Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) has been awarded a contract by ConocoPhillips for the engineering, offshore preparation, removal and onshore recycling of nine platforms in the greater Ekofisk area in the Norwegian and UK sector of the North Sea.

HMC will be the main contractor for this work which will also involve Norwegian demolition and recycling company AF Decom Offshore (a business unit of AF Gruppen ASA). The Ekofisk topsides and jackets will be removed and taken to a yard in Vats, Norway, for recycling and disposal. An estimated 96-98% of the material recovered will be recycled by 2014. The award includes several options for removal of further platforms and other installations.

Commenting on the award, HMC's Executive Vice President Commercial Steve Preston says: "This award strengthens the excellent relationship between our companies. We are looking forward to a continuation of the successful execution of Ekofisk CAT 1. For Heerema Marine Contractors and our key suppliers, it is a further step in demonstrating our ability to deliver the complete service required for such a decommissioning project."

Safeguarding the environment, safety and predictability of the execution are the starting principles for the planned removal and recycling methods. HMC will remove and recycle the platforms in a phased sequence, whereby optimum use is made of both the unique as well as proven capabilities of its vessels.

Offshore removal is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. The work will be carried out by the Semi-Submersible Crane Vessels 'Hermod' and 'Thialf'.

Tags: Heerema Marine Contractors