This thesis examines decommissioning methods and techniques for offshore structures in the oil and gas (O&G) sector, focusing on selecting decommissioning options that minimize environmental impacts. Traditional methods such as complete and partial removal are evaluated, with particular emphasis on innovative strategies such as repurposing platforms for renewable energy sources, carbon capture storage (CCS), and marine ecosystem protection. Key challenges include the high costs of decommissioning projects, unclear regulatory frameworks, and environmental uncertainties. Case studies from the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Asia-Pacific region highlight how regulations shape decommissioning strategies. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies enhances decision-making and efficiency, while simultaneously reducing environmental burden. The thesis emphasizes the need for stakeholder engagement to align decommissioning strategies with environmental sustainability, and identifies areas for future research, such as the long-term effects of repurposed platforms on the subsea ecosystem and developments in AI within the decommissioning sector.
Ιωάννα Λ. Κυρικλίδου (Wed,) studied this question.