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
1118 March 2025 — 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

Financial Assurance Guidance for the Decommissioning of Offshore Oil and Gas Installations and Pipelines. Financial Assurance Guidance (PDF, 278 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@energysecurity.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@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Draft decommissioning programmes under consideration

Decommissioning Programme Operator Main Points of DP Documents
Nelson Derrick Decommissioning Programme Enterprise Oil Limited Full removal of Nelson Derrick Nelson Derrick DP (PDF, 1.94 MB, 32 pages)
Gannet A Mast Decommissioning Programme Shell U.K. Limited Full removal of Gannet A Mast Gannet A Mast DP (PDF, 2.21 MB, 33 pages)
Amethyst Jackets and Risers Perenco UK Limited Jackets and risers to be removed for onshore disposal and recycling Amethyst Jackets and Risers DP (PDF, 1.32 MB, 43 pages) Amethyst Jacket s and Risers EA (PDF, 5.81 MB, 113 pages)
Galahad Installation Perenco Gas (UK) Limited Topside, Monopod Structure and Drilling Template to be removed. Galahad DP (PDF, 1.35 MB, 40 pages) Galahad EA (PDF, 3.34 MB, 71 pages)
Alba Northern Platform Topsides Ithaca Oil and Gas Limited Topsides will be removed and recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Alba Topside DP & EA (PDF, 4.12 MB, 38 pages)
Alba Floating Storage Unit, Mooring(s) and Riser Systems Ithaca Oil and Gas Limited Floating Storage Unit, Mooring(s) and Riser Systems to be removed. Alba FSU DP & EA (PDF, 2.02 MB, 37 pages) Alba FSU CA (PDF, 1.78 MB, 27 pages)
Seven Seas Wellhead Protection Structure (WHPS) Spirit Energy Resources Limited Full removal of Seven Seas Wellhead Protection Structure/Xmas tree to shore for recycling or disposal. Seven Seas WHPS DP (PDF, 1.53 MB, 28 pages)
Tern Upper Jacket TAQA Bratani Limited The Tern Upper Jacket and pipeline risers will be cut to a depth of approximately 132m below lowest astronomical tide and recovered to shore for recycling or disposal. Tern Upper Jacket - DP (PDF, 3.98 MB, 50 pages) Tern Upper Jacket - EA (PDF, 9.17 MB, 99 pages)
North Cormorant Upper Jacket TAQA Bratani Limited The North Cormorant Upper Jacket and pipeline risers will be cut to a depth of approximately 116m below lowest astronomical tide and recovered to shore for recycling or disposal. North Cormorant Upper Jacket - DP (PDF, 3.52 MB, 48 pages) North Cormorant Upper Jacket - EA (PDF, 8.05 MB, 102 pages)
Wingate Installations and Pipelines Wintershall Noordzee B.V. Small steel platform, surface laid pipeline sections and associated stabilisation materials will be recovered to shore for reuse or recycling.  Buried pipelines will be left in situ. Wingate DP (PDF, 2.17 MB, 52 pages) Wingate EA (PDF, 28.9 MB, 107 pages) Wingate CA (PDF, 4.17 MB, 42 pages) Wingate Pipeline Survey (PDF, 1.37 MB, 10 pages)
Don DP Britoil Limited Leave the trenched and buried pipelines and umbilical in situ and remove surface laid ends. Remove the Pipebridge and stabilisation features Don PLs in Thistle 500m Safety Zone DP (PDF, 3.1 MB, 32 pages) Thistle & Don Combined CA (PDF, 9.13 MB, 124 pages) Thistle & Don Combined EA (PDF, 7.43 MB, 152 pages)
Thistle PL & SALM Base DP EnQuest Heather Limited Remove upper riser, remove umbilical from inside riser caisson, remove surface laid pipelines, remove stabilisation features and remove the SALM base Thistle PL & SALM Base DP (PDF, 6.29 MB, 50 pages) Thistle & Don Combined CA (PDF, 9.13 MB, 124 pages) Thistle & Don Combined EA (PDF, 7.43 MB, 152 pages)
Gannet Wells Shell U.K. Limited Full removal of GB01S1 and GF01S1 XTs and wellheads Gannet Wells GB01S1 and GF01S1 DP (PDF, 761 KB, 20 pages)
Pierce WI Wells Enterprise Oil Limited Full removal of A7z, A13Y, B4 wellheads and A8Z, B3, B4A XTs and wellheads. Pierce WI Wells DP (PDF, 1.03 MB, 20 pages)
Trees Decommissioning Programmes (Birch, Larch & Sycamore) Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited Full removal of all surface laid pipelines,  exposed stabilisation features and Birch and Larch Manifolds and Sycamore wellhead. Trenched and/or buried pipelines, pipelines in open trenches and stabilisation features within trenches and below seabed will be left in situ. Trees DP (PDF, 2.63 MB, 63 pages) Trees EA (PDF, 8.33 MB, 103 pages) Trees CA (PDF, 2.77 MB, 50 pages)
Gryphon Alpha FPSO and Riser Disconnection Decommissioning Programmes TotalEnergies E&P North Sea UK Limited Full removal of the FPSO, flexible risers, dynamic umbilical’s and associated MWA’s (buoyant elements only), mooring lines and anchors. Gryphon Alpha FPSO DP (PDF, 1.28 MB, 42 pages)
Kilmar Installations and Pipelines Energean UK Limited Small steel platform and surface laid sections of pipelines will be recovered to shore for reuse or recycling, buried section of pipelines and stabilisation features to be left in situ. Kilmar DP (PDF, 3.92 MB, 48 pages) Kilmar CA (PDF, 5.22 MB, 47 pages) Kilmar EA (PDF, 8.64 MB, 110 pages)
Liverpool Bay Asset - Lennox, Hamilton, Hamilton North Eni UK Limited Topsides removal, removal of spools, umbilicals and exposed stabilisation features in the near platform areas LBA DP (MS Word Document, 5.85 MB) LBA CA (MS Word Document, 4.98 MB) LBA EA (MS Word Document, 8.97 MB) Appendix A (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 251 KB) Appendix B (MS PowerPoint Presentation, 1.09 MB)
Calder, Dalton & Millom Installations and Pipelines Chrysaor Resources (Irish Sea) Limited Platforms, subsea installations, surface laid pipelines and umbilicals to be recovered to shore for re-use or recycling. Buried pipelines and Calder trunkline to be left in situ. Protection/stabilisation features will be recovered to shore. EIS DP (PDF, 6.96 MB, 78 pages) EIS CA (PDF, 11.7 MB, 115 pages) EIS EA (PDF, 7.53 MB, 157 pages)
Garrow Energean UK Ltd Small steel platform and surface laid sections of pipelines will be recovered to shore for re-use or recycling. Protection/stabilisation features will be recovered to shore. Buried section of pipelines and stabilisation features to be left in situ. Garrow DP (PDF, 5.16 MB, 47 pages) Garrow CA (PDF, 2.88 MB, 36 pages) Garrow EA (PDF, 8.05 MB, 103 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)
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)
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)
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 and Approval Date Operator at approval Operator following licence / company change Revision Details and Approval Date Close out report and Date Accepted
Solan DP (PDF, 8.36 MB, 87 pages) Solan CA (PDF, 6.19 MB, 65 pages) Solan EA (PDF, 6.97 MB, 133 pages) March 2025 Premier Oil UK Limited -           -           -            
Otter Hatches DP (PDF, 2.07 MB, 38 pages) January 2025 TAQA Bratani Limited -           -           -            
Guinevere Pipelines DP (PDF, 3.72 MB, 47 pages) Guinevere Pipelines EA (PDF, 4.3 MB, 103 pages) Guinevere Pipelines CA (PDF, 2.71 MB, 63 pages) October 2024 Perenco Gas (UK) Limited -           -           -            
Durango DP (PDF, 1.35 MB, 38 pages) Durango EA (PDF, 3.77 MB, 82 pages) September 2024 Perenco North Sea Limited -           -           -            
East Brae Upper Jacket (PDF, 1.96 MB, 50 pages) July 2024 TAQA Bratani Limited -           1. Change of parties to the approved Programmes October 2024 -            
Knarr Gas Pipeline (KGP) Final DP (PDF, 2.49 MB, 56 pages) Knarr Gas Pipeline (KGP) Final CA (PDF, 1.83 MB, 48 pages) Knarr Gas Pipeline (KGP) Final EA (PDF, 3.12 MB, 74 pages) May 2024 Gassco AS -           -           -            
Rochelle WHPS and Jumper DPs (PDF, 2.87 MB, 41 pages) May 2024 CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited -           -           -            
Leman 27H + 27J Topsides DP (PDF, 3.36 MB, 80 pages) April 2024 Perenco UK Limited -           -           -            
Trees Protection Cages (Birch, Larch and Sycamore) DP (PDF, 2.59 MB, 38 pages) February 2024 Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited -           -           -            
Leman F & G DP (PDF, 9.92 MB, 86 pages) Leman F & G CA (PDF, 9.5 MB, 63 pages) Leman F & G EA (PDF, 15.1 MB, 165 pages) January 2024 Shell U.K. Limited -           -           -            
Helvellyn CA (PDF, 9.84 MB, 46 pages) Helvellyn EA (PDF, 7.37 MB, 101 pages) Helvellyn DP (PDF, 4.75 MB, 44 pages) January 2024 Waldorf Petroleum Resources Limited -           -           -            
Western Isles Subsea Final DP (PDF, 9.34 MB, 75 pages) Western Isles Subsea EA Final (PDF, 7.1 MB, 141 pages) Western Isles Subsea CA Final (PDF, 5.49 MB, 74 pages) October 2023 Dana Petroleum (E&P) Limited -           1. Change of parties to the approved Programme September 2024  -            
Devenick (PDF, 2.24 MB, 54 pages) Devenick CA (PDF, 2.02 MB, 58 pages) Devenick EA (PDF, 6.14 MB, 127 pages) October 2023 Taqa Bratani Limited -           -           -            
Western Isles FPSO DP (PDF, 5.78 MB, 65 pages) September 2023 Dana Petroleum (E&P) Limited -           1. Change of parties to the approved Programme September 2024    -            
Heather Pipelines DP (PDF, 4.22 MB, 56 pages) Heather Pipelines CA (PDF, 5.35 MB, 72 pages) Heather Pipelines EA (PDF, 6.78 MB, 117 pages) September 2023 EnQuest Heather Limited -           -           -            
Brent PLU6294 DP (PDF, 1.08 MB, 37 pages) September 2023 Shell U.K. Limited -           -           -            
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) June 2023 Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited -           -           -            
Heather Upper Jacket DP (PDF, 3.24 MB, 41 pages) March 2023 EnQuest Heather Limited -           -           -            
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) December 2022 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited -           -           -            
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) December 2022 Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited -           -           -            
Johnston DP (PDF, 2.18 MB, 43 pages) Johnston EA (PDF, 5.25 MB, 121 pages) Johnston CA (PDF, 1.64 MB, 62 pages) December 2022 Premier Oil E&P UK EU Limited -           -           -            
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) November 2022 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited -           -           -            
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) November 2022 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited -           -           -            
Tartan Topsides DP (PDF, 8.28 MB, 46 pages) Tartan Subsea EA (PDF, 36.4 MB, 137 pages) November 2022 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited -           -           -            
Lancaster Field Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.51 MB, 37 pages) November 2022 Hurricane Energy PLC -           -           -            
Hewett Area Subsea Installations DP (PDF, 4.45 MB, 54 pages) Hewett Area Subsea Installations EA (PDF, 14.8 MB, 150 pages) November 2022 Eni UK Limited -           1. Include mattresses and grout bags into the DP  February 2025 -            
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) September 2022 Shell UK Limited -           -           -            
Sean DP (PDF, 5.05 MB, 64 pages) Sean CA (PDF, 2.8 MB, 110 pages) Sean EA (PDF, 9.44 MB, 171 pages) August 2022 ONE-Dyas UK Limited -           -           -            
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) July 2022 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
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) July 2022 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
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) July 2022 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Brae Bravo Upper Jacket Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.76 MB, 41 pages) June 2022 TAQA Bratani Limited -           -           -            
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) June 2022 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Foinaven FPSO Offstation DP (PDF, 3.76 MB, 60 pages) May 2022 Britoil Limited -           -           -            
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) April 2022 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -                
Hummingbird Spirit FPSO Sail away and Chestnut Riser Disconnection (PDF, 2.96 MB, 47 pages) March 2022 Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited -           -           -                 
Victoria DP (PDF, 2.54 MB, 42 pages) Victoria CA (PDF, 1.81 MB, 48 pages) Victoria EA (PDF, 18.4 MB, 158 pages) April 2022 NEO Energy (SNS) Limited -           -           -            
Wenlock DP (PDF, 4.72 MB, 51 pages) Wenlock CA (PDF, 3.84 MB, 44 pages) Wenlock EA (PDF, 6.74 MB, 119 pages) February 2022 Alpha Petroleum Resources Limited Energean UK Ltd -           -            
Cormorant Alpha Topsides DP (PDF, 3.91 MB, 81 pages) Cormorant Alpha Topsides EA (PDF, 8.21 MB, 117 pages) February 2022 TAQA Bratani Limited -           -           -             
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) February 2022 Premier Oil UK Limited -           -           -            
Thistle Topsides Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 3.11 MB, 38 pages) December 2021 EnQuest Heather Limited -           -           -            
Indefatigable 18A Topsides Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.29 MB, 50 pages) December 2021 Perenco UK Limited -           -           -            
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) November 2021 CNR International (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
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) August 2021 Spirit Energy North Sea Limited -           -           -            
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) August 2021 EnQuest Heather Limited -           -           -            
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) July 2021 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited -           -           -            
Heather Topsides Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 4.07 MB, 43 pages) July 2021 EnQuest Heather Limited -           -           -            
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) June 2021 Shell U.K. Limited -           1. Change of parties to the approved Programme August 2021 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2027 and further change to parties to the approved Programme February 2025 -            
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) May 2021 A/S Norske Shell -           1. Change of parties to the approved decommissioning programme. 2. Change of decommissioning solution for PLU 2784 and PLU 2785 from leave in situ to full removal due to insufficient depth of cover. December 2024 -            
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) April 2021 Equinor Energy AS -           -           -            
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) April 2021 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           -            
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 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) March 2021 INEOS UK SNS Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2025 & Change to decom solution for covering pipeline ends to use rock rather than backfill January 2024 -            
Hewett Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 5.76 MB, 69 pages) Hewett Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 16.9 MB, 134 pages) March 2021 ENI Hewett Limited -           -              
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) March 2021 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited -           -           -            
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) March 2021 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           -            
Northern Producer FPF and Don SW + W Don riser disconnection (PDF, 4.89 MB, 58 pages) March 2021 Submitted jointly by Qualimar Shipping Company Limited and EnQuest Heather Limited -           -           Northern Producer Close Out Report (PDF, 5.79 MB, 45 pages) July2024  
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) February 2021 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           -            
Brenda Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.76 MB, 47 pages) February 2021 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           -            
Glamis Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.53 MB, 46 pages) February 2021 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           -            
Nicol Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.68 MB, 45 pages) February 2021 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           -            
Stirling Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 3.13 MB, 44 pages) February 2021 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           -            
Topaz Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.21 MB, 31 pages) Topaz CA (PDF, 504 KB, 15 pages) Topaz EA (PDF, 1.22 MB, 37 pages) February 2021 INEOS UK SNS Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2025 & Change to decom solution for covering pipeline ends to use rock rather than backfill January 2024 -            
North Cormorant DP (PDF, 2.56 MB, 50 pages) North Cormorant EA (PDF, 7.26 MB, 93 pages) November 2020 TAQA Bratani Limited -           -           -            
Tern Topsides - Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.84 MB, 52 pages) Tern Topsides EA (PDF, 7.03 MB, 91 pages) November 2020 TAQA Bratani Limited -           -           -            
Fulmar & Auk North Preparation Work Scopes Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.53 MB, 35 pages) November 2020 Repsol Sinopec North Sea Limited -           -           -            
East Brae Topsides and Braemar Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 3.88 MB, 62 pages) September 2020 RockRose UKCS8 LLC TAQA Bratani Limited -           -            
Brent Alpha Jacket (PDF, 2.82 MB, 101 pages) July 2020 Shell U.K. Limited -           -           -            
Amethyst A1D, A2D, B1D & C1D Topsides (PDF, 2.42 MB, 43 pages) July 2020 Perenco UK Limited -           -           -            
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) June 2020 Ithaca Energy UK Limited -           -           -            
Brynhild Pipelines (PDF, 1.98 MB, 50 pages) June 2020 Lundin Energy Norway AS Aker BP ASA - Brynhild Pipelines Close Out Report (PDF, 2.86 MB, 25 pages) March 2024  
Cormorant Alpha Derrick Structure Removal (PDF, 4.28 MB, 57 pages) June 2020 TAQA Bratani Limited -           -           Cormorant Alpha Derrick Structure Removal Close Out Report (PDF, 5.17 MB, 38 pages) December 2023  
Cavendish (PDF, 2.4 MB, 40 pages) June 2020 INEOS UK SNS Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 August 2022 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2025 & Change to decom solution for covering pipeline ends to use rock rather than backfill January 2024 -            
Banff and Kyle FPSO and FSO Float Off (PDF, 3.45 MB, 39 pages) May 2020 CNR International (U.K.) Limited -           -           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) May 2020 TAQA Bratani Limited -           -           -            
Ganymede, Europa, Callisto and NW Bell – LDP3 (PDF, 4.85 MB, 101 pages) May 2020 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Ganymede ZD Topsides - LDP3b (PDF, 2.31 MB, 46 pages) April 2020 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Huntington FPSO (Voyageur Spirit) (PDF, 1.19 MB, 21 pages) April 2020 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           -            
Caister - CDP1a (PDF, 2.93 MB, 49 pages) March 2020 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Alma & Galia DPs (PDF, 4.34 MB, 61 pages) March 2020 EnQuest Heather Limited -           -           -            
Brent Field Pipelines (PDF, 4.05 MB, 130 pages) March 2020 Shell U.K. Limited -           -           -              
Thistle COS Tanks (PDF, 3.34 MB, 59 pages) January 2020 EnQuest Heather Limited -           -           -            
Banff SAL Buoy (PDF, 996 KB, 20 pages) November 2019 CNR International (U.K.) Limited. Decommissioning Programmes submitted by Teekay Petrojarl Floating Production UK Ltd. -           -             Banff SAL Buoy Interim Close Out Report (PDF, 1.22 MB, 12 pages) May 2021  
MacCulloch Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 1.36 MB, 40 pages) November 2019 Chrysaor Production (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Goldeneye (PDF, 3.41 MB, 53 pages) November 2019 Shell U.K. Limited -           -           Goldeneye Close out Report (PDF, 1.95 MB, 35 pages) July 2024   
Brae Alpha West Drilling Rig (PDF, 2.2 MB, 24 pages) September 2019 RockRose Energy UKCS8 LLC TAQA Bratani Limited 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2023 January 2022 Brae Alpha West Drilling Rig Close Out Report (PDF, 1.68 MB, 24 pages) April 2024  
South Morecambe DP3/DP4 (PDF, 2.72 MB, 57 pages) September 2019 Spirit Energy Production UK Limited -           -           -            
Pickerill A&B Installations (PDF, 1.79 MB, 54 pages) September 2019 Perenco Gas (UK) Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 February 2022 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2027 March 2025 -                
Minke Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 8.56 MB, 59 pages) September 2019 Neptune E&P UKCS Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 July 2021 -             
Ketch (PDF, 2.65 MB, 60 pages) August 2019 DNO North Sea (ROGB) Limited - 1. Allow for installation of UKNG Viking Cable & Change in decom solution of pipelines to full removal June 2022 2. Include pipeline and fibre optic crossings into DP & Change in decom solution for pipelines remaining under rock berms & additional rock dump on pipeline ends September 2022 3. To alter the S29Holders November 2023 4. Change in decom solution of pipeline sections to leave in situ May 2024 -             
Schooner (PDF, 4.97 MB, 63 pages) August 2019 DNO North Sea (ROGB) Limited - 1. Allow for installation of UKNG Viking Cable June 2022 2. To alter the S29Holders November 2023 3. Addition of WHPS to DP and its removal & Change in decom solution of exposed pipeline sections to full removal May 2024 -            
Juliet (PDF, 6.16 MB, 47 pages) August 2019 Neptune E&P UKCS Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 July 2021 -             
Dunlin Alpha to Cormorant Alpha Pipeline - PL5 (PDF, 4.36 MB, 73 pages) July 2019 Fairfield Betula Limited -           -           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 June 2019 -           -           -            
Nevis N11 WHPS (PDF, 1.66 MB, 26 pages) June 2019 Apache Beryl I Limited -           -           Nevis N11 WHPS Close out report (PDF, 1.86 MB, 25 pages) September 2022  
Dunlin Alpha Topsides (PDF, 4.97 MB, 44 pages) May 2019 Fairfield Betula Limited -           -           Dunlin Alpha Topsides Close Out Report (PDF, 1.63 MB, 36 pages) September 2024  
Hewett (PDF, 1.5 MB, 21 pages) April 2019 Eni Hewett Limited ENI UK Limited - Hewett Vent Stack Close Out Report (PDF, 595 KB, 11 pages) September 2021  
Pickerill A & B (PDF, 1.26 MB, 21 pages) March 2019 Perenco Gas (UK) Limited -           -           -            
Curlew B, C and D (PDF, 2.4 MB, 61 pages) March 2019 Shell U.K. Limited -           1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2026 August 2023 -            
Viking Platforms, Vixen and associated Pipelines (VDP2) (PDF, 33.3 MB, 84 pages) January 2019 ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Victor (VDP3) (PDF, 21.1 MB, 55 pages) January 2019 ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Tyne South Installations (PDF, 1.83 MB, 42 pages) January 2019 Perenco UK Limited -           -           -            
Guinevere Installation (PDF, 2.05 MB, 43 pages) January 2019 Perenco UK Limited -           -           -            
Beatrice Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 4.45 MB, 88 pages) January 2019 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited -           1. Terminate agreement for Beatrice AD, AP, B & C reuse July 2019 -            
Bains Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 2.57 MB, 36 pages) January 2019 Spirit Energy Production UK Limited -           -           -            
Jacky (PDF, 2.34 MB, 52 pages) October 2018 Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited -           1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 and change to decom solution August 2023 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2030. December 2024 -            
Brae Bravo Topsides, Flare Bridge, Flare Tower and Flare Jacket and Substructure (PDF, 4.9 MB, 52 pages) August 2018 Marathon Oil UK LLC TAQA Bratani Limited - Brae Bravo Topsides Close Out Report (PDF, 3.29 MB, 36 pages) January 2024  
Brent Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Topsides (PDF, 3.34 MB, 81 pages) August 2018 Shell U.K. Limited -           -           -            
Stirling A33 WHPS Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.13 MB, 27 pages) May 2018 Premier Oil E&P UK Limited -           -           Stirling WHPS Close Out Report (PDF, 2.57 MB, 15 pages) February 2019  
Ann and Alison (PDF, 2.98 MB, 60 pages) April 2018 Spirit Energy North Sea Limited -           -           -            
Saturn (Annabel) (PDF, 2.49 MB, 47 pages) April 2018 Spirit Energy North Sea Limited -           -           -            
Audrey (PDF, 2.87 MB, 58 pages) April 2018 Spirit Energy North Sea Limited -           -           -            
Rev Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 12 MB, 42 pages) April 2018 Repsol Norge AS -           1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2023 November 2019. 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2027 February 2023 -            
Markham ST-1 (PDF, 2.39 MB, 49 pages) February 2018 Centrica Production Nederland B.V. Spirit Energy Nederland B.V. - Markham ST-1 Close Out Report (PDF, 6.19 MB, 68 pages) July 2021  
Osprey (PDF, 3.92 MB, 68 pages) December 2017 Fairfield Fagus Limited -           -           Osprey Close Out Report (PDF, 1.71 MB, 34 pages) January 2021  
Merlin (PDF, 2.97 MB, 56 pages) December 2017 Fairfield Fagus Limited -           -           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) December 2017 Fairfield Fagus Limited -           -           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) November 2017 ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
LOGGS Satellites Vulcan UR, Viscount VO, Vampire OD - LDP1 (PDF, 17.5 MB, 61 pages) November 2017 ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Leman BH Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 4.66 MB, 46 pages) April 2017 Shell U.K. Limited -           -           Leman BH Close Out Report (PDF, 1.71 MB, 25 pages) March 2019  
Ettrick and Blackbird (PDF, 2.1 MB, 62 pages) March 2017 Nexen Petroleum U.K Limited -           1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2023 July 2020 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2025 (Ettrick Inst only) December 2022 -            
Ann A4 Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.37 MB, 29 pages) February 2017 Centrica North Sea Limited -           -           -            
Janice James & Affleck (PDF, 3.8 MB, 115 pages) September 2016 Maersk Oil UK Limited -           1. Change of parties to the approved Programmes Affleck PLs only December 2021 -            
Athena Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 3.88 MB, 70 pages) September 2016 Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited -           1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2023 and change of parties to the approved Programmes January 2021 -            
Viking Platforms (PDF, 3.53 MB, 40 pages) September 2016 ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited -           -           -            
Leadon (PDF, 1.71 MB, 53 pages) March 2016 Maersk Oil North Sea UK Limited TotalEnergies E&P UK Limited - Leadon Close Out Report (PDF, 7.78 MB, 31 pages) February 2023  
Harding STL (PDF, 2.61 MB, 73 pages) December 2015 TAQA Bratani Limited -           -           Harding STL Close-Out Report (PDF, 1.62 MB, 26 pages) June 2017  
Thames Area – Horne & Wren (PDF, 1.57 MB, 48 pages) November 2015 Tullow Oil SK Limited -           -           -            
Thames Area – Orwell (PDF, 828 KB, 42 pages) November 2015 Tullow Oil SK Limited -           -           -            
Thames Area – Wissey (PDF, 1.26 MB, 43 pages) November 2015 Tullow Oil SK Limited -           -           -            
Thames Area – Thames Complex (PDF, 15.9 MB, 76 pages) October 2015 Perenco UK Limited - 1. Removal of pipeline from the programme March 2018 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2023 March 2019 3. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 and Change in decom solution of mats to leave in situ. -            
Thames Area – Gawain (PDF, 3.8 MB, 47 pages) October 2015 Perenco UK Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2022 March 2019 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 September 2022 -            
Thames Area – Arthur (PDF, 4.41 MB, 46 pages) October 2015 Perenco UK Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2022 March 2019 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 March 2022 -            
Brent - Brent Delta Topside (PDF, 3.55 MB, 72 pages) July 2015 Shell U.K. Limited -           -           Brent Delta Topside Close Out Report (PDF, 4.42 MB, 53 pages) February 2020  
Rose Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 2.87 MB, 42 pages) May 2015 Centrica Resources Limited -           -           Rose Close Out Report (PDF, 3.31 MB, 36 pages) October 2018  
Stamford (PDF, 2.71 MB, 39 pages) April 2015 Centrica North Sea Gas Limited -           -           Stamford Close Out Report (PDF, 2.66 MB, 36 pages) February 2019  
Murchison (PDF, 2.37 MB, 70 pages) August 2014 CNR -           -           -            
Rubie & Renee (PDF, 2.47 MB, 50 pages) April 2014 Endeavour Energy UK Limited -           1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2017 June 2016 2. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2018 November 2017 3. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2020 December 2018 Rubie Renee Decommissioning Close Out Report (PDF, 9.98 MB, 66 pages) September 2021  
Miller (PDF, 6.57 MB, 198 pages) December 2013 BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited -           1. Schedule Extension to 31/12/2024 December 2018 -            
Schiehallion & Loyal Phase One (PDF, 1.84 MB, 60 pages) April 2013 Britoil Limited -           -           Schiehallion & Loyal Phase One Close Out Report (PDF, 1010 KB, 22 pages) May 2019  
IVRR - decommissoning programme (PDF, 1.57 MB, 102 pages) February 2013 Hess Limited -           -           IVRR Close Out Report (PDF, 4.74 MB, 35 pages) December 2015  
Camelot (PDF, 488 KB, 39 pages) June 2012 Energy Resource Technology (UK) Limited -           -           Camelot Close out report (PDF, 2.27 MB, 41 pages) August 2013  
Fife, Flora, Fergus, Angus: decommissioning programme (PDF, 8.36 MB, 135 pages) February 2012 Hess Limited -           -           FFFA Close Out Report (PDF, 1.49 MB, 33 pages) December 2014  
Don (PDF, 8 MB, 175 pages) May 2011 Britoil Public Limited Company -           -           -            
Welland DP (PDF, 1.74 MB, 39 pages) September 2010 Perenco UK Limited -           -           Welland Close Out Report (PDF, 7.42 MB, 130 pages) September 2020  
Tristan NW DP (PDF, 4.11 MB, 119 pages) August 2010 Silverstone Energy Limited Bridge Energy UK Limited - Tristan NW close out report (PDF, 2.3 MB, 23 pages) January 2011  
Shelley DP (PDF, 3.23 MB, 83 pages) June 2010 Premier Oil -           -           Shelley close out report (PDF, 4.49 MB, 62 pages) February 2012  
Kittiwake Sal DP (PDF, 4.28 MB, 87 pages) June 2009 Venture North Sea Oil Limited -           -           Kittiwake Sal close out report (PDF, 588 KB, 13 pages) July 2012  
MCP-01 DP (PDF, 7.41 MB, 336 pages) September 2007 Total E&P UK Limited -           -           MCP-01 close out report (PDF, 23.1 MB, 113 pages) March 2013  
Kittiwake Buoy DP (PDF, 3.46 MB, 118 pages) May 2008 Venture North Sea Oil Limited -           1. Change of parties to the approved Programme August 2016 -            
Linnhe (PDF, 2.25 MB, 66 pages) July 2008 Mobil North Sea LLC -           -           Linnhe Close Out Report (PDF, 1000 KB, 22 pages) November 2013  
Indefatigable (Shell) (PDF, 11.6 MB, 224 pages) May 2007 Shell UK Limited -           -           Close Out Report (PDF, 2.47 MB, 64 pages) December 2014  
NW Hutton: decommissioning programme (PDF, 14.9 MB, 320 pages) February 2006 Amoco (U.K.) Exploration Company - now a subsidiary of BP plc -           -           Close Out Report (PDF, 2.52 MB, 32 pages) October 2014  
Ardmore 2005 British American Offshore Limited -           -           -            
Ardmore 2005 Ugland Nordic Shipping AS -           -           -            
Ardmore 2005 Acorn Oil & Gas Limited -           -           -            
Brent Flare DP (PDF, 2.93 MB, 122 pages) 2004 Shell -           -           -            
Beatrice 2004 Talisman Energy (UK) Limited -           -           -            
Forbes and Gordon 2003 BHP Billiton -           -           May 2005  
Frigg DP (PDF, 10 MB, 450 pages) May 2003 Total E&P Norge AS -           -           Frigg close out report (PDF, 3.46 MB, 62 pages) May 2011  
Durwood and Dauntless 2002 Amerada Hess -           -           -            
Hutton 2002 Kerr McGee -           -           July 2004  
Camelot CB 2001 ExxonMobil -           -           -            
Blenheim and Bladon 2000 Talisman -           -           -            
Durwood and Dauntless 2000 Amerada Hess -           -           -            
Maureen and Moira 2000 Phillips -           -           -            
Brent Spar 1998 Shell -           -           -            
Donan 1998 BP -           -           -            
Fulmar SALM 1998 Shell -           -           -            
Emerald 1996 MSR -           -           -            
Frigg FP 1996 Elf Norge TotalFinaElf Norge -           -            
Leman BK 1996 Shell -           -           -            
Staffa 1996 Lasmo -           -           -            
Viking AC, AD, AP & FD 1996 Conoco -           -           -            
Esmond CP & CW 1995 BHP -           -           -            
Gordon BW 1995 BHP -           -           -            
Angus 1993 Amerada Hess -           -           -            
Forbes AW 1993 Hamilton BHP -           -            
Argyll, Duncan and Innes 1992 Hamilton BHP -           -            
Blair 1992 Sun Oil AGIP -           -            
Crawford 1991 Hamilton Oil BHP -           -            
Piper Alpha 1988 Occidental Talisman -           -            

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, 63.7 KB) to odu@energysecurity.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, 53.4 KB) to odu@energysecurity.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, 674608 KB, 33 pages) is available - (September(March 2024).2025).

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@energysecurity.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)

Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2013
Last updated 1118 March 2025 + show all updates

    3. draft decommissioning programme removed

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