3.31, 2019
Day:176
Location: Off Shimizu port
Weather: Fine but cloudy
IODP Exp. 358 has been finished by the midnight yesterday, although onboard scientists could not disembark due to strong wind.We really appreciated for your continuous support during the expedition!!
Today's photo:
a scientist waiting for disembarkation.
3.30, 2019
Day:175
Location: Site C0025
Weather: Cloudy
Finish all the operation and Chikyu supposed to arrive the Shimizu port today but due to strong wind, it has been postponed to tomorrow.
Today's photo:
Group photo of all members onboard.
3.28, 2019
Day:173
Location: Site C0025
Weather: Fine but cloudy
RCB coring continues in the Kumano Basin site, keep coring until noon time of 29th.
Today's photo:
Lab techs taking void gas sample from core liner at Core Cutting Area.
3.27, 2019
Day:172
Location: Site C0025
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Core sampling started from 400 mbsf, and aiming for deeper sampling as deep as time and hole condition allows.
Today's photo:
Lab tech taking split core digital images.
3.26, 2019
Day:171
Location: Site C0025
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Chikyu arrive at the last site and spud-in the new and the last hole of this expedition. Coring will start from 400 mbsf.
Today's photo:
A lab tech splitting a core.
3.25, 2019
Day:170
Location: Site KB0-01C
Weather: Rain
Chikyu moving to the Kumano Basin site, the last site for Exp. 358.
Today's photo:
Group photo of onboard science party members.
3.24, 2019
Day:169
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Coring operation in the shallower portion of the accretionary prism is almost finished.
Today's photo:
Physical Property Specialist measuring resistivity with impedance analyzer.
3.23, 2019
Day:168
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Cloudy
Coring with ESCS BHA continues in the shallower portion of the accretionary prism.
Today's photo:
Geochemists extracting interstitial water from the core samples.
3.22, 2019
Day:167
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Cloudy
Coring operation from 100 mbsf was started.
Today's photo:
Three experienced scientists discussing about future scientific ocean drilling onboard.
3.21, 2019
Day:166
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Overcast
Due to the hole condition, we decided to abandon the current hole and will drill a new hole for shallower portion of coring operation.
Today's photo:
Lab tech preparing interstitial water analysis of water squeezed from core samples.
3.20, 2019
Day:165
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Cloudy
RCB BHA will soon reach the target depth for coring.
Today's photo:
Sedimentologist observing a smear slide with a microscope.
3.19, 2019
Day:164
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Cloudy
Keep drilling with RCB BHA for coring operation in the deeper part of accretionary prism.
Today's photo:
Structural geologists describing and recording structures found in core samples from Nankai.
3.18, 2019
Day:163
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Decision was made to retrieve the drill string after taking #12 RCB core. Move 80m north to restart coring in the deeper part of the accretionary prism.
Today's photo:
A logging scientist and a geochemist checking working halves of a core.
3.17, 2019
Day:162
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
RCB coring operation in deeper than 600mbsf continues, seems like core quality is good.
Today's photo:
Scientists measuring physical property of the core in the lab.
3.16, 2019
Day:161
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
Shallower portion has been drilled out and coring operation in the deeper portion of the accretionary prism continues well.
Today's photo:
Night shift in the core cutting area as core arrives from the rig floor.
3.14, 2019
Day:159
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
Running 10-5/8 inch coring BHA for core sampling of the deeper part of the accretionary prism.
Photo from archive:
Onboard laboratory layout is pretty flexible, scientists working 24/7 in the lab.
3.13, 2019
Day:158
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
Finish coring in the shallower part of the accretionary prism, next operation will aim for deeper portion.
Today's photo:
Scientists preparing to sample head space gases just after new core recovered in the core cutting area.
3.12, 2019
Day:157
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
Coring at the shallower part of the accretionary prism continues.
Today's photo:
Lab technicians cut the core into sections at the core cutting area.
3.11, 2019
Day:156
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
HPCS coring started, every few hours a core comes on deck.
Today's photo:
A scientist asking questions during the daily science meeting.
3.10, 2019
Day:155
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
Retrieve the LWD BHA on deck and prepare for the next coring BHA. But need to take wait on weather (WOW).
Today's photo:
Logging Staff Scientist lecturing on seismic data from Nankai Trough.
3.9, 2019
Day:154
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
LWD operation has been done, we will analyze recorded data once the tools come up onboard.
Today's photo:
Bunkering operations on a beautiful day with smooth seas.
3.8, 2019
Day:153
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
LWD BHA drilling continues, meanwhile onboard scientists sharing the results from the previous site.
Today's photo:
Newly embarked science leader listening update of LWD operation.
3.7, 2019
Day:152
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Partly cloudy
Report writing and personal sampling are ongoing, while LWD BHA drilling ahead.
Today's photo:
The ROV carousel frame covered with goose barnacles and other sea life, after recovery on deck.
3.6, 2019
Day:151
Location: Site C0024
Weather: Rain
Continue LWD drilling operation, onboard scientists receiving realtime data.
Today's photo:
Onboard scientists visiting core-tech workshop to see various coring tools.
3.5, 2019
Day:150
Location: Site NT1-03
Weather: Partly cloudy
After bottom survey using UWTV, spud with LWD BHA and start drilling.
Today's photo:
The scientists gather around the first C2T core.
3.4, 2019
Day:149
Location: Site NT1-03
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Arrived at the next site, preparation of LWD BHA is ongoing.
Today's photo:
Physical Property Specialist picking cuttings for moisture and density measurement.
3.3, 2019
Day:148
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Finish retrieving riser and BOP, Chikyu heading the next site.
Today's photo:
Newly embarked science party members at the kick-off meeting.
2.28, 2019
Day:145
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
News from Chikyu
Today's photo:
Retrieving riser, soaked 5 months.
2.25, 2019
Day:142
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Two science leaders are always onboard, however the number of onboard scientists varies because of the long expedition.
Today's photo:
A group photo at the starboard wing of the bridge, two will be disembark tomorrow.
2.20, 2019
Day:137
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Using wireline to retrieve core sample from the depth, drill pipe remain in the bore hole.
Today's photo:
Inner core barrel on the deck.
2.18, 2019
Day:135
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Cutting the first core last night, and recovered on the deck early this morning.
Today's photo:
Onboard scientists looking into the first core.
2.17, 2019
Day:134
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Running coring BHA, although we can not recover the plate boundary fault core sample, we try to retrieve core sample from the accretionary prism.
Today's photo:
Deck crew preparing coring BHA.
2.14, 2019
Day:131
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Data and sample analysis and report writing is ongoing in the lab.
Today's photo:
Logging staff scientist checking LWD data.
2.13, 2019
Day:130
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Onboard scientists are obligated to write expedition report. Not only cuttings analysis but also LWD data are analyzed.
Today's photo:
Logging scientist checking LWD data.
2.12, 2019
Day:129
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Measurement and analysis of cuttings continues in the lab.
Today's photo:
Lab tech making thin section of cuttings.
2.11, 2019
Day:128
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Information from ChikyuToday's photo:
Micropaleontologist processing cuttings for radioralian observation.
2.8, 2019
Day:125
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Hole condition is good, continue drilling.Today's photo:
Real-time-monitoring team looking bore hole image data.
2.7, 2019
Day:124
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Rain
Continue drilling ahead with new BHA, LWD data as well as cuttings are coming onboard.
Today's photo:
Fresh cuttings at the shale shaker room.
2.6, 2019
Day:123
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Continue LWD BHA at Hole C0002S, LWD data is coming onboard.
Today's photo:
Science Leaders watching real time LWD data at onboard lab.
2.5, 2019
Day:122
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
Running the next BHA with LWD tools into the hole.
Today's photo:
New drilling bit for the current BHA.
2.4, 2019
Day:121
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Conduct gyro survey and start kick-off the hole.
Photo from archive:
Beautiful sunset with supply boat.
2.3, 2019
Day:120
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Running the next kick-off BHA into the hole.
Today's photo:
Retrieved Tri-mill BHA at the rig floor. Good job!
2.2, 2019
Day:119
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Dressing the window has successfully finish, pull out the BHA from the hole.
Today's photo:
The moon, Mercury, and Venus all appearing in the dawn sky above the Chikyu's crane.
2.1, 2019
Day:118
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Set the whipstock and window milling was successfully finish.
Today's photo:
Scientists are on a morning walk on the helideck.
1.31, 2019
Day:117
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Running whipstock assembly with window mill for casing window cut.
Today's photo:
Scientists join the crowd on the rig floor as the whipstock assembly is rigged up and run in hole.
1.30, 2019
Day:116
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Clear
Drilling equipments maintenance and wireline survey inside the casing successfully done.
Today's photo:
Group photo of the current science party members.
1.29, 2019
Day:115
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Finish retrieving the current BHA. After maintenance of drilling equipments, wireline tool surveying inside the casing.
Photo from archive:
She brings us drilling equipments, food and fuel for us.
1.28, 2019
Day:114
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
While retrieving the current BHA, BOP (Blow Out Preventer) pressure test has been conducted, confirmed working properly.
Today's photo:
Videographer filming scientists working in the lab.
1.27, 2019
Day:113
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Starting retrieve the current BHA.
Today's photo:
Scientists engaged in the Ping Pong tournament in their (limited) off time.
1.25, 2019
Day:111
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Retrieving the current BHA from the well is ongoing.
Today's photo:
Drilling crew working on assembling next wireline drill pipe clearing tool.
1.24, 2019
Day:110
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Current BHA retrieving plan has been made, and preparation started.
Today’s photo:
Video crew filming scientists rig tour on the top of the derrick.
1.23, 2019
Day:109
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Tel conference with shore base regarding future operation plan took place. Meanwhile, new science party members visit rig floor.
Photo from archive:
Science leader visiting the rig floor, you may not catch a bus here.
1.22, 2019
Day:108
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
One of the science leader replaced today. She sailed on about 1.5 months. Otsukaresamadesita!
Today’s photo:
Drilling Engineer displays the sponge ball used during cementing operations.
1.21, 2019
Day:107
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Newly embarked science party members are start working on new measurements of cuttings.
Today’s photo:
Scientists work on preparing samples for moisture and density measurements.
1.18, 2019
Day:104
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Ten new science party members were embark today, onboard laboratories are become lively.
Today’s photo:
Science Leader taking a moment for silent contemplation during the sunset.
1.17, 2019
Day:103
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Checking the condition of the bottom of the casing, meanwhile slip and cut of the drilling line has been done.
Today’s photo:
Drilling crew working for the drilling line slip and cut.
1.16, 2019
Day:102
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
The operations have hit a bit of problem with drilling out the cement, so we are still working on overcoming the issue.
Photo from archive:
Lead scientist meets ROV which normally underwater.
1.15, 2019
Day:101
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
The casing expansion was successfully completed and the steps to drill out cement began.
Photo from archive:
Lead scientist seeing expandable casing.
1.14, 2019
Day:100
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Expandable casing was successfully set, although it was shallower than planned.
Today's photo:
Cuttings samples prepared for personal sample requests.
1.13, 2019
Day:99
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Expandable casing is running into the hole to covering troublesome layers.
Today's photo:
We had Kaisen-Chirashi for dinner tonight, looks pretty and tastes good!
1.12, 2019
Day:98
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Based on the data collected by LWD, some intervals of the well were enlarged.
Today's photo:
Scientists and OSI examine recovered underreamer.
1.11, 2019
Day:97
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
After a day spent clearing and sweeping out the hole, the BHA is pulling out to the surface.
Today's photo:
Scientists examine cuttings sample using a microscope.
1.10, 2019
Day:96
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Running the reaming BHA to the hole, but it is difficult to go deeper.
Today's photo:
Roughneck on the rigfloor working on the pipehandler.
1.9, 2019
Day:95
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Stop enlarging the hole, recover the LWD/reamer BHA on the deck.
Today's photo:
The OSI and Engineers examine the damage on the recovered reamer.
1.8, 2019
Day:94
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Reaming upper section close to the casing window for make sure the hole is in ok condition.
Today's photo:
Some of the ingredients for drilling mud include these huge bags of salt - 1000 kg!
1.7, 2019
Day:93
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
LWD-Reamer BHA drilling is ongoing for section 1.
Today's photo:
Science Leader practices drop the ball into the drill pipe on the rig floor to activate the underreamers.
1.6, 2019
Day:92
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partrly cloudy
The new LWD BHA was made up and run into the rig floor, waiting for dolly maintenance on the top drive.
Today's photo:
As part of Sunday safety drill, a lifeboat swingout checks were conducted.
1.5, 2019
Day:91
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partrly cloudy
Kick-off BHA layout on the rig floor, after BOP function test.
Today's photo:
Drilling crew checking retrieved mud motor assembly.
1.4, 2019
Day:90
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partrly cloudy
Finish drilling with the kick-off BHA, while pulling out of the hole, conduct BOP function test.
Today's photo:
the roughnecks working to break the saver sub on the rigfloor.
1.3, 2019
Day:89
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Drilling down to kick off BHA target depth, and clean up the hole.
Today's photo:
One of the science leader visits the moon pool.
1.2, 2019
Day:88
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Drilling in progress, we will reach the target depth of this pilot hole soon.
Today's photo:
When drilling is going well, the rig floor is quieter.
1.1, 2019
Day:87
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Drilling with the 2nd kick off BHA, Based on the survey data, the hole inclination gradually become vertical.
Today's photo:
Shale shaker where cuttings (sample) come up from the well.
12.31, 2018
Day:86
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Happy New Year! People gathering on helideck to see the first sunrise, although it was cloudy in the horizon.Best wishes for 2019!
12.30, 2018
Day:85
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Running into the hole with 2nd kick-off BHA with higher motor bent angle (1.15 - 1.50 degree).
Today's photo:
Slip and cut drill line.
12.29, 2018
Day:84
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Recover 8-1/2” kick off BHA to the surface for changing drilling bit.
Today's photo:
Onboard science team (lithostratigraphy) discussing at the core lab.
12.28, 2018
Day:83
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Continue drilling with the kick-off BHA. Six new scientists and EPM had embarked.
Today's photo:
Kick-off meeting of the science party at the lab conference room.
12.27, 2018
Day:82
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Continuously working with the kick-off BHA, hole condition is not bad.
Today's photo:
A lab tech putting a cuttings sample into a brand-new powerful vacuum dryer.
12.26, 2018
Day:81
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Continuing drilling with the kick-off BHA.
Today's photo:
15 laboratory technicians are onboard, working for sampling and several measurements.
12.25, 2018
Day:80
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Continue drilling with the kick-off BHA.
Today's photo:
Mud-gas scientists heading the lab container for hand-over.
12.24, 2018
Day:79
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Continue drilling into fragile formation with the kick-off BHA.
Today's photo:
OSI explaining the current drilling plan to the science leaders.
12.23, 2018
Day:78
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
The kick-off BHA started drilling Hole 2R last night.
Today's photo:
A mud-gas scientist sampling formation gas in a tube in Mud-gas Monitoring Lab.
12.22, 2018
Day:77
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Casing window dressing was successfully done, next BHA will be a kick-off assembly.
Today's photo:
washing the window mill assembly to check the condition.
12.21, 2018
Day:76
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Casing window dressing operation continues, this is really important for the future casing set.
Today's photo:
One of the science leader changed, this is the ultra-short hand-over between two science leaders.
12.20, 2018
Day:75
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Prior to drilling deeper, casing dressing BHA is running into the hole.
Today's photo:
Scientists having discussion at the front of composite cuttings in a core liner in the Core Lab.
12.19, 2018
Day:74
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
After milling operation with the 2nd BHA, a Formation Integrity Test (FIT) was conducted with good results.
Today's photo:
A meeting with the onboard scientists, lab officer, and the lab curator in the Co-Chief office discussing additional measurements.
12.18, 2018
Day:73
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Continue casing window opening.
Today's photo:
Science Leader is excited to examine the reamer activation ball before it's dropped to activate the downhole reamers.
12.17, 2018
Day:72
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Running whipstock assembly with window mill for casing window cut.
Today's photo:
OSI briefing new operation plan to onboard Science Leaders.
12.16, 2018
Day:71
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Decision was made for new side-tracking due to the current hole condition.
Today's photo:
OSI carefully watching whipstock and tri-mil assembly.
12.15, 2018
Day:70
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Drilling equipments maintenance are conducted, and preparation of the next drilling is ongoing.
Today's photo:
Two science leader visiting mud-gas monitoring lab container onboard.
12.14, 2018
Day:69
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
We face some difficulty with the current BHA, so pull out the hole and change the BHA.Meanwhile, sample curation are ongoing in the lab.
Today's photo:
Lab tech register the samples one by one to the database.
12.13, 2018
Day:68
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Window 1 Science party were almost disembarked, and only science leaders and EPM are in the lab.
Today's photo:
Science Leader taking samples for a personal request.
12.12, 2018
Day:67
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
In the laboratory, the shipboard SLs themselves sorted and selected cuttings for personal requests.
Today's photo:
1st cuttings sampling party
12.11, 2018
Day:66
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
The first group of scientists disembarked today, only the Science Leaders & a few specialists remain aboard.
Today's photo:
Encouraging messages of support from the public arrive onboard from shore, & are displayed in the lab.
12.10, 2018
Day:65
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Running a new BHA & experiencing some delays in progress; drilling into a new formation might be the cause, but we need steady progress!
Today's photo:
Christmas tree decoration in the galley.
12.9, 2018
Day:64
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Disembarkation schedule for the current science party is coming soon. Discussion of the scientific results are ongoing in the lab.
Today's photo:
A structure geologist showing features of cuttings.
12.8, 2018
Day:63
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
All the BHA was pulled out of the hole, changing to the new BHA.
Today's photo:
Drilling bit used for the previous BHA.
12.7, 2018
Day:62
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
Drill string pulling out from the hole for changing the BHA. Continue to drill with the new BHA.
Today's photo:
New EPM (left) and new science leader embarked yesterday.
12.6, 2018
Day:61
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
We use helicopter for transportation of scientistsand crew from Minami-Ise heli base for this long expedition.
Today's photo:
The helicopter waiting for boarding.
12.5, 2018
Day:60
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Good communication is the key of the success. Not only the daily morning tel conferences, occasional tel conference between Chikyu and onshore takes place even in the night time.
Today's photo:
Daily morning tel conference.
12.4, 2018
Day:59
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Keep drilling ahead, steadily increasing the penetration rate, but still less than planned.
Today's photo:
Onboard scientists celebrate the achievement of a new depth record in scientific ocean drilling.
12.3, 2018
Day:58
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Clear
Passed the old C2P depth record (3058.5 mbsf) last night,
we are now in unknown territory.
Today's photo:
Operation Superintendent (OSI) discussing with a drilling crew.
12.2, 2018
Day:57
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Rainy
Currently 14 scientists are onboard, divided to two shifts (00:00 - 12:00 and 12:00 - 24:00) and continuously working in the lab.
Everyday after 11:00, all the members gather and holding update meeting.
Today's photo:
Science party members (plus alfa) at the moment.
12.1, 2018
Day:56
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Clear
There is a library in the lab where scientists writing report and discuss.
This library called “the professor Munk Memorial Library” after Prof. Walter Munk who proposed the mantle drilling.
Today's photo:
A scientist discuss in the library.
11.30, 2018
Day:55
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Revise the original plan of changing the BHA, decision was made to keep drilling to the TD of section 1 with the current BHA.
Today's photo:
A scientist delivers some updates on XRD data to the science party.
11.29, 2018
Day:54
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Slow but steady progress of drilling operation.
Today's photo:
Mechanics working in the core tech work shop.
11.28, 2018
Day:53
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Rain
Continue drilling with the shorter BHA but does not progress as we expected. But no rush, keep it steady.
Today's photo:
One of two hawks that make the derrick aboard Chikyu their home.
11.27, 2018
Day:52
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Clear
As an obligation of the science party member, onboard scientists need to write the expedition report. Current section 1 method chapter due this Friday.
Today's photo:
Supply boat “Akatsuki”, she brings drilling equipments, food, and fuel to us.
11.26, 2018
Day:51
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
The current bottom of the hole is about 5,000 m from the ship, it took about 20 hours one way for the trip.
Today's photo:
Mid-day science meeting in the lab.
11.25, 2018
Day:50
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Somehow the LWD-BHA interfere with the casing window. Re-challenge with a shorter LWD-BHA.
Today's photo:
Rig tour for the onboard scientists.
11.24, 2018
Day:49
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Real time LWD data were collected. After tool recovery, downloaded memory data will send to the shore for further analysis.
Today's photo:
All the drilling operation takes place here, the driller’s house.
11.23, 2018
Day:48
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Ready for the samples/data from C0002Q well in the lab.
Today's photo:
Sunrise from the helideck with the morning star (Venus).
11.22, 2018
Day:47
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly cloudy
Conducting LWD shallow tests and functional test of drilling tools while running into the hole.
Today's photo:
Scientists listening the instructions on preparation techniques in the chem lab.
11.21, 2018
Day:46
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Start making up the next BHA that includes LWD (Logging-While-Drilling) tool. We obtain several information from the formation using this tool while drilling.
Today's photo:
Making up the LWD tool at the drill floor.
11.20, 2018
Day:45
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
10 scientists from 4 nations embarked. Start working in the lab area soon after the safety induction.
Today's photo:
Onboard scientists examining structure in cuttings.
11.19, 2018
Day:44
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Drilling with the kick-off BHA has been finished, cleaning the hole.
Today's photo:
Lab curator demonstrating cuttings sieving.
11.18, 2018
Day:43
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Kick-off BHA start drilling from 2,890 m below sea floor.
Today's photo:
Kick-off BHA at the rig floor, No.2
11.17, 2018
Day:42
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Start running kick-off BHA. Drill a new hole from the casing window.
Today's photo:
Kick-off BHA at the rig floor.
11.16, 2018
Day:41
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Casing milling BHA was retrieved on the rig floor. After replacing some parts of the traveling block dolly, we will run a kick off BHA.
Today's photo:
Engineers are checking the dressing bit for wear and tear.
11.15, 2018
Day:40
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Finally casing window milling operation was done.
Meanwhile, holding a meeting in the lab regarding mud gas sampling.
Today's photo:
Worn out milling bit.
11.14, 2018
Day:39
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Casing milling operation continues.
Today's photo:
New BHA for milling operation.
11.13, 2018
Day:38
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Still working on dressing the casing window in preparation for eventual expandable casing running.
Today's photo:
Serious eyes of an engineer on the rig floor.
11.12, 2018
Day:37
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Rain
After milling the casing, Formation Integrity Test (FIT) was conducted and the test results was good!
Today's photo:
Smile! Tentative seal for the riser pipe at the rig floor.
11.11, 2018
Day:36
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Casing milling operation is almost done with the second milling bit.
Today's photo:
The milling BHA bit shows the wear and tear from trying to cut out a hole in the 11-3/4-inch casing.
11.10, 2018
Day:35
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
After one day delay, OSI and LSS were replaced. Meanwhile, casing milling operation continues.
Today's photo:
Cuttings collection team in the Shale Shaker Room.
11.9, 2018
Day:34
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Continue casing milling operation.
Scheduled tel conference among science leaders were canceled due to bad weather.
Today's photo:
Approaching rain front off Chikyu’s helideck.
11.8, 2018
Day:33
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Running whipstock second time is now on going, things goes well, we will start drilling a new hole (Hole Q) soon.
Today's photo:
Drilling Sequences
11.7, 2018
Day:32
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Dry run walkthrough of cuttings flow in lab is conducted, the results is reflected to the cuttings flow.
Today's photo:
The ROV, working at the sea bottom.
11.6, 2018
Day:31
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Rain/PartlyCloudy
One of the science leader and Expedition Project Manager (EPM) replaced. In addition, two more scientists embarked today.
Today's photo:
Drilling crew working in night shift.
11.5, 2018
Day:30
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
The first meeting of RTG Team (Real Time Geomechanics Team) was held for recommendation of kick-off angle to the formation with both onboard and onshore team members.
Then whipstock and window cut mill assembly is running into the hole.
Today's photo:
Window cut mil.
11.4, 2018
Day:29
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Confirmed the condition of cement outside the casing, and it was good. Prepare for kick-off operation.
Today's photo:
A scientist visiting wireline logging control van.
11.3, 2018
Day:28
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Scraping inside of two previously set casing was completed. Next step is run a logging tool to check cement bond outside the casing.
Today's photo:
wireline tool for cement bond check.
11.2, 2018
Day:27
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Inside casing cleaning job was done using a scraper BHA (Bottom-Hole-Assembly). Tel conference for all the science party members in the morning. Continuous cuttings handling preparation in the lab area.
Today's photo:
cuttings handling instructions.
11.1, 2018
Day:26
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Three shoe bond tests has been conducted at 11-3/4 inch liner casing shoe.
Next step is cleaning both 13-3/8 and 11-3/4 inch casings.
Today's photo:
drill strings standing at pipe racker under the derrick.
10.31, 2018
Day:25
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Continue drill-out cement and cleaning 11-3/4 inch liner casing.
Preparation for the cuttings handling and measurement continues in the lab area.
Today's photo:
set "rotary slip" to hold the drill string.
10.30, 2018
Day:24
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Finish drill out shallower cement plug in 13-3/8 inch casing and run 10-5/8 inch drill-out-cement BHA (Bottom-Hole-Assembly) for the deeper part of 11-3/4 inch liner casing.
Today's photo:
checking engine operation status at the engine control room
10.29, 2018
Day:23
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Drilling out the cement plug inside 13-3/8" casing and pumping new mud into the well was completed. Now making and running the next drill-out-cement BHA in hole.
Today's photo:
12-1/2 inch drill-out-cement bit.
10.28, 2018
Day:22
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Drill out cement plug and cleaning inside casing continues.
In the lab area, continue preparation for cuttings handling tools and bottles.
Today's photo:
Loading materials (should include fresh food!) from a supply boat Akatsuki
10.27, 2018
Day:21
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Conduct pressure test on 13-3/8” casing, and drill out cement plug continues.
Live broadcast from onboard Core Lab for JAMSTEC Yokohama open house event to introduce
NanTroSEIZE project for public audience. We met many good questions from the participants; for example,
“why does earthquake happen” from a 4-year-old kid, and Science Leaders Q-san and Masa-san replied and explained to the questions.
Today's photo:
Live broadcasting with DV Chikyu at JAMSTEC Yokohama Institute
10.26, 2018
Day:20
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Rain
Run Drill Out Cement Bore Hole Assembly (DOC BHA), wash down to tab cement top, and replace drilling mud.
Meanwhile, hold a Science Leaders meeting to discuss scientists embarkation schedule, sample request approval, and science party meeting.
Today's photo:
connecting drill-out-cement bit.
10.25, 2018
Day:19
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Install hydraulic power swivel on traveling block, make up and run wear bushing running retrieving tool (WBRRT), conduct pressure test, pull WBRRT out of hole. Continue preparation for cuttings handling tools and bottles in the lab area.
Today's photo:
working on the hydraulic power swivel before running.
10.24, 2018
Day:18
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
Conduct riser rotation test, install Upper Flex Joint and Diverter, rig down riser handling equipment.
In the lab area, continue preparation for cuttings handling tools and bottles.
Today's photo:
Riser Tensioner hangs riser joints.
10.23, 2018
Day:17
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
Secure multiplexer cables, latch tensioner ring on telescopic joint, land BOP on wellhead, conduct pressure test on wellhead connector. Science Leader Prof. Masa Kinoshita embarked in the afternoon and had a short meeting for updates. There was crew change for the half of lab techs, and they have also update/handover meeting.
Today's photo:
just before landing
10.22, 2018
Day:16
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
Continue running BOP/riser, install Gooseneck and Moon-pool hose. Conduct pressure tests on Auxiliary Lines. Continue preparation for cuttings handling tools and working spaces.
Today's photo:
connecting Moon-pool hose to riser joint.
10.21, 2018
Day:15
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
BOP/Riser running continues smoothly, and close to the well head. Meanwhile cuttings handling dry-run took place in the lab area.
Today's photo:
Riser pipe handling onboard.
10.20, 2018
Day:14
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
BOP/Riser running continues smoothly. Meanwhile reviewing layout and preparation for cuttings in the lab area.
Today's photo:
pick up riser by a crane.
10.19, 2018
Day:13
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Finally BOP/Riser into the water and running smoothly to the well head.
Today's photo:
running BOP into the water.
10.18, 2018
Day:12
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Rain
BOP trouble shooting still ongoing, but seems like it ends soon.
Continue reviewing lab layout and preparation for cuttings handling tools and bottles.
Conduct XCT scanning and high pressure test on BOP pressure switches.
Today's photo:
Meanwhile France 5 crew are onboard for a documentary video shooting.
10.17, 2018
Day:11
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
BOP troubleshooting continues, unfortunately. it is not a serious one but seems like takes time. Fingers crossed.Meanwhile, preparation for cuttings handling is ongoing in the lab based on the sample request.
Today's photo:
riser pipe wating for picking up on riser transfer cart.
10.16, 2018
Day:10
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
Continue troubleshooting for BOP, run BOP/riser to 60 m water depth, recover BOP/riser to surface, troubleshooting for BOP.
Today's photo:
working on "cherry picker" above BOP
10.15, 2018
Day:9
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Continued preparation for cuttings handling tools and bottles.
Today's photo:
the tool for wellhead cleaning we used
10.14, 2018
Day:8
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Cloudy
Seabed survey around 100 m from the well center and recover ROV by 1745h Conduct field arrival check and calibration for the acoustic positioning reference system by 2045h. Meanwhile transfer BOP on BOP stand, connect Instrument Joint to Lower Marine Rise Package, re-arrange MUX cables for running BOP, and secure BOP with Moon Pool taggers. Dive ROV, clean well head and recover ROV by 2400h.
Today's photo:
well head cleaning
10.13, 2018
Day:7
Location: Site C0002
Weather: Overcast
After finish SD-RCB and RCB coring test successfully, Chikyu moved to C0002 site.After DP mode had set, ROV dived to deploy transponders on the seafloor. Cuttings treatment preparation is ongoing in the laboratory.
Today's photo:
ROV is diving into the water with transponders
10.12, 2018
Day:6
Location: SD-RCB test site C9034E
Weather: Overcast
10.11, 2018
Day:5
Location: SD-RCB test site C9034D
Weather: Cloudy
The first 8-1/2” SD-RCB test core was recovered in the morning.
Core was taken from the ~50mbsf, where seafloor is ~1700 m deep from the sea surface, at a site located south of the Suruga Trough,
i.e. on the Philippine Sea plate.
Today's photo:
checking core recovery and appearance at Core Cutting Area.
10.10, 2018
Day:4
Location: SD-RCB test site C9034D
Weather: Rain
D/V “Chikyu” left the Shimizu Port at 10:00 am, where many people saw her off. The ship arrivedthe site for SD-RCB （small diameter-roraty coring barrel) coring test operation before move to the C0002 site in the evening. Second pre-spud meeting was held in the afternoon for the people who could not attend the first meeting.
Today's photo:
crews responded by waving hands to a grand send-off.
10.9, 2018
Day:3
Location: Shimizu Port
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Pre-spud meeting, which a Science Leader Kyu Kanagawa and key personnel of CDEX, MWJ and MQJ attended, was held in the afternoon, where information on HSE, drilling operations and scientific objectives was exchanged after a brief introduction of attendees. CDEX director, Shin’ichi Kuramoto, gave final words and a cheer.
Today's photo:
OSI Tomo Sasuhashi presented operation overview at the pre-spud meeting.
10.8, 2018
Day:2
Location: Shimizu Port
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Hold a meeting with all shipboard lab tech for cutting flow preparation.
Today's photo:
lab tech meeting in Core Cutting Area for cuttings flow preparation
10.7, 2018
Day:1
Location: Shimizu Port
Weather: Fine but cloudy
Embarked one of science leaders Kyu Kanagawa.
Today's photo:
moving casing pipes using crane
