Simmons Private Equity snaps up Imes from administrators
A company backed by Aberdeen’s Simmons Private Equity has snapped up a firm led by well-known business man, Melfort Campbell, from administrators.
Bob Ruddiman: New energy secretary has “impossibly wide remit”
His new title – secretary of state for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) – is “challenging” but Greg Clark, the new "energy secretary" to all intents and purposes, arrived in Aberdeen this week for his first "meet and greet" with industry and civic leaders.
Greg Clark: Putting oil and gas at the heart of UK’s industrial strategy
The UK’s new energy secretary pledged to put the North Sea oil and gas sector “at the heart of the UK’s industrial strategy” as he ruled out intervening in an ongoing industrial dispute.
Rovop adds to collection of ministerial visits – and hails $4m of new business
Aberdeen-based remotely operated vehicle (ROV) service provider Rovop has announced over $4million (£3million) of contract wins spanning the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Europe. The company, which was visited by Greg Clark during his first visit to Aberdeen in his role as the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, has been awarded several new contracts across the oil and gas and offshore wind sectors. The contracts are with several new clients across a number of sectors and include construction support, cable lay and protection, survey and inspection repair and maintenance (IRM).
OGA boss welcomes energy secretary pledge on full powers
The boss of the Oil and gas Authority (OGA) yesterday welcomed a commitment by the new energy secretary to hand the watchdog its full executive powers within weeks. Under proposals set out in Sir Ian Wood’s review of the sector, the UK government set out that the OGA would become an autonomous government company this year following the passing of the necessary legislation. Andy Samuel, OGA chief executive, said the transition from executive agency to a government company in October “formalises our position as a strong and effective authority with a full suite of regulatory powers”.
Finding fresh cash theme of next OGUK oil and gas seminar
A seminar to look at how the cash-strapped oil and gas industry can find fresh finance will take place in Aberdeen later this month.
Sengs still sees North Sea opportunities
Independent engineering firm Sengs has won North Sea contracts worth up to £500,000 with clients who remained unnamed.
Aberdeen hotels book second month of increased demand
Aberdeen’s hotels enjoyed a second month in a row of rising occupancy levels, albeit demand was still below the pre-oil price crash peak, new figures have shown.
Kirk warns Westminster over climate change
A leading member of the Kirk has urged Westminster “not to turn away” from a commitment to tackle climate change.
PIM wins inspection contract with Cnooc’s Nexen
A growing asset integrity specialist has won a five year inspection management contract in the North Sea with Nexen.
Norwegians launch $300million bid for Gulf Keystone
Norwegian oil and gas firm DNO has launched a $300million bid for the troubled Iraqi oil producer, Gulf Keystone Petroleum.
Two Aberdeen oil and gas firms to merge in private equity led deal
Two Aberdeen oil and gas companies are merging in a deal led by their private equity owners.
Gunther Newcombe: An innovative new license
As we launch the 29th Offshore Licensing Round today, it also marks the launch of the ‘Innovate Licence’ which has been developed by the MERUK exploration board working in collaboration with the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and an industry task group represented by a range of companies
BP cost cuts to “stick at any oil price”
Oil giant BP said it is on track to deliver cost cuts that will “stick at any oil price” as it revealed a 44% plunge in profits due to the low price of oil and refining margins.
North Sea faces losing skills workers and R&D funding in wake of Brexit
The UK’s oil and gas industry faces losing skilled workers and research and development funding in the wake of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union, a lawyer has warned.
Falck tackles new industries with five-figure investment
Falck Safety Services UK has invested a five figure sum in new training equipment at its Dyce facility to broaden its customer base.
SSE gets to work on Beatrice
Energy giant SSE confirmed manufacturing and construction work on its £2.6billion Beatrice offshore wind farm has begun ahead of becoming fully operational in 2019.
Twitchers deliver blow to Scottish offshore wind industry
Scotland’s burgeoning offshore wind industry was dealt a blow yesterday after a judge in Edinburgh upheld a legal challenge against four developments.
North Sea workers set strike date – July 26
Hundreds of offshore workers have set a date for the first North Sea strike in a generation.
Oil and gas dowturn leads to rise in corporate insolvencies
The number of failing businesses in Scotland has grown by almost a third this year as the impact of the oil price slump takes a toll, new figures have shown.
Unions to press ahead with North Sea strikes
Offshore union workers have agreed to press ahead with the first North Sea strike action in a generation.
OGUK calls for “joined up thinking” ahead of new energy minister appointment
The boss of the oil and gas trade body has called for “joined up thinking” between Holyrood and Westminster as the appointment of a new energy minister is awaited.
Postponed offshore safety awards shortlist unveiled
An offshore safety award scheme postponed in the wake of the fatal helicopter crash in April has unveiled its shortlist.
Dana saves £64million on costs
Dana Petroleum shaved £64million off its lifting costs bill last year and narrowed its losses.
EU funds required to prevent “valley of death” for marine energy
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) on Orkney will lead on a Europe-wide research project to prevent “valley of death” failures of pre-commercial marine energy projects.