Interface Consulting President Lends Offshore Expertise to Artificial Island Discussion

Frank G. Adams, PE, addresses the issues and implications surrounding construction of artificial islands for oil and gas production in the Arabian Sea

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Interface Consulting International, Inc.

Aug 21, 2013, 10:00 ET

HOUSTON, Aug. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2009, the Zakum Development Company (ZADCO) set forth plans to construct a collection of artificial islands off the shores of Abu Dhabi in the Arabian Sea in order to increase production at its Upper Zackum oil field. Interface Consulting International, Inc., president and offshore construction expert, Frank G. Adams, PE, contributed his over 40 years of offshore construction and engineering experience to Offshore Technology's recent feature article, "Platforms vs artificial islands – which works best for who?".

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In the article, Adams expounds upon a variety of complex issues surrounding the construction of artificial islands for oil and gas drilling purposes, including why this method is unique to the region and the benefits of artificial islands over steel platforms. The strategic benefits determined by Adams include:

More wells can be simultaneously accessed
Improved well production performance
Cost-effective solution with local labor and materials
Lower overall operational costs
Cost savings, as they do not need to be deconstructed
Superior safety due to available facilities and infrastructure on the islands
Lower environmental impact using natural construction elements such as sand

Despite the benefits, artificial islands for offshore oil and gas production have seldom been utilized outside the Arabian Sea and never at this projected scale. Many features make this body of water uniquely qualified to support artificial islands. These features include shallow sea depths and geologic conditions suitable for dredging sand used in constructing the island foundations. Additionally, the area's robust technology and local resources with proven experience in artificial island development come together to make this region distinctively ideal for this type of oil and gas production.

Adams also explores the drawbacks of utilizing artificial islands. "I understand they have some problems in the drilling process managing the loads on the drill stems because the islands are a fairly good distance from where the reservoirs are, and as they are going deep in the reservoir in a multiple manner, there are some concerns about mechanical loads on the drill stem," Adams added.

However, "there are so many positives that whatever drawbacks there are to the technical sides, those can be easily dealt with."

About Interface Consulting:

As engineers and construction consultants since 1986, Interface Consulting International, Inc. (www.interface-consulting.com), has provided a wide range of consulting and expert services to the construction- and energy-related industries in a variety of challenging settings – from the project field to the boardroom and courtroom. Interface Consulting is an authority on construction claims and construction management consulting with experience in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Interface Consulting International also produces a complimentary industry newsletter, Construction Headline News, and a corporate blog, www.RedHardHat.com.

Contact:

Jessica Valor
1-713-626-2525
[email protected]

SOURCE Interface Consulting International, Inc.