Whale field development : Deep Down to deliver RIV control system for FPU

Deep Down has bagged an order from Shell Offshore for work pertaining to the Whale field development in the US Gulf of Mexico.

Under the order, the Houston based oilfield services company will be responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of a Riser Isolation Valve control system (RIV control system) and also other subsea production equipment.

Deep Down, which is a deep-water oil and gas distribution equipment and services provider, will install the RIV control system on the floating production unit (FPU) for providing shutdown of production fluids.

Scheduled to be completed in 2022, the Whale field FPU will be deployed in the Alaminos Canyon Block 773, subject to a positive final investment decision due to be taken later this year.

Charles Njuguna – Deep Down President and CEO said: “We are pleased that Shell has once again turned to Deep Down to deliver reliable equipment and services for one of their largest exploration finds in the Gulf of Mexico in recent memory.”

Last year, Sembcorp Marine Rigs & Floaters won a contract from Shell Offshore to construct and integrate the topside and hull of the Whale field FPU. The FPU for the Whale field will have a topside module and a four-column semi-submersible floating hull, which have a combined weight of 25,000 tonnes.

Whale field FPU illustration. Image courtesy of Sembcorp Marine Ltd.