Deepwater Horizon Ally, Helix Energy Solutions Group, Says Ship Is Ready For Duty

Independent oil producers, Helix Energy Solutions Group, urges that their Fast Response System with Helix Producer 1 and Q4000 are ready to deploy and answer the call if spill disaster strikes.

Helix has vehemently expressed that although they were late to the game for the Gulf spill, the system intact is improved and able to carry out cleanup for disasters of similar magnitudes. Drilling in the Gulf has been at a standstill since the Deepwater Horizon incident, and Tony Owen, manager of the Helix Producer 1 claims that they learned an amazing amount of information from that tragedy, and with the capabilities to properly handle and exterminate a mishap, that drilling needs to resume. Owens believes that the BP incident has somewhat set a precedence for oil spill response. Their equipment utilized within the Producer 1 and Q4000 collected more than three quarters of oil discharge daily, and would be able to clear a spill of similar size within 3 weeks.

Government regulator Michael Bromwich has stated that an urgent and efficient plan for containment is crucial for deepwater drilling to begin once again in the Gulf. Drilling companies have permits awaiting governmental approval, as US officials meet with Helix and Marine Well Containment Co, who have joined Helix as Gulf-wide response systems listed on permit applications. The government is currently evaluating if these independently contracted exploration companies really are up to the challenge of containing a possible future spill not only effectively, but timely. There is a total of 20 companies that are developing similar systems for crisis management.

Helix’s system differentiates itself from the others in that their vessels are already implemented and being used in the Gulf, with a trained crew and essential supplies ready for action. Also, what makes this system unique is their ability to quickly detach from wells, leaving the Producer and Q4000 to break away from a project to a safe location in case of any weather emergencies. Owens states that it takes a mere 45 seconds for this disconnection.

Spokesman Cameron Wallace assessed that the system is ready to go at any point in time, and that this industry direly needs to go back to work. He also said that the ships would be able to cap a wellhead in 5,600 feet of water and process up to or over 10,000 gallons of barrels a day, and simultaneously flaring 15 million cube feet of gas. By the end of March, Helix will have that increased to 8,000 feet of depth, 55,000 barrels, and 95 million cubic feet of gas.

Further research and development continues at Helix as they hone their Fast Response System and work strategically with industry partners to make sure they pass federal regulations so Gulf drilling can get back underway as soon as possible.