Page 62: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Nov/Dec 2013)

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Deepwater well decommissioning

The key elements to Helix’s success is purpose-built

Houston-based Helix ESG recently completed a deepwater vessels with a dedicated Intervention riser package and well decommissioning project in 7919ft. Darin Hilton experienced crew and project management teams to support the client in planning the job.

explains the steps and options involved in plugging and abandonment.

THE Q4000 AND PURPOSE-BUILT VESSELS

The Q4000 has been the main vessel utilized by Helix for riser-based GOM plug and abandonment (P&A) ver the past several years, there has been a work for the past decade, with one reason being that growing demand in the industry to safely and the open decks and large cranes provide effcient mobi-

O effciently plug and abandon wells in the Gulf lization of client equipment. Another advantage to the of Mexico (GOM). Having successfully decommis- Q4000 is that The open multi-purpose tower (MPT) on sioned over 30 wells in more than 3,500ft water in the the Q4000 allows unrestricted access on three sides,

GOM, Helix ESG has enabled clients to achieve a more allowing for easier change of operational modes from, effcient, safe, and cost-effective method of securely electric line, slick line, or coil tubing. In most cases, and permanently abandoning deepwater subsea oil and with a purpose-built vessel and a dedicated interven- gas wells to meet regulatory and industry standards tion riser system (IRS), stack-up and surface image for several years. testing (SIT) can be completed in transit, reducing

The Q4000, Helix’s vessel of choice in riser-based GOM work for the past decade.

Photo: Helix ESG

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OE | November 2013REVIEW 64 064_OE1113_Dif_Helix.indd 64 10/28/13 2:10 AM