Dr. Sander Scheffers of Hydrobiology delivered a compelling presentation at the Subsea Energy Australia Forum last Thursday, shedding light on the decommissioning potential within the offshore industry. He emphasized the crucial role of regulatory frameworks, notably NOPSEMA, in guiding responsible decommissioning practices. Dr. Scheffers advocated for Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as a sustainable and biodiversity enhancing approach, stressing the benefits of NbS in reimagining decommissioned steel, concrete, and other subsea structures. He discussed the eco-toxicological and material safety considerations, with case studies from RecFishWest and MMA Offshore underscoring the success of NbS. Dr. Scheffers also explored offshore wind opportunities, and the growing significance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in the industry’s evolution.
