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Welcome for Lerwick port's biggest decommissioning project yet

Published: 31/08/2020

The arrival of the largest offshore structure yet to be decommissioned at the deep-water Shetland port has been universally welcomed.

The Ninian Northern topside arrives in Dales Voe. Credit: Rory Gillies/Shetland Flyer Aerial Media

Delivery of the 14,200 tonne Ninian Northern platform topside on Friday (28 August 2020) also marks the inauguration of a new, heavy-duty decommissioning pad at Dales Voe Base. The facility has been developed by Lerwick Port Authority, with support from HIE, expanding the capability to keep UK sector decommissioning projects in the UK.

Audrey MacIver, HIE’s director of energy and low carbon, said: 

“The foresight and commitment by Lerwick Port Authority to invest in critical infrastructure continues to bring benefits to Shetland and the wider Scottish supply chain.  This latest arrival is particularly timely given current challenges being faced by the oil and gas industry and the associated supply chain. 

“Building on existing strengths and expertise, Dales Voe is firmly establishing itself as a key UK facility for serial, large scale offshore decommissioning, ensuring Shetland continues to play an ever increasing role in the country’s energy transition.”

The topside was removed in a single lift by Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit, the largest and most sophisticated construction vessel in the world, and transported to Lerwick on her first arrival into a UK port.

The transfer by Allseas’ cargo barge, Iron Lady, to the decommissioning pad, is the first complete northern North Sea topside load-in at Lerwick. Dismantling by leading contractors, Veolia/Peterson, with a 97% recycling target, will create and sustain jobs and investment in the local economy.

The full announcement is one the Lerwick Harbour website.

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