DNV GL is introducing a new, risk-based recommended practice for performing and qualifying well abandonments titled DNVGL-RP-E103, Risk-Based Abandonment of Offshore Wells. Most of the current regulations use prescriptive requirements for well‑abandonment design and the necessary plugging operations. As an alternative to the established one-size-fits-all approaches, the DNV GL recommended practice analyzes the abandonment requirements for each well and field using a quantitative method that takes into account subsurface uncertainties.
Introduction
There is an ongoing paradigm shift toward differentiating plug-and-abandonment requirements on a well-by-well basis instead of having prescriptive requirements, which not only will provide the appropriate focus for complex wells and facilitate development of new technology but also will potentially reduce plug-and-abandonment expenditures.
The recommended practice is intended to provide an alternative approach based on functional requirements and risk-acceptance criteria to assess abandonment designs. This is consistent with offshore engineering practice and is intended to facilitate cost-efficient solutions, including the development of new technology.
