Bilfinger, a leading industrial services provider, has been awarded a new contract by INEOS FPS to perform maintenance work across the Forties Pipeline System (FPS) for up to five years

The large-scale agreement, which began in January 2024, has an initial duration of three years with an option for a two-year extension.

Following the agreement, Bilfinger will deploy approximately 130 personnel from its maintenance, insulation, scaffolding, and corrosion protection divisions to undertake critical tasks across the 100-mile pipeline system.

This marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the two companies, spanning over a decade.

"Our ambition to be the number one partner in efficiency and sustainability, together with our investment in local personnel development, positions us perfectly to support INEOS in extending the life of the FPS infrastructure while minimizing its environmental impact," said Sandy Bonner, Bilfinger's UK president of engineering and maintenance.

The FPS plays a vital role in the UK's hydrocarbon infrastructure, transporting roughly 40% of North Sea oil and gas to shore and the INEOS-led complex at Grangemouth. Operational since 1975, the system boasts a capacity of over 600,000 barrels per day and carries output from 85 offshore oil fields.

However, the pipeline has faced challenges in recent years. INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe stated last year that oil flows through the system have declined by 40% since their acquisition in 2017, leading to the closure of one of the three processing plants due to insufficient demand.

Despite these challenges, INEOS has remained committed to the FPS's future. In 2018, they announced a £500 million investment to reconfigure and extend the system's lifespan by at least 20 years, supporting North Sea production into the 2040s.

"Bilfinger's drive for continuous improvement and their ability to adapt to our priorities and strategic objectives have been key factors in our decision," said Ewan MacAngus, INEOS FPS operations director. "We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration."

This contract award signifies Bilfinger's expertise in maintaining critical infrastructure and their commitment to partnering with clients for long-term success. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure the viability of the Forties Pipeline System as a key player in the UK's energy sector.