Decommissioning Research Needs for Offshore Oil and Gas Infrastructure in Australia

When offshore oil and gas infrastructure is no longer needed, it either removed, partially left in place, or place but repurposed. These processes are collectively referred to as decommissioning. Australian legislation requires companies develop acceptable plans for the safe removal of all at end a project’s life. Over next 50 years, liability this decommissioning Australia expected exceed US$45 billion. Unlike countries such Norway, United Kingdom Netherlands, activities their infancy, with only three cases (to date) Commonwealth waters where has been removed part Differences between marine environment that other regions around world decommissioning-related research better progressed include very low sedimentation rates, both tropical temperate habitats, different species composition, primary production, frequent cyclones, well unique sociodemographic cultural characteristics. Accordingly, outcomes decision support tools used identify preferred options may not be equally applicable Australia. Here we describe risk impact assessment Australia, full “base case” regulatory default, including partial and/or repurposing might provide similar when environmental, social, economic seafood safety aspects considered. Based on our review propose an integrated framework needs meet legislative requirements gaps need addressed inform decision-making context.