Port of Blyth hails record oil and gas decommissioning project

A dock operator has secured its largest-ever oil and gas decommissioning project.

Port of Blyth has welcomed 7000-tonnes of ex-North Sea rigs to its Battleship Wharf terminal.

The apparatus, which includes several platform topsides and jackets, will be demolished by Thompsons of Prudhoe over the coming weeks.

Officials say waste from the rigs will be segregated as works progress, with a “high percentage” of materials to be recycled.

Martin Lawlor, Port of Blyth chief executive, said: “By combining the port’s offshore energy cargo-related handling capabilities with Thompsons of Prudhoe’s decommissioning and demolition expertise, customers are able to rely on first-class service based on quality, safety and performance.

“We have established a great track record of successful high-profile decommissioning projects, and are looking forward to supporting further work across the offshore energy sector.”

Tom Koerner, Thompsons of Prudhoe operations director, added: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to decommission these assets on behalf of our client.

“This gives us a strong platform to demonstrate our capabilities for all future onshore dismantling and waste disposal requirements.”