Late Life & Decommissioning Zone – SUT Session Detail and Agenda

Decommissioning in the context of ‘Foresight Future of the Sea’

The sea is critical to planet Earth, and its future will fundamentally affect ours. Science and innovation have an important part to play in shaping that future. Science holds the key to understanding the impact of a changing marine environment, informing our response to it, while emerging technology brings opportunities to develop and stimulate economic growth, as well as improve our marine science capability. (Foresight Future of the Sea, A report from the Government Chief Scientific Advisor, 2018).

‘Business as usual’ is not an option for the UK.  The Government has many initiatives that are improving the future of the sea. Without additional action, however, this report’s finding suggest a risk of significant environmental degradation, instability and a failure to capitalise on or retain some of our global strengths. A more strategic approach is critical; thus, it is recommended that the UK develops a clear, joined-up strategy for our marine interests. Such an approach would address the current lack of coordination, within and between Government, Industry and Science.

By thinking holistically decommissioning can go right to the very heart of this challenge. Scientific policies concerning Man-Made Objects, Structures and Substances (MMOSS) need to be addressed.

This session takes a walk through the past, present and future of science and emerging technology, combining the latest marine academic science with the sensitive topic of reefing, and new means of gaining fresh insights and understanding through simulation and visualisation, in order to stimulate informed, cross-sector debate and help generate responsible, cost effective solutions.

Chairpersons:

Karen Seath, Marine Science Chair, SUT Decommissioning & Wreck Removal Subcommittee

Steve Hall, CEO, SUT (Society for Underwater Technology)

Agenda:

14:30-14:35 – Welcome and Introduction – Karen Seath, Marine Science Chair, SUT Decom & Wreck Removal Subcommittee (5 mins)

14:35-14:40 – SUT Overview – Steve Hall, CEO, SUT (5 mins)

14:40-14:45 – Setting the Context: Foresight Future of the Sea – Moya Crawford, Chair, SUT International Salvage & Decom Committee (5 mins)

14:45 – 15:00 – Overview of current decom related marine academic research – Sally Rouse, SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science) and MASTS (Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland) Oil & Gas Forum (15 mins)

Artificial reefs / Marine environmental impact (2 x talks, 15 mins)

• • 15:00 – 15:15 – Artificial reefs: A Brief History – Alison Brand, Aberdeen University & Manta Environmental
  • 15:15 – 15:30 – Cost of full removal vs cost of leaving in situ – Stuart Martin, Director – Business Development, Ardent Global

Simulation and visualisation (3 x talks, 15 mins)

• • • 15:30-15:45 – 3D incident reconstruction to improve “certainty of outcome” – Mark Lawrence, Waves Group
    • 15:45 – 16:00 – Simulation of impacts in the marine environment – Joel Mills, CEO, Offshore Simulator Centre
    • 16:00 – 15:15 – Other practical uses for simulation in the subsea sector – Iain Gartshore, Decom Manager, Subsea 7

16:15 – 16:30 – Panel discussion / Q&A (15 mins)

Close (Steve Hall)