Rental equipment for offshore oil and gas decommissioning
Offshore oil and gas platforms don’t last forever. As more facilities reach the end of their design life or economic viability, operators face the challenge of dismantling them safely and responsibly. Decommissioning is a complex but necessary step, whether it’s the full or partial removal of structures, recycling materials, transforming platforms into green energy hubs, or even repurposing them as artificial reefs.
Industry forecasts show a sharp rise in offshore decommissioning projects in the coming decade: on the UK Continental Shelf alone, more than 2,000 wells are expected to be abandoned by 2034, with up to 20 topside facilities decommissioned annually. For operators, this means growing demand for temporary air, power, and nitrogen to keep projects running safely and in compliance with tightening regulations.
With a proven track record worldwide, Atlas Copco Specialty Rental provides certified, offshore-ready equipment and expert support for every phase of your decommissioning project:
Driving pig trains for pipeline cleaning and flushing
Effective cleaning and flushing of pipelines are critical steps in the decommissioning process. Pigging involves propelling devices known as "pigs" through pipelines to remove deposits, debris, and ensure the line is free from contaminants. Our high-pressure air compressors and boosters (up to 345 bar(g)) provide the necessary force to drive pig trains through pipelines of varying lengths and diameters, ensuring thorough cleaning and preparation for subsequent phases.
Nitrogen purging during well-plugging
When wells are plugged, safety comes first. Our nitrogen generation systems provide high-purity nitrogen on site (95–99%), displacing oxygen and combustible gases to ensure an inert, safe environment. Containerized solutions integrate seamlessly with compressors for hassle-free offshore deployment, eliminating the need for bulk nitrogen supply.
Preparing installations for topside removal
Before dismantling topsides, systems must be depressurized, purged, and dried to meet environmental and safety standards. Our Class Zero oil-free compressors, dryers, and air treatment equipment ensure that topside installations are fully prepared for removal, reducing hazards and meeting strict compliance requirements.
Offshore power to decommission substations
Once existing power systems are offline, decommissioning operations require a reliable and scalable energy source. Our compact, offshore-ready diesel generators (up to 1450 kVA) and marine-certified accessories provide flexible power for substations and utilities. To further cut fuel consumption and emissions, we integrate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), enabling hybrid power setups that smooth loads, reduce runtime, and even allow for silent operation when needed.
