It's a Hat Trick: Concluding an Unforgettable SPE Distinguished Lecturer Tour
Published: June 2025
What a journey it has been! Dr. Brian Twomey has just completed his third highly successful SPE Distinguished Lecturer (DL) tour, which traversed the Asia-Pacific region over the past two and a half weeks. From Tokyo to Jakarta and Bandar Seri Begawan to Miri, Dr Twomey had the privilege of sharing insights and sparking essential discussions with over 120 attendees across these four vibrant cities:
- 9 June 2025: SPE Japan Section (Tokyo)
- 12 June 2025: SPE Java Section (Jakarta)
- 17 June 2025: SPE Brunei Section (Bandar Seri Begawan)
- 19 June 2025: SPE Sarawak Section (Miri)
The engagement was substantial, and it was a fantastic opportunity to deepen connections with key individuals within the global decommissioning and abandonment community. We have certainly added a few more brilliant minds to our network – perhaps even some who appreciate a good chuckle about the complexities of long-term liability.
The first leg of the journey took him to Tokyo, Japan, where he spent time with members of the SPE Japan Section and over 30 of their members. Attendees raised essential questions, such as preventing leaks from old boreholes that have been abandoned for over fifty years, creating affordable methods to monitor and regulate offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites, and improving cementing for CCS in ageing fields. Extensive conversations also covered other essential aspects, including the risks of damage to abandoned wells, long-term environmental effects, managing international NGOs, and navigating the complexities of decommissioning laws, costs, and regulations. Another key topic was the need for better methods to estimate well P&A costs, moving beyond traditional approaches. The discussions continued during the networking session over delicious Japanese food and drinks, a true testament to Japan’s exceptional hospitality.
The next stop on the itinerary was Jakarta, Indonesia, organised by the SPE Java Section. The active participation and thoughtful questions from both in-person and online attendees highlighted a strong interest in decommissioning, well plugging and abandonment (P&A) within Indonesia. Discussions focused on the country’s Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) requirements and emphasised the need for collaboration among operators and regulators to address the significant number of wells and platforms that need to be decommissioned. A big thank you to bp Indonesia for graciously hosting our session in their stunning office!
The tour then moved to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, where the SPE Brunei Section and the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam co-hosted the session. Held at a new venue with excellent audio and visual capabilities, the session welcomed over 50 attendees from key companies in Brunei. The talk sparked an engaging discussion on various topics, primarily focusing on the importance of risk management across the entire lifecycle, collaboration, and improving best practices for Brunei’s future.
After an hour’s drive across the border, the final stop was in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. His first visit in over 20 years, the SPE Sarawak Section’s welcome was characteristically warm, and the discussions with local industry experts provided valuable perspectives on the Malaysian context of decommissioning. Continued learning and the sharing of best practices are essential as the region tackles its future decommissioning projects, made even more enjoyable with local Sarawakian cuisine!
The tour provided invaluable insights into country-specific challenges related to decommissioning. Each location presented its nuances, underscoring the universal truth that while the topic is global, its application often requires a local touch. These discussions reaffirmed the paramount importance of continued learning and collaboration for future projects. After all, when dealing with “forever” liabilities, there’s always something new to discover and certainly always a reason to collaborate.
As we close the curtain on Dr Twomey’s SPE Distinguished Lecturer season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SPE International DL team in Dallas for orchestrating such a remarkable programme, making each stop a memorable one.
Immense thanks also go to all the SPE Sections who participated in the US and APAC tours for their exceptional support. It’s always a delight to experience the unique charm and dedication of the SPE Sections – they are the unsung heroes of knowledge sharing!
And, of course, a massive thank you to all the attendees for their active participation, insightful questions, and genuine enthusiasm. This has been an exceptional experience, truly highlighting the power of shared knowledge and community within the energy industry. We look forward to seeing the fruits of these connections and discussions in the years to come!
