7. Strategy implementation

The process of identifying the preferred containment option for each drilling operation is to collate drilling sequence, mud performance and containment cost data. Platforms where Cuttings Re-Injection is the best option are identified and for remaining operations the skip and ship option has to be compared with the use of WBM. Where hole sections of 16" or larger require OBM the limitations of skip and ship will be problematical and the use of ester muds may be considered against the option of drilling at reduced speeds.

It should also be recognised that having identified the choice of drilling fluid or containment system for a particular project there will in many cases be a substantial amount of work required to implement this solution. This is particularly true in the case of cuttings re-injection where the installation of a unit requires detailed appraisal of platform facilities, a tender bid to select one of the several suppliers and in most cases a significant amount of engineering work to install and commission the unit. Similarly in the case of shipment of cuttings to shore, if this policy is to be adopted on a significant solids controlale, as will be required, detailed attention must be given to considerations such as the capacity of the company's platform supply vessel resources and the ability of the waste handling industry to cope with the consequent increase in volume of material to be treated on shore. The impact on rig contracting strategy should also be considered.