I. LITERATURE REVIEW OF OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS DRILLING
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Technological advances in exploration, in particular, imaging under generally shielded
formations (salt, basalt, etc.), or in complex geology, has made it possible to update new offshore
reserves (Fig. 4). However, these discoveries are getting smaller and smaller in size and depth.
Their development represents both a technological and economic challenge. It is technologically
possible to drill wells in 3,000 m of water to reach deeply buried reservoirs (Fig. 5) (IFPEN,
2011).
Figure 02: Percentage of offshore drilling by depth (IFP énergies nouvelles)
Figure 3: Breakdown of global offshore oil production (IFPEN, 2011)
Figure 4: Trend in water depth for exploration and development drilling since 1940
(Offshore Magazine 2011)
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Technological advances in exploration, in particular, imaging under generally shielded
formations (salt, basalt, etc.), or in complex geology, has made it possible to update new offshore
reserves (Fig. 4). However, these discoveries are getting smaller and smaller in size and depth.
Their development represents both a technological and economic challenge. It is technologically
possible to drill wells in 3,000 m of water to reach deeply buried reservoirs (Fig. 5) (IFPEN,
2011).
Figure 02: Percentage of offshore drilling by depth (IFP énergies nouvelles)
Figure 3: Breakdown of global offshore oil production (IFPEN, 2011)
Figure 4: Trend in water depth for exploration and development drilling since 1940
(Offshore Magazine 2011)