Shell Oil Comapny

Earl H Doyle, Jr

Arthur H Hale

Kenneth M Cowan

James J Nahm

John H Pelletier

Fredric A Diegel, Jr

Peter R Tauvers

Jonathan S Smith

Kris A Digre

Arlette C Nunez

Michael C Jacobi

Brenda G Gaudin

James R Booth

Thomas M Kratochvil

A method is disclosed to identify existence of near-surface drilling hazards in the vicinity of a sea floor location comprising the steps of: obtaining 3D seismic data for the seafloor in the vicinity of the sea floor location; preparing high resolution 3D vertical profiles from the 3D seismic data; preparing an artificially-illuminated rendered surface based on the 3D seismic data; and identifying existence of near-surface hazards in the vicinity of the sea floor location by visual analysis of the rendered surface with reference to the high resolution 3D vertical profiles. Deep tow and geohazard surveys, which are expensive and time consuming are not required in the practice of the present invention. 3D seismic surveys that are used in the practice of the present invention have often been prepared for other purposes.

Method for identification of near-surface drilling hazards

A method for installing piles in offshore waters using a drill and grout technique. The method utilizes a drilling fluid for drilling the borehole for the pile that forms a cementitious filter cake on the borehole wall and a cement for grouting the pile that is compatible with both the filter cake and salt water.

Method for installation of piles in offshore locations

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Sugar Land, TX, United States of America

Earl H Doyle, Jr