The Final Lift

AF Offshore Decom has taken full responsibility for the entire removal project – from technical documentation and method selection to vessel coordination and lift calculations. A total of 11 platforms from the southern North Sea have been removed on behalf of Harbour Energy.

Originally, the final two platforms were scheduled for removal this summer, but nesting kittiwakes put the project on hold. “Environmental regulations mean that our client must take the breeding season into account,” says Project Manager Aasmund Solberg at AF Offshore Decom.

From the very start of the project, the team has had several opportunities to conduct site visits to inspect, map and carry out preliminary surveys. This has provided valuable insight into the condition of the structures.

Lead Engineer Helene Orø Pettersen and Engineering Manager Daniel Myrseth are among those who carried out the final lifts using the heavy lift jack-up vessel Innovation, which transported the platforms to Able UK`s decommissioning site at Able Seaton Port, UK. 

“What’s unique about this project is that we’ve had full responsibility for the entire operation,” says Helene. This means AF Offshore Decom has carried out all engineering and calculations on how and where the structures can be cut before transport. In addition, several different vessels were utilised – both in connection with preparatory work on the client’s chartered rig, which took place in parallel with well plugging and abandonment (P&A) operations, and for dedicated subsea campaigns.

“This project involves smaller, yet more technical complex installations. Each platform is unique and presents its own set of challenges. We allways need to understand the weather conditions the structures must withstand during transport, and determine the lift points, equipment and vessels to be used,” adds Daniel. “Everything must be meticulously planned – down to the smallest detail,” emphasises Aasmund.

The summer of 2025, Innovation made two calls at Able in UK – one carrying a single platform and another with two. In December 2025, there was only one port call, which carried two platforms,” says Helene.

The project has also been an arena for innovation. Early in the process the team developed a new concept for lift points. “We drilled holes in the legs of the topside and jacket and used large steel pins as lift points. That eliminated the need for welding. It challenged industry practice and gave us a competitive advantage,” says Daniel.

Helene and Daniel have played key roles in developing new methods, and the team has consistently been open to new ideas. “What I’m most proud of is the project team’s ability to adapt when circumstances change,” says Helene. “Whether it’s weather, changes of vessels, or new environmental requirements, we’ve become skilled at handling major changes at short notice.”

“This project has been a real learning ground for decommissioning,” says Daniel. “We’ve gained experience across many disciplines, both technical and commercial. From engineering and designing specialised tools to offshore preparations and the actual removal, the team has been involved every step of the way.

“We’ve become a close-knit group with strong team spirit,” says Aasmund. “It’s inspiring to see how we work together to find solutions and successfully deliver on demanding tasks.”