Port of Blyth and Thompsons of Prudhoe bring 7000 tonne decommissioning project to Northumberland
Posted on 21 August 2023
Port of Blyth has successfully welcomed their largest oil and gas decommissioning project to date into their Battleship Wharf terminal, the home of the Port’s unique decommissioning facility, operated in partnership with Thompsons of Prudhoe.
Working together with Thompsons of Prudhoe (the Principal Contractor and Principal Designer for the project) several topsides, and jackets for three North Sea offshore oil and gas platforms were delivered to the Port in August. With a combined weight of around 7,000 tonnes, the delivery showcases the Port of Blyth’s advanced handling capabilities which required exceptional planning and a well-coordinated operation.
The Port expertly removed the assets from two barges and transferred them to the Decommissioning Facility using SPMTs, where they were then set down onto purpose-built stools ready for demolition. This project involved several key contractors from the Port’s mature supply chain including Mammoet, who assisted with the SPMT operations and Harlyn Solutions who supported with design and engineering works during the load out.
Following the safe delivery of the assets, Thompsons of Prudhoe will now progress with the structural inspection, surveys and make-safe, ahead of demolition. The methods of demolition will be by mechanical means and lifting operation. All waste will be sorted and segregated as works progress, allowing for a high percentage of recycling over the coming weeks and months.
Tom Koerner, Operations Director of Thompsons of Prudhoe, said: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to decommission these assets on behalf of our client. This project gives us a strong platform to demonstrate and promote our capabilities to the offshore industry for all future onshore dismantling and waste disposal requirements”.
Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive at Port of Blyth, said: "By combining the Port’s offshore energy cargo-related handling capabilities with Thompsons of Prudhoe’s decommissioning and demolition expertise, customers are able to rely on first-class service based on quality, safety, and performance. We have now established a great track record of successful high-profile decommissioning projects and are looking forward to supporting further decommissioning projects across the offshore energy sector."
Ideally located midway between Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth, Port of Blyth is a leading UK offshore energy support base and is well-placed to support major decommissioning projects in the North Sea and beyond.
Find out more about this project and the decommissioning sector at Decom Live this September. Located at the Port of Blyth, the event offers the opportunity to get face-to-face with suppliers, equipment and technology and will also feature a closer look at the Port's decommissioning site as well as outdoor and indoor exhibitors. Register now to secure your place: https://www.decommission.net/events/2023/september/decom-live-at-port-of-blyth/ENDS
Contact Details
Olivia Smith Communications & Marketing Manager
Mobile: +44 (0)7510 928320
Tel: +44 (0)1670 357001
olivia.smith@portofblyth.co.uk
Notes to Editors
About Port of Blyth
Port of Blyth is the port operating division of Blyth Harbour Commission, an independent statutory trust established in 1882. It is one of the largest Trust Port’s in the UK handling cargo across four terminals based around the River Blyth.
Together with major logistics and training divisions, the Port group has a growing turnover exceeding £30 million, driven by growth across a variety of sectors but particularly offshore energy, with the Port is now recognised as a major strategic east coast base supporting the sector. Other trade handled includes containers, dry bulks and marine fuels.
As a Trust Port, all profits are re-invested back into the Port to improve facilities and to provide benefits for its wider stakeholders.
About Thompsons of Prudhoe
Thompsons of Prudhoe are a specialist Demolition, Deconstruction, Decommissioning, Industrial Dismantling, Asbestos Removal, Site Reclamation, Earthmoving, Contaminated Land Remediation and Site Clearance Contractor operating throughout the UK. We offer a fully comprehensive turnkey service, allowing our customers to deal with one company throughout the entire site preparation and enabling process, from initial consultation to handover of the site ready for the construction phase. Thompsons of Prudhoe remains a family owned business, operating for over 75 years and directly employing in excess of 330 employees. We strongly believe in the growth and development of both our loyal and long-serving workforce, as well as local communities. We continuously invest into the training and upskilling of our workforce and the purchasing of new and advanced plant and equipment. Our commitment to QHSE excellence and technical performance is demonstrated by our awards, externally validated certifications, accreditations and memberships. Thompsons of Prudhoe are long standing members of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC). Our staff are also members of the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE) and Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM).
For more information please contact charliesander@thompsonsofprudhoe.com T:01661 832 422 W: thompsonsofprudhoe.com
