Concerned about rising P&A costs?
High costs are the most critical challenge in P&A operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Now you can reduce P&A expenses by up to 50% with the Optimus modular rig.
and DNVGL
compliant
A Successful P&A Operation on Jotun B
In 2018, ExxonMobil was seeking a cost-effective solution to conduct plug and abandonment (P&A) activities on 20 wells on the Jotun B platform on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
The solution offered
Petro Well Services (PWS) proposed a modular unit for P&A operations. After the concept design was accepted, the system was developed and implemented — ready for operation within a 14-month period.
When Flexibility leads to Efficiency
The Optimus unit is a fully capable drilling, workover, and P&A system featuring a 350Te hoisting capacity. The unit combines low power consumption with the ability to operate independently using portable power generation, requiring minimal platform integration. The Optimus’ extensive use of automation significantly reduces personnel exposure and operational risk. The system is fully compliant with NORSOK and DNVGL standards.
Installation and Mobilisation
The Optimus is installed using custom interface beams designed for the host platform. With a compact footprint, the modular construction allows for 12-ton lifts. This meant that mobilisation and platform integration could be completed quickly and efficiently on the Jotun B platform.
Seamless System Integration
The Optimus unit interfaces with existing rig safety, communication, and power systems when required. It also integrates seamlessly with both existing and standalone mud and pressure control systems on the platform.
A Complete Success
PWS successfully delivered and operated the Optimus rig unit on the platform, enabling low-cost P&A, drilling, and workover operations in one modular, standalone unit. The Optimus was rapidly deployed, commissioned, and integrated with the platform. All project objectives were achieved on schedule, with every phase — from design and fabrication to installation and commissioning — completed without a single incident.
The Optimus demonstrated tripping speeds of up to 30 super singles per hour, maintaining zero LTIs or reportable incidents.
In operation, the unit demonstrated tripping speeds of up to 30 super singles per hour, maintaining zero LTIs or reportable incidents throughout the entire offshore campaign and consistently performing ahead of plan. The Optimus achieved a cost reduction exceeding 50%, setting a new benchmark for safe and efficient decommissioning operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Pulling tubing on Jotun B
Read the case study
The case study from Decom North Sea on how Petro Well Services’ modular drilling technology helped ExxonMobil cut offshore plug and abandonment (P&A) costs by more than 50%, while improving safety, efficiency, and installation time.
Contact us for more information
Contact one of our key representatives for more information about the Optimus rig system. Your business is important to us, and we will respond promptly.
