Decommissioning: The largest recycling operation of a production vessel (FPSO) ever has started in Vats, Rogaland, Norway. The 235metrelong production vessel Curlew was loadedin by a floatover and subsequent site move operation.

Now the vessel will be cleaned, dismantled and recycled by AF Offshore Decom at AF Environmental Base Vats. At least 97 per cent of the ship will be recycled and used as raw materials in new production.

This is the first time this type of vessel has been recycled in Norway. The chosen decommissioning solution known as a float over float in operation has never been used on such a large scale anywhere in the world. After preparatory work, the hull of the ship weighs about 21,000 tons.

Dismantling and recycling of offshore installations and ships is an important part of the green transition. Here, Norwegian industry and engineering expertise have developed solutions that are at the forefront of the industry. This provides tangible evidence of the circular economy given nearly 97 percent of the ship can be used as raw materials in new production, with steel being used as rebar in new buildings, and all hazardous waste is taken out of the system and disposed of in a responsible manner.

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