Projects

Platform Decommissioning & Removal Preparations

Project Date: December 2024

Summary

Hydra supported offshore decommissioning operations in the Green Canyon area by providing an integrated vessel, ROV, and diving solution to prepare a fixed platform for removal. Operating in a SIMOPS environment, Hydra coordinated ROV and diver activities to safely cut and remove structural members, pipelines, and appurtenances required for topside removal.

A key aspect of the project involved preparing the structure for partial removal, enabling the upper 90 feet of the platform to be removed while leaving the remaining jacket in place as an artificial reef. This approach balanced safe decommissioning execution with environmental stewardship, contributing to long-term marine habitat development.

Scope

Hydra was contracted to provide a DP II MPSV with ROV and dive support for platform removal preparations. The scope included:

  • Mobilization of the Subsea Responder II with full ROV and dive spreads
  • Deployment of a deep air surface dive team alongside ROV operations
  • SIMOPS execution for subsea and structural cutting activities
  • Marine growth removal and structure preparation for cutting operations
  • Survey and tracking support for diver and ROV positioning

The project required close coordination between vessel, ROV, and dive teams to safely execute concurrent offshore operations.

Challenges

The project was executed in a SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) environment, requiring tight coordination between divers and ROV personnel working on the same structures. Maintaining clear communication, task separation, and situational awareness was critical to ensuring safe execution.

Cutting operations on aging offshore infrastructure introduced variability in material condition and marine growth, requiring pre-cleaning and adaptive tooling selection. Additionally, the integration of multiple contractors (dive teams, crane operators, and tooling specialists) required disciplined offshore management to maintain efficiency.

Why Hydra?

Hydra delivered a fully integrated offshore execution model, combining vessel operations, ROV services, dive support, and project management under a single operational framework. This integration enabled efficient SIMOPS execution and minimized downtime between tasks.

Hydra’s ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary offshore teams ensured safe and productive operations throughout the campaign. The team’s experience in both subsea intervention and construction support positioned Hydra to effectively manage the complexities of decommissioning work scopes.

Location

  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Green Canyon area
  • Offshore fixed platform

Vessel

  • Subsea Responder II (SSR2)
  • DP II Multi-Purpose Support Vessel
  • Equipped with 80-ton crane, moonpool, and integrated ROV and dive support capabilities

Details

  • Project Type: Platform Decommissioning / Removal Preparations
  • Services Provided: Vessel Support, ROV Operations, Dive Operations, Survey, Project Management
  • ROV System: Schilling HD 150 HP with Atlas & Rigmaster manipulators
  • Dive Spread: Surface diving team (SIMOPS with ROV)
  • Key Tooling:
    • ROV diamond wire saws(cutting)
    • Marine growth removal tools
    • Flex cleaning rotary tools
    • Water blasting systems

Execution Highlights

  • SIMOPS execution with ROV and dive teams operating concurrently
  • Multi-contractor coordination including dive, crane, and tooling teams
  • Preparation of structure for partial removal (top ~90 ft)
  • Support of reefing strategy by leaving lower jacket in place

Projects

As a premier topside construction, subsea engineering and project management company, Hydra provides subsea solutions and offshore construction services to domestic and international oil and gas industry clients.

Facility Decommissioning and Pigging Support Services

Oil Heating Facility Flush & Purge Operation