JFO Boosts Decom Capabilities with New Abrasive Cutting Tech

James Fisher Offshore (JFO) said it has developed an internal abrasive cutting system to support the oil and gas industry’s decommissioning cost reduction target.

According to the company, the abrasive cutting technology offers an innovative method for the internal cutting and removal of subsea tubular structures, ranging from piles and jacket legs through to well casings and well heads.

The system has already been deployed offshore to great success for use in a unique deep water cutting operation at water depths in excess of 180 meters. It surpassed all expectations with its speed, accuracy and reliability – capable of severing double-plated hull sections greater than 84mm in one pass, leading to a significant time reduction, JFO explains.

Will Carrier, offshore manager at Atlantic Subsea Ventures, said: “Our project required a cutting system that would allow for precision and efficiency, not only with the finished cut, but also in its deployment, installation and operation. James Fisher Offshore was able to tailor a system that offered multifaceted options depending upon the project requirements at the time.

“The provision of the James Fisher Offshore abrasive blast system, backed by a proactive management team and experienced, adaptive offshore technical crew enhanced our project results exponentially. We will most certainly be utilising this system again within our future projects.”

The launch of this new abrasive cutting technology comes in quick succession to JFO’s cut and lift product, ICLT, that could help streamline decommissioning projects.

Jack Davidson, managing director at James Fisher Offshore said: “Our investment in this new technology and skilled personnel demonstrates our commitment to be the integrated back deck equipment provider of choice for full life of field support.

“Globally our decommissioning and demolition projects continuously increase, as does our ability to deliver more complex projects – further expanding our capabilities to support the global leaders in this area. With the development of our capabilities and continued investments, we’re successfully transitioning from an equipment provider to a solutions-based service provider, adding value to our customers’ operations.”

JFO said it aims to set the bar at zero project downtime and has significantly invested in resource to ensure highly skilled people, in both the operation and maintenance of all equipment, are ready to support customer operations at all times.