Stories of Innovation: Semi-submersible Platforms

John Abolarin, Oil Architect: We all know semi-submersible platforms, right? What about the first one?

Welcome to Stories of Innovation, a series of podcasts from TotalEnergies. In each episode, our employees explain how the innovations that have changed the world of energy came to light. Want to find out more? Let's go!

John Abolarin: In the 1950s, Shell, the British oil company, thought it was time to go offshore. That’s how, in 1962, Bruce Collipp designed Blue Water 1, the world’s first semi-submersible platform! Imagine it. A kind of gigantic iceberg, most of its structure is underwater and held in place by four anchors. Shell created a well at a depth of 100 meters underwater. At that time this was a real achievement! This caused quite a stir in the industry. The British company however, had to share its technology with competitors, otherwise, the American authorities would refuse to grant them exploration licenses. Now we have semi-sub crane vessels, lifting over 10,000 tons of topsides and semi subs in 2,000 m of water depth carrying out drilling activities. We also use similar designs for our floating wind facilities as we continue our energy transition! And that’s why, semi-submersible technology is a real game changer for us and our industry.

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