Chancellor makes job support scheme ‘more generous’
Billions of pounds of extra help has been announced for firms and workers hit by coronavirus restrictions.
Insights
UK signals more assertive sanctions regime – Implications for the energy sector
There are signs that the UK’s sanction regime is poised to become more aggressive following the disentanglement from the EU. The close of the Brexit transitional period on 31 December 2020 marks the end of the UK’s obligation to enforce EU sanctions. From 1 January 2021, the UK’s sanctions regime will be independent, with sanctions imposed pursuant to a new framework introduced under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA). It is important that UK companies, including those in the energy sector, anticipate the UK’s changed regulatory landscape and are aware of the potential for new sanctions in due course.
How to show resilience in a competitive jobs market
The last six months have been some of the most difficult in living memory. With COVID-19 set to cast a shadow for some time yet, many firms will be taking a more cautious approach to recruitment – focusing on hiring those able to help build vital resilience into the business.
The key lessons to running an oil company from home
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered one of the most disruptive periods on record for energy markets, with almost a third of global oil demand wiped out as millions stayed home amid lockdown measures and travel bans.
Global supply chains in a post pandemic world – dealing with disruption in the energy sector
This article is intended as a quick legal guide of some key points for busy Energy executives who need to manage business risk exposure when global supply chains are disrupted.
Covid safety, cleaning fears mount for North Sea workers
Trade union chiefs said yesterday that offshore workers have “a lot of concern” about North Sea firms’ ability to keep a lid on Covid-19 while increasing crew numbers on platforms.
‘Not coping’: HSE slams firms over offshore Covid risk to crew
The UK’s workplace safety watchdog has accused two offshore energy sector firms of putting crew at “serious risk” of catching Covid-19.
Increasing manning levels ‘only way’ to address North Sea maintenance backlog
Increasing manning levels offshore is the "only way" the North Sea sector will be able to clear its growing maintenance backlog, according to oil and gas safety chiefs.
Shift to renewables could be a painful transition for offshore supply chain
Potential pitfalls await those unprepared for the push towards diversification from conventional energy writes Gregory Brown, Maritime Strategies International.
A new normal for energy?
COVID-19 has changed the world in many ways and energy hasn’t been excused. In early 2020, there was a perfect storm of excess supply and massive reductions in demand. Since then, the market has become far more balanced and the oil price seems to be tightly bound in a narrow price range.
North Sea industry ‘still in control’ despite recent Covid resurgence
North Sea safety bosses have insisted the oil and gas industry is “still in control”, despite a recent resurgence of Covid-19 offshore.
Workers removed from Shell platform on two occasions in matter of days over Covid-19 fears
Workers have been flown off a platform in the Central North Sea over fears about an outbreak of Covid-19 on board.
Workers removed from North Sea platform after colleague tests positive for Covid-19
More than a dozen workers have been removed from a North Sea platform after a colleague tested positive for Covid-19.
Could we change the funding model for heat pumps?
My sources are indicating that the UK Government’s Energy White paper will make much of the role of hydrogen, particularly as a replacement fuel for space heating.
Trump attempts to swing wrecking ball
I like this. Despite Donald Trump’s vitriolic hatred of turbines. In August, more than 100 governors, mayors and government officials across 40 American states declared their support for the wind industry during American Wind Week 2020.
How we respond to challenges will define us
As we head into the autumn with renewed uncertainty on how the coronavirus pandemic will manifest, and continued concerns for our families, our community, our businesses and the economy it is a constant reminder that change is the norm like never before.
Challenged by Covid-19 testing fees or access to private healthcare?
The Covid-19 pandemic is challenging individuals on many levels. The virus and its consequences are taking their toll on mental and physical wellbeing, as well as causing anxieties about the health of loved ones, job security, and the future of businesses. Additionally, individuals often face uncertainty regarding where to turn for Covid-19 testing, and how to access healthcare services during the pandemic. At ROC we are here to make accessing both routine medical care and Covid-19 testing as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
Tackling flaring: Lessons from the North Sea
The North Sea represents some of the best-in-class and most innovative work of the oil and gas industry. Here, significant progress in reducing gas flaring is already making a vital contribution towards delivering “net zero”, and Norway stands out as genuinely world-class.
Cold, Flu or Covid?
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, the signs are all there that we’re heading into winter, whilst also facing a spiralling pandemic.
Covid quarantine for oil vessel in Cromarty Firth
Crew members on an oil vessel in Cromarty Firth are isolating after a colleague who remains on board tested positive for Covid-19.
Are we punching our weight when it comes to fighting climate change?
The infamous heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson once said, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”. Perhaps the same could apply to the national net-zero plan - a strategy that appears lost in what most will agree are the more sudden and painful issues of Brexit and the Covid pandemic?
Hydrogen is going global – fast
As most science nerds will know hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It’s everywhere we look although the vast majority is out of reach until we develop the ability to travel at warp speed. Yes, I admit it. I am a Star Trek fan.
Oil industry making changes at scale and at pace to lower emissions
In February I wrote about the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition, prompted by a speech by Oil and Gas Authority chairman Tim Eggar.
Seagreen snub for BiFab leaves both governments with serious questions to answer
The failure to bring even a fraction of the Seagreen windfarm contracts to Scottish yards is a scandal on several levels and politicians should unite to insist on a forensic inquiry into how it happened – yet again.
Cost control through automation in a time of COVID
In a world where control and COVID together seem an oxymoron, Steve Bruce, Product Director at Idox shares his insights into where and how energy players can exert tighter control over projects to reduce cost and risk.