Decommissioning offshore installations: guidance and associated policy proposals
We're seeking views on decommissioning offshore installations: the methodology for considering derogations under OSPAR Decision 98/3, and associated policy changes.
The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) has extended the deadline for responses to this consultation at the request of stakeholders. The deadline for responses is now 14 November 2025.
We also republished the consultation document: Question 8 has been very slightly amended (as noted in the document itself) to aid clarity.
We invite views on draft supplementary guidance for the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations, and associated policy proposals:
- the draft supplementary guidance (guidance on the methodology for considering derogations under OSPAR Decision 98/3) has been prepared by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) to provide detail on the proposed UK process for considering whether or not a case for derogation from OSPAR Decision 98/3 could be made
- the policy proposals concern the cutting and removal, where appropriate, of offshore oil and gas steel jackets at the seabed level rather than to -3m below the seabed
We have published an assessment of the financial impact to the offshore oil and gas industry as part of the consultation.
The consultation is open to all but will be of particular interest to the offshore oil and gas industry.
Read our consultation privacy notice.