North Sea News


Det norske selects AVEVA for Ivar Aasen

Dec 08, 2014

Det norske oljeselskap has begun deployment of AVEVA’s Progressive Handover Solution to manage life cycle information for its Ivar Aasen field project in the North Sea. The AVEVA solution allows Det norske to benefit from improved information…

West Alpha to drill at Balder for ExxonMobil

Dec 08, 2014

ExxonMobil received consent from the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) to use the West Alpha semisubmersible drilling rig on the Balder field, in the central North Sea. The West Alpha. From North Atlantic Drilling…

UK offers tax reduction, HPHT allowance in Autumn Statement

Dec 03, 2014

For the UK Oil & Gas industry, today’s Autumn Statement by British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, offered the first cut in tax rates for the UK North Sea in 21 years. “There is record investment this year in the North Sea…

The economics of exploration in the UKCS

Dec 02, 2014

Ahead of the autumn statement by British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne on Wednesday, 3 December 2014, Ignacio Fernandez provides an economic analysis of fiscal terms for the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). UKCS exploratory drilling…

Statoil, EMGS enter multi-client agreement

Dec 02, 2014

Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) entered into a data licensing agreement with Statoil ASA worth US$10 million for the provision of 3D EM data from EMGS' multi-client data library in Norway. After adjustment for partner's share of the revenues…

Production optimization trends

Dec 01, 2014

We asked production optimization specialists their views on the latest trends in the area. Skills comes high up the list. Elaine Maslin sets out the results of our survey. Topside activities are currently the biggest challenge to production optimization in the North Sea…

The mighty Johan Sverdrup

Dec 01, 2014

A new and exciting chapter has opened in the history of the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Meg Chesshyre reports. Fig. 1: Johan Sverdrup phase 1, comprised of four bridge-linked platforms. Image from Statoil…

Optimizing options

Dec 01, 2014

Late life production optimization is hard, but interesting, according to those tackling the issue. Elaine Maslin provides an overview of recent trends. As natural production rates wane and assets start to age, optimizing production rates offshore becomes a key challenge for operators…

Charting Norwegian shipbuilding

Dec 01, 2014

In 2005, Norway’s Ulstein Group introduced the X-Bow to the market, a design feature that increases crew comfort onboard offshore vessels, while giving the opportunity to keep up speed in foul weather or the option of reduced fuel consumption…

MacArtney buys Callidus Subsea

Nov 28, 2014

Offshore systems supplier MacArtney UK has announced the acquisition of Ellon-based Callidus Subsea. The acquisition supports MacArtney UK’s targets to become a market leader in the design and production of cable assemblies and moldings…

Damen bags Seawell upgrade work

Nov 26, 2014

Helix UK awarded Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen, part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, a major upgrade on MSV SEAWELL, a light well intervention/dive support vessel. The SEAWELL is expected at the yard second half of December 2014. As the upgrade will be executed over the winter season…

Decommissioning warning for UKCS

Nov 26, 2014

Concerns about agreements around decommissioning costs on the UK Continental Shelf have been added to a rising tide of warnings about the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry. The warnings, which focus on the future sustainability of the North Sea…

Shift needed to maximize UKCS potential

Nov 26, 2014

Companies operating in the North Sea require a cultural shift to make the most of its potential, according to a new report from Deloitte, the business advisory firm. Image from Statoil.   The report…

North Sea confidence at 6-year low

Nov 25, 2014

Confidence in North Sea oil and gas activity has fallen to a six-year low, highlighting an 'urgent need' for fiscal reform in the basin, according to a report published today (25 November).  Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce's (AGCC) report…

A look at Ulstein's X-Stern

Nov 24, 2014

This animation from Norway's Ulstein Group details the company's new patent-pending X-Stern vessel, which upgrades the shipbuilder's popular X-Bow. The X-Stern can stay on position in harsh weather with the stern towards waves, wind and current…

Current News

Exxon to Shut Two Platforms in Guyana for Two Weeks for Pipeline Connection

US Proposes Offshore Wind Auctions Off Oregon and Maine Coasts

OKEA Submits $570 Million Bestla Oil and Gas Plan

Green Light for $3 Billion Oil Port off Texas Expected By Year-end

Subscribe for OE Digital E‑News