Hosted by SINTEF and supported by the Research Council of Norway and a broad group of industry partners, SWIPA brings together operators, researchers and universities to explore new approaches to well barrier design and performance. Harald shares insights into the structure of the program, including its focus on material science, large-scale testing and the development of solutions that can be taken forward into industry.

The conversation explores how emerging barrier materials such as geopolymers and bismuth alloys are being tested under challenging conditions, as well as the importance of building confidence in new technologies. Francis and Harald also discuss the potential for shorter plug designs, rigless P&A operations and the longer-term ambition to significantly reduce the cost of well plugging, particularly for subsea wells.

Joining the conversation are Anne-Lise Søyland, Magnus Svensson and Michael Bishop, who share insights into the role Offshore Norge plays in bringing industry together and supporting collaboration across the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

The conversation explores how collaboration between operators, suppliers and regulators has become a defining feature of the Norwegian offshore industry. The Offshore Norge team discuss their specialist networks, industry guidance and technology roadmaps aimed at improving how decommissioning and well-plugging activities are planned and delivered. They also highlight the importance of sharing lessons from projects, strengthening the supplier market and attracting the next generation of engineers and specialists who will play a key role in delivering decommissioning work into the future.

Formerly known as the Petroleum Safety Authority, Havtil acts as both a supervisory authority and knowledge directorate for the Norwegian offshore sector. Nina explains how the Norwegian regulatory model is built on openness, transparency and trust, with audit findings shared publicly so the wider industry can learn from both successes and mistakes.

The discussion explores the current state of wells on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the preparations underway as more wells move toward permanent plugging and abandonment. Francis and Nina also discuss the challenges of introducing new well barrier technologies, the time required to qualify them for offshore use, and the importance of international collaboration between regulators and industry to share knowledge and lessons learned as decommissioning activity increases globally.

Contact Nina: nina.ringoen(at)havtil.no

Nick shares the unconventional path that led him from chartered accountancy and international beer distribution to leading a specialist cutting technology business operating across Australia, Brazil, North America and Europe. He reflects on Decom Engineering’s pivot during COVID, the development of its expanding subsea and onshore saw range, and how product innovation has opened new markets.

The discussion explores the role of precision cutting in pipeline, flexible and umbilical removal, and the growing need to better integrate offshore and onshore workflows.

As decommissioning activity grows, access to experienced personnel at short notice can be a key consideration in project planning. Drawing on more than 15 years’ experience across 30+ countries, Paul shares insights into supporting operators, EPCs and service companies with contract personnel ranging from shutdown crews to senior project leaders.

The discussion explores the practical considerations behind workforce deployment from compliance and visa pathways, to payroll risk and tender support, and reflects on the role of relationships, industry knowledge, and collaboration in delivering capability across international markets.

Rean shares her path from marine and environmental science into regulation, government and industry, including her time at NOPSEMA and in state government. She reflects on how growing up across multiple countries shaped her resilience, leadership style and strong focus on collaboration.

The conversation also looks ahead, with Rean outlining what excites her about decommissioning in Australia, the opportunity to help shape an emerging industry, and her priorities at CODA as she brings together regulators, operators and the supply chain to help address shared challenges.

The conversation looks back on key milestones for CODA, including the delivery of the Introduction to Decommissioning course, the Waste Disposal Pathways Report and Database, the Northern Territory study, the establishment of Special Interest Groups, and the evolution of CODA’s brand and industry role.

Francis shares his perspective on how Australia’s decommissioning capability is developing compared to global markets, where key opportunities exist, and the importance of collaboration across industry, government and research, including the significance of recent NDRI work and insights gained through partner engagement locally and internationally.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on what’s ahead in early 2026 and the opportunities that lie ahead for the sector.

Brett shares insights from Centurion’s global footprint and recent projects, including large-scale pipeline recovery work in the Gulf of Thailand, as well as operations in Bass Strait and Western Australia. The conversation highlights the practical lessons learned offshore, the value of repetition and consistency, and the equipment and engineering needed to operate safely in Australia’s remote and highly regulated environment.

They also discuss reuse and circular economy approaches, Centurion’s expanding local capability, and opportunities for efficiency as Australia enters a significant phase of subsea decommissioning.

Lewis Harper (NZTC) discusses industry-funded technology pilots and the growth of collaborative networks, while Suzie Coull (NSTA) shares the regulator’s perspective on well decommissioning and the importance of efficiency and innovation. Richard Neilson (National Decommissioning Centre) reflects on research, training, and the challenges of sustaining a local supply chain, and Martha Vasquez (BCG) highlights global trends, emerging basins, and the need to retain talent. Finally, Shozey Jafferi (UK Department for Business and Trade) outlines opportunities for international collaboration, including links with Australia.

Stay connected with CODA - decommissioning.org.au/coda-connect/

The discussion also covers circular economy initiatives like Nordic Circles, infrastructure readiness, and the social value drawing people into the sector. With a clear-eyed look at the sunk cost mindset and a call for broader industry recognition, it’s a thoughtful update on how decommissioning is evolving globally and what it means for us in Australia.

Get in touch with Renae via renae.larsen@decommissioning.org.au, or Dianne and Darren via WAadmin@aims.gov.au if you have any questions after listening to this episode.

We'd love to hear from you! Have a topic you would like us to discuss? Let us know: bit.ly/plugging-away

Get in touch with Kostas via kgalanis@didoshipping.gr, or CODA via contact@decommissioning.org.au if you have any questions after listening to this episode.

We'd love to hear from you! Have a topic you would like us to discuss? Let us know: bit.ly/plugging-away

Our guests, Paul and Saasha Callaghan from OLEOLOGY, join CODA’s Francis Norman and Shaun Sadler to delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with decommissioning oil and gas infrastructure. They highlight the need for effective removal methods, comprehensive waste management pathways, and the adoption of a holistic perspective on decommissioning. We explore the latest advancements in water treatment technologies, the importance of regulatory compliance, and the commercial viability of emerging solutions.