Shell-Reliance-ONGC JV Complete India’s First Offshore Decom Project
May 5, 2025
The Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) joint venture partners, consisting of Shell (through BGEPIL), Reliance Industries (RIL), and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), have completed India's first offshore facilities decommissioning project with the removal of mid and south Tapti field facilities.
The PMT JV, operator of the Tapti fields under a production sharing contract with the Government of India, comprises of ONGC with a 40% participating interest, and RIL and BG Exploration & Production India Ltd (BGEPIL-Shell) with 30% each.
The project involved removal of five wellhead platforms, associated infield pipelines, load-in at the onshore dismantling yard and the safe plugging and abandonment of 38 wells - all executed in line with the approved decommissioning plan.
Production from the Tapti fields ceased in March 2016.
The PMT JV awarded major contracts to Indian companies Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for offshore execution and Chowgule Shipyard (CLSPL) for onshore dismantling.
Offshore operations have now been completed safely, and dismantling is underway at CLSPL’s facilities in Ratnagiri, further strengthening India's domestic capabilities in offshore and onshore energy infrastructure.
The Tapti decommissioning project also played a pioneering role in shaping India’s regulatory and operational framework for offshore decommissioning.
Developed collaboratively with key stakeholders—including the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), the project sets a benchmark for future offshore energy transitions, rooted in global best practices and adapted for Indian conditions.
“The safe and successful completion of the Tapti offshore project is a landmark moment for India’s offshore energy sector. This project sets a new benchmark for responsible decommissioning, made possible by global expertise, strong collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability," said Nipun Pradhan, Managing Director, BGEPIL and GM Shell Upstream India.
“This first-of-its-kind large-scale offshore decommissioning underscores ONGC’s commitment to responsible energy practices. The project’s complexity, especially its proximity to ONGC’s live assets demanded strategic planning, precise execution, and utmost focus on safety.
"It marks a defining moment in India’s energy landscape and sets a strong foundation for the next chapter in offshore infrastructure transformation,” added Pankaj Kumar, Director (Production), ONGC.
