Decommissioning of offshore platform: an empirical analysis in the Italian Oil & Gas industry

Objectives. From a technical, economic, and environmental point of view, the decommissioning of offshore oil platforms is one of the most serious problems facing the oil and gas industry in a long-term perspective. This work aims to investigate the perspective of some stakeholders’ categories belonging to the decommissioning industry about the future of these installations. Methodology. An empirical analysis has been carried out based on the definition of a case study regarding the Italian oil and gas industry. Primary data were collected through multiple-choice questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Findings. The results of the analysis show an emerging sustainable approach regarding the decommissioning of offshore platforms. Circular Economic (CE) initiatives are mainly considered as value co-creation driver regarding the future of these structures. Research limits. The main limitation is related to the sample which is restricted to Italian industry and is related only to certain categories of stakeholders. Practical implications. This work offers several insights about different decommissioning scenarios. Further research could regard the possibility to extend the analysis in other industries and contexts. Originality of the study. The study improves the attention towards the decommissioning of oil and gas offshore platform, its environmental impact and public awareness, from users to local governments.