GDF SUEZ E&P UK, along with its partners Centrica Energy and Bayerngas, has cut the first steel for construction of the jackets on the Cygnus gas field project in the North Sea.
The first steel, which was cut at Burntisland Fabrication’s (BiFab) Methil yard in Fife, Scotland, will be used to build the jackets for all four platforms for the Cygnus field.
GDF SUEZ E&P UK, after receiving the project sanction in August 2012, placed a contract with BiFab’s Methil yard for design and fabrication of the jackets.
Under the contract, BiFab will deliver three jackets in April 2014, while the fourth jacket will be delivered in April 2015.
The BiFab contract will involve the design, procurement and construction of the jackets, completed with piles, with a total weight of about 8,000 tonnes.
Glenrothes & Central Fife MP Lindsay Roy said the contract awarded to BiFab will create new jobs in Methil and apprenticeships for the area; secure existing jobs until 2015; and retain important skills.
The latest project will involve BiFab’s manufacturing facilities at Burntisland and Arnish and is anticipated to create 100 new jobs at Methil and 15 apprentice positions at Methil and Burntisland.
Kirkcaldy MSP, David Torrance, said the contract is significant for the future and prosperity of the Methil area in view of the employment opportunities that it brings.
"The oil and gas industry and the North Sea’s resources are very important for the region as a whole and the massive investment in the North Sea industries plays a vital part in the Scottish economy," Torrance added.
GDF SUEZ E&P UK managing director, Jean-Claude Perdigues, said: "Today’s cutting of first steel for the Cygnus jackets marks another important project milestone, securing and creating jobs in Scotland for the next two years."
The Cygnus partnership will invest a total of £1.4bn in the development of the Cygnus field, which will create 4,000 direct and indirect jobs across the UK during the construction phase.
Located in the southern North Sea, Cygnus gas field is situated 150km off the coast of Lincolnshire and contains gross 2P reserves of about 18 billion cubic metres, while first gas is expected in late 2015.
The Cygnus gas field development project includes two drilling centres, four platforms and initially ten development wells. Gas produced from the field will be exported through the ETS pipeline system to the Bacton gas terminal in north Norfolk. GDF SUEZ E&P UK holds 38.75% interest in the field, while partners Centrica and Bayerngas hold 48.75% and 12.5%, respectively.
Image: Ceremonial first cut of steel for the construction of the jackets on the Cygnus gas field project.
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