Opinion: Our critics should recognise need for clear plan away from oil and gas
Our plans are for a just transition away from oil and gas to secure future jobs and energy supply.
Insights
Dear Mr Harvie – We will not be ‘managing a decline’
Dear Mr Harvie,
Alex Kemp: Iran sanctions lifting, oil price falling
The price has been coming down for several months because production from Saudi Arabia is strong, from Iraq it’s strong, from Russia it’s quite strong. From the US there’s been a little bit of a fall but not very much. Market makers have been anticipating Iran sanctions to be lifted, but did not know when until quite recently.
Tom Stocker: Legal risks of trading in Iran still exist
The lifting of sanctions on Iran is good news for Scottish exporters and oil and gas service companies, but a legal expert has warned that with a US trade embargo still in place, Western banks remain reluctant to support Iranian related businesses.
Jamie Stark: Iran opens up to North Sea expertise
There is quite a difference between EU sanctions lifting on implementation day than in the US.
Tough times for sure, but the future of North Sea remains bright
With the oil price hovering at $30/bbl, it is unsurprising that some are claiming that the North Sea is dead, however they could not be further from the truth.
Lloyd’s Register: Staying afloat requires a new type of inventiveness and open mindedness
As oil prices continue to erode margins throughout the industry, the offshore sector tightens its focus on efficiency and cost reduction.
Opinion: The PM made a mockery of the anxiety so many workers face
Prime Ministers Questions this week may have been one of the most frustrating sessions ever witnessed by myself and others with ties to the North Sea oil and gas industry. Even when questioned and criticised by MPs in his own party, the Prime Minister has shown a complete disdain and disrespect for an industry which has been politely and urgently asking for his help and the assistance of his government, in coalition or otherwise, for well over a year now.
Opinion: There is still plenty to play for
As an industry we are going through a tough time – and all indications are pointing towards it staying that way. With the value of our product having plummeted to just over $30 a barrel and respected commentators suggesting it’s going to be lower for longer than we might hope, the fear is that it may get worse before it gets better as globally some $400 billion has been cut from E&P budgets.
Opinion: The disappearing oil price formula
In the first 7 days of 2016, the S&P GSCI Crude Oil Excess Return lost 17.8%, making it the worst start for oil in history. Now the index has recorded a new maximum drawdown of 92.8% since its peak on July 3, 2008.
Les Linklater: Four by four
It’s hard to believe that four years ago, I stepped into the role here at Step Change in Safety. Like my New Year’s resolutions, my hopes and the reality didn’t always align. Since day one, there have been many successes and Step Change’s strategic priorities have evolved. But, sadly, there have been tragic and stark reminders of just how much is still to be done.
EV Insights: Premier Oil – a UK independent with a global outlook
Premier Oil is one of the UK’s longest established independent oil and gas companies. It has acquired E.ON’s North Sea assets in a $120million deal when the sector is at one of its lowest ebbs. We look back at some of the other big Premier stories featured on Energy Voice.
Cresswell: Job losses show how desperate employers are
Fergus Ewing: End the trash talk
There is little doubt that the ongoing period of low global prices poses significant challenges for the oil and gas sector and our thoughts remain with the workers, such as those facing redundancy at BP, who have been affected.
Opinion: As time goes on, the pain is felt more throughout the North East
One of the buzz phrases that’s going around just now is ‘lower for longer’.
Opinion: Get on and do it
Last week, the SNP’s Dennis Robertson claimed there was no crisis in the North Sea. I doubt if he will say anything like that now.
Opinion: A sigh of relief as stalemate between unions and OCA ends
The Offshore Contractors Association and the oil and gas industry breathed a sigh of relief on Friday, when the long awaited outcome of the trade union ballot on the latest and what was reported to be final offer on terms and conditions of employment for offshore workers, was finally approved.
Opinion: Paris, Big Oil and climate change
Few will have missed the jubilation that greeted the news of the first truly global climate change agreement agreed in Paris on December 12. This is a milestone in that 195 countries agreed a deal which recognises that climate change is an issue and set a framework by which to address it.
Cresswell: Treasury must scrap SCT…Now!
Well, here we all are . . . another year dawns over the chill, grey wastes of the ever restless North Sea.
Opinion: Point us in the right direction and let us geek
I see the future of Aberdeen: a post-apocalyptic wasteland of flash cars sitting abandoned and rusting on Union Street, clubs turning back in to churches and office blocks colonised with seagulls.
Opinion: You can’t beat Scotland when it comes to tidal
Scotland’s tides are among the most powerful in the world. With an estimated 25% of Europe's tidal potential, it is no surprise that Scotland reigns supreme in attracting international project developers and major OEMs looking to tap into this vast resource.
Opinion: Security trends in Iraq for 2016
As director of an Iraqi security services company, I am often asked by energy companies what the key issues are that are currently affecting security for their operations in Iraq and how I see these trends developing in 2016. Unsurprisingly, most trends impacting the energy sector are strongly influenced by the sharp drop in oil prices. In particular, we are concerned about increasing price pressure on security provision from international energy companies. Those who make senior policy decisions on security matters know that the probability of attacks does not change with oil prices. If the risks were there on a $100-dollar barrel, then you can make a safe assumption they are still there in a $40-dollar barrel. However, our industry is being asked to reduce costs by up to 20%. As security operators don’t have such margins to begin with, this is causing real difficulties, and we advise energy companies that security in high-risk areas is an essential: it’s vital to think very carefully about the impact of reducing security budgets.
NASA images reveal Libyan oil fires visible from space
NASA has published images of fires at oil production and storage facilities near Sidra, on the coast between Sirte and Benghazi following battles earlier this week.
EV Insights: Long-running North Sea dispute settled
Energy Voice examines some of the key points in the lengthy dispute between the Offshore Contractors Association and Unite union.
EV Insights: How each region fared in Baker Hughes December rig count
Baker Hughes has unveiled its latest rig count for the final month of 2015.