Decommissioning
what is your challenge?
I need a turnkey decommissioning solution to simplify my operations for my project
Claxton and the Acteon group of companies has experience in delivering effective turnkey packages to fit clients’ bespoke needs. Our expert engineers will recommend a tailored solution, based on specific project requirements from our array of rig-based and rigless decommissioning technology and methodology. Options include:
- Wellheads and Xmas tree service provision for phase I well intervention and well kill operations
- Well control equipment, BOPs, risers and adaptors for plugging and abandonments of wells
- Tubing recovery
- Regulatory, below mudline – multi-string, well severance services
- Combined conductor and casing recovery, sectioning and lay down services for safe disposal
- Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) to safely reduce the critical path timeline.

What depth can you cut at?
This is something we get asked regularly. To answer accurately, we need to understand the specific requirements including; what needs to be cut, the configuration of the well, the annuli contents and eccentricity.
As an example, Claxton has successfully performed cuts on platform wells from inside heavy wall casing from 7” out to 30” through fully water-filled annuli in up to 300m of water.
HOW DO I OPTIMISE MY DECOMMISSIONING OPERATION?
There are many ways to optimise an abandonment operation, depending on which stage the project is at. To take full advantage of the services provided by Claxton, we advise paying consideration to optimisation during the pre-engineering phase.
The goal is to reduce time and cost, whilst not compromising safety and the quality of the abandonment solution. Claxton can demonstrate this through innovative methodology including; simultaneous operations (SIMOPs), rigless abandonment, tubing abandonment and cheaper deployment of vessels.
Every project will have bespoke aspects and challenges which will steer the optimisation solution. Claxton pioneered many of these techniques and developed proprietary equipment to help fully realise project potential.

Can Claxton can supply the services to decommission platform wells?
Yes, we can. As all decommissioning campaigns are unique, it is vital that we understand the full requirement to provide the most efficient solution. We would first investigate if a rig is required or if there is scope for rigless operations. We also need to understand the status of the wells and if there is a P&A plan in place. Claxton recommends that operators engage with us as early as possible to enable us to assist with planning from the offset. We can offer collaborative workshops with our clients to help determine the best solution for their challenge.
To avoid dropped objects, how would you remove a multi-string conductor and casing package if the conductor is corroding and in danger of collapsing?
Corroded conductors and failing connectors are a common problem, therefore we use specialist dropped object protection. Over the years Claxton has developed a variety of methods to mitigate risks associated with ageing conductors and we realise that there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Whether it is by means of internal anchors, catch tools, sacrificial strength members or a bespoke solution, rest assured that Claxton has the knowledge and experience to provide the most effective solution for the project.

The installation has a restricted crane capacity
With ageing assets, this is not an uncommon problem and something which Claxton has developed specialist equipment for. All Claxton decommissioning equipment is designed to be modular, with no module weighing more than 11Te. We also have experience in supplying secondary cranes, where space allows, to service deck operations, minimising the utilisation of the platform crane. In critical cases we would suggest the jack-up lift barge (JULB) approach.
I have a failed conductor – where do I start?
Failed conductors, caused by corrosion or suspect connections are common place, posing the risks of parted casings and dropped conductors. To combat this, Claxton has developed both downhole and external tooling to provide security where required. Our subsea drilling and pinning inflate anchor/lifting tools plus conductor catch tooling can all ensure confidence during the operation.
The Claxton equipment, in conjunction with using the internal structure of the well or sacrificial string as a strength member, allows the casing string to be locked together and lifted from below. This methodology effectively lifts using compression not tension, reducing the risk of separation.