MMS Selects Proserv Offshore for Decommissioning Study

The United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service (MMS), has chosen Proserv Offshore to study the technical issues and methodology for decommissioning fixed structures in water depths greater than 400 ft (122 m) and floating structures in water depths exceeding 9842 ft (3000 m).

Titled Review of the State of the Art for Removal of Gulf of Mexico (GoM) US Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil & Gas Facilities in Depths Greater than 400 ft (122 m) Water Depth, this project breaks new ground in the GoM because it includes fixed structures, deepwater and ultra-deepwater floating facilities such as spars, tension leg platforms and semi-submersibles, plus well P&A costs and the decommissioning of all subsea systems. Its primary objective is to give the MMS a greater understanding of the technical issues associated with removing these types of facilities, and the likely costs each option would pose.

The industry's current methodology, technology and experience have been limited to decommissioning of fixed platforms, pipelines and wells in GOM water depths approximating 400 ft (122 m).

The study is scheduled for completion later this year. The MMS will publish portions of the study once it is completed.

This study follows a similar project completed for the MMS in 2002 where Proserv Offshore successfully developed a methodology and cost for the decommissioning of the large platforms in the US Pacific OCS Region (California).

Proserv Offshore has bases established internationally, with US operations out of Houston, Houma and Lafayette. It is considered a global leader in the removal of damaged and/or mature offshore structures and wellheads for majors, independents and national oil companies. Its industry-leading experience, skill and innovation help ensure each phase of a project -- from initial planning, through engineering, project management and implementation, to site clearance and asset disposal -- is executed safely and economically with minimum environmental impact. The company offers its services across four main areas of expertise: decommissioning contractors and engineers, abandonment services, subsea and marine technology, and high pressure and ultra-high pressure pump services.