North Sea oil and gas producer Spirit Energy (www.spirit-energy.com) and SEA (a Cohort group company) have joined forces to promote the latter’s Legacy Locker programme, which enables the offshore industry to re-use higher-value legacy equipment.

They are currently working together to recycle two redundant — but fully operational — Aker third-generation Subsea Control Modules, following the decommissioning of Spirit Energy’s Ann field.

After refurbishment by SEA (www.cohortplc.com/about_us/our_businesses/sea), the modules will be available for re-use through Legacy Locker, which offers new and refurbished equipment that can be purchased or rented to ensure that operators maintain production.

The Legacy Locker scheme supports the Zero Waste Scotland Programme by encouraging the re-use of equipment and materials, where possible.

The equipment is either owned by Aberdeen-based SEA or its clients; it is tested, refurbished, re-certified or reverse-engineered by SEA’s sub-sea engineering experts.

SEA director Matt Blair said: “We operate at the sharp end of sub-sea production control support and regularly deal with the problems created by obsolescence and asset transfer between operators.

"Our knowledge of key components and systems enables us to selectively source valuable equipment and components that many operators might send directly for scrap, because it is easier.

“Legacy Locker helps operators to overcome the supply and support problems that have challenged the industry over many years.

“This shared-resource model is being adopted more widely throughout the industry, and we are delighted to work with Spirit Energy, who recognise the value of Legacy Locker.”