In the 3rd quarter of 2004 MSI provided real-time current measurements on the Transocean rig Sedco 600 at the Pela Lache well location in the Sakhalin V area off Russia (see map courtesy of Rosneft).

Due to the success of the previous measurement programme, MSI once again mobilised a real-time current measurement system, this time for the Udachnaya well, about 40km west of Pela Lache. The measurements are being made for BP on behalf of Romona, using an RD Instruments 300kHz acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP). In addition to the current measurements a Datawell 0.9m MkIII directional waverider has also been installed near the rig to collect wave height, period and direction data during the drilling programme. All equipment was installed from the vessel MV Katun.
The data from the ADCP is transmitted in real-time via LinkQuest acoustic modem to the semi-submersible rig Sedco Transocean Legend (pictured). MSI’s Matlab-based real-time display software provides a range of data display products (examples below.).

The measurement programme is expected to continue during the winter with ice profiling and current measurement equipment deployed under the ice.