Decommissioning of (Abandoned or Disused) Offshore Installations

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the international legal regime relating to the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations, with particular focus on environmental protection. The chapter is divided into four main sections. After the Introduction, the following section examines the rules governing the removal of abandoned or disused installations. The next section looks at the rules relating to the disposal of offshore installations by dumping. Section IX.24.4 examines the rules relating to the pollution of the marine environment arising from, or in connection with, decommissioned offshore installations. The final section before the Conclusion looks at the possibility of leaving abandoned or disused installations on the seabed to be used for other purposes, including use as artificial reefs, promoting and supporting marine biodiversity and fisheries, thus contributing to healthy marine ecosystems.

Keywords: Decommissioning; Abandonment; Removal; Dumping; Pollution; UNCLOS; IMO Guidelines; Oil and Gas; Offshore Installations; Artificial Reefs