UK-based logistics and materials management company ASCO has successfully concluded a six-figure contract with Onslow Marine Support Base (OMSB) in Western Australia, marking a significant milestone in supporting the region’s offshore decommissioning sector.
The contract involved ASCO mobilising two radiation safety officers (RSOs) along with specialised equipment for monitoring Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) and mercury at the OMSB site.
The RSOs, John Davidson and Robin Small, who collectively bring 25 years of expertise to the project, provided on-site training for NORM awareness and monitoring of various hazards, including benzene and hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
The ASCO team’s responsibilities included:
- Optimising the OMSB site
- Ensuring proper setup of supervised areas
- Managing and containing contaminated materials
- Enhancing OMSB’s management plans and risk assessments
These efforts were aimed at ensuring top-tier radiation management and site safety operations.
Andre Veder, OMSB’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasised the importance of safety, efficiency, and compliance in the offshore decommissioning supply chain.
He stated that OMSB proactively maintains various licences, including a radiation licence and associated management plan.
While ASCO has been operating in Australia for over 13 years, with locations in Perth, Darwin, and Dongara, this contract marks the company’s first delivery of NORM services in the Southern Hemisphere.
The successful completion of this project demonstrates ASCO’s capabilities and establishes its credibility in this specialised segment.
ASCO anticipates continued growth in the region with opportunities arising from the decommissioning of Australia’s aging oil and gas infrastructure.
Lee Vettese, Business Development Manager for Environmental Services and Decommissioning at ASCO expressed excitement about bringing the company’s North Sea decommissioning experience to Western Australia.
This contract not only represents a significant growth opportunity for ASCO in Western Australia but also showcases the company’s ability to transfer its global expertise to new markets in the decommissioning sector.