Norwell Engineering secures seven figure UAE contract to deliver first integrated decommissioning project

Global well engineering and project management firm, Norwell Engineering, has secured a multi-million dollar contract to deliver an integrated offshore decommissioning project in the United Arab Emirates on behalf of Chinese operator Sinochem Corporation (Sinochem), it was announced today, 8 June 2022.

The agreement to develop the abandonment strategy for Sinochem’s UAQ Gas Field as well as detailed well and facilities decommissioning planning, tendering and procurement services, logistics, marine support and operational execution, represents a widening focus for Aberdeen-headquartered Norwell.

The consultancy has delivered more than 500 wells globally since launching in 1989. Its expansion into decommissioning reflects what it perceives as a gap in the market to provide full field integrated decommissioning support for technically complex projects.

Mike Adams, General Manager of Norwell Engineering says the company partners with client decommissioning teams to address technical, safety, environmental and legislative considerations.

He said: “While the decommissioning sector is heating up with several well engineering firms active in the space, our experience and technical focus across the entire field provides operators with a different perspective – reducing risks and identifying efficiency savings during every phase.

“The wells are the most complex and costly element of an integrated decommissioning scope and this is what Norwell has specialised in for more than 30 years. Together, with our subsurface partners, and growing topsides decommissioning team, we are in an excellent position to support clients such as Sinochem with end-to-end project management of their integrated decommissioning scopes.”

Sinochem, is a leading, state-owned, player in the global oil exploration and production sector. The UAQ Gas Field was the first offshore gas field independently developed and built overseas by Sinochem. The company currently has 32 oil and gas upstream cooperation projects in nine countries including the UAE. As part of the integrated project, Norwell will be responsible for developing the abandonment strategy, as well as detailed well and facilities decommissioning planning, tendering and procurement services, logistics, marine support and operational execution.

Norwell will then deliver dismantling of the platform equipment before moving the platform onshore, where it will be handed over to the UAE government.

With a track record in the global market spanning 45 countries and a senior engineering team that has been with the company from the start, Norwell Engineering is one of the longest established well engineering and drilling project management firms in the world. The company has delivered on major projects for leading operators including well abandonment design and execution, through direct project management, well engineering and well examination contracts.

The deal is part of a concerted drive by Norwell to support its clients in the integrated decommissioning market.

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