Mid-March, the UK Government made a headline grabbing announcement – taxes would be halved for the ailing North Sea industry. Chancellor George Osborne said he would cut a supplementary charge on operators (a tax in addition to corporation tax) from 20% to 10%…
Dutch offshore contractor Boskalis has been awarded a contract by Samsung Heavy Industries for the transportation of the three topside modules of the riser platform and the topside of the processing platform for the Johan Sverdrup project offshore Norway…
The lack of automation in the oil and gas industry is a puzzle to Brian Evans from Curtin University, Australia. Elaine Maslin learned how he hopes to redress the situation. Professor Brian Evans…
Elaine Maslin speaks with Oceaneering about its latest underwater technologies and its thoughts on the future of the ROV and AUV industry. The NEXXUS ROV working in the Gulf of Mexico off the Olympic Intervention IV vessel…
The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) returns to Houston with strategies for adapting to the new normal. Images from OTC. In its 48th run, the 2016 Offshore Technology Conference…
Sometimes it’s not all about throwing the latest bells and whistles at a production facility – its best to keep it simple. Elaine Maslin looks at how an eductor has kept a gas field going. Seajacks’ Kraken working at the DPPA…
The race is on to create an autonomous, resident underwater vehicle capable of long-term inspection operations and eventually a level of intervention. Elaine Maslin takes a look at BG Group’s version. FlatFish during shallow water seatrials…
This year, Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit mega-vessel is finally due to set out into the seas to perform its first heavy lift. Elaine Maslin provides an update. Pioneering Spirit’s twin-hull mounted lifting beams…
Clint Galliano and André Rand of Halliburton; and Steve Sparling and Pat Watson of Anadarko Petroleum discuss how automated, real-time measurement of fluid density and rheology can enhance drilling operations. Offshore workers…
Elaine Maslin takes a look at the Dan Bravo complex offshore Denmark, which, at 44 years old, has a new lease on life thanks to some serious steel reinforcement. Divers installing the conductor guide frame…
Chad Barnes reports that contrary to current industry norms, contracting activity in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa region is on the rise. The Eastern Mediterranean gas landscape and a focus on Egypt…
Weatherford and Chevron teamed up to develop a LWD service capable of running in high temperature environments, such as the Gulf of Thailand. Jerry Lee reports on how the project came together. Technician examines HEX electronics in Songkhla…
There’s a lot of doom and gloom in the North Sea as operators battle to make operating costs profitable. Yet, it’s not all bad on the UKCS. Meg Chesshyre reports. The Culzean facilities. Image from KBR…
The North Sea is facing some tough challenges. Elaine Maslin spoke with Brenda Wyllie, who aims to confront those challenges as part of the industry’s new regulator, as well as chairman of the DEVEX conference. Brenda…
Heather Saucier examines the geology of the Mediterranean and North African region, and assesses where more discoveries could be made. The location of four assessment units in the Nile Delta Basin Province in the Eastern Mediterranean…