Episodes

In this episode, CEO Francis Norman speaks with Dawn Robertson, Global Director for Oil & Gas at Bureau Veritas, about looking at decommissioning through a different lens. Dawn has worked across the decommissioning sector for more than a decade, developing Bureau Veritas' global decommissioning offering and working with operators, contractors, regulators and others across the supply chain. With a background in business rather than engineering or science, she brings a commercial perspective to a...

In this episode of Plugging Away, recorded at ONS 2026 in Stavanger, Francis Norman is joined by Kristine Wille Hilstrøm of Square Advisory and Tim Croucher of Go Radical P&A to discuss the International Well Decommissioning Collaborative (IWDC) and the challenge of improving plug and abandonment (P&A) around the world. The IWDC brings together organisations from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway and the UK to share knowledge, identify technology gaps and support the development of more effici...

In this episode, CEO Francis Norman and General Manager Rean Gilbert are joined by Kelly Smith, Group Head of Environmental and Decommissioning at ASCO, to explore the complexities of waste management in offshore decommissioning. The conversation covers the importance of early planning, the wide range of waste streams generated during decommissioning, and the risks created by fragmented supply chains and poor handovers. Kelly also shares insights into managing NORM, applying circular economy pri...

In this episode, CEO Francis Norman sits down with Sue McCarrey, CEO of NOPSEMA, to discuss the regulator's role in Australia's evolving offshore decommissioning industry. The conversation explores the significant progress being made across Australia's decommissioning landscape, the importance of planning and risk management, and how NOPSEMA assesses new technologies and approaches while maintaining safety and environmental standards. Sue also shares her perspective on major upcoming projects,...

CODA General Manager Rean Gilbert is joined by CODA CEO Francis Norman, CODA Board Member Pia Turcinov, XODUS Decommissioning Manager Carrie McIntosh, CB&I Commercial Director APAC Simona Chady, and CODA Communications Lead Pawel Rybczynski to discuss the launch of CODA's new Women in Decommissioning Special Interest Group. Together, they explore why diversity of thought, experience and discipline is essential to Australia's growing decommissioning industry, the importance of visible role model...

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...

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 testin...

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 f...

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 ...

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 develo...

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 personn...

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, wit...

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 Int...

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 c...

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 Decommi...

In this episode, CODA CEO Francis Norman is joined by Edson Valverde, Decommissioning Manager at Petrobras, to discuss how Petrobras manages one of the largest offshore decommissioning portfolios in the world. Together, they discuss the scope of upcoming projects over the next five years, navigating regulatory frameworks, addressing recycling challenges, and fostering a collaborative team culture to shape Brazil’s decommissioning future.

In this episode, CODA Brand and Communications Lead Pawel Rybczynski asks CEO Francis Norman to share reflections from his recent travels across Europe, including stops in Aberdeen, Bergen, Stavanger and Copenhagen. They explore how international collaboration, particularly through forums like the Perth-Aberdeen Gateway and the UK-Australia MOU, is shaping Australia’s decommissioning landscape. From the transferability of technology and the challenges of qualifications, to the global push for re...

In this episode, CODA CEO Francis Norman is joined by Renea Larsen, Program Director of the National Decommissioning Research Initiative (NDRI), Dr. Dianne McLean, Senior Marine Scientist with AIMS, and Dr. Darren Koppel, Research Scientist with AIMS. The conversation delves into the critical research being conducted in the decommissioning space, focusing on evidence-based decision-making tools, contaminant behavior, marine ecosystem responses, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaborati...

In this episode, CODA CEO Francis Norman explores the current state of global ship recycling with Kostas Galanis, Director at DIDO Shipping Group and Chairman of the International Ship Recycling Association. Kostas shares insights on environmental and safety standards shaping the industry, the enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention, and the role of circular economies in ship recycling. We also dive into the complexities of recycling oil and gas assets like FPSOs and FSOs, emphasising the import...

In this episode of Plugging Away, we sit down with industry experts from OLEOLOGY to discuss the critical aspects of managing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), mercury, and PFAS in oil and gas production and decommissioning. Our guests, Paul and Saasha Callaghan from OLEOLOGY, join CODA’s Francis Norman and Shaun Sadler to delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with decommissioning oil and gas infrastructure. They highlight the need for effective removal methods,...

Join CODA General Manager Shaun Sadler and waste management expert Kim Horwood as they delve into the intricacies of waste management arising from oil and gas decommissioning. Discover the varying definitions of waste, the complexities of waste streams, and the geographical disparities in waste management facilities across Australia. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the role of regulations, supply chains, and innovative strategies needed to manage waste responsibly and sustainably.

In this episode of Plugging Away, CODA CEO Francis Norman reflects on CODA's activities and achievements in Q1 2024 with General Manager Shaun Sadler, and Projects & Engagement Manager Samara Groves.

CODA's journey in 2023 was marked by significant achievements and substantial growth. Join in as CEO Francis Norman, General Manager Shaun Sadler, Projects and Engagement Manager Samara Groves, and NDRI Program Director Renae Larsen wrap up the year that was, and discuss everything coming up in 2024.

Listen in as CODA CEO Francis Norman has a conversation with outgoing National Decommissioning Research Initiative (NDRI) Program Director - Cassy Schmidt, about the Program and its achievements, as well as introduce its new Director - Renae Larsen.