END-OF-LIFE ASSETS have become a much-debated topic in the past few years, not least because many are now operating far beyond their originally expected lifespan. Decommissioning includes the removal of end-of-life production wellheads - as well as non-productive exploration wellheads - unless special dispensation to leave them in-situ is granted. Facing uncertain times once more, operators are naturally looking for ways to control those costs. In the North Sea, several older wells that had been temporarily abandoned with the intention of being removed at a later date - when the capital would hopefully be available - have now reached that 'later date' when no more delay is possible. This has led the operators of these fields to search for additional efficiencies.
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