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.

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.

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