The Discoverer Clear Leader, an ultra-deepwater drillship built to Chevron’s
specifications, has set sail and is now operating in the deepwater
U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The state-of-the-art vessel offers the most advanced
capabilities in the offshore drilling industry. It is capable of operating in water
depths of 12,000 feet (3,650 meters) and to a total depth of 40,000 feet (12,200
meters). The vessel features patented dual-activity drilling technology, which saves
both time and money by enabling parallel drilling operations from a single derrick.
Discoverer Clear Leader will help Chevron expand its search for crude oil
and natural gas in the deepwater Gulf, where it is one of the top leaseholders and
producers. A similar ultra-deepwater drillship, Discoverer Inspiration, was
delivered in early 2010 and also will operate in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Posted: April 2010