Offshore Decommissioning – Navigating Challenges and Seizing the Opportunities

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Decommissioning is the final chapter in the lifecycle of offshore energy projects. The work involved to dismantle and removal infrastructure at sea is almost always a complex and costly exercise; presenting a range of technical, environmental, and social risks that must be carefully managed.

The scale of the upcoming challenge in this State is also eyewatering. Late last year, the Commonwealth Government released Offshore Resources Decommissioning Roadmap. The report highlights that some $60 billion of work will need to take place over the next few decades to remove aging and retired offshore infrastructure, with the vast majority involving WA based assets.

In this seminar, we are joined by a panel of experienced professionals who will share insights into the current challenges and opportunities in the decommissioning landscape in WA. We will touch on topics such as:

• managing key risks that emerge;
• trends in contracting;
• environmental and waste management considerations;
• the avoidance and resolution of disputes.

Date and Time

Thursday 11 September 2025.

The event will formally commence at 5:30 pm AWST. There will be time for questions at the conclusion of the discussion, followed by networking drinks.

Location

This event is hosted by DLA Piper, at Level 21, 240 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA.

CPD Point

1 point in Substantive Law.

Cost

This event is free to attend for SoCLA members and invited guests. The event is otherwise $49.50 for non-members. It is in-person only and will not be recorded. 

Panelists

Dr Francis Norman – CEO and Managing Director, Centre of Decommissioning Australia

Francis is the CEO and Managing Director of (CODA), the Centre of Decommissioning Australia.

Francis has a 45 year international career in the resources sector and took on the role of CEO with CODA on its establishment in 2020. CODA is the peak body for Australia’s decommissioning industry, working to support the growth of capacity and capability to address the challenges of safely and efficiently decommissioning, removing and recycling ageing oil and gas infrastructure.

Francis holds a MSc in project management and a PhD in management

Simona Chady – Commercial Director APAC, Petrofac

Simona is APAC Commercial Director for Petrofac, leading the commercial team on high-profile offshore projects including the Northern Endeavour decommissioning in Australia and the Jasmine FPSO in Thailand. She directs all aspects of commercial delivery, from client and subcontract execution and management to procurement, supply chain, cost control, scheduling/planning, and billing, while expertly navigating the commercial tightrope between client and contractor to unlock value on both sides.

With over 20 years’ experience in multinationals such as Shell and TotalEnergies, spanning LNG, renewables, hydrogen, and complex offshore projects, and backed by a strategic, legal, and finance foundation, Simona has first-hand experience of the commercial realities and opportunities in decommissioning.

Gareth Anderson – C&P Decommissioning, Woodside Energy

Garreth is currently employed at Woodside Energy managing tendering and contract management activities in support of the company’s decommissioning business, primarily offshore subsea facilities removal. Prior to decommissioning Garreth has managed contracting activities in offshore construction, EPCI for greenfield projects and implementation, and plant and equipment portfolios including other roles at Woodside.

Kim Horwood – Director, SKH Circular Economy Solutions

Kim is the Director of SKH Circular Economy Solutions and has over 20 years of global experience in environmental regulation in the oil and gas industry including LNG facilities, major projects, supply bases, drilling and exploration.

Kim has a demonstrated history of working in the oil and energy industry (including as the Lead Shell Global Waste Subject Matter Expert) and is an expert on the waste streams applicable to offshore decommissioning and what contributions decommissioning can make to the circular economy.

Kim has managed over 20 large waste contracts, lead waste facility assurance programs and has contributed to decommissioning projects and ship disposals. She currently audits waste facilities throughout the APAC region, using years of combined auditing, process engineering, operations and site experience with a deep environmental, regulatory and compliance history to assess those waste facilities.

Douglas Johnson – Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers

Doug maintains a broad commercial litigation and arbitration practice, with particular expertise in the areas of construction and engineering, insurance, and professional liability disputes. He is often briefed on highly technical cases involving complex factual and expert evidence, and has acted on large-scale claims with over $700 million in issue.

In 2024, Doug received the Tom Yuncken Australian Young Construction Lawyer Award. He is also recognised in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the area of litigation.

Before being called to the bar, Doug worked as a solicitor in the dispute resolution teams at Jones Day and King & Wood Mallesons and in insurance litigation at Moray & Agnew.

Moderators

Richard Edwards – Partner, DLA Piper

Richard co-leads DLA Piper’s Global Construction Disputes Group. He has 25 years’ experience in advising construction sector participants on issues connected with construction contracts and insurance risks.

Richard is regularly called upon to advise and represent clients in litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation.

Alicia Pull – Special Counsel, DLA Piper

Alicia is a commercial dispute resolution lawyer who specilaises in complex, commercial disputes, investigations and enforcement proceedings.

Alicia has acted on major construction and project disputes across all Australian jurisdictions and she is experienced in assisting clients navigate regulatory obligations and investigations, and responding effectively to workplace incidents, accidents and facilities.

Prior to being admitted as a legal practitioner, Alicia working in the construction and mining industry as a contracts administrator.

Louise Coleman – Special Counsel, DLA Piper

Louise specialises in construction and infrastructure disputes. She has particular experience in technical and complex design related disputes, often involving substantial multi-party proceedings and evidence from various specialist experts.

Louise is experienced in international arbitration in various forums, domestic arbitration and litigation before Australian Federal and State courts. She is admitted in Victoria and Western Australia.