Planning For Abandonment
Authors: Bartlett T.W. 
Published: October 2008

The objective of this series of papers is to address the pressing issues surrounding the concept of abandonment of Northern North Sea offshore production facilities and structural steel jackets. For many operators there is a notional idea that when you are finished with an offshore production facility and structural steel jackets, they merely sails away over the horizon never to be seen or heard of again, but the real world dictates otherwise.

For those that operate today in the Northern North Sea there is perhaps a uniqueness in character related to the design, fabrication, installation and operation of these Northern North Sea offshore production facilities. Approaching now for many the reality of abandonment, removal and disposal of these facilities, the oil and gas industries must now also recognise that unique methodology requires to be developed for implementation to overcome this daunting task of abandonment. Innovative and lateral thinking being employed by those companies and individuals who have risen to take up the challenge to achieve the goals and objectives, developing the ultimate solution to this enormous problem facing the oil and gas industry today.

Many common aspects and activities exist for operators to undertake jointly during the planning, engineering and the various implementation stages for this ultimate episode in field life.

"GOING WHERE NO OTHER HAS GONEBEFORE"

Commendable words of introduction one might say! but how does one go about this planning exercise, being creative and having lateral thinking, receive participation from other operators within this industry to achieve a:

" SAFE AND COST EFFECTIVE DISPOSITION FOR SUCH A FACILITY"

The Oil and Gas industry until now has been rather slow and reluctant to respond to the idea that abandonment is right around the corner. A question that has been so prevalent in recent days, "WHY PLAN"?

"Just because I never lead the industry in such circumstances, does not mean I am not responsible for planning them all well"

A deliberate Abandonment Plan is the most essential tool that must be developed at the outset of the abandonment project, ensuring that you have defined clearly your goals and objectives to produce a safe and cost effective disposition for the offshore production facilities and structural steel jacket. Planning allows for abandonment projects to :-Set out the strategy, philosophy, goals and objectives for the abandonment programme.Identify the requirements of the various legislation that must be adhered too.Identify the potential hazards, safety and environmental issues to be resolved.Identify the cost drivers.Communicate to your management the magnitude of the potential problems that must be overcome.Communicate to the relevant government departments the prospective options under consideration and the potential consequences

Planning may be half the effort required to accomplish the goals and the objectives of the abandonment project, but it is only a fraction of the ultimate cost. Through careful and detailed planning exercises an opportunity exists to save millions of pounds that could be better invested in the development of new oil and gas fields.