The Port of Blyth has welcomed its largest oil and gas decommissioning project to date in a partnership with fellow Northumberland firm Thompsons of Prudhoe.
The project – which saw the port handle platform parts with a combined weight of around 7,000 tonnes – is the latest project showing the growing opportunities from the offshore energy sector. A number of topsides and jackets for three North Sea offshore oil and gas platforms were delivered to the Port’s Battleship Wharf terminal, home to its decommissioning facility, which is operated in its partnership with Thompsons of Prudhoe.
The port said the delivery showcases its advanced handling capabilities. It removed the assets from two barges and transferred them to the decommissioning facility, where they were set on to purpose-built stools ready for demolition. The project also involved several key contractors from the supply chain, including Mammoet and Harlyn Solutions.
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Thompsons of Prudhoe will now carry out the structural inspection, surveys and make-safe phases, ahead of demolition. All waste will be sorted and segregated as the works progress, allowing for a high percentage of recycling over the coming weeks and months.
Tom Koerner, operations director of Thompsons of Prudhoe, said: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to decommission these assets on behalf of our client. This project gives us a strong platform to demonstrate and promote our capabilities to the offshore industry for all future onshore dismantling and waste disposal requirements.”
Martin Lawlor, chief executive at Port of Blyth, added: “By combining the Port’s offshore energy cargo-related handling capabilities with Thompsons of Prudhoe’s decommissioning and demolition expertise, customers are able to rely on first-class service based on quality, safety, and performance.
“We have now established a great track record of successful high-profile decommissioning projects and are looking forward to supporting further decommissioning projects across the offshore energy sector.”
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The project and the decommissioning sector will be highlighted at Decom Live, an event taking place next month at the port which offers businesses the chance to meet suppliers and see equipment and technology. It will also feature a closer look at the Port’s decommissioning site as well as outdoor and indoor exhibitors.
A recent report suggested that decommissioning could provide the North Sea oil and gas sector with a “massive £21bn opportunity” over the next “pivotal” decade. The North Sea Transition Authority said work on the 海角视频 Continental Shelf had helped “establish a solid foundation of decommissioning expertise” and significant amounts of work would be carried out in the next decade.