James Fisher wraps up its largest decom project so far

James Fisher Decommissioning, a subsidiary of UK-based maritime service provider James Fisher and Sons, has completed what it describes as its largest decommissioning project to date for a “major” offshore operator in the Gulf of Thailand.

As reported by the firm, a contract extension with an offshore engineering, preparations, removal, and disposal (EPRD) operator enabled it to remove 25 dormant gas platforms using real-time cutting verification technology as part of the client’s wider asset end-of-life campaign in the Gulf of Thailand. 

While the client’s name remains unknown, the project is said to be worth several million pounds. 

Mark Stephen, James Fisher’s Decommissioning Director, said the operation was a first for James Fisher Decommissioning in terms of jacket removal volume and duration.

“We pride ourselves on providing bespoke, environmentally focused solutions to overcome some of the most complex decommissioning structures faced by our customers,” added Stephen.

“Utilising our strong in-house decommissioning capabilities and real-time monitoring technology, we saved valuable project time during the cutting process while ensuring the project was completed to the highest standards for our client.”

According to the UK player, the visualization of each abrasive cut during jacket removal, made using the firm’s cut verification system, ensured the completion of operations on the first try, as the reevaluation of the initial cut was not required. The resulting 50% decrease in cutting times helped save project time and improve efficiency for the client. 

The methods and equipment used for the project include abrasive waterjet cutting, hydraulic demolition shears, and diamond wire saws.

James Fisher and Sons recently had another “first” – for a tidal energy project – as it had secured a contract to provide maintenance services at the Morlais project. The company is slated to manage, repair and maintain high-voltage equipment and cables at two substations in Wales.