Industry Challenges as Basis for Repurposing Oil Rigs and Barges

Abstract

This chapter discusses the environmental threat of the oil and gas industry at all stages of exploration, operation and decommissioning, to marine ecosystems. The scale of the technical complexities and financial implications are challenges to both environmentalists and industry seeking to protect the environment. The reuse of the abandoned structures to minimize disruption to marine ecologies is one alternative. However the periodic occurrence of unused good condition rigs due to oil price fluctuations and time lags in construction is costly to owners. Thus they may explore viable solutions through repurposing. This study focuses on the repurposing of jack-ups and semi-submersibles as they have tall structures and/or a wide range of deck areas to explore additional built-up areas. The implications of adding more useable floor area and increasing structural load pose challenges to capsizing. Design strategies depending on the type of rig are discussed to overcome instability and to give an idea on cost implications.