Government’s bounteous Christmas gifts
As I write this in the run-up to Christmas it feels as if the Government has bestowed a series of Christmas presents on the industry.
Opinion
Like something out of a James Bond movie
I do love the James Bond moments that happen with my job, and while they don't occur as readily as they did in my former role in our Intelligence Department, every so often I find myself in awe of my colleagues, individuals and organisations that I am lucky enough to work with.
Self-same new year safety resolutions
Here we are again, a new year stretching out ahead of us, bringing with it a wealth of fresh opportunity to influence, impact and change our industry for the better.
Safety awards give credit where it’s due
For some time now, Step Change in Safety has been focused on two key areas in the drive to continuously improve offshore safety: fostering better safety cultures through workforce engagement and reducing the number of hydrocarbon releases (HCRs).
Pacific Khamsin picks up $527m Chevron starter contract
Pacific Drilling's new-build ultra-deepwater drillship Pacific Khamsin has been contracted by Chevron for an initial two years' operations offshore West Africa.
Getting rid of those post-Christmas blues
For many of the offshore population Christmas Day is a normal working day but those who are lucky enough to enjoy the holiday onshore will have celebrated alongside family and friends and enjoyed some well-earned festive eating, drinking and relaxation.
Slowing the race to Armageddon ?
Recent temperature readings appear to indicate that the world stopped getting hotter some 15 years ago.
Santa Osborne’s dubious energy prezzies
Heavens, up to 30 new gas-fired power stations, life extensions for two of the current nuclear power station fleet and the laying of early foundations for the forthcoming UK shale gas push.
Questing for Atlantic Frontier prizes
In this issue we're majoring on the Atlantic Frontier, or rather just three parts of it . . . UK West of Shetland, the Irish sector and, several thousand miles to the south, the Falkland Islands.
The quest to build real people power
Skills are a huge issue in Britain today, with many businesses struggling with the challenges. The UK oil and gas industry is, however, now embarking on a collaborative approach to addressing the shortage.
It’s management’s responsibility no one gets hurt
Under new rules to be introduced next April, Health and Safety Executive checks will no longer be routinely carried out on premises considered to be low risk.
New generation offshore technologies vital to UK North Sea’s prosperity
At the recent ITF technology showcase in Aberdeen BP's North Sea regional president, Trevor Garlick was reported as saying "If new technology is not developed fast enough the life of the North Sea oil and gas industry could be shortened".
Setting targets . . . think onshore wind turbines
According to every test of opinion, there is general support in Scotland for the development of renewable energy. That should be a great platform for progress and relative consensus.
Natural gas in Africa: frontiers of ‘Golden Age’?
The world may be poised at the beginning of "the Golden Age of Gas". Indeed natural gas is the only fossil fuel whose share of the global energy mix is expected to grow.
Stark warning on devastating consequences of global warming
One is tempted to have some sympathy for the Government in its current attempts to formulate an energy strategy.
Early start for nasty bug
Cases of Norovirus (winter vomiting bug) have started to appear earlier than usual this year, which could indicate that we can expect higher than customary levels of the virus to be circulating over the winter months ahead.
Licence to drill
As the region has matured UK Continental Shelf production has progressively fallen - approximately 6% per annum between 2000 and 2010.
Be very wary indeed of Chinese NOCs
Asian national oil companies bent on taking control of Canadian oil and gas assets through acquisitions by CNOOC and Petronas are facing growing opposition to the deals.
Playing out of Africa
As an investor you weigh up risks and potential returns, trying to eliminate or limit the unknowns and one of the biggest issues with investing is political risk.
This is no way to run a country or its companies
I concluded some time ago that UK Business Secretary Vince Cable was all frills and no knickers but was astonished that he said of the now thankfully dead BAe merger with EADS: "I don't worry about foreign ownership."
Grasping the Thistle – future of corporate taxation in Scotland
The debate surrounding Scotland's constitutional future is live and emotive and the outcome will have a fundamental impact on business operating throughout the country. Despite its significance, there was, until recently, very little clarity on the terms of reference and the question or questions to be asked.
Regulatory confidence? Whatever is that?
Ever since the 85N Miller tragedy in April 2009 I've become increasingly anxious about the regulatory regime governing helicopter operations in the North Sea.
New shale gas policy apparently coming together here in Britain
While the Prime Minister and Ofgem's proposed changes to gas tariff arrangements continue to prompt questions from politicians and industry alike, it may have escaped the attention of some observers that plans have also been recently announced by the Conservatives to promote a significant increase in investment in shale gas exploration and production in the UK.
Russian bear or puzzling enigma?
I am writing this from Moscow where I have been spending quite a bit of time recently for a variety of reasons - football, Harris Tweed, energy. My enthusiasms are nothing if not eclectic.
Weighty matters
Being overweight can have a severe effect on one's health.