The landmark decision to deny Shell the right to dispose of their 14,500 tonne Brent Spar oil storage facility in Norway's inland fjords in 1995 was significant. Incredibly, even the United Kingdom government supported Shell on this issue. This event set a positive precedent; it was now fundamentally unacceptable to allow oil companies to dispose of unwanted oil platforms into our oceans.
Solutions...
KIMO works toward the safe and responsible removal of all structures from the seabed which have been discarded by the oil and gas industry. Of those left at sea, a strict long-term management regime must be implemented to reduce future liabilities. KIMO took a vehement stance against the intentional dumping of Shell's Brent Spar oil-rig in Norway's inland fjords. This opposition led to the development of the OSPAR Strategy with regard to decommissioning of redundant oil installations. The KIMO position has always been that, in addition to any 
activities that may impact on the environment, there are social, moral and economic implications that must be taken into account and that these must be weighted equitably. In the case of the oil industry it is not acceptable that a major industry is allowed to dispose of its waste irresponsibly while ordinary citizens are encouraged and required to do otherwise. Taking into account KIMO RESOLUTION 1/95 (Amended 1998), KIMO is still of the view that all redundant installations including associated operational structures such as pipelines should be removed and reused or returned to land for reuse, recycling or disposal. However it is also understandable that this may not be possible in some cases due to safety and technical requirements. It is not acceptable that installations should be left in situ based solely on cost implications alone. Any case for derogation must also be independently assessed.