Det Norske Veritas (DNV) was selected to evaluate and support development of two cost-competitive dry-tree semisubmersible rig concepts for the Gulf of Mexico.
Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America (RPSEA) let a subcontract to DNV as part of a $3 million project being financed by the US Department of Energy.
The semis are to provide drilling and production capabilities in a minimum of 8,000 ft of water.
DNV is to perform work on two concepts developed by Houston Offshore Engineering and Kvaerner Field Development.
DNV’s role in the project is to act as an independent third party to evaluate each concept, define the development scope for each concept, and manage the execution.
DOE’s funding is provided through the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Research and Development Program authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
RPSEA is under contract with DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory to administer several elements of the program.
RPSEA is based in Sugar Land, Tex.