Precision Contracting and the Santos Gas Asset
This photo shows technicians working within the confined space of a caisson, highlighting the intricate and hazardous nature of the work, such as the use of long-line breathing apparatus and the presence of live lines.
Nestled in the energy-rich waters of the Carnarvon Basin off Western Australia lie several offshore platforms. These offshore oil and gas platforms form part of the Harriet Joint Venture, a testament to the enduring legacy of the region's resource industry.
Initially designed to produce gas, the platforms have undergone changes in service to assist in gas lift for product recovery, reflecting their adaptive use in the field.
Owned and operated by Santos, these assets are linked to a network of pipelines that have sustained significant service changes over the operational life of the asset.
Precision Contracting's involvement with one of Santos’ platforms came at a critical juncture. The requirement for maintenance was not just a routine checkup; it was about ensuring continued, safe operations in an environment where precision is not a luxury, but a necessity. This phase of preparation was critical, requiring Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to meticulously dissect the project's scope. This included a detailed inventory of materials, tooling, and method statements, all within the framework of a rigorous safety protocol.
Safety, as always, was at the forefront, with simulations for emergency rescue forming a critical aspect of the project's preparatory work.
With thorough planning and preparation, the team from Precision Contracting, equipped with the necessary rope access, emergency response training and certifications, embarked on the maintenance task at hand.
The project encompassed complex rigging and lifting, within the confines of the platforms Caisson, and demolition of outdated corroded structural conductor guides. Despite the challenging conditions, the team executed their tasks with attention to detail and adherence to stringent safety standards.
Through a combination of technical skill and practical knowledge, Precision Contracting met the project's demands while maintaining their commitment to safety, excellence, and customer satisfaction.
The successful completion of the maintenance works on the Santos Gas Asset not only supported its continued operation but also reinforced the reputation of Precision Contracting as a reliable service provider in the industry.
This case study illustrates the practical application of Precision Contracting's values and the tangible outcomes of their work ethic, serving as a model for industry practices.
While Precision Contracting's expertise facilitated the seamless removal of conductor guides, this task was critical as it enabled the integrity team to access areas previously restricted. The removal was essential because safety regulations did not permit abseiling below the conductor guides, underscoring the importance of adapting to project-specific safety requirements.
Post-Contract Progress
Following the successful removal of the conductor guides, Precision Contracting's role expanded to ensure ongoing safety for the integrity team. The company was called back to the platform, leveraging their familiarity with the complex environment and multidisciplinary skills to support the integrity team.
This support included providing specialized long-line breathing apparatus and emergency response equipment, underlining their comprehensive expertise in project continuity and safety management.
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Simon Gordon, Execution Lead, Santos
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This wasn’t a straightforward job to plan, but we could see that both teams were really professional in the planning and safe execution, and everyone wanting the best outcome for the job. Really appreciate it.
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Thomas Barker, Integrity Inspector, Santos
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A show of appreciation to the team from Precision from the swift set up in a small window, professional approach and for keeping us safe out there throughout the scope.
