPSEA, headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, is to provide a stewardship role in ensuring the focused research, development and deployment of safe and environmentally responsible technology that can effectively deliver hydrocarbons from domestic resources to the citizens of the United States. For more information, visit http://rpsea.org/.