In a landmark moment for India’s energy sector, Shell, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) successfully completed the country’s first offshore facilities decommissioning project. The achievement comes through the safe removal of offshore infrastructure from the mid and south Tapti fields, under the Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) joint venture.
Historic Milestone in Offshore Energy Operations
The PMT joint venture, which operated the Tapti fields under a production sharing contract with the Government of India, comprises ONGC (40%), and RIL and BG Exploration & Production India Ltd (Shell) with 30% each.
The large-scale project involved the removal of five wellhead platforms, infield pipeline decommissioning, safe plugging and abandonment of 38 wells, and load-in at an onshore dismantling yard — all executed in alignment with the approved decommissioning plan.
Strengthening India’s Offshore Capabilities
Offshore operations were carried out with zero safety incidents. Dismantling is currently underway at CLSPL’s facilities in Ratnagiri, reinforcing India’s capability to handle complex offshore and onshore infrastructure.
The project also significantly contributed to developing India’s technical expertise in offshore dismantling. It boosted local supply chains, aligning with the Government’s “Make and Break in India” vision.
Regulatory Model for Future Decommissioning
Beyond its engineering and operational success, the Tapti decommissioning project has helped shape India’s emerging regulatory framework for offshore decommissioning. The project was developed in close collaboration with key stakeholders. These included the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), and the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD).
It now serves as a benchmark for future offshore decommissioning. It roots in global best practices and tailors to India’s regulatory and operational environment.
Industry Leaders Celebrate Collaborative Success
Shell, one of the project partners, highlighted the project’s broader significance. “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 Reliance, ONGC, and the Government of India,” said a Shell spokesperson.
Sanjay Barman Roy, President of E&P at Reliance Industries, added, “This marks a significant step forward for India’s energy sector. From the outset, the JV partners strengthened local contractor ecosystems and focused on safety and execution excellence.”
Pankaj Kumar, Director (Production) at ONGC, called the project a “defining moment in India’s energy landscape.” He added, “Its proximity to live ONGC assets demanded strategic planning, precise execution, and uncompromising safety standards.”
A Model for Responsible Energy Transition
Globally, experts recognize offshore decommissioning as complex, costly, and subject to evolving regulations. India’s successful execution of the Tapti project demonstrates how multi-stakeholder collaboration, strategic planning, and technical precision can achieve impactful results.
As reported by msn.com, India is accelerating its energy transition. The Tapti decommissioning effort stands out as a model of environmental responsibility, safety, and operational excellence. It paves the way for future infrastructure transformation in the offshore oil and gas sector.
