For the oil and gas sector, reporting and delivering on sustainability performance requires experienced contractors that can navigate complex challenges with creative approaches that enhance efficiency, while minimising environmental impact.
By actively supporting this process, decommissioning companies can drive innovation, while aligning with national and global net-zero targets. Companies that can implement sustainable practices in challenging environments demonstrate a superior ability to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Advancing sustainable decommissioning practices ensures that legacy infrastructure is managed responsibly, reducing environmental impact and unlocking new opportunities for repurposing assets. Decommissioning Manager, Jed van Iersel at Liberty Industrial shares learnings for oil and gas companies around the world to help deliver on these best practices and measurement standard “At Liberty Industrial, we aim not only to deliver the best environmental outcomes on every project but also to provide transparency for our clients to support their own sustainability goals.
“For every project, we set targets to meet or exceed environmental excellence in resource recovery and material reuse, which benefits the environment and creates value for our clients. “Our sustainable approach is defined right at the start of each project, enabling us to source and work with like-minded suppliers to use circular practices that are at the forefront globally.
“Collaboration remains key—by working closely with stakeholders, including regulators, communities, and technology partners, with both local and international entities — ensuring best practices and cutting-edge solutions are shared across the sector.” Liberty Industrial’s second UK decommissioning project, and first to come to completion was the decommissioning of the Northern Producer, with exceptional results in achieving 98 per cent recycling of almost everything from the retired asset, from steel to lifeboats, components, and marine growth for local farmers.
The project won the World Demolition Award for Explosive demolition in 2024, showcasing the Australian-founded company’s commitment to delivering international world-class decommissioning projects. Jed said the project demonstrates a determined and effective solution for the decontamination, deconstruction, and ethical disposal of oil & gas legacy assets.
“Our approach supports the energy transition by focusing on local decommissioning practices and recycling. “Liberty Industrial’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, innovation, and collaboration sets a high standard for the industry.” CASE IN POINT: In 2023, Liberty Industrial was engaged by Qualimar Shipping Limited/Northern Offshore UK Ltd (NOF) for the decontamination, deconstruction, and disposal of the Northern Producer Floating Production Platform. The project adopted a first-of-its-kind approach for such an asset, with decommissioning in a dry dock in a remote region of Scotland.
The 11,200-tonne asset was decommissioned using world-class demolition methodologies and recycling techniques, underscoring Liberty Industrial’s commitment to circular economy principles, while adhering to both local and international regulations. The recycling program aimed to promote an environmentfirst solution – minimum landfill with maximum recycling. The dedication to ensuring the program encompassed as many aspects as possible was a great achievement for the industry, setting a new benchmark internationally. Given the diversity in components of the asset, the innovative approach included leveraging several local and international entities, and local community engagement.
“The recycling program aims to recirculate materials back into the supply chain. “This project, the first major decommissioning project in this remote location, exemplifies our values and showcases our dedication to decommissioning leadership for the oil and gas industry,” said Jed.
CASE IN POINT
In 2023, Liberty Industrial was engaged by Qualimar Shipping Limited/Northern Offshore UK Ltd (NOF) for the decontamination, deconstruction, and disposal of the Northern Producer Floating Production Platform.
The project adopted a first-of-its-kind approach for such an asset, with decommissioning in a dry dock in a remote region of Scotland. The 11,200-tonne asset was decommissioned using world-class demolition methodologies and recycling techniques, underscoring Liberty Industrial’s commitment to circular economy principles, while adhering to both local and international regulations.
The recycling program aimed to promote an environment-first solution – minimum landfill with maximum recycling. The dedication to ensuring the program encompassed
as many aspects as possible was a great achievement for the industry, setting a new benchmark internationally. Given the diversity in components of the asset, the innovative approach included leveraging several local and international entities, and local community engagement.
“The recycling program aims to recirculate materials back into the supply chain. “This project, the first major decommissioning project in this remote location, exemplifies our values and showcases our dedication to decommissioning leadership for the oil and gas industry,” said Jed.
