Marine consultancy and MWS for decommissioning of North Sea assets
Project title: Marine consultancy and MWS for decommissioning of North Sea assets
Client Type: Oil and Gas Operator
Asset Type: 3 North sea platforms
Project location: Central North Sea
Project Duration: 5 years – ongoing
Why we were contracted
ABL has been engaged to provide marine consultancy services during the Invitation to Tender (ITT) process for review and appraisal of the EPRD (Engineering, Procurement, Removal, and Disposal) contractor. The scope of work included a detailed assessment of the ITT submissions for the full removal of the jacket and topside combinations.
The client, who was undertaking its first decommissioning project, had an existing relationship with ABL, utilised this trusted partnership to engage ABL’s technical capabilities to guide them through this unfamiliar territory. ABL provided support in providing technical and operational considerations as they transitioned from their operational mindset to one focused on construction and removals. ABL’s extensive experience in heavy lifting and complex marine operations over the past 40 years ensured that key technical and operational documentation protected the interests of ABL’s client.
ABL played a key role in ensuring that safe and efficient methodologies for simultaneous complex marine operations, heavy lifts and decommissioning hook down work was, ensuring the ITT was fit for purpose. As part of the review team, ABL’s involvement was instrumental in bridging knowledge gaps and de-risking the early stages of the decommissioning process.
What we did
ITT Technical Review and Assessment (for 3 Platforms)
- Conducted detailed reviews of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) documentation for three offshore platforms.
- Provided marine consultancy input to ensure technical clarity of scope, and alignment with industry best practices.
- Assessment of proposed marine units, taking into account capability, capacity and availability.
- Review of overall removal methodology in line with recognised industry standards and marine practice.
- Supported the operator in shaping the ITT to attract capable EPRD contractors for asset removal.
Technical Review of Basis of Design and Method Statements
- Assessed the proposed Basis of Design and Method Statements submitted by contractors.
- Identified potential risks and red flags related to marine operations, lifting strategies, and sequencing.
- Reviewed proposed marine units (vessels and equipment) for suitability, focusing on capability, capacity, and availability.
Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS) Services
- Delivered MWS support for removal of lift, transit & set down on quayside for one platform to date, covering the full removal of jacket and topsides.
- Ensured compliance with marine standards and verified engineering and operational procedures prior to execution.
Engineering Consultancy: Weather Downtime Assessment
- Provided specialist input on weather downtime analysis to inform operational planning and scheduling.
- Evaluated metocean data and contractor assumptions to validate feasibility and risk mitigation strategies.
Key project benefits
The lifting campaign was completed without incident, ensuring a safe and reliable operation for the client.
Full integration into the operator’s team enabled close collaboration and allowed us to deliver maximum value throughout the project.
Our expert technical reviews and vessel suitability assessments helped mitigate risks and ensured compliance with both environmental and operational standards
“This project is a great example of how close collaboration with the operator and early technical engagement can deliver real tangible value. By embedding our team and engaging with our extensive experience in offshore marine operations, we contributed to many safe, compliant, and incident-free lifting campaigns.”
Ashley Perrett – Sub Regional Director: Northern Europe, ABL
Related services and sectors
Marine Surveys, Inspections and Audits
