Normally unmanned installation

A Normally Unmanned (or Unattended) Installation (NUI) is a type of automated offshore Oil/Gas platform designed to be primarily operated remotely, without the constant presence of personnel.

They are often a compromise of providing the convenience of surface wellheads, which are easier to build and maintain, while avoiding the high operating costs of a full production platform.

This can be seen in the Southern North Sea where large numbers of wells are on smaller NUIs, compared with the more northern areas of the continental shelf where fewer larger platforms and subsea sites are the norm.

These installations will include an emergency shelter with essential food and water in order to provide a safe refuge in the event that weather or other considerations prevent a visiting crew from returning to base.

Platforms would then only be visited infrequently for integrity checks and maintenance of temporary equipment left for power requirements and safety functionality.