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The Shah Deniz platform, Caspian Sea

NGI was contacted by Technip in December 2001 to look into the possibilities of converting a jack-up drilling platform to a permanent installation in the Shah Deniz oil field in the Caspian Sea. This was the start of a number of project assignments conducted by NGI prior to the platform installation in April 2006.


The Shah Deniz platform during transport from the yard in the end of April 2006

The Shah Deniz oil field in the Caspian Sea is operated by British Petroleum. Technip was contracted by BP to convert a jack-up rig into a permanent installation. Typically one would use driven piles to fix the platform legs to the sea floor. But due to many conditions, such as narrow transport channels and a lack of efficient infrastructure, driven piles was not possible.

NGI was given one month to draw a conclusion if it was possible to use bucket foundations under each of the three legs of the platform. The conclusion stated that such a solution would be feasible with bucket dimensions of 30 metres in diameter and 8 meters high with walls made of steel. BP agreed and a preliminary study started in February 2002.

The detailed design started in February 2003 and completed in June 2004. Preparations for instillation followed, and the installation was successfully completed in April 2006. The platform concept is well proven, but very seldom as a permanent installation in such deep waters (ca. 100 m). The novel aspect here is the foundation solution.


For NGI this project included a number of different tasks:

  • Foundation design, which in principle is a gravity base foundation
  • Design of filter systems to drain the overlying water pressure and possible accumulation of gas
  • Well analysis - conductors
  • Laboratory tests on soil samples from the Shah Deniz field
  • Preparations for and participation during installation of the platform.

NGI was also hired to design and implement a grout system for the foundation system. A grout operation means to inject the foundation with a type of cement called grout after installation to 8 metres depth, to secure full contact between seabed and anchor foundation. This task was solved by engaging people who were responsible for similar operations for the Condeep platforms in the North Sea.

For NGI this turned into a considerable project which again made use of our extensive expertise and experience on gravity base foundation engineering.