Plugging Away

CODA CEO Francis Norman speaks with Harald Linga from SWIPA about the role of research and collaboration in advancing well plugging and abandonment.Hosted by SINTEF and supported by the Research Council of Norway and a broad group of industry partners, SWIPA brings together operators, researchers and universities to explore new approaches to well barrier design and performance. Harald shares insights into the structure of the program, including its focus on material science, large-scale testing and the development of solutions that can be taken forward into industry.The conversation explores how emerging barrier materials such as geopolymers and bismuth alloys are being tested under challenging conditions, as well as the importance of building confidence in new technologies. Francis and Harald also discuss the potential for shorter plug designs, rigless P&A operations and the longer-term ambition to significantly reduce the cost of well plugging, particularly for subsea wells.

In this episode of CODA’s Plugging Away podcast, Francis Norman speaks with Nina Ringøen from Havtil about the role of regulation and oversight in preparing for the next phase of offshore well plugging activity in Norway.Formerly known as the Petroleum Safety Authority, Havtil acts as both a supervisory authority and knowledge directorate for the Norwegian offshore sector. Nina explains how the Norwegian regulatory model is built on openness, transparency and trust, with audit findings shared publicly so the wider industry can learn from both successes and mistakes.The discussion explores the current state of wells on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the preparations underway as more wells move toward permanent plugging and abandonment. Francis and Nina also discuss the challenges of introducing new well barrier technologies, the time required to qualify them for offshore use, and the importance of international collaboration between regulators and industry to share knowledge and lessons learned as decommissioning activity increases globally.Contact Nina: nina.ringoen(at)havtil.no

In this episode of Plugging Away, CODA CEO Francis Norman speaks with Paul Sammeroff, Partner at Resource 17, about the realities of sourcing and mobilising skilled personnel across the global energy sector.As decommissioning activity grows, access to experienced personnel at short notice can be a key consideration in project planning. Drawing on more than 15 years’ experience across 30+ countries, Paul shares insights into supporting operators, EPCs and service companies with contract personnel ranging from shutdown crews to senior project leaders.The discussion explores the practical considerations behind workforce deployment from compliance and visa pathways, to payroll risk and tender support, and reflects on the role of relationships, industry knowledge, and collaboration in delivering capability across international markets.

In this final episode of the year, Pawel Rybczynski, Brand and Communications Lead at the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA), is joined by Francis Norman, CEO of CODA, to reflect on 2025 and what it has meant for the Australian decommissioning industry.The conversation looks back on key milestones for CODA, including the delivery of the Introduction to Decommissioning course, the Waste Disposal Pathways Report and Database, the Northern Territory study, the establishment of Special Interest Groups, and the evolution of CODA’s brand and industry role.Francis shares his perspective on how Australia’s decommissioning capability is developing compared to global markets, where key opportunities exist, and the importance of collaboration across industry, government and research, including the significance of recent NDRI work and insights gained through partner engagement locally and internationally.The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on what’s ahead in early 2026 and the opportunities that lie ahead for the sector.

In this episode, CODA CEO Francis Norman records live from SPE Offshore Europe 2025 in Aberdeen, speaking with leaders across the decommissioning sector, including technology, regulation, academia, consultancy, and government.Lewis Harper (NZTC) discusses industry-funded technology pilots and the growth of collaborative networks, while Suzie Coull (NSTA) shares the regulator’s perspective on well decommissioning and the importance of efficiency and innovation. Richard Neilson (National Decommissioning Centre) reflects on research, training, and the challenges of sustaining a local supply chain, and Martha Vasquez (BCG) highlights global trends, emerging basins, and the need to retain talent. Finally, Shozey Jafferi (UK Department for Business and Trade) outlines opportunities for international collaboration, including links with Australia.Stay connected with CODA - decommissioning.org.au/coda-connect/

In this episode, CODA Brand and Communications Lead Pawel Rybczynski asks CEO Francis Norman to share reflections from his recent travels across Europe, including stops in Aberdeen, Bergen, Stavanger and Copenhagen. They explore how international collaboration, particularly through forums like the Perth-Aberdeen Gateway and the UK-Australia MOU, is shaping Australia’s decommissioning landscape. From the transferability of technology and the challenges of qualifications, to the global push for reuse and recycling, Francis and Pawel discuss what Australia can learn from more established jurisdictions, and how the local industry is rising to the challenge.The discussion also covers circular economy initiatives like Nordic Circles, infrastructure readiness, and the social value drawing people into the sector. With a clear-eyed look at the sunk cost mindset and a call for broader industry recognition, it’s a thoughtful update on how decommissioning is evolving globally and what it means for us in Australia.

In this episode, CODA CEO Francis Norman explores the current state of global ship recycling with Kostas Galanis, Director at DIDO Shipping Group and Chairman of the International Ship Recycling Association. Kostas shares insights on environmental and safety standards shaping the industry, the enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention, and the role of circular economies in ship recycling. We also dive into the complexities of recycling oil and gas assets like FPSOs and FSOs, emphasising the importance of collaboration and early decommissioning planning. Get in touch with Kostas via kgalanis@didoshipping.gr, or CODA via contact@decommissioning.org.au if you have any questions after listening to this episode. We'd love to hear from you! Have a topic you would like us to discuss? Let us know: https://bit.ly/plugging-away

Join CODA General Manager Shaun Sadler and waste management expert Kim Horwood as they delve into the intricacies of waste management arising from oil and gas decommissioning. Discover the varying definitions of waste, the complexities of waste streams, and the geographical disparities in waste management facilities across Australia. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the role of regulations, supply chains, and innovative strategies needed to manage waste responsibly and sustainably.

CODA's journey in 2023 was marked by significant achievements and substantial growth. Join in as CEO Francis Norman, General Manager Shaun Sadler, Projects and Engagement Manager Samara Groves, and NDRI Program Director Renae Larsen wrap up the year that was, and discuss everything coming up in 2024.

Join in as CODA's Pawel Rybczynski speaks to a number of CODA Partners at the 2023 Decommissioning and Abandonment conference in Perth Western Australia.