Decommissioning and Removal of the F3FA Offshore Platform

Client: Spirit Energy

Contractor: Heerema

Service Provider: NMC Energy

Project: Decommissioning and Removal of the F3FA Offshore Platform

Location: Vlissingen, Netherlands

NMC Energy was contracted by Spirit Energy to provide full lifecycle project management and engineering services for the decommissioning and removal of the F3FA Offshore Platform. NMC Energy took on a central role in managing the engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) installation, and engineering, preparation, removal, and disposal (EPRD) phases of the project. The comprehensive scope included managing onshore and offshore removal operations, liaising with Marine Warranty Surveyors (MWS), overseeing transportation and storage, and ensuring health, safety, and environmental (HSE) compliance.

NMC Energy’s involvement in the F3FA platform decommissioning was extensive, covering both onshore and offshore elements of the removal operations:

Full Management of EPC and EPRD Works:

• NMC Energy provided complete management of the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities for the installation, as well as the engineering, preparation, removal, and disposal (EPRD) phases for the dismantling and removal works.
• The team ensured the safe and efficient dismantling of the platform by overseeing both the onshore and offshore operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and timely execution.

Management of Removal Packages:

• NMC Energy managed the removal packages onshore and offshore, including detailed preparations during the platform preparation phase. This ensured that all equipment, personnel, and procedures were ready for the dismantling phase.
• The team worked closely with Heerema to ensure seamless execution of the removal works, keeping the project on schedule.

Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS) Coordination:

• NMC Energy coordinated the scope of work with the Marine Warranty Surveyor to ensure all transportation, load-in, and removal operations adhered to warranty requirements.
• The team reviewed and approved transportation, removal, and load-in procedures, ensuring they complied with all safety and technical standards.

Transportation, Removal, and Temporary Storage:

• NMC Energy oversaw the transportation and removal operations, ensuring the safe transport of dismantled platform components to the temporary storage location. The management of load-in operations, including storage at the disposal site, was a critical aspect of the project.
• The team also ensured compliance with environmental and safety regulations throughout the transportation process.

Client Representatives on Offshore Platforms and Barge:

• NMC Energy provided client representatives on board the Thialf, Aegir, and the H 405 transportation barge, ensuring continuous oversight of the dismantling and transportation activities offshore.
• The team liaised closely with the contractor to manage the safe execution of lifting and transport operations, ensuring they met project specifications.

Liaison with Marine and Structural Technical Authorities:

• The project required constant coordination with Marine and Structural Technical Authorities to ensure that all dismantling operations met technical and engineering standards.
• NMC Energy acted as the primary liaison between these authorities and the contractor, ensuring clear communication and addressing any engineering concerns.

Management of 500 Meter Safety Zone and Permitting:

• NMC Energy managed the 500-meter safety zone around the offshore platform during the dismantling phase, ensuring that all permits were in place and safety protocols were strictly enforced.
• The team also ensured that Make Safe verifications were conducted according to regulations to safeguard personnel and assets during operations.

QHSE and Technical Readiness Tracker Management:

• The management of the Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) aspects of the project was a priority for NMC Energy. The team tracked technical readiness and QHSE compliance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that all HSE objectives were met.

Disposal Site Readiness:

• NMC Energy played a key role in ensuring the readiness of the disposal site. As the first client at the disposal yard, NMC Energy ensured the site met all regulatory and environmental requirements for safe material handling and disposal.
• The team coordinated with the disposal site to prepare for the receipt and processing of dismantled platform materials.

Marine Manuals Review and HAZID Attendance:

• NMC Energy conducted reviews of marine manuals, ensuring all offshore operations were performed according to established marine and engineering standards.
• The team also attended Hazard Identification (HAZID) sessions, identifying potential risks for load-in, Make Safe, and dismantlement operations to mitigate safety hazards before they arose.

Client Representative at Disposal Yard:

• NMC Energy provided client representation at the disposal yard, ensuring oversight during the dismantling, segregation, and disposal of materials. The presence of a client representative ensured that operations complied with environmental and technical standards.

Monitoring and Control of Dismantling Progress:

• The NMC Energy team was responsible for monitoring and controlling the progress of dismantling operations. This ensured that all activities followed the agreed schedule and safety procedures, keeping the project on track.
• The team monitored key performance indicators and provided regular updates to the client, Spirit Energy.

Engineering Preparations for Potential Re-use:

• NMC Energy prepared engineering strategies for the potential re-use of the platform components, including preservation engineering. This involved identifying parts of the platform that could be preserved for future use and developing strategies for their maintenance.

HSE Management and Interface with Contractor:

• Throughout the project, NMC Energy worked closely with Heerema to maintain an effective HSE interface. The team ensured that HSE objectives were met, including safe working conditions for personnel and compliance with environmental regulations.
• NMC Energy facilitated regular HSE meetings and audits to ensure continuous improvement throughout the dismantling process.

Complex Offshore Environment:

• The F3FA platform was located in a challenging offshore environment, requiring meticulous planning and coordination for safe dismantling. NMC Energy’s robust project management ensured that all operations were conducted safely and in compliance with environmental regulations.

HSE and Technical Readiness:

• Maintaining HSE compliance and technical readiness was critical for the project’s success. NMC Energy’s management of QHSE and Technical Readiness Trackers ensured all objectives were met, minimizing risks throughout the decommissioning process.

Hazard Identification and Mitigation:

• The project required careful identification and mitigation of risks associated with load-in and dismantling operations. NMC Energy’s participation in HAZID sessions ensured that potential risks were proactively addressed.

• Seamless Dismantling and Removal: NMC Energy successfully managed the decommissioning and removal of the F3FA platform, ensuring that all operations were completed safely and efficiently.
• Compliance with HSE Objectives: The project met all HSE objectives, with no significant incidents reported. NMC Energy’s proactive management ensured the safety of personnel and the environment throughout the project lifecycle.
• On-time Project Delivery: NMC Energy’s effective coordination of onshore and offshore operations ensured that the project was completed within the planned timeframe, meeting Spirit Energy’s expectations.
• Successful Transportation and Disposal: The transportation, storage, and disposal of platform components were handled efficiently, with NMC Energy ensuring that all environmental and technical regulations were met.

NMC Energy’s comprehensive management of the decommissioning and removal of the F3FA Offshore Platform demonstrated its expertise in handling complex offshore projects. Through effective oversight, coordination with contractors, and a strong focus on HSE compliance, NMC Energy ensured the successful completion of the project. This case study highlights NMC Energy’s ability to manage the full lifecycle of decommissioning projects, from engineering and preparation to dismantling and disposal, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.