Top energy-sector companies and individuals were celebrated last night at the annual Offshore Achievement Awards.
A record 530 people attended the event at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre to see Malcolm Webb, head of industry body Oil and Gas UK (OGUK), pick up the significant achievement accolade.
Graham Skinner, a trainee rig manager at KCA Deutag Drilling, received the young professional award, while companies large and small were recognised for their achievements over the past year.
Axis Well Technology was named great large company. The firm, one of the beaten finalists in the category last year, was founded by Jim Anderson 12 years ago and now employs nearly 150 people.
Mr Webb, chief executive at OGUK, started his oil-industry career in 1974 with Burmah Oil and has since worked with the British National Oil Corporation, Charterhouse Petroleum and PetroFina.
Mr Skinner graduated with a degree in law, but joined KCA’s graduate development programme and has since worked across the world. He is now working in South Africa as a safety supervisor on a project to refurbish two of KCA’s jackup rigs.
Subsea specialist ROVOP was named great small company. The north-east firm’s managing director, Steven Gray, said: “This industry recognition is a great achievement for ROVOP, particularly in a year when many subsea companies have also enjoyed considerable success. It is also a huge testament to the whole team’s hard work and commitment to helping to establish the company’s leading position and ensure its ongoing success.”
Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges returned as host of the ceremony, which was organised by the Aberdeen section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Winners were presented with trophies designed by Robert Gordon University student Ewan Gray.
Ian Phillips, who chaired the awards organising committee, said: “The calibre of entries we received this year was exceptional and we would like to extend thanks to every company who applied.
“From all of the entries we have seen, it is clear that there is much to be celebrated in the offshore industry, from small companies creating a step change in safety through to huge global organisations that are producing the next generation of industry leaders.”
Leo Koot, managing director of main sponsor Taqa Bratani, said: “The awards ceremony was yet again a fantastic event.
“This year’s finalists and winners have demonstrated some truly innovative thinking, dedication to industry safety and drive to succeed.”
Winners
Significant Achievement, sponsored by Aker Solutions: Malcolm Webb, chief executive, Oil and Gas UK.
Great Large Company Award, sponsored by Offshore Europe: Axis Well Technology.
Great Small Company Award, sponsored by Wood Group PSN: ROVOP.
Young Professional Award, sponsored by Maersk Oil: Graham Skinner, KCA Deutag Drilling.
Working Together Award, sponsored by EnQuest: Maersk Oil and Technip.
Export Achievement Award, sponsored by Champion Technologies: Online Electronics.
Safety Innovations Award, sponsored by Petrofac: Houlder.
Innovator Award, sponsored by BG Group: Joint winners Red Spider Technology and Stork Technical Services; Tendeka highly commended.
Emerging Technology Award, sponsored by Nexen: Web Rigging Services.