From Thailand to Timor-Leste: Dr Brian Twomey's Insightful Journey in the Asia Pacific
Published: April 2025
Dr. Brian Twomey completed the highly anticipated APAC tour in March to early April of 2025, delivering his SPE Distinguished Lecturer presentation on “Liability is Forever: Risk Elements in the Implementation of Decommissioning and Well P&A.” Throughout the tour, Dr. Twomey engaged with over 200 participants across seven key locations, shedding light on the critical considerations surrounding decommissioning and well plug and abandonment (P&A) in this diverse and dynamic region:
- 20 March 2025: SPE Thailand Section (Bangkok)
- 24 March 2025: SPE New South Wales/Australian Cap Section (Sydney)
- 26 March 2025: SPE South Australian Section (Adelaide)
- 27 March 2025: SPE Queensland Section (Brisbane)
- 31 March 2025: SPE New Zealand Section (New Plymouth)
- 3 April 2025: SPE Western Australia Section (Perth)
- 7 April 2025: SPE Timor-Leste Section (Dili)
The APAC leg of Dr. Twomey’s tour commenced in Bangkok, hosted by the SPE Thailand Section. This initial stop set the stage for future discussions, addressing Thailand’s offshore operations’ unique challenges and regulatory landscape. Over 80 participants attended and gained valuable insights into managing long-term liabilities and mitigating risks associated with decommissioning in the Gulf of Thailand.
Moving southward, Dr. Twomey visited Sydney, where the SPE New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Section warmly welcomed him. The discussions here focused on the evolving regulatory framework in the offshore and onshore sectors of New South Wales and the broader Australian context. Dr. Twomey’s knowledge of decommissioning projects’ legal and environmental obligations benefited a session with 18 attendees.
The Australian journey continued in Adelaide, with the SPE South Australian Section hosting a well-attended session with over 20 attendees. The conversation in South Australia delved into the region’s requirements and market outlook for decommissioning, considering both onshore and offshore assets. Dr. Twomey’s insights gave attendees a clearer understanding of the risk elements crucial for future planning.
A quick flight east brought Dr. Twomey to Brisbane, where the SPE Queensland Section provided an engaging platform for discussion with 30+ attendees. With Queensland’s significant onshore and offshore oil and gas activities, the session addressed the state’s specific regulatory nuances and practical considerations for decommissioning and P&A. The interactive Q&A session highlighted the attendees’ keen interest in applying Dr. Twomey’s principles to their local operations.
After crossing the Tasman Sea, Dr. Twomey’s next stop was New Plymouth, hosted by the SPE New Zealand Section. Discussions in New Zealand focused on the country’s unique environmental sensitivities and the stringent regulatory requirements for decommissioning, primarily on offshore assets. Over 20 participants valued Dr. Twomey’s guidance on incorporating robust risk management strategies into their decommissioning plans.
Returning to Australia, Dr. Twomey’s penultimate stop was Perth, where the SPE Western Australia Section organised a highly successful event with 20 participants. Given Western Australia’s significant offshore oil and gas industry, the session drew considerable interest. Dr. Twomey’s presentation addressed the complexities of decommissioning large-scale offshore infrastructure and the implications of long-term liability for regional operators.
The final leg of Dr. Twomey’s APAC tour took him to Dili, hosted by the SPE Timor-Leste Section. This session, attended by 50 participants, provided a crucial platform to discuss the developing regulatory landscape for decommissioning in Timor-Leste, primarily focused on offshore assets. Dr. Twomey shared international best practices and risk mitigation strategies, which were particularly valuable for the attendees as they navigate the future of their oil and gas sector.
The Radio and Television of East Timor (RTTL) also covered the session, watch the session here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=UalRPS&v=655175760473517&rdid=Zrd4lDZobje69rLu
We extend our deepest gratitude to each of the SPE Sections—Thailand, New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Queensland, New Zealand, Western Australia, and Timor-Leste—for their exceptional organisation, warm hospitality, and dedication to hosting these invaluable local events. We highly appreciate their efforts in bringing together industry professionals for this crucial dialogue.
Furthermore, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the attendees who took the time to participate in Dr. Twomey’s sessions. Your active engagement, insightful questions, and keen interest in the subject made each stop uniquely memorable.
We hope the insights and knowledge shared during Dr. Twomey’s APAC tour will contribute to a more informed and responsible approach to decommissioning and well P&A across the region. We look forward to continuing these critical conversations and fostering collaboration within the industry.
