Real-time environmental supply chain impact poses key challenge
The UK Government's long-awaited Energy Bill and concerns over its commitment to setting clear and challenging decarbonisation targets, has put energy policy firmly back on the agenda.
Opinion
Tough new guidelines for UK offshore drilling now in force
New requirements to ensure operators have resources to pay for well control incidents are now in force.
Managing risk through global employment organisations
Ernst & Young's recent Global Mobility Effectiveness Survey found that 67% of oil and gas companies present in emerging markets expect to increase their presence by 2014.
Challenge of offshore health management
Expectations within the offshore oil and gas sector have changed over the years such that exposure of staff to risk has become increasingly unacceptable.
Don’t let complacency creep into your subsea campaigns
As operators face the dual challenge of sustaining their production levels in mature regions while effectively exploiting the uncapped reserves in growth areas, the potential for subsea capital expenditure for the remainder of the decade has increased dramatically.
Iesta brings together the very best of Scottish training providers
It wasn't that long ago that there was debated uncertainty surrounding the future of the North Sea and all the industries linked to its operation paid close attention.
Key themes to consider in 2013
On the macro front, crude prices were resilient in 2012 despite the extensive volatility that marked the broader markets as a variety of European and US debt crises played out and economists fretted over the sustainability of growth in China.
Recent news provides food for thought
A scan of news from a variety of media sources over recent days provides interesting food for thought.
Oil and gas offers us an opportunity, not a burden
Energy readers are able to spot a mile off attempts to tell them black is really white.
Exploiting Scotland’s unique advantages will lead to growth
Some say Scotland must make a choice for our future: pursue economic growth, or protect the environment. My response is simple - there is no contradiction in pursuing both. The only credible long-term economic strategy is to exploit Scotland's unique advantages - engineering excellence, research base, energy expertise and natural resources - to grow the economy, while reducing emissions long-term.
UK Govt’s newest apology for an Energy Policy
I was once told that if Moses had been a Lib Dem he'd have come down from Mt Sinai with ten "really jolly good suggestions".
Busting nine oil market myths
It's the time of year when finding someone else to do the hard work makes sense. So in that festive spirit, I am delighted to defer to a recent speech made by Ian Taylor, president and chief executive of Vitol, the global trading company.
Decommissioning security – is end of the tunnel in sight?
After more than 20 months of engagement and collaboration between industry and the Government, December 11 saw a further milestone reached in the almost Herculean effort to enable decommissioning security arrangements to move to a post-tax basis.
‘Unforgiven’
I last eluded to "The Man with No Name" in my September 2011 Energy column entitled The Good, the Bad, & the Indifferent.
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.
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.