McDermott Achieves Major Milestone with Successful EPCIC Project in Gulf of Mexico

McDermott Celebrates Successful Completion of Gulf of Mexico EPCIC Project

In a significant achievement for the energy sector, McDermott International, Ltd has successfully finalized its engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This project, executed for Shell Offshore Inc., marks a notable advancement in the industry as it enables the commencement of oil production at the Whale development.

Project Overview

Initiated in 2021, the Whale project has been a testament to McDermott's superior engineering capabilities and robust project management skills. The project was completed recently, leveraging cutting-edge marine assets, including the North Ocean 102 vessel and the newly upgraded Amazon vessel, specifically adapted for complex offshore operations. This ambitious undertaking involved intricate pipelay operations, reaching water depths of approximately 2,800 meters (9,100 feet), which is crucial for the modern energy landscape.

Among the impressive stats, the project saw the installation of nearly 50 kilometers (about 30 miles) of pipeline and 15 kilometers (9 miles) of umbilicals, effectively connecting five subsea drill centers to the Whale floating production platform. Such intricate tasks require seamless coordination across various engineering and procurement teams and adherence to stringent safety protocols, which McDermott executed flawlessly.

Collaboration and Partnership with Shell

Mahesh Swaminathan, McDermott's Senior Vice President of Subsea and Floating Facilities, underscored the essence of collaboration in his statement on the project's completion. “This project showcases our profound trust in each other and our unwavering focus on operational excellence,” he remarked. This partnership with Shell has not only endured difficulties but has also birthed innovations like the debut of the Amazon in the Gulf—a significant milestone for subsea developments in ultra-deepwater environments.

Technological Innovations

The Amazon vessel has raised the bar for offshore operations by delivering an advanced ultra-deepwater pipelay system equipped with high automation levels. Notably, it completed the installation of five steel catenary risers, each measuring around 3,350 meters (approximately 11,000 feet)—a Gulf of Mexico first—demonstrating the vessel's high tension capacity. This innovation marks a crucial advance in subsea infrastructure projects and sets a benchmark for future endeavors in deepwater oil exploration.

Sustainable Energy Production

The Shell Whale development, situated approximately 200 miles southwest of Houston, showcases a semi-submersible production platform capable of remote operations. The facility's design allows a comprehensive monitoring system for nearly every operational aspect, underlining a significant move toward sustainable and efficient energy production practices. This not only highlights technology's role in achieving operational efficiency but also exemplifies the industry’s shift towards more environmentally responsible practices.

McDermott's Commitment to Energy Solutions

As a prime provider of integrated engineering and construction solutions tailored to the global energy market, McDermott emphasizes a technology-driven approach to harness energy resources responsibly. Their commitment extends from concept to commissioning, aiming to promote a sustainable energy future globally. With operations in over 54 countries and a workforce exceeding 30,000 employees, McDermott stands committed to advancing the future of energy infrastructure.

For more information about McDermott's projects and initiatives, visit www.mcdermott.com.