Dutch Fugro Selected for Pivotal Role in UK’s First Offshore CCS Project
Dutch Fugro has been selected to deliver integrated marine survey and inspection services for Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP), the UK’s first offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.
The NEP project is set to develop about 75 kilometers east of Flamborough Head. It will include a comprehensive onshore CO2 gathering network, a sophisticated compression facility, and a 145-kilometer offshore pipeline. This pipeline will connect to specialized subsea injection facilities situated in the Endurance saline aquifer, which lies 1,000 meters below the North Sea seabed.
The prestigious contract was awarded by Saipem, a key player leading the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the offshore pipeline along with other essential infrastructure for NEP. NEP itself is a joint venture formed by prominent companies including BP, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, showcasing a broad commitment to advancing carbon capture technologies.
Fugro’s Role in Marine Survey and Inspection
Fugro is set to provide crucial nearshore and offshore survey and inspection operations necessary for the effective installation of the pipeline. These operations will span from landfall, which is the point at which the pipeline meets the land, extending several kilometers offshore up to the connection with existing offshore infrastructure.
In the nearshore phase, Fugro will carry out pre-lay surveys from the tunnel exit, monitoring the installation as the pipeline is gradually pulled out to sea. This step is vital as it allows the company to ensure the pipeline is laid according to design standards and identify any potential seabed changes as early as possible.
Offshore Operations and Collaborations
As the project progresses further offshore, Fugro will enhance its service offerings through surveys, installation support, and verification along the entire pipeline route. This includes managing and assessing interactions with third-party pipelines and cables that may intersect the planned path.
“As the UK’s first major carbon capture and storage project, NEP’s work marks an important milestone for the energy transition, and we’re thrilled to be part of it,” stated Mike Duncan, Fugro’s Director of Marine Asset Integrity in Europe and Africa. “By working closely with Saipem across nearshore and offshore environments, from early surveys through to installation, we support informed decision-making that helps Saipem manage risk across a technically complex route.”
Future Outlook on CCS in the UK
With storage operations anticipated to commence in 2028, NEP aims to pioneer substantial advancements in carbon capture and storage within the UK. The initial phase of the project is poised to facilitate the storage of up to 100 million tons of CO2 in the Endurance aquifer, projected to occur over a 25-year period. This initiative not only elevates the UK’s environmental strategy but also sets a precedent for future offshore CCS projects worldwide.
Power Your Brand With Offshore Energy ⤵️
Take the spotlight and anchor your brand in the heart of the offshore world!
Join us for a bigger impact and amplify your presence at the core hub of the offshore energy community!