Page 477 - Offshore Electrical Engineering Manual

464 APPENDIX A: Guide to Offshore Installations

Table A.4.1 Resources Required for Recovery of a Typical Oil Field
Exploration Construction Production Abandonment
Programme Survey of Planning/ Rising output Planning
2000–4000 km 2 design 3–5 years
Exploration and Construction of Plateau 5 years Prepare topsides
appraisal drilling platform struc- for removal
of 5–30 wells ture, production Phased removal of
and accommo- topsides and sup-
dation facilities port structure
Drilling of pro- Decline Provision of
duction wells 8–10 years navigation aids for
remaining structure
Construction
of transport
facilities
Time 2–6 years 5–6 years 16–20 years 2 years
Direct 200–400 People 1000–2000 300–400 100 People
labour People People
Capital £20–100 Million £1000 Million £250 Million £30–£100 Million
outlay (depends on the (assumes some
type of second- outlay on heavy lift
ary recovery vessels and accom-
scheme, e.g., modation barge,
artificial lift or but using platform
other operations accommodation as
necessary) much as possible)
Operating £250–500 Million N/A (navaids for
costs remnant struc-
ture will require
servicing)

The operations department may also refuse to accept new plant from a project
construction team if they feel it is not performing adequately. The technical facilities
department act only in an advisory capacity on matters of design and safety, although
there is usually a separate safety department that carries out hazard and operability
(hazop) studies and liaise with national inspectorates and shipping bureaux.