Petrofac, Saipem collaborate on North Sea platform decommissioning project

In a multi-million-pound agreement, Petrofac has secured a pivotal contract with Saipem to assist in the decommissioning of a substantial platform located within the UK sector of the North Sea. This partnership will witness the coordinated removal of a 20,000-tonne topside, leveraging the capacities of the Saipem 7000, regarded among the globe’s most formidable semi-submersible heavy lifting vessels.

Two-Phased Approach to Decommissioning

Petrofac has laid out a clear strategy for this project, intending to stretch over three years. Initially, preparations will commence on the platform. Following this, the actual removal endeavors will be orchestrated onboard the Saipem 7000. Petrofac’s tasks, as outlined in the contract, encompass module separation, critical lift point inspections, fitting lift points, along with the technical severing of risers and caissons.

Nick Shorten, at the helm of Petrofac’s Asset Solutions business, shared, “As our sector pursues cleaner sources of energy, decommissioning is a key enabler for the transition. Supporting Saipem and their customer, we look forward to leveraging our knowledge of North Sea operations and service provision, and 20 years of decommissioning experience to deliver a safe and predictable programme that can serve as a case study for the North Sea’s transition.”