At the moment, most unused oil rigs and pipelines must be taken out completely. In certain cases, companies can apply for an exception that allows them to leave behind the heaviest parts, such as steel bases or concrete structures. These exceptions are known as derogations, and they have been part of international policy since the late 1990s.
The government now wants to tighten the way these requests are handled. Under the draft guidance, companies would first need to show that full removal is not possible before being allowed to argue for an exception. This makes full removal the starting point, not just one option among many.
The consultation also raises a major change to how structures are cut. Since the 1980s, operators have been told to cut steel supports three meters below the seabed to avoid risks to fishing. Regulators say that with modern fishing equipment and accurate navigational charts, this precaution may no longer be necessary. Instead, cutting many structures at seabed level could lower costs and remove some of the technical barriers to full removal.
These changes matter for more than just the oil industry. What happens to old rigs has direct consequences for marine life, for fishing communities, and for the public purse. Leaving structures behind can damage habitats or pose safety risks, while digging them out can also disturb fragile seabeds. Fishing groups have long warned of the dangers of snagged nets and lost gear. At the same time, decommissioning costs run into billions, and smarter rules could reduce those costs while still protecting the environment. The draft also pushes industry to invest in new technology, which could bring long-term benefits in safety and innovation.
The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) is running the consultation on behalf of the UK government. Because the country is bound by the OSPAR Convention, an international treaty that protects the North-East Atlantic, the guidance also reflects wider obligations to protect marine ecosystems. Anyone can respond, from oil companies and environmental organizations to fishing groups and members of the public.
The consultation closes on October 31, 2025, and final guidance is expected in the spring of 2026.
