The offshore oil and gas industry is experiencing a transformative wave, driven not only by innovations in downhole technologies but also by its increasing adoption of digitalisation.
Across the globe, digital technologies and digitised data are reshaping industries, and oil and gas is no exception. Solutions leveraging IoT technologies, data analytics, and digital twins are enabling operators to harness information more effectively. These advancements are improving productivity and unlocking significant cost savings.
According to SLB, many companies are leveraging digitalisation to enhance their portfolios. SLB, for instance, uses its Intervention Advisor Software to manage risks, cut value chain costs, and improve production. The software offers diagnostic, remediation, and prevention methods tailored to optimise operations and reduce costs per barrel. Additionally, SLB’s recently announced partnership with Geminus AI introduces a physics-informed AI model builder, allowing for real-time optimisation across various outcomes, including operational expenditure reduction, increased productivity, and carbon emissions minimisation. “Geminus’ capability to fuse AI methods with physics-based simulation data will empower customers to quickly and easily create hybrid models of their operating assets that can be optimised in real time against numerous outcomes, such as opex reduction, increased productivity, and carbon emissions minimisation,” remarked Rakesh Jaggi, President, Digital and Integration, SLB.
In the second half of 2023, Silverwell Technology announced it had secured a major contract in Southeast Asia to deploy its digitally intelligent artificial lift (DIAL) system across multiple wells. According to the company, DIAL integrates in-well monitoring with surface analytics and automation to optimise gas-lifted fields remotely, even in challenging environments. Silverwell added that, across a three-year contract, the technology would be deployed in difficult conditions and expressed hopes that its successful completion would encourage broader adoption in the region.
The development of digital tools, especially around data interpretation, is being closely watched in the industry. According to Utama, “Improving the interpretation of logging data with new technology will enable oil companies to make better decisions for their well, especially around abandonment.”
The continued evolution and adoption of digitalisation remain a focal point for the offshore oil and gas sector, driving innovation and efficiency across operations.
In Asia, regulatory change driven largely by environmental concerns has continued apace, notably with the ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE) issuing decommissioning guidelines for oil & gas facilities.
Industry sources estimate that around 800 offshore platforms in the Asia Pacific region will enter decommissioning by 2027, at a predicted cost of some US$100 bn. While English law remains a popular choice to govern Asia Pacific decommissioning contracts, it faces stiff competition from other systems.
The dispute resolution clause of BIMCO’s DISMANTLECON form of contract envisages a choice between English, Singapore and US maritime (or New York) law. Historically, English and Singapore law have followed each other closely. However, the common law of penalties is the latest area in which divergence has emerged, with the Singapore Court of Appeal declining to follow the UK Supreme Court’s Cavendish Square decision when examining liquidated damages and forfeiture clauses in oil and gas contracts. Choice of law therefore, has real consequences for businesses engaged in decommissioning.
Net zero also has a profound impact on decommissioning. Despite the Strategy’s change of name, the MER objective remains in place. This is no “keep it in the ground” strategy. What has altered is the way assets are managed in the context of recovery of oil and gas. The updated OGA Strategy is unlikely in itself to accelerate the pace at which assets come forward for decommissioning, beyond the consequences of falling demand (and perhaps prices) flowing from the government’s overall policy of reducing fossil fuel dependence in the downstream economy. Rather, elements of the OGA Strategy may slow the pace of decommissioning.
The Central Obligation is supplemented by a number of detailed provisions on re-use of assets not only for CCS projects but also, 'where appropriate', for 'projects relating to hydrogen supply'. 15 to 17 of the OGA Strategy, headed 'Decommissioning', require relevant persons to demonstrate, before planning decommissioning of infrastructure, that 'all viable options' for its continued use, 'including for reuse or re-purposing for CCS' have been 'suitably explored'. Note the word 'including': potential re-use is not confined to CCS but could also include hydrogen and other clean energy uses such as offshore wind. So, even where an asset cannot continue in economic petroleum use, OPRED may reject a decommissioning programme where the whole or part of the structure may viably support clean energy development.
The OGA may also use its licensing powers to ensure cooperation between asset owners and others, including parties seeking to invest in alternative uses. Postponement of decommissioning will sometimes, but not always, be welcome news to asset owners. UKCS M&A transactions and other contracts will typically be priced on assumptions about the useful life of an asset and the timeframe within which the costly process of decommissioning is expected to take place. Insistence by OGA or OPRED on prolonging the life of an asset with a view to reuse may result in parties discovering they have overpaid into a security arrangement, or finding themselves compelled to negotiate elaborate cost apportionments with incoming investors. Unravelling or altering already complex contractual arrangements to accommodate these changes may prove legally and financially problematic.
DOF Group ASA has been awarded two subsea contracts for offshore execution in 2025, adding to its already full workload in the APAC region.
DOF’s dive support vessel (DSV) Skandi Singapore will execute the first contract utilising its saturation diving services offshore Malaysia where it is expected to be engaged for 30 days commencing in Q2 2025.
The second contract was awarded for construction support services in Indonesia wherein DOF will utilise one of the region’s multipurpose vessels for offshore execution in Q3 2025 with an expected duration of seven days.
Mons Aase, CEO of DOF Group ASA, said, “These contract awards secure backlog for the APAC region with an estimated combined value of over US$30m.”
Both contracts will include DOF’s in-house project management and engineering, related subsea and logistics support.
Previously in August 2024, DOF won an extension for Skandi Singapore to remain in the Asia Pacific region, followed by securing a decommissioning contract for the CSV Skandi Hercules. In November, DOF reported it was to spend 150 days in the APAC region as part of an IMR and associated subsea services contract.
Offshore Network’s premier well intervention event is returning to Kuala Lumpur this May where attendees will gain exclusive insights into decisive strategies, cutting-edge technologies and regulatory updates set to shape the region’s oil and gas future.
Back for its ninth edition, this year’s installation of the OWI APAC 2025 conference will take place in the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 20-21 May, where 30 expert speakers will take centre stage to discuss new innovations changing the oil and gas landscape; the impact the energy transition has on intervention best practices; and the importance of cross-industry collaboration to drive production gains and asset integrity.
Featuring 10 technology demos , the conference promises to be an insightful and lucrative experience for all. More than 200 decision makers are expected to descend into the showcase halls, partaking in nine devoted networking events and engaging with a series of key sessions discussing topics such as strategic pathways and partnerships for integrated intervention, the impact of the energy transition, advanced innovations, and structured collaboration policies.
Not only will attendees have ample time to engage with other delegates in an informal manner over drinks, but Premium Pass holders will also experience an elevated offering in the form of an exclusive VIP Dinner and Drinks. Delegates will have the unique opportunity to connect in an intimate over high-end cuisine and cocktails.
For more information regarding OWI APAC 2025, the full brochure can be found here.
The Asia Pacific Offshore Decommissioning Services Market shows significant growth potential, driven by technological advancements, increased consumer demand, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
The APAC market is projected to reach US$3bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024 to 2030. As the market matures, innovation in product offerings and digital transformation is expected to shape its expansion. Rising interest in sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, especially in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare, is likely to drive demand. Additionally, France’s aging population and shrinking workforce may push for automation and AI-driven technologies across industries.
Sales ratios are projected to shift toward higher-value, premium products, fueled by increasing disposable incomes and consumer preferences for quality over quantity. Government initiatives promoting industry modernisation and international trade partnerships will further enhance growth opportunities. However, competitive pressures and stringent regulations may influence market dynamics.
The Offshore Decommissioning Services Market in North America showcases significant regional diversity, driven by varying consumer preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory landscapes across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The US remains the dominant player, offering a robust infrastructure and high demand across sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer goods. Canada complements with a focus on innovation and sustainability, while Mexico's manufacturing base plays a crucial role in cost-efficient production.
This market's economic significance lies in its contribution to GDP growth, job creation, and international trade, making it a key driver in both domestic and global economies. Regional strengths combined with market size position North America as a critical hub for the expansion and investment opportunities in the Offshore Decommissioning Services industry.
The key factors driving the growth of the offshore decommissioning services market include an increasing number of aging offshore oil and gas platforms, stringent regulations regarding decommissioning activities, and advancements in decommissioning technologies. The key players in the offshore decommissioning services market include Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Weatherford International, and Tetra Technologies.
Technological advancements such as robotics, drones, and advanced sensing technologies are enabling more efficient and cost-effective decommissioning activities in the offshore sector. Market trends in the offshore decommissioning services industry, such as regulatory changes, technological advancements, and industry consolidation, can impact business investment decisions by influencing the demand for decommissioning services, the competitive landscape, and the potential for growth and profitability.
The offshore decommissioning services market aligns with environmental and sustainability goals by addressing the safe and efficient retirement of offshore infrastructure, minimising environmental impacts, and promoting the responsible management of decommissioning waste and materials.
Moreover, stakeholders' engagement plays a major role in the offshore decommissioning services market. Stakeholder engagement is essential in the offshore decommissioning services market to address the concerns and interests of various stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry players, environmental groups, local communities, and investors, throughout the decommissioning process.
Well services and engineering solutions provider Odfjell Technology has entered into a cooperation agreement with Australian-based R&D Solutions to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region.
The agreement allows Odfjell Technology to utilise its well intervention services, wellbore clean up and whipstock tools to service the Australian well services and deepwater markets. The company also has future plans for growth in the regional plug and abandonment (P&A) sector.
Paul Toner, Vice President – Middle East & Asia Pacific at Odfjell Technology, said, “Expanding our reputation and relationships into Australia is a critical part of our global growth strategy. With strong localised operations already in place across Southeast Asia, we are confident our new cooperation agreement with R&D Solutions will enable the same excellent level of customer service and delivery for the Australian energy market.”
Doug Gillespie, Director and Managing Partner at R&D Solutions, commented, “R&D Solutions prides itself on the technology and service capabilities it has delivered to market over the years […] we feel Odfjell Technology compliments the spirit of our motto ‘Tomorrow’s Technology Today’, bringing the next level of excellence in quality service and technology to Australia.”
As part of its promise to boost the competitiveness of its upstream sector while pursuing a sustainable future, PETRONAS will continue to prioritise its decommissioning responsibilities, directing its focus to accessing unused assets for potential repurposing.
The Malaysia-based operator has released its 2025-2027 Activity Outlook report, where it highlights the call to decommission the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline alongside 37 offshore facilities. PETRONAS’ three-year plan also includes the plugging and abandonment of 153 wells within the region.
The report states, “PETRONAS continues to explore innovative decommissioning solutions focusing on technologies, reuse/repurpose options, integrated multi-year execution approach for economies of scale, as well as identifying potential alternatives that can introduce cost compression. Thus, participation and collaboration are encouraging from all parties.”
PETRONAS’ report noted the importance of decommissioning matured assets in Malaysia’s upstream oil and gas industry as it is “essential to restore the area to a safe and environmentally stable condition.”
With that initiative at the forefront, in December 2024 the operator collaborated with the Department of Fisheries to launch the 10-year Malaysia Master Reefing Plan which outlines the potential for reefing in the region by spotlighting suitable candidates and locations to undergo the ‘rigs-to-reef’ operation: an initiative which stands as a popular decommissioning alternative in the Gulf of Mexico.
Alongside decommissioning, PETRONAS shares its outlook regarding upstream operations. In the short-term, the operator will focus on intensifying exploration activities and expediting appraisal programmes to sustain production and contribute towards Malaysia’s energy security. In the medium- to long-term, PETRONAS will continue to meet production targets and maximise shareholder value while decarbonising the value chain through innovation, technical deployment, and close collaboration with industry partners.
To read the full 2025-2027 Activity Outlook, click here.
Malaysia is set to receive Shelf Drilling’s 1983-built Baltic jack-up rig to kickstart a multi-year plug and abandonment programme
Last upgraded in 2015, the rig can support up to 120 crewmen, and comes with the Marathon LeTourneau Super 300 design.
It is anticipated that T7 Global has acquired the rig from the Dubai-based provider to facilitate Petronas Carigali’s P&A initiative.
As Petronas continue to invest in innovative well solutions to boost production, the operator also has plans to permanently plug more than 500 wells over the next five years.
There has been a number of efforts to expand production in Malaysia’s offshore oil and gas fields, with a number of key industry players increasing their stake in the region.
TotalEnergies, for instance, has finalised the acquisition of interests of OMV and Sapura Upstream Assets in SapuraMOV Upstream, an independent gas producer in Malaysia. SapuraOMV’s main assets are its 40% operated interest in block SK408 and 30% operated interest in block SK310, located offshore Sarawak. In 2024, SapuraOMV’s operated production (100%), supported by the start-up of the Jerun gas field, is expected to reach approximately 590 Mcf/d of natural gas, feeding the Bintulu LNG plant operated by Petronas, as well as 10 kb/d of condensates.
Elsewhere, EnQuest Petroleum Production Malaysia announced in December an agreement to develop approximately 155 Bscf (c.27mn barrels of oil equivalent) of additional Seligi field gas resources along with a 50% equity share.
In partnership with PETRONAS Carilgali Sdn Bhd and E&P Malaysia Venture Sdn Bhd, the agreement enables the parties to develop and commercialise the non-associated gas resources in the PM8E PSC contract area and, in line with expected demand, supply around 70mmscf per day of sales of gas. EnQuest will produce additional Seligi Field non-associated gas by modifying its existing infrastructure, providing a cost-efficient way to deliver new volumes into the Peninsula Malaysia gas system.
“Malaysia is a key area for EnQuest’s growth strategy, and this agreement complements the signing of the DEWA Complex Cluster SFA PSC in October this year,” remarked EnQuest CEO, Amjad Bseisu.
December was also marked by PETRONAS awarding production sharing contracts for three discovered resource opportunities clusters and one exploration block offered under the Malaysia Bid Round (MBR) 2024 which was launched earlier this year. The resources are located next to existing infrastructure, enabling synergistic development and swift monetisation that, PETRONAS said, will allow for efficient and cost-effective resource extraction.
“We are pleased to see our petroleum arrangement contractors growing their portfolios in Malaysia,” said Senior Vice President of MPM, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong. “With their strong track records and proven capabilities, they continue to contribute significantly to the growth of Malaysia's petroleum sector… The year 2024 marks another successful year with the award of 18 PSCs across exploration, DRO and Late Life Asset. This is a testament of investors' confidence in PETRONAS' innovative asset offerings with high monetisation potential, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for upstream investments.”
While Malaysia is already a strong point in the APAC region for well intervention services beyond drilling, the expansion of production in the country suggests that even more opportunities will be forthcoming for such service providers.
Seequent, the Bentley subsurface company, has announced it has entered it a strategic partnership with the International Geothermal Association (IGA) to boost the role of geothermal power as a reliable renewable energy source.
Currently, Seequent software supports more than half of the world’s geothermal electricity production. The company has been one of the forefront leaders in bringing technical advancements to the industry, for example it has helped bring geothermal energy directly into homes in both Paris and Munich for heating.
The company’s latest innovations include adding new capabilities to its software to trace fluids more accurately, leading to more efficient resource management and more sustainable geothermal operations.
Graham Grant, Chief Executive Officer at Seequent, said, “Seequent is honoured to partner with the International Geothermal Association for the next two years. We will work with global partners to build clear and consistent messaging for the industry, positioning geothermal as a vital contributor to the energy transition.
“An emerging use case for geothermal is the rise of hyperscale AI-enabled data centres which represent a rapidly emerging new form of power demand requiring reliable baseload, or consistent, power supply. Geothermal is the cleanest form of renewable energy able to provide this baseload power and should play a key role in future data centre strategy globally.”
Seequent customer Fervo Energy is applying its technology to find new ways to produce geothermal energy for Google’s data centres in Nevada.
Marit Brommer, Chief Executive Officer of the IGA, commented, “We are excited to partner with Seequent, whose technological innovations in subsurface modelling bring clarity to geothermal development, empowering countries to leverage this clean energy resource and drive meaningful progress toward global net zero goals.
“We encourage other industry leaders and companies to join and amplify promotion of geothermal, as collaborative efforts are key to unlocking geothermal's full potential for a sustainable future."
Thunder Cranes, a provider of portable-modular cranes and specialised lifting solutions for the offshore oil and gas industry, has been awarded the Safety Excellence Award by Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB).
The accolade pays tribute to the work Thunder Cranes has undertaken with PCSB since 2011, recognising its outstanding commitment to safety. This is proven by the fact it has achieved the longest safe manhours in operating with PCSB’s well integrity, intervention and workover department over the past 13 years.
In receiving the award, PCSB management thanks Thunder Cranes for its dedication to creating a culture of safety that “not only protects lives but also sets a benchmark for our industry.”
Across all of its offshore operations in Malaysia with PCSB, Thunder Cranes has accumulated 1.69mn LTI-free manhours over 4,759 days of operations since 2011.
Thunder Cranes has certainly been making waves in recent months, having just proven its worth in a Gulf of Thailand decommissioning project. Discover the full story by clicking here.
New Zealand-based Contact Energy has reached a major commissioning milestone with its new Te Huka 3 geothermal power station as it has synchronised and provided power to the national grid for the first time.
At full capacity the power station will run at 51.4MW which equates to enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 60,000 homes. During a three week testing period with Transpower, approximately 15MW will initially be fed into the grid before gradually increasing.
This period will be followed by formal generator compliance testing to Transpower’s system operator code requirements to confirm Te Huka 3 can provide electricity to the grid efficiently and safely.
Contact’s CEO Mike Fuge said “This marks a huge moment for the team at Te Huka 3, who have, for the past two years, worked tirelessly from the initial ground-breaking on site to building a fully operational renewable power station.
“[Te Huka 3] is a significant demonstration of our ability to invest, build and deliver world class assets for the benefit of all New Zealand.”
Once Transpower’s tests are completed, Contact will carry out further performance and reliability testing before the site is expected to become fully operational by the end of the year. One of the tests will include a 30-day reliability run to confirm that Te Huka 3 can run continuously and reliably at 51.4MW over a month-long period.
Fuge continued, “It is a really exciting time for geothermal energy. It has often been the unsung hero of power, but now it is really coming into its own as it plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s transition away from fossil fuels while helping to keep the lights on.”
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