Nelson
Shell U.K. Limited (on behalf of Enterprise Oil Limited as operator of the Nelson platform) is preparing for removal of the existing Nelson drilling derrick and substructure to enable efficient decommissioning of platform wells, in line with regulatory timeline and expectations.
The Nelson Field is located within Block 22/11 in the Central North Sea. The development comprises one platform, Nelson Alpha, which produces from the Nelson Field via platform wells and three subsea satellite tiebacks: Nelson South, Howe and Bardolino.
At this time, Shell U.K. Limited is submitting a Decommissioning Programme seeking regulatory approval to remove the inoperable drilling derrick and substructure from the Nelson A platform. Production will continue from the Nelson Field, and Field Decommissioning Programmes will be issued as the Field approaches Cessation of Production (CoP).
Nelson Alpha installation is located in Block 22/21 of the UKCS, located 204km east from the Aberdeen in a water depth of circa 84m.
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 Programmes for the Nelson Derrick 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. This Decommissioning Programme covers:
- Nelson Alpha derrick and substructure – a steel lattice-work structure of welded constructions approximately 70m high, weight approx. 1450 tonnes. The derrick base is 10m by 10m, tapering to 5.4m by 5.4m at the top.
Public Consultation of the Nelson Derrick Decommissioning Programme opened 11 March 2025 and will close on 10 April 2025. For any queries, please email SUKEP-Shell-Decommissioning-Correspondence@shell.com
The Draft Decommissioning Programme is available for download below and on the OPRED website - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/oil-and-gas-decommissioning-of-offshore-installations-and-pipelines
