Contract Overview
Swedish marine‑survey specialist Njord Survey announced that it has been awarded a contract by Energean to perform post‑decommissioning seabed surveys at three former gas‑field sites in the southern North Sea – Wenlock, Garrow and Kilmar. The work will verify the condition of the seabed after the removal of platforms, jackets and associated subsea infrastructure, and will form part of Energean’s final decommissioning dossier for the UK regulator.
Scope of Survey Activities
Njord will deploy its own survey vessels and a suite of advanced instrumentation to capture both geophysical and environmental data across the former platform footprints and pipeline routes. The planned methodology includes:
- Multibeam echosounder mapping for high‑resolution bathymetry.
- Side‑scan sonar to delineate residual seabed features and any debris.
- Underwater camera inspections for visual verification of decommissioning outcomes.
- Environmental sampling (sediment and water) to assess potential ecological impacts.
Survey results will be benchmarked against historical datasets to quantify changes attributable to the decommissioning process.
Regulatory and Environmental Context
Both Garrow and Kilmar lie within the Southern North Sea Special Area of Conservation (SAC), underscoring the importance of rigorous environmental monitoring. Energean’s decommissioning programme has already progressed substantially; in September, the topsides and jackets of Garrow and Kilmar were removed using Petrodec’s OBNA jack‑up vessel, accounting for approximately 3,373 tonnes of offshore steelwork. The Wenlock platform removal is slated for October.
The forthcoming surveys will provide the data needed to demonstrate compliance with UK offshore decommissioning regulations and to support any required habitat restoration measures.
Project Timeline and Commercial Details
While the precise financial terms of the contract remain confidential, Njord has confirmed that the surveys will be conducted using its own crew, vessels, and equipment. The execution schedule aligns with Energean’s broader decommissioning timeline, with field work expected to commence shortly after the final platform removal at Wenlock.
Implications for the Industry
The engagement highlights the growing demand for specialised seabed assessment services as offshore operators advance decommissioning programmes across Europe. It also reinforces the role of high‑resolution marine survey technology in delivering transparent, regulator‑friendly closure of mature fields.
Njord’s involvement in this project showcases its capability to manage complex, multi‑site surveys in environmentally sensitive waters, positioning the firm as a preferred partner for future decommissioning initiatives in the North Sea and beyond.