Second phase of Tui Oil Field decommissioning under way

A team of 15 New Zealand divers has begun preparing infrastructure on the sea floor ahead of its retrieval by a diving support vessel for transport to shore.

“The commencement of phase two is a significant milestone in the project and follows on from the successful demobilisation of the FPSO Umuroa from the Tui field last year and the granting of marine consents in February,” said MBIE Tui Project director Lloyd Williams.

The contract for the removal of the subsea infrastructure was awarded to Shelf Subsea last year and the operation commenced this week following a blessing of diving support vessel Southern Star by Te Kāhui o Taranaki Trust.

Wharehoka Wano, CEO of Te Kāhui o Taranaki Trust said: “We wish Shelf Subsea the best as they begin the next phase of the Tui Project which will help ensure the mouri of our environment and cultural resources are protected and enhanced for future generations.”

MBIE and Te Kāhui o Taranaki Trust have formed a partnership for the Tui Project to ensure iwi interests and concerns are recognised and implemented throughout the project.

“We’re pleased that the second phase is now under way which involves the recovery of 39km of flexible flowlines and umbilicals and the retrieval of subsea manifolds and mid-water arches.  It is anticipated that phase two will be completed this year and the final phase – the plugging and abandonment of the wells – will be carried out next summer,” said Williams.

Background

MBIE, on behalf of the Crown, is responsible for the decommissioning of the Tui Oil Field after the liquidation and receivership of Tamarind Taranaki Ltd. The Crown is committed to ensuring the field is decommissioned safely in accordance with the law and good industry practice. 

A dedicated Tui Project team, within MBIE’s Energy and Resource Markets branch, is overseeing the decommissioning of the Tui Oil Field.

Find out more about the Tui Project: decommissioning the Tui oil field