Wireline Magazine Autumn 2020 Issue 49

can do it or not, and many approaches tend to be: ‘We’ll learn as we go.’” Nevertheless, the feedback from operators during an unprecedented year is glowing – and contractors and the wider industry supply chain clearly have plenty to be proud of in their performance. “This year’s unprecedented challenges including the pandemic and volatile commodity prices have given our world-class but hard-pressed supply chain the chance to test its mettle, with strong evidence that operators and contractors are working effectively to improve efficiency and delivery of safe and environmentally sensitive decommissioning,” adds Joe. “Maintaining momentum and providing focus and initiative towards areas of less activity, such as well decommissioning, is key if we are to ensure the UK becomes a centre of excellence, leading the way and exporting its expertise around world as other basins mature.” “This is their time of need, lets fight with them so they can continue to do a good job,” he adds. As William concludes: “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… I think it is a very good example of the fact that we can really rely on the supply chain to deliver.”

due considerations: “Generally the most cost effective decom is done when you prepare for decom whilst still operating [and undertake] well decommissioning in parallel with production... What comes after that is relatively lowcost for the operator.With the acceleration of COP at a number of developments, without that preparation time, it means that ultimately they will likely pay more in the long run.” He is equally concerned over the potential for mass schedule changes across the whole industry, in light of the disruption caused by COVID-19. Again, he says, long- term flexible agreements are key to ensuring that the supply chain has the certainty of campaigns of work: “If everyone changes plans continually then the supply chain won’t invest and do things at very low margins, which really restricts innovation. In an evolving industry you need innovation to reap the benefits, not tomorrow but in the longer term.” Chrysaor’s Robert Stevenson is also keen to stress the importance of education and feedback from successful campaigns, to help contractors avoid inefficient execution methods or outdated technology. “Lots of companies will want to be involved in decommissioning - but are they going to adapt and change? Because that’s what’s needed. I think there is a lot of education required. Everybody wants a piece of it, whether they

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