Heavy lift operators set to benefit for UK platform removal

According to the report's authors, the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas platforms is becoming increasingly important as many UKCS fields are approaching end-of-life. In fact, more than 260 will have to be wholly or partially removed from UK waters over the next 30 years. The UKCS Offshore Decommissioning Report 2010-2040 byDouglas-Westwood and Deloitte's Petroleum Services Group, focuses on the expenditure required to carry out this work - providing essential information for decision-makers in oil companies and contracting & supply industries, government departments and financial institutions.

The report presents two scenarios that take account of changing offshore lift technologies and the associated variable onshore costs. The first scenario presents a 'business as usual' situation whereby existing heavy lift vessels are used to carry out decommissioning projects. The second scenario assumes a step change in offshore lifting technology and the development of Super Heavy Lift Vessels (SLVs) that are capable of lifting upwards of 15,000 tonnes at a time. The bottom-up Douglas-Westwood cost forecast is generated from these scenarios and covers all decommissioning aspects from the plugging and abandonment of subsea wells to onshore deconstruction and recycling. Attention is also paid to specialist equipment requirements and the locations to which decommissioned infrastructure can be sent for disposal, re-use and/or recycling.

The report provides an overview of future prospects. It also reviews current UKCS offshore structures as well as the existing regulatory regime - including a focus on decommissioning obligations, procedures and trends. In addition, the report focuses on current and proposed regulatory processes and key technologies, and is supplemented by an overview of completed, planned and in-progress decommissioning projects as well as a number of detailed case studies.

This groundbreaking report examines the decommissioning services supply chain - covering major international contractors through to smaller specialised companies. It also focuses on key supply chain issues including current and potential gaps, liability and available personnel. Drawing on Douglas-Westwood's in-depth knowledge of the UK's offshore wind market, the new report also examines the extent to which that market could impact on the availability and pricing of Heavy Lift Vessels - and other supply chain components - for UKCS decommissioning projects.Much of the activity and associated spending, they add, should take place during 2017- 2027.

The report's authors says that the anticipated level of decommissioning will provide a major business opportunity for the oil services industry - especially vessel operators and well service companies and could be a significant boost to regional economies.

For more information about the report visit: http://www.dw-1.com/shop/shop-infopage.php?longref=537~0