Written by: Suhaib Shams
The Brazilian Senate is discussing a bill that establishes rules for decommissioning and repurposing offshore oil and gas platforms, aiming to reduce economic and environmental costs and transform these assets into new uses.
Multiple Uses for Decommissioned Platforms
The project was introduced by Senator Davi Alcolumbre (Union Party - Amapá State), and provides for the possibility of reusing platforms in activities including: tourism, marine mining, supporting offshore wind farms and green hydrogen centers, marine research centers, fishing and aquaculture, national defense and navigation security, carbon capture and storage, and the creation of artificial reefs.
Licensing and Approval Procedures
The article stipulates obtaining an environmental license and approval from the maritime authority and the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). The National Council for Energy Policy (CNPE) will determine the guidelines for disposing of these facilities, while imposing fees on profit-oriented commercial activities.
Public Interest Process Before Decommissioning
Before decommissioning, a public process will be opened for up to six months via a "Public Call for Expression of Interest" (PMI), allowing companies, public bodies, and research centers to submit studies for repurposing the infrastructure. Proposals will be evaluated based on the business model, structural integrity, logistical requirements, and costs.
Strategic Importance for Brazil
Alcolumbre emphasized that Brazil is reaching a "critical point" as dozens of platforms reach the end of their useful life, noting that the absence of clear rules misses economic opportunities and increases environmental risks and legal uncertainties. He also linked the project to strengthening the "Blue Amazon" — the 5.7 million square kilometer marine area — through fixed rules on repurposed platforms that support maritime sovereignty, the protection of submarine cables, and the fight against illegal fishing.
