The Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) has released the results of the Western Australia Decommissioning Hub Location Study, which was conducted to locate optimal sites for the development of a decommissioning yard for offshore oil and gas platforms along the coast of Western Australia.
The study has summarised the evaluation of potential sites on the Western Australian coast that would be suitable, concluding that:
- A significant decommissioning liability is associated with onshore disposal
- Multiple locations along the Western Australian coast are deemed suitable for onshore decommissioning facilities
- A multi-facility approach is recommended to address diverse market needs
- Recovery of pipelines is geographically viable, with considerations for separate handling of fixed assets
- Overlapping specifications suggest collaboration with offshore wind staging and decommissioning sites for a dual-use facility
- Continued support from government bodies and industry stakeholders is crucial for the success of the local decommissioning market
CODA’s previous studies indicate that there is an estimated USD$40.5 billion worth of decommissioning activity that will take place in Australian waters over the next few decades. Approximately 60 per cent of this activity will take place off the coast of Western Australia, presenting a significant opportunity for Western Australian businesses to participate in the work.
The study was developed as part of CODA’s commitment to supporting the establishment and growth of an Australian domestic oil and gas decommissioning, dismantling, recycling, and disposal industry,
The full study is available here.
