Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 21, 2023 – The 4th International Seminar on “Challenges and Opportunities in Offshore Decommissioning in Southeast Asia and Beyond” took place from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (UTC +7). Hosted by PetroVietnam University at the Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon, this hybrid event attracted 40 in-person attendees and 92 online participants. Experts, researchers, and industry professionals from 13 countries, including China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, and Vietnam, were in attendance, along with representatives from PetroVietnam departments such as the Exploration and Production Corporation (PVEP) and the Petroleum Institute (VPI).
The seminar was organized by SEELOS Project to presenting the research results as the event served as a platform for sharing research findings with industry and government representatives.
Dr. Phan Minh Quoc Binh, President of PVU, highlighted in his opening remarks that the conference provided a platform for professionals in offshore decommissioning to exchange expertise and explore emerging challenges in the industry. Key topics included the safe management of hazardous waste, with a special focus on NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) and mercury, and strategies for ensuring sustainable decommissioning practices across Southeast Asia.
Dr. Binh expressed hope that the conference would foster new collaborations and partnerships, encouraging further research and development in the field. The event featured six presentations from experts representing Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Vietnam, including PVU’s Dr. Le Thi Huyen, who spoke on waste management and recycling facility preparedness for decommissioned onshore oil and gas sites in Southeast Asia.
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Amila Wan Abdullah Zawawi from UTP, Malaysia, and Dr. Le Thi Huyen from PVU, Vietnam shared key insights from the organizing project, focusing on guidelines for safer decommissioning practices. Their presentation highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities faced by decommissioning and waste management facilities, particularly within ASEAN countries. They emphasized the need for region-specific approaches, considering environmental, regulatory, and logistical factors that are unique to Southeast Asia.
Mr. Thor Sterker from the Netherlands explored emerging opportunities within decommissioning projects, emphasizing how collaboration across borders could drive innovation and enhance safety standards. He pointed out that with a growing number of offshore structures reaching the end of their operational life, there is a significant potential for investment in sustainable decommissioning technologies, which could position ASEAN countries as leaders in this niche market.
Dr. Teng Iyu Lin, Mrs. Evin Yulianti, and Mr. Anton Purnomo presented their perspectives on waste management and the complexities of regulatory approval. They discussed how industry and regulators must collaborate closely to ensure that hazardous waste, including NORM and mercury, is handled safely and sustainably. They also highlighted recent advancements in waste processing technologies and underscored the importance of transparent communication between stakeholders to streamline authorization processes, ultimately minimizing environmental risks while maximizing operational efficiency.
The seminar featured a dynamic Q&A session, with participants exchanging valuable insights as they explored practical solutions for addressing the region’s most pressing challenges, including the safe disposal of hazardous materials, regulatory hurdles, and the technical complexities of decommissioning aging offshore structures.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Professor Dr. Omar Yaakob, SEELOS project leader closed the seminar, followed by Dr. Binh, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the speakers by presenting them with certificates and tokens of appreciation. He also extended his sincere thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions in making the event a success.
By Mohd Arif Ismail
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