September 8 - Allseas has confirmed reports that delivery of its platform installation and decommissioning vessel, Pioneering Spirit, has been delayed until 2016.
Allseas stated that the installation and decommissioning of the topsides lift system beams will be completed during the winter of 2015/2016, after which the lifting system will be tested at sea.
Accordingly, Pioneering Spirit is expected to commence offshore operations in the first half of 2016, with the removal of the Yme topsides in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.
Allseas explained that the delay has been caused by late deliveries of components for the topsides lift system beams, and the fact that the installation and commissioning of the system has been found to be more complex than originally anticipated.
