Lecture on the removal of the superstructures of Shell's four large Brent platforms in the Northern North Sea

English below

In July 2024, Allseas carried out the heaviest offshore lift in history with the removal of the 31,000-tonne Brent Charlie platform. This milestone marked the removal of all four of Shell's major Brent platforms - Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta - and concluded 25 years of engineering and innovation.

Built in the 1970s, the iconic Brent platforms formed one of the North Sea's most important oil and gas resources for more than four decades. With superstructures of 17,000-31,000 tonnes, their removal was an unprecedented engineering challenge.

Allseas began analysing removal options around 2000 and was awarded the contract by Shell in 2013, carrying out the work between 2017 and 2024.

On Thursday evening 20 November 2025, this talk will take place in which Allseas' Chairman Edward Heerema will describe the technical performance of the removal of the topsides and conductor pipes with the revolutionary lifting vessel Pioneering Spirit. Heavylift Engineer Allard Brugma will elaborate on a number of technical details, including the Support stools. Pieter Hendriks will highlight the perspective from Shell.

in July 2024, Allseas performed the heaviest offshore lift in history with the 31,000-tonne removal of the Brent Charlie topsides. This milestone completed the removal of all four Shell Brent platforms - Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta - concluding 25 years of engineering and innovation.

Built in the 1970s, the iconic Brent platforms formed one of the North Sea's most important oil and gas hubs for over four decades. With topsides weighing 17,000-31,000 tonnes, their removal presented an unprecedented technical challenge.

Allseas began analysing decommissioning options around 2000 and was awarded the removal contract by Shell in 2013, leading to the topsides removals between 2017 and 2024.

On Thursday evening 20 November 2025 this special presentation will take place where Allseas' Chairman Edward Heerema will highlight the technical achievements behind the topsides and conductor removal with the revolutionary single-lift vessel "Pioneering Spirit". Heavylift Engineer Allard Brugma will highlight a couple of technical details, including the Support stools. Pieter Hendriks will discuss the operator perspective from Shell.

• Please note that the presentation will be in Dutch language. The slides will be in English and non-native speakers can ask questions in English as preferred.

Details

• Ample parking is available.
• Sandwiches and coffee beforehand, and a drink afterwards, will be provided by Allseas.
• There will be ample opportunity for questions after the lecture.
• Until 17 November 12:00, you can indicate whether you would like to take advantage of the sandwich meal when you register. After 17 November there may be an opportunity to register -if not fully booked- but no more sandwiches will be reserved for you. You will then be expected by 19:00 at the latest.

Programme