Offshore Employment Intermediaries: Changes not necessarily a step towards simpler taxation
Legislative changes effective April this year will result in significant cost increases for many oil and gas sector employers.
Insights
Health Check: Laughter proves the best medicine
As a company doctor, I often see employees suffering from anxiety and depression or those who simply feel frustrated or stressed by work.
Putting the T in MINT
For those of you who haven't caught up with the latest acronym, the BRICs are so last year. The MINT economies are the countries to watch.
Staring into the abyss
At the end of last month, I attended the annual reception of the Westminster All Party Parliamentary Group (APG) for the UK Oil and Gas Industry, hosted by Dame Anne Begg - MP for Aberdeen South and Chair of the APG. I would like to share the thoughts I outlined in the short talk I gave that evening.
Some realistic comparisons with Norway
Both the Editor and I wrote in last month's Energy about the ongoing decline on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), particularly in relation to production and exploration.
American astronomer finds river of energy in space
An American astronomer has discovered a most incredible phenomenon in deep space . . . an apparently never-before-seen river of hydrogen.
Report reveals Big Oil graduate demand falling
Graduate recruitment in the UK has almost recovered from the 2007 recession, with vacancies set to hit a seven-year high, according to High Fliers market research.
Meeting the demands of ageing offshore infrastructure
As advances in exploration and subsea technology make existing reservoirs and marginal fields more viable, it is not only the age of your platform that counts - what you know about its condition is vital too.
The chickens are finally coming home to roost
I am writing this to the sound of Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs and gales blasting the windows of my home. It has been a rough winter here in Lewis and it ain't over yet.
Shelters from the gathering storm
Tax shelters are usually created by government to promote a certain desirable behaviour, usually a long-term investment, to help the economy; in turn, this generates even more tax revenue.
Not quite magic: From plastic plague to liquid fuel
Researchers in India have developed a relatively low-temperature process to convert certain kinds of plastic waste into liquid fuel as a way to reuse discarded plastic bags.
Young technician of the year’s recipe for success: Commitment, courage to challenge and continuous improvement
James Gladden of BG Group won the Young Technician of the Year category at the 2013 Oil & Gas UK Awards. Here he tells us why he joined the North Sea industry and why it could be a brilliant choice for those of you who are looking to make your first step into business and industry.
EU gives UK Government mandate to do sod all
The EU wants to cut its greenhouse gas emissions 40% compared with 1990 levels and also wants 27% of all its energy to be from renewable sources. Both targets are to be achieved by 2030.
Yes vote would be ‘fatal’ for North Sea oil and gas, warns Fallon
Exclusive: The UK’s energy minister has warned that Scottish independence would be “absolutely fatal” for the North Sea oil and gas industry. Watch our video interview here.
Troubled Shell lost its way a decade ago
Oh dear, more lousy financials from Shell, writes energy editor Jeremy Cresswell
Scotland Decides: Government accused of ‘squandering’ oil wealth
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has claimed Scotland’s oil wealth has been “squandered” for decades and described a decision not to set up an oil fund as a “huge error”.
Super Puma crash survivor’s fury at lack of safety gear briefing
A man who escaped a fatal helicopter crash yesterday spoke for the first time about his ordeal.
North Sea helicopter firm praise for units
Airbus Helicopters said it has delivered an “industry-leading” number of aircraft in the last year, having manufactured 497 units.
Super Puma FAI: Helicopter crash was ‘not survivable’, says investigator
The pilots of a Super Puma helicopter could do nothing to prevent it from crashing into the North Sea, an inquiry has heard.
Clutha lawyers want wider helicopter safety probe after Super Puma hearing
Lawyers representing some of the victims of a helicopter crash in GLasgow have called for a public inquiry into the safety of all commercial flights in the UK.
Oil firms must protect themselves for move into emerging markets
As companies involved in oil exploration, renewables, manufacturing and other industries expand their horizons internationally into countries with rapidly-expanding economies, it is more important than ever to ensure that valuable intellectual property is not put at risk.
Super Puma FAI: ‘Discrepancies’ in technical records, says investigator
An air accidents investigator has told an inquiry that Bond Offshore Helicopters had not followed maintenance records “by the book” in the week leading up to a fatal crash involving one of the firm’s aircraft.
Scotland Decides: Major North Sea oil find could swing referendum
A leading economist has predicted that a major North Sea oil find in the next eight months could have an impact on the independence campaign.
Union chiefs back public inquiry calls over North Sea helicopter safety
Union bosses have backed calls for a full public inquiry into North Sea helicopter safety amid fears that commercial factors influence whether a helicopter flies.
Oil and gas industry must not ignore the IT Factor
IT is essential to the operations of multi-national organisations in towering office blocks, entrepreneurial boffins in underground labs and on board oil and gas industry vessels in remote locations.