Derogations so far

The initial two installations that have already received DECC approval for decommissioning programmes with derogation from OSPAR 98/3, are NW Hutton, operated by BP, which will be completed between summer 2009 and 2010 and Frigg MCP01, operated by Total, which will be completed by mid 2010.

Several other installations and pipelines have been identified to be likely to apply for OSPAR derogation due to their size and difficulty in removing safely. In total there is the potential for up to:

• 9 concrete platforms, between now and 2029 

• 31 large steel platforms, between now and 2035 

• 5300km of large diameter trunk pipelines

This is the maximum potential for equipment to remain on the seabed under current legislation, if the case is made, but in several cases this will be reduced with the ever advancing rate of technology, the safe removal of these structures may become more viable.