Successful Decommissioning of OpenHydro’s Tidal Energy Platform
Ocean Kinetics and Green Marine wrap up OpenHydro tidal platform decommissioning
Completion of Decommissioning Project
Two Scottish companies, Ocean Kinetics and Green Marine, have successfully completed the decommissioning of OpenHydro’s tidal energy platform. This project took place at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. The decommissioning involved dismantling the platform’s steel superstructure and pile foundations. Ocean Kinetics managed the project under a contract with EMEC, showcasing their expertise in marine operations.
In April, Ocean Kinetics and Green Marine formed a joint venture to tackle this complex task. The collaboration combined their strengths in operational engineering, cutting, and heavy-lift operations. Ocean Kinetics provided divers, welders, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) services. Meanwhile, Green Marine contributed its vessel, mooring, and cable expertise. This teamwork was essential for the successful execution of the project.
Key operations included the removal of two 18-ton steel piles that were grouted into the seabed. Ocean Kinetics utilized Reversed Diamond Wire Cutters to cut the piles flush with the seabed. This approach aimed to restore the area to its original condition as closely as possible. The teams also completed cable disconnection and termination as part of the decommissioning effort. The successful completion of this project highlights the capabilities of both companies in handling complex marine operations.
Expertise and Experience in Marine Operations
Both Ocean Kinetics and Green Marine bring extensive experience in marine operations. Their expertise spans various areas, including salvaging, decommissioning projects, aquaculture, and port equipment services. Notably, they have managed significant tasks, such as retrieving sunken barges weighing up to 1,000 tons and removing the 4,000-ton decommissioned Buchan Alpha oil rig.
Terry Norquay, Green Marine’s Operations Manager, expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion. He noted that significant planning was required for the removal of the two 18-ton steel piles. The Green Isle vessel was positioned in a four-point mooring configuration to ensure stability. This setup allowed divers to safely enter the water for the operation. Norquay emphasized that this project expanded Green Marine’s portfolio and demonstrated their capability to deliver turnkey offshore decommissioning solutions.
Roger Goudie, Ocean Kinetics Marine Projects Manager, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the collaboration with Green Marine, stating that together they can deliver a full range of engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contracts. Goudie noted that few operators in the UK can match their combined experience, reliability, and cost efficiency. This partnership showcases the strength of local companies in managing complex marine projects.
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Significance of the OpenHydro Decommissioning
The OpenHydro platform was a significant part of Scotland’s tidal energy landscape. It was the first developer to utilize the tidal test site at the Fall of Warness off the island of Eday. The platform was installed in 2006 and stood for 18 years, making it one of the longest-running tidal energy installations in the world. Neil Kermode, Managing Director at EMEC, praised the local companies for fulfilling the decommissioning requirements. He noted that this achievement reflects the world-leading supply chain capabilities developed in Orkney due to marine energy testing and demonstration activities.
With the decommissioning now complete, Kermode mentioned the opportunity for a full lifecycle analysis. This analysis will provide valuable insights into marine operations, structural integrity, and the impacts of biofouling and corrosion. These lessons will be crucial for guiding the future evolution of the tidal energy industry. As EMEC prepares its test sites for future clients, the knowledge gained from this project will help in building out tidal energy arrays.
The OpenHydro platform was also notable for being the first tidal turbine to connect to the grid in Scotland. It successfully generated electricity for the national grid in the UK. The test platform at Fall of Warness played a vital role in refining tidal turbine technology until OpenHydro’s liquidation in 2018. The completion of this decommissioning project marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of tidal energy in Scotland.
