Energy consultancy Xodus has been awarded a contract to provide technical and project support services for the decommissioning of a floating production storage and offtake facility (FPSO) located in the Timor Sea off Australia.

Xodus will be working on behalf of the Australian Government, offering advice on project coordination, regulatory compliance, environmental health and safety, technical expertise, quality assurance, and contract management for Phase 1 of the decommissioning of the Northern Endeavour FPSO.

During this initial phase, Xodus will assist with activities involving the disconnection and removal of the FPSO, including topsides and subsea flushing, as well as well suspension.

Following Phase 1, Phase 2 will focus on permanent plugging and well abandonment, while Phase 3 will involve the removal of subsea infrastructure and remediation of the Laminaria and Corallina fields.

Alasdair Gray, Late Life and Decommissioning Lead at Xodus, expressed confidence in the company's team, stating, "We have a highly experienced local team with several of our colleagues having extensive experience of the Northern Endeavour either from the early design and installation phase of the project or during production operations. This means that whilst being able to bring a fresh approach, the facility is already familiar to much of the team."

Gray emphasized the importance of environmental considerations and careful planning to ensure the safe and responsible decommissioning of the offshore field.

The Northern Endeavour FPSO, measuring 274 meters in length, ceased oil production in 2019. Petrofac was contracted in April 2022 as an outsourced operator to oversee the initial phase of decommissioning, a deal estimated at $236 million. The company assumed operatorship of the FPSO in October.

Xodus's involvement in the decommissioning project highlights its expertise in providing comprehensive support for the safe and efficient decommissioning of offshore assets.