LNG loading/downloading and circular economy: The opportunities related to the new legislation and the reuse of oil&gas platforms

The purpose of this paper is to survey national regulatory framework development and the existing technical knowledge for the possible reuse of hydrocarbon platforms at the end of their useful life as base for the loading and unloading of liquefied natural gas (LNG) onto ships. This objective, in line with the main national strategic objectives (National Energy Strategy - SEN, 2013) for the promotion of the energy mix and decarbonisation, could be a great opportunity for Italy considering the role natural gas will play in the coming years and, particularly, the opening up of the world market to LNG. Together with its economic interest, the prospect of reusing existing hydrocarbon offshore platforms is made even more attractive as it poses an answer to social and environmental issues addressed by European policies, mainly in Circular Economy (Action Plan UE, 2015), Blue Growth and safety of mining activities in terms of platform removal. This goal is at the forefront, but the concrete potential is still marginally dealt with due to new legislation (Legislative Decree no. 257 of 16 December 2016) which is not yet matched by adequate economic feasibility studies in Italy. This document will illustrate the regulatory developments that have taken place over the last months for the possible conversion of Oil&Gas platforms for LNG loading and unloading.