Written Question·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·UIN 15882

Oil and Natural Gas: Marine Protected Areas

Tabled: 3 July 2026
Answered: 13 July 2026

Question

Neil Duncan-Jordan

LabourPoole

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what mechanisms are in place to help ensure oil and gas companies remain liable for the decommissioning costs of wells and pipelines within marine protected areas, including where operators c

Answer

Michael Shanks
Section 29 of the Petroleum Act 1998 ensures that companies connected to offshore installations and pipelines remain responsible for decommissioning. Liability for decommissioning continues after a licence or asset sale and applies to all companies being ...

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