Petrofac and Saipem Join Forces on North Sea Decommissioning Project; Petrofac Bags Additional Contracts with Repsol Sinopec and ADNOC Gas

Petrofac Inc. and Saipem SpA have been awarded a contract to aid in the decommissioning of a platform situated in the UK region of the North Sea. In accordance with the contract, the duo will form a unified team to ready and dismantle the 20,000-metric-ton topside using the Saipem 7000, known as one of the world’s largest semi-submersible heavy lifting vessels, as mentioned by Petrofac in a press release on Monday. Although the exact figures of the contract remain undisclosed, it was described as a multimillion-pound agreement by the energy service provider. Petrofac has outlined a two-phase, three-year plan for this project. The initial phase entails preparations on the platform, while the second phase will see the actual removal activities carried out on the Saipem 7000. Petrofac’s role encompasses module separation, lift point examination, lift point setup, riser, and caisson cutting. Nick Shorten, COO of Petrofac Asset Solutions, emphasized the significance of decommissioning as a stepping stone toward cleaner energy alternatives. By collaborating with Saipem and their client, Petrofac aims to utilize its two decades of decommissioning expertise and familiarity with North Sea operations to ensure a safe and predictable operation, which could potentially serve as a benchmark for the North Sea’s transition.

Moreover, Petrofac has earned a three-year contract extension, valued over $100 million, to continue supporting Repsol Sinopec Resources UK’s North Sea ventures. This extension, announced in an earlier press release, covers operations and maintenance services. Since its initial engagement by Repsol Sinopec in 2016, Petrofac’s workload has expanded steadily, securing contracts for six more North Sea assets in 2020. Shorten acknowledged the evolving partnership with Repsol Sinopec, adapting to new challenges and operational contexts. The contract extension reflects the dedication and effort to maintain safe and effective operations, looking forward to ongoing cooperation and engagement across Repsol Sinopec’s North Sea assets. The contract encompasses services for a variety of assets including Arbroath, Auk, Bleo Holm, Claymore, Clyde, Fulmar, Montrose, Piper, Saltire, and Tartan assets in the North Sea, with additional support extended to Flotta Oil Terminal and Nigg Oil Terminal.