Abstract: A method for addressing the problem known as formation breathing occurring during the drilling of a subsea well in an earth formation in performing a series of leak off tests to determine the earth formation fracture propagation pressure and the earth formation fracture reopen pressure and maintaining the hydrostatic pressure on the earth formation in a range between the fracture reopen pressure and the fracture propagation pressure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for deploying a suction pile anchor in which flood valves are opened on the top of a suction pile and the suction pile anchor is off loaded from the anchor boat and lowered it to the sea floor. The suction pile anchor is set down and the rate of feed is adjusted to match the rate of self-penetration. An ROV with pump capability closes the flood valves on the top of the suction pile and attaches to the pumping port of the suction pile. The pump of the ROV operates to draw down the suction pile to full depth and brings the first load line connection and the attached first end of the load line well below the mudline while the second load connection at the second end of the load line is supported above the mudline. The ROV disconnects from the pump port and connects a mooring line to second the load connection. Another aspect of the present invention is a suction pile system having a suction pile with an ROV compatible pressure port and a flood valve at the top.

Abstract: A method for addressing the problem known as formation breathing occurring during the drilling of a subsea well in an earth formation in performing a series of leak off tests to determine the earth formation fracture propagation pressure and the earth formation fracture reopen pressure and maintaining the hydrostatic pressure on the earth formation in a range between the fracture reopen pressure and the fracture propagation pressure.