Orkney-based UK general manager at Fjords Processing, Glen McLellan (photo: Fjords Processing)

An oil and gas service company’s reputation for helping operators meet tough engineering and environmental challenges has earned it a significant contract with Shell UK.

Within the DECC implementation programme, Norwegian-based multinational Fjords Processing will deliver Risk Based Approach (RBA) environmental impact studies for produced water discharges from the Nelson, Gannet, Shearwater, Leman, Brent C and Pierce fields this year, as well as the Lomond and Everest streams in coming years.

Glen McLellan, Orkney-based UK general manager at Fjords Processing says, “This contract underlines our market leadership for RBA studies in the UK sector of the North Sea. Across our wellstream operations, we have shaped ourselves to enable field operators to release precious production revenue in tough economic conditions through world-leading expertise, cost-focus and a passion for problem-solving.”

The company, positioning itself worldwide as Fjords Processing – Streamlined Performance, specialises in fluid stream separation, oil and gas processing, and water treatment solutions.

In addition to carrying out the ecotoxicology testing of discharges from production operations, the Shell project includes provision of sampling guidance and dispatch kits; as well as computer modelling of post-discharge environmental implications. Results are compiled into a detailed report for each individual discharge that is then logged with the regulators to ensure Shell complies with new guidance brought into force by the Department of Energy and Climate Change in 2014.

The ecotoxicology tests and computer modelling is carried out at Fjords’ renowned research, development and testing base at Flotta in Orkney.

Using the DREAM (Dose related Risk and Effect Assessment Model) programme, scientists can mimic site specific conditions, including weather and tidal data, to characterise the environmental risk of offshore discharges. This includes produced water, MEG (mono ethylene glycol) and mud discharges and decommissioning sludge.

Glen McLellan says, “Winning this contract with a major operator such as Shell reinforces our position as a leader in this increasingly important part of the production process for oil and gas players, with nearly four decades of industry experience, a unique mix of expertise and technologies, and a deep understanding of the requirements of the regulatory authorities.”

Tags: Fjords Processing, Shell UK