Decommissioning in the spotlight
6 May 2015
ABB study aims to identify most efficient strategies to promote circular economy.
ABB Consulting has launched a study into methods of reducing the cost of decommissioning.
It is conducting the study on behalf of Decom North Sea (DNS) and Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) through a series of interviews with operator organisations.
“In recent years, the offshore oil and gas industry has seen a large increase in the anticipated cost of decommissioning,” said Jonathan Turner, senior project manager at ABB Consulting.
“As an industry we need to take steps to understand the challenges, overcome the barriers and establish cost-saving solutions,” he said.
“This type of research will provide a much-needed authoritative overview of what’s happening in the sector and operator concerns in relation to decommissioning.
He added that the company has been gathering information on innovative methods and technologies being used to minimise preparation for lift, optimise module separation, and offer faster deck-to-deck jacket cutting technology.
Its goal is to develop business cases for removal methods to reduce decommissioning costs, stimulate innovative methods and technologies and increase the understanding and take-up of the circular economy approach.
“In May, we’ll present our conclusions and recommendations in an open forum event,” said Turner. “It will centre on informing operators of the benefits that alternative strategies can have on future decommissioning projects and develop solutions to fit their value drivers and contracting strategies.”
Decom North Sea (DNS), the representative body for the decommissioning industry, and its members identified a need for a Removal and Disposal Landscaping Study at last year’s Decom Offshore conference.
The study aims to identify efficient decommissioning solutions.
While most operators know what single lift looks like, the study aims to engage with operators on the benefits of different techniques available such as Piece Small, Salvage and Load Transfer.
“The circular economy is becoming increasingly prominent nationally, because of the economic opportunities and environmental benefits it presents, which directly reflects the key DNS objective, which is to act as an authoritative driver for innovation, collaboration and efficiency in environmentally-safe decommissioning,” said Nigel Jenkins, chief executive of Decom North Sea.
An event unveiling the findings of the survey will be held in Aberdeen on May 27, 2015.
