Guidance

Oil and gas: decommissioning of offshore installations and pipelines

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

Published 23 January 2013
Last updated 15 August 2018 — see all updates
From:
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

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, Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Guidance Notes May 2018 (PDF, 1.09MB, 124 pages) . Final guidance on the Environmental Considerations for Decommissioning (section 12) will follow shortly, meantime draft guidance can be found here: Section 12 (MS Word Document, 142KB) .

Table of draft decommissioning programmes under consideration

Field Name Field Operator Status Main points of the programme Details
Viking VDP2 (Viking Bravo Hub, Viking Satellites KD, LD, AR and Vixen VM) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited Draft programmes under consideration Removal to shore of the Viking Bravo Hub and Viking Satellites KD, LD and AR topsides and jackets and Victor JM subsea manifold for recycling/disposal. Wells to be plugged and abandoned. Pipelines to be decommissioned in situ. All mattresses on pipelines to remain in situ. VDP2 Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 3.29MB, 80 pages)
VDP2 Comparative Assessment (PDF, 3.09MB, 167 pages)
VDP2 Environmental Statement (PDF, 13.5MB, 420 pages)
Viking VDP3 (Victor JD and JM) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited Draft programmes under consideration Removal to shore of the Victor JD topsides and jackets and Victor JM subsea manifold for recycling/disposal. Wells to be plugged and abandoned. Pipelines to be decommissioned in situ. All mattresses on pipelines to remain in situ. VDP3 Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 1.78MB, 49 pages)
VDP3 Comparative Assessment (PDF, 3.09MB, 167 pages)
VDP3 Environmental Statement (PDF, 13.5MB, 420 pages)
Dunlin Alpha Field Fairfield Betula Limited Draft programme under consideration Decommissioning in situ of Dunlin Alpha concrete gravity based structure and storage cells. Full removal of Dunlin Alpha topsides for reuse or recycling. Dunlin Alpha Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 6.5MB, 77 pages)
Dunlin Alpha Decommissioning Comparative Assessment Report (PDF, 3.66MB, 133 pages) Dunlin Alpha Decommissioning Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 5.04MB, 155 pages)
Beatrice Field Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited Draft programmes under consideration Topsides, jackets and the drilling template will be removed and recycled or disposed onshore. Wells will be plugged and abandoned. Trenched and buried pipelines will remain in situ. Any exposed sections will undergo trenching and burial, rock covering or be cut out and removed to shore. A small section of drill cuttings will be left in situ. Concrete mattresses and grout bags will be recovered to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal. Beatrice Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 5.13MB, 81 pages)
Beatrice Comparative Assessment Report (PDF, 3.3MB, 98 pages) Beatrice Environmental Assessment Report (PDF, 15.9MB, 255 pages)
Tyne South Installations Perenco UK Limited Draft programmes under consideration Removal to shore of the Tyne South topsides, jacket and subsea installation for re-use or recycling. Tyne South Installations Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.86MB, 40 pages)
Tyne South Installations Environmental Impact Assessment (PDF, 8.75MB, 223 pages)
Guinevere Installation Perenco UK Limited Draft programmes under consideration Removal to shore of the Guinevere topsides and jacket for re-use or recycling. Guinevere Installation Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.68MB, 41 pages)
Guinevere Installation Environmental Impact Assessment (PDF, 5.95MB, 149 pages)
Curlew and Curlew C Fields Shell (U.K.) Limited Draft programmes under consideration Removal to shore of the Curlew FPSO, mid-water arch and mooring system for recycling/disposal. Removal to shore of subsea manifold, Curlew C WHPS and subsea pipeline structures for recycling/disposal. Subsea wells to be plugged and abandoned. All trenched and buried pipelines will be decommissioned in-situ with pipeline and umbilical ends cut or lowered and covered. All jumpers, spools and concrete mattresses will be recovered to shore for recycling/disposal. Curlew and Curlew C Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 2.49MB, 61 pages)
Curlew and Curlew C Comparative Assessment (PDF, 3.08MB, 85 pages) Curlew and Curlew C Environmental Statement (PDF, 7.77MB, 196 pages)
Windermere Field INEOS UK SNS Limited Draft programmes under consideration Topsides and jacket will be removed and recycled or disposed onshore. 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. Windermere Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 2.39MB, 38 pages)
Windermere Comparative Assessment (PDF, 1.49MB, 34 pages) Windermere Environmental Statement (PDF, 10.2MB, 235 pages)
Bains Field Spirit Energy Production UK Ltd Draft programmes under consideration All Subsea Installations will be removed. Both pipelines will be left in situ except for short exposed sections. Bains Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 1.94MB, 30 pages)
Bains Comparative Assessment (PDF, 1.68MB, 40 pages) Bains Environmental Appraisal (PDF, 3.61MB, 61 pages)
Jacky Field Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited Draft programmes under consideration Platform & Midline Tee Structure will be removed and transported to shore for re-use or recycling. Subsea wells will be plugged and abandoned using a drilling rig. Pipelines are trenched and buried and will remain in situ. Jacky Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 1.86MB, 50 pages)
Jacky Comparative Assessment (PDF, 1.32MB, 31 pages) Jacky Environmental Impact Assessment (PDF, 8.83MB, 135 pages)
East Brae and Braemar Marathon Oil UK LLC Draft programmes under consideration Removal of East Brae topsides and removal of jackets to the top of the footings. Removal of Braemar subsea installations. Pipelines to be decommissioned by partial removal and leave in situ. East Brae And Braemar Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 10.3MB, 74 pages)
East Brae and Braemar Environmental Statement – Main Report (PDF, 14.5MB, 78 pages) East Brae and Braemar Environmental Statement – Technical Appendices (PDF, 12.8MB, 96 pages) East Brae Sub-structures Comparative Assessment (PDF, 5.96MB, 39 pages) Brae Area Subsea Assets Comparative Assessment (PDF, 6.84MB, 43 pages)
Brae Alpha, Brae Bravo, Central Brae, West Brae and Sedgwick Marathon Oil UK LLC Draft programmes under consideration 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, 15.3MB, 120 pages)
Brae A etc, Environmental Statement – Main Report (PDF, 14.6MB, 80 pages) Brae A etc. Environmental Statement - Technical Appendices (PDF, 13.3MB, 96 pages) Brae A Sub-structure Comparative Assessment (PDF, 5.27MB, 34 pages) Brae B Sub-structure Comparative Assessment (PDF, 5.44MB, 34 pages) Brae Area Subsea Assets Comparative Assessment (PDF, 6.84MB, 43 pages)
Ninian North Platform CNR Draft programme under consideration Topsides will be removed and recovered to shore. Partial removal of the Jacket to between 77.5 and 88.5m below LAT. Decommissioning in situ of jacket footings. Ninian North Platform Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.8MB, 61 pages)
Ninian North Platform Environmental Statement (PDF, 7.82MB, 229 pages) Ninian North Platform Comparative Assessment (PDF, 2.75MB, 92 pages)
Brent Shell U.K. Limited Draft programmes under consideration Removal of upper part of Brent Alpha steel jacket to 84.5m below sea level. Decommissioning in situ of Brent Alpha jacket footings. Decommissioning in situ of Brent Bravo, Charlie and Delta concrete gravity based structures. Pipelines several decommissioning options. Brent Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 12MB, 322 pages)
Brent ES (PDF, 12.5MB, 475 pages)
Brent EIA (PDF, 5.05MB, 429 pages)
Brent ES Appendix (PDF, 2.52MB, 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 Draft programmes under consideration Manifold and Well head Protection structures (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, 1.76MB, 50 pages)
Atlantic & Cromarty Stakeholder Report (PDF, 1.11MB, 32 pages)
Atlantic & Cromarty Environmental Impact Assessment (PDF, 4.5MB, 109 pages)
Atlantic & Cromarty Comparative Assessment (PDF, 2.06MB, 110 pages)

Table of approved decommissioning programmes

Field Name Operator at approval Operator following licence / company change Main installations decommissioned Approved option Year of approval
Brae Bravo Topsides, Flare Bridge, Flare Tower and Flare Jacket and Substructure (PDF, 4.9MB, 52 pages) Marathon Oil UK LLC - Brae Bravo Topsides, Flare Bridge, Flare Tower and Flare Jacket/Substructure Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling August 2018
Brent Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Topsides (PDF, 3.34MB, 81 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Brent Alpha, Brent Bravo and Brent Charlie Topsides Removal to shore for recycling/disposal August 2018
Stirling A33 WHPS Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.13MB, 27 pages) Premier Oil E&P UK Limited - Subsea installation Removal to shore for recycling May 2018
Ann and Alison (PDF, 2.98MB, 60 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - Subsea installations Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling April 2018
Pipelines Buried and stable pipelines left in situ. Surface laid pipelines removed to shore for re-use or recycling April 2018
Saturn (Annabel) (PDF, 2.49MB, 47 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - Subsea installations Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling April 2018
Pipelines Buried and stable pipelines left in situ. Surface laid pipelines removed to shore for re-use or recycling April 2018
Audrey (PDF, 2.87MB, 58 pages) Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - 2 fixed platforms Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for recycling or disposal April 2018
Pipelines Buried and stable pipelines decommissioned in situ. Surface laid pipelines removed to shore for re-use or recycling April 2018
Rev Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 12MB, 42 pages) Repsol Norge AS - Pipelines Fully buried and stable pipeline to be left in situ. All other pipelines to be removed. All mattresses on pipelines to be removed April 2018
Markham ST-1 (PDF, 2.39MB, 49 pages) Centrica Production Nederland B.V. - Fixed Platform Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling February 2018
Pipelines Two pipelines to be decommissioned in situ February 2018
Osprey (PDF, 3.92MB, 68 pages) Fairfield Fagus Limited - Subsea Installation Removed and recovered to shore for recycling/disposal December 2017
Pipelines 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
Merlin (PDF, 2.97MB, 56 pages) Fairfield Fagus Limited - Subsea Installation Removed and recovered to shore for recycling/disposal December 2017
Pipelines 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
Dunlin Fuel Gas Import (DFGI) and Dunlin Power Import (DPI) (PDF, 3.48MB, 54 pages) Fairfield Fagus Limited - Subsea Installation Removed and recovered to shore for recycling/disposal December 2017
Pipelines Full removal with the exception of trenched and buried Pipelines and Rigid Riser and Riser Cable within the Dunlin Alpha Concrete Gravity Based Structure December 2017
Viking Satellites CD, DD, ED, GD, HD Pipelines (PDF, 6.77MB, 32 pages) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited - Pipelines All pipelines and associated mattresses to remain in situ November 2017
LOGGS Satellites Vulcan UR, Viscount VO, Vampire OD - LDP1 (PDF, 17.5MB, 61 pages) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited - 3 x fixed platforms - Vulcan UR, Viscount VO and Vampire OD Removal to shore of topsides and jackets for recycling/disposal November 2017
Pipelines All pipelines and associated mattresses to remain in situ November 2017
Leman BH Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 4.66MB, 46 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - 1 x platform Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling April 2017
Ettrick and Blackbird (PDF, 2.1MB, 62 pages) Nexen Petroleum UK Limited - FPSO Removal for re-use at different location March 2017
Subsea Equipment Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling March 2017
Pipelines Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling; buried pipelines to be left in-situ March 2017
Ann A4 Decommissioning Programme (PDF, 1.37MB, 29 pages) Centrica North Sea Limited - A4 Wellhead Protection Structure Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling February 2017
Janice James & Affleck (PDF, 3.8MB, 115 pages) Maersk Oil UK Limited - FPSO Removal for recycling September 2016
Subsea Equipment Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling September 2016
Pipelines Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling; buried pipelines to be left in-situ September 2016
Athena Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 3.88MB, 70 pages) Ithaca Energy (UK) Limited - FPSO Removal for re-use at different location September 2016
Subsea Equipment Removal to shore for either re-use or recycling September 2016
Pipelines All 32 pipeline to be removed and returned to shore for re-use or recycling September 2016
Viking Platforms (PDF, 3.53MB, 40 pages) ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Limited - 5 x fixed platforms Viking CD, DD, ED, GD, HD Removal to shore of topsides and jackets for recycling/disposal September 2016
Leadon (PDF, 1.71MB, 53 pages) Maersk Oil North Sea UK Limited - FPSO Removal for re-use at different location March 2016
Subsea Removal of 2 x bundle towheads and mid-line structure to shore for disposal; removal of 2 x drill centres to shore for disposal March 2016
Pipelines 2 x Pipeline bundles to be left in-situ, partial removal of gas import pipeline March 2016
Harding STL (PDF, 2.61MB, 73 pages)

Harding STL Close-Out Report (PDF, 1.62MB, 26 pages) 		TAQA Bratani Limited - Harding Submerged Turret Loading (STL) System 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 2015
Thames Area – Horne & Wren (PDF, 1.57MB, 48 pages) Tullow Oil SK Limited - 1x fixed platform Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for recycling/disposal November 2015
Pipelines To remain buried in situ November 2015
Thames Area – Orwell (PDF, 828KB, 42 pages) Tullow Oil SK Limited - Subsea Installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal November 2015
Pipelines To remain buried in situ November 2015
Thames Area – Wissey (PDF, 1.26MB, 43 pages) Tullow Oil SK Limited - Subsea Installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal November 2015
Pipelines To remain buried in situ November 2015
Thames Area – Thames Complex (PDF, 15.9MB, 76 pages) Perenco UK Limited - 3x fixed platforms Removal of topsides and jackets to shore for recycling/disposal October 2015
Subsea Installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal October 2015
Pipelines To remain buried in situ October 2015
Thames Area – Gawain (PDF, 3.8MB, 47 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Subsea Installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal October 2015
Pipelines To remain buried in situ October 2015
Thames Area – Arthur (PDF, 4.41MB, 46 pages) Perenco UK Limited - Subsea Installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal October 2015
Pipelines To remain buried in situ October 2015
Brent - Brent Delta Topside (PDF, 3.55MB, 72 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - Brent Delta Topside Removal of topside to shore for recycling and disposal July 2015
Rose Decommissioning Programmes (PDF, 2.87MB, 42 pages) Centrica Resources Limited - Subsea Installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal May 2015
Pipelines Removal of sections of un-trenched pipelines; trenched pipelines decommissioned in situ May 2015
Stamford (PDF, 2.71MB, 39 pages) Centrica North Sea Gas Limited - Subsea Installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal April 2015
Pipelines Removal of sections of un-trenched pipelines; trenched pipelines decommissioned in situ April 2015
Murchison (PDF, 2.37MB, 70 pages) CNR - Large Steel Platform Topsides and jacket to top of footings to be removed to shore for recycling/disposal. Footings to remain in situ August 2014
Pipelines Export pipeline decommissioned in situ with remedial rock placement.

Infield Flowlines to be removed for recycling/disposal.		 August 2014
Rubie & Renee (PDF, 2.47MB, 50 pages) Endeavour Energy UK Limited - Subsea Installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal April 2014
Pipelines Selective Recovery April 2014
Miller (PDF, 6.57MB, 198 pages) BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited   Large Steel Platform Footings to remain in place, steel topsides and jacket to top of footings to be removed to shore December 2013
Schiehallion & Loyal Phase One (PDF, 1.84MB, 60 pages) Britoil Limited - Schiehallion FPSO Removal for potential re-use 2013
Pipelines Recovery where possible. Production flowlines to be left in situ. 2013
IVRR - decommissoning programme (PDF, 1.57MB, 102 pages)

IVRR Close Out Report (PDF, 4.74MB, 35 pages) 		Hess limited - FPSO Removal for re-use at different location 2013
Subsea installations Removal to shore for recycling/disposal 2013
Pipelines Selective recovery 2013
Camelot (PDF, 488KB, 39 pages)

Camelot Close out report (PDF, 2.27MB, 41 pages) 		Energy Resource Technology (UK) Limited - Small Steel Platform Removal to shore for recycling / disposal 2012
Pipelines Pipelines decommissioned in situ 2012
Fife, Flora, Fergus, Angus: decommissioning programme (PDF, 8.36MB, 135 pages)

FFFA Close Out Report (PDF, 1.49MB, 33 pages) 		Hess Limited - FPSO Removed for re-use at different location 2012
Subsea installations Removal to shore for recycling / disposal 2012
Pipelines Full removal of un-trenched pipelines; trenched pipelines decommissioned in situ 2012
Don Britoil Public Limited Company - Subsea installation Removal to shore for recycling / disposal 2011
Pipelines Decommissioned in situ with selective recovery 2011
Welland Perenco UK Limited Perenco UK Limited Small Steel Platform Removal for re-use outside of UK waters 2010
Pipelines Decommissioned in situ with selective recovery 2010
Tristan NW

Close out report 		Silverstone Energy Limited Bridge Energy UK Limited Subsea installation Removal to shore for recycling 2010; close-out report received January 2011
Pipelines Production pipeline with piggy-backed umbilical - leave in situ; jumpers, spool pieces and associated pipeline equipment - remove to shore for re-use or recycling 2010; close-out report received January 2011
Shelley

Close out report 		Premier Oil - Sevan Voyageur FPSO Tow away for future use at another location 2010; close-out report received February 2012
Manifold and Wellhead Remove to shore for re-use, recycling or disposal 2010; close-out report received February 2012
Pipelines Production pipeline - leave in situ; umbilical - remove in sections 2010; close-out report received February 2012
Kittiwake SAL Export System

Close out report 		Venture North Sea Oil Limited - Kittiwake SAL Assembly 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 2009; close-out report received July 2012
Pipelines Pipeline - flexible flowline removed to shore for re-use 2009; close-out report received July 2012
MCP-01

Close out report 		Total E& P UK Limited - Manifold & Compression Platform Permit granted for the disposal in-situ of the concrete substructure; topsides to be removed to shore for re-use, recycling or disposal 2008; close-out report received March 2013
Kittiwake Loading Buoy Venture North Sea Oil Limited - Exposed Location Single Buoy Mooring System (ELSBM) Removals to shore for recycling or disposal 2008
Linnhe (PDF, 2.25MB, 66 pages) </p> Linnhe Close Out Report (PDF, 1000KB, 22 pages) Mobil North Sea LLC - Wellhead Protection Structure Removal to shore. Revision to approved decommissioning programme: completion of the removal of the Wellhead Protection Structure extended to 30 June 2010 2008; year of revised approval: 2010
Pipelines Decommissioned in situ; pipeline sections outside trenches removed to shore. Revision to approved decommissioning programme: completion of the abandonment of the pipelines extended to 30 June 2010 2008; year of revised approval: 2010
Indefatigable (Shell) (PDF, 11.6MB, 224 pages) </p> Close Out Report (PDF, 2.47MB, 64 pages) Shell U.K. Limited - 6 x fixed steel platforms Removal to shore 2007
Pipelines 2 x hose bundles removal to shore; 5 x infield + export decommissioned in situ 2007
NW Hutton: decommissioning programme (PDF, 14.9MB, 320 pages)
Close Out Report (PDF, 2.52MB, 32 pages) 		Amoco (U.K.) Exploration Company - now a subsidiary of BP plc - Large Steel Platform Footings to remain in place, steel topsides and jacket to top of footings to be removed to shore 2006
Pipelines Decommissioned in situ 2006
Ardmore British American Offshore Limited - Mobile Jack-Up Rig Re-use 2005
Ardmore Ugland Nordic Shipping AS - Single Anchor Loading Systems Re-use/removal to shore 2005
Pipelines Re-use 2005
Ardmore Acorn Oil & Gas Limited - Subsea equipment including guide frame Removal to shore 2005
Brent Shell - Brent Flare Removals to shore for recycling and disposal 2004
Beatrice Talisman Energy (UK) Limited - Fixed Steel Platforms Re-use 2004
Forbes and Gordon Infield Pipelines BHP Billiton - Infield Pipelines Decommission in situ - retrench any area of pipeline with less than 0.4m depth of cover 2003; close-out report received May 2005
Frigg TP1, QP & CDP1

Close out report 		Total E&P Norge AS - Treatment Platform 1 (TP1), Quarters Platform (QP) and Concrete Drilling Platform 1 (CDP1) 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 2003
Durward and Dauntless Amerada Hess - Pipelines Decommissioned in situ 2002
Hutton Kerr-McGee - Tension Leg Platform Re-use 2002; close-out report received July 2004
Pipelines 1 x removal to shore; 1 x decommissioned in situ (with future monitoring programme) 2002; close-out report received July 2004
Camelot CB ExxonMobil - Fixed Steel Platform Re-use or removal to shore for recycling. Revision to approved decommissioning option: removal to shore for dismantling and recycling 2001. Year of revised approval: 2002
Blenheim and Bladon Talisman - FPSO Re-use 2000
Pipelines Removal to shore 2000
Durward and Dauntless Amerada Hess - FPSO Re-use 2000
Subsea Facilities Removal to shore 2000
Maureen and Moira Phillips - Large Steel Gravity Platform Removal to shore for re-use or recycling 2000
Concrete Loading Column Removal to shore for re-use or recycling 2000
Pipelines 2 x removal to shore;1 x decommissioned in situ 2000
Brent Spar Shell - Oil Storage and Loading Facility Re-use as part of quay extension. Revision to approved decommissioning option: Brent Spar Anchor Blocks - removal to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal 1998 Year of revised approval: 2004
Donan BP - FPSO Re-use 1998
Fulmar SALM Shell - Single Anchor Leg Mooring Buoy Removal to shore 1998
16” Pipeline Decommissioned in situ 1998
Emerald MSR - FPSO Re-use 1996
Pipeline Decommissioned in situ 1996
Frigg FP Elf Norge TotalFinaElf Norge Flare Column Removal to shore 1996
Leman BK Shell - Fixed Steel Platform Removal to shore 1996
Staffa Lasmo - Pipelines Removal to shore 1996
Viking AC, AD, AP & FD Conoco - 4 x Fixed Steel Platform Removal to shore 1996
Esmond CP & CW BHP - 2 x Fixed Steel Platform Removal to shore 1995
Gordon BW BHP - Fixed Steel Platform Removal to shore 1995
Angus Amerada Hess - Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel Re-use 1993
Forbes AW Hamilton BHP Fixed Steel Platform Removal to shore 1993
Argyll, Duncan and Innes Hamilton BHP Floating Production, Facility (FPF) Removal to shore 1992
Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) Buoy Removal to shore 1992
Pipelines Removal to shore 1992
Blair Sun Oil AGIP Pipelines 1 x Re-use; 1 x Decommissioned in situ 1992
Crawford Hamilton Oil BHP Floating Production, Facility (FPF) Removal to shore 1991
Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) Buoy Removal to shore 1991
Subsea Facilities Removal to shore 1991
Piper Alpha Occidental Talisman Fixed Steel Platform Toppling 1988

Notification of disused pipelines

(the DPN form has been amended – July 2017)

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 Oil & Gas Authority and Operators are requested to contact Claire Grant on any queries that they may have relating to Legal Consents. Further Guidance can also be found on the Oil & Gas Authority website: https://www.ogauthority.co.uk/licensing-consents/consents/pipeline-works-authorisations/

Once the necessary legal consent has been issued by OGA, Consents & Authorisations Section, Operators are to email a completed Disused pipeline notification form (MS Word Document, 81.7KB) to The Offshore Decommissioning Unit, OPRED,BEIS.

If you are an Operator, aware of any out of use pipelines that have not been referred to the department, please submit a completed DPN 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.

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 streamlined decommissioning programme templates for derogation and non-derogation cases, Operators will therefore have a choice whether to submit a decommissioning programme in the existing format (see Annex C of the Guidance Notes ‘Format and Content’) or adopt the streamlined decommissioning programme template. Operators should discuss individual cases with OPRED.

A Streamlined Decommissioning Programme Template (Non-Derogation Cases) (PDF, 1.36MB, 33 pages) is available - (December 2015).

A Streamlined Decommissioning Programme Template (Derogation Cases) (PDF, 1.5MB, 36 pages) is also available (December 2015).

A word version of these templates can also be requested from OPRED. Please email The Offshore Decommissioning Unit 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, 308KB, 9 pages)

Published 23 January 2013
Last updated 15 August 2018 + show all updates
  1. Approval of Decommissioning Programme
  2. VDP2 and VDP3 consultation draft Decommissioning Programmes added
  3. Approval of Brent Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Topsides Decommissioning Programme
  4. Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Programme out to consultation
  5. Addition of a new decommissioning programme for consultation
  6. Tyne South and Guinevere Installation Decommissioning Programmes published for consultation
  7. Addition of Curlew DPs, CA and EIA for Public Consultation.
  8. Decommissioning Programme Approved
  9. Updated Offshore decommissioning guidance has been added
  10. Ann & Alison, Saturn (Annabel) and Audrey DPs have been approved
  11. Changed document to final version
  12. A decommissioning programme has been approved
  13. Approved Markham DP
  14. Bains Documents Added
  15. Updated Environmental Guidance on Decommissioning
  16. Jacky DP Consultation
  17. Draft Consultation Decommissioning Programme uploaded
  18. Updated guidance for Offshore Decommissioning on website for feedback
  19. Addition of approved DPs
  20. Approved DPs added
  21. Saturn Annabel, Audrey and LDP1 Programmes for public consultation
  22. DPN form corrected
  23. generic email address added and DPN form updated (with generic email address)
  24. Ann and Alison DP's and associated documents added for public consultation
  25. Fairfield Fagus Limited's Dunlin Fuel Gas Import and Power Import, Merlin and Osprey Decommissioning Documents uploaded
  26. Brae Area DPs and associated documents available for consultation
  27. Harding STL Close Out Report added
  28. Disused Pipeline Notification Form revised - 03 May 17
  29. Leman BH Decommissioning Programme approved
  30. Approval of Ettrick and Blackbird DP
  31. Ninian North Platform documents published for public consultation A4 Programme approved
  32. Brent Decommissioning Programmes published for consultation
  33. IVRR Close Out Report added
  34. Ann A4 Installation Decommissioning Programme added for consultation
  35. Approved Decommissioning Programmes added
  36. Atlantic and Cromarty Draft Decommissioning Programmes Consultation
  37. references of DECC amended to BEIS (including DPN form)
  38. Janice, James & Affleck Fields - Draft programmes under consideration (added)
  39. Markham ST-1 Decommissioning Programmes - (added)
  40. Oil & Gas: Update Notification of Disused Pipelines
  41. Oil & Gas: Update Table of draft decommissioning programmes under consideration.
  42. Leadon Decommissioning Programmes - (added)
  43. Notification of Disused Pipelines form - (updated)
  44. Harding STL approved decommissioning programme - (added)
  45. Thames Area - Horne & Wren, Orwell and Wissey approved decommissioning programmes - (added)
  46. Fife, Flora, Fergus, Angus: decommissioning programme FFFA Close Out Report - (added)
  47. Thames Area – Thames Complex, Gawain & Arthur - Approved decommissioning programmes - (added)
  48. Viking Satellites CD,DD,ED,GD,HD draft decommissioning programmes under consideration - (added)
  49. Oil and Gas: Updated document for Harding STL Decommissioning Programme
  50. Oil and Gas: Updated “Table of approved decommissioning programmes” table.
  51. Leman BH draft decommissioning programme - (added)
  52. Oil and Gas: Addition of Brent field to approved decommissioning programme
  53. Oil and gas: Rose approved decommissioning programme - (added)
  54. Decommissioning - Leadon draft programme, follow up consultation - (added)
  55. Oil and gas: Stamford decommissioning programme - (added)
  56. Oil and gas: Rose Field decommissioning programmes - (added)
  57. Oil and gas: Brent – Brent Delta Topside draft decommissioning programme - (added)
  58. Oil and Gas: Addition of Stamford Field to decommissioning programmes table
  59. Oil and Gas: Updated the disused pipeline notification form
  60. Oil and gas: Decommissioning - Streamlined Decommissioning Programme Template (Derogation Cases) - (added)
  61. Oil and gas: NW Hutton close out report - (added)
  62. Oil and gas: Decommissioning draft prgrams - Thames - (added)
  63. Oil and gas: Indefatigable (Shell) close out report - (added)
  64. Oil and gas: Streamlined Decommissioning Programme Template (Non-Derogation Cases) - (updated)
  65. Oil and gas: Murchison approved decommissioning programme - (added)
  66. Oil and gas: Rubie & Renee - Approved decommissioning programme - (added)
  67. Oil and gas: Decommisiioning Linhe close out report - (added)
  68. Oil and gas: Streamlined Decommissioning Programme Template (Non Derogation Cases) - updated
  69. Oil and gas: Leadon Draft Decommissioning Programme - added
  70. Oil and gas: Miller decommissioning programme - (added)
  71. Oil and gas: Rubie/Renee Draft Decommissioning Programme - (added)
  72. Camelot close out report - added
  73. Added Murchison draft decommissioning programme
  74. Added streamlined decommissioning programme template
  75. Re-created table, added H2's and anchors
  76. First published.
Contents