Wireline Issue 42 - Summer 2018

Image courtesy of Montrose Port Authority

Buchan Alpha involves about 30 people. Local companies are well equipped to support projects of that scale,

so it fits our model and supports good quality jobs

Game-changers The Dales Voe investment has

further boosted Lerwick’s ability to accommodate both decommissioning and field development work, and supported its efforts to attract new custom. Most notably, Dales Voe is hosting the decommissioning of the Buchan Alpha floating production unit. The dismantling and recycling programme for the 12,000-tonne steel structure is the biggest project of its kind to be undertaken at Lerwick – although Greenhead has decommissioned around 70,000 tonnes of material in total over the past ten years. “The quayside strength capability and extra space are game-changers for us,” adds Calum. “It would have been possible to host the Buchan Alpha project previously, but it would have been less efficient and more challenging to execute. It has been successful so far and we’re optimistic about future decom work.” That optimism is reflected in the port authority’s enthusiasm for creating the UK’s first ultra deepwater facility, able to host the largest semi-submersible crane vessels. The facility would allow a simpler and more efficient straight to quayside process rather than the conventional, barge-based transfer system for larger sections. “We are the only location on the east coast of the UK with the water depth to host such a facility,” notes Sandra.

Alpha involves about 30 people. Local companies are well equipped to support projects of that scale, so it fits our model and supports good

“We’ve been looking at the prospect for several years, but market conditions haven’t been right for the decisive investment needed. As the decom sector continues to mature, and with a growing political recognition that this gap in the UK market can be capitalised on, we’re keen to move it on.” Oil and gas accounts for about 25 per cent of the port’s income and its status as a mature industry hub extends into its supply chain. “We’ve been involved in oil and gas for 50 years and in decom for 20 years,” says Sandra. “Lots of local companies are well used to working with the sector, so they have all the accreditations and skills the industry is looking for. They come as standard here.” Calum believes decom suits the local labour market and supply chain capabilities. “It’s not labour intensive – you don’t need hundreds of people to deconstruct a platform. Buchan

quality jobs.” “

We’ve worked hard in recent years to develop a good reputation with stakeholders such as vessel owners and shipping agents…and we need to ensure we continue to do good work to protect and enhance that reputation

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| W I R E L I N E | SUMMER 2018