• Oil and gas

Two-in-one efficiencies for the retirement of subsea assets

A new system which combines the latest cutting and lifting technology in one looks set to reduce decommissioning costs. 

James Fisher Offshore (JFO) partnered with specialist marine and subsea lifting systems company, First Subsea, to develop a new system combining cutting and lifting technology in one, helping to reduce subsea decommissioning costs.

The system, called Internal Cut and Lift Tool (ICLT) will also improve safety and efficiencies for teams involved in the removal of retired subsea assets.

An innovative collaboration

The aim of the collaboration was to create a simple solution which could streamline the number of contractors, operations and personnel required on offshore platform and vessel operations, in order to boost HSE, time, operational and cost benefits to customers ready to decommission late-life assets, and help them meet the oil and gas authority’s target of a 25% reduction in decommissioning expenditure by 2035.

The collaboration, led by JFO’s project manager for cutting work, Keith Burnett and JFO’s subsea engineer, Allan Douglas has led to the development of ICLT. It is a single assembly system that merges JFO’s market-leading abrasive water jet cutting tool with First Subsea’s Ballgrabgripping and recovery technology to provide a simple, flexible and quick mechanism to remove tubulars such as piles, caissons and pipelines.

It means two operations can be combined in one mobilisation, with one multi-disciplined crew, removing the need for a 3^rd operation such as drill and pin.

Keith Burnett explains:

‘Throughout the summer of 2018 we researched industry requirements and current equipment solutions and we spotted a missing link between the cut and recovery process. But we realised we could combine two existing technologies to provide a solution that offers multiple benefits for the decommissioning market.’

JFO managing director, Jack Davidson said:

‘The idea of combining our abrasive water jet cutting technology with First Subsea’s ball and taper internal lifting tools seemed an ideal solution for our customers,’ 

The concept was discussed with a major international oil company and the positive response gave JFO the conviction to proceed with development plans.

Jack adds:

‘This partnership with First Subsea strengthens our offering and exemplifies our strategy of bringing new innovative technology to the complex oil and gas market – but it also has the potential to service other industries, including offshore wind and transport.’

ICLT is now in use with several international operators and subsea contractors.

Further information

Read JFO's original press release: James Fisher Offshore and First Subsea technology fusion ready for lift-off

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