Regulatory Background

In the UK sector of the North Sea, there is a clearly defined regulatory regime controlling the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations. Under the Petroleum Act 1998, as amended by the Energy Act 2008, it is a requirement to decommission offshore facilities at the end of their producing life. Operators are required to submit detailed programmes for the decommissioning of offshore installations and pipelines which are considered on a case-by-case basis by Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning OPRED, the regulatory authority responsible for ensuring compliance with the Petroleum Act. Guidance Notes have been issued by The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and can be viewed by clicking on the logo opposite.

 

For more information on BEIS, click the logo opposite.