The client engaged Jee to investigate recent inspection findings and trends, and review potential threats using the updated risk matrix for decommissioned assets, following the approach agreed as part of the RBI update. Jee was also asked to recommend appropriate mitigation actions and highlight areas requiring further review to ensure a consistent approach to risk management across all decommissioned pipelines.
As part of Jee's integrity management services, risk-based inspection (RBI) provides a structured approach to understanding pipeline condition and identifying potential threats. It enables operators to focus inspection resources on areas presenting the greatest likelihood and consequence of failure. By prioritising inspection activities according to risk, operators can reduce unnecessary offshore work, improve safety and make more informed, cost-effective integrity management decisions.
For this assessment, Jee reviewed findings from the recent geophysical survey to identify trends in seabed and environmental conditions, evaluate associated risk levels and recommend appropriate inspection intervals. The review considered the condition of the decommissioned pipelines alongside wider regional seabed dynamics, including sediment mobility and the potential for pipeline exposure or free span development. Any evidence of progressive seabed changes that could influence future integrity risks was also assessed.
The RBI assessment resulted in a recommendation to inspect the pipelines at 10-year intervals using multibeam echosounder (MBES) survey techniques. This interval was considered appropriate given the relatively low risk profile of the pipelines, the absence of significant seabed deterioration in the survey findings and the reduced operational threats associated with their recent decommissioning.
This proportionate inspection strategy provides ongoing assurance of pipeline integrity while avoiding unnecessary inspection costs and offshore activities. It ensures that future monitoring remains aligned with the actual level of risk posed by the assets over the long term.
For more information, visit www.jee.co.uk/integrity-management
To contact Jee’s Technical Authority, Graham Wilson, email Graham.Wilson@jee.co.uk.