The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?

• Name: Daniel McGowan
• Role: Global Facilities and Subsea Director
• Location: Dundee, Scotland
• Describe Your Role in Three Words: Drive, Develop, Deliver
• Hobbies: Golf, Rugby, and Walking (mainly with my dog!)

Daniel McGowan | Global Facilities and Subsea Director, Longitude UK

Can you tell us a bit about your day-to-day role when working with end-of-life planning feasibility and engineering design for decommissioning projects? 

My key role is to support operators in effectively managing OPEX through to end of field life. Ensuring field production is optimal and maximized given the fields position in its life cycle. Strategic planning for COP is key to ensure works can effectively and efficiently be executed in a timely manner.

What first sparked your interest in energy and oceans? 

I grew up around engineering and operations in petrochemicals, oil and gas. It seemed a natural route to follow my father and brother with a career in energy development. This career provides many a challenges with global opportunities. I have been fortunate to work for major operators, carrying out roles in operations projects and commercial M&A.

Are there any exciting decommissioning projects that you team are currently working on? 

Currently we are working with some government organisations globally to assist in the strategic view for their countries in terms of the approach to decommissioning. Commercially we are looking at the cost impact how it will be funded and the greater impact on the country if we do nothing. The technical skills gap is also a concern that with be required to be developed, trained and managed through the supply chain.!

How does facilities and subsea design engineering support sustainable energy?

There are several ways it supports sustainable energy and the reduction of our carbon footprint, through green electrification and sustainable fuels, conceptual hydrogen projects, along with CCUS and creating more efficient designs.

How can Longitude Engineering and the wider ABL Group contribute to safe and cost-efficient decommissioning?

Decommissioning isn’t just about dismantling assets—it’s a structured process of winding down operations while maintaining safety and compliance. As fields approach cessation of production, operators typically shift from full-scale maintenance to a “safety-critical only” regime, prioritizing integrity of wells, pipelines, and containment systems. This ensures that risks are minimized during late-life operations without unnecessary expenditure on non-essential systems.

Our value proposition helps our clients to solve key operational considerations:

• Hydrocarbon-Free Planning: Develop strategies to flush, clean, and isolate systems to eliminate hydrocarbons before dismantling. This involves chemical cleaning, pigging, and inerting pipelines to meet regulatory standards.
• Asset Integrity During Wind-Down: Maintaining structural stability and corrosion control for topsides and subsea infrastructure until removal.
• Personnel and Logistics Optimisation: Reducing offshore headcount safely while ensuring emergency response capability remains intact.
• Regulatory Engagement: Coordinating with authorities for permits, environmental impact assessments, and compliance reporting throughout the transition.

Meet Daniel McGowan and Longitude at Offshore Decommissioning 2025

Meet Daniel McGowan and the Longitude team at Stand 41 during this month’s Offshore Decommissioning event in St Andrews.

Discover how our detailed design and engineering expertise can add real value to your decommissioning and life-extension projects. Daniel will be on hand to share insights and answer your questions.

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