The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning published two decommissioning programmes for the Ketch and Schooner North Sea oil platforms on 22 August. The platforms, which are operated by Norwegian firm DNO, are considered to remain in situ and be converted to offshore windfarm support facilities.
Discussions between DNO, the Duty Holder for the platform and an offshore wind farm company regarding the feasibility of the platform being converted to an offshore windfarm accommodation support facility are currently at an early stage, the programmes said.
A final decision regarding whether the platform is to be reused or removed and disposed of onshore will be made in 2020.
If converted, it is thought this would be the first time oil platforms have been reused in this way in UK waters.
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