Abstract
This document considers the impact of the activities associated with the decommissioning of the Beatrice Field in the Central North Sea. The development comprises the bridge-linked Beatrice Alpha Drilling (AD) and Beatrice Alpha Production (AP) platforms which are centrally located in the field, with the Beatrice Bravo (B) and Beatrice Charlie (C) platforms located 5.6 km to the northeast and 5 km to the southwest of the Alpha complex respectively. A power cable connects the Alpha complex to Dunbeath and during production hydrocarbons were exported to Nigg Bay via an export pipeline. A series of infield pipelines and power cables connect the platforms. Apart from the nearshore section of the power cable to Dunbeath, which was surface laid, all pipelines and power cables are trenched and buried.
Two experimental Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) connected via a power cable to Beatrice AP are also within the scope of the decommissioning project.
All topsides, jackets and WTGs will be recovered to shore. In line with the results of a Comparative Assessment all pipelines and power cables will be decommissioned in situ. Any exposed sections and pipeline/power cable ends will be trenched and buried. Base case is to recover all protective structures. Repsol Sinopec Resources UK are in ongoing discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Marine Scotland Science regarding the optimal approach to decommissioning a small cuttings pile at Beatrice AD.
Decommissioning activities including plug and abandonment, recovery of installations, trenching and burying activities and the post decommissioning surveys are expected to span 10 to 12 years.