There is a limited number of contractors on a bid list for decommissioning projects - five or less. The most commonly used type of equipment to remove platforms is the stiff leg crane. Cal Dive, Cross Offshore, Laredo Offshore, and Bisso Marine remove platforms with stiff leg crane barges. All of the contractors with stiff leg barges point out that the stiff leg crane is much more cost effective than a revolving crane barge. There is much less maintenance and smaller crew size requirements.
Operators try to put off abandonments as long as possible.
They prefer to find reserves and spend on new construction. Platforms normally have to be removed prior to 18 months after production ceases. However, for one reason or another permission is obtained from MMS to defer the decommissioning work. This deferral is building a backlog of platforms that will have to be removed. Tommy Jahncke of Cross Offshore also confirms that the industry continually tries to defer decommissioning work.