Development and Production of Cascade and Chinook Fields in the Gulf of Mexico: An Overview

Abstract

Abstract This paper is based on the work performed during the design, implementation and operation of the Cascade and Chinook fields, located offshore the United States Gulf of Mexico (USGoM) - the first deployment of an FPSO in the region. It presents an overview of the reservoir rock and fluid properties, the design and construction of wells, the design and installation of the subsea system and FPSO BW Pioneer, the oil export system through shuttle tankers, the gas export through pipelines and the regulatory framework of the project. It also presents operational information about the first wells on stream in each field. The information provided in this paper is a useful reference for petroleum field operators when designing development concepts for ultra-deep water discoveries, not only in the USGoM but also worldwide. It is especially useful for the design of field development and early production systems located far from pipeline infrastructure. It is useful for contractors to identify the technologies which are most suited for application on deep wells and ultra-deep water subsea systems and production platforms. The initial phase of development, already implemented, consists of two subsea wells in Cascade and one in Chinook tied back, through a field-specific subsea system, to a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform. Oil is transported from the FPSO in shuttle vessels to terminals of opportunity along the USGoM and gas is exported through pipeline. Wells started-up production in 2012. Future phases of development will depend on the performance of the wells.