Heavy-lift jackup begins removal of North Sea Galahad platform

Petrodec’s newly built Obana heavy-lift jackup vessel has begun decommissioning operations at the Galahad Field platform in the southern UK North Sea for client Perenco (UK).

The program on Block 48/12a includes topside and jacket removal. Upon completion, the vessel will transfer to the Amethyst Field to remove the C1D, A2D and B1D platform jackets, which should be transported to the Netherlands later this year.

Obana, said to be the largest self-elevating, heavy-lift jackup vessel of its type to date, was completed recently at Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam. It is a collaborative design between Petrodec, Perenco subsidiary Dixstone’s specialist decommissioning division, and Seatrium Offshore Technology. 

The six-legged vessel, made 85% from recycled steel, was formed mainly by merging two repurposed former drilling rigs, the Brage and Gabrus, with the newbuild mid-section constructed in Dubai. 

Obana was designed for heavy decommissioning offshore duties in water depths of up to 65 m. It features a 2,000-metric-ton crane, with a 3,800-sq-m deck that can sustain loads of up to 12,000 mt.

Its roller systems are engineered for rearranging of components on deck, allowing multiple modules to be removed in a single campaign. 

Before heading to the Galahad platform, the vessel underwent final trials, including its first offshore full platform lift. After finishing the program for Perenco, it will mobilize for contracts with other operators.

Perenco UK has already decommissioned 26 offshore structures in the southern North Sea.