Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. PJSC (TAQA) completed topside removal of the Brae Bravo platform in block 17/7a, UK Central North Sea.
The topside was removed by Thialf and Sleipnir semi-submersible crane vessels. This completed two campaigns with the Heerema Marine Contractor and AF Offshore Decom (AFOD) consortium (HAF) to remove and dispose of Brae Bravo.
Campaign 1, executed from Thialf, removed the cranes and helideck. Simultaneously, Sleipnir completed removal of the flare tower, bridge, and jacket. Campaign 2 saw the return of Sleipnir to remove remaining modules and transport them to the dismantling yard.
The 36,000-ton structure was sent to the AFOD Environmental Base in Vats, Norway, and is being processed to reuse or recycle 95% or more of the material.
The only remaining visible element of Brae Bravo is the top of the jacket above the sea surface. A dedicated navigational aid has been installed on the remaining structure and a 500-m safety zone will remain in place until the jacket is decommissioned in 2022.
Over its 33-year lifetime, Brae Bravo produced more than 500 MMboe.
In 2020, TAQA took over operatorship of the Greater Brae Area from RockRose Energy PLC (OGJ Online, Jan. 17, 2020).
