How to avoid fiscal instability in oil’s emerging markets
It is vital to anticipate how it may arise and understand the circumstances to which it may be attributable.
Opinion
Helicopter tragedy highlights industry is working without a script
The tragic events of 23 August 2013 are a stark reminder that we all have so much more to do.
Learn to live with carbon-based economy
What is the purpose, I wonder, of these stunts by Greenpeace other than for self-gratifying, media focused, dangerous and attention seeking acts – they even have to take their own photographs and video.
Will CfD strike prices attract the right level of investment?
With less than a fortnight to go until the UK Government's consultation on electricity market reform draws to a close, one vital question remains unanswered – will the strike prices proposed stimulate the level of renewable energy investment envisaged by the UK Government?
East of England’s resources enough to keep the power on
The government needs to recognise the importance of East of England in keeping electricity on across the UK, claims the region’s industry association.
Energy Eye: The Chinese are coming? They’re already here
From time to time along the years I have warned that Asia-Pacific and particularly Chinese interests are circling the North Sea, looking for opportunities; through oil and gas asset acquisitions, nice big contracts and takeover opportunities within the supply chain.
Read Ed Davey’s full speech to the Royal Society on fracking here
It’s an honour to be here at the Royal Society today.
Jeremy Cresswell: Helicopter safety… don’t reinvent the wheel
It is becoming clear to me here at Offshore Europe that at least some and possibly most of that leadership are unaware that most if not all of the legwork has been done.
George Osborne: Why UK is giving oil industry long-term support
I was delighted to spend the beginning of this week in Aberdeen, and not only because of the glorious weather.
Medics as remote healthcare practitioners
An offshore installation has been likened to a multi-storey industrial complex, complete with hotel, restaurants, sports areas, dive bells, heliport, offices and healthcare facilities.
Force Majeure in times of political instability
The oil and gas industry often faces challenging political instability in countries where it seeks to be active. Current civil unrest in Egypt raises serious political and humanitarian concerns. Clearly it is also a big commercial challenge, particularly as it concerns a party's ability to fulfil its contractual obligations.
Security Notes: Industry must become proactive to geopolitics
As I flicked through the pages of the event preview brochure for OE2013 a few days ago - armed with my highlighter and deciding which conference sessions and events to attend, what struck me most was the outward and internationally dynamic nature of what is on offer and what is clearly of importance to our industry.
Let us ensure industry engagement remains at the heart of skills agenda
We've spoken before about the raft of different reports in the last 12 months speculating over the Industry's projected skills needs over the next two, three - four years and beyond.
Dick Winchester: Nice try, but no coconut for Aberdeen
Apologies in advance but I've come over all parochial and am going to discuss Aberdeen itself. I've spent the best part of 40 years either working out of or in the place and have watched it evolve into what it is now.
Technology breakthroughs puts industry in battle of risk and opportunity
2013 has seen the global oil and gas industry undergo fundamental change. With rising oil and gas demand, investment is forecast by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to reach some $20trillion between now and 2035.
Offshore Europe here we come
2013 is set to be the biggest Offshore Europe in history as thousands of delegates from around the globe congregate in Aberdeen, Europe's oil and gas capital, to discuss the future of our industry.
Oil’s share of the energy market falling steadily
These are challenging times for the oil industry, not least on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The latest official statistics show UK oil production down 11% on last year and gas down 18%.
Brian Wilson: Politicians’ brash boasts ignore human cost
When Oil & Gas UK published its latest production forecast last month, chief executive Malcolm Webb appealed for the industry not to be used as "a political football" in the constitutional debate, an echo of my own plea in this column in July.
Jeremy Cresswell: Helicopters, politicians and Offshore Europe
The shocking loss of yet more personnel in a Super-Puma incident in the UK sector once again highlights why so many offshore workers are worried out commuting offshore.
Managing Asset Integrity challenges a critical issue
The Piper Alpha disaster on July 6, 1988, which claimed 167 lives is one of those poignant moments that one can recall what they were doing when they first heard the terrible news.
Why it pays to consider the risks in emerging markets
Although not a significant exporter of oil or gas in global terms, the troubles in Egypt serve to highlight some of the consequences of civil strife on the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons.
Salmond: We owe it to Super Puma victims to learn lessons from tragedy
Yesterday, I had the sombre duty of signing a book of condolence for four oil workers who died in a helicopter crash off the coast of Shetland on Friday.
Analysis: Mechanical failure most likely reason for Super Puma crash
The suggestion, from what I gather from eye-witness reports, is that the most likely cause of the incident appears to be a catastrophic mechanical failure cutting the connection between the engine and the rotor blades, writes aviation expert Tim Ripley.
Jeremy Cresswell: Super Pumas forced to ground as inquiry starts
With four serious Super Puma incidents since April 1, 2009, the latest resulting in four deaths, the UK offshore industry has recommended the grounding of all Eurocopter Super Puma aircraft – not just the L2 variant at the centre of Friday’s crash.
Jeremy Cresswell: We want answers over latest Super Puma failure
Yes, another Eurocopter aircraft has suffered a major failure – the third in less than two years and, I think, the fourth Puma to have gone down since April 2009.