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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Shell, Reliance, and ONGC Complete India's First Offshore Decommissioning Project

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Shell, Reliance, and ONGC Complete India's First Offshore Decommissioning Project

In a groundbreaking development for India's energy sector, a joint venture comprising Shell, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has successfully completed the country's first-ever offshore facilities decommissioning project. The consortium announced on Monday that they have safely removed installations from the mid and south Tapti gas fields located in the Arabian Sea.

Landmark Achievement in Energy Infrastructure Management

This milestone project involved the complete removal of five wellhead platforms, associated infield pipelines, and the safe plugging and abandonment of 38 wells in the Tapti field, which lies approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Mumbai. All operations were executed in strict compliance with the approved decommissioning plan, demonstrating exceptional planning, coordination, and adherence to regulatory frameworks.

The Tapti field ceased production in 2016 after entering a decline phase post-2008. Following the production cessation, certain facilities known as Tapti Part A were transferred to ONGC, while the remaining infrastructure, designated as Tapti Part B, was slated for decommissioning by the joint venture partners.

Collaborative Approach and Local Industry Development

The decommissioning initiative has been particularly noteworthy for its contribution to developing India's domestic capabilities in energy infrastructure management. The PMT joint venture awarded major contracts to prominent Indian companies:

  • Larsen & Toubro (L&T) handled the offshore execution
  • Chowgule Shipyard (CLSPL) was responsible for onshore dismantling at their facilities in Ratnagiri

"From the outset, the JV partners worked tirelessly to strengthen local supply chains and enhance the technical and safety capabilities of Indian contractors, especially for offshore dismantling activities. This project has successfully delivered on the Indian government's ambition of 'Make and Break in India'," said Sanjay Barman Roy, President, E&P, RIL.

Setting New Benchmarks

The Tapti decommissioning project has played a pioneering role in shaping India's regulatory and operational framework for offshore decommissioning. Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders – including the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) – the project establishes a benchmark for future offshore energy transitions in India.

Nipun Pradhan, Managing Director of BGEPIL and GM Shell Upstream India, commented: "The safe and successful completion of the Tapti offshore project is a landmark moment for India's offshore energy sector. This project sets a new benchmark for responsible decommissioning, made possible by global expertise, strong collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability."

Complex Project with Strategic Significance

The Tapti fields, measuring 1,471 square kilometers, are located 35 kilometers from the Saurashtra Coast, 75 kilometers from Hazira, and 160 kilometers northwest of Mumbai. The fields lie in approximately 21 meters of water depth, presenting unique operational challenges.

Pankaj Kumar, Director (Production) at ONGC, highlighted the strategic importance of the project: "This first-of-its-kind large-scale offshore decommissioning underscores ONGC's commitment to responsible energy practices. The project's complexity, especially its proximity to ONGC's live assets, demanded strategic planning, precise execution, and utmost focus on safety."

Historical Context

The Panna-Mukta field (primarily an oilfield) and the mid and south Tapti field (a gas field) were initially discovered and operated by ONGC. In February 1994, these offshore shallow water fields in the Mumbai basin were awarded to a consortium of Enron Oil & Gas India Ltd and RIL for development under a production-sharing arrangement.

ONGC, Enron, and RIL formed the PMT joint venture with participating interests of 40%, 30%, and 30%, respectively. Following corporate changes, Enron's stake was acquired by British Gas Exploration and Production India Ltd (BGEPIL) in 2002. Later in 2016, when Royal Dutch Shell acquired BG Group globally, BGEPIL became part of Shell India.

Global Significance

Offshore decommissioning is recognized globally as a complex endeavor involving evolving regulations, developing contractor ecosystems, and fluctuating market dynamics. The successful completion of the Tapti decommissioning project demonstrates what can be achieved through multi-stakeholder collaboration and serves as a model for environmental responsibility, safety, and efficiency in India's growing energy transition journey.

This achievement represents a significant step forward in India's capability to manage the full lifecycle of offshore energy infrastructure, from development and production through to responsible decommissioning. As more offshore fields reach the end of their productive lives in the coming decades, the experience gained from this pioneering project will prove invaluable.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.

Japan's SMBC Revives Talks with SBI for Controlling Stake in Yes Bank

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Japan's SMBC Revives Talks with SBI for Controlling Stake in Yes Bank

In a significant development for India's banking sector, Japanese financial powerhouse Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has reentered negotiations with State Bank of India (SBI) to acquire a controlling stake in Yes Bank. This renewed interest could reshape the ownership structure of one of India's prominent private sector lenders.

Deal Structure Takes Shape

According to market sources, the potential transaction has been restructured compared to previous discussions that began in 2024. The current framework involves SBI divesting up to 20 percent of its 23.97 percent stake in Yes Bank to SMBC. Additionally, the Japanese financial giant is expected to infuse fresh capital equivalent to approximately 6-7 percent stake.

Following this initial transaction, SMBC plans to launch an open offer with the aim of increasing its total stake to 51 percent, effectively taking control of the Mumbai-headquartered bank. Industry experts suggest this multi-stage approach could help navigate regulatory requirements while ensuring a smooth transition of control.

Exit Strategy for Current Investors

The proposed deal structure creates a pathway for several existing stakeholders to potentially exit their investments:

  • SBI is likely to tender its remaining shareholding through the open offer
  • Other banking investors including Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank (collectively holding 7.36 percent) may also exit
  • Private equity firms Advent International (9.2 percent stake) and Carlyle (6.84 percent stake) are expected to participate in the open offer
  • Life Insurance Corporation of India currently holds a 3.98 percent stake in Yes Bank

"This is the structure that has been presented to SMBC," revealed a banker familiar with the negotiations, noting that the Japanese company's response is still pending.

Regulatory Considerations and Control Mechanics

The current talks appear to have addressed some of the regulatory hurdles that prevented earlier deals from materializing. Previous negotiations with both SMBC and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) reportedly stalled over voting rights limitations.

Under Indian banking regulations, voting rights for promoters in private sector banks are capped at 26 percent, regardless of actual ownership percentage. This regulatory constraint had been a sticking point in earlier discussions.

"SMBC is reconciled to the fact that this cannot be changed and has yet shown interest in Yes Bank," explained a banking industry source. While SMBC may consolidate Yes Bank at its Japanese parent level with a 51 percent shareholding, certain dispensations might be required in its home jurisdiction.

Operational Control Framework

To establish effective operational and management control despite the voting rights limitations, SMBC may seek to nominate directors to key committees of Yes Bank's board. Particular emphasis is likely to be placed on representation in the nomination and remuneration committee (NRC), which plays a crucial role in appointing senior management, including the CEO.

Industry observers note that once SMBC responds to the proposed terms, the deal will be presented to regulators for further consideration. If the Japanese financial institution accepts the shareholding and voting rights framework, an agreement could potentially be finalized within the current fiscal year.

SBI's Strategic Positioning

The timing of these renewed talks comes shortly after SBI's announcement of a substantial Rs 25,000-crore equity fundraising plan on May 3. While SBI Chairman CS Setty indicated the bank would consider all options for its fundraising, he refrained from providing specific timelines, stating, "That will depend on our business needs and market conditions."

This potential divestment by SBI could represent a strategic realignment of its investment portfolio while potentially realizing value from its Yes Bank stake, which it acquired as part of the bank's reconstruction scheme several years ago.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.