Could rigs to reefs contribute to the UK's net zero target?

The oil industry expects a significant move to decommission oil rigs in the North Sea over the next three decades.

This could in turn generate vast amounts of additional CO2 emissions because UK rules put a premium on the complete removal of offshore architecture from the seabed and its reuse or final disposal on land. Converting oil rigs to reefs has proved a more carbon efficient solution in the US and also helps maintain biodiversity.

We examine whether a combination of international maritime conventions to which the UK is a signatory and existing UK law are a barrier to this more sustainable solution and, importantly, a challenge to the Government’s legally binding net zero target. We also assess the likelihood of a rigs to reef programme being implemented in the UK following objections under the OSPAR Convention to Shell’s decommissioning plan for platforms in the Brent field.

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Practical Law article written by Clare Hatcher and Sachin Shah, Clyde & Co LLP