Decom News 16

Issue 16 | May 2014

DECOM NEWS In this issue • DNS Chief Executive Wins OAA • New Chief Executive Announced • New Joint Industry Projects • Norwegian Neighbours • The Challenge of Change in Decommissioning

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2 Decom News: Issue 16

DIRECTOR’S FOREWORD

Brian Nixon Chief Executive Decom North Sea

By the time this edition of Decom News is published I will be close to retirement, and so this Foreword is very poignant for me.

I was genuinely delighted in late 2009 when I was asked to lead the establishment and growth of the organisation, and while the last four and a half years have been challenging they have also been hugely rewarding and enjoyable.

Decom North Sea (DNS) has achieved a number of notable successes with the industry as companies gear up for the challenges of decommissioning, but of these, collaboration has been and remains one of the most important strands of DNS strategy. I am particularly proud of the organisation’s recognised ability to bring together the practitioners from the decommissioning sector - the operators, contractors, consultants and service specialists responsible for planning and executing current and near term decommissioning programmes. I think this is probably unique in the industry.

Regular consultation with our much valued member companies allows areas of common interest to be identified, resulting in opportunities for collaboration, and I am constantly encouraged by the willingness of decommissioning professionals to consider participation in joint industry projects and other forms of co-operation. Our latest consultation workshop in late March saw over 80 delegates from member companies reviewing and prioritising six new joint industry projects.

It is interesting to note that the power of collaboration is now also being recognised in other sectors of the industry.

As a membership organisation, Sarah Hillyear (DNS Operations Manager) and I have particularly valued our time with individual member companies, learning about the highly professional approaches being taken by operators and contractors in their planning and preparation, and also about the multiple technologies, techniques, equipment types, facilities and skills that are required to support safe, responsible and cost effective decommissioning projects.

Since the outset I have held the belief that our industry could in time become recognised as world class and able to capture significant business in the emerging decommissioning markets around the world. However, before then, more collaborative work is required to further improve efficiency, contain costs, stimulate innovation and ensure compliance. I am privileged to have worked with the small but truly exceptional team at DNS and thank them all for their inspired work and loyal support. I am confident that with Nigel Jenkins, my successor, the team will take Decom North Sea and its members from strength to strength in the years ahead.

Finally I would like to thank each and every one of our member companies for their continuing support and contribution to our work over the past four years, and I wish you every success in the decommissioning work that lies ahead.

Brian Nixon

In this issue pg 18 Feature Article – Met Office

pg 24

pg 20 Feature Article –Wood Group PSN

pg 22 Member Point of View –

Bond Dickinson

Design & Production

Member Point of View – Currie & Brown pg 25 Member News pg 36 Spotlight on New Members

PR & Copywriting

www.decomnorthsea.com 3

DECOM NORTH SEA

Decom North Sea Appoints New Chief Executive The DNS Board are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation as it strengthens its position as the representative body for the decommissioning industry.

Nigel Jenkins will take up the post on July 1 and replaces Brian Nixon, who is retiring after playing an instrumental role in establishing DNS as the voice of the decommissioning sector.

North Sea as the market develops. He brings wide experience of collaborative working in the Oil and Gas, Nuclear, Water, Telecoms and Manufacturing industries.

Mr Jenkins previous roles include board leadership positions with AMEC and AECOM and most recently as board director with KDC Contractors, which has a long and successful track record of working on decommissioning projects on and offshore. He also served as a director with DNS from 2011 to 2013.

“We are confident Nigel will add vital new perspectives, insight, skills and experience to Decom North Sea to the benefit of its members and other stakeholders.’’

DNS Chairman Murdo MacIver, Director Offshore Group for Peterson, said: “Nigel is a proven leader with the experience to help set the vision and strategic direction for Decom

He added “The team at Decom North Sea have made tremendous progress in bringing Decom North Sea to becoming the recognised body for the Decommissioning supply chain under Brian Nixon’s leadership and on behalf of the Board and myself I would also like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to Brian for his

Nigel Jenkins tireless work and support in achieving this over the last four years and wish him the very best for the future.’’

Mr Jenkins said: “I am excited about the future of offshore decommissioning.

The recent Wood Review highlighted the need for operators, the supply chain and regulators to work together to develop innovative decommissioning solutions, maximising the value derived from the North Sea. Decom North Sea has become the representative body for the industry and is uniquely positioned to meet this challenge. I am looking forward to leading the organisation through this fascinating period.’’

Golden Opportunities for Decommissioning Maurice Golden is the Circular Economy Programme Manager for Zero Waste Scotland and is working with DNS to develop new environmentally-friendly opportunities for the oil and gas sector.

What does Zero Waste Scotland do?

Zero Waste Scotland works to maximise the efficient use of some of Scotland’s most valuable resources – materials, energy and water – to achieve economic and environmental benefits.

Zero Waste Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to support the delivery of its Zero Waste Plan.

What is the Circular Economy?

A Circular Economy is a system where we keep materials and products in use for as long as possible in order to extract the maximum value from them. This contrasts with how we currently ‘take, make and dispose’ of products. So this is a move from a ‘one-way trip’ to a ‘circular journey’.

What’s more it’s a win for businesses and a win for the environment.

What are the benefits of a Circular Economy?

Moving to a circular economy can contribute to the Scottish Government’s overriding aim of

4 Decom News: Issue 16

sustainable economic growth. It enables growth and increased productivity and jobs, whilst at the same time having a positive environmental impact.

It also emphasizes re-use and re-manufacturing over recycling, as those options require less energy and effort, as well as attracting a higher profit margin. The biggest environmental and financial benefits are to be had from keeping ownership of products: by using or selling them again rather than disposing of them.

How can the Decommissioning Sector get involved?

A simple step would be to reuse more products rather than recycling. Designing for decommissioning to ensure a more efficient life cycle of the product would also help.

Other options would be to sell performance rather than products, as well as retaining ownership of materials or products (by leasing

Maurice Golden, Zero Waste Scotland or hiring) so that they are more easily used for longer. Many of these practices are already in place to some extent but we have an agenda to make them part of everyday business practice.

More information on all Zero Waste Scotland’s programmes can be found at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk Zero Waste Scotland are holding a joint event with Decom North Sea on the 14th of May at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, which will include a number of case studies of successful re-use projects as well as facilitated discussion around some of the work Decom North Sea and Zero Waste Scotland have been leading on to encourage greater re-use within the industry. More information and how to book your space can be found at www.decomnorthsea.com

DECOM NORTH SEA

Decom North Sea Initiatives The recently published ‘UKCS Maximising Recovery Review’ by Sir Ian Wood includes a strategy on decommissioning. Part of the objective of the strategy is ‘to ensure that decommissioning is executed in a safe, environmentally sound and cost effective manner with sufficient early planning and co-ordination..’

Decom North Sea is currently kicking off or progressing a number of initiatives which will help achieve the above objective. On 27th March a workshop was held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) where summaries of various initiatives which had previously been identified via member surveys, consultation events and innovation workshops were shared with DNS members who were then given the opportunity to prioritise, comment and register their interest in helping drive the initiatives forward.

The initiatives discussed included: Lessons Learned and Knowledge Exchange As the sector develops it is well understood that sharing learning from past projects will help to improve efficiency, reduce risk and develop best practice for future decommissioning programmes. Operators have expressed a willingness to work together on decommissioning challenges and to share ideas and knowledge. DNS believes there is an opportunity to work collaboratively with the operators and contractors to capture and share industry lessons and experience, and to promote awareness and use of this bank of knowledge.

Streamlined Template for Environmental Impact Assessments Following on from the success of the Streamlined Template for Decommissioning Programmes (now endorsed and adopted by industry and regulator), it is proposed to develop a standard template for environmental impact assessments. It is believed the Template will assist operators and regulators in the preparation and approval of these submissions, and further that consultants and contactors will also benefit from a clearer understanding of the preferred size and style of the studies that contribute to these EIAs. Decom Decision Planning Roadmap In the decision making process there is effectively no option to stop decommissioning, but rather the question is about readiness.

A traditional stage gate approach is designed largely to manage risk and ensure that time and money are not invested on a project that should

not be sanctioned. The option to terminate an investment project is always there, but this is not the case with decommissioning. Each decision point, within each WBS element, is examining the readiness to proceed with mandatory activities. By breaking this into multiple decisions, parts of the decommissioning scope can proceed, or be placed on hold, as required, to manage the overall Retire phase risks.

It is believed that identification of a separate “Retire” phase could enhance the overall project management process rather than challenge it.

Early Contractor Engagement This initiative recognises that if a suitable method can be developed to allow operators to select and engage with their preferred contractors at an earlier stage in the development of their decommissioning programmes, then more innovative and cost effective solutions are likely to be achieved.

Traditionally contractors tend to be engaged after a competitive tendering process and thus are given limited opportunity to align their objectives with those of the operator at the appropriate time, and hence will likely be too late to add value.

(or the departments within some companies).

The suggestion has been made that a concerted and sustained effort is required to redress this situation (or perception).

Next Steps Individual workshops will be held over the next few months for each of these initiatives with those that registered their interest to further scope out the project and identify resource and funding requirements. If you would like to find out more about any of the above initiatives or register your interest in being involved with a workgroup to help drive an initiative forward please contact Sarah Hillyear – shillyear@decomnorthsea.com Another initiative which DNS has recently kicked off is working with its operator members to agree a template to share information on their decommissioning activity in a streamlined fashion which will be available on the Decom North Sea website. More information about this initiative will follow in the next newsletter.

Successful initiatives which Decom North Sea has led on in the past include the streamlined decommissioning programme template and the encouragement of greater reuse.

Multi-Party Approach to Wells P&A It is intended that this initiative will initially focus on subsea wells probably in the next five year timescale. The project will be centred around a campaign approach to the plugging & abandonment of wells, offering the potential to lower costs to operators, improve the utilisation of rigs and other equipment, improve the scheduling opportunity for contractors, introduce the concept of incentivised contracting, and importantly share knowledge and best practice gained through steadier and more repetitive operations.

Raising Awareness and Profile of Decommissioning Feedback from operators and contractors alike suggests that in the overall life cycle of oil and gas assets, decommissioning is still perceived as less attractive, less rewarding and possibly of lesser value. This is thought to apply to both new start and experienced professionals, and also to some companies

www.decomnorthsea.com 5

DECOM NORTH SEA

Decom North Sea Board of Directors visit The Netherlands In 2014/15 Decom North Sea (DNS) will increase its focus in The Netherlands and Norway – researching decommissioning opportunities in these sectors and exploring opportunities for collaboration for its members.

To kick this off, Dick Lagerweij, General Manager Offshore for Boskalis Offshore and the Decom North Sea director who represents the member companies based in The Netherlands, hosted the first Decom North Sea board meeting outside of the UK in March. A number of the DNS directors travelled over to Boskalis’s office in Papendrecht for the meeting where current DNS members based in the Netherlands were invited to give an overview of their organisation before the board meeting commenced.

The following day, DNS held a seminar in Rotterdam in partnership with IRO (the

association of Dutch suppliers in the Oil & Gas industry) where over 90 delegates attended to hear from Marathon Oil on their perspective of the decommissioning sector; Aker Solutions on their recent contract win for the Murchison project; Wood Group PSN on their centre of excellence for decommissioning and Allseas on an update of the Pieter Schelte build.

The focus of the seminar was to provide an update on decommissioning activity for current members based in The Netherlands and to attract new members in the region. Planning is underway for a learning journey to Current Dutch members of DNS

Decom North Sea Directors on a tour of Rotterdam Harbour courtesy of Peterson

6 Decom News: Issue 16

Dick Lagerweij, General Manager Offshore The Netherlands later in the year where DNS members will have the opportunity to learn about decommissioning activity in the Dutch Continental Shelf and meet with some of the key companies based in the region.

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www.decomnorthsea.com 7

DECOM NORTH SEA

Decom North Sea Event Focusses on Supply Chain Opportunities Bookings are open for Decom Offshore 2014, which promises to provide in-depth networking for companies of all sizes within the industry.

Decom Offshore 2014, a one-day event in Aberdeen, will take place on May 27. The aim of the day, entitled Realising Opportunities for All, is to highlight the many and varied technologies and techniques required within the sector and to showcase some of the latest industry developments and thinking.

DNS launched Decom Offshore last year as a way to bring together professionals from all tiers of the decommissioning industry to discuss and debate how future projects can be undertaken in the safest and most environmentally and costeffective ways.

Brian Nixon, DNS chief executive, said: “The decommissioning industry is growing in prominence and will continue to do so in the coming years. The purpose of Decom Offshore is to bring together all relevant sectors of the industry to hold a wide discussion on how future decommissioning activity can be undertaken in the most efficient way and where the opportunities lie for future innovations and ideas.

“From large operators to small supply companies, there is a niche for everyone in the decommissioning sector, and we aim to advise on the challenges facing the sector as well as share news on technologies and innovations to addresses these challenges.”

In addition to networking and open dialogue, the day will feature conference sessions on preparation, strategy management and supply chain opportunities from contractors.

Graeme Lamont, Manager for Mature Assets - DNV GL, the event’s principal sponsor, said: “We feel that the way forward, particularly in the decommissioning sector, is through open communication and collaboration and are pleased to be a part of Decom Offshore 2014, which promises to make great steps in our understanding of decommissioning, both now and in the future.”

The day features a full schedule of workshops and presentations as well as exhibition space featuring technologies and innvovations which can assist with industry efficiency The evening prior to the conference, DNS will host a networking reception, which will take place at Aberdeen’s Maritime Museum.

Decom Offshore 2014 will take place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on May 27. For more information and to register for the event see www.decomnorthsea.com/ decomoffshore

Exhibitors List (as at 10/04/14) Aubin Baker Hughes Cutting Underwater Technologies Limited Cyberhawk Innovations Ltd DNV GL Fugro Subsea Services Ltd Infield Systems Limited Jumpstart Mactech Europe Ltd Met Office Nuvia NS Norm Proserv RPS Consultants Ltd Sabre Safety Limited Simon Storage Ltd Stork Technical Services Superior Wild Well Energy Services Limited Strategic Decommissioning Consultants Limited TETRA Offshore Exhibitor Space – Still available, please contact Jennifer Mann (jmann@decomnorthsea.com) to find out more about this opportunity.

Decom Offshore 2014 Sponsors Evening Reception Sponsor

Principal Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor Still available, please contact Jennifer Mann (jmann@decomnorthsea.com) to find out more about this opportunity.

8 Decom News: Issue 16

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DECOM NORTH SEA

Conference Sessions to Focus on: Session 1

Late Life: Inventory Management/ Topside Preparation.

Session 2

Strategy, Planning & Preparation for Cessation of Production (COP).

Session 3

Learning from other Sectors/ Regions.

Session 4

From a demand chain to a supply chain.

Companies available for 1-2-1s

Decom Offshore Industry 1-2-1’s: The aim of Decom 2014 is to be as interactive an event as possible with plenty of opportunity for dialogue between the operators and tier 1 contractors and the rest of the supply chain.

We will be offering a meeting card service on the day where you will have the opportunity to fill in a card with who you would like to meet and we will do our best to facilitate that introduction. 1-2-1 meetings will also be available to delegates with the following companies who will be looking for new technologies & innovations to help address their decommissioning challenges.

www.decomnorthsea.com 9

DECOM NORTH SEA

Decom North Sea Chief Exec Retires After 4 and a half years at the helm, Brian Nixon will step down from his position as Chief Executive of Decom North Sea in June this year. Having built the organisation from its formation as a government funded initiative to the successful self-funded industry forum it is today, Brian will be greatly missed by his colleagues in the executive team and the board of directors, not forgetting the 230 member organisations from across the industry.

Over the past few years Brian has encouraged a transparent knowledge share of DNS members and has spearheaded the development of practical tools to benefit the decommissioning industry. These include its 2013 report on the supply chain in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Accenture, which produced a detailed assessment of the current state of the decommissioning sector. Brian was also instrumental in DNS’s collaboration with operators, consultants and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to formulate a Standard Decommissioning Programme Template which enables plans to be ratified more quickly, allowing the smooth planning of decommissioning programmes and workloads in years to come.

Brian’s long career in the energy industry started with an apprenticeship at Babcock and Willox, followed by a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Strathclyde University. He went on to spend 15 years at Motherwell Bridge before embarking on projects with Atlantic Power and Gas, AOC International (which became part of PSN) and Wood Group.

Brian’s tenure at Wood Group included a secondment as 1st Secretary, Oil & Gas, to the British Embassy in Angola to help UK firms win work in the newly oil-rich country. This led to him being headhunted by Scottish Enterprise where he spent eight years as the Director of the Energy Team. Decom North Sea was formed following a 12-month consultation with industry leaders led by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Department of Energy & Climate Change into the main bottlenecks which were inhibiting the development of a decommissioning supply chain, a recommendation was approved to form an independent forum focussed on decommissioning.

In recognition of Brian’s contribution to the energy industry he recently received one of the oil & gas industry’s most prestigious accolades on 20th March when he was presented with a Significant Achievement Award at the Offshore Achievement Awards.

10 Decom News: Issue 16

The Offshore Achievement Awards have a 27-year history of celebrating outstanding success within the UK offshore industry in categories which include safety innovations, new technologies, collaborative working and individual achievement. Mr Nixon’s honour is a special category which recognises his long career and contributions to the energy industry. Previous winners include Malcolm Webb, chief executive of Oil & Gas UK and Alexander Kemp, professor of petroleum economics at Aberdeen University.

On being presented the honour, Brian commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled and most grateful to receive this prestigious industry award, which I credit to the entire DNS team. It couldn’t come at a more appropriate time, as I will shortly be ‘decommissioning’ myself and heading into partial retirement.

“I believe the award recognises not just my efforts, but also those of our members and the quite exceptional team that I have at DNS, and in particular Sarah Hillyear. So I was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the whole DNS team.”

DNS Chairman Murdo MacIver, DirectorOffshore Group for Peterson, said: “Brian is an inspiration to many people and his contribution to the energy industry, and in particular to the decommissioning industry during the past few years, has been of tremendous benefit to the

supply chain as a whole. His unique talent for bringing people and organisations together has been instrumental in the development of Decom North Sea and of benefit to many in creating knowledge and an understanding of the decommissioning industry. I am absolutely delighted that Brian has won this award which is very much deserved.”

Mr Nixon continued: “In my retirement I very much look forward to spending more time with my family and friends and doing a little bit of travelling.”

“” Brian is an inspiration to many people and his contribution to the energy industry, and in particular to the decommissioning industry during the past few years, has been of tremendous benefit to the supply chain as a whole.

Murdo MacIver, Director - Offshore Group, Peterson

DECOM NORTH SEA

www.decomnorthsea.com 11

DECOM NORTH SEA

Decom North Sea Value Map Leading the development of Decommissioning

VISION

> MISSION

> VALUES

Working with the network of members towards safe, environmentally responsible, efficient and cost effective decommissioning operations.

INFORM

COLLABORATE

LEARN

OBJECTIVES 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Add value to the membership through networking events and industry initiatives.

Be recognised as the industry forum for offshore decommissioning in the North Sea. Promote a common understanding of the opportunities for the supply chain in offshore decommissioning: - Where they fit in the decommissioning life cycle - Who they may contract and engage with Assist operators and contractors to effectively plan for decommissioning projects by: - Encouraging the sharing of lessons learned from past projects - Promoting new ideas/technologies/solutions in the market place - Identifying solutions to improve processes Address technology and skills challenges impacting the sector in partnership with appropriate associations

IMPROVE

In December 2013, the Decom North Sea directors had a facilitated full day workshop where they reviewed the strategy developed in 2012 and updated the organisation’s value map. This was then used as the basis for developing the organisation’s operations plan for 2014/15 and setting key performance indicators for the executive team.

If you would like to find out more about what Decom North Sea can do to assist your organisation, please contact Sarah Hillyear – shillyear@decomnorthsea.com to arrange a meeting.

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12 Decom News: Issue 16

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DECOM NORTH SEA

Norwegian Neighbours For more than 18 years Aker Solutions has executed a number of large decommissioning projects safely and cost-effectively, providing innovative solutions and demonstrating its commitment to deliver. Senior Vice President Torleif Gram has been accountable for all of these projects and has worked for the company since 1974. Mr Gram recently joined the Board of Directors at Decom North Sea, where he aims to encourage UK/ Norwegian decommissioning relations.

Since the 1970s, the North Sea oil and gas industry has steadily developed into one of the strongest and most highly regarded clusters anywhere in the world. The general market trend is to extend the economic and productive lives of mature offshore platforms through the development of marginal and remote satellite reservoirs, the introduction of new technologies, expertise with asset integrity and production optimisation.

Despite this trend, it is now recognised that a growing number of oil and gas assets have either reached, or are approaching, the end of their economic life. In accordance with current regulations, assets will have to be decommissioned and removed. This presents challenges for the owners and operators, while offering major business opportunities for engineering consultants, contractors and service specialists.

As the dedicated North Sea industry forum, Decom North Sea (DNS) is charged with sharing experience in this sector, stimulating collaboration and cooperation and seeking to secure economic benefit from a programme of activity estimated at £35billion over the next 30 years. The not-for-profit organisation now has 230 members drawn from operators, major contractors, service specialists and technology developers from more than eight different countries. The aim of the group is to bring people from all over the industry together in an open environment to discuss opportunities and, above all, to learn from one another.

North Sea waters surround a number of countries with most oil-industry activity coming from the UK and Norway. Though based in Aberdeen, Scotland, DNS fosters long-term relationships with the Norwegian decommissioning sector. As part of this strategy,

14 Decom News: Issue 16

I was delighted to join its Board of Directors in January this year. Norway is at an earlier stage of its decommissioning programme than the UK as its platforms are not as mature, its structures tend to be larger and complex techniques such as horizontal drilling are more commonplace.

I believe my appointment demonstrates a commitment to share knowledge across borders, and I hope the North Sea can be considered a unified area where individual company interests are left at the door to develop a forum of open dialogue and best practise which can benefit all.

My work with DNS is in addition to my position as Senior Vice President at Aker Solutions. Having worked for the company since 1974, I’ve overseen the majority of its decommissioning projects and truly believe that after reaping the benefits of North Sea oil for the past 30 years, operators have a responsibility to ‘clean up’ after they are finished. This ethos is very much at the heart of DNS’s work and I hope my appointment will inspire a new wave of Norwegian based companies to become DNS members. Norwegian companies have a lot to gain from an association with DNS. Not only can we learn lessons from our UK neighbours, we can foster strong business relationships with like-minded companies. DNS provides an excellent forum for networking to identify complementary services and innovations, to the benefit of its members and the overall development of the decommissioning industry.

Decommissioning is a complex series of activities, even more so in Norway where structures tend to be larger, in deeper waters and drilling techniques more complex. Commitment must be given to decommissioning operations, and plans put in place early in the life of a field – maybe 10

“” I’ve overseen the majority of its decommissioning projects and truly believe that after reaping the benefits of North Sea oil for the past 30 years, operators have a responsibility to ‘clean up’ after they are finished. This ethos is very much at the heart of DNS’s work and I hope my appointment will inspire a new wave of Norwegian based companies to become DNS members

to 15 years ahead of closure. With roughly 500 offshore oil and gas installations on the Norwegian continental shelf, there is a lot to learn from the UK’s decommissioning efforts, and DNS does a great job of facilitating an open and honest information flow.

Planning when an installation is decommissioned is an important consideration.

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate recommends that installations should not be left in place for too long after production has ceased as they rapidly deteriorate. The Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency recommends a maximum limit of five years before starting decommissioning activities, minimising the inherent worker safety risks of aging structures and the potential for environmental damage. Under the Norwegian Petroleum Act a decommissioning plan, including an impact assessment and plan for public consultations must be submitted two to five years before an installation is finally taken out of production.

As more structures in Norway reach the end of their economic lives, decommissioning is expected to generate large quantities of waste in the years ahead. Predicting the quantity is not easy as installations are often modified with modules replaced or new ones added, ballast materials fitted after installation and the build-up of marine fouling. As more decommissioning projects are undertaken, and knowledge is shared, the estimates will become more accurate. Until then, it is anticipated that quantities will rise sharply in the lead up to 2020. Norway’s deep fjords and deep-water quays appeal to neighbouring countries and there is a tendency to import additional decommissioning work to Norway which will add to expected quantities.

DECOM NORTH SEA

There are currently four operating yards in Norway; AF Miljobase Vats in Rogaland, Kvaerner Stord in Hordaland, Bergen Group in Hordaland and Lyngdal in Vest Agder.

In addition there are plans for a yard at Lutelandet on the west coast of Norway (Sogn & Fjordane County). As far as possible, it is anticipated that there will be sufficient capacity in Norway to handle the quantities of decommissioning materials for the next 10 years. After that time, more installations will be transported onshore for decommissioning and the establishment of facilities in deep water fjords, where possible adapting yards which were once used to build installations.

We are well placed in Norway to facilitate the onshore element of decommissioning operations - the real challenge is presented by the activities which lead up to this point.

The preparation to safely plug and abandon the well is a risky and cost intensive phase, and the deconstruction of the platform requires careful planning and consideration, especially as Norwegian installations tend to be heavier and larger than some of the other North Sea structures. Once dissembled, the structure can be recycled.

It is becoming increasingly more difficult to resell component machinery, as often older equipment does not configure with modern technologies, but as the majority of the structures are made from steel, this can be recycled and reused. The Frigg and Ekofisk structures had only 2% disposal – the

rest of the materials were recycled, which is testimony to what can be accomplished with careful planning and execution.

To aid such planning and execution, the fundamental aim of DNS is to share knowledge to benefit the industry. It actively aims to engage UK and Norwegian companies through a programme of learning journeys with its members.

The North Sea is a mature region, and in some respects, UK operators are pioneers of the decommissioning industry. I hope that the lessons we learn and the knowledge we gather can be of benefit to other regions as their assets mature. This year DNS looks forward to continuing its learning journey programme.

These missions to countries including Norway and the Netherlands give members a unique opportunity to visit local companies which specialise in a variety of decommissioning activities. Seeing first-hand their facilities, understanding what that company does and how your company may complement their offering builds strong relationships.

With a planned learning journey to Norway in June 2014, ongoing training courses and our annual Decom Offshore conference taking place in May, there are multiple opportunities for those with an interest in the industry to get involved.

Now is a time of growth and unprecedented opportunity in the decommissioning sector. It is a challenging industry with a great need for innovation and technology development – sharing of ideas,

joint industry projects and open dialogue among operators, contractors and supply chain specialists across companies, and indeed countries, is a fundamental part of that journey.

In addition to its activity in Scandinavia and the Netherlands, DNS will be exhibiting at OTC in Houston from 5-8 May and will host a networking breakfast on 7 May to explore various decommissioning market opportunities for North Sea providers.

For more information about DNS, or to register for the OTC networking breakfast or one of its Learning Journeys, please visit www.decomnorthsea.com

www.decomnorthsea.com 15

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The Houston market is important not just due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico but for many global projects which are both engineered and procured from Houston.

Many NOF Energy supply chain companies have a presence in Houston and we want to make sure these members and their local representatives can tap into the business development support available from NOF Energy. With this in mind we have created our new Houston Network which consists of over 50 companies who are either based in Houston or who visit on a regular basis.

The network will meet on a regular basis either informally as a small group or formally at one of the NOF Energy Networking lunches taking place in Houston.

Members of the Houston Network will be encouraged to share market knowledge, contacts and experiences of doing business locally, with NOF Energy facilitating the introductions and arranging the networking meetings and events. Plus we are on standby to provide that all important market information to help ease the way into finding new business out of Houston.

This is a member only service and no additional fee will be levied to be part of the Houston Network (with the exception of attending the networking lunches in-country where a nominal fee will be charged).

All we ask in exchange is that you are an active participant who is willing to share information, knowledge and contacts.

To be part of this network contact NOF Energy now. www.nofenergy.co.uk

Shadow Minister to Lead EEEGR’s Great Energy Debate Energy is today high on the political agenda and Shadow Energy Minister Tom Greatrex will give his take on many of the industry’s crucial issues at EEEGR’s flagship summer conference in Norwich in July.

The EEEGR2014 Conference will look at how the East of England can continue its leading role in generating energy for the UK from a wide range of resources - and the opportunities created for the regional supply chain.

Prospects for unconventional gas will feature strongly in a programme at the John Innes Conference Centre on July 3rd which feature most of the varied assets which make the region a leading all energy hub.

“I doubt that energy has ever been more in the headlines with major concerns about costs to the consumer balanced by the essential need to generate sufficient power to keep our lights on,” said Simon Gray, chief executive of EEEGR (the East of England Energy Group).

“Our region is at the heart of it all and decisions over the next year or so will be vital to all our power supplies and crucial to the future of the region’s energy sector. That’s why information delivered at our conference will be so compelling.”

Andrew Austin, CEO Of IGas, will also take the platform to talk about the unconventional gas activities of his company which has produced onshore oil and gas at UK sites for over three decades.

Duarte Figueira of DECC will also look at opportunities for the supply

16 Decom News: Issue 16

Tom Greatrex, Shadow Energy Minister

chain for shale oil and gas in the UK, while Jonathan Selwyn, managing director of Lark Energy, will highlight solar power activities.

From Dr David Williams, chief executive of Eco2, there will be updates on the progress of its Mendelsham and Snetterton straw-fired power stations, including opportunities for the region’s supply chain in construction and operation.

Basil Scarsella, CEO of UK Power Networks, will speak on network and storage issues while Olivia Hartridge, vice president of Morgan Stanley, will look at the impact of legislation on the market.

The conference is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

The previous day, July 2nd, will feature EEEGR’s prestigious Energy Innovation Awards at the Top of the Terrace, Carrow Road, Norwich, with presentations from all finalists during the afternoon followed by a gala dinner when the winners will be named. Closing date for award entries is April 15th.

More information on both events is available at www.eeegr.com

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Cost-effective subsea decommissioning solutions.

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Find out more at: www.ois-ltd.com/SWAT

www.decomnorthsea.com 17

FEATURE ARTICLE

Met Office Reveals North Sea Winter 2013/14 Average Wind and Wave Conditions Highest in Over 30 Years Wherever you live or work in the UK, you will have noticed that Winter 2013-14 was a challenging one. For those of us working offshore, marine forecasts are essential not only to operational planning, but most importantly, to ensuring the safety of personnel. With accurate assessments of the weather and sea-state, you can make informed decisions.

Although best known for its public weather service and weather warnings, the Met Office also provide forecasts and climate expertise to a range of industries, including offshore. With a Marine Centre of Excellence based in Aberdeen, it is well-placed to provide assistance through critical phases of all types of marine operations.

On 5 to 6 December, a major winter storm and associated storm surge affected Scotland and North Sea coasts. This was followed by two spells of exceptionally stormy weather - from mid-December to early January, and from late January to mid-February, during which at least 12 major winter storms battered the UK. The storms caused widespread impacts nationwide - several fatalities, power cuts affecting over 100,000 properties, damaged infrastructure, major river flooding and coastal flooding from huge waves.

Taken individually, there have been several comparable or more severe storms in recent years. However, when considered collectively, based on an analysis of maximum gust speeds, this was the stormiest period of weather the UK has experienced for at least 20 years.

With the harshest period now behind us, Met Office metocean scientists have now been able to assess just how bad this winter has been offshore. Assessments of wind speeds and significant wave heights reveal that we have seen the highest average wind and wave heights in over 30 years. In December 2013 and January 2014 we saw wave heights and wind speeds consistently above the long term average. Monthly mean (average) wave heights and wind speeds are also noticeably high, but the monthly maximums are more within the bounds of previous years.

Highest waves in any December Wave heights can have a huge impact on offshore operations. During the winter months offshore activity will be mostly operational, and this means monitoring weather conditions to ensure safety of personnel.

18 Decom News: Issue 16

Our wave model data runs from 1980 to the present day (34 years). We analysed this and compared significant wave heights and mean winds for Winter 2013/14 against all previous winters. We determine significant wave height by taking the highest third of waves measured and finding an average of this. There are no records of individual maximum waves.

Results show that in December 2013, the mean significant wave height in the West of Shetland (~5.2m), Northern North Sea (~5.0m), and Central North Sea (~3.6m), were higher than any previous December monthly mean in the data set (34 years).

Although January 2014 has not been quite as severe, the monthly mean wave heights were still significantly above the long term average (with the exception of the Southern North Sea), but it’s worth noting that there have been years in the past which have recorded similar and higher monthly average wave heights.

In the Northern North Sea, the sheer number of storms as well as the dominance of South-Easterly Seas is interesting. We would normally expect to see the worst weather coming from the North Atlantic into the North Sea. A number of North Sea assets are headed to face north west to face up to this ‘worst’ direction. The direction of the seas meant that some platforms will have had a tough time of it this winter.

December 2013 – January 2014 weather highlights Along with high averages, we have noted some high significant wave heights and wind speeds. The next page details some of the highlights, with the coloured boxes indicating the highs.

Terms explained: Highest 10 minute mean wind: wind is measured for a ten minute period (10 minutes before the hour until the hour) then an average is determined.

Highest significant wave height: the highest third of waves measured is taken, then the average of this is determined.

FEATURE ARTICLE

Highs – taken from platforms (call signs confidential) West of Shetland 62N 59N 5.0W 1.8W Highest 10 min mean wind 160° 51 knots Highest measured significant wave 10.1 metres

Date / Time 24 Jan 1900 UTC 6 Dec 0500 UTC

Northern North Sea 62N 58N 1.7W 5.0E Highest 10 min mean wind 340° 60 knots Highest measured significant wave 13.0 metres

Date / Time 5 Dec 1000 UTC 5 Dec 2200 UTC

Central North Sea 57.9N 54.1N 3.0W 8.0E Date / Time Highest 10 min mean wind 290° 58 knots 5 Dec 1100 UTC Highest measured significant wave 10.2 metres 6 Dec 0200 UTC Southern North Sea 54.9N 54.0N 2.0W 8.0E Highest 10 min mean wind 240° 54 knots Highest measured significant wave 6.2 metres

Blowing a gale?

The wind speed statistics show very similar trends to the wave heights. The December 2013 average wind speed in the West of Shetland (~26 knots), Northern North Sea (25 knots), and

Date / Time 5 Dec 1300 UTC 6 Dec 0500 UTC

central North Sea (26 knots), were higher than any previous December monthly mean in the data set. The Southern North Sea experienced higher than average wind speeds (~21 knots), but not to the same extent.

Monthly mean wind speeds in January 2014 were significantly above average (18-26 knots), but, as with the wave heights, there have been years in the past where conditions have been similar, noticeably in the early 1990, when we saw several years with equally high monthly mean and maximum wind speeds.

Impacts This tough winter has clearly shown us that the marine environment can be volatile.

With platforms running short of fuel and water, tankers unable to access ports, and the evacuation of personnel from platforms in both UK and Norwegian waters because of high seas, we have been reminded just how important planning is.

Met Office wave and wind forecasts are essential to the planning and delivery of projects, enabling you to make informed decisions to ensure cost efficiency and to protect personnel and property. Whether it’s project planning using historical data, assisting with day-today operational support, or future proofing in relation to climate change, the Met Office can help. www.metoffice.gov.uk/marine

www.decomnorthsea.com 19

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Challenge of Change in Decommissioning

Author:

Elizabeth McAlpine Decommissioning TA & Business Development, Wood Group PSN

Meaningful phrases such as “knowledge sharing”, “collaboration” and “change” - used in the context of altering the mind-set of our sector- have all been spoken of for many years now. Are we any further forward in stimulating collaboration and conversation?

At the end of a recent decommissioning training course, the participants were asked; “What can we do to improve the course and make it more beneficial to you?” One notable response from the discussions was, “We all get that the decommissioning sector of the oil industry is still in its infancy but there are so many answers to our questions that you just reply… ”We don’t know that yet”. Should we not be addressing this?

No, it’s not that the trainers do not have the knowledge or experience; it’s just the fact we have yet to drill down the solutions to the issues that surround what we do in decommissioning.

We have on-board a number of experienced decommissioning practitioners who are leading the way and for many of us who are the apprentices on a massive learning curve, some with more knowledge and experience than others, some willing to take on more responsibility than others but each and every one of us, as Operators, Contractors or Independents, bring to this industry a set of valuable skills. We all have a vested interest in sharing ideas and experiences and growing together to achieve our aim - a clearer understanding of what we are dealing with in the decommissioning sector of the oil & gas industry.

Decommissioning expenditure is expected to be £40.6 billion (2013 money) by 2040 and accounts for 3.5% (£0.9 billion) of the total UKCS expenditure for 2013. This expenditure is expected to average out at £1.3 billion per year over the remainder of the decade, peaking at £1.7 billion in 2016 (Oil & Gas UK Activity Survey 2014). This is where major concern lies as the current drive to find the correct way forward to initiate innovation and change, ultimately driving down overall costs.

The task is clear cut. What we currently achieve as a collective body must be considered as an acknowledgment of the fact that to make change requires action across the whole

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decommissioning sector. In the past there have been cases where duty-holders of assets have partners in the same field but decline to interface with each other over the common ground shared. This has to be addressed.

Has nothing really changed? Will the UKCS Maximising Recovery Review by Sir Ian Wood, act as part of the tool kit for a ‘New Regulator’?

Will it or could it now kick-start the “change reaction” needed to progress forward and develop a more integrated, collaborative sector to build a strong knowledge bank and capture experiences to drive down the expected costs in planning and planned decommissioning programmes?

There are many factors to be considered from the initial concept of Operators’ decommissioning strategies to years of planning before well abandonment, CoP and so forth are undertaken. The personnel, for instance. Having worked on oil production facilities, I am aware of the contribution these small communities have always played in the vital role of Operations and Maintenance. Efficiency in decommissioning is as important a factor as determining field life when production volumes decrease and operating costs increase. A structured retention strategy with early engagement of operation and maintenance crews is essential to any decommissioning programme in capturing the working knowledge and experience these crews have.

We have to recognise that decommissioning is becoming a core skill for any oil and gas professional. As things stand at present, the decommissioning sector is no different to any other industry sector in that the knowledge and experience of senior professionals is lost with their retirement. It is, therefore, key to have a structured approach to managing industry knowledge and ensuring that the competence built is transferred and made accessible to all who might potentially benefit from this accrued industry experience.

The fact is that we have a skill deficiency

which could be considered as a stumbling block to the future development of the decommissioning experience. Accordingly, a more diverse approach to recruitment might assist in addressing this issue. We have a fantastic opportunity at the moment to attract new talent from other professions by promoting the potential benefits a career in ‘Decommissioning’ can have. It has the excitement of gaining experience in new projects that simply hasn’t been attempted before. The innovative challenges which lie ahead and the diversity and dynamics of the decommissioning experience should be highlighted to attract talent to assist in plugging the emerging gaps.

Recruitment programmes specifically designed to attract new talent from other fields such as that marketed recently... “Re-Engineer, convert your career”… are aimed at fast-tracking skilled operations and maintenance technicians from the armed forces into the oil and gas industry. The skills obtained in other industries must be recognised as not necessarily being so dissimilar to what’s needed to manage the de-construction of an oil platform and, in particular, the crossover from the ‘Nuclear Decommissioning Industry’ and demolition are already being recognised as having potential benefits in utilising this wider talent pool.

“Doing it differently” and “looking for game changers” are further driving forces spearheaded by a few Operators in changing the overall approach to decommissioning aiming at improving efficiency and driving down costs. With CoP dates moving to the right; many Operators are now looking at an extended field life.

Decommissioning Projects need to be viewed proactively to harness the potential opportunities from a change of management style and perspective. Manage it differently with a single integrated effort improving the supply chain’s involvement. Look at lessons learned in industries such as the Nuclear Energy sector,

FEATURE ARTICLE

where one Operator adopted an EU compliant procurement process which advocates a supply chain strategy and SME procurement strategy to improve the visibility and accessibility of supply chain opportunities. Suppliers are encouraged to look further afield at local smaller independent suppliers to develop and encourage a varied and competitive marketplace.

The nuclear sector is committed heavily to large research and development projects jointly funded by both industry and government. As a sustainable market emerges, as decommissioning picks up momentum, the incentive to invest in innovative decommissioning technologies will be high.

These factors combined can only further promote synergies to improve planning and preparation activities.

One of the greatest issues I see is the potential cross-over of projects which are actively supported by many Operators, Contractors and Individuals who give their time for the greater good. A more open, integrated project group may be required where the creation of a ‘Industry Register of Live Projects’ could be managed to avoid overworking the same ideas or concepts.

The ultimate testimony to the decommissioning sector of the oil and gas Industry as a whole will be its adaptability to develop, produce and decommission systematically to provide affordable solutions that may still move decommissioning to the right but will ultimately provide best practices, processes and procedures that are binding but maintain the flexibility and adaptability to decommission our older assets.

So where are we with change and why? It’s needed to take our sector forward and whether in some cases the “New Regulator” steered by the recommendations from the Oil and Gas UK workgroups will identify specific areas where a change in mind-sets to develop new solutions and strategies are progressed and developed into working practices. Whether there are some radical, mind-changing leaders and negotiators from within our industry or other professional business sectors, which can lead and direct these changes required to achieve the greater buy-in from the larger decommissioning sector as a whole, remains to be seen.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing will become a major part of the process as we evolve under “the movement; a new way of thinking” and as we develop the way we

operate incorporating change will result in a more integrated industry, creating the efficiency now needed.

We could ultimately, through sharing and collaborating, create the best practises required to develop “Decommissioning Teams” that act with great precision derived from gaining practice and experience, as has been achieved with ‘Well Abandonment procedures” in the Gulf of Mexico, where well abandonment teams make safe the wells damaged by hurricanes in a campaign approach. Live project experience shared could have the potential to save millions and possibly, billions. Training is vital but being open to new ways and practices and the mere consideration of bringing professions on-board who are adaptable seems more and more feasible.

No longer can we as an industry sustain the present disjointed approach and articles I read from a decade ago discuss the very same issues we face today as an industry. Where do we go from here? As individuals, we all have a part to play in being accountable for the actions we take in changing mind sets and approach.

I know where I stand. Where do you? www.woodgroup.com

TRAINING COURSE

Decommissioning: From Planning to Execution Decom North Sea in partnership with Strategic Decommissioning Consultants Limited hold regular training courses focused on Offshore Decommissioning. The overall objective is to inform participants of the background, scope and cover some of the key issues associated within the decommissioning sector over a two day period.

To book or for more information about our Training Course’s please visit our website www.decomnorthsea.com/events.cfm or contact Jennifer Mann on Jmann@decomnorthsea.com

www.decomnorthsea.com 21

MEMBER POINT OF VIEW

Environmental Impact Assessment and Decommissioning of Oil & Gas Installations The investment of some £10.4bn in decommissioning UK Continental Shelf assets over the next ten years, in combination with forthcoming changes to the European Union Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), means that a greater focus is likely on an activity that is, to date, not required by regulations to comply with the provisions of the EIA Directive.

This article considers draft Directive 01192/ EU on the assessment of effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, which was adopted by the European Parliament on 12th March 2014 and is likely to be transposed within the UK in 2017, and some of its implications for the decommissioning of UKCS assets. Since a decommissioning programme will typically need to be developed up to three years before decommissioning activities take place (or five years in the case of installations derogating from the OSPAR Convention) the changes are likely to affect owners of offshore oil and gas installations seeking approval for decommissioning programmes.

Decommissioning activities and projects The licensing of projects for the extraction of petroleum and natural gas for commercial purposes (for extractions of over 500 tonnes/day for petroleum and 500,000 cubic metres/day for gas) and pipelines for the transport of oil and gas have been subject to the EIA process for many years. Whilst some installations coming forward for decommissioning will have been subject to the EIA process during licensing, others will not.

The EIA Regulations that licence the construction of UKCS facilities do not explicitly provide that the process of seeking approval for the decommissioning plan is an activity to which the EIA Directive applies. To date, DECC has advised that applications under the Petroleum Act 1998 (the 1998 Act) should be accompanied by 'an environmental impact assessment' before approval of a decommissioning programme can be given by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (the Secretary of State). a) Decommissioning plans and EIA In March 2011, a European Court of Justice (ECJ) decision involving Ireland found that a demolition project was an EIA project. Although

22 Decom News: Issue 16

the European Commission sought to explicitly include "demolition" in the definition of an EIA project during the progress of draft Directive 01192/EU, the text adopted by the European Parliament does not change the definition of "project". It does specify that information on demolition phases and demolition works is required where projects are subject to EIA. There is no doubt that a demolition project can require EIA where it meets the EIA Directive thresholds. The purposive approach to the interpretation of European directives suggests that decommissioning should be regarded as demolition. In other cases the ECJ has concluded that where multi-stage consents are required the EIA process may be required for stages that have not previously been assessed. b) Marine licensing and EIA The decommissioning process involves a number of distinct stages and activities, including wells abandonment, topsides removal and substructure removal. Some of these activities will require a marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Under the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007 (as amended) the MMO is prevented from granting a licence for a regulated EIA activity until the EIA process has been completed; all the information in relation to the potential impacts of the projects provided, assessed and taken into account.

But the fact that some activities may be subject to the EIA process under another jurisdiction does not avoid the need for the whole project to be considered to determine whether the EIA process should be undertaken.

Many operators and consultants will be familiar with preparing ESs to inform the EIA process for projects that require consents and licences under more than one regime and decision-maker.

What is Environment Impact Assessment?

Although Directive 85/337/EC described the assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of an EIA project as an assessment that “must be conducted on the basis of the appropriate information supplied by the Developer, which may be supplemented by the authorities and by people who may be concerned by the projects in question”, it did not include a definition of EIA. Draft Directive 01192/EU rectifies this, specifying that EIA is a process that comprises:

Preparation of an environmental impact assessment report (EIAR) by the Developer to include specified information Carrying out of consultations with specified consultee authorities and members of the public Examination by the competent authority of the information presented in the EIAR, any supplementary information required from the Developer and any relevant information received through the consultations with the specified authorities and members of the public The reasons concluded by the competent authority on the significant effects of the project on the environment, taking into account the results of the examination referred to above and, where appropriate, its own supplementary examination The integration of the competent authority's reasoned conclusion into any of the decisions in the development consent procedure

MEMBER POINT OF VIEW

So, EIA is not a document or a process the outcome of which is set out in the ES but, rather, a more extensive process for which the decisionmaker has overall responsibility and in which members of the public and consultees have an important role.

Environmental Impact Assessment Reports a) Extending assessment topics Draft Directive 01192/EU reflects the rapid development of knowledge and experience within the European Union since the first EIA requirements were introduced. The newly termed “environmental reports” (no longer environmental statements) will also need to report on resource efficiency and sustainability, biodiversity protection, climate change and risks of accidents and disasters.

The increasing focus on habitats and species is emphasised through the requirements for specified measures to avoid, prevent, reduce and, if possible, off-set significant adverse effects on the environment, “in particular on species and habitats protected under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive”. This focus reflects the EU’s obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the EU’s Bio Diversity Strategy to 2020 “our life insurance, our natural capital”.

The increasing extent of economic development activity within the Marine environment is also reflected through recognition that EIA should take into account the technologies proposed to be used as part of the regulated activity, for example seismic surveys using active sonar.

Environmental reports should include assessments of the impacts of a project on climate and its vulnerability to climate change.

Reports will be required to include consideration of the vulnerability of projects to major accidents and/or natural disasters, including flooding, sea level rise and earthquakes. Particularly relevant in the off-shore oil and gas decommissioning programmes will be the vulnerability (exposure and resilience) to major accidents and/or disasters, the risk of those accidents and/or disasters occurring and the implications of the likelihood of significant adverse effects on the environment. However, to avoid any duplication, any relevant information available and obtained through risk assessments carried out pursuant to other EU legislation such as Directive 2012/18/ EU can be used. b) Evaluation of alternatives Currently, only those alternatives considered by a developer are required to be outlined in an ES. Consideration of alternatives for decommissioning activities in the UKCS is not required save in respect of OSPAR Decision

98/3, which prohibits the dumping and leaving wholly or partly in place of offshore installations unless derogation can be granted to provide for the option of leaving jacket footings or concrete structures in specified circumstances.

Such exceptions can only be granted if a comparative assessment and consultation shows that there are significant reasons why an alternative disposal option is preferable to complete removal. Once in force, Directive 01192/EU will enable decision-makers to determine reasonable alternatives for inclusion in the environmental report.

“” The increasing focus on habitats and species is emphasised through the requirements for specified measures to avoid, prevent, reduce and, if possible, off-set significant adverse effects on the environment.

Conclusion Draft Directive 01192/EU will require changes to be made to the existing UK regulatory and policy approach to EIA. Changes to the scope of Environmental reports, consideration of alternatives, mitigation, compensation and monitoring, quite apart from the greater focus on certain parts of the EIA process, will have implications for resourcing the preparation of decommissioning programmes for activities in the UKCS that are relevant now.

The draft Directive has still to be adopted by the European Council and its transposition is some three years away. DECC’s Offshore Environment Unit will be concerned with implications across a range of regulatory regimes, so active engagement at both sector and project level can influence those aspects of the Directive’s transposition that lie within the discretion of the Government. www.bonddickinson.com

c) Access to information on Environmental Impact Assessment Reports Member States will be required to establish at least a central portal or points of access at the appropriate administrative level to allow the public to access environmental information.

Screening and Scoping The screening process is strengthened to ensure that it is only those projects that are likely to have significant effects on the environment that are subject to EIA. Other changes to be introduced by Directive 01192/EU include: • A greater focus on the scoping process; • A requirement that the experts involved in the preparation of an environmental impact assessment report should be qualified and competent; • The need for the decision-maker to ensure that it has sufficient expertise in the relevant to undertake the examination required and to satisfy itself that the information provided by the Developer is complete and of a high level of quality.

• A requirement that mitigation and compensation measures are proposed and implemented • A requirement that appropriate procedures are introduced for the monitoring of significant adverse effects on the environment resulting from the construction and operation of any project.

Sarah Holmes Senior Counsel, Bond Dickinson

Claire Brook Partner, Bond Dickinson

www.decomnorthsea.com 23

MEMBER POINT OF VIEW

Filling the Oil and Gas Skills Gap Any concerns about the long-term health of the oil and gas industry in the UK continental shelf should be alleviated by recent commitments by major players to create more jobs and a secure future in the sector.

Talisman Sinopec Energy UK’s £1.6 billion plan to extend the life of North Sea oil fields was approved by the UK government at the end of 2012. The Montrose/Arbroath redevelopment project is predicted to lead to the production of a further 100 million barrels of oil, along with creating 2,000 new jobs.

GDF Suez has announced a £1.4 billion investment in the Cygnus gas development project, off the North Norfolk coast, creating 1,200 new jobs. And Statoil’s £4.3 billion investment in the heavy oil Mariner project is expected to produce 55,000 barrels of oil a day for the next 30 years, as well as creating 700 new jobs – including 200 onshore in Aberdeen.

No other sector in the UK is developing more opportunities than oil and gas, which currently supports around 440,000 jobs, with an estimated 15,000 additional workers required in the next five years.

That’s all good news for the industry’s future.

But it also amounts to a huge challenge in terms of finding the thousands of skilled workers needed to fill those positions.

Operators are under pressure to move their projects forward, but the growing gap between the supply and demand of staff with experience in the oil and gas industry is having an impact on project schedules. Escalating costs are also creating a serious threat to the sector’s competitiveness.

Workers with experience in the oil and gas sector are seeing new opportunities in emerging fields such as renewables, carbon

capture or hydraulic fracturing, and are able to transfer their skill sets to these markets.

There is also an increase in demand for existing workers in the UK continental shelf to take their experience overseas, for example to Australia which has a strong demand for engineering personnel.

“” No other sector in the UK is developing more opportunities than oil and gas, which currently supports around 440,000 jobs, with an estimated 15,000 additional workers required in the next five years.

The challenge is to change the perception of the oil and gas sector, to make sure people appreciate its long-term potential and the variety of opportunities on offer. Potential employees can come from a range of backgrounds or with experience from different industries that can be adapted to oil and gas. Only around 10 per cent of the opportunities are actually offshore.

The industry needs to recruit more women, who currently represent only 10 per cent of the workforce, with only 4 per cent of the offshore total. Staff can expect excellent remuneration within the sector.

Want to Raise Your Profile?

The Decom Website offers a range of opportunities for companies looking to get themselves noticed within the offshore decommissioning industry.

• Widely regarded as the hub for information, news and events about the offshore decommissioning industry and over 40,000 views every year • With a growth of over 35% in website traffic, there has never been a better time to advertise on the Decom website For more information on rates and availability email: advertising@decomnorthsea.com

24 Decom News: Issue 16

George Murray, Currie & Brown Currie & Brown has worked in the oil and gas industry for several decades and we have now developed into one of the major professional cost management and quantity surveying companies in the international oil and gas industry.

We are working closely with Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, which runs sectorspecific courses such as its MSc in Commercial Practice for the Energy Sectors, to develop talent for the oil and gas industry.

Currie & Brown also plays a key role in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Energy Forum Working Group, which aims to move chartered surveyors from other sectors into oil and gas, by providing comprehensive conversion course training. We are helping to recruit new graduates and place them directly into oil and gas projects, and mentoring fresh talent with experienced professionals to develop their skills.

As a leader in the industry we have been supporting leading energy companies for more than 50 years, overcoming business challenges in both their capital and asset management programmes.

Now we’re looking ahead to the next 50 years, and the outstanding opportunities within the UK oil and gas sector.

George Murray is director and industry leader for oil and gas at Currie & Brown, and vice chair for the RICS Energy Forum Working Group. www.curriebrown.com

MEMBER NEWS

HardyAVARR Ltd (HAL) a Small Company with a Big Vision HardyAVARR Ltd (HAL) is a small company with a big vision. They are leading the development of a major decommissioning consortium, to be based in North East England, and able offer a turnkey service to operators.

This will provide operators with an option to transfer the asset to the consortium following Well P&A; the consortium will then manage all further work up to and including safe disposal of wastes following onshore break-up of the platform.

To ensure we offer best value for money, HAL are offering a web-based corporate governance service to operators to ensure risks, liabilities and information assets are all properly understood by the company’s Board of Directors before decisions about decommissioning, life extension or asset sale are formalised.

This solution provides a “helicopter view”, enabling both “nut and bolt level” views for tactical decision support as well as consolidated information on risks, liabilities and regulatory compliance to aid strategic decision making.

Ideally starting 5-7 years prior to COP, this service will provide operators with a total strategic overview of a given platform including: a) Current risks – whether regulatory or commercial b) Liability status c) Decom “readiness” status – including a complete mapping of all equipment and systems on the platform d) Information vital to decom safety case or life extension submissions e) Capture of operator knowledge regarding the platform f) Lessons learned from other platforms to assist late life operations and into the decom phase g) Compliance monitoring regarding maintenance and training

Our methodology allows for information to be captured gradually, with a non-intrusive impact on current operations other than additional knowledge for use in improving operational efficiency. Gradually, during late life operations, the operator will gain a complete understanding of their asset and its liabilities which will improve intelligence for decision making and mitigate against currently unknown risks. Once CoP and Well P&A have occurred, the emerging consortium will be able to contract for all further stages of the decommissioning process without the risk premiums being applied to current contracts caused by poor and incomplete information. www.hardyavarr.com

Innovative and Adaptive Technologies Have an Integral Role With upwards of 400 structures either being actively dismantled or candidates for decommissioning over the next 30 years, there is significant opportunity for engineering and service companies who have, to date, largely focused their attention on supporting offshore exploration and production activities.

Cortez Subsea is one such enterprising company. The Aberdeen-based organisation has brought proven cutting edge inspection software systems to the European marketplace for the first time that will allow operators to gain maximum value from their asset integrity management programmes in the run up to full scale decommissioning.

“There are a number of large-scale decommissioning projects underway in the North Sea and experience gained through these will provide valuable insight for the industry as it learns how to decommission fields in a cost effective and efficient manner,” said managing director Alasdair Cowie.

“Inspection technology is playing a vital role in helping the industry understand not just the challenges around managing the integrity of offshore assets throughout their life cycle; but also in effectively balancing

the environmental, safety, technical and economic factors around decommissioning.”

Cortez Subsea utilises a range of subsea inspection applications to manage the integrity of offshore assets, including platforms, FPSOs and pipelines, to enable efficient and cost effective offshore project management.

“Technology for decommissioning is continually being developed and the challenges vary considerably according to structure size and the water depth at which platforms are installed,” added Mr Cowie.

“From the supply chain perspective, it is clear however that this is an area of considerable growth for the future.” www.cortezsubsea.com

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MEMBER NEWS

26 Decom News: Issue 16

MEMBER NEWS

Augean North Sea Services Announcement Augean North Sea Services (ANSS) are pleased to announce the opening of a hazardous waste transfer station in Shetland.

Able Lands Major Contract Able UK has been awarded a contract for the disposal of four offshore structures from the Shell operated Brent Field in the North Sea. The contract will see three platform topsides, as well as a 138m high steel platform jacket, transported from the Brent field over 100 miles north east of Scotland to Able Seaton Port on Teesside. The timing of the arrival of the first topside is subject to further offshore preparation work and regulatory approvals Able UK Limited Managing Director Andrew Jacques said: “We are delighted to have been selected to undertake this significant platform decommissioning project. This six-year contract will see the deployment of the very latest techniques and technologies in the recycling of these materials.

“We are looking forward to working with our partners on this project, and we are justifiably proud to have been selected for this exciting project.

“Able Seaton Port is already a superb facility and it will see further investment from Able UK Limited with the construction of what will be one of Europe’s heaviest load bearing quays (60t/m2) along with associated infrastructure at the northern end of the dry dock to receive the structures. This will enable the topsides and jackets to be shipped to the new quay for dismantling.”

About 100 jobs will be created during the 18 month construction of the new quay with the six-year recycling contract itself generating a further 100 new jobs. It is anticipated that over 97 per cent of the structures will be reused or recycled.

The platforms will be individually transported from the Brent field to the Tees on board the newly-constructed Allseas “Pieter Schelte” vessel, which has been specially designed for single lift installation and removal works. www.shell.com

This quayside facility in Lerwick previously supported drilling waste treatment and now has a PPC Permit allowing ANSS to receive a wide variety of hazardous wastes in support of current and future Decommissioning activities along with the busy shipping industry and other developments on the islands.

Boasting c. 1500m3 of bulk liquid storage as well as a large yard and warehouse, the site is ideally suited for the reception and treatment of washings from the decontamination of offshore equipment, along with bilge waters and other oily wastes.

Containerised wastes can also be bulked into larger loads for transfer to one of ANSS’ 4 sites in Aberdeen and then to Augean’s network of treatment facilities throughout the UK. The development of the Greenhead Waste Management Centre in Lerwick further demonstrates ANSS’ commitment to Decommissioning and the wider North Sea Industry, as well as positioning the company at the forefront of waste management capability in the North of Scotland with an unrivalled offering of waste management infrastructure in the Offshore Industry’s major Scottish hubs. www.augeanplc/ANSS

www.decomnorthsea.com 27

MEMBER NEWS

AKD Engineering New Appointment AKD Engineering is pleased to advise that it has appointed a highly experienced senior manager Mr Bob Simons as Operations Manager of the Company effective March 31st 2014.

Before joining AKD, Bob held several senior leadership roles including Vice President of Operations and Director of Operations for Wood Group Gas Turbine Services with locations based in the USA (Connecticut and South Carolina), Ireland (Dublin) and Scotland (Aberdeen).

Bob has extensive knowledge and experience of introducing Lean, Continuous and Quality Improvement programs globally and completed the Executive Development Program at the Warwick University Business School.

AKD are expanding their already large international portfolio of clients this appointment will strengthen the company’s commitment in terms of cost, delivery and safety and allow our clients to benefit from AKD’s all under one roof approach. This takes AKD into a new area of Continuous Development with international partners and supporting the increased demand for AKD’s integrated manufacturing worldwide. www.akd-engineering.co.uk

Bob Simons, Operations Manager, AKD Engineering

Jee Ltd Introduces New Training Courses Jee Ltd, a leading independent multi-discipline subsea engineering and training firm, has added five new courses to its public programme to help ease the global oil and gas skills shortage.

The expansion is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to offer the most in-depth and up-to-date training to the energy industry. With all courses qualifying for CPD points, Jee is passionate about promoting continuous professional development on an international level.

The training content is based on decades of diverse engineering experience and courses range from foundation to practitioner level. The new additions to the schedule are: Subsea hardware; Pigging and plugging; Engineering of flexibles; Free spans and on-bottom stability and Flow assurance of subsea pipelines.

Jenny Matthew, head of courses at Jee said: “At Jee, we have created a proven syllabus of training for the oil, gas and renewables industries. We continue to work with our clients around the world to establish and shape training strategies which foster and develop employee skills.

28 Decom News: Issue 16

“It is due to continued success and increased demand that we have added a further five courses to our schedule. Through the courses we ensure that training for all practising members of the energy industry, including conversion engineers and graduate engineers, is substantial and effective.”

The company has built up a portfolio of 23 engineering courses offered worldwide to assist in the standardisation of knowledge and learning across the industry. Jee has trained nearly 6,000 engineers in over 32 countries and the curriculum has become the benchmark for excellence in the industry. www.jee.co.uk

MEMBER NEWS

Single-trip Cut and Pull in P&A and Slot Recovery Decommissioning is the inevitable final chapter in an operating well’s life cycle, in which the well is no longer producing at economically sustainable rates and must be safely and assuredly sealed off.

With the number of aging wells approaching end-of-life, operators are looking for safe, efficient, and economically viable options to plug and abandon (P&A) their wells, particularly in offshore environments.

Baker Hughes introduced the Harpoon cut and pull spear designed for P&A and slot recovery operations. The spear can be set and reset several times through simple mechanical manipulation, allowing multiple cut-and-pull attempts in a single trip for reduced non-productive time. This is especially advantageous in situations where cement bond and scale build up are unknown, improving the probability of success.

It is run in with a cutting assembly and does not require a stop ring, allowing the robust spear to engage the casing directly above the cut, ensuring maximum force is distributed at the cut point. Specially designed FLEX-LOCK™ slips distribute loads evenly across the entire casing diameter to prevent casing deformation, and the tool applies tension during cutting for improved cutting performance. A built-in filter helps control debris for increased reliability.

The Harpoon spear’s design also supports loads in both directions so it can accommodate the use of fishing jars. For added safety, the spear features a pack-off device to control the circulation of annular fluids from the well, or in the event that a pressurized zone is exposed during the cutting operation.

The company recently completed two successful field trials in the North Sea, and is looking to expand operations globally. www.bakerhughes.com/wellabandonment

Time to think about decommissioning?

Then speak to Aker Solutions, the preferred partner.

We have proven capability and unrivalled decommissioning experience in the North Sea. Our expert team will guide you through the whole process from planning of Cessation of Production activities to eventual asset removal, and our unrivalled studies and planning at the very outset of your decommissioning project will ensure the most cost effective use of your budget — with no hidden surprises.

Our service includes: < Cost estimating and planning < Feasibility and concept studies < FEED and detailed design activities < Engineering down and cleaning < Removal and recycling or disposal of materials and equipment < Management of hazardous material

Aker Solutions Freedom House Old Ford Road Aberdeen AB11 5RJ Tel: +44 (0) 1224 287200 Fax: +44 (0) 1224 287210 E-mail: mmouk@akersolutions.com

www.akersolutions.com

Talk to us today for full details.

www.decomnorthsea.com 29

MEMBER NEWS

CNR International Brings Murchison Production to Permanent Close In a major milestone for the UK North Sea, oil and natural gas operator CNR International (CNRI) permanently ceased production from its iconic Murchison field at mid-day on 28 February.

The cessation of production heralds the end of a platform considered a giant of the global energy sector – its jacket and topsides are among the largest in the UK Continental Shelf – and which has played a key role in the success of the North Sea over the last 30 years.

The field, discovered in July 1975, lies approximately 190km north-east of the Shetland Islands.

At the height of its production, peak oil of 150,383 bopd was achieved on December 26, 1982 Over its life, the Murchison field has produced around 400 million barrels, representing a recovery factor of over 50%. CNRI became operator of Murchison in 2002, implementing an intensive and comprehensive programme of asset integrity management, reservoir management, well repair and infill drilling, which saw the company extend the life of the field by 10 years, delivering in excess of 22 million barrels during this period.

To date, the total number of development wells drilled on Murchison is 98, with produced oil being transported via the Brent Pipeline System to the BP-operated Sullom Voe terminal, on the Shetland Islands, for processing and storage, before onward sale.

With production now permanently closed, CNRI will progress an innovative decommissioning programme for the installation, which will be completed by 2019.

CNRI’s vice president of production operations, Dave Whitehouse commented “Cessation of production is a major development, not only for CNRI but for the whole north sea sector, as the platform has been instrumental in the outstanding success achieved by the industry over the last three decades.

“On a more personal level, many workers will have fond memories of time spent on the Murchison, with the platform widely known for its working atmosphere and the tremendous camaraderie that exists amongst staff onboard. www.cnrl.com

Good Ideas can be Simple One of the most hazardous activities during seabed clean-up is recovering subsea structures and debris back to deck so a system that avoids the need for this has to be attractive.

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Combine this with the ability to recover large structures in rough weather while saving cost and you have a game changer. Aberdeen based company, Subsea Deployment Systems (SDS), has developed a simple installation and recovery method that does all the above and a bit more.

It allows even the largest structures to be installed or recovered in hostile environments by just a small crane vessel or anchor handling tug.

The method creates a near neutrally buoyant system by coupling the structure/payload to a buoyant but fully submersible deployment vehicle (SDV) to support the payload during transportation, positioning and installation/recovery. The complete assembly is transported to and from site using a submerged tow thereby eliminating the effects of the surface environment and avoiding recovery through the splash zone. The initial lift off the seabed is achieved by anchoring the SDV to the seabed with a chain clump weight, connecting the SDV which is pre-ballasted to the payload and then incrementally removing the ballast until the combined SDV/payload becomes slightly buoyant. The system remains safely anchored by the clump weight until the tow vessel raises the clump weight to a suitable depth for the submerged tow back to shore.

SDS is actively seeking partners who can assist in bringing this concept to market. www.sdsltd-uk.com

MEMBER NEWS

Sabre Safety helps customers Onshore and Offshore to ‘Work Safe. Breathe Easy’ Sabre Safety is on a mission to help its customers to ‘Work Safe. Breathe Easy’ -all over the world.

That’s why the company has developed its SabreAir Zone 1 BA compressor.

Designed in Aberdeen and supplied from Aberdeen, the SabreAir is a totally self-contained Zone 1 compressor that provides air directly into the compressor via its innovative supply and monitoring system Cutting-edge technology – onshore and offshore Any ingress of gas into the Zone 1 area results in an auto shutdown thanks to a patented system, specially developed by Sabre Safety for the toughest conditions in the petrochemical market.

Giving total confidence – a totally failsafe system Integral to the SabreAir is a totally failsafe shutdown protection system. That means

complete confidence for all personnel operating in a Zone 1 area.

Setting the highest standards The SabreAir meets Lloyds, DNV, ABS and NORSOK 15 standards. Tough, totally transportable, and highly manoeuvrable, it offers truly ground-breaking functionality that combines ALL operations within one selfcontained, compact unit

Totally compatible. Totally adaptable The SabreAir is totally compatible with all offshore and onshore power systems and can be added into existing BA systems.

Simpler, safer and more economical Self-contained design reduces rigup/ rigdown times and reduces SIMOPS conflicts. www.sabreh2s.com

DNV GL Forms New Global Network for Decommissioning Operations Following the merger between DNV and GL in September 2013, a new global network has been formed to unite the organisation’s decommissioning expertise and form a virtual center of excellence for operations. This will involve a worldwide offering from our highly experienced personnel across the most active operational areas.

The company’s decommissioning growth strategy is centred on safeguarding life, property and the environment and is committed to delivering a definite impact in the industry for a safe and sustainable future. Its consultancy services and products for decommissioning allows the company to advance innovation across decommissioning operations.

DNV GL provides the full complement of decommissioning services, with added value from other engineering departments when required. From desktop assessments through offshore supervision to the provision of staff for package receipt in onshore disposal yards; over the last decade, DNV GL has delivered a wide

range of technical and safety support services to assist platform removal operations.

Decommissioning activities have ranged from entire platforms in the Northern North Sea to individual packages and isolated appraisal wells. Major projects have included Risk-Based Verification methods in decommissioning projects for the dismantling and removal of major topsides. This approach aims at balancing the efforts to control the operational and technological risks.

DNV GL supports the decommissioning phases from feasibility studies through invitation to tender preparation and review to project execution. The engineering and management

services on offshore condition and readiness surveys are also an important area where DNV GL has assisted operators.

Graeme Lamont, Decommissioning Business Manager at DNV GL, Aberdeen, commented: “We understand the decommissioning industry and our global network allows us to hone our services to match the industry and legislative requirements.

Innovation and collaboration with our key customers and stakeholders, as well as industry bodies such as Decom North Sea, has a major part to play in this emerging market, and investment in time and research and development is crucial to ensure success.” www.dnvgl.com

www.decomnorthsea.com 31

MEMBER NEWS

Business is GREAT Britain Tiny Middlesex UAV Company Sky-Futures Awarded Lucrative Three Year Contract with International Energy Company TAQA. Sky-Futures, the global provider of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industrial inspection services, has announced a lucrative three-year deal with TAQA - one of the top 10 energy producers in the UK’s North Sea, based in Aberdeen - Europe’s Energy Capital. The contract has extension terms of two additional one-year options.

Sky-Futures delivers engineering inspections and reports using High Definition (HD) video and thermal cameras as well as their proprietary ‘DTL-VU’ software that is used to measure defects and corrosion. Their global inspection service serves the oil and gas, renewables and utilities sectors.

As part of the contract win, Sky-Futures will create four more jobs - two full time UAV operators and two office-based staff providing full technical reporting.

By using UAVs, the project is aiming to reduce offshore multiple helicopter flights, rope access visual inspections as well as reducing the cost of existing processes.

TAQA is the National Energy Company of Abu Dhabi and has operations in oil and gas exploration and production, power generation and water desalination and energy solutions.

Sky-Futures is also one of the many innovative businesses achieving GREAT things with support from the Governmentbacked Growth Accelerator scheme (www. growthaccelerator.com) - a unique service led by some of the country’s most successful growth specialists, where businesses can find new connections, new routes to investment and the new ideas and strategy they need for their business to achieve its full potential.

The “Business is Great Britain” campaign was kick-started by UK Business Secretary Vince Cable and Skills and UK Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock in 2013. Designed to ‘build confidence amongst small businesses’, the initiative offers information, inspiration and support for people looking to start and grow a small business.

The GREAT campaign is a partnership between private enterprise and UK Government,

to highlight support for businesses aspiring to succeed and to encourage entrepreneurial spirit.

Ex-military Sky-Futures co-founder James Harrison said, “Under the terms of the agreement, Sky-Futures will provide general visual inspections (GVI) of hard to access areas on all TAQA’s 5 platforms in the UK North Sea. They include scopes of work such as live flare tips, exhaust chimneys and under deck inspections.

Working offshore in the UK North Sea, is one of the harshest and most testing operating environments, in my experience. This is where our expertise in, and deep understanding of UAV technology can be utilised to great effect.”

SkyFutures provides UAV inspection services to clients across multiple regions including the UK, Middle East, Africa, Malaysia and Norway.

Clients include Statoil, TAQA, BG Group and Talisman Sinopec Energy.

For more information on the “Business is GREAT Britain” campaign please visit www.greatbusiness.gov.uk www.sky-futures.com

Challenging Well Conditions Demand Robust Solutions TAM International is an independent oilfield Services Company headquartered in Houston with regional offices in five continents.

32 www.decomnorthsea.com

Tam’s expertise in well integrity and containment during the well construction phase through the use of inflatable and swellable technology has afforded Tam a better understanding of the challenges facing P&A activity specifically in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

The high expansion capability of inflatable solutions is particularly applicable in scenarios where the required Bridge Plug, Packer or Cement Retainer expansion ratio is too large for Hydraulic or Mechanical devices. Inflatables have been successfully deployed in a variety of P & A applications such as pre-abandonment “plug and lubricate” operations, prevention of gas migration in casing section mill / open hole applications and P&A of large diameter surface casing strings.

Although the process of P&A may be viewed as a reversal of well construction the down-hole environment is inevitably more challenging. For example, exposure to restricted, damaged or sludgy tubulars, debris such as steel swarf and cuttings, solids fallout in mud systems and so on…To combat these additional environmental challenges TAM has performed bespoke engineering improvements to some existing products to ensure they are fit for purpose for the harsher conditions experienced in P&A activities. www.tamintl.com

MEMBER NEWS

Protecting Innovation As decommissioning develops in the North Sea companies will need to better protect emerging innovation, according to legal expert Sarah Stuart.

Sarah Stuart Partner, Ledingham Chalmers

Sarah, who has more than 15 years’ experience in commercial contracts and dispute resolution, said intellectual property (IP) protection and developing technologies need to work in tandem.

“The North Sea has been driven by innovation,” the Ledingham Chalmers partner said. “Innovation sparked first oil, its supported recovery and it will drive decommissioning.

It’s important that as an industry we continue to drive for ground breaking technology. But it’s also just as important that the companies developing these pioneering advancements put the proper framework in place to protect them, or they risk costly litigation.”

The Aberdeen-based partner credited the buoyancy of the North Sea market for the creation of spin-out companies at an accelerated rate in comparison to other industries.

She said: “The oil and gas industry is extremely buoyant, and as such new companies are founded on a much more regular basis.

In my experience an employee will leave a company, set up a new firm and more or less be in direct competition with the previous employer. At the core of all this is how well IP was protected from outset.”

There are a number of strategies to consider when protecting intellectual property including protecting patents, copyright and design rights in the public domain and creating mechanisms to protect trade secrets.

“A dawn raid is also a legal option to protect IP, but it’s one companies should consider extremely carefully,” Sarah said.

“Decommissioning will continue to fuel emerging technologies for decades to come, but companies need to do the groundwork now to ensure their innovation is properly protected.”

Sarah Stuart is a partner at Aberdeenbased Ledingham Chalmers, specialising in construction law, commercial contracts and dispute resolution. www.ledinghamchalmers.com

Industrial Cleaning for the Offshore Decommissioning Industry Sureclean is an established international service contractor providing specialist and innovative solutions to the Oil and Gas sector.

For over 25 years, Sureclean has been delivering their unique portfolio of services in support of their customers commissioning, maintenance and decommissioning activities.

Providing industrial cleaning and waste management services globally, Sureclean has gained previous experience working on various topside and subsea decommissioning projects.

Their wide service scope supports both current and future decommissioning works with their capabilities extending to project management and technical support.

Specialising in water jetting and its associated applications, tank cleaning, NORM descaling, asbestos removal and mobile waste treatment solutions, Sureclean’s services are essential during

the engineering down phase of a decommissioning project.

Sureclean has recently secured a 3 year contract with Aker Solutions to provide offshore cleaning and waste management services for the first phase of the decommissioning of the CNR Murchison Platform.

Founded in 1985, Sureclean employs in excess of 130 people and has operational facilities in the UK and Egypt which provides support and solutions to the oil and gas industry worldwide. www.sureclean.com

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MEMBER NEWS

Decommissioning: Solving Problems; Driving Success A key issue in any project is to make sure that the contract contains an effective dispute resolution procedure. A decommissioning project is no different. It is important to ensure that disputes that arise whilst the project is ongoing can be resolved quickly.

Kirsti Olson Partner, Construction & Engineering Macaly, Murray & Spens

Currently, there is no bespoke decommissioning standard form contract. Oil and Gas UK’s Decommissioning Work Group is currently considering how the LOGIC Marine Construction form might be adapted.

The dispute resolution procedure in the LOGIC Marine Construction form is in Clause 37 of the Conditions. There is an escalation procedure. The parties are to attempt to resolve the dispute, first at project level and then higher up the management scale.

Escalation clauses are useful. They allow a dispute to be removed from the people with an emotional attachment to it and sent up the line to those who control the company’s finances. However, disputes cannot always be resolved amicably. In those circumstances, more formal methods of dispute resolution come into play, such as court or arbitration.

However, it can take time to get a decision from a judge or an arbitrator.

This can lead to problems. Take, for example, Clause 17.8 of the Marine Construction form.

If the Operator disputes an item on an invoice, the Contractor has to issue a credit note immediately. Only when the dispute is settled can the sum be re-invoiced. Clause 37.6 provides that, whilst any matters are in dispute, the Contractor has to proceed with the work. So, the Contractor can’t stop work when a payment dispute arises and he may have to wait some time to be paid. It is likely that the project will suffer as a result.

Is there another solution? Onshore in the UK, specific legislation (the Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1996) introduced a fast track method of dispute resolution. A dispute under a construction contract can be referred to adjudication, by either party to the contract, at any time. Once appointed, the adjudicator has 28 days to make a decision. The decision has interim binding effect.

It can be enforced and remains binding until the dispute is otherwise determined by litigation, arbitration or by agreement.

It is also thought that the 1996 Act does not apply to contracts for the construction or decommissioning of offshore structures (Staveley Industries plc –v- Odebrecht Oil and Gas Services Limited (2001) 98(10) LSG 46).

For the 1996 Act to apply, the structure being constructed or demolished must have formed, or be intended to form, part of the land (Section 105). The judge in Staveley decided that this description does not apply to structures, which have been, or are to be, founded in the sea bed below the low water mark.

There would, however, be nothing to stop the parties to a decommissioning contract agreeing to insert an adjudication provision in the contract. As the UK onshore construction industry has found, the effect could be to unlock a problem project and drive it forward. www.mms.co.uk

Realising Opportunities for All 27th May AECC | ABERDEEN

More information about the event as well as exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.decomnorthsea.com/decomoffshore2014

34 Decom News: Issue 16

MEMBER NEWS

Babcock Wins £7bn Deal to Decommission UK’s Ageing Magnox Nuclear Plants We are delighted that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has announced that the Cavendish Fluor Partnership has been selected as the preferred bidder in the competition to take ownership of Magnox Ltd and Research Sites Restoration Limited, the Site Licence Companies for 12 UK nuclear sites.

Following a mandatory 10 day standstill period, a five month transition phase will begin during which the contract between the NDA and Cavendish Fluor Partnership will be finalised.

The formal award of the contract for the new Parent Body Organisation and Site Licence Company Agreements is planned for 1 September 2014. It is anticipated that this contract will provide savings in excess of £1 billion in the decommissioning programme for the 12 nuclear sites.

Cavendish Fluor Partnership is a joint venture between Cavendish Nuclear (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group PLC) and Fluor Corporation.

Peter Rogers, Chief Executive of Babcock, commented: “The announcement that Cavendish Fluor Partnership has been chosen as preferred bidder for one of the UK’s biggest and most significant nuclear site management and decommissioning contracts reflects not only the market leadership of Cavendish Nuclear in nuclear engineering services but also its ability to successfully deliver complex projects of national significance in very demanding environments.” www.babcock.co.uk

Lifting Moving Surveying Weather affects your business every day.

World class science and forecasting expertise to meet the challenges of decommissioning.

Contact us at our Marine Centre of Excellence in Aberdeen 01224 629831 / marine@metoffice.gov.uk www.metoffice.gov.uk/marine

www.decomnorthsea.com 35

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW MEMBERS

ABB

Pastoor Offshore

ABB are pleased to become members of Decom North Sea, and look forward to working collaboratively in tackling the many challenges facing the oil and gas industry today.

The Pastoor group of companies are specialised in the decommissioning of large scale plant such as wind mills, aircrafts and oil/gas platforms.

As assets age their integrity and productivity comes further into question. With over 50% of offshore installations in the UK sector of the North Sea operating beyond their design life, asset ageing and life extension is a key issue. For the past 30 years ABB have been supporting operators providing asset life extension, audits, inspections, RBI, late life through to decommissioning FEED studies and support through the decommissioning process.

ABB have a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to planning and managing the decommissioning and demolition process, having completed over ÂŁ1 billion worth of projects for blue chip oil and gas, petrochemical and chemical clients worldwide. Important principles to ABB and our customers include safety, risk management, operational excellence, reputation and sustainability. ABB have managed some of the largest decommissioning and demolition projects, managing specialist contractors, ensuring delivery of projects to programme and budget, whilst maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards, protecting our clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation and offering a total asset closure solution.

Our global capabilities mean we always complete work on time and meeting project requirements. Our hallmarks include enhanced recovery, extended asset longevity, tail-end productivity improvements, transformation of stranded assets to profit sources, final decommissioning and demolition planning and management.

ABB employ over 150,000 people operating out of 100 countries across the globe. www.abb.com/service

With their roots in the waste sector, the Pastoor Group is used to managing hazardous/ non-hazardous wastes and trading recyclables for their customers across Europe.

Pastoor Offshore provides tailored waste related services including decontamination, dismantling and the management of waste/ recyclables to the oil and gas industry. Keeping the decommissioning costs as low as possible is key. Pastoor Offshore provides excellent value for money by giving their customers access to all waste management facilities in the market instead of limiting it to a low number owned by one operator.

The company prides itself on knowing the economically most advantageous waste management and recycling routes. This leads to lower disposal costs and maximum recycling income.

Pastoor Offshore currently develops a recycling site in the northern part of the Netherlands. At the site a large area is available for decommissioning activities. The heavy duty quay allows to bring in parts or entire platforms onshore easily. Pastoor Offshore and their partners are used to working to the high HSE standards of the oil and gas industry. The objective is that no injury to personnel and no damage to the environment or facilities are to occur from their operations. www.pastooroffshore.nl

NorSea Group As a new entrant to the UK oil and gas logistics market, NorSea Group (UK) Ltd part of NorSea Group AS is well placed to transfer-in its knowledge and expertise, gained while working on decommissioning projects in the Norwegian sector.

The company has worked closely with Aker at Stordbase, situated between Stavanger and Bergen on a number of decommissioning projects including Total Frigg.

On the above project, Aker , the contract holder, sub-contracted both large and small piece deconstruct work and the project was delivered through a Norwegian/UK solution. NorSea supported Aker on their work at Stordbase in Norway.

Logistics solutions are a key part of any decommissioning project and through agreement with UK Harbour Authorities, NorSea offers in a choice of 6 port locations for projects located within the Central and Northern North Sea and West of Shetland areas.

36 Decom News: Issue 16

Mr. Kim Christensen, NorSea Group (UK) Ltd. Managing Director

Contracts will continue to be secured by tier 1 contractors like Aker through their ability to deliver facilities with the appropriate infrastructure and skill-sets plus their ability to recycle to the maximum; however, an ability to deliver cost effective local content we believe will be a winning solution. NorSea can deliver this!

NorSea Group (UK) Ltd activities include a focus on subsea project support and we are looking to further expand our expertise and presence into the decommissioning sector in the near future. www.norseagroup.com

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW MEMBERS

Intertek a Leading Quality New Solutions Provider Members Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide and assists its clients in improving their performance, making efficiency gains, overcoming market constraints and reducing risk.

We are pleased to welcome the following new members:

Our Exploration and Production business line offers services from the UK, US, Libya, Malaysia, South Africa, Ghana, Fujairah and Dubai and forms part of our wider network of 36,000 employees across 1,000 offices in 100 countries around the globe.

Expanding our services into regions and markets to meet local demand is a key part of our strategy to deliver value to our clients worldwide.

Delivering on our commitment to this approach, we can now bring our extensive knowledge and experience to your decommissioning projects from our Aberdeen Exploration and Production centre of excellence.

Our skilled specialists offer support to the decommissioning industry through world-class laboratory services, environmental consultancy, training and asset integrity management.

Additionally, our wide-ranging capabilities can enhance your projects across the entire oil and gas supply chain, from conception, design and implementation through to decommissioning.

Brown and May Marine Limited

We hold a variety of global accreditations, recognitions and agreements and our expertise in overcoming regulatory, market and supply chain challenges is unrivalled.

Wherever you are in the decommissioning process, Intertek can sharpen your competitive edge with: • Reliable testing and certification for faster regulatory approval • Total quality assurance across your supply chain • Innovative leadership in meeting social accountability standards • Cost efficiency and the mitigation of health, safety and security risks Choosing us as your decommissioning partner will optimise your time and resources, manage the longevity of your assets, minimise environmental impact, maximise production and add value your business profile in an increasingly challenging industry landscape. www.intertek.com

ConocoPhillips Cromarty Firth Port Authority ENVIRON UK LTD IHC Engineering Business JX Nippon Exploration and Production (U.K.) Limited Mactech Europe Limited N-Sea Offshore Searoute Group Limited Strategic Decommissioning Consultants Limited Full membership of Decom North Sea is open to any commercial organisation involved with decommissioning.

Associate membership is open to non-commercial organisations and individuals who wish to be kept informed of Decom North Sea activity and attend networking events and conferences.

For further information visit www.decomnorthsea.com

Anatec Ltd Anatec Limited are pleased to become members of Decom North Sea and look forward to continuing to support the expanding decommissioning sector.

We are specialists in data analysis and marine risk assessment, recognising that the risk to other marine users is an important consideration for the Oil & Gas industry during all phases of an offshore development.

Anatec has a wealth of experience in providing risk assessment services to the energy industry, including shipping and fishing traffic surveys, collision risk assessments, pipeline/subsea risk assessments (anchor/trawl), and provision of supporting documentation for Consent to Locate applications.

The risk to marine users remains a key consideration throughout the decommissioning process and afterwards, into the phase of continued liability, particularly if any infrastructure is to remain on the seabed.

Anatec has provided risk assessments for a number of Oil & Gas Operators, to assist with the decision-making processes involved in decommissioning. This analysis is made possible by Anatec’s comprehensive database of real-time shipping and fishing tracks, which can be used in our suite of risk models to estimate risks associated with offshore infrastructure above or below sea level.

This can be used to assess and compare potential risks if structures are left in situ following decommissioning e.g. GBS, pipelines or platform legs.

This in turn enables the Operator to make informed choices and satisfy Regulators/Stakeholders when seeking consent for decommissioning projects.

With our head office in Aberdeen and a satellite office near London we are well positioned to work with the Industry to assist in reducing risks, optimising decisions and ensuring the safety of the decommissioning process. www.anatec.com

www.decomnorthsea.com 37

UPCOMING EVENTS

Events Update BOOK NOW Re-use Opportunities from Decommissioning, AECC, 14th of May This event organised in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, will demonstrate the environmental and cost benefits of re-using decommissioned equipment using exemplar’s from industry. We will challenge current issues and misconceptions by offering solutions to these, and champion change advocacy towards re-use rather than the default recycle option

Lunch & Learn This series of events allow the supply chain companies to have the opportunity to give 15 – 20 mins presentations on their capabilities in offshore decommissioning to an audience of operators, major contractors and potential partners.

11th of June This event will include presentations from Aberdeen Harbour, Quickflange UK Ltd and Tetra/Reef Subsea who will be doing a joint presentation.

Decom Offshore 2014, Evening Reception, Maritime Museum, Aberdeen, 26th of May

20th of August

Decom Offshore 2014, AECC, 27th of May

17th of September

Following on from the success and great feedback on the Decom Offshore 2013 event, planning is now underway for 2014. The aim of this interactive event is to advise the supply chain of the challenges faced by Operators and Tier 1 Contractors when undertaking an offshore decommissioning project, and to inform the Operators and Tier 1 Contractors of innovative solutions and techniques which the supply chain can offer to address these challenges. The event format will be a mixture of interactive plenary sessions, exhibition space and 1-2-1 opportunities as well as plenty of time for networking.

This event will include presentations from Aggreko, Baker Hughes, CUT and a new member spotlight from ABB. This event will include presentations from Sky Futures, Spartan Solutions & Weatherford and a new member spotlight presentation from Pastoor Offshore.

12th of November This event will include presentations from Babcock International Group, Maclay Murray and Spens LLP and Scotoil.

10th of December This event will include presentations from Fugro, Lucion Environmental and the Met Office.

Offshore Decommissioning Technology Challenges, AECC, 28th of May Decom North Sea in partnership with ITF invite you to a workshop on collaborative technology challenges in offshore decommissioning on 28th May, 08:00 – 15:30 at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre

SAVE THE DATE: Offshore Decommissioning Conference, Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, 7 – 9th of October Decom North Sea Golf Day, 6th of June, Aboyne Golf Club.

Training Course: Decommissioning – From Planning to Execution This training course is run by Strategic Decommissioning Consultants Limited (three industry experts) on behalf of Decom North Sea. The objective is to inform participants of the background, scope and key issues associated with offshore decommissioning. The course is aimed at those new to the sector as well as those already working within the sector but wish to increase their knowledge of aspects of the decommissioning process outwith their specialism.

25th & 26th of June, Aberdeen.

19th & 20th of November, Aberdeen.

Southern North Sea Special Interest Group Meeting, 30th of July & 26th of November Decom North Sea and East of England Energy Group (EEEGr) have formed a Special Interest Group focussed on the decommissioning opportunities in the Southern North Sea. If you are interested in booking, more information or would like to participate at one of these events, please visit our website www.decomnorthsea.com or contact Jennifer Mann on 01224 914044 or jmann@decomnorthsea.com

38 Decom News: Issue 16

DECOM MEMBERS

Our Members Full membership of Decom North Sea is open to any commercial organisation involved with decommissioning. Associate membership is open to non-commercial organisations and individuals who wish to be kept informed of Decom North Sea activity and attend networking events and conferences. For further information, visit www.decomnorthsea.com AS AT 27TH MARCH 2014 • ABANDONMENT & CUTTING ENERGY SERVICES LTD (ACES) • ABB CONSULTING • ABERDEEN HARBOUR BOARD • ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL • ACCENTURE • ACORN COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT LTD • ACUMEN ENERGY LTD • AF DECOM OFFSHORE AS • AGGREKO UK LTD • AKD ENGINEERING LTD • AKER SOLUTIONS • ALLSEAS GROUP S.A. • AMEC • ANATEC • ARCADIS (UK) LIMITED • ARCHER • ARGON ISOTANK LTD • ASCO UK LTD • AUBIN LTD • AUGEAN PLC • AXIS ENERGY PROJECTS LIMITED • AXIS WELL TECHNOLOGY • BABCOCK INTERNATIONAL GROUP • BAKER HUGHES • BAUER WATER • BISN OIL TOOLS LTD • BMT CORDAH LTD • BOND DICKINSON LLP • BONN & MEES • BOSKALIS OFFSHORE • BP • BROWN AND MAY MARINE LIMITED • BURGES SALMON LLP • CAPE INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LIMITED • CARBON60 LIMITED • CASHMAN EQUIPMENT CORP. • CENTRICA ENERGY • CHAMPION TECHNOLOGIES • CHEVRON NORTH SEA LIMITED • CLAXTON • CLEVELAND STEEL AND TUBES LTD • CLYDEPORT OPERATIONS LTD • CNR INTERNATIONAL (UK) LTD • CONOCO PHILLIPS • COOPER LOMAZ RECRUITMENT • CORTEZ SUBSEA LTD • CROMARTY FIRTH PORT AUTHORITY • CSL • CURRIE & BROWN • CUTTING UNDERWATER TECHNOLOGIES LTD • CYBERHAWK INNOVATIONS • D3 CONSULTING • DANBOR SERVICES • D-COMMS (SCOTLAND) LIMITED • DECO( DIVING, ENGINEERING & CONSULTANCY OFFICE )• DECOMMISSIONING PROJECT SERVICES LTD • DNV GL - OIL & GAS • DUNDEE DECOMMISSIONING LIMITED • DUTTON INTERNATIONAL LIMITED • E.M.W CONSULTANCY LTD • ENERMECH • ENI HEWETT LIMITED • ENVIRON UK LTD • EPEUS GROUP LTD. • ERM • ETHOS ENVIRONMENTAL LTD • EXPRO NORTH SEA LTD • EY • FALCK NUTEC • MRS FELICITY ARTHUR • FLOWLINE SPECIALIST LIMITED • FRASER OFFSHORE LIMITED • FRAZER - NASH CONSULTANCY • FUGRO SUBSEA SERVICES LTD • GCG SHOTBLASTING SERVICES LTD • GENESIS GMBH • GP DECOM LIMITED • GRC RECYCLING • GREAT YARMOUTH PORT COMPANY LTD T/AS EASTPORT UK • GULFSTREAM SERVICES INTERNATIONAL UK LTD • HALLIBURTON • HARDY AVARR LIMITED • HAWK ENVIRO LTD • HEEREMA MARINE CONTRACTORS • HESS LTD • HILTI • IHC ENGINEERING BUSINESS • IKM TESTING (UK) LTD • IMENCO • INCE & CO SERVICES LTD • INFIELD SYSTEMS LIMITED • INTERWELL UK • ITS TESTING SERVICES UK LTD ( INTERTEK ABERDEEN ) • JAMES FISHER MARINE SERVICES • JAMES FISHER OFFSHORE LIMITED • JEE LTD • JOHN LAWRIE (ABERDEEN) LTD • JUMPSTART LIMITED • JX NIPPON EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION (U.K.) LIMITED • KAEFER INTERNATIONAL OFFSHORE LTD • KCA DEUTAG DRILLING LTD • KDC • KISHORN PORT LIMITED • KONGSBERG MARITIME LTD • KOTUG OFFSHORE BV • L2 BUSINESS CONSULTING LIMITED • LBO - LINJEBYGG OFFSHORE • LEAFIELD LOGISTICS AND TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD • LEDINGHAM CHALMERS • LERWICK PORT AUTHORITY • LLOYD’S REGISTER EMEA • LUCION MARINE • MACAULAY SCIENTIFIC CONSULTING • MACTECH EUROPE LTD • MACLAY MURRAY & SPENS • MAERSK OIL UK LTD • MAMMOET SALVAGE BV • MARATHON OIL U.K. LLC. • MAXOIL SOLUTIONS LTD • MCDERMOTT INTERNATIONAL • MCLEOD AITKEN • MET OFFICE • MONTROSE PORT AUTHORITY • MSIS GROUP • MWAVES LTD • NATAS HIGHLANDS LTD • NEOPOLIA • NETWORK INTERNATIONAL • NEXEN PETROLEUM U.K LIMITED • NORISOL • NORSEA GROUP (UK) LTD • N-SEA OFFSHORE • NUVIA SITA NORM LTD • OCEAN KINETICS LTD • OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL • OFFSHORE DESIGN ENGINEERING LTD • OFFSHORE INSTALLATION SERVICES LTD (OIS) • OIL STATES BARROW • OILMAC.COM • O’KELLY BROTHERS DEMOLITION & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTORS • OPTIMUS (ABERDEEN) LTD • PACTEC EPS LTD • PANDA ROSA METALS • PASTOOR OFFSHORE • PDL SOLUTIONS (EUROPE) LTD • PERENCO UK LTD • PETERHEAD DECOMMISSIONING LIMITED • PETERSON ( UNITED KINGDOM ) LIMITED • PETROFAC • PORT OF FREDERIKSHAVN • PREMIER OIL PLC • PRIMA UNO PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING LTD • PROJECT DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL (PDI) LTD • PROJECT, TIME & COST INTERNATIONAL LTD • PROSERV • QUICKFLANGE UK LTD • R.U.M CONSULTANCY LTD • RAM TUBULARS SCOTLAND LTD • RED 7 MARINE OFFSHORE • REEF SUBSEA DREDGING & EXCAVATION • RIGMAR SERVICES LIMITED • ROBERTSON METALS RECYCLING LIMITED • ROEMEX SPECIALITY OILFIELD CHEMICALS • ROMAR INTERNATIONAL LTD • RPS HSED • RVA GROUP • RWE DEA UK • SABRE SAFETY LTD • SAFETY CRITICAL • SCANMET A.S • SCHLUMBERGER - SMITH SERVICES • SCOPUS ENGINEERING LTD • SCOTOIL SERVICES LIMITED • SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE • SEAFOX CONTRACTORS BV • SEAJACKS UK LTD • SEAROUTE GROUP LTD • SEAWAY HEAVY LIFTING • SENERGY (GB) LTD • SFF SERVICES LIMITED • SHELL UK LIMITED • SHEPHERD O’BRIEN • SIMMONS & COMPANY INTERNATIONAL • SIMON STORAGE LTD • SKY FUTURES • SLR CONSULTING • SMRU LTD • SPARTAN SOLUTIONS LTD • SPD LTD • SPEX SERVICES LTD • SQUIBB GROUP LTD • STANLEY HYDRAULIC TOOLS • STENA RECYCLING STAVANGER AS • STORK TECHNICAL SERVICES • STRATEGIC DECOMMISSIONING CONSULTANTS LIMITED • SUBSEA DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS LTD • SUPERIOR - WILD WELL ENERGY SERVICES LTD • SURECLEAN LIMITED • SVITZER • SWIRE OILFIELD SERVICES LTD • TALISMAN ENERGY (UK) LIMITED • TAM INTERNATIONAL NORTH SEA • TETRA TECHNOLOGIES LTD • THOMAS MUIR ( ROSYTH) LTD • TINNE CONSULTANTS LIMITED • TRAC OIL&GAS • TRACERCO LTD • TULLOW OIL PLC • TWMA • UKPS OFFSHORE • UNDERWATER CUTTING SOLUTIONS • UNIVERSAL PEGASUS INTERNATIONAL (UK) LTD • URS CORPORATION • VANGUARD VILLATEK LTD • VEOLIA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES • VIKING SEATECH • WEATHERFORD • WEST OIL TOOLS WELL SERVICES LIMITED • WESTLORD ASSOCIATES UK • WICK HARBOUR AUTHORITY • WOOD GROUP PSN • WORLEY PARSONS

PARTNERS CAITHNESS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • CARBON ENERGY CLUB • DANISH MARINE AND OFFSHORE GROUP • EAST OF ENGLAND ENERGY GROUP (EEEGR) • ENERGY NORTH • ENERGY COAST • IRO • NOF ENERGY • SCOTTISH RENEWABLES

www.decomnorthsea.com 39

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