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Largest North Sea vessel-based decommissioning campaign completed
A Norwegian offshore support vessel has completed the largest ship-based North Sea decommissioning programme in the UK at a time when interest in clearing up the energy sector is accelerating
More than 20 wells were plugged and abandoned (P&A) for North Sea energy companies during 2024 by Island Valiant in a multi-month, multi-field campaign.
Mermaid Subsea Services (UK) hired this 2007-built Island Offshore vessel for the project, which decommissioned 21 wells spread across the northern and central sectors of the North Sea.
The Aberdeen, Scotland-headquartered operator undertook engineering for this multi-well project in 2023 in its largest contract to date.
"We understand this to be the largest vessel-based decommissioning campaign in the region ever," said Mermaid Subsea Services regional director Scott Cormack.
It is expecting to win more of these contracts as the UK’s industry regulator, the North Sea Transition Authority, has identified nearly 1,500 wells on the UK Continental Shelf that will be ready for decommissioning between 2026 and 2030.
“This has been a landmark project, not just for Mermaid but also for the wider North Sea decommissioning sector," said Mr Cormack. "There is space in the market for a new player delivering innovative solutions."
Island Valiant is a UT 787 LCD design multipurpose support vessel upgraded to undertake well P&A, with accommodation for 60 workers, a 7-m2 moonpool, 200-tonne A frame, a 15-tonne active heave-compensated crane and a work-class remotely operated vehicle.
According to Island Offshore, this 93-m vessel carries out and supports deepwater anchor handling; integrated work ROV support; heavy duty mooring and subsea installation work; prelaying of chain and synthetic rope in deep water; trenching work; light subsea construction work; well P&A; surveying; inspection, maintenance and repair; and supply duties.
Mermaid entered the UK P&A market in 2020 and has since also completed a three-year North Sea decommissioning contract for Shell UK.
The first phase of that campaign for Shell involved removing well heads and protection covers, which were then brought ashore for recycling and disposal. The next stage of this project is scheduled to begin in 2025.
“Well P&A is the single biggest cost, most time demanding, and incredibly technically challenging element of any campaign," said Mr Cormack.
"Efficient and effective operations can have a big impact on the North Sea’s overall decommissioning cost. Vessel-based P&A offers clients agility and flexibility, ensuring projects can be delivered on time and on budget.”
Riviera’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Middle East will return to Dubai, UAE, 11-12 December 2024, bringing together the industry’s leading vessel owners, oil and gas companies, EPC contractors, technology and service providers to discuss opportunities, challenges and strategies to succeed in a booming offshore market.
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