Multi-million pound contracts are on the horizon for Shetland-based companies with the advent of North Sea decommissioning. To make sure contractors understand the opportunities ahead, and to have a chance of meeting some of the major contractors who will be looking for local services, Shetland Enterprise is running a Meet the Buyer event in Lerwick on Monday, May 8.

The DTI have estimated the value of North Sea decommissioning market to be £15-19 billion including installations, sub sea structures and pipelines. Of the 600 oil and gas installations in the North Sea, around 50 per cent are in the UK sector, all of which have to come ashore at some stage.

The first project to be undertaken in Shetland is the Total Frigg Project, where around 20,000 tonnes of material while be shipped to Shetland for processing, beginning in September 2006.

At the Meet the Buyer event Aker Kvaerner, Veolia Environmental Services and SBS Logistics will give talks on the long term decommissioning prospects.

The aim of the event, which runs from 4pm to 8pm, is to make local operators aware of opportunities that will arise over the next 20 years. Each presentation will include a question and answer session and a chance at the end for networking and further discussions.

Katrina Wiseman, development officer with SE, explained: "This is an excellent opportunity for potentially valuable contacts to be made between buyers and suppliers. We hope that local businesses will recognise the implications that these contracts could have for their businesses and take advantage of this opportunity to start planning their role in the process."

If your business can supply one or more of these services, you cannot afford to miss this event:

• civil engineering contractors;
• plant hire;
• steelwork fabrication;
• equipment hire;
• scaffolding;
• site clearance/landscaping;
• electrical installations;
• structural surveys;
• general small tool hire;
• electrical equipment and instrumentation;
• portable office supply;
• mechanical engineering;
• decontamination;
• underwater surveys;
• electrical testing;
• craneage services;
• building/office cleaning;
• scrap disposal and waste disposal;
• cutting equipment;
• waste management;
• recycling;
• recruitment and labour employment;
• fuel suppliers;
• vehicle hire;
• welding;
• haulage;
• marine services;
• training;
• haulage suppliers;
• accommodation.

Murdo Maciver, director of SBS Logistics, a partner in the Shetland Decommissioning Company, commented: "Decommissioning is a strong future growth area for both SBS Logistics and Shetland.  SBS is constructing a decommissioning pad and controlled discharge area at its Greenhead base, which has large concrete quaysides that, along with ample open laydown and storage facilities, make it particularly suitable for the offloading and onshore dismantling of offshore structures.

"Having been instrumental in developing the decommissioning industry in Shetland for the last five years, SBS recognises the importance of this emerging industry and is pleased to be part of encouraging local industry partners to attend the Meet the Buyer event."

The event will be held in the SIC Economic Development Unit Board Room on May 8 at the North Ness Business Park A buffet and refreshments will be provided.

Book your place by calling Penni Porter at Shetland Enterprise on 01595 693177, ask for Katrina Wiseman if you have any queries about the event.