Support services firm Bilfinger Salamis UK has announced the award of a North Sea decommissioning contract from Seaway Heavy Lifting.
According to Bilfinger Salamis, the deal will see the firm provide topside removal preparatory services on Spirit Energy’s ST1, Audrey A and Audrey B platforms.
Seaway Heavy Lifting, a Subsea 7 company, said Bilfinger teams will work alongside the firm to deliver rope access personnel who will undertake cutting, welding, integrity inspection as well as specialist lifting and rigging work, in anticipation of the heavylift for topsides removal.
The contract with Bilfinger will look to “ensure safe dismantling” of the three North Sea assets, the firm said.
Bilfinger Salamis UK Managing Director Sandy Bonner commented: “We are delighted to have secured these important decommissioning contracts, as they further evidence the diverse application of our personnel’s skills throughout the lifecycle of an asset.
“As the largest employer of offshore rope access qualified manpower, we are best placed to provide decommissioning services as well as a wide variety of skilled tradespeople where specialist access is needed.”
Last year, ConocoPhillips and Centrica submitted plans for decommissioning a raft of southern North Sea platforms to the UK Government, including the two Audrey assets.
The plan for Audrey covered two platforms – Audrey A and B − and a well protection structure.
The field, 95 miles east of Humberside, achieved first oil in 1988.
The two platforms are normally unattended.