Program Overview
Birdon delivered the safe disposal and recycling of the Mutineer-Exeter Floating Facility (MEFF) assets, including a disconnectable turret mooring (DTM) and mid-water arch (MWA) system recovered from offshore oilfields.
The project involved the handling of large, complex subsea infrastructure, requiring engineered deconstruction and controlled material processing. Works were completed at Birdon’s Dampier Slipway, leveraging its strategic location within Western Australia’s resource corridor to enable efficient mobilisation and local execution.
Quick Facts
- Client
Offshore energy operator (via DOF Subsea partnership)
- Location
Dampier Slipway, Western Australia
- Lifecycle Stage
Decommission
- Asset
Disconnectable Turret Mooring (DTM) and Mid-Water Arch (MWA)
- Material Scope
700+ tonnes of steel and polymer components
Objectives
- Safely dismantle and recycle large subsea infrastructure retrieved from offshore oilfields
- Maximise material recovery and minimise environmental impact
- Deliver compliant disposal aligned with offshore decommissioning standards
Challenges
- Handling large, unstable offshore structures during deconstruction
- Managing marine growth, contaminants and mixed material streams
- Executing heavy lift and land-based processing in a controlled environment
- Ensuring safe sequencing of dismantling activities across complex assets
Birdon’s Approach
Birdon executed a controlled, engineering-led decommissioning methodology combining heavy lift operations with staged land-based dismantling.
Assets were received and processed at the Dampier Slipway, where marine growth removal and structural stabilisation were completed prior to deconstruction. Heavy lift equipment and specialised handling systems enabled safe positioning of components, followed by mechanical dismantling and material separation.
Hazardous materials were identified and managed in accordance with environmental and safety standards, while recyclable materials were segregated to maximise recovery and reuse outcomes. The project was delivered using Birdon’s integrated approach to asset mapping, hazardous material handling and recycling workflows.
Outcomes & Impact
The project achieved approximately 96% material recovery, demonstrating Birdon’s capability in delivering sustainable decommissioning outcomes for complex offshore assets.
The works reinforced Birdon’s ability to manage large-scale offshore infrastructure disposal within a controlled onshore environment, supporting safe execution, regulatory compliance and resource recovery. The project also strengthened delivery capability at the Dampier Slipway as a strategic facility for offshore decommissioning programs.
Testimonial
“Birdon were an efficient partner working alongside DOF to deliver the safe, efficient and sustainable disposal of the MEFF DTM and MWAs. Many thanks to the whole Birdon team, we look forward to working with you again.”
Senior Project Manager
DOF Subsea
Capabilities in Action
- Offshore asset recovery and land-based decommissioning of complex subsea systems
- Heavy lift operations and controlled dismantling of large marine structures
- Hazardous material identification, handling and disposal
- Material segregation and recycling achieving high recovery rates (~96%)
- Delivery through Birdon’s engineered decommissioning methodologies and workflows
- Execution at Dampier Slipway enabling local processing, reduced transport and efficient mobilisation
