Features of geotechnical surveys and leg penetration analysis for drilling platforms in the Arctic seas

Abstract

In recent years, one of the most important direction in the development of offshore hydrocarbon exploration is the expansion of the oil, gas and gas condensate fields of the Russian Federation to the Arctic shelf areas. Extensive and complex engineering surveys are actively performed in the Barents Sea and the Kara Sea. In the last year, a wide range of engineering investigations has been implemented on prospecting and exploratory wells. The geotechnical surveys are mandatory before the drilling of exploratory and production wells to obtain the data for the upper part of the geological profile to provide necessary information for safe positioning of drilling rigs. This is extremely important as the upper part of the soil interacts with an engineering structure whether it is a drilling rig, pipeline, subsea production system or any other structure. The data of the stated surveys is used for optimal location selection for drilling rig positioning and the necessary stability calculations. The use of geophysical and geotechnical methods in engineering surveys provide an effective solution for the geological challenges and ensures the availability of sufficient information regarding soil composition, properties and strength conditions.