The Montrose Area Redevelopment (MAR) in the UK North Sea has reached a major milestone with the successful installation of the new Montrose Bridge Linked Platform.
The 10,500 tonnes topside was placed on the jacket by the SSCV Thialf crane vessel.
It marks the next phase of the project which will unlock an additional 100million barrels of oil equivalent reserves and extend the life of the Montrose Area to beyond 2030.
Repsol Sinopec said the step was followed by installation of the bridge linking it to the Montrose Alpha platform and of the flare boom.
Work will now begin on the commissioning of the plant and integration of the wells, with first production from the Shaw field expected during the first quarter of 2017.
Bill Dunnett, managing director of Repsol Sinopec Resources UK (formerly Talisman Sinopec Energy UK) said: “We’re very pleased to be able to report a safe and efficient installation of the new bridge-linked platform.
“This is a major step forward for this project and a tangible demonstration of the long term commitment of our shareholders – Repsol and Sinopec – and partner, Marubeni, to the UKCS. This is a completely new facility in our core infrastructure and will be a game-changer for this business. MAR adds significant production and maximises economic recovery from these historic assets.”