Challenge
A UKCS operator identified a production enhancement opportunity through the expansion of an existing temporary artificial lift (TAL) system to additional wells on a mature North Sea asset.
THREE60 Energy was engaged to define the required topsides modifications and establish the cost and schedule associated with extending the temporary system.
With the asset approaching its planned cessation of production, the project was highly schedule-sensitive. Long-lead equipment and delays to topsides readiness had the potential to reduce the available production window and impact the economic value of the intervention.
Solution
THREE60 initially undertook a study to define the scope, cost and schedule for the TAL expansion. Due to the fast-track nature of the project, the team then used the study outputs to immediately progress into detailed design. Alongside its role as engineering design contractor, THREE60 provided interim project management support to supplement the operator’s resources during the initial execution phase.
This included coordinating interfaces between engineering, operations, well services, facilities, projects and third-party contractors; supporting integrated project management requirements; and developing key project execution deliverables. THREE60 also developed a fully integrated schedule incorporating activities across the operator and third-party teams, alongside project risk and action registers to maintain visibility and control throughout delivery.
Drawing on experience from previous scopes on the asset, the team prioritised topsides readiness to ensure the required infrastructure was available ahead of completion of the well campaign.
Result
THREE60 successfully delivered the topsides scope ahead of the associated downhole activities, minimising the time between completion of the well interventions and the return to production. Three of the four wells within the wider campaign were able to return to production shortly after completion of their respective downhole scopes, helping the operator maximise the available production window on the mature North Sea asset.
The integrated approach across study, detailed design and project management also enabled the fast-track scope to progress efficiently despite challenging schedule and resource constraints.
