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DECOMMISSIONING INSIGHT REPORT
2016
40
Southern North Sea and Irish Sea
•
The overall forecast for pipeline decommissioning in these regions over the next decade at 3,426 kilometres is
similar to a year ago, although deferral and spreading of activity has occurred.
•
Some 1,600 kilometres of trunkline are forecast to be decommissioned over the next ten years in these regions,
with high activity forecast in 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2024.
•
Activity is expected to peak at 700 kilometres in 2024, of which just under 500 kilometres is trunkline.
•
To achieve MER UK and avoid premature decommissioning, the OGA is in discussion with operators to assess the
impact of this decommissioning activity on future production and whether alternative solutions are available.
Figure 27: Forecast of Pipeline Decommissioning Activity in the Southern North Sea and Irish Sea
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Total Length (km)
Umbilicals
Other Pipelines
Trunklines
Source: Oil & Gas UK
Increased Uncertainty
in Forecasts
Pipeline Decommissioning
2016 to 2025
Pipeline Decommissioning
(Kilometres) 2016 to 2025
Total
200
3,426
Umbilicals
46
443
Trunklines
21
1,603
Other pipelines
133
1,380