Shetland looks to decommissioning

"The Dales Voe South development is in line with our strategy to meet the changing requirements of port users and expand Shetland's resources," said Lerwick Port Authority chief executive Sandra Laurenson.

"Almost trebling the quay to 130 m, its design, length and strength will future-proof the deep water port for handling a wide range of opportunities and contractors. The load-bearing capacity of 60 tonnes per square metre will make the extension unique in Scotland and be another major selling point for Lerwick when available in 2016," explained Laurenson.

In addition, Peterson (UK) is proposing further investments of up to GBP8.64 million (USD14.3 million) in its Deep Water Shetland project, to support and expand its existing decommissioning capability.

According to the Scottish Government, the growing oil and gas decommissioning industry in the North Sea has a current market value of between GBP30 billion (USD49.7 billion) and GBP40 billion (USD66.2 billion).

Both projects are supported by the Scottish Government and economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

John Swinney, cabinet secretary for finance, employment and sustainable growth, said that the decommissioning of North Sea assets presents a huge opportunity for the Scottish oil and gas supply chain.

"Through developing products and processes for successful decommissioning we will strengthen Scotland's strategic advantage," said Swinney.

"The Scottish Government is committed to investing in the necessary infrastructure to support decommissioning activity in Scotland, this is demonstrated through the public support provided to these two projects of strategic importance, enabling Scotland to compete with Norway in winning contracts for lucrative decommissioning work," he added.

Dales Voe South, Lerwick.

www.lerwick-harbour.com

www.scotland.gov.uk

www.onepeterson.com