Decommissioning and restoration activities are gaining momentum in this region, with planning and implementation actively underway. The regulatory framework is crucial for ensuring that the implementation of decommissioning and restoration programmes are safe, efficient, environmentally compliant, and socially acceptable. However, operators often face significant challenges in adhering to these regulations.

Navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex, involving regulatory challenges and stringent environmental standards. Despite these obstacles, the drive to meet these hurdles often leads to innovative solutions and improved efficiencies. Operators’ resilience and determination can turn challenges into opportunities for optimisation and progress.

This panel session will delve into the specific regulatory challenges faced by operators and regulators in the decommissioning and restoration sector. It will explore how these challenges can be transformed into actionable opportunities that benefit all stakeholders.

Session Managers: Francis Norman, Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA); Ahmad Yuhana Zainudin, PETRONAS

• Exploration of optimisation opportunities in D&R project planning and execution methods to enhance continuous improvement.
• Sharing examples of collaborative efforts among operators, contractors, and regulators through case studies in D&R and Well P&A activities.
• Presentation of case studies, technical solutions, and challenges to foster integrated planning and resource optimisation for future D&R projects.

Discussion Leaders:

• Asia’s First Reverse S-Lay Pipeline Removal in the Gulf of Thailand by Ahmad Soyuti Haji Sabran, QHSE Manager 1, Sapura Offshore Sdn Bhd
• Streamlining Well Plug and Abandonment: Strategies for Efficiency, Collaboration and Compliance in the Oil and Gas Industry by Haji Muhammad Zul Fadhli Putra Haji Yaakub, Reservoir Engineer, Brunei Shell Petroleum
• Growing Pains: Lessons Learned in Establishing CODA and Growing Australia’s Decommissioning Industry from 2020 to 2024 by Francis Norman, CEO and Managing Director, Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA)
• Maximising Cross-Functional Integration by Nur Suria Ideris, Onshore Integration Lead, Mohamad Amiruddin Haji Abidin Tali D&R Lead, Siti Bazlina Awang Mohidin, Production Technologist, Brunei Shell Petroleum

Session Managers: Afrizal Safrin, Weatherford; Awangku Mohammad Hadee Pengiran Haji Yasfadillah, Brunei Shell Petroleum

• Address and mitigate subsurface challenges to ensure successful D&R and Well P&A activities.
• Explore process improvements for subsurface isolation strategy and optimisation of the number of plugs required for cap rock restoration.
• Discuss areas for subsurface challenges and optimisation through technology application from project planning to execution methods to ensure cost competitiveness, process safety, and continuous improvement in D&A and P&A.

Discussion Leaders:

• Designing 4 Decommissioning: Front loading your Decommissioning Risk Management Approach by Jamie Stewart, Weatherford International
• Identify, Remediate and Verify Cross Sectional Cement Barriers for Permanent Well P&A by Sathish Kumar Batumelai, Region Manager- Well Services (WL), Archer
• Powered Intervention Services for Plug and Abandonment of a Deepwater Well at Malaysia by Matthieu Billaud, SLB
• Data-Driven Solutions: Automating Plumbing Diagrams for Onshore Oil and Gas Fields by Yong Yee Tzen, Production Technologist, Brunei Shell Petroleum
• Real Life Examples of Emission Reduction and Operational Efficiencies in Well Abandonment Operations Today! by Syah Mohamad, Integrated Solutions Project Manager, Baker Hughes

Session Managers: Ariff Irfan Zainai, PETRONAS; Waznah Ali, Brunei Shell Petroleum

• Recognise repurposing as a potent solution for waste reduction and sustainable living.
• Emphasise the potential of repurposing to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy.
• Discuss strategies to manage risks and innovate in decommissioning and restoration journeys by sustainably repurposing, reusing, or recycling existing unused facilities to minimise waste.

Discussion Leaders:

• Brunei Shell Refinery (BSR) Decommissioning and Restoration by Pg Amirrudin Pg Hj Abu Bakar, BSR D&R Lead, Brunei Shell Petroleum
• Repurposing Producing Well to CO2 Injector Well in Depleted Gas Field - CCS Project: An Improved Well Conversion Strategy by Siti Noor Syahirah Mohd Sabri, Senior Drilling Engineer, JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration
• The Development of a Rigless EPSm Framework to Decommission Mature Phase III Well Stock in Australia by Jamie Stewart, Weatherford
• Plug and Abandonment Contracting Models & Project Execution by Prakasen Vatakkayil, Expro