Amidst the stringent regulations in place regarding liability in the face of end-of-life assets, and the substantial cost associated with decommissioning activities, the ‘Rigs-to-Reef’ policy the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has adopted has presented itself as an attractive option in light of the sheer scope of end-of-life work ahead.
BSEE have previously stated that the policy can help operator’s cut their decommissioning costs by up at least a quarter, while remaining sustainably conscious in a process where concerns have been raised about environmental ramifications associated with decommissioning.
Looking deeper into the reefing process, as outlined in Offshore Network’s Gulf of Mexico Decommissioning and Abandonment 2024 conference (D&A GOM 2024), there are various types of reef constructions. Those consist of:
- Submerged structures, including concrete modules, artificial caves and pipes and culverts,
- Sunken vessels,
- Artificial islands,
- Artificial coral reefs,
- Tire reefs,
- Decommissioned vehicles,
The process of rigs-to-reef operations include vehement survey and evaluation tests to ensure the rig structure is compatible with reef development (all of which is outlined on the BSEE website). The size of the platforms, structural integrity and locations of the structure of key factors to consider when determining the validity of the project. Thus far within the region, the Department of the Interior has approved approximately 600 rigs-to-reef proposals, with only a handful denied since the policy’s introduction in 1986.
The pros and cons of reefing
Countless studies have been conducted by the US Government to examine the impact the reefs have both on the structures themselves and the surrounding marine ecosystem. One benefit is that of marine restoration and biodiversity enhancement – the deployment of artificial reefs in areas that have been affected by situations such as coral bleaching and destructive fishing practices allows new habitats to house a variety of marine life and play a significant contribution to ecosystem restoration.
Other benefits can include the enhancement of fisheries around the localised area; a rise in ecotourism, in particular destination diving; added coastal protection from erosion as the rigs act as submerged breakwaters; advancement in marine research; increased maintenance of nutrient cycling and water quality; contribution to environmentally responsible practices; and coral restoration and conservation.
On the other side of the coin, however, there has been some pushback within the industry regarding rigs-to-reef operations due to a number of posed risks associated with the process.
Some of the concerns include habitat displacement as some reefs can alter local marine habitats; the risk of pollution from improperly prepared materials; physical damage to the seafloor if the design or placement of the rig is not appropriate; damage to the surrounding ecosystem if the construction has not been actioned properly; the negative impacts associated with long-term maintenance of the rigs; the economic costs of reef management; and design flaws which may create conflict with the local environmental conditions.
While these concerns remain a continuous reminder about the fragility of rigs-to-reef operations, operator’s must decide whether shouldering the financial burden of fully decommissioning their assets outweighs the benefits presented by the reef policies. Even with these risks in min, the Gulf is currently one of the world’s leading nations for rigs-to-reefs projects, and the future continues to look bright for the environmentally-friendly alternative to decommissioning.
Playing a key role D&A GOM 2024, reefing discussions will once again shine in the spotlight for the 2025 edition of the world’s biggest decommissioning event. All of the details regarding the upcoming conference in April can be found here.
