Experts from law firm Pinsent Masons have highlighted the challenges and opportunities arising from decommissioning activities in Australia.
Senior Associate Angus Frean, an energy and infrastructure specialist said, “Offshore decommissioning campaigns are incredibly complex.
“They involve lining up availability of highly specialised vessels, specialist subcontractors and equipment and port access while also navigating the logistical issues arising from the vast distances involved and work constraints arising from offshore conditions.
“Any disruption on a decommissioning campaign is likely to result in significant delays and, potentially, be very costly.”
The infrastructure can also be a long way offshore, increasing the risk of bringing contaminants from those areas back and potentially harming the fragile Australian ecosystem.
In contrast, leaving equipment or infrastructure offshore requires consideration of the environmental impact that degradation of equipment and infrastructure can have over time.
Partner Florence Riviere, an expert in planning and environment law at Pinsent Masons, speaking at the recent D&A AUS 2025 conference, said, “Research and data of environmental impacts in Australian waters is still in its infancy, but it is a constantly changing landscape, with an increased interest and awareness about the environmental impact of offshore projects, including because of an increase in offshore wind projects.
“Environmental approvals for major offshore projects are likely to be under increasingly greater scrutiny, with further challenges to environmental approvals anticipated,” she said.
“It is essential that environmental plans and assessments, including consultation, are undertaken comprehensively and exhaustively, with an eye on recent legal and scientific developments.”
You can see the full article at: https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/decommissioning-in-australia
