RLWI has numerous advantages compared to riser-based intervention. In the past only wireline and slickline services could be delivered riserlessly. If the well required the use of Coiled Tubing it was almost automatic to switch to riser-based intervention, leading to a step-change increase of complexity, operating time, cost and environmental impact. RLCT is now commercially available and closes the biggest gap of riserless intervention. It represents a significant step forward for intervention in subsea wells, for production enhancement, well integrity or P&A. This presentation will describe the first RLCT operation performed in a live subsea well.
Operations were successfully completed in September 2024 from the RLWI vessel Island Constructor, equipped with a fully integrated riserless intervention system. A coiled tubing dual-injector + subsea stripper system has been designed, built, qualified and tested. The intervention program aimed at putting a suspended well back in production and included fishing, milling of a suspension plug, scale clean-out, perforating, nitrogen lift and straddle/safety valve installation. This is the first time RLCT has been performed in a live subsea well. It is an historic milestone in subsea intervention and represents a major step forward for cost-effective subsea intervention and full riserless plug and abandonment from a light well intervention vessel.