North Sea oil platform automation enhancement on ABB’s UK worksheet

June 12, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Switzerland-based electrification and automation technology provider ABB has been hired to upgrade the automation and control systems on an offshore platform, which operates approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Aberdeen at one of the UK’s largest North Sea oil fields.

Buzzard offshore platform; Courtesy of CNOOC

ABB has been awarded a contract to modernize the automation and control systems on the Buzzard platform by CNOOC Petroleum Europe, a subsidiary of China’s CNOOC. This upgrade is expected to help ensure the continued safe and reliable operations of the platform, which is deployed at the CNOOC-operated Buzzard field, described as one of the UK’s highest-producing fields. The first oil was achieved in 2007.

Nicolas Alonso, Head of ABB’s Energy Industries division for the UK, Ireland and Azerbaijan, commented: “This project reflects our longstanding partnership with CNOOC’s UK business and our shared commitment to safe and reliable operations. By modernizing the existing automation systems, we are able to help support UK energy security at a time of increasing demand.”

As the Swiss player will deliver a targeted modernization of its installed ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system and Safeguard 400 safety system, the phased upgrade will allow essential updates to be introduced, while the platform remains operational, limiting shutdown time and reducing project risk.

The work will be managed by the company’s engineering team in Aberdeen, which also supports the Buzzard platform through an onshore reference system used for testing and evaluation. By verifying upgrades onshore before deployment offshore, the firm believes it can help reduce risk, minimize disruption and maintain continuity of production.

ABB recently completed many jobs, including a propulsion systems upgrade across a fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers (LNGCs) owned and operated by Cool Company (CoolCo).