Europe - Projects

• Accident and incident free throughout transition period to completion
• Successful completion of both topsides and jacket removal on budget and on schedule, 24 months from contract award
• Implementation of fit-for-purpose control of work and management systems
• Shortlisted for Oil and Gas UK’s ‘Excellence in Decommissioning’ award

Petrofac offered bp an alternative approach to the late life management and decommissioning of the Miller platform, in the UK Central North Sea, through our pioneering Duty Holder model.

Challenging traditional approaches to deliver results

Our responsibility as Duty Holder enabled bp – as licence owner – to remain focused on removal activities while we ensured safe operations, asset maintenance and integrity throughout the preparatory and removal works.

Pioneered over 20 years ago, our Duty Holder model involves managing an asset’s operations and taking responsibility for the Safety Case on behalf of our client, offering an alternative approach to managing assets when they reach the late life and decommissioning stages.

Unrivalled experience in delivering decommissioning scopes

Our breadth of capability meant we were well positioned to support bp throughout its decommissioning journey.

The support from our on and offshore management and delivery teams, included: 

• Optimised maintenance programme, supported by a multi-skilled workforce
• Management and revision of the Safety Case on behalf of bp in line with project stages
• Decommissioning support services which included modifications, assurance and de-risking scope to support removal work
• Review of removal scope work packs, development of supporting isolations, permits, lifting plans and another supporting material with ongoing technical authority support
• Shared performance measures and project culture

Fit for purpose on and offshore support

Early engagement was vital to our approach in supporting bp to optimise the planning and execution of decommissioning services and supporting the transition of risk between operator and contractor.

Once an asset moves to the decommissioning phase, mind-sets must also transition, from an ”operations” to a “project-led” culture. This ensures decommissioning activity is not hampered by systems and processes designed for ongoing operations and removal is conducted safely and efficiently within the Safety Case environment.

Collaboration key to success

Our shared goals were efficiency and maximised opportunity for all. We developed an integrated team culture with the heavy lift vessel contractor during the preparation phase in relation to logistics, waste management, permit development and job planning to allow for a tailored execution model.

Working collaboratively in this way, using project specific on and offshore management and delivery teams, drove many key successes for the Miller project.