TotalEnergies EP Nederland and AF Offshore Decom sign major contract for the removal and recycling of installations in the North Sea

Vats, October 12, 2022 – TotalEnergies and AF Offshore Decom have signed a contract for the engineering, preparation, removal, transportation, dismantling and recycling (EPRD) of 10 production platforms from the L7 field in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. The total weight of these installations is around 17.000 metric tons, and the objective is to recycle up to 98% of all materials. The scope also includes installation work and preparations for redevelopment of infrastructure for the future use for carbon capture and storage (CCS). 

The structures will be prepared for removal and lifted by selected, fit for purpose vessels from local supply chain and transported to the purpose-built recycling facility for oil and gas infrastructure, the AF Environmental Base Vats in Norway. This execution strategy is fulfilling our joint ambition to deliver a sustainable project that is cost and energy efficient, safe, and predictable. We are part of the circular economy and committed to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

Aurelie Abiad, Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Nederland:
“With over 40 years of production, the L7 field has been of great importance to our company. It was a major step to cease production five years ago. Now that the scope for repurposing has been defined, it is time to finally dismantle most of the facilities. AF Decom Offshore will do this with the lowest possible carbon footprint and highest possible recycling rate, which is in line with our ambition as a responsible operator. With an integrated approach and tailored subcontracting of marine spread, AF Offshore Decom provides the strong solution for decommissioning that we were looking for on our L7 project.”

Lars Myhre Hjelmeset, EVP Offshore in AF Gruppen:
“We are incredibly pleased to have been awarded this exciting contract by TotalEnergies EP Nederland. In cooperation with both the client and our supply chain partners we look forward to starting this important work. In this project we will engineer, prepare, remove, and recycle, but also install and repurpose infrastructure for further use. That is a perfect fit to AF Gruppen’s vision: ‘Clearing up the past, building for the future’. This award demonstrates that our strong focus on safe operations and capability to deliver a high degree of sustainability is being recognized in the market”.

The contract was signed in Vats on Tuesday, October 11 by Aurelie Abiad, Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Nederland and Lars Myhre Hjelmeset, Executive VP Offshore of AF Offshore Decom (in front). Back from left to right: Olav Ubøe (Commercial Director), Alice Andreassen (Project Director) and Johannes Thrane (Director Sustainability, Communication & Tendering) from AF Offshore Decom and Coen Luijendijk (Contracts & Procurement Manager), Albert Cok (Development Engineering & Projects Manager) and Arnout van der Pol (Decommissioning Manager). 

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About TotalEnergies in The Netherlands 
TotalEnergies EP Nederland is a major gas producer in The Netherlands with an annual production of approximately 1,5 billion cubic meters and has a workforce of around 180 people. The company has been involved in the on- and offshore natural gas exploration and production in The Netherlands since 1964. We currently produce gas from 14 offshore platforms (1 manned – 3 partially manned) and 3 subsea production installations. Most of the platforms are unmanned and remotely operated; five have gas treatment facilities. The offshore production centers are located between 80- and 150-kilometers northwest of Den Helder and are managed from our logistics base in the Den Helder. Helicopters, a walk-to-work and supply vessels are used to transport crews and goods between platforms and shore. 

About the L7 field
The L7 field was one of the first major offshore gas fields on the Dutch continental shelf. Initial discovery occurred in the late 60’s and development of various reservoirs took place throughout the 70’s and 80’s. From 15 production wells the field produced over 21 billion m3 of natural gas (~140 Mboe) with a recovery factor of >80%). After 40 years of operation the facilities ceased production in 2017. With a 54 bed living quarters, the Central Complex had been key in the company’s operations and a second home to many for decades. Following de-energizing and cleaning the facilities were left in a hibernated status waiting for either removal or redevelopment.