Auger: Deep-water Pioneer

Summary

The script tells the story of Auger, Shell's pioneering deep-water platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Initially set to retire after 20 years, Auger's life was extended by the discovery of the Cardamom oil field, hidden beneath a salt deposit six miles deep. Using innovative directional drilling, Auger reached the oil, preventing decommissioning. Despite a blowout at the Horizon rig causing a moratorium, Auger resumed operations first due to Shell's safety measures. Now, with a multi-billion dollar upgrade, Auger is set to handle Cardamom, securing its legacy as a deep-water legend.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Auger, a deep-water platform in the Gulf of Mexico, has been anchored in 2,800 feet of water for 20 years.
• ⛏️ Initially scheduled for retirement, Auger found a new lease of life with the discovery of the Cardamom oil field.
• 🏗️ Auger was the first Tension Leg Platform (TLP), pioneering deep-water drilling in unprecedented depths.
• 🛢️ Despite industry skepticism in the 1980s, Auger broke boundaries, drilling in water twice as deep as previous platforms.
• 🧭 Cardamom, hidden beneath a vast salt deposit, was reached by steering the drill horizontally through the earth’s crust.
• 🔧 The drilling to reach Cardamom involved a record-setting directional well, stretching 31,000 feet from the drill deck.
• 🚧 In 2010, Auger faced delays due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and subsequent drilling moratorium.
• 🚀 Auger underwent a multi-billion dollar upgrade to handle increased production capacity and extend its operational life by another 20 years.
• 💡 Auger's discovery and revitalization through Cardamom demonstrated the potential for continued deep-water exploration in the Gulf of Mexico.
• 🏆 Auger is regarded as a deep-water legend, showcasing innovation in offshore exploration and engineering.

Q & A

What is the Auger platform, and why is it significant?

The Auger platform is a deep-water oil drilling and production facility in the Gulf of Mexico. It is significant because it was the first Tension Leg Platform (TLP), pioneering deep-water drilling at unprecedented depths and marking milestones in offshore oil exploration.

How deep is the Auger platform anchored, and how long has it been operational?

The Auger platform is anchored in 2,800 feet of water and has been operational for over 20 years, contributing significantly to offshore oil drilling.

Why was the Auger platform initially scheduled for retirement?

The Auger platform was scheduled for retirement as its six subsea fields began to decline, and it was believed that it had reached the end of its life by around 2015.

What discovery saved the Auger platform from decommissioning?

The discovery of the Cardamom oil field, hidden beneath a vast salt deposit six miles below the sea floor, saved the Auger platform. This discovery extended the platform's life and revitalized its operations.

How was the Cardamom oil field reached despite its challenging location?

The Cardamom oil field was reached using a directional drilling technique that allowed Auger to drill two miles horizontally through the earth's crust, around a salt deposit, and directly into the oil.

What was the significance of the directional well drilled to reach Cardamom?

The directional well drilled to reach Cardamom was the longest ever, measuring 31,000 feet from the drill deck. This demonstrated a significant advancement in deep-water drilling technology.

How did the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster affect the Auger platform?

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, which caused the worst accidental marine oil spill in history, led to a six-month moratorium on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, delaying the development of the Cardamom field and Auger's drilling operations.

How did Shell respond to the stricter regulations following the Deepwater Horizon spill?

Shell implemented robust safety and operational measures, making the Auger platform the first rig to resume drilling in the Gulf of Mexico after the moratorium was lifted.

What upgrades were made to the Auger platform after the discovery of the Cardamom field?

Auger underwent a multi-billion dollar upgrade to handle the increased production from the Cardamom field. This included doubling the platform's capacity and preparing it to last for another 20 years.

Why is the Auger platform considered a deep-water legend?

The Auger platform is considered a deep-water legend because of its pioneering role in deep-water drilling, its innovative Tension Leg Platform design, and its successful revival through the discovery of the Cardamom field, allowing it to continue operating for decades.