There is no doubt that decommissioning represents a major economic opportunity for the UK over the coming decades.
Whilst we do not want a headlong rush into a premature break-up of assets, it is right that we plan ahead.
It was, of course, disappointing to hear that UK bidders missed out on a contract from Maersk Oil to decommission the Janice platform.
One of the key factors for securing future decommissioning work, aside from the expertise that we undoubtedly have here in the North East, will be capacity.
Both the UK and Scottish Government have been supportive of the plans to expand Aberdeen Harbour into the Bay of Nigg to create a deeper port to accommodate large-scale decommissioning projects.
A decision on the plans, which have been progressing for three years now, is expected to be made by Marine Scotland in the Autumn.
There can be no delay on this, or on efforts to boost Dundee’s ability to create jobs in this sector through investment at Prince Charles Wharf, as it is clear that there is strong competition elsewhere.
However, we must remain focused on supporting the North Sea oil and gas industry now to avoid the early decommissioning of assets.
There are still up to £20billion barrels that could be extracted for the UK Continental Shelf and we must do all we can to maximise the recovery of those resources in the years and decades to come.
The Oil and Gas Authority, established by the UK Government, launched its decommissioning strategy earlier this year. The plan focuses on three main priorities – on cost reduction, delivery capability and scope.
As with the Maximising Economic Recovery (MER) strategy, it is essential that industry, government and the OGA work together to make sure the UK is in the best position to benefit from this enormous opportunity when the time is right.
For now, however, the priority must remain the prolonging the life of North Sea installations.
The industry in the North East is in the midst of one of the most challenging periods in its history, and we need to work together.
The last thing the sector needs at this time is the threat of another referendum on Scottish independence – the SNP needs to concentrate on the day job and put the constitutional wrangling to one side.
It should also be noted that ongoing industrial action offshore will do little to help businesses secure global investment in the UKCS and will only hasten decommissioning work.
It is imperative that a solution is found to end this dispute before any further damage is done to the reputation of the North Sea industry.
Alexander Burnett is an MSP for Aberdeenshire West and the Scottish Conservatives Energy Spokesman
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