Guidance

Oil + gas: decommissioning of offshore installations + pipelines

Decommissioning programmes, including dates, locations, installations decommissioned, method of decommissioning and close-out reports where available.

From:
Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning
Published
23 January 2013
Last updated
2930 June 2023 — See all updates

Overview

The decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations and pipelines on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) is controlled through the Petroleum Act 1998.

The responsibility for ensuring that the requirements of the Petroleum Act 1998 are complied with rests with the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) which sits within the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Owners of oil and gas installations and pipelines are required to decommission their offshore infrastructure at the end of a field’s economic life and the 1998 Act requires owners to set out the measures to decommission disused installations and/or pipelines in a decommissioning programme.

A decommissioning programme must identify all the items of equipment, infrastructure and materials that have been installed or drilled and describe the decommissioning solution for each.

OPRED aims to be transparent in its consideration of decommissioning programmes. As a result members of the public, other organisations, non-governmental organisations and other government departments or agencies are invited to comment on the proposals set out in a programme.

Details of the current programmes under consideration are noted in the table below.

OPRED provides guidance on the regulatory requirements for decommissioning. Final guidance on the Environmental Considerations for Decommissioning (Section 12) has now been incorporated into the guidance notes Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Guidance Notes November 2018 (PDF, 1.27 MB, 138 pages). Please see Updates to Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Guidance

Consultation on our Financial Assurance Guidance for the Decommissioning of Offshore Oil and Gas Installations and Pipelines concluded on 31 March 2019. Comments are being addressed and a final draft will be published in due course. Draft Financial Assurance Guidance (PDF, 300 KB, 17 pages)

The guidance outlines how the government assesses the financial capability of persons with a relevant interest in or considering taking an interest in an offshore oil or gas field. For the purposes of satisfying the Secretary of State that that person will be capable of carrying out a decommissioning programme in relation to that interest.

It explains our financial assurance policy and existing processes setting out the steps taken to assess the financial health of offshore oil and gas companies with an interest or potential interest in a field, outlining how and when we may use the statutory powers set out in the Petroleum Act 1998.

If you have any comments or questions relevant to the guidance, please email us at odu@beis.gov.uk.

Proposed changes to charging a fee in respect of decommissioning offshore (oil and gas) installations and pipelines under the Petroleum Act 1998 as amended by the Energy Act 2008

The aim of this consultation was to formally seek views from stakeholders such as offshore oil and gas operators, companies with an interest in decommissioning offshore oil and gas installations and pipelines, and other interested parties, on the proposal to update the charging regime for activity related to the regulatory functions for the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations. Fees consultation document - May 2021 (PDF, 224 KB, 19 pages) Offshore oil and gas cost recovery consultation impact assessment (PDF, 247 KB, 11 pages) Response to consultation document - April 2022 (PDF, 189 KB, 12 pages)

If you have any questions regarding the proposed changes please direct these to odu@beis.gov.uk.

Draft decommissioning programmes under consideration

Decommissioning Programme Operator Main Points of DP Documents
TreesRochelle Jumpers and Wellhead Protection CagesStructuresCNOOC DecommissioningPetroleum ProgrammesEurope LimitedWellhead protection structures, pipeline jumpers and spools and associated stabilisation features will be recovered to shore.Rochelle Jumper and WHPS DP (PDF, 1.13 MB, 38 pages)
Trees Protection Cages (Birch, Larch and Sycamore) Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited All Protection cages will be recovered to shore for recycling Trees Protection Cages Decommissioning Programmes for Birch, Larch and Sycamore (PDF, 2.08 MB, 31 pages)
Thistle Upper Jacket EnQuest Heather Limited The upper jacket and pipeline risers will be cut between 65 m and 75 m below LAT and recovered to shore. Thistle Upper Jacket DP (PDF, 3.53 MB, 46 pages)
Western Isles Subsea Infrastructure Dana Petroleum (E&P) Limited Subsea installations and structures, surface laid pipelines and umbilicals to  be recovered to shore for re-use or recycling. Some surface laid pipelines proposed to be left in situ. Buried pipelines to be left in situ. Protection/stabilisation features will be recovered to shore. Western Isles Subsea DP (PDF, 8.56 MB, 66 pages) Western Isles CA (PDF, 2.45 MB, 92 pages) Western Isles EA (PDF, 7.3 MB, 143 pages)
Eider Upper Jacket TAQA Bratani Limited The Eider Upper Jacket and pipeline risers will be cut to a depth of approximately 127m below lowest astronomical tide and recovered to shore for recycling or disposal. Eider Upper Jacket DP (PDF, 3.47 MB, 44 pages)Eider Upper Jacket EA (PDF, 3.22 MB, 93 pages)
East Brae Upper Jacket TAQA Bratani Limited The East Brae Upper Jacket and pipeline risers will be cut to a depth of approximately 97m below lowest astronomical tide and recovered to shore for recycling or disposal. East Brae Upper Jacket DP (PDF, 1.71 MB, 38 pages)
Beauly Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited The wellhead and WHPS will be recovered to shore. The trenched and buried pipelines and umbilicals will be decommissioned in situ. The exposed sections will be either trenched and buried or covered with rock. All surface laid spools/jumpers will be recovered to shore. Beauly DP (PDF, 4.89 MB, 40 pages) Beauly & Burghley CA (PDF, 11.5 MB, 73 pages) Beauly & Burghley EA (PDF, 12.6 MB, 97 pages)
Burghley Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited The valve skid, wellhead and WHPS will be recovered to shore. The trenched and buried pipelines and umbilicals will be decommissioned in situ. The exposed sections will be either trenched and buied or covered with rock. All surface laid spools/jumpers will be recovered to shore. Burghley DP (PDF, 5.16 MB, 42 pages) Beauly & Burghley CA (PDF, 11.5 MB, 73 pages) Beauly & Burghley EA (PDF, 12.6 MB, 97 pages)
Western Isles FPSO Dana Petroleum (E&P) Limited Full removal of the FPSO, flexible risers, dynamic umbilicals and the upper sections of the mooring lines. Western Isles FPSO DP (PDF, 1.89 MB, 49 pages)
Heather Pipelines EnQuest Heather Limited Pipelines will remain in situ with surface laid sections recovered with pipeline ends buried. Riser sections between -75/-85m LAT will be recovered. Exposed protection/stabilisation features will be recovered. Materials recovered will be recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal.Existing rock will remain in situ. Heather Pipelines DP (PDF, 3.86 MB, 46 pages) Heather Pipelines CA (PDF, 5.48 MB, 72 pages) Heather Pipelines EA (PDF, 6.78 MB, 117 pages)
Leman 27H and 27J Topsides Perenco UK Limited Topsides will be recovered to shore Leman 27H + 27J Topsides DP (PDF, 1.45 MB, 62 pages)
Devenick Taqa Bratani Limited Subsea installations and structures, and surface laid pipelines and umbilicals will be recovered to shore for re-use, recycling, or disposal. Surface laid portions of pipelines and umbilicals in close proximity to the East Brae jacket footings, and trenched and buried pipelines and umbilicals will be left in-situ. Devenick DP (PDF, 1.3 MB, 50 pages) Devenick CA (PDF, 2.04 MB, 58 pages) Devenick EA (PDF, 6.08 MB, 125 pages)
Dunlin Alpha Fairfield Betula Limited Decommissioning in situ of Dunlin Alpha concrete gravity based structure and storage cells. Dunlin Alpha Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 6.5 MB, 77 pages) Dunlin Alpha Decommissioning Comparative Assessment Report (PDF, 3.66 MB, 133 pages) Dunlin Alpha Decommissioning Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 6.58 MB, 176 pages)
Brae Alpha, Brae Bravo, Central Brae, West Brae and Sedgwick Marathon Oil UK LLC Removal of Brae Alpha and Brae Bravo jackets to the top of the footings. Removal of Central Brae, West Brae and Sedgwick subsea installations. Pipelines to be decommissioned in a variety of ways including removal, trenching and leave in situ. Brae Alpha, Brae Bravo, Central Brae, West Brae and Sedgwick Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 15.3 MB, 120 pages) Brae A etc, Environmental Statement – Main Report (PDF, 14.6 MB, 80 pages) Brae A etc. Environmental Statement - Technical Appendices (PDF, 13.3 MB, 96 pages) Brae A Substructure Comparative Assessment (PDF, 1.7 MB, 30 pages) Brae B Substructure Comparative Assessment (PDF, 1.59 MB, 30 pages) Brae Area Subsea Assets Comparative Assessment (PDF, 6.84 MB, 43 pages)
Brent Shell U.K. Limited Decommissioning in situ of Brent Bravo, Charlie and Delta concrete gravity based structures. Brent Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 12 MB, 322 pages) Brent ES (PDF, 12.5 MB, 475 pages) Brent EIA (PDF, 5.05 MB, 429 pages) Brent ES Appendix (PDF, 2.52 MB, 45 pages) A suite of detailed Technical Documents which support the Decommissioning Programmes documents are available on the Shell Website
Atlantic and Cromarty BG Global Energy Limited and Hess Limited Manifold and WHPS to be removed for recycling/disposal. Partial removal of pipelines and remaining section of buried/trenched pipelines to remain in situ. Atlantic & Cromarty Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 1.76 MB, 50 pages) Atlantic & Cromarty Stakeholder Report (PDF, 1.11 MB, 32 pages) Atlantic & Cromarty Environmental Impact Assessment (PDF, 4.5 MB, 109 pages) Atlantic & Cromarty Comparative Assessment (PDF, 2.06 MB, 110 pages)

Approved decommissioning programmes

Decommissioning Programme Operator at approval Operator following licence / company change Approved Decommissioning solution Year of Approval Close out report Year close out report accepted
Chestnut Phase 2 DP (PDF, 5.6 MB, 57 pages)Chestnut Phase 2 EA (PDF, 7.97 MB, 104 pages) Chestnut Phase 2 CA (PDF, 4.42 MB, 67 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited N/A All subsea installations, structures, surface laid pipelines and umbilicals, protection and stabilisation features will be recovered to shore for re-use or recycling. Buried pipelines to be left in situ. All wells will be decommissioned. June 2023    
Heather Upper Jacket DP (PDF, 3.24 MB, 41 pages) EnQuest Heather Limited - The upper jacket and pipeline risers will be cut between 74m and 84m LAT and recovered to shore for recycling or disposal. March 2023    
Saltire A Topsides and Saltire Area Subsea Infrastructure DPs (PDF, 7.37 MB, 69 pages) Saltire EA (PDF, 7.09 MB, 109 pages) Saltire CA (PDF, 4.61 MB, 111 pages) Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - The topsides will be recovered for reuse, recycling or disposal. Subsea installations will be returned to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Bundles will be left in situ. Trenched and buried power cables and umbilicals will be left in situ with exposed sections being trenched and buried. Spools and transition sections shall be recovered to shore for reuse, recycling and disposal. December 2022    
Causeway & Fionn DP (PDF, 4.56 MB, 64 pages) Causeway & Fionn EA (PDF, 6.78 MB, 94 pages) Causeway & Fionn CA (PDF, 2.03 MB, 41 pages) Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited - All Causeway and Fionn Subsea Installations and exposed tie-in spools will be removed and transported to shore for re-use or recycling. Pipelines and umbilicals will remain in situ with cut ends being buried. All wells will be plugged and abandoned. December 2022    
Johnston DP (PDF, 2.18 MB, 43 pages) Johnston EA (PDF, 5.25 MB, 121 pages) Johnston CA (PDF, 1.64 MB, 62 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK EU Limited - Subsea installations will be recovered to shore for recycling and disposal. Trenched and buried rigid flowlines will be left in situ with exposed ends remediated with rock. Trenched and buried flexible flowlines, umbilicals, spool pieces and jumpers will be removed. December 2022    
Duart DP (PDF, 11.2 MB, 55 pages) Tartan Subsea EA (PDF, 36.4 MB, 137 pages) Tartan Subsea CA (PDF, 5.5 MB, 135 pages) Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - Subsea installations will recovered to shore. Trenched and buried pipelines and umbilicals will be left in situ, with remediation of any exposed sections November 2022    
Tartan N Terrace (TNT) & Tartan Satellite (TS) Subsea DPs (PDF, 4.07 MB, 72 pages) Tartan Subsea EA (PDF, 36.4 MB, 137 pages) Tartan Subsea CA (PDF, 5.5 MB, 135 pages) Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - Subsea installations and exposed surface laid lines will be recovered to shore. Piles will be cut to -3m below the seabed. Trenched and buried lines, and lines in open trenches but not adequately buried will be left in situ, with remediation of any exposed sections. November 2022    
Tartan Topsides DP (PDF, 8.28 MB, 46 pages) Tartan Subsea EA (PDF, 36.4 MB, 137 pages) Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - Topsides will be recovered to shore November 2022    
Lancaster Field Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.51 MB, 37 pages) Hurricane Energy PLC - The Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) will be removed to shore for either re-use or recycling. November 2022    
Hewett Area Subsea Installations DP (PDF, 4.45 MB, 54 pages)Hewett Area Subsea Installations EA (PDF, 14.8 MB, 150 pages) Eni UK Limited - Subsea installations will be fully removed and recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. November 2022    
Scoter and Merganser DP (PDF, 4.63 MB, 92 pages)Scoter and Merganser CA (PDF, 1.94 MB, 47 pages)Scoter and Merganser EA (PDF, 6.4 MB, 130 pages) Shell UK Limited - Subsea installations will be recovered to shore along with surface laid spools and jumpers. Buried pipelines will be left in situ. September 2022    
Sean DP (PDF, 5.05 MB, 64 pages)Sean CA (PDF, 2.8 MB, 110 pages)Sean EA (PDF, 9.44 MB, 171 pages) ONE-Dyas UK Limited - Removal of 3 small platforms. Removal of pipeline SSIV and mooring buoys. Export pipelines to remain in situ. Cables and umbilicals returned to shore. August 2022    
Caister CDP1b (PDF, 5.96 MB, 56 pages)CMS Area EA (PDF, 10.4 MB, 171 pages)CMS Area CA (PDF, 13.5 MB, 145 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Buried pipelines will be left in situ and surface laid pipelines will be removed to shore. July 2022    
Caister-Murdoch System CDP2 (PDF, 15.7 MB, 131 pages)CMS Area EA (PDF, 10.4 MB, 171 pages)CMS Area CA (PDF, 13.5 MB, 145 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Topsides and jackets will be recovered to shore. Buried pipelines will be left in situ and surface laid pipelines will be recovered. July 2022    
Murdoch CDP3 (PDF, 8.53 MB, 83 pages)CMS Area EA (PDF, 10.4 MB, 171 pages)CMS Area CA (PDF, 13.5 MB, 145 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Topsides and jackets will be recovered to shore. Buried pipelines will be left in situ and surface laid pipelines will be recovered. July 2022    
Brae Bravo Upper Jacket Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.76 MB, 41 pages) TAQA Bratani Limited - The upper jacket and pipeline risers will be removed to 61m below LAT and recovered to shore for recycling or disposal. June 2022    
LOGGS Saturn Satellites LDP2 (PDF, 20 MB, 90 pages)LOGGS LDP2 - LDP5 Comparative Assessment (PDF, 3.21 MB, 203 pages)LOGGS LDP2 - LDP5 EA (PDF, 7.5 MB, 181 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Topsides and jackets will be recovered to shore. Buried pipelines will be left in situ and the riser sections of pipelines will be removed to shore. May 2022    
Foinaven FPSO Offstation DP (PDF, 3.76 MB, 60 pages) Britoil Limited - FPSO and mooring lines removed to shore for re-use or recycling. associated risers and umbilicals removed to shore for recycling. May 2022    
LOGGS V-Fields LDP4 (PDF, 20.8 MB, 83 pages)LOGGS LDP2 - LDP5 Comparative Assessment (PDF, 3.21 MB, 203 pages)LOGGS LDP2 - LDP5 EA (PDF, 7.5 MB, 181 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Topsides and jackets will be recovered to shore. Buried pipelines will be left in situ. April 2022    
Hummingbird Spirit FPSO Sail away and Chestnut Riser Disconnection (PDF, 2.96 MB, 47 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited - FPSO, mooring suction anchors and risers Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling March 2022    
Victoria DP (PDF, 2.54 MB, 42 pages)Victoria CA (PDF, 1.81 MB, 48 pages)Victoria EA (PDF, 18.4 MB, 158 pages) NEO Energy (SNS) Limited - WHPS will be recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Trenched and buried sections of pipelines will be left in situ, removing the pipeline ends. Exposed concrete mattresses and grout bags will be recovered to shore. April 2022    
Wenlock DP (PDF, 4.72 MB, 51 pages)Wenlock CA (PDF, 3.84 MB, 44 pages)Wenlock EA (PDF, 6.74 MB, 119 pages) Alpha Petroleum Resources Limited - Platform, mid line tee protection structure, exposed tie-in spools and stabilisation features will be removed to shore. Trenched and buried pipelines will remain in situ. February 2022    
Cormorant Alpha Topsides DP (PDF, 3.91 MB, 81 pages)Cormorant Alpha Topsides EA (PDF, 8.21 MB, 117 pages) TAQA Bratani Limited - Topsides Recovered to shore for reuse/recycling or disposal February 2022    
Caledonia Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 3.1 MB, 50 pages)Caledonia Comparative Assessment (PDF, 2.04 MB, 64 pages)Caledonia Environmental Assessment (PDF, 5.56 MB, 113 pages) Premier Oil UK Limited - Subsea installations, trenched and buried flexible pipelines, umbilicals, spools and jumpers returned to shore for recycling or disposal, Trenched and buried rigid pipelines will be left in situ. February 2022    
Thistle Topsides Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 3.11 MB, 38 pages) EnQuest Heather Limited - Recovery of topsides to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal December 2021    
Indefatigable 18A Topsides Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.29 MB, 50 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Recovery of topsides to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal December 2021    
Banff and Kyle Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 3.23 MB, 71 pages)Banff and Kyle Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 7.07 MB, 114 pages)Banff and Kyle Comparative Assessment (PDF, 2.75 MB, 106 pages) CNR International (U.K.) Limited - Subsea installations, mooring piles, chains and surface laid pipelines returned to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Trenched pipelines will be left in situ. November 2021    
Ensign installation DP (PDF, 2.52 MB, 37 pages)Ensign Pipelines DP (PDF, 1.99 MB, 42 pages)Ensign CA (PDF, 1.67 MB, 48 pages)Ensign EA (PDF, 9.45 MB, 134 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - Installations and all exposed grout bags and concrete mattresses will be recovered to shore for reuse or recycling. Buried pipelines will be left in situ with exposed ends cut and removed. Concrete Plinths and existing rock will be left in situ. August 2021    
Conrie, Don SW, W Don and Ythan Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 7.29 MB, 88 pages)Don SW and W Don Comparative Assessment (PDF, 5.33 MB, 76 pages)Conrie, Don SW, W Don and Ythan Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 8.07 MB, 132 pages) EnQuest Heather Limited - Installations, surface laid pipelines and associated concrete mattresses and grout bags will be recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Trenched and buried sections of pipelines and existing rock dump will be left in situ. August 2021    
Fulmar and Auk North Topsides, Subsea Facilities and Pipelines Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 3.83 MB, 78 pages)Fulmar and Auk North Subsea Infrastructure and Pipelines Comparative Assessment (PDF, 4.63 MB, 144 pages)Fulmar & Auk North Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 5.17 MB, 114 pages) Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - Removal of topsides and subsea installations to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Trenched and buried pipelines will be left in situ. Tie-in spools and trench transition sections of the pipelines shall be cut, recovered and returned to shore for recycling. Exposed remaining sections of pipe shall be rock covered. July 2021    
Heather Topsides Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 4.07 MB, 43 pages) EnQuest Heather Limited - Recovery of topsides to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal July 2021    
Kingfisher Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.95 MB, 76 pages)Kingfisher CA (PDF, 2.19 MB, 51 pages)Kingfisher EA (PDF, 3.48 MB, 119 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Removal of installations to shore for recycling or reuse. Trenched and/or buried pipeline sections will be decommissioned in situ. The end of the pipelines will be cut, and additional rock cover will be added to cut ends to reduce snagging risk. June 2021    
Gaupe Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.86 MB, 47 pages)Gaupe CA (PDF, 1.32 MB, 51 pages)Gaupe EA (PDF, 5.77 MB, 113 pages) A/S Norske Shell - Full removal of SSIV, full removal of risers. Partial removal of pipelines and umbilicals. May 2021    
PL301 Heimdal to Brae Pipeline Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 7.71 MB, 53 pages)PL301 Heimdal to Brae Pipeline Comparative Assessment (PDF, 6.77 MB, 55 pages)PL301 Heimdal to Brae Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 9.64 MB, 114 pages) Equinor Energy AS - Majority of pipeline will be left in situ with rock placement over spans/exposures. 20m surface laid section of pipeline out with the existing trench to be removed and recovered to shore. April 2021    
Hunter & Rita Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.1 MB, 44 pages)Hunter & Rita CA (PDF, 1.99 MB, 79 pages)Hunter & Rita EA (PDF, 4.96 MB, 131 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - Subsea installations, Trenched & buried Flexible Flowlines & Umbilicals Rigid Spool pieces and jumpers will be returned to shore for recycling or disposal. Trenched and buried pipelines, failed flexible flowlines and umbilical will be left in situ. Exposed ends & areas of exposure to be removed & returned to shore for recycling or disposal. Local rock placement will be used to mitigate snag hazard from cut ends. April 2021    
LOGGS PR, LOGGS PC, LOGGS PP, LOGGS PA, North Valiant PD, & Associated Pipelines – LDP5 (PDF, 12.2 MB, 99 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for recycling or disposal. Buried pipelines associated with PP will be left in situ and the riser sections of pipelines will be removed to shore for reuse or recycling with the PP and PR jackets. April 2021    
Windermere Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.95 MB, 41 pages)Windermere CA (PDF, 802 KB, 34 pages)Windermere ES (PDF, 7.86 MB, 231 pages) INEOS UK SNS Limited - Removal of topsides and jacket to shore for recycling or disposal. The pipelines will be partially removed, the exposed sections adjacent to the platforms will be removed and recycled or disposed onshore. The exposed ends will be lowered to achieve adequate depth of coverage. The existing buried sections of umbilical will be left in situ. All concrete mattresses and grout bags will be recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. March 2021    
Hewett Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 5.76 MB, 69 pages)Hewett Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 16.9 MB, 134 pages) ENI Hewett Limited - All 6 platforms will be removed and returned to shore for processing/recycling or disposal March 2021    
Buchan & Hannay Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 3.33 MB, 57 pages)Buchan & Hannay CA (PDF, 3.83 MB, 91 pages)Buchan & Hannay EA (PDF, 8.29 MB, 115 pages) Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - Subsea installations and surface laid pipelines will be removed to shore for either reuse, disposal or recycling. Buried and stable pipelines will be left in situ. March 2021    
Huntington Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.52 MB, 41 pages)Huntington CA (PDF, 1.86 MB, 62 pages)Huntington EA (PDF, 5.01 MB, 127 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - Subsea installations, Trench and Buried flexible pipelines, umbilicals, spools and jumpers will be returned to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. Trenched and buried rigid, stable pipelines will be left in situ. March 2021    
Northern Producer FPF and Don SW + W Don riser disconnection (PDF, 4.89 MB, 58 pages) Submitted jointly by Qualimar Shipping Company Limited and EnQuest Heather Limited - Removal for reuse, recycling or disposal of Northern Producer FPF, Mooring and anchor systems, mid water arch and risers and Pipeline sections and exposed mattresses within the 500m safety zone March 2021    
Balmoral Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 4.27 MB, 65 pages)Balmoral Area CA (PDF, 2.56 MB, 116 pages)Balmoral Area EA (PDF, 8.03 MB, 196 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - The Balmoral FPV will be towed to a suitable location for re-sale, reuse, recycling or disposal. The mooring chains will be recovered to the point of burial at the anchor pile. Subsea installations will be returned to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. Trenched and buried rigid, stable pipelines will be left in situ. Trenched and buried flexible pipelines, umbilicals, spools and jumpers will be removed to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal February 2021    
Brenda Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.76 MB, 47 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - Subsea installations will be returned to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. Trenched and buried rigid, stable pipelines will be left in situ. Trenched and buried flexible pipelines, umbilicals, spools and jumpers will be removed to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. February 2021    
Glamis Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.53 MB, 46 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - Subsea installations will be returned to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. Trenched and buried rigid, stable pipelines will be left in situ. Trenched and buried flexible pipelines, umbilicals, spools and jumpers will be removed to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. February 2021    
Nicol Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.68 MB, 45 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - Subsea installations will be returned to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. Trenched and buried rigid, stable pipelines will be left in situ. Trenched but not backfilled umbilicals will be fully removed by reverse reeling, with deburial, and returned to shore for reuse, recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. Trenched and buried flexible pipelines, umbilicals, spools and jumpers will be removed to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal February 2021    
Stirling Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 3.13 MB, 44 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - Trenched and buried rigid, stable pipelines will be left in situ. Trenched and buried flexible pipelines, umbilicals, spools and jumpers will be removed to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. February 2021    
Topaz Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.21 MB, 31 pages)Topaz CA (PDF, 504 KB, 15 pages)Topaz EA (PDF, 1.22 MB, 37 pages) INEOS UK SNS Limited - Wellhead Protection Structure, will be returned to shore for recycling or appropriate treatment and disposal. The Trenched and Buried, stable pipeline and umbilical will both be left in situ. February 2021    
North Cormorant DP (PDF, 2.56 MB, 50 pages)North Cormorant EA (PDF, 7.26 MB, 93 pages) TAQA Bratani Limited - Removal to shore for recycling or reuse November 2020    
Tern Topsides - Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.84 MB, 52 pages)Tern Topsides EA (PDF, 7.03 MB, 91 pages) TAQA Bratani Limited - Removal to shore for recycling or reuse November 2020    
Fulmar & Auk North Preparation Work Scopes Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.53 MB, 35 pages) Repsol Sinopec North Sea Limited - preparation work scopes relating to the Fulmar and Auk North installations November 2020    
East Brae Topsides and Braemar Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 3.88 MB, 62 pages) RockRose UKCS8 LLC TAQA Bratani Limited Removal of topsides and subsea installations to shore for reuse or recycling. Removal to shore of surface laid pipelines. Trenched and buried pipelines to remain in situ September 2020    
Brent Alpha Jacket (PDF, 2.82 MB, 101 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Jacket to be removed to 84.5m below sea level for removal to shore for recycling/disposal. Footings to remain in situ July 2020    
Amethyst A1D, A2D, B1D & C1D Topsides (PDF, 2.42 MB, 43 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Removal of topsides to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal July 2020    
Anglia Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.18 MB, 61 pages)Anglia CA (PDF, 3.74 MB, 49 pages) Anglia EA (PDF, 5.83 MB, 120 pages) Ithaca Energy UK Limited Removal of topsides and jacket to shore for recycling or reuse. Pipelines will remain in-situ. All tie-in spools for the 8” import line, 12” export line and 3” Methanol line will be completely removed. Partial removal of 6” umbilical. June 2020      
Brynhild Pipelines (PDF, 1.98 MB, 50 pages) Lundin Energy Norway AS - The trenched and buried sections of pipelines and umbilicals will be decommissioned in situ. The exposed sections will be remediated by either cut with removal to shore, trench and burial or rock cover. Exposed mattresses will be removed to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. The PLET, support frames and protection covers will be completely removed to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. June 2020    
Cormorant Alpha Derrick Structure Removal (PDF, 4.28 MB, 57 pages) TAQA Bratani Limited - Removal of drilling derrick structure and installation of modular drilling rig to facilitate well P&A June 2020    
Cavendish (PDF, 2.4 MB, 40 pages) INEOS UK SNS Limited - Removal to shore of topsides and jacket. Partial removal of pipelines (buried sections left it situ). June 2020    
Banff and Kyle FPSO and FSO Float Off (PDF, 3.45 MB, 39 pages) CNR International (U.K.) Limited. - Removal of FPSO and FSO to shore for redeployment. The STL Buoy and associated mooring lines will be removed to shore for recycling. Associated riser sections and umbilicals within the water column will be removed to shore for recycling May 2020 Banff and Kyle FPSO and FSO Float Off Interim Close Out Report (PDF, 2.31 MB, 36 pages) May 2021
Eider Topsides DP (PDF, 2.38 MB, 50 pages) TAQA Bratani Limited - Removal of topsides to shore for recycling or reuse May 2020    
Ganymede, Europa, Callisto and NW Bell – LDP3 (PDF, 4.85 MB, 101 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Removal of topside and jackets to shore. NW Bell pipelines will be recovered to shore. Ganymede, Europa and Callisto interfield pipelines will be decommissioned in situ. May 2020    
Ganymede ZD Topsides - LDP3b (PDF, 2.31 MB, 46 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Removal of topsides to shore for recycling or reuse. April 2020    
Huntington FPSO (Voyageur Spirit) (PDF, 1.19 MB, 21 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - The Huntington FPSO (Voyageur Spirit) is to be floated off station and redeployed. The risers and mooring system will be removed and taken to shore April 2020    
Caister - CDP1a (PDF, 2.93 MB, 49 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - Topsides and Jacket and associated sections of pipeline risers attached to the Caister platform removed to shore for recycling or reuse. March 2020    
Alma & Galia DPs (PDF, 4.34 MB, 61 pages) EnQuest Heather Limited - Removal of FPSO to shore for recycling. Partial removal of the mooring anchor piles. The mooring chain will be cut locally to the mooring pile and buried to 1m below seabed. Removal of manifolds, wellhead protection structures and pipelines. March 2020    
Brent Field Pipelines (PDF, 4.05 MB, 130 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Removal to shore for recycling/disposal, trench/backfill, buried pipelines left in situ March 2020    
Thistle COS Tanks (PDF, 3.34 MB, 59 pages) EnQuest Heather Limited - Removal of crude oil storage tanks to shore for recycling January 2020    
Banff SAL Buoy (PDF, 996 KB, 20 pages) CNR International (U.K.) Limited. Decommissioning Programmes submitted by Teekay Petrojarl Floating Production UK Ltd. - Removal of subsea installations to shore for either reuse or recycling. Part of pipeline to be returned to shore for recycling November 2019 Banff SAL Buoy Interim Close Out Report (PDF, 1.22 MB, 12 pages) May 2021
MacCulloch Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 1.36 MB, 40 pages) Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited - The anchors will be decommissioned in situ. All other installations and pipelines will be removed to shore for either reuse or recycling November 2019    
Goldeneye (PDF, 3.41 MB, 53 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Removal of topsides, jacket and sections of pipelines from the Goldeneye Platform up to but excluding the main pipeline tie-in flanges to shore for reuse or recycling. November 2019    
Brae Alpha West Drilling Rig (PDF, 2.2 MB, 24 pages) RockRose Energy UKCS8 LLC TAQA Bratani Limited Removal of the drilling rig to shore for recycling or disposal September 2019    
South Morecambe DP3/DP4 (PDF, 2.72 MB, 57 pages) Spirit Energy Production UK Limited - Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for either reuse or recycling. Buried and stable pipelines left in situ, exposed pipeline ends cut and recovered to shore for either reuse or recycling September 2019    
Pickerill A&B Installations (PDF, 1.79 MB, 54 pages) Perenco Gas (UK) Limited - Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for either reuse or recycling. September 2019    
Minke Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 8.56 MB, 59 pages) Neptune E&P UKCS Limited - Removal of WHPS and small surface laid sections of pipelines to shore for reuse or recycling. Buried sections of pipelines to be left in situ September 2019    
Ketch (PDF, 2.65 MB, 60 pages)Schooner (PDF, 4.97 MB, 63 pages) DNO North Sea (ROGB) Limited - Topsides, jackets and subsea installation removed to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Trenched and buried pipelines left in situ August 2019    
Juliet (PDF, 6.16 MB, 47 pages) Neptune E&P UKCS Limited - Removal to shore of subsea installations and small surface laid sections of the pipeline and umbilical for either reuse or recycling; buried sections to be left in-situ August 2019    
Dunlin Alpha to Cormorant Alpha Pipeline - PL5 (PDF, 4.36 MB, 73 pages) Fairfield Betula Limited - Trenched sections will be left in situ, exposed pipeline ends cut and recovered and severed ends rock dumped July 2019 PL5 Close Out Report (PDF, 4.74 MB, 27 pages) February 2021
Ninian Northern Platform (PDF, 2.34 MB, 70 pages) CNR International (U.K.) Limited - Topsides and jacket to top of footings to be removed to shore for recycling/disposal. Footings to remain in situ. June 2019    
Nevis N11 WHPS (PDF, 1.66 MB, 26 pages) Apache Beryl I Limited - Removal of WHPS to shore for reuse or recycling June 2019 Nevis N11 WHPS Close out report (PDF, 1.86 MB, 25 pages) September 2022
Dunlin Alpha Topsides (PDF, 4.97 MB, 44 pages) Fairfield Betula Limited - Removal of topsides to shore for recycling or disposal May 2019    
Hewett (PDF, 1.5 MB, 21 pages) Eni Hewett Limited ENI UK Limited removal of Vent Stack & other preparatory works April 2019 Hewett Vent Stack Close Out Report (PDF, 595 KB, 11 pages) September 2021
Pickerill A & B (PDF, 1.26 MB, 21 pages) Perenco Gas (UK) Limited - removal of Telecommunication towers, sub-cellar deck equipment, appurtenances, caissons, associated tanks and lift pumps, supply hoses, a pipeline riser emergency shutdown valve and tertiary steelwork to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal March 2019    
Curlew B, C and D (PDF, 2.4 MB, 61 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - FPSO, subsea installations, some pipelines removed to shore for recycling / disposal. Buried pipelines to remain in situ March 2019    
Viking Platforms, Vixen and associated Pipelines (VDP2) (PDF, 33.3 MB, 84 pages) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited - all platforms and subsea installations recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Pipelines will be left in situ January 2019    
Victor (VDP3) (PDF, 21.1 MB, 55 pages) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited - Platform and subsea installation recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Pipelines will be left in situ January 2019    
Tyne South Installations (PDF, 1.83 MB, 42 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Topsides, jacket and subsea installation removed to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal January 2019    
Guinevere Installation (PDF, 2.05 MB, 43 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Topsides and jacket removed to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal January 2019    
Beatrice Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 4.45 MB, 88 pages) Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - AP Topsides, AD, Bravo and Charlie Platforms and AD Drilling Template removal to shore for reuse/recycling. Buried pipelines will be left in situ. Remediation for any exposed sections January 2019    
Bains Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 2.57 MB, 36 pages) Spirit Energy Production UK Limited - Subsea Installation removed to shore for reuse/recycling. Pipelines to be decommissioned in situ. January 2019    
Jacky (PDF, 2.34 MB, 52 pages) Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited - Wellhead Platform and Midline Tee Structure removed to shore for either reuse or recycling. Pipelines are trenched and buried and will be left in situ October 2018    
Brae Bravo Topsides, Flare Bridge, Flare Tower and Flare Jacket and Substructure (PDF, 4.9 MB, 52 pages) Marathon Oil UK LLC TAQA Bratani Limited Brae Bravo Topsides, Flare Bridge, Flare Tower and Flare Jacket/Substructure removed to shore for either reuse or recycling August 2018    
Brent Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Topsides (PDF, 3.34 MB, 81 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Topsides removed to shore for recycling/disposal August 2018    
Stirling A33 WHPS Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.13 MB, 27 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - Subsea installation removed to shore for recycling May 2018 Stirling WHPS Close Out Report (PDF, 2.57 MB, 15 pages) February 2019
Ann and Alison (PDF, 2.98 MB, 60 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - installations and surface laid pipelines recovered to shore for either reuse or recycling. Buried and stable pipelines left in situ. April 2018    
Saturn (Annabel) (PDF, 2.49 MB, 47 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - installations and surface laid pipelines recovered to shore for either reuse or recycling. Buried and stable pipelines left in situ. April 2018    
Audrey (PDF, 2.87 MB, 58 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - Topsides and jackets removed to shore for recycling/disposal and surface laid pipelines recovered to shore for either reuse or recycling. Buried and stable pipelines left in situ. April 2018    
Rev Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 12 MB, 42 pages) Repsol Norge AS - Buried and stable pipeline to be left in situ. Remaining pipelines recovered to shore along with mattresses. April 2018    
Markham ST-1 (PDF, 2.39 MB, 49 pages) Centrica Production Nederland B.V. Spirit Energy Nederland B.V. Platform removed to shore for reuse/recycling and pipelines to be left in situ. February 2018 Markham ST-1 Close Out Report (PDF, 6.19 MB, 68 pages) July 2021
Osprey (PDF, 3.92 MB, 68 pages) Fairfield Fagus Limited - Installation removed to shore for recycling/disposal. Full removal with the exception of the Bundles, Umbilical Risers within the Dunlin Alpha Concrete Gravity Based Structure or those trenched, and rock dumped. December 2017 Osprey Close Out Report (PDF, 1.71 MB, 34 pages) January 2021
Merlin (PDF, 2.97 MB, 56 pages) Fairfield Fagus Limited - Installation removed to shore for recycling/disposal. Full removal with the exception of trenched and rock dumped pipelines and umbilicals and umbilical riser within the Dunlin Alpha Concrete Gravity Based Structure. December 2017 Merlin Close Out Report (PDF, 1.47 MB, 27 pages) January 2021
Dunlin Fuel Gas Import (DFGI) and Dunlin Power Import (DPI) (PDF, 3.48 MB, 54 pages) Fairfield Fagus Limited - Installation removed to shore for recycling/disposal. Full removal with the exception of trenched and rock dumped pipelines and rigid riser and riser cable within the Dunlin Alpha Concrete Gravity Based Structure. December 2017 DFGI/DPI Close Out Report (PDF, 2.19 MB, 30 pages) January 2021
Viking Satellites CD, DD, ED, GD, HD Pipelines (PDF, 6.77 MB, 32 pages) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited - All pipelines and associated mattresses to remain in situ. November 2017    
LOGGS Satellites Vulcan UR, Viscount VO, Vampire OD - LDP1 (PDF, 17.5 MB, 61 pages) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited - Topsides and jackets removed to shore for recycling/disposal. All pipelines and associated mattresses to remain in situ. November 2017    
Leman BH Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 4.66 MB, 46 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Topside and jacket removed to shore for reuse/recycling. April 2017 Leman BH Close Out Report (PDF, 1.71 MB, 25 pages) March 2019
Ettrick and Blackbird (PDF, 2.1 MB, 62 pages) Nexen Petroleum U.K Limited - FPSO removed for reuse at different location. Subsea equipment removed to shore for reuse/recycling. Buried pipelines to be left in situ with the remaining pipelines removed to shore. March 2017    
Ann A4 Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.37 MB, 29 pages) Centrica North Sea Limited - WHPS to be removed to shore for reuse/recycling. February 2017    
Janice James & Affleck (PDF, 3.8 MB, 115 pages) Maersk Oil UK Limited - FPSO removed to shore for recycling. Subsea equipment removed to shore for reuse/recycling. Buried pipelines to be left in situ with the remaining pipelines removed to shore. September 2016    
Athena Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 3.88 MB, 70 pages) Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited - FPSO removed for reuse at different location. Subsea equipment removed to shore for reuse/recycling. All pipelines to be removed to shore. September 2016    
Viking Platforms (PDF, 3.53 MB, 40 pages) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited - Topsides and jackets to be removed to shore for recycling/disposal. September 2016    
Leadon (PDF, 1.71 MB, 53 pages) Maersk Oil North Sea UK Limited TotalEnergies E&P UK Limited FPSO removed for reuse at different location. Removal of 2 x bundle towheads and mid-line structure to shore for disposal; removal of 2 x drill centres to shore for disposal. 2 x pipeline bundles to be left in situ, partial removal of gas import pipeline. March 2016 Leadon Close Out Report (PDF, 7.78 MB, 31 pages) February 2023
Harding STL (PDF, 2.61 MB, 73 pages) TAQA Bratani Limited - Harding Submerged Turret Loading (STL) System to be replaced by new Offshore Loading System. STL to be removed to shore for recycling/disposal and shuttle tanker mooring and loading buoy interfaces returned to owner. December 2015 Harding STL Close-Out Report (PDF, 1.62 MB, 26 pages) June 2017
Thames Area – Horne & Wren (PDF, 1.57 MB, 48 pages) Tullow Oil SK Limited - Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain buried in situ. November 2015    
Thames Area – Orwell (PDF, 828 KB, 42 pages) Tullow Oil SK Limited - Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain buried in situ. November 2015    
Thames Area – Wissey (PDF, 1.26 MB, 43 pages) Tullow Oil SK Limited - Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain buried in situ. November 2015    
Thames Area – Thames Complex (PDF, 15.9 MB, 76 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for recycling/disposal. Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain buried in situ. October 2015    
Thames Area – Gawain (PDF, 3.8 MB, 47 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain buried in situ. October 2015    
Thames Area – Arthur (PDF, 4.41 MB, 46 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain buried in situ. October 2015    
Brent - Brent Delta Topside (PDF, 3.55 MB, 72 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Removal of topside to shore for recycling and disposal. July 2015 Brent Delta Topside Close Out Report (PDF, 4.42 MB, 53 pages) February 2020
Rose Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 2.87 MB, 42 pages) Centrica Resources Limited - Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Removal of sections of untrenched pipelines, trenched pipelines to remain in situ. May 2015 Rose Close Out Report (PDF, 3.31 MB, 36 pages) October 2018
Stamford (PDF, 2.71 MB, 39 pages) Centrica North Sea Gas Limited - Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Removal of sections of untrenched pipelines, trenched pipelines to remain in situ. April 2015 Stamford Close Out Report (PDF, 2.66 MB, 36 pages) February 2019
Murchison (PDF, 2.37 MB, 70 pages) CNR - Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for recycling/disposal. Footings to remain in situ. Export pipeline to remain in situ with remedial rock placement. Infield Flowlines to be removed for recycling/disposal. August 2014    
Rubie & Renee (PDF, 2.47 MB, 50 pages) Endeavour Energy UK Limited - Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Selective recovery of pipelines. April 2014 Rubie Renee Decommissioning Close Out Report (PDF, 9.98 MB, 66 pages) September 2021
Miller (PDF, 6.57 MB, 198 pages) BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited - Footings to remain in situ. Steel topsides and jacket to top of footings to be removed to shore. December 2013    
Schiehallion & Loyal Phase One (PDF, 1.84 MB, 60 pages) Britoil Limited - FPSO removed for potential reuse. Pipeline recovery where possible. Production pipelines to remain in situ. April 2013 Schiehallion & Loyal Phase One Close Out Report (PDF, 1010 KB, 22 pages) May 2019
IVRR - decommissoning programme (PDF, 1.57 MB, 102 pages) Hess Limited - FPSO removed for reuse at different location. Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Selective recovery of pipelines. February 2013 IVRR Close Out Report (PDF, 4.74 MB, 35 pages) December 2015
Camelot (PDF, 488 KB, 39 pages) Energy Resource Technology (UK) Limited - Removal of platform to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain in situ. June 2012 Camelot Close out report (PDF, 2.27 MB, 41 pages) August 2013
Fife, Flora, Fergus, Angus: decommissioning programme (PDF, 8.36 MB, 135 pages) Hess Limited - FPSO removed for reuse at different location. Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Removal of untrenched pipelines, trenched pipelines to remain in situ. February 2012 FFFA Close Out Report (PDF, 1.49 MB, 33 pages) December 2014
Don (PDF, 8 MB, 175 pages) Britoil Public Limited Company - Removal of subsea installation to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain in situ with selective recovery. May 2011    
Welland DP (PDF, 1.74 MB, 39 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Removal of subsea installation to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain in situ with selective recovery. September 2010 Welland Close Out Report (PDF, 7.42 MB, 130 pages) September 2020
Tristan NW DP (PDF, 4.11 MB, 119 pages) Silverstone Energy Limited Bridge Energy UK Limited Removal of subsea installation to shore for recycling. Production pipeline with piggy-backed umbilical - leave in situ; jumpers, spool pieces and associated pipeline equipment - remove to shore for re-use or recycling. August 2010 Tristan NW close out report (PDF, 2.3 MB, 23 pages) January 2011
Shelley DP (PDF, 3.23 MB, 83 pages) Premier Oil - FPSO removed for reuse at different location. Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Production pipeline to remain in situ. Umbilical removed in sections. June 2010 Shelley close out report (PDF, 4.49 MB, 62 pages) February 2012
Kittiwake Sal DP (PDF, 4.28 MB, 87 pages) Venture North Sea Oil Limited - SAL Assembly - removal to shore for re-use. Revision to approved decommissioning programme: Completion of the removal of the SAL Assembly extended to 31 July 2012. The flexible flowline removed to shore for re-use. June 2009 Kittiwake Sal close out report (PDF, 588 KB, 13 pages) July 2012
MCP-01 DP (PDF, 7.41 MB, 336 pages) Total E&P UK Limited - Concrete substructure to remain in situ; topsides to be removed to shore for re-use, recycling or disposal. September 2007 MCP-01 close out report (PDF, 23.1 MB, 113 pages) March 2013
Kittiwake Buoy DP (PDF, 3.46 MB, 118 pages) Venture North Sea Oil Limited - Exposed Location Single Buoy Mooring System (ELSBM) removal to shore for recycling or disposal. May 2008    
Linnhe (PDF, 2.25 MB, 66 pages) Mobil North Sea LLC - Removal of WHPS to shore for recycling. Removal of subsea installations to shore for recycling/disposal. Pipelines to remain in situ; pipeline sections outside trenches removed to shore. July 2008 Linnhe Close Out Report (PDF, 1000 KB, 22 pages) November 2013
Indefatigable (Shell) (PDF, 11.6 MB, 224 pages) Shell UK Limited - Removal of installations to shore. Infield and export pipelines to remain in situ; hose bundles removed to shore. May 2007 Close Out Report (PDF, 2.47 MB, 64 pages) December 2014
NW Hutton: decommissioning programme (PDF, 14.9 MB, 320 pages) Amoco (U.K.) Exploration Company - now a subsidiary of BP plc - Footings to remain in place, steel topsides and jacket to top of footings to be removed to shore. Pipelines to remain in situ. February 2006 Close Out Report (PDF, 2.52 MB, 32 pages) October 2014
Ardmore British American Offshore Limited - Mobile Jack-Up rig removed for reuse. 2005    
Ardmore Ugland Nordic Shipping AS - Single Anchor Loading Systems to be removed to shore for reuse. Pipelines to be removed for reuse 2005    
Ardmore Acorn Oil & Gas Limited - Subsea equipment including guide frame removed to shore. 2005    
Brent Flare DP (PDF, 2.93 MB, 122 pages) Shell - Brent Flare removal to shore for recycling and disposal. 2004    
Beatrice Talisman Energy (UK) Limited - Platforms to be removed for reuse. 2004    
Forbes and Gordon BHP Billiton - Pipelines to be left in situ - retrench any area of pipeline with less than 0.4m depth of cover. 2003 - May 2005
Frigg DP (PDF, 10 MB, 450 pages) Total E&P Norge AS - Concrete substructures to remain in place; concrete topsides to be removed to shore; steel installations to be removed to shore; infield pipelines to be removed to shore May 2003 Frigg close out report (PDF, 3.46 MB, 62 pages) May 2011
Durwood and Dauntless Amerada Hess - Pipelines to be left in situ. 2002    
Hutton Kerr McGee - Tension Leg Platform to be removed for reuse. 1 pipeline to be removed to shore. 1 pipeline to be left in situ. 2002 - July 2004
Camelot CB ExxonMobil - Platform to be removed for reuse or recycling. 2001    
Blenheim and Bladon Talisman - FPSO to be removed for reuse. Pipelines to be removed to shore. 2000    
Durwood and Dauntless Amerada Hess - FPSO to be removed for reuse. Subsea facilities removal to shore. 2000    
Maureen and Moira Phillips - Platform removal to shore for reuse or recycling. Concrete Loading Column removal to shore for reuse or recycling. 2 pipelines removal to shore. 1 pipeline to be left in situ. 2000    
Brent Spar Shell - Oil Storage and Loading Facility to be removed for reuse as part of quay extension. Brent Spar Anchor Blocks - removal to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal 1998    
Donan BP - FPSO to be removed for reuse. 1998    
Fulmar SALM Shell - Single Anchor Leg Mooring Buoy to be removed to shore. Pipeline to be left in situ. 1998    
Emerald MSR - FPSO to be removed for reuse. Pipeline to be left in situ. 1996    
Frigg FP Elf Norge TotalFinaElf Norge Flare column to be removed to shore. 1996    
Leman BK Shell - Platform removal to shore. 1996    
Staffa Lasmo - Pipeline to be removed to shore. 1996    
Viking AC, AD, AP & FD Conoco - Platforms to be removed to shore. 1996    
Esmond CP & CW BHP - Platforms to be removed to shore. 1995    
Gordon BW BHP - Platform to be removed to shore. 1995    
Angus Amerada Hess - FPSO to be removed for reuse. 1993    
Forbes AW Hamilton BHP Platform to be removed to shore. 1993    
Argyll, Duncan and Innes Hamilton BHP FPSO to be removed to shore. Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) Buoy to be removed to shore. Pipelines to be removed to shore. 1992    
Blair Sun Oil AGIP 1 pipeline removal for reuse. 1 pipeline to be left in situ. 1992    
Crawford Hamilton Oil BHP FPF to be removed to shore. Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) Buoy to be removed to shore. Subsea facilities removal to shore. 1991    
Piper Alpha Occidental Talisman Platform left in situ. 1988    

Notification of disused pipelines

During the course of a field’s life, pipelines/sections of pipelines may be taken out of use, e.g. due to corrosion, problems with reservoir pressure, damage to the pipeline, etc. When this happens, under the Petroleum Act 1998 the Secretary of State has the option of immediately calling for a full decommissioning programme. This is not always considered an appropriate option however, and so it has been agreed consideration will be given to handling suitable pipelines, under an informal decommissioning regime, thereby deferring a formal programme until the end of the field’s life.

If a formal decommissioning programme is not immediately deemed suitable, details of the out of use pipeline(s) will be circulated to other government departments for comment. Following this, OPRED will decide one of the following:

  • we are content with the proposals for monitoring and maintaining the out-of-use pipeline
  • we request additional information or further remedial action
  • we request a formal decommissioning programme

The Interim Pipeline Regime is intended to ensure out of use lines do not pose a risk to other users of the sea or the environment and that they are covered by an appropriate surveying and maintenance regime from the point when they are taken out of use until approval of the formal decommissioning programme, which is usually at the end of field life. It should be noted that any interim solution should not prejudice the final decommissioning options for that line, including complete removal. The department expects operators to submit details of out of use pipelines/sections of a pipeline as soon as they are taken out of use.

Operators are reminded that any works that are proposed on any pipelines under the Pipeline Works Authorisation regime, as per their Terms and Conditions of the PWA, must have a legal consent in place before works can commence which includes but is not exclusive to any proposed decommissioning works. Consents are issued by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) and operators are requested to email consents@nstauthority.co.uk on any queries that they may have relating to legal consents. Further guidance can also be found on the NSTA website.

Once the necessary legal consent has been issued by NSTA, Consents & Authorisations Section, Operators are to email a completed IPR1 Form (MS Word Document, 63.6 KB) to odu@beis.gov.uk.

If you are an operator, aware of any out of use pipelines that have not been referred to the department, please submit a completed IPR1 Form at your earliest convenience.

Following confirmation a pipeline has been accepted under the Interim Pipeline Regime, the Offshore Decommissioning Unit will continue to monitor the condition of the pipeline by asking the Operator to confirm the status of the pipeline remains unchanged following future surveys at an agreed frequency. If you are an operator who wishes to request a change to the agreed frequency of surveys following acceptance of a pipeline into the IPR, please submit a completed IPR2 Form (MS Word Document, 53.1 KB) to odu@beis.gov.uk. Please note that a recent survey (done that year) must have been completed before any change of survey frequency will be considered.

Further information

A list of all installations on the UKCS and their current status is available from the OSPAR Website

At the first ministerial meeting of the Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic (OSPAR) in 1998, a binding decision was agreed that set rules for the disposal of offshore installations at sea. Under the decision the dumping and leaving wholly or partly in place of offshore installations is prohibited. Decision 98/3 recognises it may be difficult to remove the ‘footings’ of large steel jackets weighing more than 10,000 and concrete installations. As a result there are derogations for these categories of installations if the internationally agreed assessment and consultation process shows leaving them in place is justifiable.

OPRED has utilised decommissioning programme templates for derogation and non-derogation projects. These templates include all required content as detailed in Annex C of the guidance notes. There are also templates available which are currently being trialled for more specific and small scale decommissioning activity including rig reactivation and removal of a single Wellhead Protection Structure. Operator’s should discuss all individual cases with OPRED who will advise of the appropriate template.

A Standard Decommissioning Programme Template (Non-Derogation Cases) (PDF, 1.03 MB, 34 pages) is available - (November 2018).

A Standard Decommissioning Programme Template (Derogation Cases) (PDF, 1.11 MB, 37 pages) is also available (November 2018).

A word version of these templates can also be requested from OPRED. Please email odu@beis.gov.uk for further details.

Cost recovery

OPRED will charge a fee in respect of offshore (oil and gas) installations and pipelines decommissioning programmes under the Petroleum Act 1998. Guidance, including the indicative fee structure, is available in Guidance on charging a fee for offshore (oil and gas) installations and pipelines under the Petroleum Act 1998 (PDF, 308 KB, 9 pages)

Published 23 January 2013
Last updated 2930 June 2023 + show all updates

  1. Consultation DP added

  2. Typo corrected on IPR 1

  3. Addition of new IPR forms for use

  4. Consultation DP added

  5. Consultation DP added

  6. DP approval

  7. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  8. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  9. East Brae UJ DP consultation commenced

  10. Consultation decommissioning programmes added

  11. DP approval

  12. Addition of Western Isles FPSO DP in programme under consideration tab

  13. Close Out Report added

  14. link to guidance update page

  15. Consultation DP added

  16. DPs withdrawn as added in error

  17. Consultation DPs added

  18. DP approval

  19. DP approval

  20. DP approved

  21. DPs have now been approved

  22. lancaster FPSO DP approved

  23. DP approval

  24. Consultation draft DP added

  25. Consultation draft DPs added

  26. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  27. N11 COR added

  28. Notification of an approved DP

  29. DP approval

  30. Approved DPs published

  31. Brae B upper jacket DP approved

  32. Approved DP

  33. approval of foinaven FPSO DP

  34. response to consultation document for proposed changes to fee charging regime in respect of offshore oil and gas installations and pipelines published

  35. DP Approval

  36. Consultation DPs added

  37. Decommissioning programme for consultation

  38. Approval of Decommissioning Programme

  39. New DPs out to consultation

  40. wenlock DP approval re-added appears to have been deleted in error

  41. Consultation DP

  42. Approved DP

  43. Approved DP

  44. DP approval

  45. Draft programme for consultation

  46. DP approval

  47. Consultation DP added

  48. DP approved

  49. Causeway and Fionn DP consultation

  50. DP approval

  51. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  52. Decommissioning Programmes added for Public Consultation

  53. Acceptance of Close Out Report

  54. DP Consultation

  55. COR accepted

  56. Consultation DP added

  57. ensign DP approved

  58. Consultation DP

  59. markham close out report added

  60. Consultation DP

  61. DP approval

  62. Cost recovery consultation impact assessment added

  63. DP Approval

  64. DP approval

  65. newly approved DP

  66. Decommissioning programme for consultation

  67. Consultation draft DP added

  68. Edited 'Overview' section to publish details of consultation on proposed changes to fee charging regime.

  69. interim CORs added for Banff FPSO and SAL buoy DPS

  70. approval of Gaupe DP

  71. Approval of Decommissioning Programme

  72. DP approved

  73. Adding an approved DP

  74. Consultation DP

  75. DP approved

  76. Approved Decommissioning Programme

  77. Decommissioning Programmes for consultation

  78. DP approved

  79. DP approved

  80. DP approved

  81. COR added

  82. Approved DPs added

  83. Close Out Reports Approved

  84. Adding A Decommissioning Programme which is out to Public Consultation.

  85. Consultation DPs added

  86. Consultation DP added

  87. Consultation DP added

  88. Approval of Decommissioning Programme

  89. Decommissioning Programme Approved

  90. Approval of preparatory works

  91. Consultation DP added

  92. Accepted Close Out Report added

  93. Approval of Decommissioning Programme

  94. Five new DPs out to consultation

  95. A new DP is out to public consultation

  96. draft DP added

  97. Decommissioning Programmes for consultation

  98. Approval of A DP and Derogation

  99. Draft decommissioning programme for consultation

  100. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  101. document replaced with updated version

  102. Decommissioning Programme Approval

  103. Approved Decommissioning Programme

  104. Consultation DP added

  105. DP has been approved

  106. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  107. A DP has been added for public consultation

  108. Approval of Decommissioning Programme

  109. Approved DP added

  110. Approval of Decommissioning Programme

  111. approval of Eider topsides DP

  112. A Decommissioning Programme has been approved

  113. consultation DP added

  114. Approval of a DP

  115. Approved DP

  116. Approval of a DP

  117. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  118. Approved DP

  119. Decommissioning Programme now approved

  120. Consultation DPs

  121. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  122. CoR added to website

  123. DP approval

  124. Huntington Consultation DP added

  125. New Decommissioning Programmes out to consultation.

  126. New DP out to consultation

  127. New DP out to consultation

  128. Decommissioning Programmes for consultation

  129. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  130. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  131. Approved of Banff SAL Buoy DP

  132. Consultation of Cavendish Decommissioning Programme

  133. MacCulloch DP approved

  134. New approved DP

  135. Consultation of Ensign

  136. Approval of Decommissioning Programme

  137. Approval of South Morecambe DP3/DP4 Decommissioning Programmes

  138. Pickerill installations DP approved

  139. Minke DP approved

  140. Banff SAL buoy DP for consultation

  141. Addition of two approved decommissioning programmes

  142. Added the approved Juliet DP to the website

  143. PL5 approved

  144. NNP approved

  145. Decommissioning Programme for consultation

  146. Consultation of MacCulloch Field Decommissioning Programmes

  147. Revised CAs for Brae A, Brae B and East Brae

  148. Approval of Nevis N11 WHPS Decommissioning Programme

  149. Change of email to a generic one rather than a personal email.

  150. Schiehallion & Loyal Phase One Close Out Report Approved

  151. Approval of the Dunlin Alpha Topsides Decommissioning Programme

  152. Update of the content of the DP

  153. Approval of Hewett Vent Stack DP

  154. consultation closed

  155. Consultation DP and supporting documents for PL5

  156. Minke and Juliet consultation DPs published

  157. Addition of Close Out Report

  158. New Approved Programme

  159. New programme for consultation

  160. Publishing approved Curlew DP

  161. Morecambe DPs published for consultation

  162. Added a CoR

  163. Addition of Close Out Report

  164. Approved DPs for VDP2 and VDP3 added

  165. Addition of approved DPs for Tyne South Installations and Guinevere Installation

  166. Addition of approved decommissioning programme

  167. Approval of a Decommissioning Programme

  168. Addition of Brent Delta Close Out Report

  169. Addition of 2 decommissioning programmes for consultation

  170. Update decommissioning templates added

  171. Guidance document was updated and uploaded

  172. Adding Goldeneye DP for consultation.

  173. Jacky Decommissioning Programmes Approved

  174. Approval of Close out Report

  175. Approval of Decommissioning Programme

  176. VDP2 and VDP3 consultation draft Decommissioning Programmes added

  177. Approval of Brent Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Topsides Decommissioning Programme

  178. Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Programme out to consultation

  179. Addition of a new decommissioning programme for consultation

  180. Tyne South and Guinevere Installation Decommissioning Programmes published for consultation

  181. Addition of Curlew DPs, CA and EIA for Public Consultation.

  182. Decommissioning Programme Approved

  183. Updated Offshore decommissioning guidance has been added

  184. Ann & Alison, Saturn (Annabel) and Audrey DPs have been approved

  185. Changed document to final version

  186. A decommissioning programme has been approved

  187. Approved Markham DP

  188. Bains Documents Added

  189. Updated Environmental Guidance on Decommissioning

  190. Jacky DP Consultation

  191. Draft Consultation Decommissioning Programme uploaded

  192. Updated guidance for Offshore Decommissioning on website for feedback

  193. Addition of approved DPs

  194. Approved DPs added

  195. Saturn Annabel, Audrey and LDP1 Programmes for public consultation

  196. DPN form corrected

  197. generic email address added and DPN form updated (with generic email address)

  198. Ann and Alison DP's and associated documents added for public consultation

  199. Fairfield Fagus Limited's Dunlin Fuel Gas Import and Power Import, Merlin and Osprey Decommissioning Documents uploaded

  200. Brae Area DPs and associated documents available for consultation

  201. Harding STL Close Out Report added

  202. Disused Pipeline Notification Form revised - 03 May 17

  203. Leman BH Decommissioning Programme approved

  204. Approval of Ettrick and Blackbird DP

  205. Ninian North Platform documents published for public consultation A4 Programme approved

  206. Brent Decommissioning Programmes published for consultation

  207. IVRR Close Out Report added

  208. Ann A4 Installation Decommissioning Programme added for consultation

  209. Approved Decommissioning Programmes added

  210. Atlantic and Cromarty Draft Decommissioning Programmes Consultation

  211. references of DECC amended to BEIS (including DPN form)

  212. Janice, James & Affleck Fields - Draft programmes under consideration (added)

  213. Markham ST-1 Decommissioning Programmes - (added)

  214. Oil & Gas: Update Notification of Disused Pipelines

  215. Oil & Gas: Update Table of draft decommissioning programmes under consideration.

  216. Leadon Decommissioning Programmes - (added)

  217. Notification of Disused Pipelines form - (updated)

  218. Harding STL approved decommissioning programme - (added)

  219. Thames Area - Horne & Wren, Orwell and Wissey approved decommissioning programmes - (added)

  220. Fife, Flora, Fergus, Angus: decommissioning programme FFFA Close Out Report - (added)

  221. Thames Area – Thames Complex, Gawain & Arthur - Approved decommissioning programmes - (added)

  222. Viking Satellites CD,DD,ED,GD,HD draft decommissioning programmes under consideration - (added)

  223. Oil and Gas: Updated document for Harding STL Decommissioning Programme

  224. Oil and Gas: Updated “Table of approved decommissioning programmes” table.

  225. Leman BH draft decommissioning programme - (added)

  226. Oil and Gas: Addition of Brent field to approved decommissioning programme

  227. Oil and gas: Rose approved decommissioning programme - (added)

  228. Decommissioning - Leadon draft programme, follow up consultation - (added)

  229. Oil and gas: Stamford decommissioning programme - (added)

  230. Oil and gas: Rose Field decommissioning programmes - (added)

  231. Oil and gas: Brent – Brent Delta Topside draft decommissioning programme - (added)

  232. Oil and Gas: Addition of Stamford Field to decommissioning programmes table

  233. Oil and Gas: Updated the disused pipeline notification form

  234. Oil and gas: Decommissioning - Streamlined Decommissioning Programme Template (Derogation Cases) - (added)

  235. Oil and gas: NW Hutton close out report - (added)

  236. Oil and gas: Decommissioning draft prgrams - Thames - (added)

  237. Oil and gas: Indefatigable (Shell) close out report - (added)

  238. Oil and gas: Streamlined Decommissioning Programme Template (Non-Derogation Cases) - (updated)

  239. Oil and gas: Murchison approved decommissioning programme - (added)

  240. Oil and gas: Rubie & Renee - Approved decommissioning programme - (added)

  241. Oil and gas: Decommisiioning Linhe close out report - (added)

  242. Oil and gas: Streamlined Decommissioning Programme Template (Non Derogation Cases) - updated

  243. Oil and gas: Leadon Draft Decommissioning Programme - added

  244. Oil and gas: Miller decommissioning programme - (added)

  245. Oil and gas: Rubie/Renee Draft Decommissioning Programme - (added)

  246. Camelot close out report - added

  247. Added Murchison draft decommissioning programme

  248. Added streamlined decommissioning programme template

  249. Re-created table, added H2's and anchors

  250. First published.

Contents