End-of-life management of oil and gas offshore platforms: challenges and opportunities for sustainable decommissioning

Abstract

Purpose of the paper: The decommissioning of offshore platforms represents a significant and controversial challenge that has gained attention over the years due to its environmental, social, and economic impact. This work aims to investigate stakeholders' perceptions regarding the future of offshore platforms and to explore dimensions of sustainability related to decommissioning. Methodology: An analysis was carried out based on two rounds of empirical inquiry, a range of primary data collected through multiple-choice questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Findings: The analysis shows that stakeholders perceive reuse as an opportunity to minimise the impacts according to an environmental, economic, and social perspective. While the multipurpose platform represents an opportunity for the future, it also presents challenges. Research limitations: The study relies only on qualitative analysis techniques and on a limited sample and geographical area. Practicalimplications: The analysis offers several insights in to the de commissioning scenario according to a sustainable and circularity perspective and contributes to the decommissioning debate by providing information about decommissioning programs, stakeholders' impacts, and future planning considerations. Originality of the paper: The study contributes knowledge to the field and useful managerial insights, highlighting stakeholders' perception in the Italian context and exploring dimensions of sustainability and main SDGs related to the issue.