Must Haves for a Credible Comparative Assessment

摘要

Objectives/Scope: To discuss how to responsibly conduct a Comparative Assessment/DecommissioningOptions Assessment (CA/DOA) that is fit for purpose and is scientifically sound and robust, allowing forthe study to be successfully validated by an external third party. The most stringent International Best Practice Guidelines should be applied to all CAs. Decommissioningactivity, internationally, is under public scrutiny and in many regions, in the very early stages ofdevelopment. Application of industry proven approaches is essential to successful decommissioningplanning. Such documentation is important to demonstrate that the potential impacts (e.g. safety, social,environmental) that may arise from decommissioning activities have either been removed or are reducedto As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). Methods, Procedures, Process: Statements and decisions made in the CA should be justifiable toscientifically sound supporting information. Contributing information shall include, but is not limited to,Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRAs) such as Potential Loss of Life, Individual Risk Per Annum andFatal Accident Rate. Good understanding of the condition of the facilities to be removed through asset integrity assessmentsand ROV inspection studies is essential. Furthermore, it is equally important that there is good understandingof the nature and condition of the seabed, from which the facilities, are to be removed. In addition tounderstanding what sensitive species may be present to properly inform management measures. For environmentally sensitive cases or when Rigs to Reef is considered as an option, it is recommendedthat dedicated side studies are performed using industry proven techniques such as the Net EnvironmentalBenefit Analysis (NEBA). Once all the necessary documentation is gathered, the CA can take into consideration supportinginformation to appropriately inform the decommissioning options to be considered; the sub-criteria to beassessed and the rankings and weightings applied. It may be necessary to apply assumptions in lieu of theavailability and/or transparency of data. Assumptions should be based on informed judgement and must bescientifically sound and justifiable to Project activities or to other similar activities conducted in a similarenvironment. Results, Observations, Conclusions: Strategic partnerships should be developed to ensure that thenecessary skill sets and capabilities are available to appropriately conduct the CA. Impacts to Projectcost, schedule and public perception are to note just a few of the consequences of an improperly appliedassessment process. A thorough and comprehensive approach to decommissioning planning and options assessment allowsfor the development of a Flagship Decommissioning Project. Careful consideration of international BestPractice procedures and the incorporation of scientifically sound supporting data, provides a demonstrablyrobust assessment process. In environments where national legislation and national experience is lacking,operators can look to other international examples of successfully and responsibly applied decommissioningprogrammes for guidance.