Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009

Application of Part 3 in relation to submarine pipelines

7 (1) Section 24 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17) (application of Part 3) is amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) If a pipeline—

(a) is specified in an order made by the Secretary of State under this subsection, or

(b) is of a description so specified,

the pipeline shall be disregarded for the purposes of this Part of this Act (other than this subsection) or shall be so disregarded while any specified condition is satisfied.”.

(3) After subsection (3) insert—

“(3A) The Secretary of State may by order provide that specified provisions of this Part of this Act shall apply, subject to such modifications (if any) as are specified, in relation to a controlled pipeline—

(a) which is specified or of a specified description, and

(b) which meets the conditions in subsection (3B).

(3B) The conditions are—

(a) that the pipeline is used in connection with exploration for, or exploitation of, petroleum, or the importation of petroleum into the United Kingdom;

(b) that, by virtue of the date when construction of the pipeline was begun, section 14(1)(b) would not apply in relation to use of the pipeline but for an order under this subsection.”.

(4) In subsection (5) (negative resolution procedure) after “an order under subsection (2)” insert “, (2A) or (3A)”.

(5) Any authorisation issued under section 14(1)(b) of the Petroleum Act 1998 (use of certain pipelines) continues to have effect notwithstanding the provisions of any order under section 24(2A) of that Act.

(6) Where an order under subsection (3A) of section 24 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17) comes into force in relation to a pipeline, the Secretary of State must grant an authorisation under section 14(1)(b) of that Act in respect of the conveyance, on and after the day on which the order comes into force, of any substances for which the pipeline was normally used before the coming into force of the order.

(7) Sub-paragraph (6) is without prejudice to the provision that may be included in the authorisation with respect to information to be provided by the owner of the pipeline.