Decommissioning Topic Strategy

This study was established to assist with development of a Topic Strategy on Decommissioning of Offshore Installations.

The study begins by highlighting the key issues relating to abandonment of offshore installations and identifying knowledge gaps.

A review is included of the likely decommissioning schedule for all UK sector North Sea installations together with their classification and the weight and water depth of the largest structures affected by the OSPAR decision.

The abandonment process is described as a framework for considering safety management and technical issues related to decommissioning.

Previous HSE research is reviewed and new issues are identified as a result of recent experience and the changing regulatory requirements.