Cost cutting with wellhead removal Print E-mail
Thursday, 04 March 2010 00:00
Det norske is the first company on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, using boats instead of rig for cutting and removal of exploration wells. Det norske has signed a deal with Norse Cutting & Abandonment Norway AS (NCA).
The framework agreement between Det norske oljeselskap ASA and NCA has a duration of three years, plus a two year option.
Director of drilling in Det norske, Anton Tronstad (picture) is very pleased with the agreement.

- This allows us to release the rigs earlier so they faster can do what they are built for, namely drilling wells. It reduces the costs for this part of the operation since it is done with a vessel which has far lower daily costs than a rig.

After completing the drilling of an exploration well, the rig will secure the well in accordance with the PSA regulations, including a trawl protection installed over the wellhead. The removal of the wellheads will be made in campaigns once or twice a year. There will also be an opportunity for other operators to participate in these campaigns.		   Director of drilling in Det norske, Anton Tronstad

NCA will be responsible for project management, engineering and offshore implementation of the work in close cooperation with Det norske. The well head will be cut by a patented method based on high pressure water cutting. DOF Subsea Norway AS will be the NCA's subcontractor for the vessel and will use the vessels Geoholm, Geosund and Skandi Bergen.

In addition to being first on the Norwegian shelf with this solution last November, a new world record for wellhead removal was set, using water cutting on 270 meters depth after a highly successful cutting and lifting job at Det norskes Trolla well. The entire operation was conducted without any HSE remarks.

The picture below shows the 30" and 13 3/8" casing with sement after the successful cut at Trolla. Read more about the cut at Trolla here.

30" and 13 3/8" casing  
   

About Det norske:

Det norske oljeselskap ASA has interests in a total of 77 licenses, with 40 operatorships.

Det norske is the second-largest operating company on the Norwegian Continental Shelf both considering number of operatotships and exploration activity. I 2009 the company operated nine exploration wells, and the high activity will continue in 2010. Det norske runs its activities in a safe and responsible manner in close cooperation with the authorities.

Det norske currently employs a staff of 180. The company`s registered office is located in Trondheim. The company also has offices in Oslo,Harstad, and Stavanger. Det norske is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (DETNOR).