Decommissioning jobs boost for Cromarty
Port of Cromarty Firth becomes first in Scotland to apply to SEPA for decommissioning permits.
The Port of Cromarty Firth has become the first port to apply to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for decommissioning permits under the updated regulations. This is part of their final preparations to attract projects - and associated jobs - to the area.
The Pollution Prevention Control (PPC) Regulations were updated in 2012, providing the highest level of environmental protection. Under the guidelines laid out, the Port lodged two applications (one under PPC and a second under the Radioactive Substances Act) with SEPA earlier this month. It's anticipated the permits will be in place and the Port can begin welcoming decommissioning projects by September 2017.
Investment in a new quayside at the Port’s Invergordon Service Base means the port has three berths and 80,000 square metres of laydown space - ready to accept decommissioning projects from the September deadline.
Its location, existing infrastructure and experienced supply chain give the port a significant advantage in this growing market. The Port has recently been recognised by Scottish Enterprise and HIE as one of the main Scottish ports capable of carrying out decommissioning work.
“The Port is ideally located in the North Sea. Our status as a Trust Port, together with our proven environmental record, ensures platforms will be decommissioned in a way that meets the latest environmental standards,” says Port general manager Captain Calum Slater. “We are already in discussions with customers who have structures to decommission and I can see the first of the new era coming to the Firth next year.”
Roger Esson, Chief Executive of Decom North Sea, the decommissioning sector’s membership organisation, said: “Fundamental to a successful UK decommissioning sector is a supply chain which focuses on solutions and delivery models that can support and aid collaboration with operators to cost effectively manage their decommissioning activities.
“As the number of active decommissioning projects and plans submitted for regulatory approval increases, the Port’s recent application to SEPA reflects the importance of early regulator engagement, where clear communication of the requirements will result in the development of a cost-effective, safe and highly efficient decommissioning sector, where the opportunities are maximised.”