Multiple world first technology applications on Julimar Development Phase 2 – multizone openhole gravel packing with enhanced shunted screens and zonal isolation in high rate gas wells and 18″ reel lay for corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) flowlines

Abstract

Project delivery certainty is a key success factor for positive business outcomes. Taking on world first applications across multiple delivery streams comes with risk that requires significant risk reduction to meet business requirements. The Julimar Development completed this successfully across both drilling and completions, and subsea. Reliable multizone completions with robust sand control have traditionally been a challenge in high-rate gas wells. Cased hole stacked gravel packs can leave high mechanical skin, require multiple trips and are complex operations. While OpenHole Gravel Packs (OHGPs) have provided reliable sand control in such wells, multizone applications have been limited due to the trade-off between effective gravel placement and zonal isolation. Recent developments in technology have enabled reliable gravel placement and complete zonal isolation. The largest flow line installation by reel lay for corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) flowlines was previously 16″. Increasing this size to 18″ required an in-depth understanding of key risks for the contractor to deliver on the size increase, and for Operator to engineer in risk mitigation. Key areas to understand included vessel capability, new build spool base, engineering methods to support delivery and the Operators role in change management when additional risks are identified, or issues occur. This paper discusses contracting, design, execution and evaluation of technologies on the Julimar Development. It includes methodology followed for both technology selections, engineering development, qualification tests, post project evaluation, lessons learned along with health and safety benefits.