UNIQUE SOLUTION
FOR ONE OF THE
SMALLEST PLATFORMS
IN THE NORTH SEA
Today, an increasing number of North
Sea fields are approaching the end of
their useful economic lives. Operators
are now seeking to reduce their asset
stock and remain profitable at the
same time.
THE PROBLEM
and the subsequent multi-string recovery
from the two wells.
When Tullow Oil approached Claxton in
April 2016 about the well abandonment
of the Horne and Wren Platform in the
Southern North Sea the technical
challenges arising from the absence of a
rig, limited crane facilities on the
platform, the small 8m x 8m weather
deck, and the use of a JULB (jack-up lift
barge) were quite unique.
Due to the small footprint of the Horne
and Wren platform, as well as using our
latest evolution of the ‘SABRE’ abrasive
cutting system we developed a full,
bespoke, light weight work platform
which included a hydraulic proving
system and a utility crane to ensure selfsufficiency in handling our equipment.
The size of the platform is one of the
smallest of its kind in the sector so the
scope of work to mitigate the challenges
faced is not something many can
help with.
Our experience, coupled with extensive
in-house tailored engineering
capabilities and a proven record of
managing successful projects, made
Claxton the confident choice for this well
abandonment campaign.
THE SOLUTION
Completed within 18 operational days,
Claxton was responsible for the 5.1/2”
tubing cut verification, tubing recovery,
sub-mudline abrasive conductor
severance, conductor cut verification
www.claxtonengineering.com
Proving of the tubing and conductor cuts
were also completed with the same
system, enabling us to reduce
equipment, time and money spent for
the client.
Claxton also developed a bespoke
tubing laydown frame that allowed the
quick and safe laydown of the severed
tubing in a controlled manner plus
bundling for ease of backload.
THE RESULT
Claxton’s decommissioning, design
engineering and offshore teams
worked closely with its supply chain
and the operator to successfully
abandon the two wells.
Rob Horton, project engineer, Claxton,
said: “We were delighted to work on
this campaign and we were able to
react quickly and effectively on a
challenging scope of work. Our fast
responsiveness to the initial enquiry
and subsequent mobilization of the
entire work package enabled a
positive outcome to this project. The
supply of bespoke engineered items
and Claxton’s in-house design and
manufacture of the light weight work
platform was particularly very well
received by the client.”
www.claxtonengineering.com