Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what representations he has received regarding Shell UK Ltd's decision to award Allseas Group SA the contract for decommissioning three of its Brent Field platforms on the UK Continental Shelf; what assessment he has made of the employment implications for UK offshore oil and gas workers of that decision; and if he will make a statement.

Shell’s contract award to Allseas Group was announced in 2013 alongside the contract award for onshore dismantlement to Able Yard in Teeside. Contracts were welcomed by the supply chain as the unique single lift option had made it possible for the UK yards to compete for this decommissioning work.

The employment benefits are significant with 200 jobs being created at the Able yard during the 6 year contract and around 1,000 skilled people involved in the project offshore. Shell’s wider procurement strategy has led to a number of other contracts being awarded to UK companies, winning around 85% of the estimated £4 billion spend.

I have now received one letter detailing concerns over the Vessel’s name.