Economic Aspects of Prospective Decommissioning Activity in the UKCS to 2030

As the UKCS is now considered to be relatively mature decommissioning issues are becoming more important. Decommissioning is set to become an increasingly important part of the exploration, development and production cycle of the UKCS. The activity first started in the UKCS after the 1998 Piper Alpha disaster with the toppling of the Piper Alpha Fixed Steel Platform. A number of installations have been decommissioned since then. Other than the toppling of the Piper Alpha Fixed Steel Platform, most structures have been, or will be, removed to shore for disposal, recycling or re-use. Some 13 platforms have to date been decommissioned and 3 Frigg UK platforms are to be removed in 2007. Seven pipelines have been decommissioned and left in place. One has been re-used and 6 others have been brought to shore. Two FPFs have been brought to shore for disposal, and 5 FPSOs are destined for re-use. The Brent Spar Oil Storage and Loading facility is used as part of the quay extension and its anchor blocks have been re-used, recycled or disposed of.