PanGeo Subsea, a subsidiary of Kraken Robotics, has been awarded a US$5mn contract by Couvillion Group for assistance with a decommissioning project in the Gulf of Mexico.
In 2004, a storm induced mudslide caused an offshore jacket to topple which has since been lying on the seafloor 150 metres down, with subsea conductors buried in around 60 metres of mud. PanGeo will use Acoustic Corer, its high-resolution sub-seabed imaging technology, to identify where the conductors are located in the debris field to provide valuable information for the plugging and abandonment of the well.
The campaign will start in Q2 2022 and will last for 90 days – representing the largest Acoustic Corer project undertaken by the company to date.
Moya Cahill, PanGeo’s CEO, said, “The Acoustic Corer delivers a unique solution to the industry that has been tried and proven by the Couvillion Group in a demonstration project in 2019. We are truly excited to return to this site and work with the Couvillion team to complete a full site investigation of the debris field.
Couvillion Group’s CEO, Timmy Couvillion, added, “We believe that PanGeo has the key to unlock the unknowns below the seafloor that will ultimately enable a successful plug and abandonment of the well.”
In addition to the debris survey, PanGeo has been issued a letter of intent for a multi-million Acoustic Corer campaign of 50 days for an offshore wind farm in the Baltic where it will be imaging boulders in the sub-seabed.
Expro, an energy services provider headquartered in Houston, TX USA, was recognised with ‘Spotlight on New Technology Award’ at the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston for its Autonomous Well Intervention System - Galea.
This award highlights the latest and most innovative global technologies that are advancing and revolutionising the future of the energy industry. Galea was selected based on its autonomous technology and significant environmental, cost, and HSE impact beyond existing technologies.
According to Expro, Galea is the world’s first fully autonomous well intervention system that maximises production while reducing intervention costs, HSE risks, and the carbon footprint of operations. The system replaces larger, conventional, and more labour-intensive wireline rig-ups for a range of routine slickline operations. Galea can be configured in a variety of operating modes ranging from fully autonomous to manual to suit a range of applications on and offshore.
Galea deploys a tool string into the well either at regular intervals or as defined by the well conditions in fully autonomous mode. The system performs a pre-programmed intervention sequence in semi-autonomous mode, initiated locally or remotely. When in manual mode, quick rig-up intervention compared to conventional operations is enabled.
The system also reduces the impact of operations on the environment around the well site. A small self-contained intervention package located at the well site all year-round eliminates the need for repetitive environmentally disruptive wireline unit or truck operations required for traditional approaches.
Galea also features several fail-safe capabilities to ensure containment and elimination of potential wire breaks during interventions.
Expro’s Well Intervention and Integrity Vice President Max Tseplic said, “This prestigious award from our industry recognises not only one technology, but also Expro’s wider commitment to delivering cost-effective, innovative technologies and solutions, and what we consider to be best-in-class safety and service quality performance, as part of creating a more sustainable business and a lower carbon future.”
Expro North and Latin America Region Vice-President Toby Pitre added, “Enhancing our technology development remains a key focus for Expro. With a wide breadth of capabilities and expertise across the entire well lifecycle, we are fully focused on meeting changing industry demands.”
Xodus, a global energy consultancy, has been awarded the Rigid Pipeline Non-Metallic Component Characterisation study for National Energy Resources Australia's (NERA) National Decommissioning Research Initiative (NDRI).
Alasdair Gray, Late Life and Decommissioning Lead at Xodus, made the announcement on LinkedIn, commenting, “Understanding of the chemicals used within non-steel components of rigid pipelines is one of the most significant knowledge gaps for the Australian oil and gas industry. This information is critical to understanding the long term impact of structure degradation within the marine environment, to improve the accuracy of decommissioning plan development and subsequent Environment Plan submissions.
“Xodus are well placed to undertake this work through our world class, integrated Engineering and Environment offering, working with Andrew Taylor and Jason Christie to deliver this scope which focuses on pipeline coating characterisation. This study is an important step in addressing how the region will make future decisions about assets reaching end of life.”
Gray added that the company has already started work on the project which is expected to be completed mid-2022.
D&A Aus 2022
From 10-11 May, the first ever Decommissioning and Abandonment conference will be arriving in Perth, Australia to provide the offshore community with the best blueprint for the wave of decommissioning projects on the horizon. For more information, download the brochure here: https://offsnet.com/da-aus/conference-brochure
Or contact:
Erin Smith
Global Accounts & Australasia Regional Manager
Offshore Network
t: +64 289 900 118
e:
Woodside Energy Limited has awarded DOF Subsea Australia retrieval of Enfield XT and offshore support services.
The campaign will involve the recovery of 18 subsea XTrees, 18 flowbases and associated spool sections, one wellhead severance and recovery of up to 18 temporary guide bases at the Enfield Field, Australia. The contract includes project management, engineering, fabrication, and decommissioning services and is expected to be undertaken in Q3 and Q4 2022, using DOF Subsea’s MPSV Skandi Hercules.
Mons Aase, CEO of DOF Subsea AS, said this is a substantial contract award. "It builds on successful campaigns delivered in the past for our client and grows our decommissioning track-record in the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region. We look forward to working with Woodside Energy Limited to deliver a safe and efficient project."
D&A Aus 2022
From 10-11 May, the first ever Decommissioning and Abandonment conference will be arriving in Perth, Australia to provide the offshore community with the best blueprint for the wave of decommissioning projects on the horizon. For more information, download the brochure here: https://offsnet.com/da-aus/conference-brochure
Or contact:
Erin Smith
Global Accounts & Australasia Regional Manager
Offshore Network
t: +64 289 900 118
e:
Shelf Subsea have announced that the Southern Star, DPIII Saturation Diving Vessel, has arrived in New Zealand waters to commence work on phase 2 of the Tui decommissioning project.
The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) awarded the contract to Shelf Subsea for the removal of the subsea infrastructure from the Tui Oil Field (phase 2 of the decommissioning process). This is the next step in the decommissioning of the field after the disconnection and demobilisation of the FPSO Umuroa was completed in May 2021.
The Southern Star, a 112m vessel with a 150t AHC crane, 1000m of back deck and installed WROVs. It arrived in New Zealand after encountering some poor weather, which was easily overcome.
Shelf Subsea noted that it is the most advanced DSV operating in the Asia Pacific region and comes with Port and Starboard SPHLs for greater driver safety and more efficient operations in blow-on, blow-off scenarios. As demonstrated on the journey over, the vessel handles exceptionally well in challenging weather conditions providing a stable platform for subsea intervention work.
MR Deepwater Subsea LLC, part of the MR Group of companies, and Offshore Technical Compliance (OTC) LLC, have announced a formal collaboration between both companies to create a one-stop-shop for real time monitoring, digital pressure testing and BOP compliance services.
Through the global office network of the MR Group, OTC services are now available worldwide. The MR Group forms an independent centre of excellence, focused on improving the integrity of drilling rigs and helping clients enhance value of their wells across the well lifecycle. OTC is an industry leader in predictive digital pressure testing.
Mike Fry, Director of MR Deepwater Subsea, explained, “The collaboration with OTC is important for our clients. OTC is the ideal partner to offer our clients an integrated package of real time monitoring, digital pressure testing and BOP compliance services – all under one contract.”
OTC has developed their unique Greenlight digital pressure testing tool, which does not require benchmark testing to get a reliable test outcome but uses algorithms for predictions, which is BSEE-approved. The software and related equipment can be used for any type of pressure testing including surface and subsea well control equipment, inflow testing, casing tests, control lines, MPD equipment, and risers. Maintaining a very small footprint and with the ability to be operated remotely, the system can also capture multiple tests simultaneously.
The collaboration will help in building knowledge regarding inspection and testing data, equipment failure and wear & tear patterns which are unmatched in the industry. The worldwide office and resource network of the MR Group means OTC services are now truly available worldwide using a global pool of experts.
“The collaboration creates efficiencies for our clients, not only through a one-stop-shop but also in personnel on board,” OTC CEO Michael Bethea noted. “It also adds further digital technology development resources to the MR Group portfolio. We are excited about the future and our ability to add value to our clients.”
Following the award of another major North Sea contract to Veolia and Peterson, Lerwick Harbour will be the location for the dismantling and recycling of a northern North Sea platform jacket.
This follows the winning of the contract to decommission the 14,500 tonne topside for the same platform, which will be the biggest to date at the port’s Dales Voe Base. This was recently completed on time with Veolia and Peterson achieving their target of more than 98% of materials recycled.
The latest project has been awarded by Allseas and is for the 83-metre steel jacket which weighs in at around 8,500 tonnes. This will also be delivered by Allseas Pioneering Spirit.
Preparations are now underway for the reception of the jacket. Similar to the topside, it will be removed in a single lift before being transferred ashore at the base via a barge. A heavy-duty purpose-built decommissioning pad will be used.
John Abraham, COO of Veolia UK & Ireland – Industrial, Water & Energy, commented, “Industry leading recycling involves innovation and scrupulous planning. With our major complex decommissioning projects, we have already shown that it is possible to achieve a 98% recycling rate for obsolete oil and gas structures, a key achievement as we look to preserve resources and drive our ecological transformation. Decommissioning is also very important from a carbon perspective as recycling a tonne of steel saves 1.5 tonnes of iron ore and reduces CO2 emissions by 80%, compared to metal production from raw materials."
James Johnson, Decommissioning Manager at Peterson, remarked, “We believe this award demonstrates the strong track record of Peterson and Veolia in handling all types of offshore decommissioning projects, as well as the excellent capability of the Dales Voe Base. It is also recognition of the excellent work undertaken in the decommissioning of the Ninian Northern topside, where an industry first approach to decommissioning an offshore asset proved very successful. We are very pleased that the award will also help secure a number of Peterson roles on Shetland on an ongoing basis.”
The jacket is expected to arrive in April 2022 with decommissioning taking around eight months to complete from this point.
Baker Hughes has announced that it will be acquiring Altus Intervention, a leading international provider of well intervention services and down-hole oil and gas technology, to complement its existing portfolio of oilfield technologies and integrated solutions.
Altus Intervention employs around 1200 people globally and operates across four regions: UK and West Africa; Norway and Denmark; Americas; and Middle East and Asia Pacific.
“The addition of Altus Intervention supports our strategy to transform core oil & gas operations by enhancing technological capabilities and providing customers with higher-efficiency solutions,” commented Maria Claudia Borras, Executive Vice President of Oilfield Services at Baker Hughes. “We value the Altus Intervention team’s deep expertise and look forward to bringing these fully integrated well intervention solutions to our global customer base.”
Åge Landro, CEO of Altus Intervention, added, “Our technology and techniques play a critical role in improving production, well intervention and plug and abandonment, and we believe this agreement with Baker Hughes is the right step forward.
“We are focused on a long-standing vision of making intervention smarter to deliver real change operationally and commercially, and we look forward to leveraging Baker Hughes’ strong network, complementary technology and global infrastructure in the oil and gas industry.”
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022. The acquisition agreement includes all intellectual property, personnel and commercial agreements.
Claxton, the lead brand of Acteon’s drilling and decommissioning segment, is set to acquire decommissioning personnel and assets from Oceaneering.
The agreement was signed recently with the anticipated closure date of 30 March, 2022. Certain staff in Norway will transfer to Claxton, along with decommissioning assets, including well and pile abrasive cutting and recovery systems and associated tooling. Also included in the deal are conductor drilling, pinning and cutting systems, diamond wires saws, dredges and various ancillary equipment items. This equipment will initially be deployed from Acteon’s bases in Norway, Dubai and Aberdeen.
In addition, Oceaneering is establishing a master services agreement where Claxton will provide services to support the company’s wider scopes. This could potentially include its multi-client Rig Chase decommissioning campaigns.
Sam Hanton, Acteon Drilling and Decommissioning Segment Managing Director, commented, “The deal will increase our capacity, the range of technologies at our disposal and our decommissioning expertise, and reinforce Claxton’s position as one of the leading global suppliers of offshore cutting services.”
Luke Pirie, Director of Offshore Projects Group, Oceaneering, added that the deal allows the company to strategically focus on its integrated solutions offering while ensuring access to decommissioning services through a partnership and the new master services agreement with Claxton.
Verlume, a leader in intelligent energy management and storage technologies for the energy industry, and a consortium of partners have progressed on the development of an autonomous underwater robot that moves like a fish for offshore inspections.
The agile biomimetic autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), named ‘RoboFish’, is made up of several self-contained modules with self-managed battery and actuator control for full-body, autonomous movement around underwater structures. It is capable of operating in harsh and hard-to-reach environments.
With the limited accessibility, manoeuvrability and environmental impact of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and some larger AUVs, inspection of structures in the underwater environment is complex, expensive, and reliant on human input.
The first RoboFish prototype was completed in summer 2020 and research to improve it and apply it to new applications is ongoing. Two conference papers and a journal paper have been published on the RoboFish prototype, with another journal paper due to be published this year on control of the swimming gait with machine learning.
Dr. Mark Post, Lecturer in Electronic Engineering at the University of York, commented, “Through the use of innovative electronics, actuation, networking technology and additive manufacturing techniques, we have been able to develop a modular robot that can move very precisely in challenging offshore environments. The collaborative contributions of many partners have been instrumental in creating a practical platform to further develop robotic technologies in this field.”
Verlume is playing a key role in the project, assisting with the development of an intelligent power solution for RoboFish. The company will supply an underwater power system for charging, as well as an integrated intelligent battery management system.
Paul Slorach, Business Development Director at Verlume, said, “With an increasing focus on decarbonisation and the automation of high-risk underwater tasks in the so-called Blue Economy, RoboFish is an example of how these operations can be revolutionised. We are pleased to act as the industry gateway for our academic partners in this project and share our expertise to integrate Verlume’s intelligent battery system as the power solution for RoboFish.”
RoboFish was initially devised by researchers at the University of York, Department of Electrical Engineering and the University of Strathclyde, Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering with grant support from the EPSRC Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub.
The RoboFish research consortium was formed of partners Verlume, The University of York, The University of Strathclyde, PicSea Ltd, the Supergen ORE Hub, and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. Through outreach activities, the consortium is expanding.
Expro, a provider of energy services, has acquired 100% of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) company, SolaSense Ltd.
Based in the UK, SolaSense’s well surveillance technology features portable processing software and an enhanced visualisation interface for delivering near-real-time analysis of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) / distributed temperature sensing (DTS) data at the well site. This allows well characteristics to be readily recognised and evaluated, avoiding the shut-in of wells for extended periods and minimising lost production.
This acquisition along with Expro’s 50 years of well intervention and integrity experience, will allow the company to meet industry demand to provide customers with a one-stop-shop service for the in-depth evaluation of the entire well and also the provision of any subsequent remediation solutions. Expro’s DFOS offering monitors dynamic behaviour in the well, providing a health check of the well and an accurate diagnosis of any well and reservoir issues.
Compared to traditional completion deployed applications of fibre optic technologies, DFOS can be deployed thru-tubing and used to analyse and evaluate well performance and integrity within hours of the completion of the survey providing greater insight into the dynamic behaviour of the well, to help customers make important time-sensitive decisions. Supported by DFOS, it can provide an enhanced cased hole offering integrated slickline mechanical services all within Expro.
Steve Russell, Expro’s Chief Technology Officer, commented, “We are committed to delivering cost-effective, innovative technologies and solutions, and best-in-class safety and service quality performance to our customers, all while advancing our commitment to creating a more sustainable business and lower carbon future.
“Access to representative well data is key for making informed well performance and integrity decisions. This acquisition allows us to build on our existing well intervention and integrity portfolio, leveraging the expertise from both companies to extend our customer’s wells’ lifespan, while reducing time and costs. Led by a highly skilled and dedicated team with extensive industry experience, we look forward to building on our digital solutions and welcoming the SolaSense team to the Expro family,” he added.
John Davies, SolaSense CEO, said, “The SolaSense ambition has always been to see distributed fibre optic logging being used widely as a simple and affordable means of well performance and well integrity monitoring. The integration of SolaSense’s technology and expertise into Expro’s existing global well intervention footprint will fast track the realisation of this ambition, and more importantly, add value for the end customers through the wider uptake of fiber-enabled slickline deployed DFOS surveys. The SolaSense team are very excited about this significant development and look forward to supporting Expro in the fast and efficient expansion of DFOS well logging.”
Helix Robotics Solutions, the US Robotics division of Helix Energy Solutions Group, has entered into a one-year agreement with Bordelon Marine, LLC for the charter of the DP2 Jones Act-compliant Ultra-Light Intervention Vessel (ULIV) M/V Shelia Bordelon.
While Helix expects the vessel to primarily support Inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) operations for clients operating in US waters, it can support international work as well.
Designed as a fuel-efficient intervention vessel, the Shelia Bordelon features an NOV 50-tonne active heave compensating crane with 3,000 metres of wire, a mezzanine deck with internal offices, centralised online survey suite, offline data processing space, and two Triton 200hp ROVs with high spec survey capabilities.
With over 25 years of IRM expertise, Helix Robotics Solutions is well equipped to service clients’ light construction and renewables projects. The company performs subsea well interventions through wireline, coiled tubing, or hydraulic stimulation at project costs significantly lower than drilling rigs, with the versatility to perform both riser-based and riserless interventions.
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