EnQuest planning to decommission two SVT oil jetty topsides

PLANS are underway to remove two of four oil jetty topsides at Sullom Voe Terminal (SVT) as part of a phased decommissioning programme at the site.

They are jetties number one and four, which are no longer in use and are said to present a health and safety risk and danger to the environment.

Oil from offshore rigs is brought into SVT by pipeline, and tankers berth at the jetties to take on board crude oil for export across the world.

Documents lodged with Marine Scotland said access towers on both jetties will be retained, as will a fire pumping station at jetty four.

They add that the cost of work could reach an estimated £2 million.

It is expected that around 50 “overwater lifts” will be required to remove the topside infrastructure.

In 2023 SVT operator EnQuest said it was planning to rework its processing facilities to make the infrastructure footprint smaller and reflect “substantially” reduced production rates.

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An aerial view of Sullom Voe Terminal during the 1980s showing a jetty in action. Photo: Tom Kidd

An aerial view of Sullom Voe Terminal during the 1980s showing a jetty in action. Photo: Tom Kidd

It comes amid plans to host new energy developments on site, including hydrogen production and carbon capture/storage.

Heavy lift vessel Eemslift Ellen, or a similar sister vessel, has been suggested for decommissioning the two jetty topsides.

The 111-metre Eemslift Ellen has two cranes on board to lift equipment from the jetties, which were constructed in the 1970s.

Phase one of the project will involve removal of items like steelwork structures, pipework, cabling, loading arms and fenders.

This phase could commence in the third quarter of 2025, and could take up to three months to complete.

However it is understood that EnQuest is removing the topsides’ pipework from the jetties at the moment.

A second phase could follow in Q2 of 2026, and take up to six months.

Documents say that both jetties have not been in use for a number of years.

There are two other oil jetties at the site which remain operational.

A report added: “The works to decommission the equipment on the jetties is vital for health and safety purposes.

“The equipment is old and has deteriorated to the point where it is deemed unsafe for the operational personnel and the environment.

“Delay to removal may risk displacement of the structures into the marine environment.”

In addition, Shetland Islands Council – which owns the Port of Sullom Voe – has been exploring ways to replace the ageing tug jetty, located at Sella Ness.

There is also a construction jetty near the oil ones, but councillors were told last year that the case for replacement was “not clear” given the potential new energy opportunities.

However, the latest application for the oil jetty decommissioning suggests any work on the construction one is not expected to start until the topside job is complete.

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