Completion of Topside Skidding as Part of Pickerill Platforms’ Decommissioning

Petrodec, the decommissioning services specialist, is pleased to confirm the successful completion of skidding operations for the topside removal of the Pickerill A unmanned platform, located in the UKCS’ block 48/11 license area on behalf of its client Perenco UK.

After the plug and abandonment campaign in 2019 also performed by the Energy Endeavour (ERDA), Topside preparation, skidding, sea fastening and rig move arrangements were completed on 13th of June with the topside arriving safely at Vlissingen harbour in the Netherlands on 15th June. The topside will soon be offloaded for final dismantlement.

Prior to skidding, additional reinforcements were installed, and skid beams laid on the jack-up deck and underneath the topside. During skidding load levels were carefully maintained on all supports while the topside was successfully skidded into position on the jack-up deck.

The ability to use one vessel, the Energy Endeavour (ERDA), for both plug and abandonment, topside preparation and topside removal operations, as opposed to a drilling rig and heavy lift vessel, is an industry first. The successful topside skidding clearly highlights Petrodec’s innovative approach and ability to deliver safe and cost-effective solutions to its clients.

This successful operation is the culmination of months of engineering work and project management from Petrodec and Perenco UK, both of whom are proud of this achievement.