International energy transition specialists Well-Safe Solutions have been awarded two new contracts totalling $25m USD for approximately 170 days of firm work, using the Well-Safe Protector jack-up and Well-Safe Defender semi-submersible.

The scopes comprise of well decommissioning activity in the UK Continental Shelf for Spirit Energy and an additional global operator.

Both include options for a further combined duration of up to 140 days in 2025 and 2026 – worth up to $25m in addition to the firm $25m backlog.

Spirit Energy have selected the Well-Safe Protector to decommission five wells on the York platform, located in Block 47/03a of the Southern North Sea, over 97 days.

Spirit Energy’s decision to award this scope to Well-Safe Solutions follows a successful campaign for both companies earlier in the year. The Well-Safe Defender previously decommissioned 15 subsea wells in the Trees, Chestnut and Appleton fields in just 11 months with 99.2% rig uptime, concluding work in March 2024.

The firm scope is planned to commence Q2 2025 and will be performed in conjunction with the Well-Safe Protector’s current contract, with the two optional subsea wells to be decommissioned in direct continuation or deferred until a later date. The optional wells are projected to take circa. 50 days.

Spirit Energy’s Head of Wells, Nicky Riley, said: “With York having reached the end of its economic life in the summer this year, Spirit Energy has partnered effectively with Well-Safe Solutions to ensure swift and responsible decommissioning of the asset. This builds on the success of our previous collaborations on the Chestnut, Trees and Appleton fields. Together, we look forward to continue setting the standard for efficient, responsible decommissioning of assets at the end of their productive lives.”

In a separate agreement, the Well-Safe Defender will carry out a well decommissioning campaign on at least two subsea wells in the North Sea for a second unnamed client, beginning in March 2025 and lasting for 75 days, in direct continuation with the rig’s current contract.

This contract contains two optional subsea wells which may be added in direct continuation with the firm scope in 2025, plus a further three subsea wells to be executed during 2026.

Chris Hay, Chief Commercial Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, said: “Securing these contracts with an array of blue-chip operators – each with their own distinct requirements – demonstrates the flexibility of the Well-Safe Solutions offering in safely and efficiently liquidating ageing well stock.

“Welcoming back Spirit Energy for another mutually-beneficial project is testament to the close cooperation and high performance we achieved together in our last campaign.

“As the North Sea continues to face political and economic headwinds, it is heartening to see operators securing valuable North Sea assets amidst a backdrop of availability concerns and units departing the region.

“Approximately 60% of the UKCS’ topside and subsea decommissioning is set to occur between 2026 and 2032[1], making this a key growth industry for the UK and Scotland alike. We are proud to be collaborating with our clients as the industry moves towards a low-carbon future for the North Sea.”

This clutch of new contract wins follows on from the company’s recent expansion into Malaysia in September 2024, with the appointment of Adrin Shafil as Country Manager.

[1] Source: OEUK Decommissioning Insight 2023, p.8.

Sustainability Specialist Andrew Murray shares more information on our energy transition journey as we strive to create a sustainable future for the energy sector.  

With the energy transition front and centre on the UK’s political agenda and playing an increasing role in the business plans of many organisations, there’s never been a better time to review and analyse the impact of a business on the environment. 

The information conveyed in the report is sourced from data that has been captured across the business and from the very first operation of our first asset in January 2022. 

Ensuring availability and clarity of this information supports the development of a clear action plan, continually improving across all Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) aspects. 

The 2024 report has been developed to capture our progress, inform our stakeholders and ensure transparency as we minimise our environmental impact, promote societal benefits and demonstrate robust governance within the business. It describes the steps we are taking to support the industry in pursuit of the UK’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.  

Well-Safe Solutions offers a broad suite of core services in support of a just and sustainable transition. The company began by offering onshore and offshore well decommissioning engineering services, but has expanded to include the design and drilling of wells for carbon storage, including legacy well preparation for this purpose.  

As of October 2024, 956 wells worldwide feature our engineering expertise, with over 80 of these having been physically decommissioned by Well-Safe Solutions’ assets and personnel. Well-Safe Solutions has also provided 135 legacy well reviews for carbon capture and storage purposes for several international energy companies.  

We have voluntarily produced this report as part of our commitment to conducting our operations in a sustainable way, supporting both international and national sustainability targets, and benefiting wider society with safe and efficient operations.  

We continue to invest significantly in our decommissioning assets and our people to support our environmental, social and governance objectives, which you’ll learn more about in this report. 

Well-Safe Solutions is proud to be taking these initial steps in the energy transition process, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As signatories of the UN Global Compact, we are committed to supporting global principles and goals which aim to provide a better future for all.  

We look forward to keeping you updated every step of the way as we build an energy transition business fit for the challenges of the 21st century. 

Global energy transition specialists Well-Safe Solutions have announced Adrin Shafil as the company’s Country Manager for the Malaysian market.

Adrin, who heads up the business in Kuala Lumpur, brings considerable operator, well management and drilling contractor experience to his new role.

Adrin said: “I’m really excited to be joining Well-Safe Solutions at this key moment in its global growth journey.

“I’ve kept up to date with the company’s recent developments, with Well-Safe Solutions Pty continuing to grow at pace in Australia and throughout South-east Asia.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my well plug and abandonment and engineering experience to bear as we continue to service the well abandonment, personnel and project delivery requirements of clients throughout Malaysia, Australia and beyond.”

Adrin has worked for a variety of internationally-known energy companies throughout his career to date, including ExxonMobil, BHP, Petrofac and Petronas. He is also a former Chief Operating Officer of Velesto Energy, where he was responsible for the operation of seven drilling rigs in Malaysia.

Prior to Well-Safe Solutions, Adrin planned and led the project management team for well decommissioning on the M3, Anding, Tembungo B and Malong projects for Petronas Carigali.

Adrin will report to Massimo Delia, General Manager – Asia-Pacific, as part of Well-Safe Solutions’ global Commercial team.

Speaking on his appointment, Massimo added: “Adrin is an ideal fit for our current business, as well as our long-term aspirations to continue growth in the APAC region.

“His considerable engineering experience and client management skills will bring immediate benefit to our operations – not just in Malaysia, but throughout South-east Asia. Welcome to the team, Adrin!”

Energy transition specialists Well-Safe Solutions have promoted Chris Hay from the position of Strategy and Commercial Director to the role of Chief Commercial Officer, effective from 1 April 2024.

The change comes in recognition of Chris’ exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and deep understanding of the Well-Safe Solutions offering.

Since joining the company in November 2021 as Director of Strategy and Business Development, Chris has grown the company’s Business Development, Commercial, Corporate Sustainability, Marketing and Tendering teams based at the company’s global headquarters in Aberdeen, UK.

Chris continues to be responsible for these departments in his new position, with Well-Safe Solutions Pty Ltd – the company’s Asia-Pacific entity based in Perth, Western Australia – also reporting into him.

In recognition of his new role, Chris said: “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the Well-Safe Solutions team as it has undergone considerable change and organic growth over the past three years.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to take on this leadership role at such an important time for the business. There’s still so much for Well-Safe Solutions to achieve through our international commercial strategy, and we are well-positioned for growth into a number of new markets.”

Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, added: “With his dedication and commitment to driving growth, I am confident that Chris will excel in this new role and continue to contribute significantly to our company’s ongoing success.”

Catriona Walzak has also been promoted to Strategic Business Analyst from the position of Executive Assistant. She will work closely with the CEO, CFO and CCO to provide strategic support to Well-Safe Solutions’ international growth ambitions.

International energy transition and well decommissioning specialists Well-Safe Solutions have announced the nomination of Chief Executive Officer Phil Milton to the Board of trade body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).

With over three decades of experience in the international energy sector and extensive technical knowledge in all aspects of the well lifecycle, Phil joins the Board as a Non-Executive Director for a minimum of two years.

In this role, Phil will work alongside OEUK to provide perspective on the experiences, opportunities and challenges facing the global well decommissioning sector and its role on the journey to net zero.

Speaking on his appointment, Phil said: “I am honoured to be able to support OEUK during what is a pivotal time for the energy sector within the UK.

“I look forward to working closely with OEUK, its members and the wider board, to assist in showcasing the vital role that the UK’s energy supply chain has to play in delivering a just and sustainable energy transition while we strive toward the goal of net zero carbon emissions.”

Steve Bowyer, General Manager, North Sea at EnQuest and Steve Nicol, Executive President of Operations at Wood have also been appointed with immediate effect to the Board of OEUK.

They will help OEUK continue to set the strategic agenda for the UK’s offshore energy industry and its stakeholders.

David Whitehouse, CEO of Offshore Energies UK, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Steve Bowyer, Phil Milton and Steve Nicol to our Board. They bring experience and skills that will benefit our members and our industry as we build a low carbon future across the UK to safeguard jobs, deliver energy security and unlock economic growth.

“Each of our new Board members brings the kind of practical business and engineering know-how we need to build a globally competitive investment environment and offshore energy future. I look forward to working with them as we continue to champion our sector and show how it can create long-term economic growth across the UK.”

Under Phil’s leadership, Well-Safe Solutions has grown from a company of six employees at inception in 2017 to an international, multi-discipline business with over 430 staff today. It has acquired and converted three offshore drilling rigs into specialist well decommissioning assets, expanded internationally into the Asia-Pacific market, and increased revenue generation with year-on-year growth.

Phil’s appointment comes in a general election year in which OEUK is championing a homegrown transition built on the UK’s offshore energy heritage. If the nation can create a globally competitive investment environment, this future offers huge opportunities for the UK’s firms, their supply chains and skilled people.

Read and download the OEUK 2024 Industry Manifesto free of charge at oeuk.org.uk/manifesto.

Well-Safe Solutions has appointed its first-ever Chief Financial Officer as it continues to deliver its strategic growth plans throughout Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Alan McQuade assumed the CFO position in March, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience in a variety of senior and management positions in financial services and engineering sector roles.

Alan most recently spent five years with ICR Integrity Group as the company’s CFO, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, and latterly the Group’s Managing Director.

Prior to ICR, he served as CFO for two of Acteon Group’s operating companies, with £100m+ combined revenue.

Earlier in his career, he was involved in financial due diligence, fundraising and financial restructuring exercises in support of international clients as part of the Transaction Services team at PwC.

Commenting on his new role, Alan said: “Watching Well-Safe Solutions go from strength to strength over the past few years has been inspiring and I’m thrilled to be joining the Well-Safe Solutions team at such a crucial time for its strategic growth.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely with the senior management team, investors and our stakeholders to ensure Well-Safe Solutions continues to capitalise on opportunities in the international energy transition sector.”

In his role as CFO, Alan McQuade will spearhead investor relations while helping to secure new funding and support the continued growth of the company.

Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, said: “Alan’s considerable corporate finance and energy sector supply chain experience will be invaluable in delivering our international growth ambitions.

“Our commitment to international expansion is a key aspect of the business’ strategic five-year growth plan. Alan’s appointment is a pivotal moment in our journey to strengthen our position as a decommissioning market leader.”

As well as being a Chartered Accountant, Alan holds a BCom in Business Studies with Accounting from the University of Edinburgh.

He joins a growing team at Well-Safe Solutions, with energy financial specialist Derek Leith being appointed to the Well-Safe Solutions board as Non-Executive Director in February 2024.

International energy transition specialists Well-Safe Solutions have announced the appointment of energy financial specialist Derek Leith to the Board as Non-Executive Director.

Derek, based in Aberdeen, UK, brings over 35 years of financial experience to Well-Safe Solutions, with nearly three decades in various executive and management roles at EY, including as Global Oil & Gas Tax Leader.

Speaking on his appointment, Derek said: “It has been fascinating to see Well-Safe Solutions’ progress over the past few years, particularly in the development of its sustainability policies and growth into the Asia-Pacific region.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the Board and wider team to continue Well-Safe Solutions’ growth and influence within the energy transition sector.”

Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, said: “Derek’s experience is wide-ranging and attracting someone with his deep energy sector and energy transition experience is a credit to the company’s ambitions.”

“His experience in influencing and steering the Scottish Government’s Energy Strategy, Aberdeen City and Shire City Deal and the establishment of economic consultancy Opportunity North East will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of the energy transition sector and continue our international growth trajectory.”

Derek was a senior reviewing partner for the UK Government’s North Sea Transition Deal in 2021. He is also a regular media commentator, conference speaker and industry tax participator on topics relating to the energy transition, enabling businesses to position themselves effectively in regards to these regulatory challenges.

In addition to being a Chartered Tax Advisor, Derek is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, and holds an MA in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Aberdeen.

This latest development follows a busy year of growth for Well-Safe Solutions in 2023, having most recently agreed a global master decommissioning services agreement with bp until at least September 2026.

Global well plug and abandonment specialists Well-Safe Solutions has agreed a global master agreement with bp lasting until at least September 2026, with two one-year contract extension options available.

The agreement will see the well decommissioning specialists provide bp with project management, well engineering, engineering design and well decommissioning services.

Matt Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, said: “Following on from our work with bp decommissioning wells in the North Sea’s Kate field earlier this year, we are delighted to have been awarded this agreement.

“This multi-year contract will see us deploy our Well Decommissioning Delivery Process (WDDP), which guides operators through the well plug and abandonment process efficiently and safely.

“Our commitment to safe, smart and efficient decommissioning will enable us to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to bp’s well stock, including the possibility of utilising the Well-Safe Guardian, Well-Safe Protector or Well-Safe Defender plug and abandonment rigs.”

This contract announcement is the latest in a busy year for Well-Safe Solutions, which recently announced the creation of the Well-Safe Resources service line in August 2023 and the appointment of Steve Combe as Consultancy Manager.

Well decommissioning specialists Well-Safe Solutions have signed an agreement with Spirit Energy to add a well from the Appleton field to the existing scope of the Well-Safe Defender semi-submersible rig.

This project will add approximately one month of work to the backlog of the Well-Safe Defender, which mobilised in March 2023 to plug and abandon (P&A) 14 wells on the UK continental shelf for Spirit Energy.

The addition of the Appleton well, for an undisclosed value, follows the successful decommissioning of wells in the Chestnut and Trees fields, with the latter currently ongoing.

Chris Hay, Director of Strategy and Commercial at Well-Safe Solutions, said: “From the earliest days of Well-Safe Solutions over six years ago, we have fostered collaborative working throughout the industry to realise safe, smart and efficient well decommissioning operations.

“Spirit Energy’s decision to grant Well-Safe Solutions this contract extension is an endorsement of the excellent performance of the Well-Safe Defender and its crew.

“Our excellent HSE and operational track record throughout the ongoing campaign has provided Spirit Energy with the assurance and encouragement they needed to award us this scope extension.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with Spirit Energy and look forward to continuing our world-class decommissioning operations later this year.”

Head of Wells for Spirit Energy, Nicky Riley, said: “Well-Safe’s continued strong performance has allowed us to collaborate further with the team – accelerating the decommissioning of the Appleton well, aligning us further with our strategic pillar of meeting and de-risking our decommissioning operations.”

The Appleton field, 160 miles east of Dundee, was originally discovered in 1997 by Amoco and Amerada Hess.

This contract win is the latest during a summer of international expansion for Well-Safe Solutions, who recently announced an expansion into CCUS projects and the appointment of Alexa Duncan as the company’s first-ever Energy Transition Manager.

The Well-Safe Defender mobilising for Spirit Energy in April 2023.

Well decommissioning experts Well-Safe Solutions are adding carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and geothermal project capabilities to their offering with the appointment of Alexa Duncan as the company’s first Energy Transition Manager.

Alexa – who has over a decade and a half of experience in project management and well engineering roles for international operators – will be pivotal in the delivery of these energy transition business streams, expanding upon the company’s existing well plug and abandonment offering.

Speaking on her new role, Alexa said: “Well-Safe Solutions is at the forefront of the well plug and abandonment industry and working closely with clients to reduce their carbon footprint.

“With the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) estimating CO₂ storage capacity of 78 billion tonnes on the UK continental shelf alone, there is a clear opportunity for Well-Safe Solutions to apply its considerable expertise when assisting our clients on the journey to net zero carbon emissions.[1]

“In addition, extensive growth is also predicted within the geothermal market. I’m passionate about the energy transition and very much looking forward to collaborating with our highly experienced well engineering and subsurface teams on upcoming projects internationally.”

CCUS refers to the technologies which enable CO₂ to be reduced or removed from the atmosphere. It is typically captured, transported and stored (or used) to reduce its effect on the environment. CO₂  can then be injected into geological formations and permanently locked away in a suitable storage reservoir such as a deep saline aquifer or depleted oil or gas field.

Geothermal projects typically involve the harnessing of thermal energy within the Earth’s crust to provide heat and/or electricity generation.

James Richards, Well Abandonment Director at Well-Safe Solutions, added: “Recruiting a professional of Alexa’s calibre to our team is a clear endorsement of our ambition in this sector.

“Our own market research and client feedback indicates an opportunity for us to apply the lessons learned and collaborative working practices we deliver in well plug and abandonment to these fields.”

Development of a CCUS and geothermal project capability is part of a wider strategy to expand the business with new service lines offered internationally.

During the summer, the Aberdeen-headquartered company announced the Well-Safe Resources service line and the opening of Well-Safe Solutions Pty Ltd in Perth, Western Australia, in addition to further appointments within their Commercial team.

[1] Source: North Sea Transition Authority, Carbon Capture and Storage – https://www.nstauthority.co.uk/the-move-to-net-zero/carbon-capture-and-storage/