SNAME Transactions, Vol. 94, 1986, pp. 2 4 1 - 2 5 3

Ocean Drilling Program Equipment Capabilities Dillard S. Hammett, 1 Member This paper introduces new technology which extends the capability of drilling in 15 000-ft water depth for the purpose of gathering earth science data. The application of the petroleum industry experience to drill in these water depths has led to a successful first year of operation of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP). The program has commenced coring the ocean floor to learn more about the earth. The program will be conducted worldwide during the next 14 years utilizing the drillshlp Sedco/BP 471. Several modifications were performed in order that the ship could effectively use all available technology. A reentry system is utilized so that the ship can core into the earth's crust approximately 8000 feet. Several types of new scientific and drilling equipment will be utilized in this program. The major thrust of ODP is to gain scientific knowledge of the earth's crust and ocean floor. For the first time, hardware and technology developments have been mandated in the mission. ODP will develop new tools and technology for deep ocean exploration and drilling. These tools and techniques will include: small-diameter downhole motors, coring devices, long drill string design, reentry devices, and bits. The ODP is administrated and supervised by Texas A&M University. The technology exchange between the scientists and drilling industry is a key part of the 14-year program. In addition to earth science this program will provide data for future energy sources. The ODP has the potential to provide more useful data for mankind's life on earth than the Space Program has produced.

ment, and more onboard scientific equipment than was available in the DSDP. Studies completed by the National SciTHE PRIMARY scientific objectives of the Ocean Drilling ence Foundation and Joint Oceanographic Institute for Deep Program will be to study the origin and evolution of the Earth Sampling (JOIDES) in 1982//83/84 showed that to acoceanic crust; the tectonic evolution of continental margins; complish the new objectives, equipment with greater capabilthe origin and evolution of marine sedimentary sequences; ities was required. studies of long-term changes in the atmosphere, oceans, cryoThe JOIDES group started the 14-year program on Leg 101 sphere, biosphere and magnetic field; and development of new in the offshore Bahamas on the Blake Plateau. To date, tools and technology for deep-ocean exploration and drilling. normal coring operations have been underway for coring in A new program for Earth Science began in January 1985. 10 000 to 18 000 ft water depth. Special equipment and The program and its equipment are named JOIDES Resolutechnology have been used on these scientific legs that will tion. Leg 101 of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP), initiat- extend drilling technology. In November/December 1985 a ed obtaining core samples from ocean formations on the Ba- special earth science program was started on the Mid-Atlantic hama Shelf, is the beginning of a planned worldwide Earth Ridge near an active subocean volcanic area. This special Science Program. The seven completed legs 101, 102, 103, program required development of new drilling and scientific 104, 105, 106 and 107 have provided good earth science data equipment. Future plans include drilling cores with a subsea from the Blake Plateau, Spain (Galicia Bank), Norway Sea, blowout preventer (BOP) in 6000 to 15 000 ft water depths Voring Plateau, Greenland (Baffin Bay), Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where core hole conditions may require drilling fluids, j In and Mediterranean. To date (March 1986) approximately Phase I no riser or well control is contemplated. Geopressure 11 000 m have been cored, approximately 7000 m of core problems are avoided by careful screening of locations and of recovered and an additional 4000 m of hole drilled. This has shutting down operations at the first sign of any hydrocarbon been accomplished while drilling 62 holes at 26 sites in maxi- shows that might pose danger. Screening is done by a scienmum water depth of 3516 m. The core recovery has been 63 tific panel which includes industry representation. percent. All equipment has been operating satisfactorily and Geochemical and geophysical methods are used to detect overall performance of the ODP has already exceeded the any evidence of shallow hydrocarbons. If hydrocarbons are Deep Sea Drilling Program (DSDP) Project. ODP is a con- encountered, the well will be plugged immediately. Suffitinuation of the very successful DSDP, which started in 1968 cient cement, barite, and mixing facilities are onboard for this and was completed in 1983. ODP, funded by the National purpose. Science Foundation, is targeted for earth science objectives ODP objectives for Phase II include drilling with blowout which require an increased capacity vessel, drilling equip- preventers for control of the well bore, and drilling with a drilling fluid returned to the drill vessel. Other objectives 1Vice President-Technical, Schlumberger-Sedco Forex, Dallas, include greater station-holding ability, extended drilling Texas. technology, a larger moonpool for handling ocean floor Presented at the Annual Meeting, New York, N.Y., November 19- equipment and a more modern laboratory. 22, 1986, of THE SOCIETY OF NAVAL ARCHITECTS AND MARINE To accomplish these new objectives, ODP contracted for ENGINEERS. Introduction

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