Evaluating deepwater development concepts

This paper gives an overview of the current state of deepwater technology. It discusses the major factors which must be considered when evaluating potential deepwater development concepts. It covers proven deepwater development concepts and provides insight into the applicability of each. Two unproven dry tree concepts are presented to illustrate new concepts now being proposed for ultra deep water. A brief discussion of costs is included leading up to general conclusions with respect to the evaluation process. The focus is primarily on the Gulf of Mexico (GOM).