Ten years after its first commercial single-lift operation, Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit has safely removed and delivered TAQA UK’s North Cormorant topsides to Shetland. Here, the structure will be dismantled and recycled.
Weighing more than 17,000 tonnes, the former production topsides was removed from the northern North Sea in a single lift and transported to Dales Voe.
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Years of engineering and planning
The achievement reflects several years of engineering and planning, culminating in a four-month offshore preparation campaign led by Allseas‘ onshore and offshore teams.
Supported by offshore construction vessel Oceanic, activities included structural modifications, lift point installation, conductor and riser separation works, module sea-fastening and separation of the topsides from its steel jacket.
North Cormorant is the second successful topsides removal completed under Allseas’ long-term engineering, preparation, removal and disposal (EPRD) contract for TAQA UK’s Northern North Sea facilities. It involves the removal and disposal of more than 120,000 tonnes of offshore infrastructure.
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Ten years of single-lift tech
The operation also coincides with an important milestone. On 22 August 2016, Pioneering Spirit completed its first commercial single-lift operation with the removal of the Yme MOPUstor platform in Norway, demonstrating a technology that would redefine offshore heavy lift and decommissioning.
Today, single-lift removal has become a proven solution for retiring ageing offshore infrastructure safely, efficiently and responsibly.
Following delivery to shore, Brown & Mason will carry out dismantling and recycling activities. This supports the TAQA-Allseas commitment to recover at least 97 per cent of materials across the Northern North Sea programme.
Picture: Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit with the topsides loaded on deck (photo by Allseas).
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