Decommissioning of DP3 and DP4 in Morecambe Field

Client: Spirit Energy

Service Provider: NMC Energy

Project: Decommissioning of Drilling Platforms 3 and 4 (DP3, DP4) and Bains Subsea Infrastructure

Location: Morecambe Field, United Kingdom

NMC Energy was contracted by Spirit Energy to manage the decommissioning of late-life assets in the Morecambe Field, specifically Drilling Platforms DP3 and DP4. The project required transitioning the platforms from production to lighthouse status and, eventually, to complete removal. NMC Energy provided comprehensive engineering management, project oversight, and offshore supervision, ensuring the seamless execution of the decommissioning process, all while navigating challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NMC Energy’s responsibilities spanned the entire project lifecycle, from planning and strategy to offshore execution:

Project Initiation and Decommissioning Options:

• NMC Energy partnered with Spirit Energy from the early stages of the project, identifying potential decommissioning options for DP3, DP4, and the Bains subsea infrastructure tied to DP1. These platforms were nearing the end of their operational life, requiring careful evaluation of how best to handle their decommissioning.
• The team carried out comprehensive assessments of technical, operational, and environmental factors to propose the most efficient and cost-effective decommissioning solutions.

Development of Execution Strategies:

• NMC Energy played a crucial role in designing execution strategies for transitioning the platforms to lighthouse status (minimal operations and reduced manning). These strategies took into account safety, regulatory compliance, and cost minimization.
• NMC Energy led efforts to obtain internal approvals for the proposed strategies, ensuring that Spirit Energy’s stakeholders were aligned with the project goals and approach.

Full Accountability for Offshore Execution:

• NMC Energy adopted a leadership role in managing both the onshore planning and the offshore execution. Their project management approach involved mobilizing key personnel offshore, ensuring that there was a seamless transition from planning to practical implementation.
• The team took full accountability for offshore operations, providing client representatives to oversee and supervise all activities on DP3 and DP4.

Remote Work and COVID-19 Challenges:

• The project was executed during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced numerous obstacles such as travel restrictions, remote working requirements, and health protocols. NMC Energy adapted by establishing robust remote communication systems and coordination methods.
• Despite these difficulties, NMC Energy successfully mobilized teams, maintained project continuity, and ensured offshore safety compliance in the face of restricted physical access to sites.

Vendor and Stakeholder Integration:

• One of the key achievements of the project was NMC Energy’s ability to fully integrate the project team with key vendors. This integration was crucial for streamlining communication, improving collaboration, and ensuring all stakeholders were aligned with the project’s objectives.
• NMC Energy facilitated this integration by managing interactions between the Spirit Energy project team, vendors, and contractors. This ensured that the project stayed on track, and that technical and operational risks were mitigated.

COVID-19 Pandemic:

• The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, from travel restrictions to the need for remote management. NMC Energy successfully adapted by implementing remote working strategies and ensuring effective offshore supervision despite limited physical presence.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Decommissioning projects in the UK North Sea must adhere to stringent regulatory frameworks. NMC Energy ensured that all operations followed guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies, obtaining the necessary approvals and permits for decommissioning activities.

Offshore Coordination:

• Decommissioning a platform while transitioning it to lighthouse mode requires careful coordination to ensure safety and operational integrity. NMC Energy managed the offshore teams to ensure the platforms were secured during the transition phases, with all personnel and equipment operating efficiently.

• Seamless Project Integration: The full integration between NMC Energy’s project team, Spirit Energy, and key vendors played a vital role in the project’s success. NMC Energy’s proactive management fostered collaboration and alignment, ensuring smooth operations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Adaptability During COVID-19: Despite the global pandemic, NMC Energy maintained high levels of operational efficiency by adapting to the new remote-working conditions, implementing safety protocols, and facilitating remote oversight of offshore operations.
• Leadership in Offshore Execution: NMC Energy’s ability to mobilize critical personnel offshore and take full accountability for all phases of the project exemplified their leadership and commitment to ensuring the successful transition and removal of DP3 and DP4.

• Transition to Lighthouse Mode: NMC Energy managed the transition of DP3 and DP4 into lighthouse mode, achieving this milestone on time while maintaining full compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Successful Removal Preparation: The platforms were successfully prepared for removal, with all engineering and operational requirements met efficiently.
• Efficient Vendor Coordination: NMC Energy’s efforts to integrate project teams with vendors streamlined communication and ensured smooth project delivery despite the complexities introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NMC Energy’s comprehensive involvement in the decommissioning of DP3, DP4, and the Bains subsea infrastructure was critical to the project’s success. By offering robust project management, engineering expertise, and offshore supervision, NMC Energy enabled Spirit Energy to overcome significant challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and execute the decommissioning project efficiently. Through its leadership, adaptability, and collaborative mindset, NMC Energy demonstrated its capacity to deliver large-scale offshore projects in a challenging environment.