On a cold and clear winter day in June 2023, a deafening explosion was heard in the Scottish hamlet of Lochcarron. After months of preparation, the 11,200-tonne Northern Producer Floating Production Platform was no more, decimated by 330 kilograms of carefully placed explosives. Once the dust cleared, a team of remediation experts removed and disposed of hazardous waste.
Before the demolition took place, the asset had been surveyed for any materials that could be reused. Ferrous steel and non-ferrous metals were identified and quantified. Components were stripped out from electrical systems and repurposed. Plant equipment such as gas turbines, gearboxes, lifeboats and artifacts were also repurposed. The project ultimately repurposed or recycled 97% of materials at the site.
The decommissioning, demolition and remediation of the former floating production facility was carried out by Australia’s Liberty Industrial. The 10-month project was the company’s second major contract in the UK. Its first contract – decommissioning the Nigg Oil Terminal in northeast Scotland – is in progress and will be completed by 2025.
‘Businesses need to decommission fossil fuel assets before they can look at rolling out new energy systems,’ says Jed Van Iersel, Liberty Industrial’s Decommissioning Manager. ‘We are the first step on the path to net zero. Our focus on recovering and recycling materials to return to the supply chain is in step with the green ethos of many organisations today.’
Contributing to a circular economy
Founded in 2008, Liberty Industrial specialises in decommissioning, deconstruction and remediation of major industrial sites. The company has completed FEED studies and decommissioned and remediated assets in the energy, mining and resources, and oil and gas sectors. Clients include BHP, Rio Tinto, Exxon Mobil, Origin Energy, Australian state governments, and more.
‘There are many companies worldwide that do what we do, but few that have a strong focus on remediation like us,’ says Van Iersel. ‘This is a key advantage as more companies look to adopt environmentally and socially sustainable practices. Businesses are now increasingly interested in how they can recycle or upcycle materials and repurpose assets and sites.’
Detailed preparation for bespoke engagements
Every bespoke engagement starts with an in-depth consultation to determine the client’s needs and the project scope. The Northern Producer platform was relocated to a dry dock at a working port serving drill rigs, an onsite fish farm and commercial marine activities. The project had to minimise disruption to the port and preserve the dry dock infrastructure, dock wall and floor, drainage management systems and the rockface. The fauna and flora in the area also had to be protected.
Liberty Industrial used drones to create a 3D model of the asset and inform the explosive demolition design. The final design used over 4,500 tonnes of rock as an ‘impact cushion’, ensuring a safe blowdown that protected the dry docks infrastructure and surrounding area. The company also undertook surveys and hazardous materials inspections to plan HAZMAT removal and decontamination works.
Liberty Industrial engaged with Scottish and UK regulators leading up to and after the blast. The local community was also consulted and kept updated on blowdown plans in the weeks leading up to the demolition.
Watch a video of the Northern Producer’s demolition.
Ninety-seven per cent of materials at the Northern Producer site was repurposed or recycled.
Recycling and repurposing wherever possible
Liberty Industrial’s circular economy expertise came to the fore on the Northern Producer project. The company focused not just on recycling – such as cutting down steel to be sold to a smelter – but upcycling materials where possible.
‘For example, we brought in an Australian company to look at the facility’s electrical and instrumentation systems,’ says Van Iersel. ‘They stripped out all the PLCs, gauges, cards and other electrical components so they could be reused, rather than reprocessed. We also repurposed used plant equipment.’
Liberty Industrial also came up with an innovative solution for the marine growth at the site, which was earmarked for landfill. ‘We worked with a local specialist recycling plant to reprocess the marine growth into agricultural fertiliser,’ says Van Iersel. ‘Local farmers can use it to grow beautiful grass.’
Austrade support for UK expansion
Liberty Industrial entered the UK market in 2021 and opened an office in North Yorkshire in 2021. The company’s open, transparent approach was welcomed by the market, and it quickly found its first client, Repsol Sinopec (operator of the Nigg Oil Terminal). In 2023, Qualimar Shipping Limited/Northern Offshore UK Ltd engaged Liberty Industrial to decommission the Northern Producer Floating Production Platform.
Austrade has been a key partner in Liberty Industrial’s expansion efforts.
‘Austrade has provided valuable introductions to public tender portals and connected us with the Norwegian, UK and Scottish Government inward investment teams,’ says Van Iersel. ‘These introductions have been pivotal as we pursue opportunities in the North Sea markets.
‘Austrade has also shared useful links to market insight websites, helping us stay informed on trends and opportunities in the offshore decommissioning space. Their ongoing support has been vital in building relationships and accessing new business prospects as we continue to grow.’
The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement includes a provision that allows businesses to bring skilled workers to the UK. ‘The FTA has made it easier for us to move personnel between Australia and the UK,’ says Van Iersel. ‘We intend to keep doing this on future projects.’
‘One challenge of the energy transition that is often overlooked is the remediation and repurposing of fossil-fuel assets,’ says Brian Hyland, Austrade Senior Business Development Manager – UK & Ireland. ‘Liberty Industrial’s expertise in responsible waste management and recovery of materials will support a circular economy and the UK’s transition to net zero.’
Future plans
Liberty Industrial’s successful decommissioning of the Northern Producer Floating Production Platform is opening up opportunities to tender for other projects. The UK offers strong prospects, with offshore oil and gas facilities in the North Sea reaching the end of their economic lives. The company is also exploring projects in Norway and Mexico.
Go green with Australia
Resources, expertise and innovations to help create new industries and cleaner energy for a sustainable and net zero future.
