Jeremy Cresswell: From Premier’s pick to Christmas for Falklands taxman
It was a given that Sea Lion would be developed using a floating production system; the surprise was that Premier currently favours using what is called a tension leg platform.
Opinion
Fracking will puts Scots’ health at great risk
Tory MEP Struan Stevenson sparked a row by calling on policy-makers to send “trendy” environmental protesters “packing” and embrace shale gas. Mary Church, of Friends of the Earth Scotland says the country should be wary of fracking.
Have we entered brave new world of drug and alcohol testing?
Elaine Ramsay of Brodies looks at the legal implications of introducing drug and alcohol testing for employees in the workplace.
Struan Stevenson: Time to send protesters packing over fracking
The debate over fracking has divided communities in England and already forced one firm to reconsider its plans. But MEP Struan Stevenson warns failure to embrace shale gas could lead to UK blackouts
New research provides state of nation report on decommissioning sector
However, ageing structures must inevitably reach the end of their economic lifespans, production rates will decline through time, and with recently announced tax relief deeds allowing greater clarity in decommissioning decisions, a maturing of the UK sector seems imminent.
Jeremy Cresswell: Egypt … like a slow-mo and terrifying implosion
I’ve been watching the latest TV news reports from Egypt. It seems to me that an exceedingly terrifying, slow-motion implosion is taking place. And it started long before Muhammed Morsi came to power through an apparently democratic election following the January 25 revolution of 2011.
Jeremy Cresswell: Will Antrim become next minnow to fall?
Is the oil and gas exploration minnow Antrim about to croak? Read the notes of yesterday’s result statement and you will find that the company itself admits to “significant doubts” about its ability to continue trading.
How energy firms can avoid bribery prosecution
In the first part of his briberty series, Brodies' associate Paul Marshall looks at the steps which businesses who discover bribery connected to their organisation can take with the authorities to reduce the risk of prosecution.
How to increase and reduce risk of bribery prosecution at same time
Rightly or wrongly, the oil and gas sector is viewed as being vulnerable to bribery and corruption. The UK Bribery Act 2010 sets down the foundations to encourage prosecutions of corruption in business, especially British businesses with overseas operations. In the first of two articles on this subject, Paul Marshall considers how the Bribery Act increases the risk of prosecution for corruption.
Putting the ‘Q’ into HSE
In order to utilise quality to bring about an effective HSE system, first it must be defined. This in itself is a challenge as quality is often about the perception of the individual.
Revolution in pipeline for Mexico’s oil and gas industry
Mexico is set to open its doors to private investment in its oil and gas sector. The Mexican petroleum market has been controlled by the state-run entity, Pemex, for 75 years and during that time there has been no scope for outside investment.
Independence row shows need for sensible debate about oil future
I've avoided getting involved to date in the arguments about future oil revenues if Scotland votes for independence next year and am still reluctant to do so.
Time to energise the nation’s future
In recent years, the UK economy has faced some of the most difficult times in its history.
Brian Wilson: Forecasts mere back-of-envelope fiction?
It was inevitable that the question of oil revenues would feature prominently in the Scottish constitutional debate; witness the various and widely reported lively exchanges last month.
Jeremy Cresswell: Argentina ramps up Falklands pressure
What is the value of the Falklands to London today, bearing in mind that the islanders have the right to determine their own future; it is they who will harvest tax revenues and royalties from Big Oil and NOT the British Treasury?
Dick Winchester: Indy vote will play crucial role in industry future
The outcome of the referendum on Scottish independence next year will be critical in determining how the future of energy and particularly oil and gas pans out.
Answering the questions to make Scotland marine energy leader
It would be fair to say that when it comes to renewables potential Scotland is up there with the world’s best.
Drilling engineers should look to the skies for solutions
At 14 years old, I took my first flight over stunning Scotland, which sparked a life-long passion for aviation and in 2006 led to me building my own Spitfire aircraft.
Zero is only acceptable target for hydrocarbon spills
In the interest of continuous safety improvements we need to demonstrate an interest in every employee’s safety within the industry – not just our own.
The taxing issue of unlocking the UK’s shale gas potential
The UK's shale gas reserves have featured prominently in the news in recent weeks following several important announcements which have sought to illustrate and, ultimately, unlock the potential of this energy source locked deep beneath our feet.
Industry needs more information on strike prices for renewables
It is hoped that the strike prices will help give investors the confidence needed to provide the early investment need for major new infrastructure projects, writes Keith Patterson of Brodies.
Industry can bring huge benefits to the whole of society
Fergus Ewing, Energy Minister, and Ian Couper, Energy North chief executive, give their views on the steering group.
Piper memorial hardened our resolve to continue safety improvements
Listening to safety workers as they read aloud the names inscribed in granite beneath Sue Jane Taylor's Piper Alpha memorial, I was overcome with emotion, writes Les Linklater.
Future of National Grid is stalling renewable energy’s future
This week Ofgem will examine a whole range of options – put forward by a specialist panel – on how generators might be charged in the future, with the opportunity to make a more level playing field for renewables, writes Martin McAdam
Oil and gas companies must consider implications of offshore tax changes
The Government has published its consultation document on the use of offshore employment intermediaries - and this has significant implications for employers in the oil and gas sector, writes Sean Saluja.