Up to £1.5 million is being awarded to six Scottish projects which support decommissioning.

The funding is being allocated as part of the second round of the Scottish Government's Decommissioning Challenge Fund, which supports infrastructure improvements and innovation to deliver decommissioning of North Sea oil and gas infrastructure.

The schemes in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kishorn, Shetland and Orkney include innovation in well plugging and abandonment, dry dock upgrades and quayside strengthening investigation. In addition, two specialist decommissioning equipment projects will be carried out in Shetland.

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The funding award was announced by Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse during a visit to Dales Marine Ltd at the Imperial Dry Dock in Leith Docks.

The company has secured a grant to deliver the 'Going Full Circle' project. The scheme involves upgrading the 100-year-old gates and quayside of the Leith site, with features including new operating systems and strengthening of surrounding berths.

Mr Wheelhouse said: "Decommissioning offers a variety of opportunities for Scottish based firms, such as Dales Marine, right across the supply chain.

"I am delighted to contribute to this ambitious project to upgrade the Imperial Dry Dock in Leith, which will ensure the future of this historically significant site for vessel decommissioning, keeping skilled jobs within our economy.

"Our Decommissioning Challenge Fund is a clear signal to the market to think seriously about decommissioning – a market that is forecast to be worth up to £17 billion over the period to 2025 – and to plan and invest accordingly."

(LM/MH)