Baker Hughes' latest fracturing and stimulation vessel, the Blue Tarpon, is designed for operations in the Lower Tertiary play of the Gulf of Mexico. Katie Jernigan takes a look at the newest addition to the Baker Hughes fleet.
Like sister vessel the Blue Dolphin, Baker Hughes' fracturing and stimulation ultra-deepwater vessel Blue Tarpon was created to carry out multi-zone operations without needing to return to shore for supplies. The Blue Dolphin, launched in December 2009 (OE February 2010) helped kill the BP-operated Macondo well at Mississippi Canyon block 252. ‘[Blue Tarpon] was supposed to be launched in 2010,' Rick Jeffrey, Baker Hughes' product line manager of sand control systems, says. The delay was to allow time for design changes so the Blue Dolphin and Blue Tarpon had the same capabilities and control systems.
Richard Williams, president of Baker Hughes' Gulf of Mexico operations, says the recent ExxonMobil discoveries in 7000ft water depth are an example of why Baker Hughes invested millions in building the vessel. ‘This market is continuing to move into the deepwater and ultra-deepwater,' he says.
Captains can maneuver the DP2 Blue Tarpon with a 1675hp bow thruster, 1200hp Rolls Royce bow drop down and a 1675hp stern thruster. It operates on two 3600hp Caterpillar diesel engines for a maximum of 14.5 knots and a cruise speed of 10 knots.
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