ABB Consulting launched a major study on behalf of Decom North Sea (DNS) and Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) to look into ways of reducing the cost of decommissioning.
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Image from DNS. |
The study aims to identify efficient decommissioning solutions, which encompass re-use and thereby contribute to the circular economy approach for maximizing the useful life of assets.
DNS identified that the industry needed more awareness of the different removal and distribution methods. Currently most operators know what single lift looks like as this has proven application offshore and operators are aware of most contractors operating in this market. A study will engage with operators on the benefits of different techniques available such as piece small, salvage and load transfer.
“This project was implemented in direct response to our operator member requests and we welcome the great support from Zero Waste Scotland,” says Nigel Jenkins, DNS chief executive. “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.”
ABB Consulting will seek to identify the barriers and uncertainties in using these methods and establish who in the industry is offering solutions using such techniques. The study will be conducted through a series of interviews with operator organizations.
From the findings, ABB Consulting will compile a typical offshore inventory of contractors and manufacturers proposing innovative solutions. The study will form business cases for removal methods, which will achieve the following goals: reduce decommissioning costs, stimulate innovative methods and technologies and increase the understanding and take-up of the circular economy approach.
“In recent years, the offshore oil and gas industry has seen a large increase in the anticipated cost of decommissioning,” says Jonathan Turner, ABB Consulting senior project manager. “As an industry we need to take steps to understand the challenges, overcome the barriers and establish cost-saving solutions. 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.”
ABB Consulting says it has been gathering extensive information on innovative methods and technologies being used to minimize preparation for lift, optimize module separation and offer faster deck to deck jacket cutting technology.
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