A US$40 billion challenge lies ahead for Australia’s oil and gas sector as it begins the mammoth task of decommissioning aging platforms.
Around 57 offshore platforms are slated for decommissioning over the coming decades, with much of the work expected in the next 10 years. These assets – more than half of which are off the Western Australian coast – require careful, environmentally responsible dismantling to avoid potential environmental and financial risks. Recognising this need, CessCon Group – a global leader in offshore decommissioning – has announced its entry into the Australian market, establishing an Australasian regional headquarters in Perth.
Drawing on expertise from the North Sea, UK and Europe, CessCon brings a proven track record and a unique 100% reuse and recycle target model designed to turn complex challenges into sustainable solutions.
“Australia’s decommissioning sector is at a critical crossroads,” said Lee Hanlon, CEO of CessCon Group. “In regions like the North Sea, we’ve seen firsthand how the right decommissioning practices not only protect the environment but also create economic opportunities,” “Australia is just beginning this journey, and we have the experience to support local operators in preparing for a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible decommissioning process.
“Asset owners need to begin studies and preparations now. To ensure the highest chance of success, asset owners should collaborate with decommissioning experts during the late-life operational phase – ideally around 5 years before production ends.”
CessCon’s Unique Approach: Reducing Waste, Saving Costs, Cutting Emissions CessCon offers a full, end-to-end decommissioning service, covering every phase from offshore preparation to onshore dismantling and recycling.
CessCon Australia can support local asset owners with onshore and offshore studies, multi-disciplined engineering services and re-use and recycling guidance. Our local team will provide Australian clients with a trusted, experienced partner dedicated to preserving local resources and reducing environmental impact.
Importantly, CessCon is the only company in the region providing oil and gas platform decommissioning with a 100% re-use and recycle target model.
“Our approach is global best practice for sustainable, cost-effective decommissioning. The steel from these platforms is high-quality, and by reusing and recycling it, we’re supporting the circular economy and helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of decommissioning,” Mr Hanlon said.
Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) CEO and Managing Director Dr Francis Norman commented: “As the volumes of decommissioning activity across Australia increase, it is great to see such a respected company as CessCon establishing here and bringing their experience to the local market.” Cesscon To Share Global Experience With Australian Operators As Australia’s decommissioning industry grows, CessCon’s extensive global experience – particularly in the North Sea, the world’s most mature decommissioning market — will be key to implementing proven strategies in complex offshore environments. CessCon Group brings a track record of success worldwide, including executing the largest decommissioning project in Scotland and achieving the highest reuse and recycling rates in Europe.
The company also made history by bringing the Allseas Pioneering Spirit — the world’s largest lift vessel — to mainland Scotland for the first time and has achieved industry leading reuse and recycling rates of over 99% by weight on all projects. Earlier this year, CessCon Group, with its partner in a joint venture Anson International, broke ground on the purpose-built Pulau Muara Besar decommissioning and marine maintenance facility in Brunei, underlining its commitment to becoming the leader in sustainable decommissioning solutions.
“Our mission is to support Australia’s energy transition and sustainability targets, offering the highest standards of environmental care and operational efficiency. With our expertise and capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to deliver sustainable, industry leading solutions for Australia’s oil and gas decommissioning needs,” Mr Hanlon said.
Find out more from inside the Oil and Gas space, here.
