Library / Page 1 of 67 MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, 2025
Page 1 of 67 MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, 2025

Page 46 of 67
Page 46 of 67 
 
(e) proposals covering the post-decommissioning and abandonment phase —   
(i) seabed sampling surveys to monitor levels of hydrocarbons, heavy metals 
and other contaminants in sediments and biota, and 
(ii) inspection and maintenance where any installation, structure or pipeline 
remained disused and in position or are to be partly removed, and where 
any installation, structure or pipeline is partly removed, the licensee shall 
remain liable for any residual liability arising from the installation, 
structure or pipeline not removed and appropriately marked; 
(f) analysis indicating that the proposal complies with the standards prescribed by the 
international maritime organisation on offshore petroleum installations and structure. 
 
92. (1) The Authority shall approve an application for a decommissioning and abandonment 
programme within 120 days of submission provided that —   
(a) the programme is in accordance with the approved Plan; 
(b) the programme addresses considerations and recommendations raised by the 
Authority and the public consultations in the light of individual circumstances; 
(c) where applicable, the potential for reuse of a transportation pipeline together with 
other existing facility in connection with further hydrocarbon developments is 
considered before decommissioning and abandonment; 
(d) all feasible decommissioning and abandonment options have been considered 
and a satisfactory comparative assessment made;  
(e) any removal or partial removal of an installation, structure or transportation 
pipeline is performed in a manner that guarantees sustainable environmental 
development; 
(f) any recommendation to leave an installation, structure or gathering line in place 
is made with regard to its likely deterioration and to the present, possible and 
future effects on the environment and in the case of offshore installations and 
structure, consistent with the applicable international petroleum industry best 
practices; and  
(g) relevant environmental, technical, and commercial regulations or standards are 
complied with. 
(2) The Authority shall notify the licensee of its decision in writing where it declines an approval 
for the decommissioning and abandonment programme and state the reasons for the refusal. 
(3) Where the Authority fails to notify the licensee of its decision on the application within 120 
days from the date of submission of the application as prescribed in these Regulation, the 
application shall be deemed approved. 
 
Approval of an application 
for programme