EC seeks onshore disposal standard

The European Commission (EC) plans to seek a consensus among member countries for onshore disposal of the oil and gas industry's offshore installations. This spring, the EC plans to consult members about abandonment, under an initiative led by Ritt Bjerregaard and Christos Papoutsis, respectively European Commissioners for environment and energy. "The purpose of the consultation," the EC said, "is to make stakeholders aware of the issue and bring together the industry, government

Feb. 9, 1998

2 min read

The European Commission (EC) plans to seek a consensus among member countries for onshore disposal of the oil and gas industry's offshore installations.

This spring, the EC plans to consult members about abandonment, under an initiative led by Ritt Bjerregaard and Christos Papoutsis, respectively European Commissioners for environment and energy.

"The purpose of the consultation," the EC said, "is to make stakeholders aware of the issue and bring together the industry, government departments, and environmental organizations so they can contribute."

EC said about 450 steel platforms are expected to be removed from the North Sea over the next 20-30 years. In addition to the environmental benefits of onshore disposal, EC sees a chance for boosting employment.

Bjerregaard said: "The initiative will seek a win-win solution that combines sustainable and environmentally sound disposal solutions for as many installations as possible, with economic efficiency and job creation.

"The role of the EC is that of catalyst. In the very near future, the EC will present specific initiatives to ensure that offshore installations that are no longer in use are brought to land and sustainably disposed."

Papoutsis added, "We need to develop a common approach on this important issue between the environmental and energy interests. We must find consensus for environmentally friendly cost-effective solutions."