This is the second contract awarded by the oil and natural gas exploration and production company to Well-Safe Solutions this year, with the company also working on the decommissioning of Apache’s Forties Field.

This additional contract brings the combined scope to more than 260 wells, making it one of the largest well decommissioning contracts awarded in the North Sea to date.

To support the project, Well-Safe Solutions has contracted platform-based drilling services and specialist technical solutions to Archer, which will provide well services solutions, wireline and coiled tubing, and a Compact Workover Rig.

Well-Safe Solutions has also awarded a contract to NMC Energy to provide the integration, commissioning, and topside decommissioning services.

This collaborative approach will provide Apache with a fully integrated solution for the decommissioning of the platform and subsea wells in the Forties and Beryl Field.

Preparatory work is already underway on the subsurface, well engineering, and project management scopes for the project, with well operations due to commence offshore on the Beryl Bravo platform wells in the summer. Subsea well decommissioning operations are scheduled to start in 2027, beginning a multi-year program of work.

Phil Milton, CEO, Well-Safe Solutions: “The additional scope of work awarded by Apache reflects its continued confidence in Well-Safe Solutions as a partner that shares its focus on safe, efficient decommissioning delivery. This planned project highlights Apache’s impressive commitment to comprehensive full-scale decommissioning, on a level that no other operator has yet undertaken. Their proactive approach should be applauded and seen as a model for future decommissioning activity in the North Sea.”

Donald Martin, VP, Decommissioning, Apache: “The addition of the Beryl Field program marks a significant milestone in Apache’s North Sea decommissioning journey. Together, the Forties and Beryl projects represent one of the largest well decommissioning programs undertaken in the region and an important next chapter in the legacy of two iconic North Sea assets that have played a major role in the UK’s energy story.

“Successful delivery of a program of this scale depends on a strong, integrated team. By bringing together Apache, Well-Safe Solutions, Archer and NMC Energy as one team, we are combining complementary expertise and experience to safely and efficiently execute this complex scope of work. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as we progress these projects over the coming years.”