CNOOC upgrades automation systems at Buzzard North Sea oil field

(WO) — ABB has been awarded a contract to modernize automation and safety control systems on the Buzzard offshore platform, supporting continued operations at one of the UK's largest producing oil fields in the North Sea.

The project, awarded by CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited, will upgrade ABB's existing System 800xA distributed control system and Safeguard 400 safety system installed on the platform. The phased modernization program is designed to improve operational resilience while allowing the facility to remain online during the upgrade process.

Buzzard is located approximately 100 km northeast of Aberdeen and is one of the cornerstone assets in the UK North Sea.

ABB said the phased approach will minimize production disruptions and reduce project risk by introducing system updates while maintaining ongoing operations.

The work will be managed by ABB's Aberdeen-based engineering team, which supports the platform through an onshore reference system used to test and validate upgrades before deployment offshore.

“This project reflects our longstanding partnership with CNOOC's UK business and our shared commitment to safe and reliable operations,” said Nicolas Alonso, head of ABB's Energy Industries division for the UK, Ireland and Azerbaijan. “By modernizing the existing automation systems, we are able to help support UK energy security at a time of increasing demand.”

According to ABB, testing upgrades onshore before installation offshore will help reduce operational risk, minimize downtime and maintain continuity of production.

The award builds on ABB's long-standing relationship with CNOOC International's UK business and reflects continued investment in maintaining the reliability, safety and performance of mature North Sea production assets.