DeepStar Study for Aker Kvaerner

Aker Kvaerner has been awarded a contract for a study to develop a semi-submersible production platform for use in coming ultra-deepwater field developments by DeepStar.

Aker Kvaerner Oil, Gas and Process International Inc. in Houston will be responsible for the contract, drawing on the entire global Aker Kvaerner group. Key partners in executing this semi-submersible study are Stress Engineering Services in Houston and Aker Kvaerner's subsidiary Aker Marine Contractors, specializing in marine operations and installation.

DeepStar wants to get a credible solution for future developments in ultra-deep water depths down to 10 000 feet. In addition to the development of the floating platform itself, the scope includes other critical aspects such as design of the risers that will bring the oil and gas from the well to the surface. It also includes installation methods for mooring systems and risers.

DeepStar Phase VII Participants are Anadarko, BP, ChevronTexaco, ConocoPhillips, Eni, Kerr-McGee, Marathon, Petrobras, Total and Unocal. DeepStar develop technologies to meet the industry's deepwater business needs, including a focus on production systems for 10,000 ft water depth. The study is scheduled to be completed in December 2004.