Live video: Energy Voice’s #Oil17 breakfast at OTC
Energy Voice is live streaming from OTC Houston at the #oil17: New World Order event Live from Houston at OTC Posted by Energy Voice on Tuesday, 2 May 2017
Events
Future of oil revealed with #Oil17 New World Order
Confidence in oil price recovery is still fragile, but almost half of respondents to the Energy Voice sector survey #Oil17: New World Order see investment in new technology as key to the future of the industry.
Industry must now learn to export way out downturn, says EIC CEO
The industry must learn to export its way out of the downturn, said the Energy Industries Council's (EIC) chief executive.
OTC: Ryan Zinke on fracking, drilling and ice cream cones
The US is in a position to be energy-dominant, not just independent, thanks to fracking and plans to loosen drilling regulations, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has claimed.
Wood Group picks £2.2bn integration leader
Wood Group has appointed a US-based executive to lead the integration of its £2.2billion mega-merger with Amec Foster Wheeler.
Take the Energy Voice OTC survey
With the Offshore Technology Conference starting in Houston today, we decided now was a good time to ask readers key questions about the US oil sector.
Balmoral unveils “industry firsts” at OTC
Balmoral Group has hailed an “industry first” as its subsea test centre carved deep into Aberdeen’s granite terrain nears completion. A second pressure vessel - thought to be the largest in Europe - will be installed at the Balmoral Subsea Test Centre this summer. Supported by bespoke software, the test centre offers Balmoral and external clients the ability to monitor procedures from anywhere in the world. When complete the facility will offer close to 20 test vessels in total. A smaller tank measuring 6ft x 23ft was installed in February, while the larger pressure test vessel which is nearing completion will measure 8ft x 29.5ft. Jim Milne, chairman and managing director of Balmoral said: “These new additions complement the wide range of test vessels that were previously available for third party use. “The facility offers a comprehensive range of hydrostatic and mechanical test procedures supported by bespoke software that allows remote monitoring from anywhere in the world, an industry ‘first’.” In another industry first, the firm has installed an elastomer manufacturing facility to produce 46ft polyurethane bend stiffeners that are used to add support to flexible pipes, umbilicals and cables. Balmoral has developed polyurethane using only ‘safe’ polymers that avoid the use of highly toxic materials, Balmoral’s technical team addressed the health and safety aspects of the industry by qualifying only ‘safe’ polymers that avoid the use of highly toxic materials and accredited by Bureau Veritas. Fraser Milne, projects and engineering director at Balmoral Offshore Engineering, said: “Our new manufacturing facility will increase production capacity to meet market demands for this product. “Balmoral products are put to the test in some of the toughest conditions in the industry. With much of our SURF-related products carrying BV certification to API standards, and a global track record that is second to none, clients can rest assured they are receiving not only the best product solution on the market but also the best possible technical advice available.” Jim Milne said it was great to bring news of the company’s multi-million pound investment to OTC: “While the industry is consolidating for the future we have taken the opportunity to invest in our people and our technology. “We are always seeking to maintain our competitive advantage in the market place and our commitment to technological improvement goes a long way towards that.”
Opinion: Investors should look upon Aberdeen as land of opportunity
The eyes of the oil and gas world will be firmly fixed on the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston next week and I’ll be going there with a simple message: if you want to invest, it’s time to put Aberdeen on your radar.
Aberdeen Drilling Consultants’ new American office nets contract wins
Scottish rig inspection firm Aberdeen Drilling Consultants (ADC) has expanded operations with a new office in Houston, Texas.
Get out of Houston, urges business man
An Aberdonian business man living and working in Houston has urged visitors to OTC to get out of their comfort zone.
OGUK attends OTC for first time in five years
The UK’s main trade body for the oil and gas industry is attending OTC in Houston for the first time in five years.
Rovop director to head up US operations
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) service provider based in Aberdeen has bolstered its US team after winning a raft of contracts worth around $19million (£15million) including a two-year deal with a Houston-based global company. Rovop has appointed Euan Tait as president of the company’s US operations, while Katarina Tehlirian takes up the post of VP business development. Both will be based at the company’s Houston hub with Mr Tait taking over from Wayne Betts who is moving across to establish Rovop’ s operations in Brazil. Mr Tait is a member of Rovop’s board and will continue his role as commercial director while heading up the US operations with the support of general manager, Neil Francis, in the western region Ms Tehlirian, who joins the company from Subsea 7, has extensive business development experience in the US subsea sector and has previously worked with DOF Subsea and Canyon Offshore. Steven Gray, chief executive at Rovop, said: “This is a great start to Q2 in 2017. The growth in our US team strongly positions Rovop for further growth in the region while the substantial new long-term contracts we’ve won demonstrates that, in a challenging market, our industry is changing and becoming more efficient, using technology and new working practices to lower cost and risk. “As such, Rovop anticipates a record year in 2017 because our service and equipment is aligned with the future needs of the industry. While prolonged oil and gas market downturn is still hurting our industry, we believe there is much to look forward to.” Rovop’s latest contract wins include a two-year deal with a Houston-based global oil & gas engineering company and a five-year contract with a European power cable installer. The firm has also secured a three-year contract with Centrica E&P to provide ROV services to the UK based oil & gas operator. The agreement will see Rovop support Centrica across multiple work scopes including drill support, decommissioning, and inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM). In addition, Rovop is preparing to execute innovative platform-based asset life extension work for a UK operator to help boost hydrocarbon recovery.
Industry converting limp into jog, but how long until it sprints?
Those hoping the sector will hit its stride this year need to readjust their expectations, according to Houston's top economist.
Opinion: Brent Delta single-lift is game changer for North Sea decommissioning
A few days ago, a behemoth of a ship graphically challenged and changed the way large production platforms in the North Sea and elsewhere will be decommissioned henceforth.
Stacked-rig revival firm spots start of sector recovery
An Aberdeen firm that specialises in bringing stacked oil rigs back into use has reported worldwide growth in demand as the industry begins a recovery.
Opinion: War on the high seas … or at least the Gulf of Mexico
Battle lines have been drawn and, frankly, the US domestic big projects offshore construction fleet is no match for the powerful Asian and European armadas when it comes to capability.
Penetrating America’s offshore logistics with the Euro model
Peterson, a European offshore logistics company, is finally making its mark in the Americas. Jeremy Cresswell talks with its CEO Erwin Kooij and director Murdo MacIver.
Take the Energy Voice OTC survey
With the Offshore Technology Conference starting in Houston today, we decided now was a good time to ask readers key questions about the US oil sector.
Infamous Jones Act plan a threat to fleet in US Gulf of Mexico
Two major reports, one for the American Petroleum Instutite, the other by the International Marine Contractors Association, warn that planned re-inforcement of the US’s infamous Jones Act by the Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) will damage the US Gulf of Mexico offshore oil & gas industry, especially deepwater.
Opinion: OTC … a time to celebrate survival and reflect
May marks the annual Offshore Technology Conference in Houston. Greens would of course prefer that the 2017 OTC is the last.
Beaumont: From first boom to latest bust, the discovery that started it all
Beaumont was the original jewel in the Texas oil crown – the home place of the Spindletop Gusher.
Opinion: Time to bang drum for UK oil industry
A substantial number from Aberdeen’s oil and gas community are this week on the other side of the Atlantic as OTC kicks off in Houston and never has there been a more important time for those involved in the energy sector to be banging the drum for the UK oil and gas industry.
New divisions spur Centrifuges Un-Limited on to growth
Oil and gas service company Centrifuges Un-Limited is hoping to draw on its success in the North Sea and Middle East as it sets its sights on US opportunities.
Promoted: Taking the frustration out of launching your business in the US
Launching a business in the United States from another country can be exhilarating and challenging, and often, frustrating. That’s where the international professionals at PKF Texas can help. For more than 20 years, we’ve been serving the international entrepreneurs’ business advisory, tax, and accounting needs to help them focus on operating their businesses more profitably.
RGU unveils plans for decommissioning skills centre at OTC
Robert Gordon University (RGU) unveiled its plans for a global centre of excellence for late life management and decommissioning in the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen ahead the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston yesterday.