Marco van Middelkoop | Aerophoto-Schiphol


The challenge

A substantial number of oil and gas platforms in the North Sea are approaching the end of their operational lifespan and will require decommissioning in the coming years. Consequently, demand for offshore decommissioning services is expected to grow significantly. Sagro’s terminal, located in the Westhofhaven in Vlissingen Oost, is strategically positioned for the storage and decommissioning of offshore installations, topsides and jackets. The facility is specifically equipped to facilitate environmentally responsible dismantling and recycling activities. To support anticipated market growth, Sagro is investing in the development of a new quay as well as the expansion of storage and production capacity at the terminal.

Our contribution

In 2017, Sagro contracted Walhout to carry out technical alternatives studies for the development of a new heavy lift quay, focused on offshore decommissioning. Walhout developed multiple design variants and provided advice on technical feasibility, efficiency, costs and future opportunities.

In 2018, the detailed design phase commenced. The final design incorporates a robust steel combi wall and a reinforced anchoring system. A roll-on-roll-off facility and heavy ramps were integrated into the quay construction, enabling load outs using mobile equipment and heavy project cargo. The quay is designed to accommodate lifting operations up to 600 tonnes and load outs up to 8,000 tonnes, for example for offshore platforms using SPMT configurations. The terminal area will be equipped with a concrete load distribution floor in combination with a special pile foundation, ensuring that very high surface loads and dynamic shock loads are safely transferred into the subsoil.

Engineering and consulting firm TAUW, commissioned by Walhout, was responsible for the detailed engineering and associated drawings of the quay. By the end of 2019, contractors commenced the final execution engineering and construction of the quay.

Our activities

  • Final design of the heavy lift quay
  • SCIA & Plaxis stress and FEA analyzes
  • Interaction analyzes of combination wall and platform
  • Analysis of soil parameters and bathymetric surveys
  • Load simulations loadout jackets, platforms and topsides
  • Geotechnical advice for the storage of offshore structures
  • Environmental analysis, nautical safety, ATEX zoning
  • Coordination with North Sea Port, DCMR and contractors
  • Obtaining required construction permits