YP Life Offshore

Mircea Calarasu, a member of the Young Professionals Committee, offers his insights into his recent offshore trip in the North Sea during a scale squeeze operation.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of going offshore for a scale squeeze campaign on one of Anasuria Operating Company’s subsea wells in the North Sea — an experience that proved both technically enriching and personally fulfilling.

For those unfamiliar, a scale squeeze is a preventative chemical treatment used in oil and gas wells to combat scale formation. Scale, typically composed of calcium carbonate or barium sulphate, builds up in production tubing and equipment, restricting flow and potentially damaging infrastructure. In mature fields like those in the North Sea, where water cut is high and mineral content significant, regular scale squeezes are essential to maintaining production efficiency and well integrity.

From the moment we mobilised on the Island Valiant vessel, I gained valuable insight into the logistics and coordination involved in executing such a campaign. By closely observing the planning and operational processes, I developed a deeper understanding of the scale (no pun intended) and complexity behind offshore work. Watching the equipment being assembled and tested on deck enhanced my appreciation of how intricate and interconnected these systems are. I also had the opportunity to observe the pumping operation, which highlighted the meticulous level of planning required to eliminate even the slightest risk of contamination or misalignment.

One of the most memorable aspects of the campaign, for me personally, was observing the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations. From the control room, I watched as the pilot guided the ROV with remarkable precision to interact with the subsea infrastructure. Seeing the equipment being positioned, hoses connected, and valves operating on the seabed felt like witnessing a finely choreographed sequence unfold beneath the waves — it even reminded me of scenes from the Titanic film. The pilot’s calmness and technical skill under pressure were genuinely inspiring!

Throughout the campaign, what stood out most was the collaboration across disciplines. Day and night, engineers, technicians, marine crew, ROV operators, and chemical specialists worked seamlessly together. Safety was at the forefront of everything — from daily toolbox talks to real-time risk assessments. Despite the long shifts and a few minor challenges along the way, the team remained focused and united by a common goal: to complete the job safely, efficiently, and successfully — all of which was achieved.

Ultimately, this offshore trip on scale squeeze gave me invaluable insight into how offshore operations function in practice. It reinforced the importance of proper planning, communication, and technical understanding. It also highlighted why scale squeeze campaigns are so critical for North Sea wells — not only to sustain production but to avoid costly interventions down the line.

For anyone in the industry who has the chance to go offshore, regardless of the type of operation, I highly recommend taking it. There’s a depth of learning that only comes from seeing the work firsthand — things you simply won’t encounter behind a desk. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me throughout my career.