Rigs to reef

As independent decommissioning Subject Matter Experts, we have been asked to provide advice on the ‘Opportunity for a rigs to reef programme’. We have also recently been encouraged to look at the potential to create a commercial proposition for management of a reef sight.

Luckily, I had been involved in various engagements to consider the impact of developing reef programmes, for steel oil and gas jackets (sub-structures), with some now fully functioning.

The initial conclusion of these previous exercises was the need for a cohesive evidence-based summary of the pro’s and con’s, from all available sources.

We understand the next stages required to move forward for such a proposal, in regards international regulation, stakeholder engagement and a request for further evidence based supporting data.

But initially it’s just trying to understand the impact to society, marine life, the environment and the users of the Sea etc.

So although I am no longer directly involved, I was delighted to see OPRED commit to gathering such an analysis for the UK. I have also taken an interest in the ongoing INSITES programme.

This week I have therefore been fervently researching online, but I cannot see a conclusive report.

At the same time, I keep asking the same question; “Has anyone studied the (unplanned and non-operated i.e. ‘cold’) rig to reef site we have in the north sea, to capture evidence?” Details below.

Please feel free to email if you have any insights Andy.clucas@evolved-solutions.com