With a combined weight of 7,000 tons, several topsides and jackets for the North Sea offshore oil and gas platforms were delivered to the Port of Blyth for decommissioning. It is the port’s largest oil and gas decommissioning project to date. The units were delivered during August to the Battleship Wharf terminal. 

Working together with Thompsons of Prudhoe (the Principal Contractor and Principal Designer for the project) the port removed the assets from two barges and transferred them to the Decommissioning Facility using SPMTs, where they were then set down onto purpose-built stools ready for demolition.

This project involved several key contractors from the port’s mature supply chain including Mammoet, who assisted with the SPMT operations and Harlyn Solutions who supported with design and engineering works during the load out.

Ready for inspection

Following the safe delivery of the assets, Thompsons of Prudhoe will progress with the structural inspection, surveys and make-safe, ahead of demolition. The methods of demolition will be by mechanical means and lifting operation. All waste will be sorted and segregated as works progress, allowing for a high percentage of recycling over the coming weeks and months.

“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,” said Tom Koerner, Operations Director of Thompsons of Prudhoe.

Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive at Port of Blyth, said, “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.”

Ideally located midway between Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth, Port of Blyth is a leading UK offshore energy support base and is well-placed to support major decommissioning projects in the North Sea and beyond.