THE decommissioning team from the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has switched directorate and is now part of the renamed Exploration, Production and Decommissioning (EPD) directorate.

According to the OGA, the change reflects the integral role decommissioning plays in the wider lifecycle and stewardship of offshore assets. It will also streamline the OGA’s interface with offshore licence holders.

The move followed publication of the OGA decommissioning strategy which identified key priorities of cost certainty and reduction, delivery capability, guidance and stakeholder engagement in decommissioning.

Its strategy was formulated in collaboration with the oil and gas industry in support of the Maximising Economic Recovery (MER) UK strategy.

The EPD will be led by Gunther Newcombe, who joined the OGA from Indonesia where he was president and CEO of a joint venture company which focused on conventional onshore oil.

Dr Angela Seeney will lead the renamed Technology, Supply Chain and Data (TSD) directorate.

Jim Christie, OGA head of decommissioning, will co-chair the MER UK Decommissioning Board.