In the US Gulf of Mexico, the first generation of deepwater production facilities are now approaching the end of their original design lives. In the mid-90s no one realized how prolific some of these fields would be. Using enhanced recovery techniques and advanced reservoir modeling technology, operators are able to extend the life of these fields well beyond their original estimates. This trend, along with the proliferation of subsea developments, has led to increased interest in Field Life Extension programs, with an emphasis on facilities integrity.

In a low-price environment, it makes economic sense to refit and refurbish existing facilities to handle late-in-life production, and to accommodate tiebacks from satellite fields.

This workshop will examine facilities integrity issues and life extension strategies for SPARS, TLPs, semi production units, drawing on worldwide experiences in floating systems, including FPSOs. The emphasis is on extending the life of these facilities and adapting topsides to meet the changing flow composition of late-in-life fields, as well as adapting a production platform to act as a deepwater production hub.

Topics will include:

• Overview of aging deepwater production facilities in the GoM

• Regulatory positions and industry status 

• Hull Integrity Strategies for SPARS, TLPs and Semi FPS units.

• Upgrading and Expanding Topside Facilities.

• Host Life Extension via Subsea Tiebacks

• Mooring Management Programs

• Creating a Deepwater Production HUB

• Riser Solutions