The Asia-Pacific offshore oil and gas sector advanced significantly in well decommissioning and abandonment during Q4 2025, with key developments in regulatory frameworks, cost assessments, and workforce development amid a projected regional spend of US$30-100bn by 2030 for over 7,000 wells and 1,500 platforms.
Australia took centre stage with the release of its Offshore Resources Decommissioning Roadmap on 9 December.
This government initiative outlines strategies to foster a domestic decommissioning industry, emphasising timely and environmentally responsible removal of infrastructure, workforce training, and international partnerships.
It projects approximately A$60bn in spending over the next 30-50 years, supporting economic opportunities while aligning with net-zero transitions.
Complementing this, a November report by Xodus Group revised Australia's offshore decommissioning liability downward to A$43.6bn (A$66.8bn inflation-adjusted) through 2070, covering over 700 wells, 7,600 km of pipelines, and 520 subsea structures.
The reduction stems from refined forecasting, advancements in well plugging and abandonment (P&A) techniques, and potential efficiencies from coordinated campaigns and emerging technologies.
In Malaysia, Petronas launched the Hydraulic Workover Unit (HWU) Academy on 23 October to address skills shortages in well abandonment.
The academy, a collaboration with industry partners, universities, and government ministries, offers hands-on training using retired assets to build national expertise for safe, cost-effective P&A operations.
This supports Petronas' ongoing plans to plug and abandon around 153 wells and decommission 37 offshore facilities through 2027-2028.
These initiatives underscore the region's focus on cost management, regulatory compliance, and local capacity as Southeast Asia prepares for its decommissioning peak.
Innovations like rigless P&A and rigs-to-reefs are gaining traction to balance economics and environmental stewardship.
As 2025 closes, stakeholders anticipate accelerated activities in 2026, driven by maturing fields and energy transition pressures.
