CODA has published a new report analysing the regulatory frameworks governing both offshore and onshore oil and gas decommissioning in Australia
Titled Australia’s Oil and Gas Decommissioning Regulatory Landscape, the report explores the country’s decommissioning framework by assessing international obligations, Commonwealth legislation, and state and territory regulations across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. It highlights a system characterised by multiple layers of legislation, some of which overlap, alongside evolving regulatory expectations.
With decommissioning activity on the rise, the report points to increasing strain on regulatory structures that were originally developed to support exploration and production phases. Feedback from industry stakeholders indicates that navigating this complex and multi-layered system can be challenging.
The study is based on detailed regulatory mapping and targeted consultations with stakeholders including government bodies, regulators, titleholders, and supply chain participants. These insights have informed the identification of key themes and practical opportunities to improve coordination, streamline approval processes, and enhance clarity within the regulatory environment.
The findings emphasise the need for more aligned and efficient regulatory pathways to support safe, timely, and effective decommissioning at scale. Suggested improvements include stronger collaboration between agencies, clearer guidance materials, and enhanced support for industry in understanding regulatory requirements.
CODA CEO Francis Norman said the report provides a foundation for ongoing regulatory evolution as decommissioning activity continues to grow.
“Decommissioning at scale is still relatively new in Australia, and all stakeholders are continuing to build capability as the industry evolves. This report brings together industry experience and regulatory insight to highlight where the current system is working well, and where there are opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, and efficiency.”
The report was developed with support from Kent PLC, which led the regulatory mapping component, alongside contributions from a wide range of industry and regulatory stakeholders who participated in the consultation process.
Read more about the report here
SLB has completed its acquisition of HydraWell Intervention AS, a Norway based company known for its advanced solutions in well abandonment and integrity management
This move strengthens SLB’s position in the growing field of well intervention and supports its focus on delivering practical and efficient solutions for the energy sector.
HydraWell brings with it a specialised approach to plug and abandonment, often referred to as P and A. Its core technology, known as perforate, wash and cement, offers a different way of sealing wells. Instead of relying on traditional methods that often involve heavy mechanical work, this process creates strong barriers within the well structure in a more direct and controlled manner. The result is a simpler operation that reduces both time and cost.
“This acquisition represents an important step in SLB’s strategy to deliver transformative solutions for our customers,” said Frederik Majkut, president, Reservoir Performance, SLB. “By integrating HydraWell’s groundbreaking technology with the global expertise and intervention capabilities of SLB, we are uniquely positioned to redefine operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in well decommissioning and other well integrity remediation challenges.”
The technology developed by HydraWell has already been tested in real field conditions and supported by detailed modelling. It allows for effective cleaning of the well and careful placement of barriers, ensuring long term safety and performance. By removing the need for complex steps such as casing removal, it offers a more straightforward solution for operators managing ageing wells.
This acquisition also gives SLB the ability to offer flexible services across different types of well work. While it is designed for permanent closure, the same approach can also support other tasks such as zonal plugging and general well repair. This makes it useful for companies aiming to maintain efficiency while meeting strict environmental and regulatory standards.
As the demand for responsible well closure continues to rise, SLB is positioning itself to meet these needs with modern and reliable solutions. The addition of HydraWell strengthens its ability to support customers through every stage of a well’s life cycle.
As digitalisation continues to shape every sector of the offshore industry, decommissioning cannot remain out of its influence. A US$7.2bn market that is projected to see solid growth over the next four years is reflective of the sector's urgency which operators can no longer overlook. The liabilities of decommissioning can be best addressed by choosing the digital path, which will play a significant role in supporting operators by reducing both costs and downtime, even when ensuring safety and keeping project delivery sustainable.
Operators can rely on digitalisation right from the start, whereby they can use an accurate digital model of the targeted platform to determine loopholes that require addressing. This digital model will highlight the extent of damages operators are looking at, from corrosion to storm impact, to name a few, before they formulate the next steps.
Tackling gigantic topsides and jackets can be prone to incorrect cuts when attempted manually. To eliminate such risks, there are digital solutions that generate optimal cutting plan to dismantle structures of several tons into portable numbers. Before beginning the project in person, the virtual run-through will give an idea of user-defined elevations or check the forces that goes behind the sections.
When these huge platforms have to be moved, they have to pass uncertain conditions, including vessel stability, crane capacity and harsh environments. These challenges can be minimised by deploying an integrated software approach which combines structural analysis with hyrodynamic and hydrostatic analysis.
Analysis softwares can also support operators to plan sustainable outcomes of decommissioning, such as the rigs-to-reef programmes. These tools can help gauge whether the structure's final deployment is proper and safe for a lasting period.
CB&I has completed the acquisition of Petrofac’s Asset Solutions business, which is actively engaged on various decommissioning and abandonment (D&A) assignments in the Gulf of America.
A leading provider of operations, maintenance, wells and decommissioning services for onshore and offshore energy assets, with projects across the globe, the Asset Solutions’ portfolio includes work to decommission the South Pass 60, South Pass 6 and East Breaks 165 fields.
Announcing the closure of the transaction on 9 April, 2026, Mark Butts, CB&I President and CEO, said it marked “an exciting new era for our company” as it welcomed approximately 3,000 Asset Solutions colleagues to the newly-expanded group.
“This acquisition strengthens CB&I’s portfolio with a complementary reimbursable contracting business, delivering predictable cash flow and enhancing service capabilities,” he said.
“It also supports CB&I’s diversification into integrated services, expands customer relationships, and opens pathways for growth in international markets.”
The acquisition also provides Asset Solutions with access to CB&I’s debt‑free balance sheet and global liquidity, enabling the business to operate from a position of greater financial strength.
John Pearson, Chief Operating Officer of CB&I Asset Solutions, said this enhanced stability ensures continuity of service delivery for customers and creates a solid platform for expanding capabilities across key markets internationally.
“With the backing of CB&I’s financial strength, global reach and operational capabilities, the business is exceptionally well positioned to accelerate our growth ambitions,” said Pearson.
“Asset Solutions is now able to invest with confidence, expand service offerings, enhance the reliability and efficiency of the assets we support, and deliver even greater value to customers around the world.”
In 2022, Petrofac and Promethean Decommissioning Company (PDC) formed an alliance to decommission the South Pass 60, South Pass 6 and East Breaks 165 fields, offshore Gulf of America.
The legacy offshore fields and assets include nine platforms, 200 wells and 32 pipeline segments.
As the nominated Decommissioning Services Provider, in a contract valued at around US$200mn, the scope of work includes the safe, efficient, and assured decommissioning of the fields.
Vaisala has introduced its Maritime Automatic Weather Station AWS830, a next-generation solution designed to strengthen safety and operational reliability in offshore and marine environments.
The system provides continuous, real-time data on key parameters such as wind speed, atmospheric pressure, visibility, temperature, humidity and wave conditions. This level of monitoring is critical for offshore operations, where changing weather can directly impact navigation, lifting activities and helideck operations.
Engineered for harsh marine conditions, the AWS830 is built to withstand corrosion, vibration, extreme temperatures and high humidity. Its rugged design ensures dependable performance in exposed offshore settings, supporting safer decision-making across vessels and platforms.
Security and data integrity are also central to the system. The AWS830 incorporates advanced cybersecurity features to ensure that weather data remains accurate, authenticated and protected. This is particularly important in offshore environments, where reliable information is essential for both safety and operational continuity.
Panu Partanen, vice president of sales and marketing for Weather, Energy and Environment at Vaisala, said the launch represents a significant technological step forward. “AWS830 represents a fundamental next-generation advancement in maritime weather monitoring of which we have decades of experience. This launch reinforces our commitment to supporting maritime operations through reliable, cybersecure weather intelligence,” he noted.
The system’s modular design allows integration with vessel navigation and automation systems, while also supporting a wide range of sensors. It is compatible with Vaisala Elements Helideck Monitoring Software, enhancing safety for offshore helicopter operations.
Mikko Nikkanen, head of maritime at Vaisala, emphasised the importance of reliability in critical environments. “Maritime operations demand weather monitoring systems that perform flawlessly while meeting stringent safety and environmental standards. Our customers need systems they can depend on and trust for critical operational decisions,” he said.
Deliveries of the AWS830 are expected to begin in June 2026, as demand grows for advanced monitoring solutions in offshore energy and maritime sectors.
A case study on Dynamic Gyro Compass (DGC) technology highlights how survey time in North Sea sections was reduced by 76%, as SLB and bp advanced gyro-while-drilling (GWD) capabilities at the Clair Ridge development
The solution enabled accurate, real-time survey measurements under all heave conditions, independent of the BHA provider, ensuring consistent performance in offshore environments.
The application of DGC technology has significantly improved operational efficiency. By removing the need for wireline scoping runs, the solution reduced survey time by 76%, while also lowering personnel exposure in high-risk red zones. This has contributed to stronger health and safety outcomes and streamlined offshore operations.
During tophole drilling at Clair Ridge, bp encountered difficult conditions that disrupted conventional gyro tools. The high levels of environmental noise made traditional methods unreliable, forcing reliance on wireline scoping gyro surveys. These operations were not only time-intensive but also required repeated red-zone access and additional personnel, increasing both safety risks and operational costs.
To overcome these issues, bp aimed to minimise time spent drilling and sitting on bottom, reduce red-zone entries, and lower the total number of personnel on board.
SLB addressed these challenges by integrating its DGC technology with the Quest GWD solid-state gyro while drilling system. The solution effectively filtered out environmental noise, enabling accurate survey readings in complex tophole conditions and eliminating the need for wireline runs.
Across two drilling sections, the average survey time dropped to 13 minutes, compared to 66 minutes per wireline run, saving approximately 53 minutes per survey. With around 21 surveys typically required per section, this translated into a time saving of nearly 18 hours per section. Notably, the sections drilled using DGC technology were completed faster than any previously recorded in the field.
“The use of DGC technology with the Quest GWD solid-state gyro while drilling tool allowed us to eliminate multiple wireline surveying runs typically required during tophole operations. This significantly enhanced operational efficiency and safety by improving red-zone management and reducing the risk of dropped objects.”
Jim O'Leary, vice-president Wells North Sea, Mauritania, Senegal & Brazil, bp.
Read the complete story here: www.slb.com
The Aseng Gas Monetisation Project offshore Equatorial Guinea will undergo subsea installation by Subsea7, which has received a significant contract by Noble Energy EG Ltd (a Chevron Company)
Subsea7 will be establishing a single-well tieback for the project, connecting Aseng field to the existing Alen platform. It will transport and install approximately 19 kilometres of rigid production flowline and 20 kilometres of umbilicals, along with associated subsea structures and tie-ins in water depths of 800 metres.
Project management and engineering will commence immediately and will be managed from Subsea7’s Paris office, with additional support from teams in Lisbon and Equatorial Guinea. Offshore activities are expected to begin in 2026.
David Bertin, Senior Vice President for Subsea7’s Global Projects Centre East, said, “This award represents an important milestone in our ongoing global relationship with Chevron. Subsea7 has operated in Equatorial Guinea for nearly two decades, supporting offshore construction and inspection, maintenance and repair activities. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Chevron on the Aseng Gas Monetisation Project, continuing to deliver safe, high-quality offshore installation services in West Africa.”
The Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) has released the latest update to its Decommissioning Forward Outlook, with a focus on improving data quality, consistency and usability across the platform.
The Decommissioning Forward Outlook is a dynamic, interactive online tool developed by CODA to enhance visibility of forecast decommissioning activity, support planning, and promote collaboration within the Australian offshore oil and gas and decommissioning industry. The database has been compiled from publicly available information, including plans and proposals submitted for approval to offshore regulators. Users can explore asset characteristics across fixed and floating facilities, subsea infrastructure, pipelines, and wells, alongside detailed insights into upcoming decommissioning workload and project timelines.
The update represents a continued refinement of the underlying dataset, strengthening how offshore activities are identified, classified, and presented. Enhancements to the Outlook’s AI capability have been undertaken with the support of rahd·AI, facilitating more accurate identification and recognition of offshore activity and improving the overall reliability of the data.
A broader review of the dataset has also been undertaken, addressing duplication, aligning lifecycle stages across projects, and refining activity definitions to better reflect how offshore projects are described in regulatory submissions. This provides a clearer and more consistent view of development, operations, cessation of production, and decommissioning phases.
Additionally the Outlook platform has been rebuilt, enabling faster updates and delivering greater granularity across activities and timelines.
Jake Stride, rahd·AI CEO and co-founder, said, “A big part of this update was tackling inconsistency in how decommissioning activities are defined and structured across different sources. CODA’s insight into the industry has been key in helping us shape a dataset that better reflects how decommissioning is planned and executed.”
For more information visit the website here.
The USA has begun the process to bring closer together the key agencies that regulate offshore oil and gas decommissioning activities in the country.
The Department of the Interior announced on 3rd April the start of a phased plan to establish the Marine Minerals Administration, bringing together the functions of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).
“This action is intended to improve coordination and increase efficiencies across offshore leasing, permitting, inspections and environmental oversight, while maintaining all existing regulatory protections and rigorous safety standards,” a Department of the Interior statement announced.
It added that the streamlined approach reflected the evolution of offshore energy development and the need for a more integrated approach to managing conventional and emerging resources, such as critical minerals.BOEM and BSEE are the primary offshore federal regulators for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
Other federal regulators include Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the US Coast Guard (USCG), which is involved in issues related to navigation safety and pollution control during removal operations.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the establishment of the new Marine Minerals Administration marks a strategic step toward a more modern, coordinated approach to offshore resource management.
He said the agency will align resource planning, leasing decisions and operational oversight under a unified structure, reducing duplication and improving decision-making across the full lifecycle of offshore development.
“President Trump has been laser focused on making the government work efficiently and effectively for the American people. This is about building an agency that reflects where we are today and where we need to go,” said Burgum.
“The Department is applying what we’ve learned over the past decade to deliver clearer coordination, better service to the public and stronger, more integrated oversight of offshore energy development.”
Decom Engineering has secured a US patent for its proprietary Chopsaw technology, helping to protect the company’s position as a leading subsea cutting solutions provider.
The patent covers both mechanical and operational features, including the linear drive cutting system, modular drive arrangement and adaptable clamping methodology.
The linear-drive cutting head is the central mechanic for the Chowsaw technology, where it feeds the blade directly into the structure being cut. Unlike traditional Chopsaws, which rely on pivoting or rotational movement, Decom’s system uses a controlled linear movement to guide the blade through the material, improving control, precision and consistency.
By managing how the blade engages with the material, the technology addresses one of the main weaknesses of traditional Chopsaw solutions.
The patent also covers adaptable clamping arrangements, enabling a single saw to cut a wide variety of materials, diameters and structures to make the technology adaptable across a broad range of applications, from small umbilicals to large mooring chains.
Nick McNally, Managing Director of Decom Engineering, said, “Our aim has always been to develop cutting technology that is robust, adaptable and capable of performing in the most challenging environments. The patent is important for safeguarding our leading position in the cutting market, and reinforces our ability to protect our engineering advantage.
“The US is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and competitive patent jurisdictions, and approval provides strong validation of the uniqueness and robustness of Decom’s technology. It also ensures the company can protect its intellectual property in a market where we are successfully expanding our operational footprint and securing wider client recognition.”
North America, Europe and Asia Pacific are shaping today's offshore decommissioning market as it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6-8% over the next six years.
According to an analysis by experts, growth of the global offshore decommissioning market is inevitable as the oil and gas industry is looking towards an ever-increasing numbers of retiring assets.
“With many offshore oil fields approaching the end of their productive life, companies are focusing on cost-effective and environmentally responsible methods for decommissioning platforms, subsea structures, and pipelines.
“The market’s trajectory underscores the importance of innovation, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship in shaping the future of offshore asset retirement,” reads an analysis by Market Research Future.
North America is looking at a chunk of mature offshore assets that are awaiting decommissioning, and the region is trying to keep up with the liabilities by leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and data analytics, among others. The region is spearheading the market, driven by its robust technological ecosystem, early adoption of advanced solutions, and sustained investments in innovation and automation.
While North America still enjoys comparatively stable demand patterns owing to established infrastructure and matured market conditions, its regulatory frameworks are going through a phase of steady evolution to accelerate turnarounds of its decommisssioning liabilities.
DroneQ Robotics has partnered with Mark Offshore to deploy the research and survey vessel R/V Mintis as a multi-functional offshore platform, integrating remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems, drone technologies and specialised marine services.
The move marks a strategic expansion of DroneQ’s advanced unmanned robotics services offering, positioning the vessel as a combined solution for subsea inspection, survey and maintenance operations across offshore energy and maritime sectors.
Mark Offshore, which recently assumed operational management of the vessel on behalf of Klaipėda University, said the initiative builds on a long-standing collaboration between the two companies. The partnership aims to enhance service delivery by combining vessel operations with cutting-edge robotics and inspection capabilities.
R/V Mintis, a DP1-class vessel, has been upgraded with a suite of advanced ROV systems designed to operate in both shallow and deep-water environments. These include a newly deployed Class I system capable of operating at depths of up to 350 metres, equipped with high-resolution cameras, sonar technologies and obstacle detection systems to support detailed subsea inspections.
A second, more advanced Class II ROV system extends operational capability to depths of 1,000 m, incorporating precision navigation tools, 3D imaging technology and non-destructive testing equipment. The system is supported by dedicated offshore control and workshop units, enabling efficient deployment and real-time data analysis.
In addition to subsea robotics, the vessel will also utilise industrial-grade maritime drones designed for offshore conditions. These systems enable aerial inspections of assets such as wind turbines and oil and gas installations, providing an additional layer of operational flexibility and safety.
John Troch, co-founder of DroneQ Robotics, said, “The partnership with Mark Offshore and this vessel is a big leap forward in the growth of DroneQ Robotics in general, and our Advanced Unmanned Robotics Services, AURS, proposition for the offshore market in particular! The market is beginning to realize that Big, Bigger, Biggest is not always the best solution.”
The vessel is expected to support a wide range of activities, including subsea construction support, environmental surveys, pipeline and cable inspections, and salvage operations. Its capabilities also extend to bathymetric mapping and unexploded ordnance detection campaigns.
Mark Offshore highlighted that the collaboration has already delivered early commercial success. Managing director Mark van der Star said, “Due to our long-standing relationship with John, and our shared drive to deliver results, our cooperation already translated into a concrete project in the very first week of our commercial management of R/V Mintis.”
He added that the company’s approach focuses on maximising asset value from the outset, transforming vessels into revenue-generating platforms through integrated service offerings.
The deployment of R/V Mintis reflects growing demand for efficient, technology-driven offshore solutions, as operators seek to improve safety, reduce costs and enhance inspection accuracy across complex marine environments.
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