Fatigue loading on subsea wellhead systems from riser and rig motions has been subject to increased attention in recent years. In an effort to enhance how the offshore industry is carrying out wellhead fatigue assessments, 16 operators are now progressing with a second phase of a Joint Industry Project (JIP). The goal of the JIP is to develop a Recommended Practice (RP) to complement current codes and standards and improve methodology to assess the integrity of an important well barrier.

This second phase of the JIP will fund various studies to increase industry knowledge on key parameters affecting wellhead fatigue. In addition, the JIP will benefit from work-in-kind contributions. Current best practices for fatigue life assessments will be documented in the RP, which will be publicly released as the JIP progresses. It is envisaged that the JIP will continue with subsequent phases beyond phase 2 which will be completed first half of 2015.

Tags: DNV GL Oil & Gas