Well-Safe Solutions, an international energy transition specialist, has secured two new decommissioning contracts in the UK Continental Shelf for Spirit Energy and an additional global operator.
The workscope comprises approximately 170 days with the Well-Safe Protector jack-up and Well-Safe Defender semi-submersible vessels being used. The two contracts are worth about US$25mn but both include options for a further combined duration of up to 140 days in 2025 and 2026 which could see the total rise by an additional US$50mn.
“Securing these contracts with an array of blue-chip operators – each with their own distinct requirements – demonstrates the flexibility of the Well-Safe Solutions offering in safely and efficiently liquidating ageing well stock,” remarked Chris Hay, Chief Commercial Officer at Well-Safe Solutions.
“Welcoming back Spirit Energy for another mutually-beneficial project is testament to the close cooperation and high performance we achieved together in our last campaign. As the North Sea continues to face political and economic headwinds, it is heartening to see operators securing valuable North Sea assets amidst a backdrop of availability concerns and units departing the region."
Hay continued, “Approximately 60% of the UKCS’ topside and subsea decommissioning is set to occur between 2026 and 2032, making this a key growth industry for the UK and Scotland alike. We are proud to be collaborating with our clients as the industry moves towards a low-carbon future for the North Sea.”
Additional decommissioning
Spirit Energy have selected the Well-Safe Protector having successfully utilised the vessel to decommission 15 subsea wells in the Trees, Chestnut and Appleton fields last year. The new contract will result in the decommissioning of five wells on the York platform, located in Block 47/03a of the southern North Sea, over 97 days. It is planned to commence in Q2 2025, with two optional subsea wells (projected to take approximately 50 days) to be decommissioned in direct continuation or deferred until a later date.
“With York having reached the end of its economic life in the summer this year, Spirit Energy has partnered effectively with Well-Safe Solutions to ensure swift and responsible decommissioning of the asset,” commented Spirit Energy’s Head of Wells, Nicky Riley. “This builds on the success of our previous collaborations on the Chestnut, Trees and Appleton fields. Together, we look forward to continue setting the standard for efficient, responsible decommissioning of assets at the end of their productive lives.”
Elsewhere, the Well-Safe Defender will carry out its decommissioning campaign for an unnamed client. Beginning in March 2025, at least two subsea wells will be worked on across 75 days. This contract also contains two optional subsea well which may be added in direct continuation with the firm scope, plus another three to be executed in 2026.
