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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Oil & Gas UK has published two updated sets of guidelines to help operators of floating production storage and offloading facilities (FPSOs), floating storage units (FSUs) and offtake tankers to adopt advances in industry good practice. Oil & Gas UK’s operations director…
Babcock has completed a second walk to work (W2W) contract with Total E&P UK, as part of the Elgin B and West Franklin wellhead platforms commissioning in the UK North Sea. In the seven months from March to September 2014, more than 18…
Norwegian Energy Company (Noreco) has installed a new CEO and CFO as it looks to stablize its financial position and following the departure of CEO Svein Arild Killinland. Tommy Sundt, the firm's CFO, takes over from Killingland. Odd Arne Slettebø will replace Sundt as CFO…