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UKCS Field Decommissioning Study

Forming part of a long-term well engineering services contract, Zenith was tasked with performing a detailed technical well engineering assessment of the entire platform and subsea well stock for a UKCS Operator, consisting of 26 platform and 41 subsea wells.


Objectives

  • Conduct a detailed review of entire well stock
  • Establish recommendations for field decommissioning strategy
  • Develop operational sequence and time and cost estimation

Method

  • Methodical review of available data and gap analysis
  • Developed traffic light complexity assessment per abandonment phase for each well
  • Engaged with established vendors and new technologies
  • Established and risk-assessed several time-saving opportunities

Challenges

  • Vast number (67) wells to assess
  • Data gaps identified in information available
  • Forecasting pricing for 2027 operations

Outcomes

  • Detailed risk and opportunities matrix established
  • Developed optimised operational steps for field abandonment
  • Detailed assessment of the technical issues and defects
  • Developed risk assessed and costed abandonment design options
  • Defined level 2 costs for full P&A verifying ARO estimates
  • Recommendations for further work in a comprehensive document and partner presentations