An ultra-deep-water alternative

A uniquely shaped semisubmersible drilling and production platform, called Octabuoy, could rival spars, tension leg platforms (TLPs) and conventional semisubmersibles as the floating production system of choice for developing ultra-deep-water fields. Its name is derived from the octagonal ring pontoon that keeps the structure afloat and supports four columns and the topside facility. Anne Feltus reports