At the end of January, the Aberdeen branch of the PESGB YPs held a technical seminar on decommissioning in the North Sea – a subject of huge importance to the future of the UKCS.

Steven Jewell, Managing Director of the Aberdeen-based Well Decom Ltd delivered an insightful presentation covering the basics of “what is decommissioning” and the technical and economical challenges associated. The risks and uncertainties with regard potential decommissioning costs really highlighted just how unique each well decommission is and the number of variables involved influencing the final cost. Discussion points within the talk were plentiful with Steven happy to field questions and share some of his extensive knowledge on the subject area. In particular, the topic of data collection while first drilling a well to aid decommissioning projects parked some interesting conversation. The importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to planning and carrying out a competent decommissioning was clear, with input needed from across the subsurface team.

The talk concluded with all attendees agreeing that the presentation had given great technical insight into a subject we’re all going to have to get our heads around and was deemed a real success. Informal discussion and networking was carried over to the pub, accompanied by liquid refreshment as Steven shared some of his stories from his time in industry so far.

Overall, a really interesting seminar which educated and stimulated thought. Attendees commented that technical seminars such as these are really useful and they’d like to see more of them in the future.

Thank you to Spirit Energy for allowing us to host this event in their offices.