Overcoming the Challenges and Complexities of Maintaining the Integrity of Subsea Infrastructure in Cook Inlet, Alaska

Abstract

Legal Notice: Any use of trade, product, methods, terminology (lingo, etc.) or firm names are for descriptive purposes only and do not imply endorsement by that company, Hilcorp Alaska, LLC, or any of its affiliates or parent company. The objectives of this paper are to highlight the following: The complexities of managing and maintaining a fleet of aging offshore infrastructure in Cook Inlet, Alaska, using conventional and unconventional methods. The continued search for innovative solutions and refining current processes to extend the life of these facilities. Once the facilities have reached the end of their producing life, retrofit for other potential useful opportunities such as capitalizing on the renewable resource possibilities Cook Inlet possesses. Cook Inlet, Alaska is the state's main industrial water way and home to 15 offshore production platforms owned and operated by Hilcorp Alaska. Operating in the Cook Inlet is extremely complex and difficult because of its unique environment. Many of those 15 platforms were installed in the 1960's and originally thought to have short life expectancy. Over 60 years later, due to regular inspections and repairs guided by API 2 SIM, most of the facilities are still producing. Many typical forms of inspections and repairs cannot be conducted in Cook Inlet. Operators, inspectors, contractors, and divers must get creative to overcome many hurdles to achieve the tasks necessary for operation and structural integrity. When platforms go through the P&A process, the threat of environmental hydrocarbon pollution is removed. Hilcorp is currently looking into renewable resource opportunities for these structures to further achieve its goal of extending the useful opportunities of these facilities, given their robust infrastructure. This paper details the continuing challenges and constant search for new technologies. The hope is to educate the industry on the specific resources and technology that is needed in Cook Inlet and sharing the unconventional methods that have been developed over the years. This paper does not discuss downhole operations.