OTC 2015: Video – UIS launches subsea roadmap
Underwater Integrity Solutions, which was launched at this year's Offshore Technology Conference, has revealed plans for a subsea roadmap.
OTC 2015: The Journey – British Consul General Andrew Millar
Andrew Millar wants to thank his teenage wayward self.
OTC 2015: AEL poised for Houston expansion
Scottish-based AEL is poised for international expansion after a successful year in Houston. A year on from its Houston market entry the firm, which provides electrical products and services, confirmed at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) it would be investing in new premises to accommodate its growing workbook.
OTC 2015: The energy industry’s $70million bike shop
Ian Kirk can pinpoint the exact day his ‘fork in the road’ decision dramatically changed the course of his life.
OTC 2015: Downhole secures $19million contract windfall
Downhole Products has landed $19million worth of contracts in Malaysia and Angola.
OTC 2015: North Sea’s new technology to attract industry investment
As the Offshore Technology Conference OTC kicks off in Houston, Texas today companies in the UK oil and gas industry are turning to new technology as a way to breath fresh life into the sector during challenging conditions.
OTC 2015: There is more to Houston than NRG Park
With so much to take in at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), one can forget that Houston is an exciting city with many things happening beyond the walls of the NRG Arena. While attending OTC you definitely want to connect with industry leaders, but don’t forget to explore what the Houston market can offer your company. The Greenspoint District is ready to help you explore your options.
Awards to celebrate 50 golden years of North Sea
The Press and Journal is proud to announce the launch of its first North Sea industry Gold Awards. The event, run in association with the paper’s sister website Energy Voice and title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management, marks a major milestone for the vital oil and gas sector – the 50th year of Aberdeen’s involvement in the development of the North Sea. The special awards ceremony, which will include the introduction of an industry-first Hall of Fame, is truly a celebration of unrivalled resilience, perseverance and triumph. Despite current market tensions, the awards ceremony is also a vote of confidence in the industry’s ability to carve out a successful path over the next 50 years. If this sector has demonstrated anything over the past five decades, it is an ability to innovate beyond barriers, navigate ever-deepening depths and rally in challenging times.
Statoil’s Gunnar Breivik: “We will be here in 40 years’ time”
Statoil's Gunnar Breivik sounds confident as he makes the firm statement. But more than being confident, the managing director for Statoil Production UK is comfortable with the commitment. And rightly so. As the North Sea celebrates its 50th year, a fresh new generation of explorers has emerged eager to carry the torch for innovation. Statoil is at the forefront of the pack. Statoil has historically dominated the E&P scene on the North Sea's Norwegian divide. But the Norwegian giant is now looking to balance its board.
BW Offshore confirms four still missing, five dead after FPSO explosion
BW Offshore confirmed five crew members had been killed, two remained in critical condition and four were still missing after an explosion onboard the Cidade de São Mateus FPSO.
Lundin’s wildcat turns up gas near Johan Sverdrup
Lundin Norway's wildcat well turned up a gas find near Statoil's massive Johan Sverdrup discovery.
Opinion: Plummeting oil prices expose hidden risks
It’s no secret that the oil and gas industry has suffered some volatile times in recent months. The drastic drop in oil price has been, and continues to be a major focus for the world’s media.
HSE investigates after offshore worker seriously injured
An offshore was seriously injured after a gas cylinder shot through the air and hit him on the leg last November.
Houston-based Flexitallic Group appoints new CEO
Houston-based Flexitallic Group has appointed Jon Stokes as its new chief executive.
SgurrEnergy launches San Francisco office
SgurrEnergy has continued its North American expansion with the launch of its San Francisco office. California has the second highest installed wind capacity in the USA with more than 5.8GW. It also boasts more than 8.5GW of solar power.
Trapoil relinquishes North Sea licence
Trapoil confirmed it would relinquish its North Sea "Orchid" license after failing to secure a potential farm-out. The firm's board decided to cut its losses after licence P.1556 Block 29/1c became too expensive to maintain.
Bibby Offshore lands contract win
Bibby Offshore's Singapore (BOS) division has landed a contract with subsea provider Seascape.
Subsea Expo 2015: Guest editor Neil Gordon breaks down the subsea industry’s current climate
The UK still boasts the single largest concentration of subsea capability and excellence in the world. Our challenge is to maintain that position in the face of the current drop in oil price and increasing global competition. This means we need to get better and quicker at developing new innovation and technology – which is a key theme at Subsea Expo this week. The first half of 2014 saw our sector continue the upward curve we have enjoyed in recent years with most companies reporting strong order books. The growth wasn’t confined simply to the UK; our industry enjoyed expansion internationally with exports growing to almost 50% of our total revenues. However, during the summer of 2014 we started to see a cooling off period that has been compounded by the drop in oil price. We have also seen the dynamics changing in other parts of the global subsea market. Australia has perhaps peaked slightly and we have seen it cool off as it begins to move from a CAPEX intensive region into a more OPEX focussed operational area. We are starting to see a drying up of projects in Africa but Mexico’s energy reform last year will have a significant impact on companies in the Gulf of Mexico as its deepwater market begins to open up.
Oil Summit: Oil & Gas UK chief executive warns of industry’s “cliff edge”
Politicians were today warned that the oil and gas industry was heading for a “cliff edge” in terms of investment. Oil and Gas UK chief executive Malcolm Webb told delegates at a summit in Aberdeen that the sector was “in a bad place” and required urgent action on a number of different levels. He also told the UK Government that the Budget next month must deliver tax cuts in the region of 30-40%. Mr Webb said: “It is vitally important that we don’t delude ourselves into thinking that the real problem is the price fall. The industry is currently heading towards a cliff edge in investment.” Mr Webb added: “I beg politicians not to make a political game of it. “The upcoming Budget presents a final chance to get this right. Half measures will not do and there will not be a second chance.”
The Journey: ROVOP’s Steven Gray and the subsea industry’s £25million story
In just three years, industry entrepreneur Steven Gray has built a subsea company to rival most. Rovop, which posted £3.2million in turnover in 2012, now employs 130 staff, operates in nearly every international energy base and is on track to record £25million in turnover for this financial year.
Industry Trailblazers: From Greek tragedy to triumph
Mathios Rigas isn’t afraid of a stacked deck. He doesn’t flinch when the odds are so glaringly against him even the dealer thinks he should cut his losses and run. Mathios Rigas isn’t afraid of a stacked deck, because he once took that bet and lived to tell the tale.
Statoil’s first “unmanned” North Sea platform comes on stream
Statoil's Valemon gas and condensate field was officially brought on stream today. The North Sea venture is the Norwegian operator's first platform remotely controlled from shore. It will later transition to a "normally unmanned platform" when drilling is completed in 2017.
Opinion: The $60 call to action
A generous spirit and calm disposition are desirable qualities at this time of year. From giving and receiving gifts, making long drives for annual visits or even putting up with certain relatives, commitment and patience are needed. The North Sea oil and gas industry needs a similar outlook in 2015. There are going to be challenging times, but with less self-interest and more collaboration there are certain to be good times too.
Editor’s column: Carving out a journey
Have you ever looked at someone and thought how did they get there? Maybe their new job alert on LinkedIn, a sudden shift in seniority or even an upgrade in their car or housing situation triggered the question.
Step Change in Safety splits from Oil & Gas UK
Step Change in Safety has split from Oil & Gas UK. The safety organisation confirmed that as of today it will operate independently from the industry body. It is now wholly owned by its 137 member organisations and will be governed by its own board of directors.