Project scope: Pipeline deburial and wall thickness inspection using remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capabilities

Location: Central North Sea

Project start date: August 2022

Project end date: September 2022


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The challenge

  • The North Sea oil and gas operator needed to provide evidence that the internal corrosion status of the pipeline system remains fit for purpose through the input of verifiable data into a life extension study 
  • Located in the North Sea, the JF Subtech team had to carefully and safely navigate adverse weather conditions 
  • Soil conditions for dredging influenced the equipment required to complete the operation 

The solution

  • JF Subtech deployed a team of skilled personnel and specialist equipment to complete dredging and inspection, including:
    • Multi-purpose support vessel, Go Electra
    • Two ROV spreads, with pilot technicians and supervisors
    • Dredgers
    • Tracerco Discovery™ tool - subsea pipeline computed tomography (CT) scanner
  • Exposing the pipeline to such an extent that the subsea pipeline tool could be deployed and take the necessary scans on ten individual locations along the pipeline length
  • Wet store overboarding equipment where possible to reduce launch and recoveries

The results and benefits

  • A hole of approximately 24m³ was dredged at each location in good time 
  • All dredging and scans were successfully carried out with the specialist team and available equipment 
James Fisher Subtech
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