A Comparative Assessment of Cutting Techniques for Offshore Energy Structures

This study presents an overall assessment of the current five most conventional cutting technologies in the offshore industry from the economic, production, safety, and environmental impact viewpoints. The applicability, advantages, and disadvantages of each cutting technique for cutting operations of jacket structures are summarised. The cutting times required by different techniques are investigated for decommissioning of jacket structures with different diameters and wall thicknesses. The study provides overall suggestions on the suitability of techniques for cutting offshore foundation structures.