DSL was contracted by Wood Group PSN (WGPSN) on behalf of independent development and production company EnQuest, to carry out the installation of a new gas turbine generator package exhaust stack and support tower as part of EnQuest’s Thistle platform power upgrade project. The power upgrade project is the first of five discreet themes currently being executed by EnQuest as part of the Thistle late life extension project (LLX). The Thistle platform is located in the North Sea, 218km north of the Shetlands.

The project team, comprising of specialists from EnQuest and WGPSN in conjunction with platform operations and DSL, undertook design and construction safety reviews of the exhaust stack and support tower installation activities, and identified that installation by rope access would be the safest method of installation. In addition to the complexity of the offshore installation, the project team recognised the need to carry out an onshore trial assembly of the exhaust stack and support tower and this was completed at Montrose Harbour South Base.

The project team enlisted DSL to assist with the trial assembly, and to replicate all anticipated activities that would be encountered during the offshore installation phase. Work on phase 1 of the onshore trial assembly was undertaken in early September, and was carried out in a disciplined, controlled and safe manner.

On completion of the trial assembly, DSL received the following commendation from the project team which reflects the safe and professional manner in which DSL performed their activities:

"Thanks to the DSL team for an excellent job, carried out in a safe, sound, and very professional manner in conjunction with the project team. This was an excellent example of a collaborative approach, with a great team spirit – here’s hoping the weather is kind for the offshore installation phase."

The offshore phase of the work scope commenced in late September and despite the constraints of the weather, the installation of the exhaust stack, support tower, and tie back restraints was once again carried out in a safe, professional manner with no incidents.
On completion of the offshore installation the project team sent further praise to the DSL personnel:

"This major milestone for the Thistle power upgrade, as confirmed by the OIM’s note, has been executed in a safe and controlled manner.

"The project team would like to thank everyone involved for their patience and excellent team work which has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of this key piece of work.

"Please convey our thanks to the DSL / Hydrus / SEL teams who have been working alongside the project team and Hydrus since the start of the work at Montrose Harbour."