New Delhi: In a historic milestone for India’s energy and offshore infrastructure sector, the Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) Joint Venture partners – Shell (through BGEPIL), Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) – have successfully completed India’s first offshore facilities decommissioning project, marking a new era in responsible energy operations.
The project involved the safe dismantling and removal of mid and south Tapti field facilities, including five wellhead platforms, associated infield pipelines, and the plugging and abandonment of 38 wells, in accordance with India’s approved decommissioning plan and global environmental and safety standards.
Setting a New Standard in Offshore Energy Management
Production from the Tapti fields ceased in March 2016. The now-completed decommissioning project represents an advanced level of technical planning, inter-agency coordination, and compliance with regulatory frameworks, and sets a new benchmark for future offshore projects in the Indian Ocean region.
The PMT Joint Venture is operated under a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Government of India. It includes ONGC (40% participating interest), and RIL and BGEPIL (Shell) with 30% each.
‘Make in India’ in Action
In alignment with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ vision, major contracts were awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for offshore execution and Chowgule Shipyard (CLSPL) for onshore dismantling. Offshore work has been safely completed, and dismantling activities are currently underway at CLSPL’s facility in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, further boosting India’s domestic capabilities in energy infrastructure decommissioning.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Nipun Pradhan, Managing Director of BGEPIL and GM of Shell Upstream India, said, “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.”
Sanjay Barman Roy, President of E&P, Reliance Industries, remarked, “From the outset, the JV partners worked tirelessly to strengthen local supply chains and the technical capabilities of Indian contractors. The project successfully delivered on the Indian Government’s ambition of ‘Make and Break in India’.”
Pankaj Kumar, Director (Production), ONGC, highlighted, “This first-of-its-kind large-scale offshore decommissioning demanded strategic planning and execution due to its complexity and proximity to live ONGC assets. It reflects our strong commitment to responsible energy practices.”
Building the Framework for India’s Offshore Future
This project also played a pioneering role in shaping India’s regulatory and operational frameworks for offshore decommissioning. It was developed with support from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD).
By integrating global best practices with Indian operational conditions, the project is being hailed as a model for future offshore energy transitions and a case study in environmental responsibility, safety, and efficiency.
About ONGC
ONGC is an Indian central public sector undertaking which is the largest government-owned oil and gas explorer and producer in the country. Having discovered seven out of the eight producing basins of India, It has the largest exploration acreage in the country and is the holder of the largest mining license in India. It has steadfastly maintained a Reserve Replenishment Ratio (RRR) of more than one (2P reserves) for the last ten years. ONGC produces 63 percent of the India ’s Oil & Natural Gas. ONGC has a unique distinction of being a company with in-house service capabilities in all areas of exploration and production of oil and gas and related oil-field services.
About Reliance
Reliance is India’s largest private sector company, with a consolidated revenue of INR 10,71,174 crore (US$ 125.3 billion) and net profit of INR 81,309 crore (US$ 9.5 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2025. Reliance’s activities span hydrocarbon exploration and production, petroleum refining and marketing, petrochemicals, advanced materials and composites, renewables (solar and hydrogen), retail and digital services.
About Shell India
Shell is a diversified energy company in India with 13,000 employees, and presence in Integrated Gas, Downstream, Power, Renewables and Upstream with deep capabilities in R&D and digitalisation. As India moves towards its target of net-zero emissions by 2070, Shell India aims to play a leading role in securing vital energy for today, while investing in, and helping to build, the energy system of the future through its strategic investments in the country.
