SEMINAR: Heave or Leave - what to do with structures on the seafloor

Oil production in the North Sea has peaked resulting in the need for decommissioning ageing platforms. This process has been accelerated by falling oil prices. The industry estimates that until 2050 470 platforms will have to be decommissioned in the North Sea. This creates many questions for "good" solutions regarding technical feasibility, environmental consequences as well as social acceptance and not in the least costs.

A critical issue is what to do with the structures on the sea floor. Should they be left there or do they have to be removed? From an environmentalist point of view complete removal might be considered the best option. But is this really the case?