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Rigless plugging and abandonment

As more fields reach the end of their productive lives, operators are increasingly faced with well decommissioning projects.

In the past, such projects were generally conducted from a rig, but operators have identified the rig-less decommissioning of wells as a significant cost-saving opportunity. Rigless decommissioning presents some technical challenges and is hampered by the fact that many platforms have limited crane facilities.

The key to success in this market has required the development of a range of equipment and techniques. InterAct and Claxton provide the services necessary for rigless plugging and abandonment operations. Claxton has been involved with the well decommissioning of over 60 North Sea platform wells, in most cases, without using a drilling rig or a platform crane.

The innovative approach that make rig-less well decommissioning projects possible delivers substantial cost savings compared with rig-based operations. These savings and the freedom to schedule without reference to rig availability are strong and significant drivers for this market.