The largest single UK decom job to date goes to Pioneering Spirit

Offshore contractor Allseas has been awarded a major decommissioning contract by TAQA UK for the removal and disposal of multiple Northern North Sea (NNS) facilities.

Aberdeen-based TAQA manages the UK North Sea exploration and production portfolio for UAE-headquartered utilities and energy group Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA).

The engineering, preparation, removal, and disposal (EPRD) contract comprises TAQA’s Eider Alpha, Tern Alpha, North Cormorant, and Cormorant Alpha platforms, Allseas announced on Thursday.

Allseas’ task is to remove four platform topsides, three steel supporting jackets, and transport to a suitable onshore yard facility for dismantling, with the aim of reusing or recycling 95 per cent or more of the materials.

The platforms are located close to each other, approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Shetland, in water depths ranging from 150 to 167 metres. All structures will be lifted and removed to shore as single units using Allseas’ heavy lift vessel Pioneering Spirit. Platform removals are planned post-2025.

According to Allseas’ statement, the combined weight of the topsides and jackets to be removed is around 114,000 tonnes, making this the largest single offshore UK Continental Shelf decommissioning contract scope to date.