Shell, Reliance and ONGC Set Benchmark with Tapti Decommissioning Project

In a major milestone for India’s energy sector, Reliance Industries (RIL), Shell, and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have jointly completed the country’s first offshore decommissioning project. The consortium successfully dismantled the mid and south Tapti field facilities in the Arabian Sea, marking a historic moment in offshore energy infrastructure management.

The Tapti Project: A Joint Venture Milestone

The Tapti oil and gas fields were previously operated by the Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) joint venture, formed under a production sharing agreement with the Government of India. The joint venture consisted of ONGC holding a 40% participating interest, with the remaining interest shared between Reliance Industries and Shell (through its subsidiary BG Exploration & Production India).

Production from these fields had ceased in March 2016, but the decommissioning project extended the legacy of the JV through a safe and responsible closure of operations.

Scope of Decommissioning Work

The offshore decommissioning involved the removal of:

• Five wellhead platforms

• Associated infield pipelines

• Safe plugging and abandonment of 38 wells

• Transport and dismantling operations at an onshore yard

The execution of this complex project required careful planning and coordination, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and operational safety.

Strengthening Local Capabilities

According to Sanjay Barman Roy, President of E&P at Reliance Industries, the project not only upheld the highest safety and environmental standards but also boosted India’s technical capacity in offshore operations. By strengthening local supply chains and improving the expertise of Indian contractors, the project has aligned well with the Indian government’s “Make and Break in India” vision.

Share Price Performance

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) saw a slight decline of 0.97%, with its stock price moving from a previous close of ₹1,431.30 to ₹1,417.40. The stock opened at ₹1,431.00 and reached a high of ₹1,432.00, before dipping to ₹1,416.90 at 9:25 AM on the NSE.

On the other hand, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) experienced a modest increase of 0.96%, with its stock price rising from ₹239.20 to ₹241.50. The stock opened at ₹241.13, peaked at ₹242.99, and had a low of ₹240.80.

Conclusion

The successful completion of the Tapti decommissioning project sets a precedent for future offshore dismantling activities in India. It showcases how global partnerships, when aligned with national goals, can lead to significant advancements in both energy management and industrial capability.

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