India’s First Decommissioning Of Offshore Oil Field Completed Successfully
The first decommissioning of an offshore oil field in India happened on April 5th when Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) Joint Vntures partners, ONGC, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and BG Exploration and Production India Ltd (BGEPIL-Shell) successfully removed the mid and south Tapti field facilities.
Production from Tapti fields had ceased in March 2016.
Given that offshore decommissioning is a complex endeavour that encompasses evolving regulations, developing contractor ecosystems, and fluctuating market dynamics, the successful decommissioning demonstrates what can be achieved through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
A press release said the procedure followed the approved decommissioning plan involving removal of five wellhead platforms, associated infield pipelines, load-in at the onshore dismantling yard and the safe plugging and abandonment of 38 wells.
The PMT JV had awarded contracts to Larsen & Tubro (L&T) for offshore execution and Chowgle Shipyard (CLSPL) for onshore dismantling. Upon the ceasing of offshore operations, dismantling is taking place at CLSPL’s Ratnagiri facilities.
The press release noted that the Tapti decommissioning has played an important role in shaping India’s regulatory and operational framework for offshore decommissioning. Developed collaboratively with key stakeholders—including the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), the project sets a benchmark for future offshore energy transitions, rooted in global best practices and adapted for Indian conditions.
Commenting on the successful decommissioning, Nipun Pradhan, Managing Director, BGEPIL and GM Shell Upstream, said, “The safe and successful completion of the Tapti offshore project is a landmark moment for India’s offshore energy sector. This project sets a new benchmark for responsible decommissioning, made possible by global expertise, strong collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability. Shell is proud to be part of this historic journey alongside our partners Reliance, ONGC, and the Government of India.”
Sanjay Barman Roy, President, E&P, RIL, added, “The safe and responsible offshore decommissioning by the PMT JV marks a significant step forward for India’s energy sector. From the outset, the JV partners worked tirelessly to strengthen local supply chains and enhance the technical and safety capabilities of Indian contractors especially for offshore dismantling activities. This project has successfully delivered on the Indian Government’s ambition of ‘Make and Break in India’.”
Pankaj Kumar, Director (Production), ONGC, remarked, “This first-of-its-kind large-scale offshore decommissioning underscores ONGC’s commitment to responsible energy practices. The project’s complexity, especially its proximity to ONGC’s live assets demanded strategic planning, precise execution, and utmost focus on safety. It marks a defining moment in India’s energy landscape and sets a strong foundation for the next chapter in offshore infrastructure transformation.”
