Rig Inspection for UK Drilling Platform Plug and Abandonment Preparation
Project introduction:
A drilling platform located in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf offshore Aberdeen is due to be decommissioned in the next 5-10 years and therefore required reactivation of the on-board drilling package to safely “plug and abandon” (P&A) the production wells.
Before inspection, the drilling package was last operational in 2022, having been through a major reactivation project and in the interim period had been kept in a “warm stacked” state by a maintenance crew.
ABL had previously performed a similar project for the client on another of their installations.
Our scope of work
The work scope was conducted according to our 5 step process:
- IDENTIFY equipment and systems to be audited, and the geographical location of operations
- REVIEW documentation for equipment and systems to check regulatory compliance
- INSPECT equipment and systems to check regulatory compliance
- FUNCTION test equipment to verify operability
- REPORT upon the findings from the previous steps
Phase 1 – Desktop documentation review
Desktop documentation review at the drilling contractor offices. A documentation request was issued in advance so that the appropriate documents could be gathered ahead of time.
Phase 2 – Offshore Inspection and function test of drilling package equipment
Mobilisation offshore to the platform of a multidisciplined team of Inspection Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical, and Well Control Equipment).
The inspection covered the following areas: Derrick and associated equipment, drilling equipment, drilling control systems, pipe handling equipment, skidding system, high pressure and low pressure mud system, well control equipment and control systems, BOP handling cranes, drilling electrical distribution.
The challenges faced by the client
- Aging Assets require careful judgment in terms of suitability for P&A work
- Innovative equipment and processes are often required in the field of decommissioning
- Decommissioning operations are unique, complex multi-phase projects and therefore experienced and knowledgeable people are required
- Regulatory Compliance remains sacrosanct
Results
Gave the client assurance that the well P&A operations could take place with a fit for purpose drilling package
Improved safety and compliance through detailed inspection and function testing of critical equipment
Access to expert support from ABL’s experience from +750 global rig inspections
“We were delighted to assist our client as part of the planned decommissioning of the asset to provide assurance that the well P&A operations could take place with a drilling package that would be fit for purpose and as efficiently as possible. It was another great example of how we can add value for our clients across the offshore energy project lifecycle, whether as part of exploration, development, decommissioning or CCUS drilling activities.”
Martin Clark, Rig Inspection Manager, ABL
Our value
Highly experienced professionals in rig inspection and operations
Legacy in energy and marine assurance
Through life support from feasibility and development to operations and decommissioning
Global insights delivered via local market knowledge
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