The Stampede development project in the US Gulf Mexico faced a number of key engineering challenges, ranging from complex subsurface development wells extending as far as 32,000 feet to difficult metocean conditions, writes Kathrine Schmidt.

However, operator Hess found a key success was early integration between the operations team and development team — more than a year ahead of first oil — to help ensure smooth progress.

Construction and integration of the Stampede tension-leg platform topsides — where Wood handled engineering — was completed by Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas.