Australia’s offshore regulator NOPSEMA has directed Woodside Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd and Santos WA PVG Pty Ltd to strengthen controls on the Pyrenees produced-water reinjection system.

NOPSEMA said Woodside Energy identified a corrosion-related through-wall defect in the system in July 2026. The defect had caused an unplanned release of produced water, oil and production chemicals into the marine environment over an extended period. The regulator said the incident followed a similar corrosion-related failure in January 2024, and that measures adopted after the earlier failure had not prevented a recurrence elsewhere in the system.

Under General Direction 2138, components assessed as being at elevated risk of degradation cannot be returned to service or used for reinjection until their fitness for service has been independently verified. The titleholders must maintain controls to prevent further loss of containment until NOPSEMA confirms in writing that the required remediation arrangements are in place. While components remain isolated, produced water must also be managed without increasing environmental impacts or risks beyond those assessed in the accepted environment plan.

The direction requires an independent assessment of the system’s condition, the causes of the January 2024 failure and the 2026 release, the adequacy of integrity controls, and remedial work needed for the system’s remaining operating life.

Within 45 days of the direction, the titleholders must submit proposed assessors, the basis for their qualifications and independence, and the assessment terms of reference. NOPSEMA’s written agreement is required before work begins. The final report is due within 120 days of that agreement. The titleholders must also report every 30 days, or at another interval agreed with NOPSEMA, on control effectiveness and progress with the assessments and remediation.