Malaysia’s largest platform is converted into an artificial reef!

Malaysia’s largest platform is converted into an artificial reef!

Maritime industry is making great progress, especially when it comes to the sustainable decommissioning of offshore platforms. On 07/21/2025 Marine Masters completed the decommissioning of the South Angsi Alpha (Saa) platform. This platform was operated by Hibiscus Oil & Gas Malaysia and marks the largest RIG-to-Reef project in Malaysia, which is now completed with the submar structure on the seabed.

The SAA platform, which was 130 km off the coast of Terengganu, weighed considerable 4,000 MT and had the function of a full production location over 15 years before production was set. The efficient operations of the Marine Masters included the secure removal of the so -called Mobile Offshore Application Barge (MOAB) using an opposite installation method. This shows a good knack for the challenges in the offshore area and sets new standards for future projects.

from the platform to the habitat

The decommissioning of the SAA platform is an important step towards ecological responsibility and sustainable implementation. The entire topside and substructure area was prepared according to the Malaysian regulations for a safe distance and partial conversion into artificial reef structures. For this purpose, the jacket structure was cut at -55 meters and parts on the sea floor were placed as a habitat for the sea ecosystems.

A total of 13 conductor pipes were also restored in this operation, four Moab support legs were removed and a Wellhead access platform was accomplished. The best thing about it? The Moab top was brought to the Labuan shipyard, where all loose parts were unloaded. The ENA WB400 accommodation barge has already been demobilized, and two transport bars are on the way to its demobilization ports. The offshore operations by Marine Masters have now been officially completed, while the final handling and disposal of the Topside components continues.

a sustainable look into the future

The SAA Decommissioning is in line with the sustainability vision of Hibiscus Petroleum, which aims to preserve biodiversity, strengthen marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing and ecotourism. Move IT Magazine emphasizes that such projects can not only make a contribution to environmental protection, but also create new perspectives in the field of sustainable tourism.

global challenges such as climate change are at the forefront, and the fossil industry has a significant influence. According to Academia Search for cleaner energies, including governmental and international Organizations, after sustainable solutions, to deal with the obsolete infrastructure. It remains exciting to see how projects such as the RIG-to-Reef program can offer much more than just ecological revitalization in the future.

The decommissioning of the SAA platform shows that there is also a rethink in the maritime industry. The step towards ecologically sensible solutions will not only promote the marine biodiversity, but also serve as a model for future initiatives.