Laslett International's principles played a pivotal role in the complex process of temporarily decommissioning an offshore oilfield located near Tunisia's coast. This multifaceted task involved meticulous planning and execution, including the delicate relocation of a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, as well as the management of various critical components like risers, wells, and subsea equipment.
To ensure the success of this endeavour, careful and detailed planning was paramount. The oilfield's environmentally sensitive setting demanded a well-coordinated sequence of actions, not only to ensure the secure decommissioning of the facility but also to protect the fragile marine ecosystem in the vicinity. The operation's intricacy was compounded by the constant arrival of migrants in makeshift vessels, necessitating a delicate balance between the decommissioning operation and humanitarian considerations.
Addressing the challenges arising from the region's active commercial fishing industry was another crucial aspect. Special attention was given to safeguarding the subsea infrastructure from potential damage caused by fishing trawl nets. The potential consequences were significant, as any harm to these components could lead to pollution, with adverse effects on both marine life and nearby beaches.
For comprehensive documentation purposes, thorough seabed surveys were carried out both before and after the decommissioning process. This documentation served as a valuable reference point for potential future activities, such as a proposed exploration drilling initiative.
The strengthening of protective measures underscored the commitment to a safe and efficient decommissioning. Additional safeguards, including anodes, were strategically installed on subsea wells and process control facilities to enhance their resilience. The management of the FPSO's anchor chains presented its own set of challenges, which were met by tagging and arranging them on the seabed using specialized semi-submersible buoys for efficient retrieval. Similarly, the flexible risers were efficiently managed by attaching them to submersible buoys.