HJV Fender Remediation Campaign

The project involved the removal and replacement of ladders and fenders on ageing offshore assets where degraded access systems had become unsafe. Without remediation, further preparatory works required for decommissioning could not proceed.

Working in a highly constrained offshore environment, WPF was responsible for the full scope of delivery, including:

• Engineering and design of new ladder and fender systems
• Global procurement, fabrication, testing and surface treatment
• Removal of redundant assets and installation of new systems
• Execution in a high-risk, crane-free offshore environment

The campaign was defined by complexity rather than scale. The offshore platforms presented several constraints, including:

• No crane availability on platforms or supply vessels
• Limited power supply and restricted access
• Operations conducted close to the waterline
• Exposure to tides, weather and offshore lifting risks

Traditional lifting and access methodologies were not feasible, requiring a fundamentally different approach to ensure safe execution.
Engineering-led solution

WPF worked closely with Santos to develop bespoke methodologies suited to the environment. The solution centered on rope access techniques and under-deck winching systems, supported by rigorous engineering design and risk assessment.

Component weights were carefully controlled to enable safe lifting with low-complexity equipment, reducing mechanical risk and personnel exposure. Installation activities were also planned around tidal windows, allowing safe access to components without the need for diving operations.

Delivery

Execution was carried out by specialist rope access crews offshore, supported by engineering and fabrication teams based in Western Australia.

WPF’s Naval Base facility operated around the clock to meet compressed fabrication schedules, with advanced equipment including a Spool Welding Robot used to ensure weld quality and efficiency.

Close coordination between onshore and offshore teams ensured the works were delivered safely, with all activities carefully sequenced to manage access constraints, lifting risks and environmental conditions.

Outcome

The campaign was completed safely and successfully, restoring access to the platforms and enabling Santos to progress with decommissioning activities.
The project demonstrated WPF’s ability to:

• Develop practical, engineered solutions in constrained environments
• Execute complex offshore works without conventional lifting infrastructure
• Deliver safely in high-risk conditions

Capability and future outlook

The HJV Fender Remediation Campaign reinforces WPF’s capability in offshore remediation and positions the business strongly within Western Australia’s growing decommissioning market. Following the success of the 2025 campaign, WPF has been engaged to complete further ladder and fender replacement works across additional offshore platforms in 2026.