DeepOcean completes subsea removals at Spirit Energy’s Seven Seas and Grove West fields

DeepOcean delivered onshore engineering and project management, deploying the high-specification construction vessel Edda Freya to retrieve the more than 100 tonne wellhead protection structure, in addition to associated subsea infrastructure. All recovered materials have been transported for reuse, recycling or responsible disposal. The project was managed and executed by DeepOcean’s Aberdeen-based operations in the UK.

The work forms part of Spirit’s wider decommissioning programme for the Seven Seas and Grove West fields. Both scopes were carried out in preparation for a rig campaign.

“The wellhead protection structure at Seven Seas has served the field since 2011 and remains in very good shape. The piles were cut three metres below the seabed and the subsequent retrieval of the structure was conducted. We were delighted to support Spirit Energy on this project and look forward to working with Spirit Energy on future scopes of work,” says Robin Mawhinney, Executive Vice President for DeepOcean’s EMEA region.

The scope also included the disconnection of a spool from a subsea Christmas tree at Grove West. The operation was executed using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) combined with specialized tooling, replacing the need for diver intervention traditionally required for such tasks.

Spirit Energy’s Decommissioning Manager, Ceri Wheaton, said: “We are committed to maximising material recovery and minimising waste throughout our decommissioning activities. By working closely with specialist contractors such as DeepOcean and leveraging the UK supply chain, we have safely recycled more than 95% of materials from decommissioned assets and infrastructure. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also improves efficiency through streamlined logistics and the responsible reuse of valuable resources.”

“At Grove West, we disconnected two subsea flanges using methodologies and proprietary tooling developed during the Gryphon Alpha FPSO removal project last year. This project adds to DeepOcean’s growing track record of meeting project objectives across subsea decommissioning campaigns,” says Øyvind Mikaelsen, Chief Executive Officer at DeepOcean.

The Seven Seas structure was located approximately 80 km offshore the East Yorkshire coast in a water depth of around 33 metres. The Grove West structure was located approximately 130 km east of the UK coastline in a water depth of around 40 metres.

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(ENDS)

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For further information, please contact:

Kjetil Sørum

M | +47 996 02 964

E | communications@deepoceangroup.com  

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About DeepOcean

DeepOcean is a world-leading ocean services provider, enabling energy transition and sustainable use of ocean resources, offering survey, engineering, project management, installation, maintenance, and recycling services for oil and gas, offshore renewables, deep sea minerals, and other ocean services.  

Across the global offices, DeepOcean is a trusted independent solutions provider with highly skilled industry experts, using world-class fit-for-purpose tools and technology to drive cost-efficient and safe operations. The company delivers innovative engineering solutions focusing on remote and unmanned operations and digitally enabled services while continuously striving to lower the carbon footprint.

DeepOcean is owned by Triton, a leading European mid-market sector-specialist investor. As an active owner, Triton supports its portfolio companies to reach their full potential and works closely with DeepOcean to drive value creation. Founded in 1997, Triton invests in businesses that provide important goods and services in the Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare sectors.

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About Spirit Energy

A pioneering energy company with two shareholders: Centrica plc (69%) and Stadtwerke München GmbH SWM (31%). The company operates in the UK and the Netherlands, with a 550-strong team, and 18 producing field interests.

Spirit Energy’s portfolio and ambitions span the breadth of the energy transition. The company is continuing to break new ground, collaborating and thinking differently. Its strategy is focused on safely delivering production from existing assets, meeting and de-risking decommissioning obligations and pursuing strategic energy transition opportunities from the company’s existing assets.

Spirit Energy is proud of its heritage. With more than 40 years of production, the company is maximising the potential of its existing assets and substantial gas reserves in the UK and the Netherlands. Above all, Spirit Energy lives by its commitment to safety in everything it does. The company’s portfolio is predominantly gas (96%), providing vital primary energy to fuel homes and businesses in the UK and Europe.

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