Delmar  Sets Another World Record Mooring Depth 

BROUSSARD, LA - Delmar Systems, Inc. and Shell Deepwater Development Inc. continue to transcend deepwater mooring capabilities as the two companies set yet another world-record mooring depth, shattering the old record by nearly 700 feet.

The semisubmersible drilling rig Transocean Marianas was moored in 6,940-feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico at Mississippi Canyon 522 using a Suction Anchor System and Delmar's single vessel installation procedure.

The new record broke the previous record of 6,243 feet set by Delmar and Shell in March. At that time, the rig was moored in Shell's Arial location at Mississippi Canyon 429.

The current mooring system consists of eight, 12-foot diameter by 60-foot long suction anchors embedded in the seafloor and attached to 10,000 feet of 3 ¾" wire rope with the specially designed Delmar Sub Sea Connector. The connector allowed mooring line connection by an ROV provided by Oceaneering International, Inc.

The world-record mooring depth installation was accomplished using only one anchor handling vessel, the Gary Chouest, owned by Edison Chouest Offshore, Inc. Six of the eight mooring systems were pre-installed by the Gary Chouest, allowing for quick connection once the rig arrived on location.

"Using this system to moor the Transocean Marianas in 6,940-feet of water, Shell is convinced a fourth or fifth generation semisubmersible can be moored successfully in more than 7,000 feet," said Billy Bergeron, Delmar Suction Anchor Project Manager, "Our partnership with Shell has been one of cutting edge nature where both entities continue to strive to develop more effective and efficient means of offshore mooring in ultra-deep waters."

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