Delivering the Limit without Compromise: Understanding a True Operator/Contractor Value Partnership

Abstract

This paper will outline how a long term relationship between a contractor and operator that integrates their safety cultures, provides incentives to the parties, and looks for ways to continually improve performance can lead to results that benefit both parties. British Gas (BG) began an exploration program in the West Delta Deep Marine concession offshore Egypt in 1998, and hired the Atwood Oceanics rig Atwood Eagle to drill this initial program. The early exploration program was a success, and led to an exploration, appraisal and development program lasting 4.5 years and consisting of 36 wells drilled and eight wells completed with Atwood Oceanics rigs. The Atwood Eagle drilled 19 wells, the Atwood Southern Cross one, and the Atwood Hunter drilled 16 and completed eight wells. HS&E performance was held in the forefront of the planning and execution of this program, and approximately 1.5 million man hours of rig operations were accomplished without a lost time incident (LTI). Details of how the safety cultures of the companies were seamlessly integrated will be discussed. Also, as part of the drive to improve performance, BG's Total Value Drilling (TVD) initiative was executed for the Scarab Saffron eight-well completion program, the culmination of the entire rig campaign. The teamwork approach to operational improvement gained through the TVD process will be outlined. The cooperation between Atwood Oceanics and BG led to excellent results that included:A combined 1.5 million man hours achieved with three rigs on contract with BG, Rashpetco and Burullus (BG companies) in a challenging deep water drilling and completion environment.Drilling the first deep water exploration well in the area. The campaign included wells in water depths up to 3,430 feet.Best in class drilling performance compared to other operations in the area over 4.5 years without compromising safety.Operations that approached or surpassed the expected technical limit.Hiring and training of local employees into a world class safety program.No damage to the environment