Scotland gets first dedicated subsea decommissioning hub

NorSea UK, in collaboration with Robertson-IES and CR Smith Services, has unveiled NorSea Decom – a dedicated entity whose sole work scope will be the safe and compliant management of decommissioned subsea infrastructure and waste logistics.

The move will further utilise NorSea’s expansive Peterhead base where more than £2 million has already been invested.

The base has already handled over 5,000 tonnes of decommissioned equipment and waste including, flexible risers, umbilical reels, Xmas trees, manifolds, wellhead protection structures and mid-water arches from tier one global operators with interests in the North Sea.

Overseeing project-based activity at the ISO accredited company will be Karen Russell, NorSea UK country manager; Walter Robertson, managing director of Robertson-IES; and Craig Smith, the owner of CR Smith Services.

Commenting on the move, Karen Russell said: “As the UK oil and gas industry enters its fifth decade, it’s important that we simultaneously embrace traditional and emerging markets to bolster sustainability. This new venture will use the expertise we have gathered in the past to secure our future with a vertically integrated, fundamentally local, supply chain at the heart of operations”.

Walter Robertson added: “The business will focus on supporting operators and marine contractors with a unique service which will manage the complete onshore scope of work from receipt of potentially contaminated subsea structures through cleaning and size reduction before being transported to their final repurposing/re-use location.

“Transporting large structures which have been submerged for decades is a technical exercise demanding focus, commitment, and compliance with specialist waste management legislation.

“As the decommissioning sector continues to grow in the decades to come, NorSea Decom will be a dedicated specialist and relationship-based contractor which will provide the operator or principal contractor with a single, integrated onshore solution for redundant subsea infrastructure and designated wastes”.

Craig Smith added: “Having almost 30 years of experience in the radiological waste sector, we understand the importance customers place on securing compliant and cost-effective solutions. Acting as management contractor for all onshore activities, we will optimise costs, simplify the process, and professionally deliver safe and compliant working practices to ensure we protect our customers reputation”.