Risk assessment and evaluation of the conductor setting depth in shallow water, Gulf of Mexico

Factors related to operations of a well that impact drilling uncertainties in the shallow water region of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) can be directly linked to the site specific issues; such as water depth and local geological depositional environments. Earlier risk assessment tools and general engineering practice guidelines for the determination of the conductor casing design were based more on traditional practices rather than sound engineering practices. This study focuses on the rudimentary geological and engineering concepts to develop a methodology for the conductor setting depth criteria in the shallow water region of the GOM.