Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.8°C   ENE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Drilling rig arrives for decommissioning

The Buchan Alpha oil installation was towed into Dales Voe on Saturday as owners Repsol Sinopec handed over the 12,000 tonne vessel to Veolia for decommissioning. It could take up to three weeks before the Buchan Alpha is being moved alongside the new quay. Photo: Hans J Marter/Shetland News

DECOMMISSIONING of oil installations has finally arrived as a new industry for Shetland after the Buchan Alpha oil production vessel was towed to the northeast of Lerwick Harbour on Thursday morning.

The Buchan Alpha is set to be dismantled by a consortium of environmental solutions company Veolia and logistics firm Peterson at the new Dales Voe facility, creating up to 35 new jobs locally in the process.

The 12,000 tonne structure will initially stay to the north of Bressay to discharge ballast water before being towed closer into Dales Voe.

Once in Dales Voe, the vessel’s thrusters will be removed to reduce the draught allowing it to be moved to the newly strengthened quayside.

Arriving ahead of the official opening of the Dales Voe quay on 29 August, the Buchan Alpha is the first major North Sea floating production facility to be decommissioned in Scotland.

Belonging to oil production company Repsol Sinopec, the Buchan Alpha is a semi-submersible moored floating production vessel that used to be located around 156km northeast of Aberdeen.

The former drilling rig produced nearly 150 million barrels of oil over its 36 year lifespan before it ceased production on 12 May. 

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.