Nowadays, the problem of abandoning offshore oil installations is not only a concern of environmental organizations, but also a growing concern in the policies of governments and oil companies.

It is estimated that in the near future, hundreds of large platforms, built of steel and concrete, will have to be removed. Their cost and abandonment is quite significant and requires agreement between oil companies and Governments, keeping in mind the safest and most economical way to do so. It is an environmental issue but it is also an economic issue.

There are around 6500 production platforms in the world, distributed across the continental shores of 53 countries. Of these, more than 90% should be totally removed. Of the others, due to their weight and size, as well as the fact that they are in deep water, it will be difficult to remove them completely, and the oil companies have the possibility to partially removal them.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), recognized as the authority on maritime procedures, allows the partial removal of large platforms located in the bathymetry above 250 feet and weighing more than 4,000 tonnes.

Prior to the decommissioning phase of an oil field, it is important to define the environmental conditions as well as the condition of asset integrity such as oil pipelines, platforms and other installed equipment. All this information will be useful in deciding what will be the best option for its decommissioning and final destination.

EQS offers consultancy services in decommissioning studies – decommissioning and abandonment plans. Our qualified team of consultants is highly experienced in the total and partial removal of all Oil and Gas Assets both offshore and onshore.