lng loading/downloading and circular economy: the opportunities related to the new legislation and the reuse of oil & gas platforms

knowledge about the possible re-use of hydrocarbon platforms, at the end of their useful life, as the base for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) loading and downloading of ships. This objective, in line with the main national strategic objectives (National Energy Strategy- SEN, 2013) for the promotion of the energy mix and decarbonisation, could be a great opportunity for the Country, considering the role that natural gas will play in the coming years and, particularly, the opening up of the world market to the LNG. At the same time, as the economic interest, the prospect of re-use of existing hydrocarbon offshore platforms is made even more attractive also for its answer to other social and environmental thematic addressed by European policies mainly through choices of Circular Economy (Action Plan UE, 2015), Blue Growth and safety of mining activity in terms of platform removal. This goal is the forefront, but the concrete potential is still marginally dealt due to the new legislation (Legislative Decree no. 257 of 16 December 2016) which is not yet matched by adequate economic feasibility studies in Italy. This document will illustrate the regulatory developments that have taken place in these months for the possible conversion of oil&gas platforms for the LNG loading and downloading.