The partnership helped the platform operators prevent an additional 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
The partnership between Aggreko and Katoni Engineering has cut fuel costs and emissions during a turnaround on a North Sea Offshore platform
The TAR project, which included plug and abandonment (P&A) and decommissioning works, was completed over 50 days and required temporary power sources to maintain life support systems and operations during that period. The partnership helped the platform operators prevent an additional 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the 50 days, as well as achieve fuel and CO2 savings of almost £900,000 and £200,000, respectively.
These procedures have previously relied on diesel-fueled gas turbines operating at low load; however, this approach can be inefficient and produce higher emissions, which is undesirable under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Platform decision-makers sought out Aggreko and Katoni Engineering's expertise to find an alternative to keep systems operational during TAR.
Utilising its experience in designing and managing temporary diesel generation solutions in these scenarios, the Katoni Engineering team incorporated a temporary diesel generation package modified to the platform's reduced TAR load profile. Any specified package also required including tie-ins for fuel, power, and safety systems to be compliant with the platform operator's requirements, making the project more complex.
To provide this solution at the right size, Katoni Engineering collaborated with Aggreko, which supplied the Stage V generators necessary in modular, containerised systems for the challenging offshore platform environment. This service was further supported by the company's maintenance support and continent-wide logistical capabilities, ensuring the power package's overall resilience during the project.
Fraser Kerr, director of consultancy and growth, Katoni Engineering, said, “The North Sea oil and gas sector is entering a defining phase of offshore decommissioning and operators face mounting pressure on multiple fronts. This includes challenges over emissions, equipment availability, and operational integrity – all of which were apparent on this project. Yet these aren’t just technical problems – they’re planning, policy, and procurement challenges too, and supply chain engagement will be key to confronting them. Our partnership with Aggreko is a strong example of this collaboration in action, and we are very happy with the savings we were able to deliver here.”
Craig Ballantyne, sector development manager at Aggreko, said, “Early engagement really is key to the more effective outcomes oil and gas stakeholders are seeking in offshore platform projects. Reliable, compliant and low-emissions temporary power has long moved from optional to a critical path item, and the insights of the wider supply chain will be crucial to ensuring the best possible generator procurement, deployment and operational practices."
Ballantyne added, “Together with Katoni Engineering, our work on this latest project further underlines why this approach will be crucial to maintaining operational continuity while responsibly winding down assets. In order to ensure the right solution, it is crucial operators are having the right conversations with experts within the supply chain – especially as offshore decommissioning accelerates and environmental regulations tighten."
