EnQuest is to partner with with two specialist companies in its ongoing efforts to extend the life of its Thistle North Sea platform.
Wood Group subsidiary Pyeroy and composite repair specialists Walker Technical are to refurbish all four of the Thistle platform’s stair towers with a new coating which while protect the structures for the next 20 years.
The coating, which uses carbon fibre composite and epoxy resin, does not require hot welding work or add weight to the platform after being affixed to protect the structures from corrosion.
The deal, announced at Offshore Europe this afternoon, marks the first time the system has been used on a large scale North Sea project.
“The partnership, which is believed to be the first composite repair and maintenance team of its kind for upstream oil and gas in the North Sea, is a great example of two smaller, specialist, UK companies working together to maximise business development opportunities in the UK and overseas,” said EnQuest managing director David Heslop.
“In fact, as a result of EnQuest’s project and other companies now looking at late life extension opportunities, Walker is currently recruiting to support growth both in the UK and internationally.”
The Thistle installation, around 125 miles north-east of Shetland, was given a £169million boost earlier this year to significantly extend its life.
