Oil and Gas Company are mindful of their corporate social responsibilities where decommission of their facilities towards the end of the asset life are necessary. Some assets can even be carefully dismantled for resale or reinstallation elsewhere.
Decommissioning of offshore structures are largely uncharted area of operations for many organizations even for experience offshore installation contractors. And NO, for many it is far from a simple offshore construction task. Extensive engineering is needed on decommissioning projects requiring a large pool of multi-engineering disciplines resources. It is one of those projects which requires meticulous engineering, planning, ensuring all unknown information are cross-checked and experienced skill set to ensure projects are carried out safely, cost-effectively, and with maximum regard for the environment. A “Fit for Purpose” engineering approach may not be feasible by designing a larger safety factor into decommissioning of offshore structures. The safety factor which was used in the initial design are no longer available due to additional loads added or corrosion with lost in wall thickness leading to reduction in structural integrity.
The collaboration and working with specialist toolings service providers, on site testing enables each decommissioning solution to be selected for each of the engineered solution.
It should not be seen merely as an extension of routine operations or a reversal of installation and construction, nor should it be expedited just to achieve a quicker exit. Managing risk is often one of the initial safety challenges to address for all stakeholders involved on decommissioning project.
Many times, economic pressures might tempt some companies to cut corners. Yet, budget constraints do not diminish the seriousness of the risks involved or allow for the neglect of Health, Safety and Environmental obligations. With a team of experienced decommissioning specialists, oil and gas operators, contractors can make informed, safe, and environmentally responsible decisions when it comes to decommissioning project.