Video: The North Sea size and shapes impact on helicopter escape potential
The size and shape of offshore workers in the North Sea oil and gas industry has been found to be "a lot bigger" than two decades ago, according to new research.
RGU
Researchers developing software to cut offshore wind costs
Researchers are developing software to dramatically cut maintenance costs for offshore wind turbines. With tough North Sea conditions, a large percentage of lifetime outgoings for offshore windfarms are associated with maintenance.
What would connect the future of North Sea Oil and a Rolling Stones classic? Yep! Paint it Black
Sir Ian Wood’s analysis in 2012 that the North Sea industry was not viable when Brent crude was $114 a barrel and that drastic action had to be taken to save the industry is a sobering thought.
After nine-year gap, two RGU grads set up subsea company despite downturn
Two Robert Gordon University (RGU) graduates have set up their own company specialising in developing innovative underwater products for the energy industry. Ben Grant, 30, who studied electrical and electronic engineering and Alastair McLennan-Murray, 31, an artificial intelligence and robotics graduate, set up Impact Subsea in February, around the time that oil prices hit rock bottom prior to what turned out to be a small and temporary partial recovery. Impact Subsea offers products and solutions to oil & gas, offshore renewables and scientific markets. Its products are used on remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles and in “stand-alone” applications. Given the nature of what they offer, the hope is that they can exploit the current crisis.
Scottish university agrees MOU with Mexican Government
Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the Mexican Government said yesterday they had agreed to an oil and gas industry knowledge swap. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was announced at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen and follows Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto’s visit to the Granite City in March. Under the pact, the Mexican energy ministry and RGU will share information and seek opportunities to support the training of Mexicans for the oil and gas industry. RGU will be included on the list of preferred universities for Mexican scholarships.
Skills academy supports oil and gas industry
In February last year, the formal launch of OGAS (established 2012) took place at the Scottish Parliament, where its fresh-out-of-the-box director, Rulzion Rattray, outlined the potential and new opportunities made available through the formation of the academy.
Principal defends RGU’s shares in oil and gas firms
The principal of Robert Gordon University (RGU) has confirmed the institution’s commitment to investing in fossil fuels after he drew criticism for urging others not to divest. Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski said a trend for universities to divest their investment in fossil fuel companies risked sending the “wrong message” about the “responsible use of energy”. The professor was under fire from green campaigners after a letter he wrote to fellow higher education principals urging them to resist divestment campaigns was leaked to a newspaper. Dr Richard Dixon, director of Friends of the Earth Scotland claimed the university was “coming at this from an area of vested interest” in its support for fossil fuels.
Size and shape: Offshore workers are putting on weight
Offshore workers have undergone a sizeable change in body shape and build over the past 30 years –partly due to “comfort eating”. Research by Robert Gordon University has concluded that offshore workers are an average 19% heavier than they were in 1985 – with significant growth in neck, chest, hip, waist and wrist sizes.
Universities to explore low carbon project
Three UK institutions are working to develop enough electricity to power two universities. The Crown Estate, Aberdeen University and The Robert Gordon University (RGU) are to carry out a project that will produce enough energy for two universities.
Oil revenues ‘should flow to Holyrood’
A north-east oil and gas academic has called for energy policy to be fully devolved to Scotland with all revenues flowing to Holyrood. In a submission to the Smith Commission, Alex Russell argued the Scottish Parliament should also have control over the fiscal and regulatory regime for “all economic activity” both onshore and in the North Sea. Professor Russell, an expert in petroleum accounting at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, said devolving more financial powers north of the border would encourage future growth.
Video: The industry’s size and shape
Travel offshore will be business as usual, according to Step Change and Safety's Les Linklater.
Robert Gordon to launch new data centre
Robert Gordon University (RGU) will launch a new technology centre focused on cultivating data analytics for the oil and gas sector.
RGU lecturer joins Energy Institute council
A senior north-east lecturer has joined the Energy Institute’s council.
New offshore wind cost model ‘can strengthen UK energy leadership’
Exclusive: New windfarm planning software being developed by SeaEnergy and Robert Gordon University could significantly help the UK cement its role as a world leader in offshore wind energy.