Permanent removal of ageing oil and gas infrastructure in the North Sea is emerging as one of the most complex engineering challenges facing the UK offshore sector, while also representing a multi-billion-pound industrial opportunity.

The report After the oil: Economic impacts from UK offshore decommissioning, by Redwater Insights, says decommissioning activity on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) could generate £25.6 billion (€30 billion) in spending over the next decade, but warns that delivery will depend heavily on whether the UK can mobilise sufficient engineering capability, infrastructure and supply chain capacity.