Shell, Reliance Industries (RIL) and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have completed the first offshore facilities decommissioning project in India.
ONGC holds a 40% participating interest in the joint venture, with RIL and Shell’s subsidiary BG Exploration & Production India (BGEPIL) each holding 30%.
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The project involved the safe dismantling of mid and south Tapti field facilities, including the removal of five wellhead platforms, related infield pipelines, and the plugging and abandonment of 38 wells.
Production from the Tapti fields ended in March 2016. Major contracts for the decommissioning work were awarded to Indian companies.
Larsen & Toubro executed the offshore scope, while Chowgule Shipyard (CLSPL) is handling onshore dismantling at its facility in Ratnagiri.
Offshore operations have been completed and dismantling is currently in progress.
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By GlobalDataThe Tapti project also contributed to shaping India’s regulatory and operational guidelines for offshore decommissioning.
Developed in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and Oil Industry Safety Directorate, it is seen as a reference project for future decommissioning efforts in India’s offshore energy sector.
Shell Upstream India GM and BGEPIL managing director Nipun Pradhan 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.”
ONGC director (production) Pankaj Kumar added: “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.”
It was reported last November that ONGC is exploring partnerships with domestic shipyards to construct two offshore jack-up drilling rigs valued at approximately $500 (Rs42.41bn)–550m.
