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 fields economic life and the 1998 Act requires owners to set out the measures to decommission disused installations andor 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 oduenergysecurity.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 oduenergysecurity.gov.uk. Draft decommissioning programmes under consideration
Decommissioning Programme Operator Main Points of DP Documents
GPIII FPSO Sailaway and Disconnection of Risers and Pipelines NEO Energy Production UK Limited Full removal of the FPSO, flexible risers, dynamic umbilical and the associated riser buoyancy modules. Partial recovery of mooring chains.
GPIII FPSO Sailaway Disconnection of Risers and Pipelines DPPDF,4.46 MB,57 pages
Trent Topsides and Risers Perenco UK Limited Topside and risers to be removed to shore for reuse, recycling or disposal Trent Topsides and Risers DPPDF,1.4 MB,42 pages
Gannet A Mast DP Shell U.K. Limited Full removal of Gannet A Mast Gannet A Mast DPPDF,2.24 MB,33 pages
Tyne Field Pipelines Perenco UK Limited Trenched and buried pipelines and associated protectionstabilisation features to be left in situ. Tyne Pipelines DPPDF,2.39 MB,49 pagesTyne Pipelines EAPDF,7.01 MB,142 pagesTyne Pipelines CAPDF,2.46 MB,65 pages
Stella FPF-1, Moorings and Riser Systems Ithaca Energy UK Limited Stella FPF-1 Floating Production Facility, mooring systems, risers, and all pipeline structures within the FPF-1 500m safety zone will be recovered to shore for re-use or recycling. Mooring piles will be fully recovered to -3m below seabed. Mooring lines will be cut -1m below the seabed and recovered. Stella FPF-1 DPPDF,6.77 MB,67 pagesStella FPF-1 Mooring Lines CAPDF,1.7 MB,26 pages
Ninian Southern Topsides, Upper Jacket and Associated Riser Sections CNR International U.K. Limited Full removal of Topsides. The Upper Jacket and Riser Sections will be cut between 77m and 87m below LAT. The Topsides, Upper Jacket and associated Risers will be returned to shore for re-use or recycling. Ninian Southern Topsides, Upper Jacket and Associated RisersPDF,6.78 MB,67 pages
Cladhan Subsea Facilities Taqa Bratani Limited Subsea installations, surface laid pipelines and umbilicals to be recovered to shore for re-use or recycling. Buried pipelines to be left in situ. Protectionstabilisation features will be recovered to shore. Cladhan DPPDF,1.32 MB,45 pagesTern Subsea EAPDF,6.79 MB,196 pagesTern Subsea CAPDF,11.8 MB,255 pages
Hudson Subsea Facilities Taqa Bratani Limited Subsea installations, surface laid pipelines and umbilicals to be recovered to shore for re-use or recycling. Buried pipelines to be left in situ. Protectionstabilisation features will be recovered to shore. Hudson DPPDF,1.81 MB,60 pagesTern Subsea EAPDF,6.79 MB,196 pagesTern Subsea CAPDF,11.8 MB,255 pages
Kestrel and Falcon Subsea Facilities Taqa Bratani Limited Subsea installations, surface laid pipelines and umbilicals to be recovered to shore for re-use or recycling. Buried pipelines to be left in situ. Protectionstabilisation features will be recovered to shore. Kestrel_Falcon DPPDF,1.41 MB,52 pagesTern Subsea EAPDF,6.79 MB,196 pagesTern Subsea CAPDF,11.8 MB,255 pages
Nelson Derrick Decommissioning Programme Enterprise Oil Limited Full removal of Nelson Derrick Nelson Derrick DPPDF,1.94 MB,32 pages
Amethyst Jackets and Risers Perenco UK Limited Jackets and risers to be removed for onshore disposal and recycling Amethyst Jackets and Risers DPPDF,1.32 MB,43 pagesAmethyst Jacket s and Risers EAPDF,5.81 MB,113 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 EAPDF,4.12 MB,38 pages
Alba Floating Storage Unit, Moorings and Riser Systems Ithaca Oil and Gas Limited Floating Storage Unit, Moorings and Riser Systems to be removed. Alba FSU DP EAPDF,2.02 MB,37 pagesAlba FSU CAPDF,1.78 MB,27 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 - DPPDF,3.98 MB,50 pagesTern Upper Jacket - EAPDF,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 - DPPDF,3.52 MB,48 pagesNorth Cormorant Upper Jacket - EAPDF,8.05 MB,102 pages
Gannet Wells Shell U.K. Limited Full removal of GB01S1 and GF01S1 XTs and wellheads Gannet Wells GB01S1 and GF01S1 DPPDF,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 DPPDF,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 andor buried pipelines, pipelines in open trenches and stabilisation features within trenches and below seabed will be left in situ. Trees DPPDF,2.63 MB,63 pagesTrees EAPDF,8.33 MB,103 pagesTrees CAPDF,2.77 MB,50 pages
Gryphon Alpha FPSO and Riser Disconnection Decommissioning Programmes TotalEnergies EP North Sea UK Limited Full removal of the FPSO, flexible risers, dynamic umbilicals and associated MWAs buoyant elements only, mooring lines and anchors. Gryphon Alpha FPSO DPPDF,1.28 MB,42 pages
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. Protectionstabilisation features will be recovered to shore. EIS DPPDF,6.96 MB,78 pagesEIS CAPDF,11.7 MB,115 pagesEIS EAPDF,7.53 MB,157 pages
Dunlin Alpha Fairfield Betula Limited Decommissioning in situ of Dunlin Alpha concrete gravity based structure and storage cells. Dunlin Alpha Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,6.5 MB,77 pagesDunlin Alpha Decommissioning Comparative Assessment ReportPDF,3.66 MB,133 pagesDunlin Alpha Decommissioning Environmental AppraisalPDF,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 ProgrammesPDF,15.3 MB,120 pagesBrae A etc, Environmental Statement Main ReportPDF,14.6 MB,80 pagesBrae A etc. Environmental Statement - Technical AppendicesPDF,13.3 MB,96 pagesBrae A Substructure Comparative AssessmentPDF,1.7 MB,30 pagesBrae B Substructure Comparative AssessmentPDF,1.59 MB,30 pagesBrae Area Subsea Assets Comparative AssessmentPDF,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 ProgrammePDF,12 MB,322 pagesBrent ESPDF,12.5 MB,475 pagesBrent EIAPDF,5.05 MB,429 pagesBrent ES AppendixPDF,2.52 MB,45 pagesA suite of detailed Technical Documents which support the Decommissioning Programmes documents are available on theShell Website
Atlantic and Cromarty BG Global Energy Limited and Hess Limited Manifold andWHPSto be removed for recyclingdisposal.
Partial removal of pipelines and remaining section of buriedtrenched pipelines to remain in situ. Atlantic Cromarty Decommissioning ProgrammesPDF,1.76 MB,50 pagesAtlantic Cromarty Stakeholder ReportPDF,1.11 MB,32 pagesAtlantic Cromarty Environmental Impact AssessmentPDF,4.5 MB,109 pagesAtlantic Cromarty Comparative AssessmentPDF,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
Davy North and Davy East Subsea Installations DPPDF,2.05 MB,45 pagesDavy North and Davy East Subsea Installations EAPDF,6.62 MB,109 pagesJuly 2025 Perenco UK Limited - - -
Thistle Pipelines SALM Base DPPDF,7.87 MB,67 pagesCombined Thistle Don Pipelines CAPDF,9.03 MB,123 pagesCombined Thistle Don Pipelines EAPDF,6.76 MB,152 pagesJuly 2025 EnQuest Heather Limited - - -
Thistle Upper Jacket and Associated Risers DPPDF,4.96 MB,70 pagesJuly 2025 EnQuest Heather Limited - - -
Burghley DPPDF,1.74 MB,55 pagesBeauly and Burghley CAPDF,3.08 MB,74 pagesBeauly and Burghley EAPDF,20 MB,99 pagesJune 2025 Repsol North Sea Limited - - -
Beauly DPPDF,1.85 MB,49 pagesBeauly and Burghley CAPDF,3.08 MB,74 pagesBeauly and Burghley EAPDF,20 MB,99 pagesJune 2025 Repsol North Sea Limited - - -
Galahad DPPDF,1.71 MB,49 pagesGalahad EAPDF,3.35 MB,71 pagesJune 2025 Perenco Gas UK Limited - - -
Seven Seas WHPS DPPDF,1.59 MB,31 pagesJune 2025 Spirit Energy Resources Limited - - -
Don Pipelines in Thistle 500m Safety Zone DPPDF,4.09 MB,45 pagesFinal EAPDF,6.76 MB,152 pagesDon Comparative AssessmentPDF,8.88 MB,123 pagesMay 2025 Britoil Limited - - -
Wingate DPPDF,6.27 MB,59 pagesWingate EAPDF,28.9 MB,107 pagesWingate CAPDF,4.17 MB,42 pagesWingate Pipeline SurveyPDF,1.33 MB,10 pagesMay 2025 Wintershall Noordzee B.V. - - -
LBA DPMS Word Document,6.49 MBLBA CAMS Word Document,4.97 MBLBA EAMS Word Document,18.1 MBMay 2025 Eni UK Limited - - -
Kilmar DPPDF,5.35 MB,54 pagesKilmar CAPDF,5.2 MB,43 pagesKilmar EAPDF,8.66 MB,110 pagesMay 2025 Energean UK Ltd - 1. Change of parties to the approved Programmes June 2025 -
Garrow DP.PDF,6.64 MB,53 pagesGarrow CA.PDF,3.35 MB,36 pagesGarrow EA.PDF,8.07 MB,105 pagesApril 2025 Energean UK Ltd - 1.
Change of parties to the approved Programmes May 2025 -
Eider DPPDF,5.29 MB,52 pagesEider EAPDF,8.17 MB,99 pagesMarch 2025 TAQA Bratani Limited - - -
Solan DPPDF,8.36 MB,87 pagesSolan CAPDF,6.19 MB,65 pagesSolan EAPDF,6.97 MB,133 pagesMarch 2025 Premier Oil UK Limited - - -
Otter Hatches DPPDF,2.07 MB,38 pagesJanuary 2025 TAQA Bratani Limited - - -
Guinevere Pipelines DPPDF,3.72 MB,47 pagesGuinevere Pipelines EAPDF,4.3 MB,103 pagesGuinevere Pipelines CAPDF,2.71 MB,63 pagesOctober 2024 Perenco Gas UK Limited - - -
Durango DPPDF,1.35 MB,38 pagesDurango EAPDF,3.77 MB,82 pagesSeptember 2024 Perenco North Sea Limited - - -
East Brae Upper JacketPDF,1.96 MB,50 pagesJuly 2024 TAQA Bratani Limited - 1. Change of parties to the approved Programmes October 2024 -
Knarr Gas Pipeline KGP Final DPPDF,2.49 MB,56 pagesKnarr Gas Pipeline KGP Final CAPDF,1.83 MB,48 pagesKnarr Gas Pipeline KGP Final EAPDF,3.12 MB,74 pagesMay 2024 Gassco AS - - Knarr Gas Pipeline Close Out ReportPDF,877 KB,12 pagesJuly 2025
Rochelle WHPS and Jumper DPsPDF,2.87 MB,41 pagesMay 2024 CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited - - -
Leman 27H 27J Topsides DPPDF,3.36 MB,80 pagesApril 2024 Perenco UK Limited - - -
Trees Protection Cages Birch, Larch and Sycamore DPPDF,2.59 MB,38 pagesFebruary 2024 Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited - - -
Leman F G DPPDF,9.92 MB,86 pagesLeman F G CAPDF,9.5 MB,63 pagesLeman F G EAPDF,15.1 MB,165 pagesJanuary 2024 Shell U.K. Limited - - -
Helvellyn CAPDF,9.84 MB,46 pagesHelvellyn EAPDF,7.37 MB,101 pagesHelvellyn DPPDF,4.75 MB,44 pagesJanuary 2024 Waldorf Petroleum Resources Limited - - -
Western Isles Subsea Final DPPDF,9.34 MB,75 pagesWestern Isles Subsea EA FinalPDF,7.1 MB,141 pagesWestern Isles Subsea CA FinalPDF,5.49 MB,74 pagesOctober 2023 Dana Petroleum EP Limited - 1. Change of parties to the approved Programme September 2024 -
DevenickPDF,2.24 MB,54 pagesDevenick CAPDF,2.02 MB,58 pagesDevenick EAPDF,6.14 MB,127 pagesOctober 2023 Taqa Bratani Limited - - -
Western Isles FPSO DPPDF,5.78 MB,65 pagesSeptember 2023 Dana Petroleum EP Limited - 1. Change of parties to the approved Programme September 2024 -
Heather Pipelines DPPDF,4.22 MB,56 pagesHeather Pipelines CAPDF,5.35 MB,72 pagesHeather Pipelines EAPDF,6.78 MB,117 pagesSeptember 2023 EnQuest Heather Limited - - -
Brent PLU6294 DPPDF,1.08 MB,37 pagesSeptember 2023 Shell U.K. Limited - - -
Chestnut Phase 2 DPPDF,5.6 MB,57 pagesChestnut Phase 2 EAPDF,7.97 MB,104 pagesChestnut Phase 2 CAPDF,4.42 MB,67 pagesJune 2023 Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited - - -
Heather Upper Jacket DPPDF,3.24 MB,41 pagesMarch 2023 EnQuest Heather Limited - - -
Saltire A Topsides and Saltire Area Subsea Infrastructure DPsPDF,7.37 MB,69 pagesSaltire EAPDF,7.09 MB,109 pagesSaltire CAPDF,4.61 MB,111 pagesDecember 2022 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - - -
Causeway Fionn DPPDF,4.56 MB,64 pagesCauseway Fionn EAPDF,6.78 MB,94 pagesCauseway Fionn CAPDF,2.03 MB,41 pagesDecember 2022 Ithaca Energy UK Limited - - -
Johnston DPPDF,2.18 MB,43 pagesJohnston EAPDF,5.25 MB,121 pagesJohnston CAPDF,1.64 MB,62 pagesDecember 2022 Premier Oil EP UK EU Limited - - -
Duart DPPDF,11.2 MB,55 pagesTartan Subsea EAPDF,36.4 MB,137 pagesTartan Subsea CAPDF,5.5 MB,135 pagesNovember 2022 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - - -
Tartan N Terrace TNT Tartan Satellite TS Subsea DPsPDF,4.07 MB,72 pagesTartan Subsea EAPDF,36.4 MB,137 pagesTartan Subsea CAPDF,5.5 MB,135 pagesNovember 2022 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - - -
Tartan Topsides DPPDF,8.28 MB,46 pagesTartan Subsea EAPDF,36.4 MB,137 pagesNovember 2022 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - - -
Lancaster Field Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel FPSO Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,2.51 MB,37 pagesNovember 2022 Hurricane Energy PLC - - -
Hewett Area Subsea Installations DPPDF,4.45 MB,54 pagesHewett Area Subsea Installations EAPDF,14.8 MB,150 pagesNovember 2022 Eni UK Limited - 1. Include mattresses and grout bags into the DP February 2025 -
Scoter and Merganser DPPDF,4.63 MB,92 pagesScoter and Merganser CAPDF,1.94 MB,47 pagesScoter and Merganser EAPDF,6.4 MB,130 pagesSeptember 2022 Shell UK Limited - - -
Sean DPPDF,5.05 MB,64 pagesSean CAPDF,2.8 MB,110 pagesSean EAPDF,9.44 MB,171 pagesAugust 2022 ONE-Dyas UK Limited - - -
Caister CDP1bPDF,5.96 MB,56 pagesCMS Area EAPDF,10.4 MB,171 pagesCMS Area CAPDF,13.5 MB,145 pagesJuly 2022 Chrysaor Production U.K. Limited - - -
Caister-Murdoch System CDP2PDF,15.7 MB,131 pagesCMS Area EAPDF,10.4 MB,171 pagesCMS Area CAPDF,13.5 MB,145 pagesJuly 2022 Chrysaor Production U.K. Limited - - -
Murdoch CDP3PDF,8.53 MB,83 pagesCMS Area EAPDF,10.4 MB,171 pagesCMS Area CAPDF,13.5 MB,145 pagesJuly 2022 Chrysaor Production U.K. Limited - - -
Brae Bravo Upper Jacket Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,1.76 MB,41 pagesJune 2022 TAQA Bratani Limited - - -
LOGGS Saturn Satellites LDP2PDF,20 MB,90 pagesLOGGS LDP2 - LDP5 Comparative AssessmentPDF,3.21 MB,203 pagesLOGGS LDP2 - LDP5 EAPDF,7.5 MB,181 pagesJune 2022 Chrysaor Production U.K. Limited - - -
Foinaven FPSO Offstation DPPDF,3.76 MB,60 pagesMay 2022 Britoil Limited - - -
LOGGS V-Fields LDP4PDF,20.8 MB,83 pagesLOGGS LDP2 - LDP5 Comparative AssessmentPDF,3.21 MB,203 pagesLOGGS LDP2 - LDP5 EAPDF,7.5 MB,181 pagesApril 2022 Chrysaor Production U.K. Limited - - -
Hummingbird Spirit FPSO Sail away and Chestnut Riser DisconnectionPDF,2.96 MB,47 pagesMarch 2022 Spirit Energy North Sea Oil Limited - - Hummingbird Spirit FPSO and Riser Disconnect Close Out ReportPDF,4.25 MB,39 pagesJuly 2025
Victoria DPPDF,2.54 MB,42 pagesVictoria CAPDF,1.81 MB,48 pagesVictoria EAPDF,18.4 MB,158 pagesApril 2022 NEO Energy SNS Limited - - -
Wenlock DPPDF,4.72 MB,51 pagesWenlock CAPDF,3.84 MB,44 pagesWenlock EAPDF,6.74 MB,119 pagesFebruary 2022 Alpha Petroleum Resources Limited Energean UK Ltd - -
Cormorant Alpha Topsides DPPDF,3.91 MB,81 pagesCormorant Alpha Topsides EAPDF,8.21 MB,117 pagesFebruary 2022 TAQA Bratani Limited - - -
Caledonia Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,3.1 MB,50 pagesCaledonia Comparative AssessmentPDF,2.04 MB,64 pagesCaledonia Environmental AssessmentPDF,5.56 MB,113 pagesFebruary 2022 Premier Oil UK Limited - - -
Thistle Topsides Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,3.11 MB,38 pagesDecember 2021 EnQuest Heather Limited - - -
Indefatigable 18A Topsides DPPDF,1.29 MB,50 pagesDecember 2021 Perenco UK Limited - - -
Banff and Kyle Decommissioning ProgrammesPDF,3.23 MB,71 pagesBanff and Kyle Environmental AppraisalPDF,7.07 MB,114 pagesBanff and Kyle Comparative AssessmentPDF,2.75 MB,106 pagesNovember 2021 CNR International U.K.
Limited - - -
Ensign installation DPPDF,2.52 MB,37 pagesEnsign Pipelines DPPDF,1.99 MB,42 pagesEnsign CAPDF,1.67 MB,48 pagesEnsign EAPDF,9.45 MB,134 pagesAugust 2021 Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - - -
Conrie, Don SW, W Don and Ythan Decommissioning ProgrammesPDF,7.29 MB,88 pagesDon SW and W Don Comparative AssessmentPDF,5.33 MB,76 pagesConrie, Don SW, W Don and Ythan Environmental AppraisalPDF,8.07 MB,132 pagesAugust 2021 EnQuest Heather Limited - - -
Fulmar and Auk North Topsides, Subsea Facilities and Pipelines Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,3.83 MB,78 pagesFulmar and Auk North Subsea Infrastructure and Pipelines Comparative AssessmentPDF,4.63 MB,144 pagesFulmar Auk North Environmental AppraisalPDF,5.17 MB,114 pagesJuly 2021 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - - -
Heather Topsides Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,4.07 MB,43 pagesJuly 2021 EnQuest Heather Limited - - -
Kingfisher Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,2.95 MB,76 pagesKingfisher CAPDF,2.19 MB,51 pagesKingfisher EAPDF,3.48 MB,119 pagesJune 2021 Shell U.K. Limited - 1. Change of parties to the approved Programme August 2021 2. Schedule Extension to 31122027 and further change to parties to the approved Programme February 2025 -
Gaupe Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,1.86 MB,47 pagesGaupe CAPDF,1.32 MB,51 pagesGaupe EAPDF,5.77 MB,113 pagesMay 2021 AS 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 ProgrammePDF,7.71 MB,53 pagesPL301 Heimdal to Brae Pipeline Comparative AssessmentPDF,6.77 MB,55 pagesPL301 Heimdal to Brae Environmental AppraisalPDF,9.64 MB,114 pagesApril 2021 Equinor Energy AS - - -
Hunter Rita Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,2.1 MB,44 pagesHunter Rita CAPDF,1.99 MB,79 pagesHunter Rita EAPDF,4.96 MB,131 pagesApril 2021 Premier Oil EP UK Limited - - -
LOGGS PR, LOGGS PC, LOGGS PP, LOGGS PA, North Valiant PD, Associated Pipelines LDP5PDF,12.2 MB,99 pages Chrysaor Production U.K. Limited April 2021 - - -
Windermere DPPDF,1.95 MB,41 pagesWindermere CAPDF,802 KB,34 pagesWindermere ESPDF,7.86 MB,231 pagesMarch 2021 INEOS UK SNS Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122025 Change to decom solution for covering pipeline ends to use rock rather than backfill January 2024 -
Hewett Installation DPPDF,5.76 MB,69 pagesHewett EAPDF,16.9 MB,134 pagesMarch 2021 ENI Hewett Limited - -
Buchan Hannay Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,3.33 MB,57 pagesBuchan Hannay CAPDF,3.83 MB,91 pagesBuchan Hannay EAPDF,8.29 MB,115 pagesMarch 2021 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - - -
Huntington Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,2.52 MB,41 pagesHuntington CAPDF,1.86 MB,62 pagesHuntington EAPDF,5.01 MB,127 pagesMarch 2021 Premier Oil EP UK Limited - - -
Northern Producer FPF and Don SW W Don riser disconnectionPDF,4.89 MB,58 pagesMarch 2021 Submitted jointly by Qualimar Shipping Company Limited and EnQuest Heather Limited - - Northern Producer Close Out ReportPDF,5.79 MB,45 pagesJuly2024
Balmoral Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,4.27 MB,65 pagesBalmoral Area CAPDF,2.56 MB,116 pagesBalmoral Area EAPDF,8.03 MB,196 pagesFebruary 2021 Premier Oil EP UK Limited - - -
Brenda Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,1.76 MB,47 pagesFebruary 2021 Premier Oil EP UK Limited - - -
Glamis Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,2.53 MB,46 pagesFebruary 2021 Premier Oil EP UK Limited - - -
Nicol Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,1.68 MB,45 pagesFebruary 2021 Premier Oil EP UK Limited - - -
Stirling Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,3.13 MB,44 pagesFebruary 2021 Premier Oil EP UK Limited - - -
Topaz Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,2.21 MB,31 pagesTopaz CAPDF,504 KB,15 pagesTopaz EAPDF,1.22 MB,37 pagesFebruary 2021 INEOS UK SNS Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122025 Change to decom solution for covering pipeline ends to use rock rather than backfill January 2024 -
North Cormorant DPPDF,2.56 MB,50 pagesNorth Cormorant EAPDF,7.26 MB,93 pagesNovember 2020 TAQA Bratani Limited - - -
Tern Topsides - Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,2.84 MB,52 pagesTern Topsides EAPDF,7.03 MB,91 pagesNovember 2020 TAQA Bratani Limited - - -
Fulmar Auk North Preparation Work Scopes Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,1.53 MB,35 pagesNovember 2020 Repsol Sinopec North Sea Limited - - -
East Brae Topsides and Braemar Decommissioning ProgrammesPDF,3.88 MB,62 pagesSeptember 2020 RockRose UKCS8 LLC TAQA Bratani Limited - -
Brent Alpha JacketPDF,2.82 MB,101 pagesJuly 2020 Shell U.K. Limited - - -
Amethyst A1D, A2D, B1D C1D TopsidesPDF,2.42 MB,43 pagesJuly 2020 Perenco UK Limited - - -
Anglia Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,2.18 MB,61 pagesAnglia CAPDF,3.74 MB,49 pagesAnglia EAPDF,5.83 MB,120 pagesJune 2020 Ithaca Energy UK Limited - - -
Brynhild PipelinesPDF,1.98 MB,50 pagesJune 2020 Lundin Energy Norway AS Aker BP ASA - Brynhild Pipelines Close Out ReportPDF,2.86 MB,25 pagesMarch 2024
Cormorant Alpha Derrick Structure RemovalPDF,4.28 MB,57 pagesJune 2020 TAQA Bratani Limited - - Cormorant Alpha Derrick Structure Removal Close Out ReportPDF,5.17 MB,38 pagesDecember 2023
CavendishPDF,2.4 MB,40 pagesJune 2020 INEOS UK SNS Limited - 1.
Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122026 August 2023 -
Viking Platforms, Vixen and associated Pipelines VDP2PDF,33.3 MB,84 pagesJanuary 2019 ConocoPhillips U.K. Limited - - -
Victor VDP3PDF,21.1 MB,55 pagesJanuary 2019 ConocoPhillips U.K. Limited - - -
Tyne South InstallationsPDF,1.83 MB,42 pagesJanuary 2019 Perenco UK Limited - - -
Guinevere InstallationPDF,2.05 MB,43 pagesJanuary 2019 Perenco UK Limited - - -
Beatrice Decommissioning ProgrammesPDF,4.45 MB,88 pagesJanuary 2019 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Limited - 1. Terminate agreement for Beatrice AD, AP, B C reuse July 2019 -
Bains Decommissioning ProgrammesPDF,2.57 MB,36 pagesJanuary 2019 Spirit Energy Production UK Limited - - -
JackyPDF,2.34 MB,52 pagesOctober 2018 Ithaca Energy UK Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122024 and change to decom solution August 2023 2. Schedule Extension to 31122030. December 2024 -
Brae Bravo Topsides, Flare Bridge, Flare Tower and Flare Jacket and SubstructurePDF,4.9 MB,52 pagesAugust 2018 Marathon Oil UK LLC TAQA Bratani Limited - Brae Bravo Topsides Close Out ReportPDF,3.29 MB,36 pagesJanuary 2024
Brent Alpha, Bravo and Charlie TopsidesPDF,3.34 MB,81 pagesAugust 2018 Shell U.K. Limited - - -
Stirling A33 WHPS Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,1.13 MB,27 pagesMay 2018 Premier Oil EP UK Limited - - Stirling WHPS Close Out ReportPDF,2.57 MB,15 pagesFebruary 2019
Ann and AlisonPDF,2.98 MB,60 pagesApril 2018 Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - - -
Saturn AnnabelPDF,2.49 MB,47 pagesApril 2018 Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - - -
AudreyPDF,2.87 MB,58 pagesApril 2018 Spirit Energy North Sea Limited - - -
Rev Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,12 MB,42 pagesApril 2018 Repsol Norge AS - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122023 November 2019. 2. Schedule Extension to 31122027 February 2023 -
Markham ST-1PDF,2.39 MB,49 pagesFebruary 2018 Centrica Production Nederland B.V. Spirit Energy Nederland B.V. - Markham ST-1 Close Out ReportPDF,6.19 MB,68 pagesJuly 2021
OspreyPDF,3.92 MB,68 pagesDecember 2017 Fairfield Fagus Limited - - Osprey Close Out ReportPDF,1.71 MB,34 pagesJanuary 2021
MerlinPDF,2.97 MB,56 pagesDecember 2017 Fairfield Fagus Limited - - Merlin Close Out ReportPDF,1.47 MB,27 pagesJanuary 2021
Dunlin Fuel Gas Import DFGI and Dunlin Power Import DPIPDF,3.48 MB,54 pagesDecember 2017 Fairfield Fagus Limited - - DFGIDPI Close Out ReportPDF,2.19 MB,30 pagesJanuary 2021
Viking Satellites CD, DD, ED, GD, HD PipelinesPDF,6.77 MB,32 pagesNovember 2017 ConocoPhillips U.K. Limited - - -
LOGGS Satellites Vulcan UR, Viscount VO, Vampire OD - LDP1PDF,17.5 MB,61 pagesNovember 2017 ConocoPhillips U.K.
Limited - - -
Leman BH Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,4.66 MB,46 pagesApril 2017 Shell U.K. Limited - - Leman BH Close Out ReportPDF,1.71 MB,25 pagesMarch 2019
Ettrick and BlackbirdPDF,2.1 MB,62 pagesMarch 2017 Nexen Petroleum U.K Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122023 July 2020 2. Schedule Extension to 31122025 Ettrick Inst only December 2022 -
Ann A4 Decommissioning ProgrammePDF,1.37 MB,29 pagesFebruary 2017 Centrica North Sea Limited - - -
Janice James AffleckPDF,3.8 MB,115 pagesSeptember 2016 Maersk Oil UK Limited - 1. Change of parties to the approved Programmes Affleck PLs only December 2021 -
Athena Decommissioning ProgrammesPDF,3.88 MB,70 pagesSeptember 2016 Ithaca Energy UK Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122023 and change of parties to the approved Programmes January 2021 -
Viking PlatformsPDF,3.53 MB,40 pagesSeptember 2016 ConocoPhillips U.K. Limited - - -
LeadonPDF,1.71 MB,53 pagesMarch 2016 Maersk Oil North Sea UK Limited TotalEnergies EP UK Limited - Leadon Close Out ReportPDF,7.78 MB,31 pagesFebruary 2023
Harding STLPDF,2.61 MB,73 pagesDecember 2015 TAQA Bratani Limited - - Harding STL Close-Out ReportPDF,1.62 MB,26 pagesJune 2017
Thames Area Horne WrenPDF,1.57 MB,48 pagesNovember 2015 Tullow Oil SK Limited - - -
Thames Area OrwellPDF,828 KB,42 pagesNovember 2015 Tullow Oil SK Limited - - -
Thames Area WisseyPDF,1.26 MB,43 pagesNovember 2015 Tullow Oil SK Limited - - -
Thames Area Thames ComplexPDF,15.9 MB,76 pagesOctober 2015 Perenco UK Limited - 1. Removal of pipeline from the programme March 2018 2. Schedule Extension to 31122023 March 2019 3. Schedule Extension to 31122024 and Change in decom solution of mats to leave in situ. -
Thames Area GawainPDF,3.8 MB,47 pagesOctober 2015 Perenco UK Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122022 March 2019 2. Schedule Extension to 31122024 September 2022 -
Thames Area ArthurPDF,4.41 MB,46 pagesOctober 2015 Perenco UK Limited - 1. Schedule Extension to 31122022 March 2019 2. Schedule Extension to 31122024 March 2022 3.
Change of parties to the approved Programme August 2016 -
LinnhePDF,2.25 MB,66 pagesJuly 2008 Mobil North Sea LLC - - Linnhe Close Out ReportPDF,1000 KB,22 pagesNovember 2013
Indefatigable ShellPDF,11.6 MB,224 pagesMay 2007 Shell UK Limited - - Close Out ReportPDF,2.47 MB,64 pagesDecember 2014
NW Hutton decommissioning programmePDF,14.9 MB,320 pagesFebruary 2006 Amoco U.K. Exploration Company - now a subsidiary of BP plc - - Close Out ReportPDF,2.52 MB,32 pagesOctober 2014
Ardmore 2005 British American Offshore Limited - - -
Ardmore 2005 Ugland Nordic Shipping AS - - -
Ardmore 2005 Acorn Oil Gas Limited - - -
Brent Flare DPPDF,2.93 MB,122 pages2004 Shell - - Brent Flare Close out ReportPDF,2.7 MB,31 pagesMay 2025
Beatrice 2004 Talisman Energy UK Limited - - -
Forbes and Gordon 2003 BHP Billiton - - May 2005
Frigg DPPDF,10 MB,450 pagesMay 2003 Total EP Norge AS - - Frigg close out reportPDF,3.46 MB,62 pagesMay 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 fields life, pipelinessections 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 fields life. If a formal decommissioning programme is not immediately deemed suitable, details of the out of use pipelines will be circulated to other government departments for comment. Following this, OPRED will decide one of the following
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 pipelinessections 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 consentsnstauthority.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 oduenergysecurity.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 oduenergysecurity.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 983 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. Operators should discuss all individual cases with OPRED who will advise of the appropriate template. A
Standard Decommissioning Programme Template Non-Derogation Cases PDF, 608 KB, 33 pages is available - March 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 oduenergysecurity.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