NEXSTEP

For nexstep collaboration is one of the guiding principles for our activities

Nexstep, the National Platform for Re-use & Decommissioning presented its fifth Re-use and Decommissioning report with the title “The power of collaboration” in July 2022. A title that fits the Nexstep concept so well since collaboration became the guiding principle for our activities within Nexstep.

And Nexstep has shaped that collaboration with the heavy lift contractors that led to the offshore installation portal, in the joint pilots for Through Tubing Cementation, in the joint search for the hydrogen pilot, in the collaboration with the pipeline operators NOGAT and NGT for the development of the comparative assessment et cetera.

After years of preparation the joint campaign contract for decommissioning of Mud Line Suspension wells was awarded in January 2022. This ‘Road to joint execution’ is not only a major achievement for Nexstep but also a breakthrough being the first project worldwide in which so many operators will jointly decommission wells. A perfect example of Nexstep’s role in facilitating and stimulating effective and good value decommissioning. This joint campaign will not only lead to optimal opportunity for learning and improvements as well as major cost savings along the way.

As Nexstep continues to provide transparency to the service industry and the public on the decommissioning of wells, installations and pipelines our factsheet states that of the 34 platforms which have been removed, 15 were re-used for hydrocarbon production. In addition to re-using oil and gas platforms on other locations for the same purpose, infrastructure may be repurposed. It is estimated that some 10% of the infrastructure may be re-used/ repurposed. Some current repurposing projects:

- PosHYdon pilot: productions and transportation of green hydrogen on Neptune Energy’s Q13a-A platform

- Storage of CO2: Porthos / Aramis

- GZI Next: NAM’s repurposing of onshore gas treatment installation to new energy hub in Emmen

Since the beginning of Nexstep we have organised shared learning sessions and the database now contains over 360 learnings. Shared learnings are valuable to the industry. Operators have embraced the shared learnings sessions during which the do’s and don’ts of executed projects are being discussed. In 2021, Nexstep launched a new initiative to promote collaboration for upcoming projects which resulted in the first Peer Assist that took place in May 2021. Two Peer Assists have been held in 2022 on planned offshore projects and more will be scheduled.

The service industry is essential in developing new technology to improve the efficiency of decommissioning activities. Of special interest are innovative removal techniques for offshore installations, well decommissioning and pipeline cleaning and removal. As of 2020, IRO has been part of Nexstep’s Supervisory Board in the person of Sander Vergroesen as an observer.

More information at www.nexstep.nl