Decommissioning and Removal of Offshore Platform for Spirit Energy

Client: Spirit Energy

Contractor: Allseas

Service Provider: NMC Energy

Project: Decommissioning and Removal of Topside and Jacket

Location: East Irish Sea

Key Vessels: Pioneering Spirit, Oceanic, Iron Lady

NMC Energy was engaged by Spirit Energy to manage the decommissioning and removal of an offshore platform in the East Irish Sea. The project involved overseeing the preparation and removal of the topside and jacket, including onshore and offshore operations. NMC Energy managed the transportation and load-in processes, secured approvals for cutting the first full jacket pile prior to the arrival of the Pioneering Spirit vessel, and ensured the safe passage of large components under the UNESCO heritage Forth Bridge. NMC Energy provided comprehensive oversight, including health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management, ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory requirements.

NMC Energy’s role in this project included a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing engineering oversight, logistical coordination, and HSE management:

Management of Topside and Jacket Removal Packages:

• NMC Energy took charge of preparing both the topside and jacket for removal. This included coordinating with onshore and offshore teams during the platform preparation phase to ensure the removal could proceed efficiently and safely.
• The preparation phase included detailed engineering reviews, ensuring that all technical aspects were addressed before the arrival of Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit vessel for the lifting operations.

Approval for Jacket Pile Cutting:

• NMC Energy managed the approval process for cutting the first full jacket pile, a critical milestone achieved before the arrival of the Pioneering Spirit. This was the first full jacket pile cut at this scale, and NMC Energy ensured that all safety, technical, and environmental guidelines were followed to secure the necessary regulatory approvals.

Marine Warranty Survey (MWS) Management:

• NMC Energy oversaw the scope of work for the Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS), ensuring that all transportation, load-in, and removal activities complied with the requirements set by the surveyor. This included the structural integrity of the jacket and topside components during transport and load-in operations.

Management of Transportation, Removal, and Load-In Operations:

• NMC Energy coordinated the transportation and removal of the platform components, ensuring the smooth execution of offshore operations. Once the topside and jacket were removed, NMC Energy managed the temporary storage and load-in of the materials, ensuring safety and compliance throughout.
• The removal and transportation phases were closely coordinated to maintain project timelines and minimize risks.

Passage Under the UNESCO Heritage Forth Bridge:

• One of the significant logistical challenges was the transportation of the platform components under the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge. NMC Energy managed this complex task, ensuring that the structural and height limitations were carefully considered and met to allow safe passage without any damage to the bridge or the transported materials.

Review and Approval of Procedures:

• NMC Energy reviewed and approved all procedures related to transportation, removal, and load-in, ensuring that they met both technical and regulatory standards. This process involved collaborating with technical teams from Allseas to ensure each phase was executed safely and efficiently.

Client Representation on Key Vessels:

• NMC Energy provided client representatives aboard key vessels involved in the operation, including the Pioneering Spirit, Oceanic, and Iron Lady. These representatives ensured that the client’s interests were upheld and that the project proceeded according to the agreed plan and safety protocols.

Liaison with Marine and Structural Technical Authorities:

• Throughout the project, NMC Energy acted as the primary liaison between Spirit Energy, Marine Technical Authorities, and Structural Technical Authorities. This ensured that all technical concerns were addressed promptly and that all parties were aligned on the project’s goals and safety standards.

Management of 500m Safety Zone:

• NMC Energy managed the 500-meter safety zone around the offshore platform during the dismantling and removal operations, ensuring that no unauthorized vessels entered the zone and that all safety protocols were followed.

QHSE and Technical Readiness Tracker Management:

• NMC Energy was responsible for maintaining the Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) and Technical Readiness Tracker throughout the project. This involved continuous monitoring of all operational activities to ensure that HSE standards were maintained, and that the project was technically sound and ready for each stage of execution.

Disposal Site Readiness:

• NMC Energy ensured that the disposal site was fully prepared to receive and process the platform components after their removal. This involved coordinating with disposal facility operators to ensure that the site met all environmental and technical requirements.

Marine Manuals Review:

• NMC Energy reviewed marine manuals to ensure that all maritime operations, including transportation and passage under the Forth Bridge, were conducted in accordance with established marine standards and guidelines.

Cutting the First Full Jacket Pile:

• NMC Energy successfully managed the complex process of cutting the first full jacket pile prior to the arrival of the Pioneering Spirit, a critical challenge given the scale and safety considerations involved.

Logistical Coordination of Transport Under the Forth Bridge:

• The transport of large platform components under the UNESCO heritage Forth Bridge required careful planning and execution. NMC Energy coordinated this effort, ensuring compliance with height and structural limits and safe passage of the materials.

Offshore Safety and HSE Compliance:

• Managing the 500-meter offshore safety zone and maintaining strict HSE compliance during the dismantling and transportation phases were critical challenges that NMC Energy addressed by implementing robust safety protocols and continuous oversight.

• Seamless Removal and Transportation: NMC Energy successfully managed the removal, transportation, and load-in of the topside and jacket, ensuring the project was completed safely, on time, and in compliance with all technical and regulatory standards.
• Safe Passage Under the Forth Bridge: NMC Energy oversaw the safe transportation of platform components under the Forth Bridge, meeting height and safety requirements while preserving the integrity of both the materials and the bridge.
• Successful Jacket Pile Cutting Approval: NMC Energy obtained all necessary approvals for the first full jacket pile cutting, a significant achievement that paved the way for the successful removal of the jacket by the Pioneering Spirit vessel.
• Effective Client Representation: NMC Energy’s client representatives aboard the Pioneering Spirit, Oceanic, and Iron Lady ensured continuous oversight, real-time decision-making, and the alignment of project objectives with Spirit Energy’s expectations.

NMC Energy’s management of the decommissioning and removal of the offshore platform for Spirit Energy demonstrated its expertise in handling complex, large-scale offshore projects. The successful coordination of transportation under the Forth Bridge, the management of offshore safety zones, and the achievement of critical engineering milestones highlight NMC Energy’s ability to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and in compliance with stringent technical and environmental standards. This case study showcases NMC Energy’s capability in offshore project management, from engineering and approvals to the final disposal phase.