LOC provided MWS for the Buchan Alpha Floating Production Unit

In August, Repsol Sinopec Resources UK delivered the Buchan Alpha Floating Production Unit to Veolia, at Dales Voe in the Shetland Islands, for dismantling. LOC Aberdeen provided Marine Warranty Survey services for the mooring system disconnect and tow from field to the handover location at Dales Voe.

Built in 1973, the Buchan Alpha had been producing from the Buchan Field since 1981 after undergoing conversion from a drillship. During it’s time on station it is estimated to have produced 150 million barrels of oil. The mooring system disconnect and the tow were carried out by 3 anchor handling vessels with an LOC surveyor in attendance throughout the operations as well as attending onboard in the lead up to operations to ensure the proper arrangements were in place.

The deepwater quay at Dales Voe has recently undergone redevelopment, including extension, to enable it to handle North Sea Platforms of this size. The Buchan Alpha is believed to be the first major North Sea floating production facility to be dismantled in Scotland.

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