With just 14 months from the call for bids to first oil, partners ENI and Allied Energy Resources have an aggressive schedule planned for development of Nigeria’s OYO field. With the clock running, it is imperative that the $600 million project “hit the ground running”; there simply is no margin for false starts or delays. To help ensure the quality and timeliness of project initiation, the Project Manager, OCEANIC have tapped William Jacob Management (WJM) for assistance on a number of critical tasks. The first was to examine the feasibility of executing the project with an existing FPSO, then determining industry availability of qualified facilities. The project specifications call for a capacity of 40k barrels/day and onboard storage of 1 MM barrels.

With the core hardware component identified, the project team turned its attention to its second key assignment, compilation of the bid package. Here, WJM helped to develop technical performance specifications and has responded to technical clarifications from the various bidders. The accuracy and completeness of scope and cost information are vital to project success. Once the contracts are awarded, and the project ramps up to full speed, WJM will be providing project management, scheduling and document control.

The development plan will be executed in two phases: Phase 1 consists of five wells; Phase 2 adds six more. Of the total 11 wells, nine are for production, and two for injection. Mid 2009 is the target to ring in a prosperous year for the project team and their Nigerian partners with the delivery of first oil from OYO.

Devon Energy’s POLVO project takes it’s name from the Portuguese word for “octopus.” Long reach, highly deviated well bores extend like tentacles from a central fixed drilling platform to numerous reservoirs at varying depths throughout the field. POLVO also marks the first instance of an independent working directly with the Brazilian government to complete a project without the involvement of Petrobras, the state-owned oil company.

Here’s how Steve Seat, Devon’s project manager recalled the challenges and WJM’s contribution:

“As the first offshore development in Brazil without Petrobras as a partner, Devon was essentially operating in “uncharted waters”. We had to discover everything for ourselves with regard to regulations, importation, and the expectations and capabilities of local contractors. WJM was involved in the project from the beginning and played a major role in regulatory matters and importation, helping ask the right questions to the right people at the right time. As new issues and requirements became known, WJM repeatedly stepped up, adapted and delivered.”

Another major risk to the project was the long lead-time required for construction of the new drilling platform and associated rigs called for by the reservoir development plan. WJM helped the project team “think outside the box” and look at the possibility of sourcing used hardware. The option to buy and refurbish salvaged drilling rigs was not only faster, but also cheaper. In the end, the aggressive rig refurbishment program enabled the project to achieve fastest time to first oil in the region.

The early stages of construction has started for the Murphy FDPSO Rig Decks being fabricated at the Citra Tubindo Engineering construction yard in Batam, Indonesia. These decks when complete with be the base structure for the Nabors Drill Rig equipment which is scheduled for completion in July, 2008 when it will be transported and installed on the FDPSO in Keppel's shipyard in Singapore . Dave Smith from WJM is on site monitoring the progress for Murphy Corporation.

Michael P. Duffy, President of WJM and Trevor Smith, Technical Director of WJM visited the new POLAR Rig Specialties, Inc. facility in New Caney, Texas .  The WJM team was hosted by John Harris, President of POLAR in photo below.

Also in attendance was Theodore Vora, PE, President of VERISTIC Technologies, Inc.  WJM is working with POLAR and VERISTIC on the PEREGRINO Drill Rig Refurbishment Project for Campos Basin, Offshore Brazil .  POLAR was awarded the purchase order for the design and construction of a new 1.2 MM lbs. API certified derrick for the project.

POLAR is utilizing VERISTIC for the engineering on the order.  Photos include 1) John Harris with his new Peregrino coffee mug courtesy of WJM; 2) Theodore Vora (left); 3) POLAR's rig up yard and 4) Trevor Smith looking over the crown sheaves.

John Harris 

Michael P. Duffy, President of WJM presented commemorative awards to Superior Offshore International, Inc. for the Endeavour Project. Superior team members pictured with their commemorative awards from WJM are left to right – Jackie Benson, Gerard Ledet, General Marine Manager (seated) and David Watts. 

WJM provided project management, scheduling, engineering, drafting, procurement and construction support for Superior 's $25 million conversion of the Endeavour into a state of the art DPII DSV. WJM also provided the Inclining and Stability procedures and interfaced closely with DnV on all certifications for the vessel.

WJM worked hand in hand with the Superior team on the project from August 2006 through September 2007. WJM is continuing to provide support for the Endeavour as required.

William Jacob Management, Inc. celebrates 3rd anniversary

On August 23rd the WJM team gathered to have some birthday cake in honor of the consulting firm's 3rd anniversary.  During these first three years WJM has grown from an independent consultant into a team of over forty specialists providing clients with specialized technical expertise.  WJM helps project teams to “think outside the box” for solutions that protect both net present value and long-term business objectives.

“Three years ago I could not imagine that WJM would be providing such value to our clients on so many unique and first-of-their kind projects all over the world,” stated WJM's President, Michael P. Duffy.  Mr. Duffy went on to say that he has been very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the many talented people on the WJM team.

William Jacob Management, Inc. moves into new offices.

William Jacob Management, Inc. has relocated to new offices in Houston, TX.  The new address is:

1500 South Dairy Ashford, Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77077

Phone: 281-497-8617
Fax: 281-497-8142

info@WilliamJacob.com

“The new location has provided WJM considerably more office space for our business and is centrally located to our Houston client base”, advised John Weaver , Project Coordinator.  Mr. Weaver also stated that by doubling the square footage WJM previously had will allow the company to host visiting client representatives during various project phases.