Wireline Magazine Autumn 2020 Issue 49

Above: The DEME heavy lift vessel Gulliver, also used in Chrysaor's SNS campaign.

the trail of technology and methodology adoption than others. There is, he suggests, still an assumption that decommissioning an asset is simply construction in reverse: “I think there’s still a lot to learn. Some are still undertaking preparation works with methods that are quite time consuming and they have this mentality that how we built and installed it, is how we should remove it. This is not always the best solution.” For its part, Robert says the contractual arrangement has meant Chrysaor does not define specific performance and technology metrics for removals contractors. However, it does monitor performance from its own well decommissioning teams to identify successes and potential efficiencies, either in design or project execution. Chrysaor has demonstrated year- on-year improvements in efficiency metrics, which positively impact costs. “What we tend to find is it’s a bit of both,” he says, adding that with the team now tackling well 115 of 145, they are extremely competent in their approach. “We think that we’ve got the process now optimised as much as we can, so the next big leap forward for us will be technology. It’s now about what other technology is out there and we’re talking to companies all the time and investing in technology and trials to see if we can come up with better ways of doing things.” Well managed OGUK decommissioning manager Joe Leask is also encouraged by progress this year, among both operators and the wider supply chain. “I agree that it’s really important we recognise the supply chain’s role this year,” Joe says. “They’ve shown great tenacity to keep work going during tough times, and its proof of our broad workforce in action in that they can maintain and develop skills in these conditions.” He also notes the importance of OGUK’s lead during the early months of 2020 to ensure that the energy workforce were rightly recognised as key workers, and that health and safety measures enable them to work safely on and offshore.

“The ability to continue to do activity when so many other industries have ground to a halt, it has to be acknowledged that the supply chain supporting us this year have done an amazing job.”

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