Skills Review for the Australian Oil and Gas Decommissioning Industry released

With the support of the Western Australian Government, CODA is pleased to unveil the comprehensive study, conducted by Deloitte to deepen the understanding of the skills and capabilities critical to Australia’s decommissioning industry.

Australia’s oil and gas industry, a key contributor to the global energy landscape, is navigating a crucial juncture as many of its operational assets approach the end of their life expectancy, gearing up for a wave of decommissioning activity expected to span several decades. In response to this imminent demand, CODA commissioned Deloitte to develop the foundations for a cohesive strategy and path forward to building a skilled domestic workforce equipped to meet future challenges.

The study, produced after a rigorous multi-faceted approach, combines a comprehensive literature review with extensive stakeholder consultations. Engaging with oil and gas title holders, service providers, industry groups, and other key stakeholders, the study provides valuable insights into the current state and future trajectory of Australia’s decommissioning industry.

The study identified several critical themes, which were collated under four distinct, yet interrelated categories:

  1. 1. Strength of Australian Oil and Gas Industry: The study highlights a strong commitment to learning and collaboration within the industry, emphasizing the need for innovation to enhance overall capabilities.
  2. 2. Context & Preparedness: Despite the growing demand for decommissioning, the industry’s preparedness varies based on activity types, influenced by multiple interweaving factors.
  3. 3. Workforce Challenges & Opportunities: Anticipated demand for decommissioning activity may strain existing workforce capability. The study identifies critical skills and capabilities required, shedding light on existing gaps.
  4. 4. Planning & Regulatory Considerations: The report emphasizes a willingness to collaborate but acknowledges challenges stemming from innate competitiveness, complexities associated with decommissioning work, and decentralized capability.

Opportunities to Move Forward

To best support the decommissioning industry to meet anticipated demand in the medium to long-term, 11 targeted opportunities to move the industry forward in a sustainable and meaningful manner were identified. Of these, this study concluded that there are 6 opportunities that are high-value and high-urgency.

For detailed insights and recommendations, we invite you to explore the public study.

View the study

Western Australia Dismantling Hub Study released

CODA is excited to release the much-anticipated “Western Australia Decommissioning Hub Location Study,” a comprehensive study conducted to identify optimal sites for the establishment of a decommissioning receival and dismantling yard for offshore oil and gas assets along the Western Australian coast.

As part of our commitment to fostering the growth of Australia’s domestic oil and gas decommissioning industry, this study supports the Western Australian government’s vision of creating a sustainable and thriving decommissioning industry in the region.

The study has summarised the evaluation of potential sites on the Western Australian coast that would be suitable, concluding that:

  • A significant decommissioning liability is associated with onshore disposal.
  • Multiple locations along the WA coast are deemed suitable for onshore decommissioning facilities.
  • A multi-facility approach is recommended to address diverse market needs.
  • Recovery of pipelines is geographically viable, with considerations for separate handling of fixed assets.
  • Overlapping specifications suggest collaboration with offshore wind staging and decommissioning sites for a dual-use facility.
  • Continued support from government bodies and industry stakeholders is crucial for the success of the local decommissioning market.

For a more detailed insight into the study’s outcomes and actionable recommendations, we invite you to explore the public study.

View study