Ninian Hub Decommissioning – Key Updates and Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Stakeholders are invited to review the latest Environmental Scoping Report, prepare for the forthcoming consultation on the Draft Decommissioning Programme, and attend an upcoming workshop introducing the Ninian Central Platform.

As Ninian Hub decommissioning plans continue to take shape, several updates are available for stakeholders, along with opportunities to provide input and participate in upcoming sessions.

Environmental Scoping Report for Ninian Southern Platform Lower Jacket and Footings

The Environmental Scoping Report for the Ninian Southern Platform Lower Jacket and Footings is now available for comment. Stakeholders are invited to provide any feedback by 31 March on the scope of potential environmental impacts associated with the options being explored for decommissioning.

In autumn 2024, environmentally-focused stakeholders (rather than the full stakeholder register) were consulted on the Topsides and Upper Jacket version of the scoping report. A number of useful comments were received, which have been taken on board.  An extract from the Environmental Impact Identification – ‘ENVID’ – Terms of Reference showing the comments and how these have been addressed is attached in the interest of transparency.

Where appropriate, the stakeholder comments from the previous consultation have also been incorporated into the present Lower Jacket and Footings Scoping Report. This version is being shared with all stakeholders due to the interest in the potential options being actively explored.

Stakeholders are encouraged to share any views or queries they would like to be taken into account.

Statutory and Public Consultation for Ninian Southern Platform Topsides and Upper Jacket Draft Decommissioning Programme

The Ninian Southern Topsides and Upper Jacket Draft Decommissioning Programme (DP) is currently in the final stages of preparation and is expected to be submitted to OPRED in early April, which will trigger a 30-day consultation period in line with regulatory requirements.

The Lower Jacket and Footings DP is expected to follow at the end of the year.

Once the documentation becomes available, stakeholders will be provided with the relevant links and invited to review and comment at that time.

Stakeholder Workshop introducing the Ninian Central Platform on 20 May 2025

Stakeholders are asked to note an introductory online workshop on the Ninian Central Platform, planned for the morning of Tuesday 20th May.

Built in Loch Kishorn in north-west Scotland, the platform’s 623,000-tonne concrete gravity-based structure (CGBS) was, at the time of construction, the world's largest man-made movable object.

The agenda for the workshop is currently in preparation, and a formal invitation will be issued in due course. As with the previous Ninian Southern workshop, Resources for Change will once again facilitate and prepare a report on proceedings.