19.11.11

Sedco 706: Transocean rig at Brazil leak site



Chevron Corp. (CVX), the second-largest U.S. energy company, said it has halted an oil leak at the Frade project off the coast of Brazil after plugging a well.

“Fluid flow from the well appears to have ceased. The well probably contributed to the seeps that have been the source of an oil sheen that appeared on the surface of the ocean.

Chevron said yesterday that it planned to use cement and mud to seal a fissure in the sea floor that was the suspected source of the oil leak. As much as 882 barrels of crude had reached the surface, Brazil’s oil regulator, known as ANP, said yesterday, citing Chevron.

The company contracted Transocean’s Liberian-flag Sedco 706 rig to drill an appraisal well in the Frade field 230 miles (370 kilometers) northeast of Rio de Janeiro, The SEDCO 706 is a dynamically-positioned Sedco 700 design semi-submersible drilling unit capable of operating in moderate environments and water depths up to 2,000 m (6,562 ft)* using 18¾” 10,000 psi BOP and 21” OD marine drilling riser. here

Chevron, which has 51.74% interest, started production at Frade field in 2009. Partners in the field are Petroleo Brasileiro SA 30%, and Frade Japao Petroleo Ltda., a joint venture of Inpex Corp., Sojitz Corp., and Japan Oil, Gas & Metals Corp. 18.26%.

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