Solution

Plug & Abandonment Planning

Plug & Abandonment Planning

Maximising Wells Abandoned Before CoP
Maximising Wells Abandoned Before CoP
Screenshot of computer simulation
Screenshot of computer simulation

Optimising rigs, pulling units, and schedules to maximise wells abandoned before CoP - with flexibility to adapt as conditions change.

Client(s)

Equinor

Sector

Oil & Gas

Challenge

Decommissioning

Decision lens

Activity Planning

Product

AIS

Geography

Europe

The challenge

The challenge

For operators, plug and abandonment (P&A) is one of the most significant and resource-intensive activities at the end of field life. In Equinor, the goal was to maximise the number of wells that could be safely P&A’d before cessation of production (CoP), while minimising disruption to ongoing production.


The scheduling challenge was multi-layered: rigs and pulling units had to be sequenced and batched efficiently across shafts, while integrating with interventions, maintenance, and project work. Seasonal weather constraints, people-on-board limits, and uncertainty in task durations added further complexity.


Beyond the technical hurdles, there was also a cultural shift: after decades of focusing on maximising production, teams needed to adapt to a CoP-driven mindset, where safe and efficient abandonment became the new priority.

For operators, plug and abandonment (P&A) is one of the most significant and resource-intensive activities at the end of field life. In Equinor, the goal was to maximise the number of wells that could be safely P&A’d before cessation of production (CoP), while minimising disruption to ongoing production.


The scheduling challenge was multi-layered: rigs and pulling units had to be sequenced and batched efficiently across shafts, while integrating with interventions, maintenance, and project work. Seasonal weather constraints, people-on-board limits, and uncertainty in task durations added further complexity.


Beyond the technical hurdles, there was also a cultural shift: after decades of focusing on maximising production, teams needed to adapt to a CoP-driven mindset, where safe and efficient abandonment became the new priority.

Solution

We developed an AI-assisted scheduling tool to optimise P&A planning across the asset.

The tool systematically generates efficient sequences and batches for rig and pulling unit activities, reducing downtime and maximising throughput. It integrates with other operational activities, ensuring that interventions and maintenance work are factored into the schedule.


Advanced features include:


  • Uncertainty handling – modelling variability in P&A durations to capture a range of outcomes.

  • Scenario modelling – enabling stakeholders to test alternatives when new project or maintenance activities arise.

  • People-on-board management – visualising and constraining PoB to ensure safe staffing.

  • Dynamic rescheduling – updating the plan quickly as inputs or conditions change.


This approach gives Equinor the ability to plan P&A with both rigour and flexibility — while embedding the shift toward a decommissioning mindset.

Results

More wells abandoned before CoP

maximising the value of rig and pulling unit time.

Reduced production impact

balanced schedules that safeguard ongoing cashflow.

Stronger alignment

scenario modelling provides a transparent basis for stakeholder discussions.

Results

More wells abandoned before CoP

maximising the value of rig and pulling unit time.

Reduced production impact

balanced schedules that safeguard ongoing cashflow.

Stronger alignment

scenario modelling provides a transparent basis for stakeholder discussions.

Results

More wells abandoned before CoP

maximising the value of rig and pulling unit time.

Reduced production impact

balanced schedules that safeguard ongoing cashflow.

Stronger alignment

scenario modelling provides a transparent basis for stakeholder discussions.

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Want to learn more about this solution? Get in touch and ask for a demo.

Contact us

Want to learn more about this solution? Get in touch and ask for a demo.

Contact us

Want to learn more about this solution? Get in touch and ask for a demo.

Contact us

Want to learn more about this solution? Get in touch and ask for a demo.

Contact us