North Sea Wenlock platform may be retained as bird nesting site

Aug. 25, 2022

Alpha Petroleum Resources, Energean UK and Orsted Hornsea Project Four will consider repurposing the Wenlock gas platform in the UK southern North Sea, which is nearing the end of its productive life.

The provision of artificial nesting sites is considered a viable compensation measure for the potential impact of offshore wind development on certain seabird species, including the black-legged kittiwake.

Offshore staff

GUILDFORD, UK — Alpha Petroleum Resources, Energean UK and Orsted Hornsea Project Four will consider repurposing the Wenlock gas platform in the UK southern North Sea, which is nearing the end of its productive life.

One possibility is to reuse the facility as an artificial nesting site to offset the impact on certain bird species of offshore wind developments in the area.

Black-legged kittiwakes have set up nests on various North Sea platforms, according to Orsted’s recent surveys. Repurposing an existing platform as an artificial nesting structure is seen as an alternative to building a new artificial nesting structure to support the local development of the Hornsea Four offshore wind farm.

Kittiwake birds are utilizing the offshore Wenlock platform.

Kittiwake nest on the Wenlock platform in the southern North Sea.

The Wenlock platform, owned by Alpha and Energean, is 98 km northeast of the Bacton gas terminal in Norfolk and has an established kittiwake colony with about 69 occupied nests counted in a survey this June.

Plugging and abandonment of the Wenlock wells is due to start next year. Repurposing the platform with an adapted topside design could attract further nesting kittiwake.

The design would maximize the use of existing structural elements and the new nesting space created, while at the same time minimizing disturbance to the seabirds already at Wenlock.

Recently Waldorf Production agreed to acquire Alpha Petroleum Resources’ entire share capital.

08.25.2022