NDC Industry Funded PhD: Lifecycle analysis for pipeline decommissioning

About the Project

An exciting opportunity to study for a PhD with leading researchers at the UK National Decommissioning Centre (NDC), University of Aberdeen, investigating lifecycle analysis approaches for offshore pipeline decommissioning.

The studentship is jointly supported by industry and the NDC.

This standalone project is linked with several ongoing research projects at the NDC and forms part of a wider recruitment campaign for four joint industry-funded PhD studentships.

The PhD student will join a vibrant multidisciplinary team based at the NDC, working alongside a cohort of PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior academics. The student will have opportunities to engage with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and researchers working across offshore energy transition and marine sustainability. This project aligns strongly with current global priorities surrounding net-zero energy systems, responsible infrastructure retirement, and sustainable offshore operations.

Project Description

Offshore energy infrastructure is entering an unprecedented phase of worldwide decommissioning. Thousands of kilometres of subsea pipelines installed over the past five decades will require assessment to determine whether they should be removed, partially removed, or left in place. While decommissioning decisions have traditionally been driven by engineering feasibility, regulatory compliance, and economic considerations, increasing attention is now being given to environmental sustainability, lifecycle impacts, and wider socioeconomic consequences.

This PhD project, jointly supported by Chevron and the University of Aberdeen’s National Decommissioning Centre (NDC), will investigate lifecycle analysis approaches for offshore pipeline decommissioning. The project will evaluate alternative decommissioning pathways and assess their environmental, technical, and socioeconomic implications using lifecycle assessment (LCA) and systems-based methodologies.

The successful candidate will explore how different decommissioning strategies — including full removal, partial removal, and leave-in-place approaches — influence greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, waste generation, marine ecosystem impacts, material recovery opportunities, and long-term environmental outcomes. The project may also consider circular economy principles, reuse and recycling pathways, and emerging net-zero strategies relevant to offshore infrastructure retirement.

The research will build upon existing industry and NDC-related studies while developing new approaches tailored to offshore pipeline systems. Opportunities may exist to integrate engineering assessment, environmental modelling, sustainability metrics, and stakeholder perspectives into a comprehensive decision-support framework for sustainable decommissioning.

The student will join a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment within the National Decommissioning Centre and will have opportunities to engage with industry partners, regulators, and researchers working across offshore energy transition and marine sustainability. The project aligns strongly with current global priorities surrounding net-zero energy systems, responsible infrastructure retirement, and sustainable offshore operations.

The PhD candidate will receive advanced training in lifecycle assessment methodologies, sustainability analysis, offshore engineering systems, environmental impact assessment, and quantitative data analysis. Additional training opportunities may include systems modelling, GIS and spatial analysis, data visualisation, uncertainty analysis, and scientific programming using relevant analytical tools. The student will also gain valuable experience through industry engagement, technical presentations, conference participation, and publication development.

This fully funded studentship is intended for highly motivated candidates interested in sustainability, offshore engineering, energy transition, and environmental systems analysis. The research outcomes are expected to contribute to future best practices and policy development for sustainable offshore decommissioning internationally.

Candidate Background

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in engineering, environmental science, sustainability, energy systems, marine science, or a closely related discipline.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills together with an interest in offshore energy systems, sustainability assessment, or environmental impact analysis. Prior experience in lifecycle assessment (LCA), environmental modelling, offshore engineering, systems analysis, or data analysis would be advantageous but is not essential.

Experience with programming, modelling tools, statistical analysis, GIS, or engineering software would also be beneficial. Candidates should possess excellent communication and writing skills and be comfortable working in an interdisciplinary, industry-engaged research environment.

A strong motivation to contribute to sustainable offshore energy transition and decommissioning research is essential.

We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics.

Informal enquiries are encouraged. For further information please contact Dr Henry Tan (h.tan@abdn.ac.uk).