ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Australia Pty has awarded Allseas the contract to remove up to 12 disused platforms in the Gippsland Basin in Bass Strait. The project has a combined weight of around 60,000 tonnes, making it the largest decommissioning operation ever undertaken in Australian waters.
The largest decommissioning campaign in Australian history
The vessel will be the Allseas Pioneering Spirit , world renowned for its ability to carry out comprehensive surveys of large structures. For the first time, this technology will be used in Australia, highlighting the scale and significance of the project.
Pioneering Spirit’s ability to remove topsides and platform surfaces in a single operation will enable decommissioning activities to be completed in an intensive 3-4 month period beginning in late 2027.
The removed structures will be safely transferred to specialist vessels for transport to Barry Beach Marine Terminal in Victoria. There, an independent contractor will carry out the dismantling and recycling of the materials, ensuring the waste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Work has begun, with engineering and project management teams in Perth and Melbourne leading the operations, supported by specialists in Delft ( Netherlands ) and Kuala Lumpur ( Malaysia ). This collaboration between these offices ensures accurate planning and efficient execution of this project.
Evert van Herel, General Manager of Allseas Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity: “Over two decades, we have developed a solid experience in the Australian market. This project is a unique opportunity to demonstrate our technical capability in a challenging environment such as the Bass Strait. “.
Beyond the technical aspects, this operation is a shift towards a more conscious and sustainable industry. The project will serve as a reference for future decommissioning efforts worldwide, highlighting the need for advanced technologies and diverse integrated approaches in the management of disused infrastructure.
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