Offshore Decommissioning: A Growing Industry with Rising Risks

Offshore oil and gas facilities do not last forever. When wells run dry or production is no longer profitable, companies face the task of decommissioning. This complex process involves retiring old structures, sealing wells, and restoring marine environments. In recent years, decommissioning work has grown worldwide due to aging infrastructures and stricter environmental regulations. While decommissioning is vital for safety and environmental protection, it also raises concerns about worker safety.

Below is an in-depth look at offshore decommissioning, how it is funded, and the specific risks that workers face as more wells and platforms reach the end of their operating lives.

Understanding Offshore Decommissioning

Offshore decommissioning refers to the series of steps taken to retire old oil and gas infrastructure at sea. This process can involve plugging and abandoning wells, removing topside equipment, dismantling platform structures, and disposing or repurposing materials. According to the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), decommissioning must meet strict guidelines to ensure that unproductive wells are properly sealed, preventing leaks that could harm marine life orimpact water quality.

Decommissioning can be broken down into phases. First, companies must study and plan on how best to seal wells, remove pipelines, and possibly reuse platform components. Next, divers and specialized crews work on plugging wells with cement, making sure no hydrocarbons can escape into the sea. Afterward, structures such as platform decks or jackets may be taken apart and sent to shore for recycling or safe disposal. Alternatively, some platforms are modified into artificial reefs if certain criteria are met. The ultimate goal is to reduce environmental impacts and clear navigational hazards.

Why Decommissioning Is on the Rise

Several factors have contributed to a global increase in offshore decommissioning. One is the age of many offshore rigs, especially in mature regions like the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea. When a well’s production falls below profitable levels, operators often determine that keeping it running is no longer worth the cost.

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