Blue Tarpon fracturing and stimulation vessel launched in Gulf of Mexico

Baker Hughes launched its Blue Tarpon fracturing and stimulation vessel on 9 June. The 300-ft ship has a maximum pump rate of 80 bbl/min and proppant capacity of 2.1 million lbs, with accommodations for up to 44 people. Its 10 separate high-pressure pump units are housed in a fully enclosed structure and can deliver up to 24,000 hydraulic horsepower and pump up to 32,000 lbs of proppant per minute. The vessel also features a DP-2 dynamic positioning system.

“The Blue Tarpon is designed to provide operators with redundancy on all key elements of the stimulation plant,” Derek Mathieson, president of products and technology for Baker Hughes, said. “Enhanced safety systems, as well as redundant backup blending and pumping capabilities, have been installed to reduce the risks associated with performing multizone, high-rate, high-pressure completions. The ship also was designed with a focus on reliability and efficiency, allowing operators to minimize delays and associated operating expenses in high-cost offshore environments.”