Forth Ports and AF Gruppen to create decommissioning hub in Dundee

Forth Ports and AF Offshore Decom UK, part of AF Gruppen, have signed an agreement to establish a new joint venture, AF Dundee, which will look to create a UK North Sea offshore decommissioning hub in Dundee.

Port of Dundee was chosen due to its proximity to many UK North Sea oil and gas assets, rail and road links, port facilities and its on-site supply chain. The port is currently installing a quay extension designed to handle the large-scale loads demanded during decommissioning operations.

Charles Hammond, chief executive of Forth Ports, commented: “This is great news for the city, for the local economy and for the port. Our vision is to position Dundee as a major decommissioning centre for the North Sea and to ensure that customers gain access to an efficient, cost effective decommissioning solution. Partnering with such an established and respected organisation as AF Offshore UK will most certainly enable this vision.”

Bengt Hildisch, president of AF Offshore Decom, added: “AF Offshore Decom is pleased to find a partner that shares the same vision and goals as us; to develop and operate a safe and cost efficient disposal yard in the UK. We have been seeking for the right opportunity that enables us to build and expand our capabilities to the UK and create a sustainable solution together with our yard in Norway for the whole North Sea.”

Dundee finds itself in a fight for the growing decommissioning business with another Scottish city, Aberdeen.