India Completes First Offshore Decommissioning Project: Shell, Reliance & ONGC Lead the Way

In a historic milestone for the Indian energy sector, Shell (via BG Exploration and Production India Ltd), Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have successfully completed India’s first full-scale offshore facilities decommissioning project. The landmark operation involved the safe removal of infrastructure from the mid and south Tapti gas fields, a feat never before achieved on Indian seas.

The announcement was made through a joint statement released on Monday, marking a significant breakthrough in India’s offshore oil and gas lifecycle management.

🇮🇳 About the PMT Joint Venture

The Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) Joint Venture was formed under a production sharing contract with the Government of India. ONGC holds a 40% participating interest in the JV, while Reliance and Shell (via BGEPIL) each hold 30%.

This ambitious project involved the safe dismantling of five offshore wellhead platforms, associated pipelines, and onshore load-in operations. Most notably, it also saw the successful plugging and abandonment of 38 wells—all executed in full alignment with India’s decommissioning guidelines and environmental standards.

 Complex Yet Responsible Energy Transition

The decommissioning of offshore infrastructure is no small task. It requires adherence to stringent safety norms, environmental guidelines, and coordinated regulatory oversight. The Tapti project exemplifies how strategic planning, precision engineering, and industry collaboration can converge to execute a high-risk project without incident.

Operations were carried out by Indian energy infrastructure giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T), while the onshore dismantling is currently being handled by Chowgule Shipyard (CLSPL) in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra—further boosting India’s “Make in India” credentials in offshore and onshore energy infrastructure.

Pioneering India’s Offshore Decommissioning Framework

This project is more than a technological achievement—it’s a blueprint for the future. Developed in consultation with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), and the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), it lays the groundwork for India’s emerging regulatory and operational standards in offshore decommissioning.

What the Leaders Said

Nipun Pradhan, Managing Director, BGEPIL & GM Shell Upstream India:
“The safe and successful completion of the Tapti project is a landmark moment. It sets a new benchmark for responsible offshore decommissioning in India. We’re proud to partner with Reliance, ONGC, and the Government of India in shaping this new frontier.”

Sanjay Barman Roy, President, E&P, Reliance Industries Limited:
“This project is a powerful example of how India can not only ‘Make in India’ but also ‘Break in India.’ It has strengthened local capabilities and laid the foundation for a robust offshore dismantling ecosystem.”

Pankaj Kumar, Director (Production), ONGC:
“As India’s first large-scale offshore decommissioning, this project reinforces ONGC’s commitment to sustainability. Executing this safely—especially near live operational assets—demonstrates world-class planning and risk management.”

⚓ What This Means for India’s Energy Future

The completion of the Tapti decommissioning project signals a shift in India’s energy operations—from exploration and production to lifecycle management and environmental restoration. As more offshore fields approach maturity, this project sets the stage for a responsible and efficient path forward.