The old Tyra is now history – 98.5% reused or recycled
Esbjerg, 13 December 2022 – The largest recycling project of offshore installations in Denmark’s history has successfully completed. After 2.5 years of dismantling work on the old platforms and structures from the Tyra field, 98.5% of the material has now been reused and recycled.
A crucial part of the Tyra Redevelopment project was the removal and recycling of more than 50,000 tons of steel of the old Tyra, or an equivalent of seven Eiffel Towers. We had to build many processes and guidelines from scratch as no regulations existed in Denmark by that time. However, now that we mark the successful conclusion of recycling, we are many experiences richer, and I’m sure that our Tyra case will contribute to a wealth of knowledge needed for future projects,
says Lars Bo Christiansen, Tyra Redevelopment Project Director Deputy for TotalEnergies EP Denmark.
Recycling and reuse have been an integral part of the Tyra Redevelopment project from the start, where TotalEnergies and the Danish Underground Consortium partners have set high demands for the recycling yards and envisioned sustainability in all stages of the planning process. Examples include the requirements of how much was to be recycled from the platforms as well as specifications as to how the materials would be used. It has required thorough preparatory work to ensure the best dismantling and recycling process – both in terms of safety and sustainability.
We are proud that M.A.R.S. has been chosen for this exciting project with a focus on the old Tyra platforms being recycled in the most environmentally friendly way. Our yard is built from scratch for that particular purpose, and therefore it has been possible to embed innovative solutions for safety, sustainability, and the environment. Our collaboration with the Port of Frederikshavn and the local authorities around the creation of the yard led to our modern and safe world-class facility and first set of exceptional recycling results,
says Kim Thygesen, Director of M.A.R.S. Europe.
Specially trained personnel have methodically removed and broken down the enormous platforms since they arrived in their original shape and form onshore, and as such ensured that all the material has either been directly reused or recycled.
Some parts of the platform will be reused in their original form. For example, a few of the generators are used again elsewhere. Other parts will be processed and traded on the international market as part of the circular economy. For instance, the steel from Tyra is remelted and can be reused for new construction projects and alike. However, not all materials are making a comeback in the industry. Some pipes and chains have been delivered to Frederikshavn Gymnasium, where they will be used for a maritime education project. Other objects have been donated to the Fisheries and Maritime Museum in Esbjerg, where they are exhibited. Some medical equipment has been transported to the Ukraine, where the population can hopefully benefit from it,
explains Jens Kloster, Tyra Redevelopment Decommissioning Manager for TotalEnergies EP Denmark.
As the recycling of the old Tyra is coming to an end, the build-up of Tyra II is entering the final phase with all eight platforms successfully installed at the Danish North Sea. This means that all focus is now on completing and powering up the installed platforms and reconnecting them to the existing North Sea infrastructure towards first gas from Tyra II in the winter season 2023/24.
Facts about the Modern American Recycling Services (M.A.R.S.) yard
- The 290,000 m2 recycling area at the Port of Frederikshavn was the world’s first recycling facility built for the purpose – recycling of jack-up rigs, ships and platforms.
- A.R.S. yard in Frederikshavn was inaugurated in 2019 and has a sharp focus on safety, sustainability and the environment. The recycling area has a treatment plant with two 2,500 m3 collection tanks, where rainwater from all areas will be treated for any impurities.
- A.R.S. expects to recover 200,000 tons of processed steel per year.
- Activities at the M.A.R.S. yard in Frederikshavn have created 200 local jobs since the opening.
Facts on the Tyra Redevelopment
- TotalEnergies is the operator of the Tyra field on behalf of DUC – a partnership between TotalEnergies (43.2%), Noreco (36.8%) and Nordsøfonden (20%).
- Tyra is Denmark’s largest natural gas field and has been a center for processing and exporting more than 90% of the natural gas produced in the Danish North Sea before its redevelopment.
- A redevelopment of the Tyra field is necessary due to the field’s natural subsidence of the chalk reservoir after many years of production.
- The redevelopment of the Tyra field includes three main elements: decommissioning and recycling of the old Tyra platforms; recycling and extending the current platform legs on six of the platforms with 13 meters, which will have new topsides; a completely new process module and a new accommodation platform.
- Once the modernized Tyra II is back on stream, it is expected to deliver 2.8 billion cubic meter gas per year which amounts to 80% of the forecasted Danish gas production.
- Tyra II will secure continued production of natural gas with 30% less CO2 emissions contributing to the energy security of Denmark and Europe.
Further information:
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TotalEnergies media contact:
Thorkild Diness Jensen / Head of External Communications for TotalEnergies Denmark / +45 20 20 42 36 / thorkild-diness.jensen@totalenergies.com
About TotalEnergies in Denmark
TotalEnergies is Denmark’s leading oil and gas company employing a diverse and international workforce of around 1,200 people. We are responsible for 85% of the oil and 97% of the national gas produced and are developing one of the leading carbon storage projects which is expected to save millions of tonnes of CO2 in the depleted oil and gas reservoirs in the Danish North Sea. TotalEnergies’ operations date back more than half a century, representing an important contribution to Denmark’s economy, energy supply and employment. In addition to our oil and gas activities, TotalEnergies is working on establishing new business activities within offshore wind, solar energy, and other renewable energy sources.
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.
