Offshore staff
LONDON — Hartshead Resources has contracted Petrofac to perform an engineering study to define the Phase 1 offtake route from the Somerville and Anning gas fields in the UK southern North Sea.
The study will define the optimum route using Shell’s offshore infrastructure in the area. It will provide a basis for the design and cost estimate, and the required brownfield modifications to tie gas from the fields, via new facilities to Shell’s Corvette and Leman Alpha platforms.
From there, the gas will be transported to the terminal at Bacton on the Norfolk coast for processing and delivery to the UK’s transmission system.
Hartshead plans to take a final investment decision on the development, including the new platforms, in 2023, followed by first gas in late 2024.
Petrofac’s scope includes assessing offshore construction support for the subsea pipeline tie-in activities on the Corvette to Leman Alpha export pipeline, communication connections, pipework for system control, export route options and control room integration.
"The UK government has promised to increase North Sea production to secure more UK energy supplies in response to Russia’s squeeze on natural gas exports to Europe. Hartshead Resources is ahead of the game, with new North Sea Gas set to flow to the UK in 2024, increasing energy security and reducing the cost of living," Hartshead stated in a LinkedIn post four days ago.
As of late September, a ballot is underway that could lead to Petrofac staff taking industrial action in a dispute over pay, according to offshore trade union Unite the Union. About 140 members will vote, with the ballot due to close on Oct. 27. They include deck crew, platers, pipe fitters, electricians and riggers.
10.11.2022
