The safe installation of the new Claire Ridge platform’s quarters and utilities topside modules, a major milestone in the project, has been carried out about 50 miles west of Shetland (pictured).
The QU platform comprises three modules – the quarters and utilities integrated deck (QUID) which has a lift weight of 9,400te; the power generation (GM) module which has a lift weight of 4,550te; and the living quarters (LQ) module which has a lift weight of 2,210te.
They were safely lifted onto the pre-installed jackets by the Heerema Thialf heavy lift vessel.
The hook up and commissioning of these modules has created over 600 jobs, including six electrical apprentices, all of which have recently been recruited through Amec Foster Wheeler.
Clair Ridge is a multi-billion investment in the second phase of development on the Clair field.The project comprises two new bridge-linked platforms and new pipeline infrastructure to connect storage and redelivery facilities on Shetland.
The next major milestone will be the installation of the production and drilling (DP) platform topside modules, scheduled for summer 2016, with production expected to commence in late 2017.
BP has the biggest holding in Clair Ridge. Other partners include Conoco, Chevron and Shell. Trevor Garlick, Regional President, BP North Sea, said: “In a challenging time for the industry, this project shows the potential of our basin and why it is so important that we work to ensure a competitive future business.”
Approximately half of the Clair Ridge investment is occurring in the UK, with over 80 British companies providing engineering design and support service, hook-up and installation services, manpower and a wide range of engineered equipment.
The Clair Ridge development will have the capability to produce an estimated 640 million barrels of oil over a 40 year period, with peak production expected to be up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day.
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