What is offshore decommissioning? Offshore decommissioning involves plugging oil and gas wells and disposal of the equipment used in offshore oil and gas production. It occurs in the energy industry after an offshore well stops producing, or has reached the end of its useful life.
Decommissioning is a rapidly developing market sector in the petroleum business, with major potential and major risks. It is a source of major liability for counties, operators, contractors and the public and it must be understood if it is to be managed cost effectively.
Offshore Decommissioning Process in 6 Quick Steps:
- Operators must ensure that the necessary permits are in place prior to decommissioning a structure.
- Areas containing hazardous materials must be purged and cleaned to prevent release of hydrocarbons.
- The wellbore is cleaned out. Plugs are carefully installed into the well, pressure-tested and documented.
- Topsides are disassembled and removed.
- Platform structure is generally removed to at least 15 feet below the mudline.
- Surveys are performed to map any debris that may have been left behind during the removal process. Site clearance is completed in conjunction with survey equipment, and a trawl net is passed to ensure no snags.
Understanding the process can be confusing, as there are many factors that come into play when deciding when and how offshore platforms are decommissioned.
The following educational infographic provides an overview of offshore decommissioning process and the factors that go into this technically strategic process.
Source: MacTech Offshore
