Hans J Marter

10 September 2007

PREPARATIONS to unload the 8,800 tonnes module support frame from the Frigg oil field were finalised at Lerwick harbour yesterday (Sunday).

The huge metal structure was towed on board the S600 barge into the harbour on 17 July for decommissioning by Veolia Environmental Services and SBS Logistics at their new facility at Greenhead Base.

During the last seven weeks the barge with the structure on board had been moored at the Greenhead while crucial preparation work for the critical day of unloading was carried out. As the final step, three tugs moved the barge by 90 degrees yesterday.

The intention is that the support frame will this morning (Monday) slowly be moved off the barge with the help of a fleet of multi axle trailers.

The operation will be monitored anxiously by industry observers who are keen to learn lessons from the operation.

Lerwick is determined to establish itself as a centre of excellence for the developing business of decommissioning redundant oil and gas installations.