Oil worker falls to his death from helicopter at 2,000 feet
A North Sea oil worker plunged 2,000ft to his death after opening the emergency exit of a helicopter and jumping out.
Features
2009 Super Puma deaths preventable coroner rules
2009 Super Puma deaths were preventable, coroner says
“Game changer” tax break to boost North Sea exploration
Chancellor George Osborne will today announce plans for a “game changer” tax break to boost North Sea oil and gas exploration.
New helicopter to start flying in the North Sea
A new helicopter model is set to start flying in the North Sea in weeks after getting the green light from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Kurdish oil grab fuels independence dream as Iraq unravels
As modern Iraq collapses, the northern region of Kurdistan is emerging as an oasis of relative calm -- with plenty of oil to support its political ambitions for independence. With the advance of Islamist rebels deep into Iraq, autonomous Kurdistan is increasingly rejecting Baghdad’s claims over its oil. Last week Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani seized control of fields near Kirkuk, in the latest move by Kurdistan to assert control over the region’s oil.
North Sea exploration faces another crisis year
Exploration in the North Sea has continued to plummet due to ever spiralling costs and firms taking a “wait and see” approach to new regulation and taxes, new research has found.
Opinion: Public inquiry into helicopter operations “unnecessary”
The Government’s Transport Select Committee recently published its report into offshore helicopter safety. It followed the deaths of four passengers when a Super Puma helicopter ditched into the North Sea on 23 August 2013.
UK Government pledges £15million to set up new oil and gas regulator
Oil and gas chiefs have welcomed a £15million contribution from the UK Government towards the cost of a new industry regulator.
Video: Regulator funding key for industry success globally
The £15million funding by the UK Government towards the new energy regulator will ensure the body can address the industry's needs as soon as possible, believes a Scotland Office Minister.
Government pledges £15million for new industry regulator in response to Wood Review
Funding of £15million to help kick-start a new independent regulator for the North Sea oil and gas industry has been announced by the UK government.
Oil and gas weaker with home rule, MP claims
An independent Scotland would be “unlikely to be able to provide the same level of support” to the oil and gas industry, a leading UK Government minister has claimed as a review of tax arrangements for the industry is launched.
Kurds take over two Iraq oil fields
Kurdish fighters have taken over two oil fields outside the disputed city of Kirkuk, Iraq’s Oil Ministry says.
Chief Treasury Secretary challenges SNP over “fantastical” North Sea claims
Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander has challenged SNP chiefs over what he branded as “fantastical” claims on future North Sea revenues.
Video: A side-by-side comparison of the new EBS
Author Loren Steffy once described the North Sea as the stuff of “Gothic legend”.
New breathing system for helicopter passengers approved
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today confirmed the approval of the new Category A emergency breathing system (EBS).
Helicopter safety inquiry rejected
Transport minister Stephen Hammond has refused to commit to a full public inquiry into helicopter safety within the offshore oil and gas industry.
50 found dead amid Iraq turmoil as major oil centre taken
Some 50 bodies have been found in Iraq, many of them blindfolded and with their hands bound, raising concerns over a possible sectarian killing amid the battle against a Sunni insurgency.
Ace Winches helps young people into the workforce
Deck machinery firm Ace Winches has become the first organisation to achieve a new government accreditation recognising its support helping young people into the workforce.
Helicopter ditchings and crashes kill 20 in four years
A series of recent helicopter crashes and ditchings in the North Sea has led to several inquiries and plans to tighten-up safety.
Crash survivors relive trauma for MPs
MPs held a private meeting with six survivors from last year’s Super Puma crash off Shetland.
Oil & Gas UK director rejects call for “full, independent public inquiry”
Oil & Gas UK’s health and safety director last night rejected a call from the House of Common’s Transport Committee to launch a “full, independent public inquiry” into offshore helicopter safety.
UK government fears oil workers in Iraq could be kidnapped and handed over to Isis
UK government officials fear that oil workers working in Iraq could be kidnapped and handed over to the brutal militant group looking to create a new Islamic state in the region.
MPs call for full inquiry amid fear of “creeping complacency” in offshore safety standards
MPs are calling for a “full, independent public inquiry” into offshore helicopter safety amid fears that “a creeping complacency is affecting safety standards”.
MPs set to publish inquiry report on helicopter safety
A group of MPs are set to publish the results of their inquiry into North Sea helicopter safety.
Kurds vow to keep Kirkuk oil amid referendum plans
Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurds plan a referendum for independence and will keep troops in the nearby oil hub of Kirkuk until people there can vote on whether to join the Kurdish enclave, a regional government spokesman said.