A GIANT oil and gas platform has been brought into Teesside for decommissioning.
The 17,000 tonne Brent Alpha platform, which has been located to the north-east of the Shetland Islands, is being dismantled and recycled at Able Seaton Port, in Hartlepool.
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It is the third platform to be decommissioned at the port, following work on the Brent Delta and Brent Bravo.
The platform was towed into the Seaton Channel by Allseas’ cargo barge The Iron Lady on Wednesday.
Peter Stephenson, founder of Able UK, said: "The Brent contract is just about the most prestigious oil and gas decommissioning project in the world.
"The fact that we were selected is testament to our commitment to undertake complex and challenging operations to the highest environmental standards, working with many of the world’s major energy companies.
“Gaining our reputation as a market leader has involved major investments at Able Seaton Port, including constructing one of the strongest quays in Europe, with the aim of both remaining at the forefront of the decommissioning industry as well as becoming a key player in exploiting the vast potential of the emerging offshore wind sector.
The decommissioning will take around 12 months and will safeguard 8 jobs.
It is expected about 97 per cent of the platform will be recycled.
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