Shetland Islands – GRP Valve Pit Cover Installation

Remote oil and gas infrastructure – gas tie-in project

This project involved the supply and installation of GRP valve pit covers and safety handrails for a gas tie-in project in the Shetland Islands, delivered for NSMP / SIRGE within a remote oil and gas environment.

Project Overview

Industry: Oil and Gas
Location: Shetland Islands
End Client: NSMP / SIRGE
Project Scope: Gas tie-in works

The project required durable, load-rated access solutions suitable for installation within a remote oil and gas setting, with a focus on safe access, modularity and long-term performance.

Installed GRP valve pit covers and access walkways within a gas tie-in valve pit in the Shetland Islands.

Installed modular GRP valve pit cover being lifted into position by crane at a remote Shetland Islands site.

Project Requirements

The installation required walk-on access covers capable of supporting operational loads while allowing safe access to valve pits during inspection and maintenance activities.

Key requirements included:

Walk-on access across valve pit areas
Defined load ratings suitable for operational use
Modular cover sections to allow removal and access
Integrated handrails to maintain edge protection
Suitability for a remote, exposed environment

Installed GRP Solution

PJNC supplied and installed GRP valve pit covers and handrail systems designed to meet the site’s access and safety requirements.

Installed systems included:

GRP valve pit covers: 135 m²
Integrated GRP handrails

The covers were supplied in four removable sections to allow controlled access to underlying infrastructure while maintaining safe, walk-on surfaces when in place.

Installed GRP valve pit covers and handrail system at a gas tie-in project in the Shetland Islands

Modular walk-on GRP valve pit covers shown in four removable sections with integrated handrails at a Shetland Islands gas tie-in site.

Technical & Design Requirements

Walk-on GRP covers rated to 5.0 kN/m²
Covers supplied in four removable segments
GRP handrails rated to 0.74 kN/m

All systems were designed to integrate with the valve pit layout while maintaining compliance with site safety requirements.

Installation & Delivery

Installation was carried out in a remote location, requiring consideration of access logistics, phased delivery and efficient on-site handling.

The modular nature of the GRP components allowed installation without heavy lifting equipment, supporting safe handling and installation within the constraints of the site.

Installation of modular walk-on GRP valve pit covers by site operatives at a remote gas tie-in location in the Shetland Islands.

Completed walk-on GRP valve pit covers with integrated handrails in service at a Shetland Islands gas tie-in facility.

Outcome & In-Service Performance

The completed installation provides safe, load-rated access to valve pit infrastructure while maintaining edge protection and long-term durability in a challenging oil and gas environment.

The GRP systems installed are well suited to the remote location, supporting corrosion resistance and reduced maintenance requirements over the service life of the installation.

Project Gallery

Project Enquiries & Technical Discussion

If you have a similar site, process area or access requirement, PJNC can provide technical guidance based on delivered projects such as this installation in the Shetland Islands.

Our team can support early-stage design, load assessment and system suitability for access, containment and protection solutions in remote and operational environments.

Reference this project where relevant when submitting your enquiry to assist our technical team.