Aker Solutions has secured the contract for the first phase of decommissioning the Murchison platform in the North Sea after more than 30 years of production.

The three year contract was awarded by CNR International (UK) Ltd.

Aker Solutions will manage the engineering design, procurement and offshore execution to ensure the facilities are safely prepared for subsequent removal. It is anticipated about 150 new jobs will be created in Aberdeen as a result of the award.

“Decommissioning will be a key area of focus for the UK oil and gas industry over the next couple of decades as we see a growing number of historic oil and gas installations taken out of service,” said Mike Forbes, managing director of Aker Solutions’ maintenance, modifications and operations business in the UK.

Commenting on the award, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said; “As the North Sea matures the decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure presents a substantial opportunity for UK businesses.

“It is great to see Aker Solutions leading the way and securing this significant contract that will bring 150 new jobs to Aberdeen.”

First commissioned in 1980, Murchison has produced more than 390 million barrels of oil equivalent and has played an integral part in the UK’s energy business.

Commenting on the appointment of Aker Solutions, CNRI decommissioning project manager Roy Aspden said: “The capability to deliver safe, cost- efficient decommissioning is a key requirement for our long term sustainable North Sea business. Aker Solutions has put forward an outstanding proposal for Murchison. We now look forward to working together to deliver an excellent decommissioning project.”

Aker Solutions has extensive experience in decommissioning projects, through both execution and studies and has built considerable knowledge in engineering, preparation, removal and disposal of offshore installations in the North Sea. Previous major projects include Maureen A removal and the Frigg Cessation Project.

Aker Solutions will seek to hire some 25 new employees immediately, with the remainder comprising a mix of onshore and offshore positions through the project’s life.

The Murchison field lies in UK Block 211/19 and extends into the Norwegian Block 33/9 in the northern North Sea, 150 kilometres northeast of Shetland. The platform stands in a water depth of 156 metres. Wintershall Norge AS is the co-venturer in the project.

A scale model of the installation is a central feature in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

Press Release, October 09, 2013