Cut-per-minute pipeline cutting solution for oil and gas field in Natuna Sea

Overview

Ashtead Technology’s team in Asia Pacific successfully supported an Indonesian Tier 1 contractor in cutting 10-inch nominal-diameter subsea pipeline sections, as part of a decommissioning scope. The pipeline, located in the oil and gas field in the Natuna Sea, featured a wall thickness of 0.5 inches, a 3mm corrosion coating, and a 40mm concrete coating.

Our customer asked Ashtead Technology to provide a subsea cutting solution that met the specific demands of this offshore operation for efficiency, speed, safety and reliability.

Solution

To address the project’s unique challenges, Ashtead Technology proposed the MSD2000 Shear Cutter, a tool specifically selected for its ability to efficiently cut through the pipeline’s multiple layers, including the steel wall, corrosion protection, and concrete coating.~

The MSD2000 Shear Cutter’s precision and remote operation capabilities ensured a safe and controlled cutting process. Its fast cutting cycles enhanced operational efficiency, significantly reducing downtime. Additionally, the tool’s robust and adaptable design was well-suited for the harsh subsea environment, delivering consistent performance even in unpredictable conditions.

This solution provided a cost-effective, reliable approach that met the customer’s needs and reinforced Ashtead Technology’s expertise in delivering tailored subsea solutions for complex offshore projects.

Benefits and value

Ashtead Technology’s advanced cutting solution offers distinct advantages over conventional cutting tools. Our shear cutters deliver precise, efficient cuts, in less than a minute per cut. This significantly reduced the time and resources required – particularly crucial in offshore environments where vessel time is limited.

What sets our shear cutters apart is our industry-leading blade design, developed over decades of expertise, the unique design enhances performance and durability ensuring consistently high-quality results across various subsea applications. This efficiency translates into measurable value for clients, reducing project timelines and operational costs while ensuring reliable, superior outcomes.

Results

The MSD2000 Shear Cutter completed each cut in under a minute, reducing project timelines and vessel costs. Its durable, industry-leading blade design ensured consistent performance and enhanced safety throughout the operation. The efficient solution exceeded customer expectations, delivering significant cost savings, operational flexibility, and high satisfaction.