India’s First-Ever Offshore Oil Cleanup: A Big Step for Energy Safety

India has completed its first-ever offshore decommissioning project in the Tapti fields, marking a major milestone for the country's energy sector. The Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) joint venture, consisting of Shell (BGEPIL), Reliance Industries, and ONGC, successfully executed the removal of offshore structures, infield pipelines, and the plugging and abandonment of 38 wells.

Offshore decommissioning is the process of safely dismantling and removing oil and gas infrastructure from the ocean once it reaches the end of its operational life. This includes plugging wells, removing platforms, pipelines, and other equipment, and restoring the seabed to minimize environmental impact.

The process is complex and requires careful planning, engineering expertise, and regulatory oversight to ensure safety and sustainability

This project in Tapti fields sets a benchmark for responsible decommissioning, aligning with India's "Make in India" vision while enhancing local capabilities.

The PMT JV, operator of the Tapti fields under a production sharing contract with the Government of India, comprises of ONGC with a 40% participating interest, and RIL and BG Exploration & Production India Ltd (BGEPIL-Shell) with 30% each.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) handled offshore execution, while Chowgule Shipyard (CLSPL) managed onshore dismantling at its Ratnagiri facility.

The initiative also played a pioneering role in shaping India's regulatory framework for offshore decommissioning, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD).

Nipun Pradhan, Managing Director, BGEPIL and GM Shell Upstream India, 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.”

“The safe and responsible offshore decommissioning by the PMT JV marks a significant step forward for India’s energy sector. From the outset, the JV partners worked tirelessly to strengthen local supply chains and enhance the technical and safety capabilities of Indian contractors especially for offshore dismantling activities. This project has successfully delivered on the Indian Government’s ambition of ‘Make and Break in India’,” said Sanjay Barman Roy, President, E&P, Reliance Industries Limited.

Pankaj Kumar, Director (Production), ONGC, remarked, “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.”