Residual Liability in Tanzania’s Offshore Upstream Petroleum Operations: The Legal Framework

Decommissioning of offshore upstream petroleum installations presents challenges related to residual liability and protection of the marine environment. This article examines the laws governing abandoned offshore upstream petroleum installations, aiming to unravel the complexities surrounding residual liability to unlock the ocean’s future. It adopts the view that although decommissioning is governed by the international legal regime, residual liability is left to the national legal regime. The article appraises Tanzania’s legal regime as a critical aspect to determine the extent to which residual liability is taken care of in offshore upstream petroleum operations. The article appreciates the milestone Tanzania has gone by including residual liability as a post-decommissioning aspect in upstream petroleum operations. Through a combination of desktop research and semi-structured interviews, the study reveals the glaring gaps and weaknesses in the existing legal framework, specifically regarding the protection of marine resources and the environmental impact of abandoned offshore infrastructure. The article further sheds light on the urgent need for robust regulations and guidelines to effectively address these critical shortcomings. It finally concludes that a comprehensive and proactive approach is crucial in addressing residual liability, including adopting clear regulations and guidelines governing decommissioning in upstream petroleum operations.