Mammoet joins Netherlands decommissioning mega-project

Netherlands

UTRECHT, October 25, 2024 – Transport and heavy lifting player Mammoet will provide services for the Groningen gasfield’s decade-long decommissioning mega-project, the Dutch company said on Thursday.

The company will provide logistical and engineering support on what is termed one of the world’s largest-ever gas well closure projects.

The project involves the closure of 800 gas production wells in 350 separate locations, as well as the removal of 1,750 kilometres of pipeline. Works related to the closures began in May.

The client is Shell–ExxonMobil joint venture NAM, and Mammoet will be supporting Dutch well engineering specialists the WellGear Group.

Mammoet is managing the transportation, site preparations, assembly and disassembly of the plug and abandonment (P&A) unit at each location, as well as overseeing all road and on-site logistics of these movements.

The Groningen field, located onshore in the northeastern Netherlands, has been a key supplier of natural gas to Europe over its decades-long time in production. In 2018, the Dutch government said output at the field would be reduced significantly to mitigate seismic risks. Production was ultimately halted in 2023.

“This is a significant project for Mammoet,” project manager Martin Alards said. “It is the biggest gas well decommissioning programme in the Netherlands, even the world. The Netherlands is leading in these kinds of operations and with the world’s energy markets transitioning quickly, it is likely more countries will follow.”