BP finalises agreement over structure of Russian venture
OIL major BP said yesterday it had finalised the revision of the shareholder agreement with its Russian joint-venture partners in Russia's third-largest oil company TNK-BP.
Oil & Gas
North-east job cuts not ruled out by Schlumberger
The world's largest oilfield service provider, Schlumberger, might cut employee numbers in the north-east, it emerged yesterday.
Massive Merpro shipment sets sail
MONTROSE oil and gas technology manufacturer Merpro has shipped out a consignment of produced-water hydrocyclone modules to Abu Dhabi.
Russian-Ukraine gas dispute stalemate
Europeans left freezing and in the dark saw their hopes for an end to the Russia-Ukraine gas dispute sink after officials failed to reach a deal which would restore power to millions of homes.
IT firm lands three-year contract with Total
ABERDEEN-BASED IT specialist Sword Pragma has landed a three-year contract with Total E&P UK, with options to extend for a further two years.
Scots engineer ups profit forecast after end-of-year boost
Scottish engineer Weir Group said yesterday it was increasing its full-year profit forecast again after performing well in the fourth quarter and enjoying positive currency effects, notably from the strengthening US dollar against the pound.
Huntington oil development ‘to go ahead as planned’
Development of the Huntington oil discovery will go ahead as planned despite its operator, Oilexco North Sea (ONS), going into administration this week.
Minister opening Subsea 09 show
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy will welcome subsea industry leaders and delegates when Subsea 09 opens in Aberdeen next month.
End in sight to crisis as Russia pledges to restore gas supplies
An end to the gas supply crisis in Europe appeared to be close last night after Russia vowed to restore full services once observers are in place to check flows through Ukraine.
Russia closes taps on gas to Europe
Russia shut off all gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine yesterday, leaving tens of thousands of people in more than a dozen countries without heat during a winter cold snap.
Faroe to take part in Norway drill campaign
FAROE Petroleum, the Aberdeen-based oil and gas company, said yesterday it was planning to participate in three near-term wells in Norwegian waters, in each of which the company has a 10% interest.
‘Business as usual’ as buyer for North Sea firm is sought
Ernst and Young was appointed yesterday as administrator for oil and gas company Oilexco North Sea (ONS).
Marine renewables sector ‘coming of age’
ABERDEEN-BASED Subocean revealed yesterday that it had landed renewable-energy contracts worth more than £100million in 2008.
Moray Firth field set for mid-March start-up, says operator
Ithaca Energy said yesterday it had completed the installation of the Jacky oil field platform and associated pipelines in the inner Moray Firth.
North Sea gas find gives Faroe a welcome lift
Faroe Petroleum saw its shares jump more than 40% at one stage yesterday after investors welcomed a second potentially large gas discovery in the Breagh area of the southern North Sea.
Gas row leads to threat of danger reactor reopening
One of the world's most dangerous nuclear power plants, mothballed after international protests, may be reopened because of the Russian gas row, it emerged yesterday.
Natural hydrogen production discovery
SCIENTISTS from Aberdeen University have discovered a natural and renewable way of producing hydrogen to generate electricity.
Latest buy strengthens Triton’s presence in North American market
Aberdeenshire company Triton Group said yesterday it had completed its ninth acquisition since its formation in 2007.
Russia gas supply row escalates
Russia raised the stakes in its gas dispute with Ukraine last night - risking serious reductions in supplies to European Union countries.
£3m expansion plan for Granite City business
Aberdeen company Rubberatkins has announced a £3million expansion plan for 2009.
Crunch could set off farm-in surge
2009 is likely to be a year of consolidation in the oil&gas industry in response to the economic downturn. As Alec Carstairs writes opposite, last summer, the sector seemed to be faring well, with the oil price peaking at record highs of above $147 a barrel in July before crashing.
European Commission’s renewable dreams
Last month, the member states of the European Union (EU) and European Parliament approved - in a fanfare of publicity - a climate and energy package proposed by the European Commission (EC). It has been popularly described as the 20/20/20 package - to establish a 20% share for renewable energy and to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by the year 2020.
For oil & gas supply chain, it’s good to talk
COMMUNICATION breakdown is commonplace. However, better communication is something the oil&gas supply chain is working hard to achieve.
Does anyone have a clue what’s going on?
As I talk to more and more people, the reality is beginning to sink in that a full-blown recession is upon us and highly likely to add to the indigestion we are expecting to impose upon our bodies as we enjoy the excesses of Christmas.
Sharpening supply-chain focus
When the North Sea offshore industry starts to refocus on supply-chain management, those down that chain understandably start to get nervous.