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Platform Decommissioning Project Mediterranean Sea

Zenith Energy were contracted for the planning and execution for the abandonment of the Ombrina Mare platform development well. Operated by Rockhopper Italia, the platform was located 6.5km from the Italian coast in the Adriatic Sea. The project was instigated due to the Italian governments ban on exploration and production activity within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Italy meaning that all active production on active wells had to be ceased and the wells had to be abandoned. Given the high profile nature of the project, it was crucial that it was planned and engineered meticulously, leaving no margin for error.

Objectives

  • Provide full well management for abandonment of the Ombrina Mare platform development well
  • Perform well re-entry and reservoir isolation

Method

  • Performed all scoping, initial and detailed planning as per Zenith Well Abandonment Delivery Process
  • Developed optimum abandonment design and contingencies in line with UK Oil & Gas guidelines
  • Performed detailed RFQ exercises for all equipment and services and rig, ensuring best technical and commercial solution
  • Involved rig contractor and service providers from early phases of programme preparation.
  • Closely managed Rig and Platform interface


Challenges

  • Proximity to coast and national interest
  • Truncated planning timeline (<4 months)
  • Presence of H2S and pressure in ‘A’ annulus

Outcomes

  • Successfully met all clients objectives
  • Delivered project from scoping to execution under four months
  • Project performed under AFE with no accidents, incidents or environmental spills