Decommissioning and Site Preparation Works

Introduction

Following the cessation of oil and gas production (COP) at Liverpool Bay facilities in December 2024, Decommissioning and Site Preparation Works at the Point of Ayr (PoA) Terminal and surrounding Colliery area began in September 2025. Some of the existing infrastructure is being repurposed to enable carbon dioxide (CO₂) transportation and storage with the rest being decommissioned and removed. Demolition activities will be carried out until the end of 2026. Planning consent was granted for this work by Flintshire County Council (FCC) in May 2024 under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1990 (as amended). The work includes:

• partially decommissioning the PoA facilities to enable CO₂ transportation and storage;
• housing new equipment to enable the filtering and compression of CO₂ before it is sent to the offshore pipeline, including PIGing facilities (please see our FAQs for further information on PIGing facilities), filters, compressors, a diesel system, a vent package, nitrogen generation, sub-stations, buildings and a warehouse; and
• laying new cables, concrete works and removing and replacing the existing block valve on Warren Farm.

The construction phase for the preparation and installation of the new equipment will commence in early 2026.

These works will play a crucial role in preparing the PoA Terminal for future CO₂ transportation and storage operations and ensuring it is ready for the equipment to transport and store CO₂ offshore to the Douglas Complex and three satellite platforms for permanent storage.

Demolition layout

The PoA development includes the demolition of existing facilities that are either not required for this redevelopment or cannot be repurposed, along with the refurbishment of the remaining buildings to meet project needs.

To help visualise the scope of plant equipment removal, the skyline graphic below illustrates the planned changes to the site. Items highlighted in red are scheduled for removal.

Timeline

The timeline for the decommissioning and site preparation works at the PoA Terminal and surrounding colliery area is: 

*start and end dates are subject to change

Work completed so far

Inlet area

Utility area

Temporary facilities

Contractor

Saipem is the main contractor for the decommissioning and repurposing of existing infrastructure at the PoA Terminal and surrounding Colliery area.

Saipem is a global leader in engineering services for the design, construction and operation of complex infrastructures and plants in the energy sector, both offshore and onshore.

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