Gordon Ballard, the chairman of oil service giant Schlumberger UK was last night feted for his contribution to the North Sea with a special award.
He joined the offshore industry’s highest achievers and most successful companies which were recognised last night at the 2015 Offshore Achievement Awards (OAA).
Great large company and great small company honours were awarded to Proserv and Merlin ERD respectively.
Maersk Oil picked up two awards, including the outstanding graduate programme accolade, a new category for 2015.
It was also a successful night for Murray Kerr of SengS Subsea Engineering Solutions, who not only received the young professional award but was also highly commended by the judges in the inspiring leader category.
The 29th awards ceremony, attended by more than 500 guests, took place at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and was hosted by television presenter and maths expert Rachel Riley. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Aberdeen Section organised the awards.
Ian Phillips, SPE Aberdeen board member and chair of the OAA organising committee, said: “The awards have yet again delivered beyond our expectations, with all of the winners demonstrating remarkable innovation, ambition and potential.
“SPE Aberdeen’s commitment to encouraging and supporting the future workforce led to the introduction of the outstanding graduate programmeaward this year, which saw an exceptionally high calibre of entries.
“It is hugely encouraging to see the efforts being made by companies large and small to develop new talent into our industry.
“Choosing a winner was extremely tough for the judges and all the finalists should be justifiably proud of themselves.”
SPE Aberdeen chairman Ross Lowdon said: “During these challenging times it has become too easy to lose sight of the hard work, commitment and success of companies and individuals that continues to happen.
“The awards have allowed us to take some time out to acknowledge and celebrate talent in the sector and SPE Aberdeen is proud to support such an important event in the industry calendar.”
Gordon Ballard, vice-president industry affairs and chairman at Schlumberger UK, received the significant achievement award.
He said: “I am very happy to receive this significant recognition. I have been a proud member of the SPE for almost 34 years and have had the wonderful privilege to work with some of the best minds and talents within our industry.
“For me, the SPE has always been about helping push technological frontiers that redefine our energy landscape.
“As a professional society, SPE has been outstanding in providing a framework to share experiences and knowledge, ensuring that no lesson – positive or negative – has to be learned twice.”
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