McDermott has been awarded a decommissioning offshore engineering contract by QatarEnergy in the State of Qatar. The project is an inaugural offshore decommissioning initiative that is being conducted by the nation of Qatar. The scope of implementation entails the development of a comprehensive technical and commercial framework. Furthermore, it includes conducting detailed techno-economic studies to ensure the safe and systematic retirement of 27 aging offshore platforms. This encompasses all associated subsea infrastructure, including subsea cables and pipelines.

The fields are located in the Al-Karkara, Idd El-Shargi and Maydan Mahzam fields. The U.S.-based company fits the job’s profile based on its extensive knowledge and global expertise. Through its knowledge in strategic offshore decommissioning, McDermott will deliver a solution that prioritizes safety. It will also focus on efficiency and environmental responsibility. Other than offshore decommissioning projects, McDermott is also focused on various LNG projects such as the Monkey Island LNG export facility in Louisiana. 

Outlook on the Qatar Offshore Decommissioning Contract to McDermott

Mike Sutherland, McDermott Senior Vice President, Offshore Middle East was pleased to note his remarks on the contract. “As the first decommissioning project of its kind in the country, and given the scale of assets to be retired, this award represents a significant milestone and an exciting new chapter for McDermott, QatarEnergy and the State of Qatar,” he noted. Furthermore, he added that the company is uniquely positioned to deliver a landmark framework that will set new industry benchmarks. He also noted it will “…establish best-in-class standards for future decommissioning efforts in the region and beyond.”

Neli Gunnion, Qatar Country Head and Vice President, Operations noted that QatarEnergy is also proud to be part of the project. “McDermott has installed the majority of Qatar’s offshore assets. We are proud to apply decades of experience to also continue delivering innovative, lifecycle-focused energy solutions through our long-standing, trusted partnership with QatarEnergy.” McDermott’s world-class engineering expertise is expected to ensure effective delivery on the project. Furthermore, it will be combined with its deep understanding of the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) phases. Definition engineering will commence immediately and be led from McDermott’s office in Doha. The economic impact of the decommissioning project is also expected to be significant as Qatar can leverage the new fields to construct other energy projects.

Project Factsheet

• Project: Qatar Offshore Decommissioning Initiative
• Client: QatarEnergy
• Contractor: McDermott (USA)
• Contract Type: Decommissioning definition engineering.
• Status: Awarded
• Base of execution: the McDermott Doha office.

Project Scope

• Resources: 27 offshore aging platforms.
• Areas: Al-Karkara, Idd El-Shargi, Maydan Mahzam.

Infrastructure Included:

• Offshore platforms
• Subsea pipelines
• Subsea cables

Key Deliverables

• Technical and commercial decommissioning system.
• Competent techno-economic research.
• Also systematic asset retirement strategy, which is safe.
• Planning of environmental and also regulatory compliance.

Strategic Significance

• The initial offshore decommissioning program in Qatar.
• It also determines national standards in the future decommissioning.
• Furthermore, it capitalizes on the historical role of using McDermott to install most offshore assets.