Eddy Watchsm

Trinidad and Venezuela

Horizon Marine, Inc. has been monitoring the North Brazil Current (NBC) and associated rings since September 2001. Utilizing surface drifters and satellite remote sensing, we have successfully tracked the formation, separation, and migration of 37 powerful rings that have shed from the NBC and forecasted their impact on operations offshore Trinidad. Horizon provides weekly reports, mid-week updates, and daily ‘Ring Alerts’ to clients advising them on the location, strength, and anticipated migration path of these NBC rings as part of our Eddy Watch – Trinidad/Venezuela service. The service is designed to be used as an operational tool, helping to facilitate the efficient planning and scheduling of operations to minimize downtime caused by excessive currents.
“…It is interesting to see that something that
nobody wanted has suddenly become ultra critical…

Eddy Watchsm Brazil

The Eddy Watch – Brazil program is designed to efficiently monitor and forecast the location of the strong (greater than 1.5 knots) ocean currents associated with the Brazil Current and eddies that impinge on deepwater drilling operations in the Campos and Santos Basins offshore Brazil. Operators will experience periods of downtime due to currents over 2.0 knots, and the Eddy Watch reports and forecasts will assist in planning safe and efficient operations.

Eddy Watch analyses are based on satellite imagery, altimetry, GPS drifting buoys, and the Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) ocean model surface fields. Weekly reports are delivered via email describing observed fronts, eddies, and oceanographic features in the region.

 
"...We have incurred 222 hrs of downtime so far from Xtreme Eddy...."

Eddy Watchsm Rig Tow

As operations move further offshore into deeper water and assets are moved between oil fields, Horizon Marine’s ‘Eddy Watch’ and ‘Rig Tow’ programs are becoming essential services to the oil industry. By taking advantage of favorable currents and avoiding counter currents, companies can save both time and money during these intensive operations.

“...the transit has killed us now for the last two days, pushing against surface currents…transit speed only 1 to 2 knots…very expensive...”

 

The analysis of ocean current data provided by drifting buoys, satellite imagery, oceanographic surveys, moored current meter profiles, scientific publications, potential seasonal weather hazards, and historical and anecdotal data are used when proposing a route. Reports with detailed charts plotting the rig’s position relative to significant oceanic features are issued to all personnel involved with the tow.

Included is a forecast of the currents that may influence or benefit the progress of the rig. In addition, suggested revisions to the route are provided in order to take advantage of favorable currents or avoid those that would impede the rig’s progress. Even half a knot of unfavorable current to a rig under tow can cost millions of dollars.

 
 
“The service saved the tugs at least two weeks of sea time and 243,000 gallons of fuel between the two ships and the rig.”