In the coming years, the decommissioning of aging assets in the oil and gas sector is set to become a major industry. This shift is being driven by a combination of factors, including depleting oil and gas reserves, aging infrastructure, technological obsolescence, fluctuating energy prices, and global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels to meet ambitious Net Zero targets. Already, assets are being decommissioned worldwide, with numerous oil and gas platforms in the UK and Norwegian North Sea having undergone complete dismantling. Anticipating this trend, it is expected that approximately 20 platforms per year will require dismantling in the North Sea alone for the next two decades. Similar decommissioning projects are on the horizon globally, including significant initiatives in the waters off the coast of Middle Eastern countries.
As oil rig platforms and petrochemical processing islands near the end of their operational lifespan, meticulous planning is essential to ensure safe and environmentally responsible decommissioning. A critical aspect of this process involves managing hazardous materials, including asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead-based paint, mercury, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), refractory sludges, and various other potentially contaminating substances, all of which were commonly used in oil drilling, processing, exporting platforms, as well as accommodation and utilities platforms. Historically, the focus was on the industrial benefits of these materials, with insufficient consideration given to the occupational health and safety risks they eventually posed.
Consequently, during the decommissioning phase of these assets, it is imperative that comprehensive due diligence and hazardous materials inspections are conducted. This proactive approach ensures the safety of workers involved in dismantling and demolition while safeguarding the marine, air, and land environments from pollution.
Early assessments of platforms, petrochemical processing islands, and vessels should be undertaken to identify potentially hazardous materials. These upfront surveys allow hazardous materials abatement contractors to be appointed and specialist removal work to be carried out before other demolition activities commence. This process should also account for chemicals, corrosive substances, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), and hazardous waste resulting from various oil and gas production activities, all of which should be documented in an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM).
Of particular significance is the removal of asbestos, which has been extensively used in the oil and gas sector due to its heat and chemical resistance properties. Asbestos removal should only be entrusted to specialist contractors under the supervision of qualified Asbestos Supervising Consultants (ASCs). The control measures for asbestos removal depend on factors such as the asbestos material type, its location, and the chosen removal method. Detailed method statements and risk assessments should be established at the outset of the decommissioning planning phase.
Offshore decommissioning poses additional challenges, including limited space, transportation constraints, and remote working conditions. Accommodations for decommissioning workers may be provided by a "flotel" moored adjacent to the asset to be decommissioned, or the platform itself can be utilized until power and amenities are disconnected. Thoughtful planning is also necessary for the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and waste generated during the abatement stage.
In conclusion, as the decommissioning of oil and gas assets continues to rise in prominence, it is crucial to address hazardous materials such as asbestos with utmost care and diligence. Safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection must remain paramount throughout this process, especially in the unique and challenging offshore environment. By partnering with experienced asbestos abatement contractors and adhering to rigorous safety protocols, we can ensure a safe and sustainable future for decommissioning projects in the oil and gas industry.
Anthesis has been working on hazardous materials and within the oil and gas sector for more than 15 years and have conducted hazardous materials inspections and abatement projects for assets located in the North Sea (UK and Norwegian sector), off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and multiple dry docks within the Middle East.
We see ourselves as specialist in this field, and look forward to working with the many oil and gas and marine companies that are committed to protecting workers health and safety as well as the environment, when it comes to the final stage of their oil and gas assets.
If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:
Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)
Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com