ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND The Global Energy Network is pleased to report a major milestone in the offshore decommissioning sector as Petrodec officially deploys its flagship vessel, the Obana, for its very first commercial assignment. Recognized globally as the largest self elevating heavy lift jack up vessel ever constructed, the Obana is currently operating in the UK sector of the Southern North Sea to execute a complex removal scope for Perenco UK.
The inaugural project sees the massive vessel targeting the Galahad platform located in Block 48 12a. Following the successful removal of the topside and steel jacket at Galahad, the Obana will mobilize to the nearby mothballed Amethyst field. There, it will dismantle three separate platform jackets identified as C1D, A2D, and B1D. All recovered infrastructure will then be transported and safely offloaded in the Netherlands for comprehensive recycling and disposal.
The Obana represents a monumental feat of engineering and a massive step forward for circular economy principles in the energy supply chain. In a groundbreaking approach to maritime construction, the six legged vessel is comprised of 85 percent recycled steel. Petrodec engineered the Obana by taking two retired heavy duty drilling rigs, the Brage and the Gabrus, and fusing them together with a completely new mid section fabricated in Dubai. The final integration was completed seamlessly at the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam.
Designed specifically for the rigorous demands of modern offshore decommissioning, the vessel is capable of operating in water depths of up to 65 meters. It boasts a 2,000 tonne main crane and 3,800 square meters of operational deck space.
A truly unique feature of the Obana is its staggering 12,000 tonne deck capacity equipped with a custom roller system. This engineering innovation allows the crew to easily rearrange massive platform modules on the deck while out at sea. As a result, the vessel can dismantle and transport multiple platforms in a single offshore campaign without ever needing to return to port.
Following the completion of the Perenco scopes, Petrodec plans to deploy the Obana to support other operators looking to efficiently and sustainably dismantle aging infrastructure across the North Sea.
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