ConocoPhillips is set to remove the minor structures from the Ekofisk field facilities

The American multinational energy corporation, ConocoPhillips, has received the consent to prepare for the removal of the first permanent oil platform built off Norway more than 40 years ago. The company has applied for the consent of the Petroleum Safety Authority of Norway (PSA) to dispose of the Ekofisk 2/4 H, Ekofisk 2/4 A, Ekofisk 2/4 FTP and Ekofisk 2/4 Q facilities.

According to the regulator, Conoco received approval for parts of the work that comprises initial preparatory works, installation of a temporary crane on Ekofisk 2/4 field terminal platform (FTP) and commencement of the removal of minor structures. The remainder of ConocoPhillips’ consent application will be dealt separately by the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority. With the exception of some smaller parts, the PSA will later permit the actual removal.

A report in April mentioned that ConocoPhillips was set to award a contract for the removal of Ekofisk field platforms to Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC). At the time, AF Gruppen, the Norwegian civil engineering and construction Company and a key subcontractor to HMC, stated that it received notice that ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS planned to enter into a contract with HMC for the removal and disposal of platforms associated with the Ekofisk field. The contract comprised engineering, preparation, removal & disposal (EPRD) of four platforms with a total tonnage of about 36,000 tons. The removal is part of ConocoPhillips’ Ekofisk I Cessation plan which should begin in 2017 and end in 2022.