Decommissioning

As offshore infrastructure reaches the end of its operational life, operators must recover, remove or replace assets while meeting regulatory obligations and managing project economics and operational risk. The condition of subsea cables, umbilicals, flexible lines and other infrastructure can be difficult to predict after years in service. Loads may change during recovery as friction and resistance increase, making continuous control of the product, tension and load critical. Vessel availability and restricted deck space add further constraints. Effective decommissioning therefore begins with an engineered recovery methodology built around the product, vessel and onward handling requirements.

Engage MDL during the early planning stages and we can provide integrated support from engineering and equipment selection through vessel integration and offshore execution. Our portable spreads can be deployed on dedicated vessels or vessels of opportunity, providing greater flexibility when developing the recovery campaign. Through Peterhead Energy Service Base, MDL can also support the receipt, handling and preparation of recovered products for onward processing or disposal.

With more than 25 years’ experience in offshore lifting and handling, MDL combines in-house engineering, portable equipment and experienced personnel within one project team. Our track record spans the recovery and replacement of flexible and rigid products, mooring systems and associated offshore infrastructure. For each campaign, we review the available asset data, anticipated recovery loads, vessel interfaces and deck-handling route before configuring the equipment package. The methodology and spread are developed to maintain control throughout the operation and accommodate the uncertainty involved in recovering assets after years in service.