Subsea completions and well interventions using a vessel of opportunity

Abstract

A system for performing a desired subsea well-servicing operation, comprises a vessel, a service apparatus for performing the desired subsea well-servicing operation, the service apparatus being supported on the vessel; and a support apparatus mounted on the vessel, the support apparatus having first and second modes, wherein in the first mode the support means does not provide access to a well by the service apparatus and wherein in the second mode the support means does provide access to a well by the service apparatus. The vessel may be a vessel of opportunity and the service apparatus may be selected from the group consisting of subsea tree installation apparatus, perforating apparatus, acidizing apparatus, fracturing apparatus, workover apparatus, reservoir stimulation apparatus, wireline apparatus, coiled tubing apparatus, and snubbing apparatus.

1 . A system for performing a desired subsea well-servicing operation, comprising:
 a vessel;   a service apparatus for performing the desired subsea well-servicing operation, said service apparatus being supported on the vessel; and   a support apparatus mounted on the vessel, said support apparatus having first and second modes, wherein in the first mode the support means does not provide access to a well by the service apparatus and wherein in the second mode the support means does provide access to a well by the service apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the vessel is a vessel of opportunity. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the vessel is not a drill ship. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein in the first mode the support apparatus does not support the service apparatus and in the second mode the support apparatus does support the service apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the support apparatus supports the service apparatus in both the first and second modes. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein in the first mode the support apparatus does not extend over the stern or the side of the vessel and in the second mode the support apparatus does extend over the stern or the side of the vessel. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the service apparatus is selected from the group consisting of subsea tree installation apparatus, perforating apparatus, acidizing apparatus, fracturing apparatus, workover apparatus, reservoir stimulation apparatus, wireline apparatus, coiled tubing apparatus, and snubbing apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the support apparatus comprises a support bracket and the service apparatus comprises a rig pivotably mounted on said bracket, wherein the rig is in a horizontal or near-horizontal position during transport, and is rotated into a vertical position after the vessel is at a desired location, and wherein in the vertical position the rig extends off the stern or side of the vessel with sufficient clearance to allow the desired well-servicing operation to be performed. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the support apparatus comprises a skid and the service apparatus comprises a coiled tubing system mounted on the skid, wherein the coiled tubing apparatus comprises a coiled tubing injector head, a reel and supporting equipment, and wherein once the vessel is at a desired location, the skid can be moved laterally until the injector head is clear of the vessel. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the support apparatus comprises a structure that can be substantially flattened for transport and erected for use once the vessel has arrived at the target location, wherein the service apparatus is mounted on the structure, and wherein when the structure is erected, the service apparatus extends off the stern or side of the vessel with sufficient clearance to allow the desired well-servicing operation to be performed. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the vessel is equipped with a position-maintaining devices. 
     
     
         12 . A system for performing a desired subsea well-servicing operation, comprising:
 at least two vessels; and   a buoyant platform held in place by said vessels, wherein the platform includes a moon-pool extending therethrough and a rig erected over the moon-pool.   
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 12  wherein the vessels are vessels of opportunity.