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Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 10 August 2025
Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal
IndustryNatural gas processing
PredecessorViking Gas Terminal
Founded1972 in Theddlethorpe St Helen, Lincolnshire, England
FounderGas Council (proposed), originally owned by Conoco
Defunct15 August 2018
FateClosed
Headquarters
Theddlethorpe St Helen
,
England, United Kingdom
Area served
United Kingdom
ProductsProcessed natural gas and natural gas liquids
OwnerConocoPhillips (later)
Number of employees
Approximately 100 (2018)
ParentConocoPhillips

Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal (TGT) was situated on the Lincolnshire coastline at Theddlethorpe St Helen, close to Mablethorpe in East Lindsey, England. Positioned adjacent to the A1031 road, it was near both a holiday park and the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre.

History

The Gas Council initially proposed the terminal in December 1969, with planning approval granted by April 1970. Constructed in 1972 to handle gas from the Viking gas field commencing on 4 July 1972, it became the third principal gas terminal in the UK and was originally owned by Conoco. The first development phase involved an investment of approximately £5 million and entailed building an 86-mile, 28-inch offshore pipeline. Initially called the Viking Gas Terminal, it was rebranded as Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal in 1984.

During the early 1990s, Kinetica—a partnership between PowerGen and Conoco—developed a new pipeline linking Theddlethorpe to Killingholme. This pipeline was officially opened by Tim Eggar on 21 July 1992.

Operation

Under ConocoPhillips ownership, Theddlethorpe was integrated with National Grid’s National Transmission System as well as E.ON UK’s 20-inch Killingholme Pipeline System, which supplied Killingholme A and B power stations. The terminal handled volumes up to 256,000 cubic metres per hour at pressures ranging from 40 to 55 bar. At its operational peak, it provided roughly 10% of the UK’s expanding gas demand; however, by August 2018 production had dropped to about 4 million standard cubic metres daily—equivalent to around 2.5% of the UK's seasonal requirement. Approximately one hundred employees worked at the facility.

The terminal’s facilities featured a 30-inch NTS feeder pipeline extending to Hatton, Lincolnshire, which connected with a 36-inch Wisbech-Scunthorpe pipeline. In 1988, a second 30-inch line was installed between Theddlethorpe and Hatton to support the LOGGS development.

ConocoPhillips announced in 2017 that Theddlethorpe terminal would close in 2018. Production officially ended at 05:00 on 15 August 2018.

Offshore pipeline systems

Positioned within the UK Southern North Sea Basin on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), four principal pipeline networks delivered gas to Theddlethorpe terminal:

  • Lincolnshire Offshore Gas Gathering System (LOGGS) collected gas from several fields including the V-field series, Audrey, Annabel, Alison, Anglia, Jupiter, Saturn, among others. A 118 km long, 36-inch pipeline linked the LOGGS PP platform to Theddlethorpe. Commissioned in 1988, LOGGS production concluded in August 2018. The system consisted of five interconnected platforms: PR (riser), PC (compression), PP (production), PA (accommodation), and PD (drilling).
  • Caister Murdoch System (CMS) gathered gas from fields such as Boulton, Caister, Cavendish, Hawksley, Hunter, Kelvin, Munro, Murdoch, Schooner, and Watt. Gas was transported via a 188 km long, 26-inch pipeline from Murdoch to Theddlethorpe. CMS began operations in 1993 and ceased production in August 2018.
  • The Viking field comprised Viking, Victor, Victoria, and Vixen fields. Gas was conveyed through the Viking Transportation System (VTS) by a 26.9 km long, 16-inch pipeline from the Viking B complex to LOGGS for onward transmission to Theddlethorpe. After commissioning of VTS, the original Viking B export pipeline was decommissioned in 2009.
  • Pickerill field utilized a 66 km long, 24-inch pipeline running from Pickerill A installation directly to Theddlethorpe. It became operational in 1992 and stopped production in August 2018. Juliet field was connected into Pickerill A in 2014.

Natural gas liquids

Refinery-derived liquids were sent to Phillips 66's Humber Refinery, which is situated next to the Killingholme Power Station (ICHP), approximately twenty-six miles northwest of Theddlethorpe.

Gas fields

The Theddlethorpe terminal received fluids from the following gas fields.

Viking

The Viking gas field served as the main supply source, connected through the Viking Transportation System. Located roughly off the coast of Lincolnshire in two sections—Viking A and Viking B—it was jointly owned 50% by ConocoPhillips, with initial recoverable reserves estimated at 125 billion m3.

Production commenced in July 1972 at North Viking Field (Viking A) and in August 1973 at South Viking (Viking B) following discoveries made between 1968 and 1969. Initially managed by Conoco and the National Coal Board, operations later transitioned to ConocoPhillips acting for BP (formerly Britoil), with both companies sharing ownership. Although nearby the Indefatigable field and with initial intentions to utilize Bacton Gas Terminal, Viking's output mainly justified the establishment of Theddlethorpe terminal.

Offshore facilities included Viking AR and the bridge-connected Viking B complex (BA, BD, BP & BC), as well as Viking CD, DD, ED, GD, HD, JD, KD & LD. Several platforms were decommissioned over the period from 1991 to 2018 as production declined.

Vixen

The Vixen field, equally owned by ConocoPhillips Ltd and BP (Britoil plc) and operated by ConocoPhillips, lies off the Lincolnshire coastline. Gas extracted from the Vixen VM subsea wellhead is transported to the terminal via the Viking Transportation System. Discovered in May 1999, production began in October 2000. It forms part of the V field network and is named after the de Havilland Sea Vixen aircraft.

Boulton

ConocoPhillips owns and operates the Boulton HM subsea wellhead, which channels gas through the Watt QW subsea template to Murdoch MD. Gas from Boulton BM reaches the terminal using the Caister-Murdoch System (CMS) via Murdoch field. Discovered in November 1984, production started in December 1997. The field takes its name from Matthew Boulton, a collaborator of James Watt.

Caister

Originally operated by Total before being taken over by ConocoPhillips, the Caister installation (CM) delivers gas through Murdoch field and CMS to Theddlethorpe terminal. Discovered in January 1968 with production beginning October 1993, ownership was divided among Consort Europe Resources (later E.ON Ruhrgas), GDF Britain Ltd, and ConocoPhillips. Later stakes were held as 40% E.ON Ruhrgas UK Caister Ltd, 39% ConocoPhillips UK Ltd, and 21% GDF Suez E & P UK Ltd. The field is named after Caister Castle located in Norfolk.

Murdoch

Situated offshore, Murdoch field is operated by ConocoPhillips and named after Scottish engineer William Murdoch, who pioneered gas lighting using coal gas. Discovered in August 1987, production started in October 1993. Ownership evolved from an initial split of 54% ConocoPhillips, 34% Tullow Exploration Ltd, and 11% GDF Britain Ltd to current shares of 59% ConocoPhillips UK Ltd, 26% GDF Suez E & P UK Ltd, and 14% Tullow Oil SK Ltd. The subsea Murdoch K (KM) field is managed by Tullow Oil. The installation features three platforms connected by bridges (MD, MC, MA). Gas is conveyed via CMS to Theddlethorpe terminal.

Cavendish

Cavendish, owned by the German company RWE Dea AG alongside Dana Petroleum, transports gas through the Caister Murdoch System. Discovered in January 1989, its platform is identified as RM. The field is named in honor of British scientist Henry Cavendish, renowned for discovering hydrogen.

Saltfleetby

Located onshore and found in October 1997, Saltfleetby began operations in December 1999. Initially under the management of Australian firm Roc Oil, it was purchased by Wingas (a subsidiary of Gazprom) in December 2004. Situated approximately five miles from Theddlethorpe, it takes its name from the nearby village of Saltfleetby.

Schooner

Commissioned in October 1996, the Schooner field came under Tullow Oil’s control after their 2004 acquisition from Shell and Esso. Tullow Oil SK Ltd holds a 90% stake, with GDF Britain Ltd and E.ON Ruhrgas UK EU Ltd each owning 5%. Discovered in December 1986, its Schooner SA installation utilizes the CMS pipeline system. The field’s name derives from the schooner type of sailing vessel.

Ketch

The Ketch field began production in October 1999 and was operated by Tullow Oil following its purchase from Shell in 2004. Its platform, Ketch KA, employed the Caister Murdoch System for gas transportation. Discovered in November 1984, the field’s name references the traditional ketch sailing boat.

Ann

Ann was discovered in May 1966 with production commencing in October 1993 via the LOGGS system. Initially owned by Venture Production (North Sea Developments) Ltd (85%) and Roots Gas Ltd (Aberdeen) (15%), Venture later acquired full ownership and operated the field. It featured two subsea installations: Ann A4 and Ann XM. The field was decommissioned following a decision made in June 2017.

Audrey

Discovered in March 1976, Audrey started producing gas in October 1988 through the LOGGS infrastructure. Initially co-owned by Conoco and Centrica, Centrica Energy later assumed full ownership and operational control. Larger than the neighboring Ann field, Audrey consisted of subsea installation Audrey WM alongside platforms Audrey 1 WD and Audrey 2 XW. Decommissioning took place after June 2017.

Alison

Alison was discovered in February 1987 and began production as a minor field in October 1995. Originally held 85% by Venture Production and 15% by Roots Gas Ltd, ownership transferred to Centrica Energy following its acquisition of Venture Production plc in 2009. This subsea installation, designated KX, was decommissioned after June 2017.

Anglia

Found in December 1985, Anglia commenced production in November 1991. Ownership transitioned over time from CalEnergy Gas (UK) Ltd (55%), Consort North Sea Ltd (32%), and Highland Energy Ltd (12%) to Dana Petroleum (25%), RWE Dea UK SNS Ltd (12%), GDF Suez E & P UK Ltd (30%), and First Oil (30%). Initially operated by CalEnergy and then GDF Suez until 2011, Ithaca Energy has managed it since. The field utilizes the LOGGS system and includes subsea installation Anglia YM along with platform YD.

[Pickerill and Juliet gas fields|Pickerill]

Discovered in December 1984 with production starting August 1992, Pickerill comprises platforms Pickerill A and B. Originally operated by ARCO, ownership passed to Perenco later on. Stakeholders shifted from ARCO British Ltd (43%), AGIP UK Ltd (23%), Superior Oil UK Ltd (23%), and Marubeni Oil & Gas UK Ltd (10%) to Perenco UK Ltd holding a dominant 95% share with Marubeni retaining a minority interest of 5%.

Topaz

Topaz began production in November 2009 under the management of RWE Dea. The field derives its name from the mineral topaz, which contains aluminium.

Kelvin

Discovered in September 2005, Kelvin commenced production in November 2007 and is operated by ConocoPhillips through the Caister-Murdoch infrastructure. The ownership structure consists of ConocoPhillips UK Ltd holding 50%, GDF Suez E & P UK Ltd with 27%, and Tullow Oil SK Ltd at 22%. The platform, identified as Kelvin TM, honors William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin.

Rita

Production at Rita started in March 2009 after its discovery in May 1996. Operated by E.ON Ruhrgas UK North Sea Ltd, the field’s ownership is divided between E.ON Ruhrgas UK Caister Ltd (74%) and GDF Suez E & P UK Ltd (26%). Gas from the subsea wellhead RH is transported via the Hunter field (HK).

Jupiter area

The Jupiter cluster comprises Ganymede ZD (discovered June 1989, production initiated October 1995), Sinope (discovered January 1991, production from October 1999), Callisto ZM (discovered February 1990, production started October 1995), Europa EZ (discovered September 1972, production commenced October 1999), and NW Bell ZX (discovered 1994, production began August 1999). These fields are managed by ConocoPhillips and utilize the LOGGS pipeline routed through Ganymede ZD. Ownership shares include ConocoPhillips at 20%, Statoil at 30%, and Superior Oil Company (later Esso) holding 50%.

Saturn area

Fields within the Saturn region include Saturn (discovered December 1987, production launched September 2005), Mimas MN (discovered May 1989, production started June 2007), Hyperion, Atlas, Rhea (operating collectively since September 2005 following discovery in January 1991), and Tethys TN (discovered February 1991, production began February 2007). Platforms designated Saturn ND, Mimas MN, and Tethys TN are all linked to the LOGGS pipeline. Ownership is shared among ConocoPhillips, RWE Dea AG, and Venture North Sea Gas Ltd, with ConocoPhillips serving as operator.

V fields

The V fields group includes Vulcan (discovered April 1983; production commenced October 1988), South Valiant and North Valiant (discovered July 1970 and January 1971 respectively; both began producing in October 1988), Vanguard (discovered December 1982; production started October 1988), Victor JD (discovered May 1972; produced from September 1984 until 2015), Vampire OD (discovered January 1994; production ran from October 1999 to 2016), Viscount VD (production ended in 2015), and Valkyrie OD. These fields are interconnected via the LOGGS pipeline through the Viking platform and primarily owned by ConocoPhillips alongside BP (formerly Britoil). Named after iconic aircraft such as the Avro Vulcan and Vickers Valiant, the V-field development was officially opened by Margaret Thatcher on September 1, 1988. The LOGGS complex separates living quarters from processing units. Facilities included North Valiant 1 PD (connected by a bridge to LOGGS), North Valiant 2 SP, South Valiant TD, Vanguard QD, Victor JD with subsea JM, Vulcan RD and UR, Vampire/Valkyrie OD, plus Viscount VD. Decommissioning activities planned removal of Vulcan UR during 2018-19 and Vampire OD along with Viscount VD in 2020.

Juliet

The Juliet gas field, located in block 47/14b, was discovered by GDF SUEZ in December 2008. Production commenced in January 2014 starting with the western well, followed by the eastern well during the first quarter of 2014. Output was transported through a pipeline to the Pickerill A platform before being sent to Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal.

Clipper South

Ownership of the Clipper South gas field is divided among RWE Dea UK holding 50%, with Fairfield Energy and Bayern Gas each owning 25%. This field was developed in 2012 as a single platform (RL) and initially exported production to the LOGGS facility. In November 2018, the export route was altered to direct fluids to the Clipper complex for onward transmission to Bacton.

Decommissioning

Following cessation of production, pipelines associated with Viking, LOGGS, Pickerill, and CMS underwent flushing, cleaning, and were subsequently filled with seawater. Onshore pipelines connected to Theddlethorpe terminal—including those linking to National Grid, Killingholme, Humber oil refinery, and Saltfleetby gas pipeline—were purged and disconnected. The terminal’s processing equipment was drained and flushed as part of the initial decommissioning stage.

In 2019, Chrysaor acquired ConocoPhillips’ North Sea assets and received authorization in January 2020 to dismantle Theddlethorpe terminal. Later decommissioning phases focus on site cleanup and restoring the land for agricultural use by 2022. In March 2021, Chrysaor merged with Premier Oil to establish Harbour Energy.

By July 2021, Radioactive Waste Management, a government body, engaged Lincolnshire County Council regarding proposals for storing spent nuclear materials at this location. Harbour Energy intends to repurpose the site along with certain offshore gas fields for carbon capture and storage initiatives.

See also

External links

Gas fields

News items

Video clips

Related profiles

SSt Fergus Gas TerminalNNorpipeLLindsey Oil RefinerySScottish Gas Board
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