Another project awarded and support for ultra deep-water facility.

Commenting on the announcements today (10 August) that the onshore decommissioning of another North Sea production platform is to be undertaken at Lerwick and that a study has identified the port’s Dales Voe as the location for the UK’s ultra deep-water decommissioning centre, Sandra Laurenson, Chief Executive of Lerwick Port Authority, said:

“Identification of Dales Voe in a nation-wide feasibility study as the optimal location for the UK’s ultra deep-water decommissioning facility is a welcome endorsement of our belief that this is an excellent future opportunity for Shetland.

“Such a development would benefit the country, greatly strengthening capabilities in a highly-competitive, international market. We look forward to working with the UK and Scottish Governments, including Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and industry and others on the next steps necessary for such a significant investment to be realised.

The findings of the Scottish Government-commissioned independent study were announced by Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, when visiting Dales Voe as part of a two-day (10-11 August) “Shetland Vision” familiarisation visit organised by the Oil & Gas Authority. Visiting delegates, including representatives of around 16 oil operators, were able to view the former Buchan Alpha floating production unit being decommissioned.

Ms Laurenson said: “I welcome OGA and HIE’s initiative to host this Vision event in Shetland and it is encouraging that such an excellent audience has taken time to visit. I hope they gain new awareness of what Shetland offers and have seen at first-hand how our port is adaptable in meeting the sector’s changing requirements – including being decommissioning-ready. It is vital we all work now to maintain the momentum being generated.”

Congratulating the Veolia-Peterson joint venture on being awarded the dismantlement and disposal of another North Sea oil platform, this time by Allseas, Ms Laurenson said: “The partnership’s latest success underlines their position and that of Lerwick at the forefront of decommissioning offshore structures and will add to the shared track-record and considerable experience gained by the partnership and port over more than a decade.”

“The contract will mean continuity of employment and will see Pioneering Spirit, the world's largest construction vessel, designed for single-lift installation and removal of large oil and gas platforms, visit Lerwick.”

The Port Authority’s £11.95 million investment in extending the Dales Voe quay in 2016 was specifically designed to attract single-lift projects.

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