Worley to conduct EPC services on CNOOC’s UK North Sea assets

Australian engineering company Worley has been awarded a two-year contract extension to provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to CNOOC Petroleum Europe’s three operated assets in the North Sea.

Worley said on Wednesday that the contract would involve over 200 personnel, including the onshore and offshore teams, that provide EPC services for the Golden Eagle, Scott, and Buzzard platforms from FEED through to commissioning.

The company added that it completed construction of the greenfield module for the Buzzard Phase II development in early 2020. Weighing 474-tonnes, it will be installed on the southwest corner of the Buzzard ‘P’ platform.

The module was designed and engineered by Worley’s project office in Aberdeen and subsequently constructed by Rosenberg Worley at its fabrication facility in Stavanger, Norway.

Worley stated that the dynamic commissioning of the completed module is ongoing. It is expected to be installed in the Buzzard field in summer 2021.

On the announcement of the contract extension, Daniel McAteer, vice president of Energy Aberdeen at Worley, said: “This extension builds on our sustained relationship with CNOOC Europe. It demonstrates confidence in Worley’s ability to provide EPC services for the company’s key assets.

“More broadly, I’m excited to see our teams working together to deliver for CNOOC Europe in a challenging environment with positive safety performance.

“From the design and construction of the Buzzard Phase II module amid COVID-19 restrictions to preparations for offshore hook up and commissioning next year, it’s a testament to the capability of our people”.

The Buzzard field is located about 100 kilometres northeast of Aberdeen. The second phase of the Buzzard development comprises a 12-slot production and water injection subsea manifold that will be tied back to the existing Buzzard complex.

As for the Golden Eagle platform, it produced first oil in October 2014 while the Scott platform came on stream in 1993. It produces crude oil and natural gas from the Scott, Telford, and Rochelle fields.

In related news, Prosafe last month signed a contract with CNOOC Petroleum Europe for the charter of the Safe Boreas to provide gangway connected operations supporting the Buzzard platform complex in the UK sector of the North Sea.