The recent lower for longer environment within the Oil and Gas industry has resulted in a wide range of challenges for operators. One of the responses has been to increase the pace of divestment of mature assets from large operators to independents. The objective of this work is to distill the lessons learned through the implementation of well integrity management systems across the globe. The work focuses on those aspects of the process that are of particular relevance to mature divested assets. The methodology used is to focus on the drivers and specific challenges new operators face and then distil the key points into a simple implementation process.

A four step implementation process has been developed: Data and System Audit, Well Integrity Management Manual, Central Well Integrity Management Software Solution and Engineering Support services. Within each step the challenges are addressed within the narrative of the various steps and the lessons learned through implementation experience are outlined. The requirements of the applicable standards were extracted and found to include the management of: Operating Limits, Performance Standards, Barriers, Annulus Pressure Management, Well Monitoring and Surveillance, Well Maintenance, Management of Change, Risk Assessment Process, Well Handover and Well Integrity Reporting.

The paper aims to provide practical guidance which can be used to assist those who may face similar challenges in the future.

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