Scottish independence: Energy experts outline reasons for Yes
There are many reasons why it is a categorical imperative for Scots to vote yes on 18 September.
Opinion
Opinion: Alex Kemp – The potential recovery of oil and gas
This article sets out to add further clarity to the subject of the ultimate potential recovery of oil and gas from the UK Continental Shelf.
Opinion: Potential on the Clyde
It’s a story of Machiavellian political intrigue with oil companies, Scottish lochs, nuclear submarines and a government at war with the socialist industrial heartlands of its country. Chic Brodie, an SNP back bencher first broke the seemingly preposterous story that, in the mid 1980’s, the Tory government of Margret Thatcher intervened at the highest levels and stopped BP exploring for oil in the Clyde estuary for “national security” issues.
Opinion: ‘No half pregnant contracts’
“We do we have a contract, don’t we?” The industry has been so hectic recently some have been overlooking basic document management. Now there is a little belt-tightening going on and contract termination and liability questions are being raised. When all was full speed ahead some didn’t seem to worry about the contract. Friends don’t need contracts do they?
Opinion: Westminster must not be allowed to fail national energy security
It has been widely reported that in the near future, and possibly even this winter, the UK faces the possibility of blackouts due to electricity shortages.
Opinion: Unconventional hydrocarbons in the North Sea?
The Scottish Sun had a double-page spread entitled “£600bn – that’s a fracking fortune”. This is based on a report by a pressure group called N-56 which claims that 21-42 billion barrels of oil equivalent could be extracted from unconventional hydrocarbon deposits in the North sea using fracking technology. The claimed tax take is £3-600 billion. It is an attractive idea – enough for one Sun journalist to switch his vote from No to Yes. Sadly, it is largely nonsense.
Opinion: Teachers should fulfil work experience to help bridge industry skills gap
A teacher’s influence over their school pupils within a classroom environment can determine the career path of a young person one way or another. Teachers are ultimately our mentors who can lead us to aspire to be doctors, lawyers, or even astronauts.
Energy and the independence debate
Sir Ian Wood did not, I am sure, particularly want to get involved in the independence referendum debate. Eventually, he was driven to do so by the gross misrepresentation of a subject he knows better than almost anyone.
Cross-cultural competence – the global success factor
The Scottish Energy sector is undoubtedly an international affair. Multinational companies are the mainstay of the oil and gas industry and skilled workers from all over the world make up the vital personnel needed to keep the revenue flowing.
Cleaning up after a UKCS deepwater oil spill
Professor Ursula Witte discusses the University of Aberdeen's research into oil-eating bacteria that could help clean up oil spills in North Sea waters
Further Western sanctions unlikely to directly target Russian energy
While the Russian energy sector has felt the impact of Western sanctions, the risk of major restrictions being placed directly on the sector remains relatively low.
Loren Steffy: Why former exec says billions aren’t enough in Yukos case
For Bruce Misamore, $2.5billion just isn’t enough. Not after waiting a decade for justice. Not after his former boss was wrongly imprisoned in Siberia and 50,000 of his company’s former shareholders have yet to be made whole.
Opinion: The answer to that Question has to be . . .
For 35 of the past 40 years I've been in the energy industry I've lived in Scotland and have watched Aberdeen and the north-east grow and prosper on the back of oil and gas.
Video: Jeremy Cresswell tests new EBS
Over the past several weeks, thousands of offshore workers have been put through short courses to get familiar with the new Category A compliant Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS) mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority following its inquiry into North Sea helicopter safety.
Opinion: Bob Keiller – Take your time and save your life
We’ve all seen horrific photos of people going around, through or under barriers at railway crossings and just making it across the track before a train comes thundering through. They are extreme examples of how we all take risks to save a few precious minutes.
Reading UK North Sea runes
It's evident that the UK oil and gas market is going through adjustment following a period of substantial investment growth.
ONS: Opinion – The North Sea needs its neighbours
It’s only natural to become caught up in your own affairs and put national interests first. But, we must endeavour to keep a European perspective and also an international perspective. This year’s ONS shows we’re not adverse to global workforce sharing. Many delegates are men and women who are already working or becoming fully-fledged energy ex-pats in the likes of Houston, Singapore, Dubai or Perth. I’d like to see the same adventurous spirit closer to home.
ONS: Opinion – ‘Norway, an independent’s ripe frontier’
Norway presents a unique opportunity to the independent explorer due to its very favourable tax credit system, to help with exploration costs, and the sheer scale of the under-explored continental shelf.
Opinion: Why are employees the first to go?
The workflow in most businesses, including energy, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. But layoffs and pay cuts should always be the last resort for employers when they need to cut costs.
Scottish Independence: Danny Alexander writes exclusively for Energy Voice
Yesterday we discovered a massive black hole in Alex Salmond’s economic case for independence. Sir Ian Wood, one of the world’s foremost oil industry experts, issued a clear warning about the Scottish Government’s projections for North Sea oil extraction. He said that their prediction that 24 billion barrels of oil still remain to be extracted from the North Sea is between 45% and 60% too high. His view is that the correct figure is between 15 and 16.5 billion barrels remaining.
Opinion: Jeremy Cresswell responds to Sir Ian
Energy Voice’s broadcast of Sir Ian Wood’s view on the Scottish independence set a new record for viewing on this site. That’s hardly surprising given his standing in the UK and wider international oil and gas industry.
Jeremy Cresswell – “A missed opportunity”
Last week, Bristow Helicopters got in touch with us full of enthusiasm.
Opinion: Condoms – the forgotten PPE?
Those who work abroad, for the oil industry or other business sectors, have always been encouraged to ensure they look after their health. It is considered essential to have all the necessary vaccines, perhaps take a course of malaria tablets, avoid drinking the tap water, use sunscreen and keep hydrated. Workers are expected to protect themselves from harm by using personal protective equipment, and safety messages surround us all in our everyday working lives.
Opinion: Onshore transport – double standards?
Ask for your policy on international travel and I guess you’ll get a 20 page downloadable booklet with a link to your occupational health provider, medical evacuation provider, risk analyst and security consultant. Your company possibly has kidnap and ransom insurance too, but it’s not allowed to say so. Posted to Iraq? No problem. Your 4.5 ton company car is waiting for you at the airport, local driver with Kalashnikov included. This industry is pretty sophisticated when it comes to sending its people to hostile territories abroad. We pride ourselves on going prepared.
Opinion: It’s time for renewables to join the market
“It is time for renewables to join the market* (...)”