This conference aims to explore the recent trends and innovative technologies in use in the decommissioning of Offshore and ship Structures. With £20 billion and upwards being spent yearly on the exploration and production of Oil and Gas in the UK alone, it is certain we will see a growing number of oil and gas installations decommissioned. The requirement to decommission these offshore and ship structures creates both issues and opportunities for the industries involved in the decommissioning process. Given the average lifespan of a modern ship is 26 years and 2012 saw 1,250 and 1,026 ships dismantled in 2012 and 2014 respectively, it is an industry unlikely to decline any time soon and it is important these issues are addressed. With up to 97% of a ship reusable, this industry can provide an excellent source of steel, amongst other things for those willing to recycle the ship, meaning the breaking of ships can be a profitable operation. However the other 3% made up of hazardous waste, asbestos, oils and mercury, can provide an environmental disaster for those who do not deal with the recycling process responsibly. These enormous, potentially hazardous structures must be carefully handled and recycled, whilst keeping in mind a myriad of economic, environmental and legal pressures;
DOSS aims to explore the practical and theoretical aspects of the dismantling industry rather focusing on the promotion of commercial aspects of the industry. The aim of this conference therefore is to create a framework for knowledge sharing, which will hopefully aid in creating a roadmap for future research activities and industry best practices/benchmarks, latest developments and strategies going forward for an environmentally and socially responsible industry.