Forth Ports Limited and AF Offshore Decom UK, a subsidiary of AF Gruppen, have signed the head of agreement with the intent to establish a new joint venture, AF Dundee, which will lay the foundations of creating a UK North Sea oil and gas decommissioning hub in the city of Dundee, with its nucleus at the port.
The Port of Dundee, is optimally placed to accommodate a significant share of North Sea decommissioning work due to its proximity to many UK North Sea oil and gas assets, rail and road links, port facilities, its on-site supply chain and the city’s skilled workforce, AF explained.
The Port of Dundee, which is owned by Forth Ports, is currently installing a £10m quay extension, specifically designed to equip the port to handle the large-scale loads demanded during decommissioning operations.
Charles Hammond , chief executive of Forth Ports, said: “This is great news for the city, for the local economy and for the port. Our vision is to position Dundee as a major decommissioning centre for the North Sea and to ensure that customers gain access to an efficient, cost effective decommissioning solution. Partnering with such an established and respected organisation as AF Offshore UK will most certainly enable this vision.”
Bengt Hildisch , president of AF Offshore Decom, said: “AF Offshore Decom is pleased to find a partner that shares the same vision and goals as us; to develop and operate a safe and cost efficient disposal yard in the UK. We have been seeking for the right opportunity that enables us to build and expand our capabilities to the UK and create a sustainable solution together with our yard in Norway for the whole North Sea.”