Total E& P UK has expanded its logistics support facility at Aberdeen Harbour in a move significantly improving efficiency, flexibility and safety of operations.
A new marine base, with two berths totalling 200m and 14,000 m2 of back-up space, has been leased from Aberdeen Harbour Board at Albert Quay for an initial period to 2014, providing almost three times the capacity of the company’s previous single berth base at Torry Quay, where the oil and gas field operator’s logistics have been located since the late 1970s.
The new facility is better equipped for running a shipping operation, with the main benefit in the increased capacity, allowing two vessels to be worked simultaneously. The larger Albert Quay base will mean a much more efficient and safer service and increased flexibility.
The reconstruction and deepening of the Albert Quay berths was complemented recently by the completion of a 20,000 m2 yard for cargo marshalling and storage. BP Exploration’s adjacent marine support base will allow the companies to share security and entrance/exit and will also create other opportunities for sharing.
Torry Quay is included in the area of the port’s south side for which the Harbour Board is currently generating multi-million pound redevelopment proposals, designed to bring a range of further benefits for port users.
The Environmental Impact Assessment project for the Torry Quay Redevelopment has been carried out. EIA is required because the work will take place in the River Dee Special Area of Conservation. The aim was to identify risks to the environment and develop a range of mitigation measures. Of particular concern is the effect that underwater noise during pile driving has on salmon and marine mammals. These concerns are likely to be addressed by a range of strict working procedures and monitoring.
