In my book, The 5Ds of Decommissioning, I dedicate the final chapters to addressing crucial topics: Disposition and Disposal. These pillars conclude the decommissioning cycle and are essential to ensuring that offshore operations are conducted responsibly, safely, and in an environmentally sound manner.
Brazil and FPSOs: Cases and Practices
In Brazil, we have witnessed emblematic decommissioning cases, such as the FPSO Fluminense, FPSO Cidade do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), FPSO Cidade de Rio das Ostras (RO), and FPSO Piranema. For example, in the case of the Fluminense, operated by Shell Brazil, Subsea7 was contracted to remove risers and umbilicals associated with the unit in 2023, with a focus on proper waste disposal and mitigating environmental impacts.
For the FPSO RJ and FPSO Piranema, Petrobras contracted Ocyan to decommission subsea structures, such as pipelines and umbilicals. These examples demonstrate how the sector is maturing in Brazil, even though technical and regulatory challenges persist.
Legislation and Sustainability
Here, legislation plays a key role. The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), established by Law No. 12.305/2010, serves as a crucial guide for waste management in Brazil, covering everything from storage and transportation to treatment and final disposal. These regulations ensure that material disposal is conducted with technical rigor and aligned with international standards.
However, challenges remain. There is still a need for better alignment between environmental regulations, such as the resolutions of ANP and CONAMA, and field practices. Additionally, the implementation of circular economy technologies and recycling solutions must be accelerated.
Global Challenges and Opportunities
Globally, waste disposal in decommissioning has followed innovative paths. In some cases, decommissioned platforms have been recycled into artificial reefs, reducing costs and promoting marine biodiversity. However, caution and thorough analysis are needed to ensure these initiatives are genuinely sustainable.
International examples and cases in Brazil show that the future of decommissioning must align with sustainable and efficient practices. In my book, I explore how the circular economy can turn waste into opportunities, reducing environmental impacts and generating value for the industry.
The Future We Want
Disposition and disposal are not merely the final stages of decommissioning. They are, in fact, opportunities to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Based on the cases presented and the lessons discussed in my book, I believe we can build a more efficient and responsible model, where environmental preservation and economic development go hand in hand.
And you, how do you see the future of decommissioning?