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ABL, part of Oslo-listed global consultancy group ABL Group, has been hired to support Esso Australia Resources (Esso), a subsidiary of U.S.-headquartered energy giant ExxonMobil, during an offshore removal campaign of multiple platforms, hundreds of wells, and subsea infrastructure off the coast of Australia. This program is described as the country’s largest offshore decommissioning campaign.
ABL is gearing up to help Esso, which is the operator of the assets in the Bass Strait that are part of the Gippsland Basin joint venture (JV), during the offshore removal of up to 12 platforms, which are included in the Gippsland decommissioning campaign project.
The preparations for the campaign are said to be well advanced, with the offshore lifting campaign to remove up to 13 platforms scheduled to begin in 2027, using Allseas’s Pioneering Spirit vessel. ABL’s operations in Australia were commissioned by Esso to provide marine warranty survey (MWS) services to assist in the safe and efficient delivery of the first phase of the decommissioning campaign.
The company is getting ready for this assignment by conducting suitability surveys to validate the proposed marine spread, and technical review and approval of decommissioning documentation. The firm’s scope of work will include on-site attendance at all warranted offshore operations to ensure activities are executed safely and in line with approved procedures.
Adam Solomons , East Coast Manager at ABL Australia, commented: “This is a landmark project for Australia’s offshore industry, involving highly complex marine operations, including offshore lifting, transportation and discharge of substantial tonnage of assets that are up to half a century old.
“Our extensive track record and multi-disciplined expertise that we offer in decommissioning, alongside our deep experience in offshore Australia – makes ABL well positioned to support Esso in reducing risk and optimizing their operations.”
The Bass Strait assets comprise approximately 400 wells, six subsea facilities, more than 800 kilometers of subsea pipelines, and 19 platforms. Esso is planning to undertake the first Bass Strait decommissioning campaign after more than 50 years of delivering energy to Australia.
The project is perceived to represent a major milestone for the country’s decommissioning and circular economy ambitions, with approximately 60,000 tonnes of offshore structures to be removed and a target to recycle over 95% of materials.
The latest job in Australia comes shortly after ABL Energy & Marine Consultants Brasil secured the marine warranty surveyor (MWS) role to support Subsea7’s work offshore Brazil.