Qatar Launches Historic Offshore Decommissioning, Taps McDermott for Landmark Project
In a significant move for the region's energy sector, Qatar has embarked on its first large-scale offshore decommissioning program. Global engineering and construction firm McDermott International has been selected by QatarEnergy to define the strategy for responsibly dismantling and removing 27 outdated platforms and their associated subsea infrastructure.
The contract, a decommissioning definition engineering study, covers assets across the Al-Karkara, Idd El-Shargi, and Maydan Mahzam fields. This includes a complex network of cables and pipelines that have reached the end of their operational life. The project, to be managed from McDermott's Doha office, aims to set a new benchmark for environmental stewardship and operational safety in the Gulf.
"Having installed much of Qatar's offshore infrastructure, we are now applying that intrinsic knowledge to ensure its safe and efficient retirement," said Neil Gunnion, McDermott's Qatar Country Head. He emphasized the project's role in the full lifecycle of energy assets, underscoring the company's long-term partnership with QatarEnergy.
The award represents a strategic shift in the Middle East, where decommissioning has historically taken a backseat to new development. As global energy transitions accelerate, the responsible management of aging assets is becoming a critical focus. Mike Sutherland, McDermott's Senior Vice-President for Offshore Middle East, called the project a "milestone" that will establish "best-in-class standards" for future regional decommissioning efforts.
Analysts note that McDermott's recent contract win with ADNOC in Abu Dhabi for the Nasr expansion project demonstrates the company's dual role in both developing new capacity and managing the legacy of past projects. This decommissioning framework is seen as a precursor to similar large-scale efforts expected across the mature fields of the Arabian Gulf in the coming decade.
Industry Voices
David Chen, Energy Analyst at Gulf Consult: "This is a prudent, forward-looking step by Qatar. It's not just about dismantling; it's about integrating decommissioning costs into the full lifecycle economics of hydrocarbon fields. This project will provide invaluable data for the entire region."
Sarah Al-Mannai, Environmental Policy Researcher: "Finally, we see action matching rhetoric on environmental responsibility. The scale is massive, and the ecological sensitivity of the Gulf makes this a crucial test. The detailed plan must be transparent and prioritize marine ecosystem recovery."
Marko Vukovic, Former Platform Engineer (Sharply Critical): "Let's not applaud a cleanup of their own mess. These platforms have been generating profits and emissions for decades. This 'landmark' project is decades overdue. It's basic accountability, not innovation, and the oil giants are just passing the bill to specialist firms like McDermott."
Fatima Al-Kuwari, Doha-Based Finance Director: "The commercial and liability implications are huge. A successful framework here will de-risk future projects and could even create a new service export for Qatari firms with the expertise gained."
This report is based on information from Offshore Technology and has been expanded with additional context and analysis.
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