Subsea 7 is investing more than £5.5 million (US $8.5 million) refurbishing its pipeline bundle site in northern Scotland, driven by increasing success with its bundle technology.

Established in 1978, the fabrication site near Wick in Caithness covers a total area of more than of 300,000 square metres, and has a sheltered bay in which to launch the pipeline bundles. The refurbishment programme will be carried out in two phases, and includes new equipment for five firing lines, a 230 m extension to the main fabrication shop, and a new office and welfare complex at the landward end of the facility.

The first phase, which began in 2012, is now complete with the second phase scheduled for completion in 2014.
Willie Watt, General Manager at the facility, said: “The increasing success of our bundle technology has been the main driver for this extensive refurbishment programme. Subsea 7 is experiencing its busiest ever period for bundle design/installation with eight bundles installed in 2011/2012, and a further eight installations confirmed for the period to Q2 2015.”