Gannet
Shell U.K. Limited is undertaking early planning work for the decommissioning of the Gannet Field, including decommissioning two wells and removing the topsides drilling mast. Programmes to support these early works have been prepared for approval by the Regulator.
The Gannet Field is located within Blocks 21/25, 21/30, 22/21 and 22/26a in the Central North Sea. The development comprises one platform, Gannet Alpha (A), which produces from the Gannet A Field via platform wells and five subsea satellite tiebacks: Gannet B, C, D, F and G. The Gannet A platform is located in Block 21/25 of the UKCS, located 187km east of Aberdeen in a water depth of circa 98m.
Shell U.K. Limited has prepared two Decommissioning Programmes for consideration by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED).
On 11 March 2025, Shell U.K. Limited submitted, for the consideration of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Draft Decommissioning Programme for the Gannet A Mast in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum Act 1998. It is a requirement of the Act that interested parties be consulted on such decommissioning proposals. The Programme covers the Gannet Alpha Mast, a steel structure approximately 50m high weighing approx.. 145 tonnes. Public Consultation closed 10 April 2025.
On 17 October 2024, Shell U.K. Limited submitted, for the consideration of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Draft Decommissioning Programme for the Gannet Subsea Wells GB01S1 and GF01S1 in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum Act 1998. It is a requirement of the Act that interested parties be consulted on such decommissioning proposals. Consultation closed 28 November 2024 and, on 2 September 2025, the Programme was approved by OPRED. The Programme covers the decommissioning of:
- Gannet B01S1 well including its Christmas Tree (XT), flowbase and wellhead
- Gannet F01S1 well including its XT, flowbase and wellhead.
Both Programmes are available for download below and on the OPRED website - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/oil-and-gas-decommissioning-of-offshore-installations-and-pipelines
