Plugging Away

Hosted by The Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA)

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-AU

About the show

Welcome to Plugging Away, your go-to source for in-depth discussions and insights into the world of oil and gas decommissioning. Brought to you by The Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA), this podcast is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and sustainable approach to managing Australia's aging oil and gas infrastructure. Join us as we dive into the decommissioning industry and engage in thought-provoking conversations with stakeholders from every facet of the field to explore the latest developments, cutting-edge research, and game-changing technologies that are shaping the decommissioning landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the processes involved in decommissioning, our podcast is designed to provide valuable insights, actionable knowledge, and inspiring stories that matter. Expect to gain an understanding of the challenges, innovations, and solutions that are driving the sustainable transformation of Australia's oil and gas infrastructure. Tune in to Plugging Away and become part of a community dedicated to shaping the future of decommissioning, as we work together to build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy landscape.

Listen to episodes

20 recent

May 14, 202632 min

The Evolution of Decommissioning Conferences

CEO Francis Norman is joined by Tommy Angell and Rachael Brand from Offshore Network to discuss the evolution of decommissioning conferences and the growing momentum across the offshore decommissioning sector.The conversation explores how Offshore Network first entered the decommissioning space, the role conferences play in bringing together operators, regulators, contractors, and the wider supply chain, and how industry collaboration has evolved over recent years. Tommy and Rachael reflect on the rapid growth of D&A Australia, the increasing openness across the sector, and the importance of creating environments where organisations can openly share both successes and challenges.Francis, Tommy, and Rachael also discuss the similarities emerging across international markets, the value of face-to-face engagement in an increasingly digital world, and some of the major themes shaping current industry conversations, including vessel scarcity, ports and infrastructure, and collaboration.The episode also provides a preview of this year’s D&A Australia conference, taking place in Perth on 23–24 June 2026.

April 13, 202613 min

Research and Innovation in Well P&A

CODA CEO Francis Norman speaks with Harald Linga from SWIPA about the role of research and collaboration in advancing well plugging and abandonment.Hosted by SINTEF and supported by the Research Council of Norway and a broad group of industry partners, SWIPA brings together operators, researchers and universities to explore new approaches to well barrier design and performance. Harald shares insights into the structure of the program, including its focus on material science, large-scale testing and the development of solutions that can be taken forward into industry.The conversation explores how emerging barrier materials such as geopolymers and bismuth alloys are being tested under challenging conditions, as well as the importance of building confidence in new technologies. Francis and Harald also discuss the potential for shorter plug designs, rigless P&A operations and the longer-term ambition to significantly reduce the cost of well plugging, particularly for subsea wells.

April 7, 202622 min

Planning for Future Decommissioning in Norway

CODA CEO Francis Norman speaks with representatives from Offshore Norge about how Norway is preparing for the next phase of offshore decommissioning.Joining the conversation are Anne-Lise Søyland, Magnus Svensson and Michael Bishop, who share insights into the role Offshore Norge plays in bringing industry together and supporting collaboration across the Norwegian Continental Shelf.The conversation explores how collaboration between operators, suppliers and regulators has become a defining feature of the Norwegian offshore industry. The Offshore Norge team discuss their specialist networks, industry guidance and technology roadmaps aimed at improving how decommissioning and well-plugging activities are planned and delivered. They also highlight the importance of sharing lessons from projects, strengthening the supplier market and attracting the next generation of engineers and specialists who will play a key role in delivering decommissioning work into the future.

March 23, 202613 min

A Norwegian Regulator’s Perspective on Well P&A

In this episode of CODA’s Plugging Away podcast, Francis Norman speaks with Nina Ringøen from Havtil about the role of regulation and oversight in preparing for the next phase of offshore well plugging activity in Norway.Formerly known as the Petroleum Safety Authority, Havtil acts as both a supervisory authority and knowledge directorate for the Norwegian offshore sector. Nina explains how the Norwegian regulatory model is built on openness, transparency and trust, with audit findings shared publicly so the wider industry can learn from both successes and mistakes.The discussion explores the current state of wells on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the preparations underway as more wells move toward permanent plugging and abandonment. Francis and Nina also discuss the challenges of introducing new well barrier technologies, the time required to qualify them for offshore use, and the importance of international collaboration between regulators and industry to share knowledge and lessons learned as decommissioning activity increases globally.Contact Nina: nina.ringoen(at)havtil.no

February 26, 202632 min

Cutting Technology for Pipeline and Well Decommissioning

In this episode of Plugging Away, CODA CEO Francis Norman speaks with Nick McNally, Managing Director of Decom Engineering, about innovation, international growth and the evolving demands of decommissioning.Nick shares the unconventional path that led him from chartered accountancy and international beer distribution to leading a specialist cutting technology business operating across Australia, Brazil, North America and Europe. He reflects on Decom Engineering’s pivot during COVID, the development of its expanding subsea and onshore saw range, and how product innovation has opened new markets.The discussion explores the role of precision cutting in pipeline, flexible and umbilical removal, and the growing need to better integrate offshore and onshore workflows.

February 9, 202612 min

Accessing Skilled Personnel Across Borders

In this episode of Plugging Away, CODA CEO Francis Norman speaks with Paul Sammeroff, Partner at Resource 17, about the realities of sourcing and mobilising skilled personnel across the global energy sector.As decommissioning activity grows, access to experienced personnel at short notice can be a key consideration in project planning. Drawing on more than 15 years’ experience across 30+ countries, Paul shares insights into supporting operators, EPCs and service companies with contract personnel ranging from shutdown crews to senior project leaders.The discussion explores the practical considerations behind workforce deployment from compliance and visa pathways, to payroll risk and tender support, and reflects on the role of relationships, industry knowledge, and collaboration in delivering capability across international markets.

January 19, 202622 min

Getting to Know Rean Gilbert

In this episode, CEO Francis Norman sits down with CODA’s new General Manager, Rean Gilbert, to explore her career journey and what drew her to the decommissioning sector.Rean shares her path from marine and environmental science into regulation, government and industry, including her time at NOPSEMA and in state government. She reflects on how growing up across multiple countries shaped her resilience, leadership style and strong focus on collaboration.The conversation also looks ahead, with Rean outlining what excites her about decommissioning in Australia, the opportunity to help shape an emerging industry, and her priorities at CODA as she brings together regulators, operators and the supply chain to help address shared challenges.

December 18, 202543 min

2025: A Year of Pogress for CODA & Decommissioning

In this final episode of the year, Pawel Rybczynski, Brand and Communications Lead at the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA), is joined by Francis Norman, CEO of CODA, to reflect on 2025 and what it has meant for the Australian decommissioning industry.The conversation looks back on key milestones for CODA, including the delivery of the Introduction to Decommissioning course, the Waste Disposal Pathways Report and Database, the Northern Territory study, the establishment of Special Interest Groups, and the evolution of CODA’s brand and industry role.Francis shares his perspective on how Australia’s decommissioning capability is developing compared to global markets, where key opportunities exist, and the importance of collaboration across industry, government and research, including the significance of recent NDRI work and insights gained through partner engagement locally and internationally.The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on what’s ahead in early 2026 and the opportunities that lie ahead for the sector.

December 10, 202538 min

Global Subsea Decommissioning Lessons with Centurion

In this episode, CODA CEO Francis Norman speaks with Brett Phillips, Subsea Manager at Centurion, about the company’s growing role in subsea decommissioning across Australia and internationally.Brett shares insights from Centurion’s global footprint and recent projects, including large-scale pipeline recovery work in the Gulf of Thailand, as well as operations in Bass Strait and Western Australia. The conversation highlights the practical lessons learned offshore, the value of repetition and consistency, and the equipment and engineering needed to operate safely in Australia’s remote and highly regulated environment.They also discuss reuse and circular economy approaches, Centurion’s expanding local capability, and opportunities for efficiency as Australia enters a significant phase of subsea decommissioning.

September 30, 202547 min

Conversations at SPE Offshore Europe 2025

In this episode, CODA CEO Francis Norman records live from SPE Offshore Europe 2025 in Aberdeen, speaking with leaders across the decommissioning sector, including technology, regulation, academia, consultancy, and government.Lewis Harper (NZTC) discusses industry-funded technology pilots and the growth of collaborative networks, while Suzie Coull (NSTA) shares the regulator’s perspective on well decommissioning and the importance of efficiency and innovation. Richard Neilson (National Decommissioning Centre) reflects on research, training, and the challenges of sustaining a local supply chain, and Martha Vasquez (BCG) highlights global trends, emerging basins, and the need to retain talent. Finally, Shozey Jafferi (UK Department for Business and Trade) outlines opportunities for international collaboration, including links with Australia.Stay connected with CODA - decommissioning.org.au/coda-connect/

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