EVALUATING DEEP-WATER DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS

This paper provides an overview of the current state of deepwater technology. It discusses the major factors that must be considered when evaluating potential deepwater development concepts, presents proven deepwater development concepts, and provides insight into the applicability of each. Two unproven ''dry tree'' concepts are presented to illustrate proposed new concepts. Approximate costs are included, leading up to general conclusions with respect to the evaluation process. The focus is primarily on the Gulf of Mexico.