The North Sea is to get its own weatherman, it has emerged.
The Met Office announced last night that Patrick Sachon is to become its new head of oil and gas.
Offshore operators have been working with the group to help improve safety at sea – and even in coastal communities.
Mr Sachon will now develop the North Sea business, which aims to provide customers around the world with the best weather and climate science to help them operate safely and efficiently.
Harsh wind and wave conditions in the North Sea earlier this year caused operational challenges for a number of offshore operators, highlighting the important role the Met Office plays for offshore businesses.
“My new role gives me the opportunity to apply my understanding of the weather and my experience of the chemical industry to help businesses in the oil and gas sector,” Mr Sachon said.
“Making the most of the weather opportunities and avoiding damaging weather is critical for oil and gas companies working offshore, where health and safety is paramount.”
The Met Office supplies oil and gas companies with a range of bespoke site-specific forecasts and warnings to help reduce exposure to risk during essential operations and maintenance.
More than 100 platforms and installations in the North Sea provide real-time information to model conditions and plan helicopter flights.
The Helimet system uses detailed reports of cloud cover, visibility, and wave conditions.
That information is now being shared with Met Office staff, who have said how vital they find the data.
A spokesman said: “Accurate guidance is critical to the safe and efficient operation of not only the oil and gas industry but also wider offshore renewables, shipping and aviation activity.
“In addition, coastal communities will benefit through the more accurate analysis of wave activity and potentially damaging surge events.”
Industry body Oil and Gas UK also said that keeping a step ahead of the weather was vital.
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