Liberty Industrial was engaged by Qualimar Shipping Limited/Northern Offshore UK ltd for the decontamination, demolition and disposal of the 11,200 tonne Northern Producer Floating Production Platform in 2023. The unique project adopted a first of its kind approach for such an asset, with decommissioning occurring in a dry dock. Explosives were placed in 38 locations, making it one of the largest single use of explosives at a demolition site in Europe at the time of the project.
Robust Solutions
- Maximising local participation and sourcing experienced, qualified labour from Northeast England, a proven hub for decommissioning, while drawing on project management expertise from Australia.
- Drone surveys were conducted to enable ASI to create a 3D model of the asset using their Extreme Loading Software to assist with the structural engineering and explosive felling activity.
- Collaborating with PDC and ASI to finalise the explosive demolition design that would reduce the height of the structure, along with using over 4,500t of rock to act as an impact cushion, ensuring a safe controlled blowdown that protected the dry docks infrastructure.
- Surveys and hazardous materials inspections were conducted to assist with filling knowledge gaps and support with the HAZMAT removal works.
- Managing hazards via established and proven waste management processes, supported by carefully selected and experienced subcontractors.
- Early engagement and regular consultation with SEPA and HSE was important to discuss and inform the regulators of our timelines and project intent leading up to and after the explosive blast.
- This facilitated a better understanding and a different perspective of priorities, and requirements related to licence compliance and CDM standards.
- Community and neighbouring stakeholders were regularly informed of blowdown plans and any inconvenience expected 2 weeks, 1 week, and 1 day before the blowdown. Liberty Industrial distributed community notification letters to entities and approximately 100 residents and directly engaged with local traffic management and port services for road and marine traffic controls, providing information on the blowdown.
Exceptional Outcomes
- The project adopted a first of its kind approach for such an asset, with decommissioning in a dry dock in a remote region, leveraging international experts, and incorporating best practice and explosive demolition methodologies.
- It’s a second major contract for Liberty Industrial in the UK.
- Exceptional performance in breadth and depth of the recycling program, going the extra mile to deliver recycling across multiple categories including ferrous steel, non-ferrous materials, marine growth, repurposing used plant & equipment and achieving a recycling rate of 97%.
- Positive reviews and feedback from employees and partners, specifically in respect to mutual value, ease of doing business, sustainability values, procedures and safety protocols.
- Zero HSE lost time incidents or reportable incidents.
Award
World Demolition Awards 2024 Winner – Explosive Demolition Project of the Year
Liberty Industrial was awarded the Explosive Demolition Project of the Year for our Northern Producer Decommissioning Project at the 2024 World Demolition Awards.
This world demolition award is our first award for our work in the UK, we hope to expand into further international markets where our commitment to excellence and safety will be of benefit.