Recycling the Northern Endeavour

In another major milestone for the Northern Endeavour decommissioning program, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) has engaged Modern American Recycling Services, Europe (MARS) to recycle the Northern Endeavour floating production storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel.

MARS best met the government’s aims for this important decommissioning work after a global, competitive, open tender.

Under the contract, MARS will recycle the FPSO and manage the waste streams, including hazardous waste. The priority is for MARS to complete the work to high safety and environmental standards and meet all Australian and international requirements.

COSCO Shipping Heavy Transport will dry tow the FPSO to Denmark using their semi-submersible heavy transport vessel, the Hua Rui Long. MARS will complete the recycling at its ship recycling facility in Frederikshavn.

Read more about this milestone on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ website.

Decommissioning Waste Disposal Pathways Report Released

Australia’s oil and gas industry is entering a significant phase of infrastructure retirement, bringing with it a complex and growing volume of decommissioning waste. In response, CODA has released a new report that explores the capacity, capability and regulatory landscape for decommissioning waste disposal in Australia. The report identifies barriers, opportunities and actions to improve the safe and sustainable handling of materials over the coming decades.

Titled Decommissioning Waste Disposal Pathways, the report outlines key challenges facing operators, contractors and regulators as they prepare for long-term decommissioning activity. With the support of the Western Australian Government, the work was commissioned by CODA and delivered by SKH Circular Economy Solutions.

The study involved national consultation with waste and recycling providers, offshore operators and regulators, alongside international benchmarking and legislative review. It also resulted in the development of Australia’s first dedicated Decommissioning Waste Facilities Database, mapping over 2,000 sites with relevant licences and capabilities.

Key findings highlight the need for greater coordination across jurisdictions, better alignment between facility capabilities and expected waste types, and a shift in how decommissioning materials are described and managed, from waste to materials of value.

For a more detailed insight into the report, we invite you to explore the public study. The full report is available to CODA partners on the CODA Partner Portal.

View the Public Report