IBP1525_11

HDD AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION FOR SHORE APPROACH

OF OFFSHORE PIPELINES IN BRAZILIAN SCENARIOS
Antonio Roberto de Medeiros1, Danilo Machado L. da Silva2
Rafael F. Solano3, Jakson Siqueira4

Copyright 2011, Brazilian Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Institute - IBP

This Technical Paper was prepared for presentation at the Rio Pipeline Conference & Exposition 2011, held between September,
20-22, 2011, in Rio de Janeiro. This Technical Paper was selected for presentation by the Technical Committee of the event. The
material as it is presented, does not necessarily represent Brazilian Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Institute opinion or that of its
Members or Representatives. Authors consent to the publication of this Technical Paper in the Rio Pipeline Conference &
Exposition 2011.

Abstract
The objective of this work is to present a study regarding to solutions for shore approach of offshore pipelines in
Brazilian scenarios. An overview of offshore pipeline installation in Brazil is presented and the developments and
solutions adopted during the last few decades are discussed.
The benefits of HDD as an alternative solution for shore approach of offshore pipelines in Brazilian scenarios are
presented. Of course, the challenges involved in HDD shore crossings are also highlighted.
Issues related to the quality and reliability of HDD projects are discussed. Experiences and lessons learnt from
HDD shore crossings in Brazil are presented and discussed, as well as, critical points in design, planning and executing
these projects.

Introduction

When compared to the pipelaying history from the first developments until the present, the offshore pipelaying
history in Brazil is very recent. This is particularly true when considered pipelines that come to crossing the landfall.
A historical study of the marine pipelines installed on the Brazilian coast lead to the first challenges faced in the
initial phases of the import lines installation. These lines where necessary to supply the refining complex still in
implementation and, in a second phase, at the beginning of the offshore discoveries in Brazil, to ensure the transport of
production to refineries in the country.
Although the Brazilian continental proportion with oil and gas field discovered all over the coast, the Brazilian
pipeline mesh is still very small. However, promising growth potential of that mesh is foreseen for the coming years,
which include pipelines that come to shore. It should be noted that with the no flaring and the gas valorization policies,
which are fully in line with the optimization of the world energy resources, and reduction in CO2 production, the
transportation of the gas associated with the deep water oil fields development, is a new challenge which must be
addressed. In general, deep water fields have been oil fields with associated gas, where the valorization of the gas has
been a secondary issue. This situation is now changing and the demand for gas gathering and gas export pipeline
systems linking deep water fields to onshore terminals and liquefaction plants will increase, making the offshore pipeline
installation and the shore approach solution a critical factor in this process, not only due to technical challenges, but also
due to environmental issues (Silva et al., 2011).
The environmental protection concerns are significantly increasing in Brazil and there are very restrictive
requirements from the environmental agency. These requirements are even more restrictive when related to coastal
zones, for several reasons regarding to fauna and flora as well as regarding to economic activities such as fishery and
tourism. Therefore, all the maximum requirements leading to the minimal impact and potential degradation of these
locations are applied for shore approach projects.
In this context HDD emerges as an alternative method in which the environmental issues can be minimized.
The directional drilling method for performing pipeline crossings of a wide variety of surface obstructions was
developed in the 1970s. Since then, the advantages of the HDD technique have been considered by the pipeline
industry. The technology has been applied as the most environmentally responsible and economical method of installing
pipeline beneath obstacles on many projects worldwide.

______________________________
1

Technical Specialist SUBSEA7 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Senior Engineer Det Norske Veritas, DNV Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3
Pipeline Engineer PETROBRAS Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4
Design and Construction Technician PETROBRAS Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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The HDD industry has undergone many improvements since its early days. Engineering and technological
developments have enabled larger, more accurate, and more complex pipeline installations by HDD.
The advantages that HDD could bring to pipeline shore approaches, compared with the conventional shore pull,
open-cut methods, are now accepted and several pipelines shore approaches were installed worldwide. The main reason
is that HDD can mitigate environmental impact and provide greater burial depths.
It should be noted however, that the risks that are associated with typical crossings also apply to shore approaches
where they are combined with specific risks related to working in the marine environment. In fact, shore approaches
using horizontal directional drilling are much more complex and challenging to complete than typical surface to surface
installations. The increased challenges and complexity arise from an inability to readily access the exit location, less
geotechnical information associated with ocean floor sediments, elevation differences between entry and exit locations,
complexity of coordinating diving operations, tidal and storm influences, bore stability and drilling fluid management,
casing and product pipe installation strategies, and buoyancy control (Duyvestyn, 2005; Smith, N., 2003).
This work presents a discussion regarding to solutions for shore approach of offshore pipelines in Brazilian
scenarios. It starts at the beginning of the offshore pipeline installation history in Brazil at the first steps into shallow
ocean waters until the current HDD shore approach designs.

Shore Approach Methods used in Brazil

When an export pipeline coming from offshore to onshore facilities is designed a shore approach solution need to
be provided and the shore approach is a very complex project in the offshore pipeline installation. At this phase the
pipeline on-bottom stability is analyzed for surf zone, the possibility of using concrete coating is verified as well as the
necessary burial depth, the pipeline installation stress analysis is performed, the potential for local scour is also verified.
Also in this phase, all the conditions related to the pipeline installation are studied. The installation method is defined,
considering time and preliminary costs, the feasible methods, environmental legislation, regulations and order
requirements from regulatory agencies (such as ANP and IBAMA1) and the Brazilian Navy. The burial technique is also
defined.
The main methods used in Brazil for shore approaches are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Typical shore approach section and methods used in Brazil.

Associated to the shore pull and lateral deflection methods, post and pre-trenching techniques are usually used. A
description of the horizontal directional drilling method, the focus of this work, is presented as follows.
2.1 Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is an alternative construction method in the trenchless industry and it has
experienced rapid growth in the construction industry over the past few decades. The horizontal-directional-drilling
process represents a significant improvement over traditional open cut method for installing pipelines beneath
obstructions, such as rivers, highways, railroads, islands and others. HDD is also increasingly being utilized for shore
approach of offshore pipelines mainly because it has less environmental impact in certain cases vs. alternative methods.
Installation of a pipeline by HDD is generally accomplished in three stages.
The first stage involves drilling a small-diameter pilot hole along a designed directional path;
The second stage consists of enlarging (reaming) the pilot hole to a diameter that will support the pipeline and;
The third stage consists of pulling the pipeline back into the enlarged hole.
In HDD operations for shore approach, as schematically shown in Figure 2, a drilling rig is positioned on shore
with the support of a lay barge or an installation vessel for pipeline installation and marine operations. Thus, the
operation consists of performing a directional drilled pilot hole of size and depth according to the planned and designed
1
ANP Agncia Nacional do Petrleo (National Petroleum Agency) / IBAMA - Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais
Renovveis (National Environmental Protection Agency)

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profile, then, the second stage takes place and the pilot hole is reamed until reach the necessary diameter to pulling the
pipeline. In general, the pull is from sea to shore.

Figure 2 HDD Shore Approach, schematically.

This method ensures that the pipeline will not be subject to instability due to wave and currents actions. It prevents
damages caused by dropped objects, such as anchors from small vessels, etc. The depth of cover also provides
mitigation to thermal expansion effects, such as global buckling, in HT pipelines.
2.2 Selection of the Appropriated Method
In general, environmental issues are decisive factors during the definition of the most appropriated method to be
used for the pipeline installation through the shore area. That occurs because it is required by the environmental
agencies the preservation of local life. A permission to work can be denied, for instance, due to sea turtles season,
tourism, local community, etc. From a technical point of view, the shore approach also presents some essential issues,
such as points related to the pipeline on-bottom stability as well as the integrity of the pipeline in the surf zone.
Therefore, the selection of the most appropriate method shall meet technical and environmental issues beyond the
management aspects of costs and schedules. All this makes the selection of the shore approach method a crucial point
for a successful operation. The decision is based on the full knowledge of all possible alternatives and the necessary
adjustments due to demands of the project, associated with preliminary studies of the region, risk analysis and
technologies involved. Of course, costs and schedules are also considered.
It is clear that the design of shore approach is very complex due to the severe environmental conditions and high
dynamic and interaction between waves, currents and sediment transportation in the surf zone. Moreover, the surf zone
may present particular difficulties for the site investigation, for the installation design and operation as well as for the
pipeline on-bottom stability throughout the design life.
The stability and the coastal dynamics are critical parameters in shore approach operations, especially with regard
to pipeline burial. The burial height will also influence the selection of the method to be adopted. It should be noted that,
because of the constant movement of waves and currents, and constant transportation of bottom sediments, the design
assumptions for shore approach varies and depends on each location. Moreover, the intense bottom movement the
changes in the shoreline may cause the pipeline exposure. Therefore, conventional techniques start to present limitations
to fulfill all technical and environmental constraints.
Each shore approach method, see Figure 1 and Table 1, has specific features that take into consideration the
environment, the economic occupation of the region, if it is a commercial area, a touristic area, a fishing area, a
populated area, an environmental protection area, a private area, a military area, etc. Also takes into account the
particularity of the site and nature at the place, its importance to the flora and fauna, its heterogeneity (rare vegetation,
unusual shrubs, herbs), soil type, geology, geophysical features, incidence of waves, winds and current, type of seabed
sand, clay, rocks, coral or existence of other provisions facilities in the installation location.
In any of alternative methods for shore approaches, a detailed design of the installation operation is required and
must be performed in accordance with detailed procedures developed based on a careful and complete analysis of the
site, which include a survey for a proper geotechnical, geophysical and geological subsurface characterization as well as
the seabed characteristics, meteorological and oceanographic information. These studies will allow the accurate
definition of potential problems and risks to be faced, providing the necessary understand to perform corrective action.
In fact, the main points to be considered in shore approach designs are the safety and on-bottom stability of the
pipelines.

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Table 1 Summary of the shore approach methods characteristics.
Shore Pull
The shore pull methods are relatively simple, but the pipelines is exposed to mechanical damage
and on-bottom stabilities, which lead to a necessity of complementary actions such as opening
trenches for the pipeline burial.
On the other hand there is no limitation regarding to length, there are shore pull on the Brazilian
coast running up to 4.5 km.
Lateral Deflection
The lateral deflection method has some limitations and is rarely used for shore approaches.
The lateral deflection presents the same problems of the shore pull alternatives and also need a
further intervention in order to provide pipeline burial and the requested stability.
For a detailed description on lateral deflection procedures, see (Silva et al., 2007).
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Accuracy in designed path;
There is no need of large excavations or landfill;
It reaches high depths;
There is an equipment mobility enabling quick assembly almost at any location;
Reduced environmental impact on the beach;
Area for mobilization of the drill rig is relatively small.
There are limitations regarding to the crossing distances;
Must be conducted within a small window of time and synchronized with other installation
operations to prevent the hole remains open;
Need support marine support at exit point side;
Depends on the available draft for support vessels;
Project highly dependent on the available geophysical and geotechnical information;

The beginning of shore approaches in Brazil

The first shore approaches in Brazil occurred in Dom Joo Mar field, at Todos os Santos Bay, in So Francisco do
Conde/BA, Northeast Brazil. Those shore approaches occurred at mud areas, in a region with rocks formations on the
seabed and maximum water depths of 15 meters. Similar shore approaches, in sheltered waters, occurred later in the
Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, in maximum water depths of 21 meters.
3.1 Dom Joo Mar 1954
The first oil discovery in offshore waters occurred in the Dom Joo Mar field, an area of 47 km2. Two thirds of this
field is under Todos os Santos bay waters. The offshore part of the field was developed in two steps: Dom Joo Mar
North in 1954 with the DJ-129 well, and Dom Joo Mar South in 1955 with the DJ-105 well.
The D. Joo Mar field was not in the open sea. Its geographical constitution had typical sheltered waters
characteristics, surrounded by mangroves and protected from oceanic influence by a natural coastline. There were no
beaches, or surf zone waves, only small waves caused by winds or high speed vessels. Meteocean and environmental
characteristics very different from an offshore field, as it is known today. The first pipelay operations in the Todos os
Santos Bay sheltered waters, had neither detailed studies for installation nor well-defined criteria for projects. There
were no criteria, for instance, for on-bottom stability calculations, mechanical design, routing selection or free spans.
The most important thing at that time was to support the production, providing the required flow rate from the start point
to the target point. Initially, these pipelines had neither concrete coating nor anticorrosive coating. These pipes were the
same type used in drilling wells, they were threaded onboard without protective coatings. In the early 70s, just after
some pipes began to present pitting damages, nearly two decades after installation, the replacement of these pipes have
started, at this time a protective epoxy coating was used. After that, other materials were also used as anticorrosive
coatings.
3.2 REDUC / Ilha Dgua / Pier Principal and Ilha Dgua / Ilha Redonda 1961
The historical documentation of submarine pipelay operations in Brazil points to the construction, in 1961, of
pipelines from the Duque de Caxias refinery, in Rio de Janeiro, to the interconnection at the Ilha Dgua, where the gas
and the crude oil were imported for refining, and, subsequently, the sub products of the refinery processes were
exported, Figure 3.
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Figure 3 REDUC Ilha Dgua.

At the time, the first pipeline installation at the Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, the pipeline installation
technology was already well developed. The pipeline already had anticorrosive coating and a concrete coating due to
on-bottom stability issues, this concrete coating served also as a mechanical protection against accidental actions such as
dropped objects. It should be noted that the difficulty to approach the shore at the Guanabara Bay, near the REDUC,
was overcome with relative ease, although the water depth of 0.80m and 26 pipelines with 0.95m of diameter, there
were no environmental controls as there are today. Thus, a trench 30m wide and more than 2 km long was easily opened,
buoys were attached to the pipeline and it was towed through these channels.
3.3 TEDUT / Monobia de Tramanda 1968
Only in 1968, in TEDUT - Terminal Almirante Dutra, the first shore approach occurred through no sheltered
water. The operation was recorded by the famous Reporter Esso, from Tupi TV. That was a shore crossing to connect a
single point mooring buoy, used to collect oil from tankers, in order to transport it to the refinery REFAP, still in
construction at that time. A 34 pipeline was assembled on shore in Tramanda/RS, in an area perpendicular to the
shoreline, and was towed into the sea using buoys, Figure 4. There was a large shore line, with a plan bottom without
any obstacles, the surf zone was the only challenge. The pipeline was laid directly on the seabed without any bottom
preparation, being buried naturally, over the time, by the movement of waves and sea currents.

Figure 4 Floating shore pull, Tramanda/RS.

3.4 Guaricema / Atalaia (PGA-03 / EPA) 1971
With the discovery of the Guaricema field in 1968, Sergipe coast, it was necessary to transport the oil offshore for
onshore separation (oil / gas / water separation). After separation the oil would be pumped to the maritime terminal of
Carmpolis, TECARMO. And, it was performed in Sergipe the first shore approach connecting an offshore field to an
onshore terminal. It was a 16 inches pipeline, 16 km long connecting the Guaricema platform No 03 to the Atalaia
production station (PGA-3 / EPA) in Aracaju/SE. The construction began with an old and poorly equipped barge, the
LB-4, owned by INGRAM, which was later bought by McDermott. This pipeline was assembled onshore in 1971, with
the barge positioned at 1200m from the shore, in water depths of 6 m, and pulled from shore to sea using floats, as
shown in Figure 5. Once positioned, the pipeline was sunk without any bottom preparation. It was naturally buried by
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the waves and currents. This pipeline was completed by DB-20 from McDermott. After that, other field discoveries in
different regions of Brazil had advanced techniques for installing pipelines in shore approaches.

Figure 5 Shore Approach, Guaricema 1971.

Figure 6 Shore Approach, Guamar 1982.

3.5 Guamar - RN (Praia do Minhoto) - Gasodutos ECUB/PUB-2 1982

The 4.5 km long shore approach at Praia do Minhoto was the world record at the time. A real challenge that even
the Brown & Root and McDermott declined the contract because of the potential risks due to adverse conditions at Natal
coast. The region presented a large crossing length with submerged rocks formations, tidal variation of 3.3 m, waves up
to 2m high, 1 node current velocity and local depth of only 5m at 5 km from the shore. The two pipelines (6" and 26)
were launched by the BGL-1 (a laybarge owned by Petrobras) and pulled by a constant tension winch onshore. All
design and installation engineering as well as logistics and resources were developed and provided by Petrobras since,
as previously mentioned, the biggest companies have declined this challenge. The GEINP (from the Portuguese, Grupo
Especial de Instalaes de Produo) was created inside the SEGEN (from the Portuguese, Servio de Engenharia) at
Petrobras. This especial group was responsible for building jackets and oil and gas pipelines along the Brazilian coast.

Horizontal Directional Drilling in Brazilian Scenarios

In the Brazilian offshore scenario, this idea came from Shell, in joint venture with Petrobras in 1990. There were
times of high risk contracts and the two companies worked together after the discovery of the Merluza field in the Santos
Basin, So Paulo.
4.1 Merluza shore approach, 16 Praia Grande / SP 1990/1991
The consortium Petrobras and Pecten (Shell) provided the first application of this installation technique for shore
approaches in Brazil. It occurred on the coast of Santos, So Paulo state, during the construction of a 16, 212 km long
gas pipeline (PMZL-1 / Praia Grande). The sore approach project (1200m) came from IntecSea (1989), and the pipeline
was launched by Castoro VIII, Saipem.
This first HDD for shore approach in Brazil came to fulfill the need of crossing an extensive beach area with
shallow water, clay soil and high marine traffic (in the route of vessels to the Santos Port). The preliminary survey, two
shallow holes, indicated a sandy soil in the average depth of the drill path.
The first bore hole, started from shore to sea, had a very shallow drill path, just following the coast topography
with 4 to 5 meters depth of cover. After 500m of drilling pilot hole mud came up on the beach and was abandoned after
numerous unsuccessful attempts with additives (mica and crushed shells).
The second bore hole was started and due to high torque to rotate the column a tripping out of the column was
necessary and a 10, 156m in length casing was installed. This high torque motivated a discussion regarding to change
the punch-out but there was no agreement between all parties and the operation continued. After punch-out, a reamer
was connected to start the back reaming and the pullback operation simultaneously. The very high torque needed to
rotate the 1200m column and reamer during this operation caused a column break at joint 32 from the probe.
Unfortunately, all attempts to remove the column have failed and part of the pipeline and almost the entire drill string
was lost.
The third bore hole was started using a new column. At the punch-out, with a 800m pilot hole, it was connected a
22 reamer on the drill string and a barrel reamer at the product pipe end, once again to try a simultaneous back-reamer
and pullback from sea to shore. During pullback, the product pipe got stuck because the column break. At that point the
pipeline was crossing the beach at a depth of 5 to 6m, near the low tide line. A cofferdam was built to find the pipeline
pull head, a tie-in was performed and the pipeline was continued in a 3m depth trench to shore.
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After all these problems (soil fracture, bore hole collapse, stuck tools, loss of drill string, loss of product pipe) the
work took almost two years to be completed. Such problems occurred due to an insufficient site investigation, which
included a poor geophysical and geological knowledge of subsoil. The pipeline was finally installed in 1991 and buried
for more 70 km from the coast toward PMZL-1.
4.2 Terminal Norte Capixaba (TNC), 16 So Mateus / ES 2004
In 2004, with worldwide developed technology, this alternative was again used in shore approaches in Brazil. And
them, the idea initially proposed by Shell and Petrobras in joint venture, was again utilized to perform a shore approach
in an environmental protected area (a turtle spawning area), at the Esprito Santo state.

Figure 7 TNC / Shore approach scenario.

The two horizontal directional drilling performed in the Terminal Norte Capixaba (Barra Nova do Sul beach) were
a success in terms of drilling and pullback. However there were some lessons learned of paramount importance for the
future of this technique. The most important lesson was the need for research and previous knowledge of the
underground features, in other words, the soil investigation plays a decisive role in the proper design and successful
operation. Information regarding to this project can found in (Solano et al., 2004) and (Azevedo et al., 2005).
4.3 Camarupim gas pipeline, 24 Praia de Cacimbas / ES 2008/2009
After the success of the two previous operations, the HDD was again considered as a reasonable alternative for
shore approaches. This time, it was used to crossing the Cacimbas beach, at Linhares/ES. Cacimbas beach can be
compared to Barra Nova do Sul beach, it also presents riparian vegetation, large sand section and it is also an
environment protected area due to sea turtles. For this shore crossing, a JD-500 Rig (500.000 lbs of tension capacity)
was used as the main rig, and a second rig, type AA-140, with 140.000 lbs of tension capacity. This second rig was
assembled and arranged on the deck of a marine barge to support and handling the drill pipes and to provide the
required tension at the exit point to successfully complete the forward reamer operation. The hole was reamed in three
steps: 1st Step: reamed to 26"; 2nd Step: reamed to 34"; and 3rd Step: reamed to 38".

Figure 8 HDD at Cacimbas beach, drill rig onshore and at the support barge.
This project presented several problems: at first, the punch-out point occurred far from the planned target area.
Therefore, a new pilot hole had to be performed. The second bore hole collapsed during the reamer phase, and tools got
stuck but could be recovered. After that, a third bore hole was started. The third bore hole followed the planned path and
reached the target area. Even so, due to the bad weather and long time waiting for better conditions, the opened hole
started to collapse at the exit point. The exit point was partially repaired and the pullback operation was started. During
the pullback operation, the drill column and product pipe got stuck. It occurred remain only 300m to complete the
operation. With approximately 300 m of drill column and about 900 m of the product pipe inside the hole, numerous
efforts to release the entire column were considered, including the use of a big hammer at the offshore side to kick the
pipeline tail. In this scenario, at the same time that the shore rig pulled the column, the offshore rammer was used,
unfortunately without success. With the columns (drill column + product pipe) still stuck, there was also a new attempt
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of pulling using a third and larger drill rig, again without success. Once decided for the loss of the drill column and the
product pipe, a fourth bore hole was initiated. At the beginning of the fourth hole, an obstacle of great proportions was
found, an oversized concrete block, abandoned buried in the proximities of the new drill path. Therefore, a new drill
path was planned. And then, the fifth and last hole was started. This last attempt, 887m long, was accomplished in
record time, with absolute success, and the new product pipe was successfully installed.
Several lessons can be learned from this Project as presented in (Bernardi et al., 2009), a discussion of these
lessons and those from other projects will be presented further in this work.
4.4 Sul Capixaba gas Pipeline, 12 Praia do Alm / ES 2009
In 2009, once again HDD was selected to be used for shore approach in an environmental protection area, very
popular in summer seasons, with high tourism potential. The Alm beach was defined as the point of shore approach of
the Sul Capixaba gas pipeline, at Anchieta/ES. Again, this beach is a protected area due the sea turtles seasons. The
pipeline installation was defined to occur in a not populated area, without nearby facilities but with a large sand section
and rocks formations on the seabed. Figure 9 presents an overview of the HDD project and site. A 2km pipeline was
installed by the Seven Navica vessel, from Subsea7.
This HDD was successfully accomplished in record time, although a two weeks fishery that occurred due to
column break.

Figure 9 HDD at Alm beach, Sul Capixaba Gas Pipeline.

Additional information regarding to this project can be found in (Solano et al., 2007).

Discussions and Lessons Learnt

There are several advantages of the directional drilling installation method over alternative construction methods.
Environmental issues are minimized as operations are limited to relatively small areas when compared to the complete
crossing length as in other methods.
HDD provide an optimum depth of cover in the design of a crossing leading to maximum protection for the
pipeline from anchors and future dredging and reduces long-term maintenance costs. Beach erosion risks are minimized
and construction activities in surf zones can be avoided.
However, HDD is a very complex procedure not well understood by most contractors. Only few companies have
the required competence in this procedure. The experience the lessons from previous projects can be decisive for a
successful operation.
The main lessons that can be learnt from previous HDD shore approaches in Brazil are: there is mandatory a
detailed site investigation including geophysical, geological and geotechnical studies to proper understand the soil
characteristics. It is necessary to provide compatibility between geological and geotechnical investigations
(identification of soil discontinuities, fractures and features of the site). It is also mandatory to have complete and
detailed plans and procedures, including contingency scenarios. Attention shall be given to some issues in the design
phase: definition of important parameters, such as, bending radius, pipe stress analysis, equipment selection, geometry
and shape of hole, tracking and surveying, available equipments at the support barge, diving team, pipeline on-bottom
stability, risk analysis, etc. (Silva et al., 2009)

Sea states must also be considered in the planning for pipe fabrication and handling procedures. Tidal currents can
jeopardize a poorly stabilized or inadequately protected pipestring. For large diameter pipelines, the inherent
buoyancy of the pipe requires that special attention be applied to provide stability prior to installation and secure
handling during the pullback operation.

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The submerged weight of pipe in seawater is an important consideration. The submerged weight was sufficient for
on-bottom stability during lay and handling during the HDD operations. The buoyant weight of the pipeline in the
drilled hole is also a determining factor for pull force requirements and rig selection.

The logistical challenges associated with working in remote HDD locations are similar to those encountered on
shore approaches. Planning of the work and maintaining contingencies become very important processes.

A mechanical failure or delay during the pullback operation can be catastrophic. For shore approaches remedial
measures are generally more limited than those available onshore. As is always the case, the possibility of
recovering from a "stuck pipe" situation greatly diminishes with time. In a marine environment where currents or
tidal movement may be acting at the exit point, the time factor is of great importance since silting action is an
added risk.

There is no easy fast way to tackle rock formations. The task need to be performed using good quality tools in a
patient and controlled drilling operation. The initial increased outlay will nearly always be offset by the savings
through superior penetration rates, less tripping and decreased risk of tool failure (and subsequent fishing time).

It is impossible to prepare for every occurrence in a drilling activity. However an ability to quickly react in order to
change adverse conditions is vital. With this general thought in mind, brainstorming sessions during the planning
stage can often save time when a particular occurrence takes place.
Regarding to environmental matters, the licenses and permitions to work issues need to be considered in the
schedule. The licensing process in the oil segment consists of several stages. For each project, several licenses are
necessary, a Preliminary license as well as Installation and Operation licenses, to be issued the regulatory agencies. In
shore approach projects, there are always a municipal, a state and one or more federal agencies involved, acting in its
coverage area, whether onshore or offshore, according to the law. The project should estimate and considered the time
to obtain such licenses, based on the legislation and the complexity of the project. In some cases, additional studies can
also be required by such agencies prior issue of environmental licenses, which can cause a delay to the project.

Final Remarks

The HDD has the advantage of causing minimal intervention and disturbance at the beach when compared to other
alternatives to shore approach. It requires, however, some characteristics of the seabed in order to allow the necessary
marine operations. The HDD utilization in the Brazilian coast is increasing. Moreover, studies of on-bottom stability
associated with lift and drag forces acting on the pipelines as well as thermo-mechanical studies related to HT/HP
pipelines have pointed to important issues leading to the scenario of using horizontal directional drilling to cross the surf
zone due to the guarantee of stability and protection of the product pipe.
As discussed in this work a horizontal directional drilling shall not be started without an appropriated investigation
of the site. The selection of this method should be done only after the complete understanding of the geophysical
correlation with the geological and geotechnical data (with precise description of the different structural discontinuities,
associated fractures and features of the investigated area), to properly support the horizontal directional drilling design,
planning and execution.
Site investigation is the best investment in a HDD project. These investigations enable a suitable design for the
HDD profile. Of course, as any other method, to ensure a successful installation, a detailed procedure shall be prepared
for the operation, complying contingency procedures for all phases of the operation. And in general, when problems are
identified it is often too late to initiate corrective action.
Besides all potential problems, risks and challenges, HDD is foreseen as a very suitable and attractive method for
future shore approaches in Brazil.

References

Bernardi, T.P., Neto, V.A., Siqueira, J., 2009, Shore Approach of Camarupim Pipeline. Rio Pipeline Conference &
Exposition 2009, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Duyvestyn, G., 2005, Design and Construction Challenges for HDD Shore Crossings. Proc. of No-Dig Conference,
North American Society for Trenchless Technology NASTT, Orlando, Florida, USA.
Silva, D.M.L., Souza Jr., H.A., DAngelo Aguiar, L.A., Souza, A.P.F., 2011, Challenges on Designing Pipelines for the
Brazilian Pre-Salt Scenarios. Rio Pipeline Conference & Exposition 2011, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Silva, D.M.L., Rodrigues, M.V., Vens, A., Medeiros, A.R., 2009, Methodology for Definition of Bending Radius and
Pullback Force in HDD Operations. Rio Pipeline Conference & Exposition 2009, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Rio Pipeline Conference & Exposition

Silva, D.M.L., Bahiense, R.A., Jacob, B.P., Torres, F.G.S., Medeiros, A.R., Costa, M.N.V., 2007, Analysis of a Lateral
Deflection Method for the Installation of an Offshore Pipeline. Rio Pipeline Conference & Exposition 2007, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil.
Smith, N., 2003, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) for Shore Approach Applications. Rio Pipeline Conference &
Exposition 2003, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Solano, R.F., Genaio, M.C., Ayres, A., Cezar, G.S., 2007, Design and Installation Challenges of Jubarte Gas Pipeline
in the Shore Approach Area. International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference ISOPE, July 16, 2007,
Lisbon, Portugal.
Solano, R.F., Azevedo, F.B., Vaz, M.A., Cardoso, C.O., 2004, Design and Installation of Buried Heated Pipelines at
the Capixaba North Terminal Offshore Brazil. 23rd International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic
Engineering OMAE, June 2025, 2004, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Azevedo, F.B., Solano, R.F., Hallai, J.F., Bomfimsilva, C.T.,, 2005, Final Design and Installation Constraints of a
Shallow Water Oil Pipelines at the Capixaba North Terminal Offshore Brazil. 24th International Conference on
Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering OMAE 2005, June 1217, 2005, Halkidiki, Greece.

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