ODE takes on the role of Thames pipeline operator

Offshore Design Engineering (ODE), an oil and gas engineering consultancy, has been awarded a contract to act as the Thames pipeline operator in the Southern North Sea on behalf of Independent Oil and Gas (IOG).

As reported earlier on Tuesday, IOG closed the acquisition of the Thames pipeline which started over a year ago.

Namely, IOG signed a sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of the pipeline from Perenco, Tullow Oil, and Spirit Energy back in early April 2017.

According to IOG, the recommissioning of the pipeline is an essential part of the development of the Blythe and Vulcan Satellite hubs, allowing gas export to the Bacton Terminal.

It is worth reminding that, in October 2017, IOG signed a letter of intent with ODE to perform several contractor roles for its Blythe Hub and Vulcan Satellites Hub developments, starting with technical and operational support ahead of final investment decision.

At the time, it was announced that ODE would be responsible for the operational management of all IOG’s assets including the Thames pipeline and a network of in-field pipelines, with IOG continuing to be 100 percent license owner and operator for all assets in the project.

ODE said on Tuesday that the award of the contract to act as the pipeline operator allows for key inspection and engineering work on the pipeline to go ahead to ensure the development’s export route.

The company’s regional director, Paul Chilvers, said: “ODE taking on the role of pipeline operator is the first stage in the recommissioning of the Thames pipeline and allows for the inspection and intelligent pigging of the pipeline to go ahead and for any modifications to be made giving certainty to the development’s export route.”

Andrew Hockey, IOG’s chief executive, added: “Recommissioning of the Thames pipeline […] is reflective of our innovative approach allowing us to control the pace of development and we believe the first of its kind off the UK. ODE is a trusted partner in IOG’s development plans and confirmation of ODE as Pipeline Operator is a major step forward in delivering our gas hub strategy.”

ODE added that the company would also be the operations and maintenance contractor upon first gas, hosting IOG’s onshore operational base at its facilities in Great Yarmouth, close to the Bacton terminal.