Shell-Reliance-ONGC JV Complete India’s First Offshore Decom Project

Monday, May 5, 2025

The Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) joint venture partners, consisting of Shell (through BGEPIL), Reliance Industries (RIL), and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), have completed India's first offshore facilities decommissioning project with the removal of mid and south Tapti field facilities.

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.

The project involved removal of five wellhead platforms, associated infield pipelines, load-in at the onshore dismantling yard and the safe plugging and abandonment of 38 wells - all executed in line with the approved decommissioning plan.

Production from the Tapti fields ceased in March 2016.

The PMT JV awarded major contracts to Indian companies Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for offshore execution and Chowgule Shipyard (CLSPL) for onshore dismantling.

Offshore operations have now been completed safely, and dismantling is underway at CLSPL’s facilities in Ratnagiri, further strengthening India's domestic capabilities in offshore and onshore energy infrastructure.

The Tapti decommissioning project also played a pioneering role in shaping India’s regulatory and operational framework for offshore decommissioning.

Developed collaboratively with key stakeholders—including the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), the project sets a benchmark for future offshore energy transitions, rooted in global best practices and adapted for Indian conditions.

“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," said Nipun Pradhan, Managing Director, BGEPIL and GM Shell Upstream India.

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

Categories: Subsea Industry News Activity Asia Decommissioning Oil and Gas

Related Stories

Yinson Production Secures $1.17B Refinancing for FPSO Maria Quitéria

Thailand's PTT to Buy LNG from Glenfarne's Alaska LNG Project

Woodside and Jera Agree LNG Cargoes Supply for Japan’s Winter Period

Petronas Expands Suriname Portfolio with Deepwater Block Acquisition

MODEC and Terra Drone Renew FPSO Drone Inspection Partnership

Petronas-Eni Upstream Joint Venture to Take Up to Two Years to Set Up

Wood JV Gets EPC Job for Shell off Brunei

UK Firm Secures Exploration Extension for Two Blocks off Vietnam

Aker Solutions, PTAS JV Hooks Brownfield Services Extension off Brunei

Fire Contained at Vietnamese Oil Platform Undergoing Decommissioning (Video)

Current News

One Shelf Drilling Rig Up for New Job in India, Other for Disposal

Four Jack-Up Drilling Rig Deals Set to Bring In $129M for Borr Drilling

PTTEP Hires Velesto’s Jack-Up Rig for Drilling Campaign off Malaysia

Yinson Production Secures $1.17B Refinancing for FPSO Maria Quitéria

Centrica and Thailand’s PTT Ink Long-Term LNG Supply Deal

Petrovietnam, Partners Sign PSC for Block Off Vietnam

Japan Protests China’s New Oil and Gas Construction Activities in East China Sea

CNOOC Signs Hydrocarbons Exploration and Production Deal with Kazakhstan

Thailand's PTT to Buy LNG from Glenfarne's Alaska LNG Project

Woodside and Jera Agree LNG Cargoes Supply for Japan’s Winter Period

Subscribe for AOG Digital E‑News

AOG Digital E-News is the subsea industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email three times per week

https://accounts.newwavemedia.com