An Introduction to the Decommissioning Work Breakdown Structure Online Course
This online course introduces the OEUK Decommissioning Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) — the industry-standard framework used by operators and supply chain companies worldwide to plan, report, and benchmark decommissioning projects. Taught by Ricky Thomson, Head of Decommissioning at Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), this module walks through all 11 WBS elements, explains how they are used in practice, and explores the role of benchmarking in driving cost efficiency across the industry.
What You'll Learn in This Online Course
- What the OEUK Decommissioning Work Breakdown Structure is and why it was created
- All 11 WBS elements, from project management to site remediation
- How operators and supply chain companies use the WBS to plan and report costs
- The role of benchmarking in identifying cost-saving opportunities
- How the WBS supports regulatory submissions and industry-wide cost transparency
Where This Fits in Offshore Decommissioning
This online course sits within the Decommissioning Cost Estimation topic on Lean Decom. Cost estimation is the foundation of every decommissioning programme — and the WBS is the framework that makes accurate estimation possible. Understanding how costs are categorised and benchmarked across the 11 WBS elements is essential for anyone involved in planning, approving, or delivering decommissioning work.
Taught by Industry Expert
Ricky Thomson
Ricky Thomson is Head of Decommissioning at Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), where he leads industry-wide initiatives on decommissioning cost estimation, benchmarking, and the development of the Decommissioning Work Breakdown Structure. With deep experience across the UK Continental Shelf, Ricky plays a central role in shaping how the industry plans, reports, and improves decommissioning performance.
Part of the Lean Decom Decommissioning Training Course
This online course is part of the Lean Decom Decommissioning Training Course — a structured learning programme that covers every stage of offshore decommissioning. The WBS module sits within the Decommissioning Cost Estimation topic and provides the foundational framework that underpins all cost planning and reporting across the programme.
Why This Online Course Matters
Cost Control
The WBS enables accurate cost estimation and benchmarking against industry norms across all 11 decommissioning elements
Compliance
The WBS ensures costs are reported in the correct categories to meet regulatory requirements
Efficiency
A shared framework across operators and supply chain drives consistency and reduces project risk
Industry Standard
Used globally, the WBS is the essential language of decommissioning project management
Related Online Courses
Overview of a Decommissioning Programme
An Introduction to Engineering Down and Clean
An Introduction to Subsurface and Well Engineering for Plug and Abandonment
Online Course Overview
| Topic | Decommissioning Work Breakdown Structure |
| Industry | Offshore Oil & Gas Decommissioning |
| Instructor | Ricky Thomson, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) |
| Part of | Lean Decom Decommissioning Training Course |