Well-Safe Solutions recently completed a multi-well abandonment project ahead of schedule without a single safety or environmental incident. This achievement sets a new benchmark for operational excellence and collaborative execution in the sector.
Working in collaboration with Spirit Energy and their business partners, Well-Safe Solutions contributed to the successful plug and abandonment (P&A) of five platform wells on the York platform, located in UKCS. In June 2025, the Well-Safe Protector (WSP) jack-up rig mobilised from the Dutch sector to UK waters to interface with the York platform, which is a normally unmanned installation. The rig to platform interface scope was planned and managed by Well-Safe Solutions, and included the incorporation of full temporary lighting design packages, fire and gas detection, and suppression systems. Access and egress to the platform was coordinated via the WSP angel wing deck which is an effective and highly efficient method of managing personnel access.
The York P&A operations were completed well within NSTA top quartile performance. The campaign was executed using a batched approach, enabled via effective planning and communication with Spirit Energy, with optimised skidding practises leading to 6hour BOP hopping. Spirit Energy, with the assistance from Well-Safe Solutions’ inhouse team and asset experience, executed a safe and low-cost platform abandonment campaign, delivered 35 days ahead of P50 estimated timings, driven by strong Spirit Energy and WSP offshore supervision, consistent progress and effective work instructions twinned with the integration of lessons learned. Multiple offline scopes, including XMT recovery, contributed to a delivery that exceeded industry benchmarks. One well featured an extended cement plug of 3,800 ft, with 151 bbl of cement continuously pumped – demonstrating technical excellence.
Further to well operations, several platform scopes were completed off critical path including NAV aid changeout, EDC inspections and pipeline activities. Notably, the 16” gas export pipeline – spanning 34km from the York platform to the Easington terminal – was successfully pigged and flushed using rig pumps, delivering 30,000 bbls of fluid to terminal. These scopes were fully supported from the WSP. The full campaign – including mobilisation, interface, and demobilisation – was successfully completed within 61 days, a notable achievement made possible through meticulous planning, effective communication, and cohesive execution by all parties.
Key Achievements
- Exemplary rig up time – 98.7%
- 61 days on hire – completed 35 days ahead of the Spirit Energy P50 estimated timings
- Five wells successfully abandoned
- Zero accidents, incidents or environmental occurrences
- Platform shutdown scopes completed – 30,000 bbl pumped for multiple pigging and f lushing operations
- XMTs Recovered offline
- 70,000 ft of tubing and casing recovery for wells
- Average Well Time – 9.44 days (NSTA p50 – 20 days) Fastest Well – 4.88 days
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