From a peak of 396 in 1996, numbers of wells drilled offshore UK fell to 164 in 2013, a low not seen since 1979. Development wells were down from 289 in 1998, to 120 in 2013. Exploration and appraisal drilling, on which offshore production ultimately depends…
BG International, a subsidiary of BG Group, has signed up as the sixth major oil and gas consulting partner to Plexus Holding's on-going joint industry project (JIP). The JIP’s objective is to develop and commercialise a new and safer subsea wellhead HGSS…
Optical and even quantum sensing is being assessed to help monitor the subsea oilfields of the future as part of remote sensor networks. Elaine Maslin reports on work in the field by the University of Aberdeen. A…
An in-depth look at NOV’s closed-loop drilling automation system, which could help develop North Sea and Arctic assets. Automation is a growing force in the offshore oil and gas industry. Its potential to increase safety, optimize operations…
Alan Thorpe examines the latest pipelaying vessels debuting on the market. The Ceona Amazon leaving Cryst Shipyard in Poland. Photo from Ulstein. Two new pipelayers for…
Siemens is putting a 45Kv wet mate connector designed for up to 3000m water through its paces. Elaine Maslin went to learn more at the firm’s plant in Ulverston, Cumbria, England. Critical electrical component testing on the SpecTRON 45…
Networking technology works, but companies need to know the obstacles in order to avoid snares. Ellen Fussell Policastro reports. Communications will be of the essence for the Goliat floating production, storage, and offloading vessel…
Stephen Whitfield examines well control standards in the US and Europe. Since the Macondo blowout devastated the Gulf of Mexico in the spring of 2010, governments and industry organizations around the world have recognized the need to…
Audrey Leon takes a look at recent exploration and production activities occurring offshore Tunisia. Top: The Ashtart platform offshore Tunisia. Bottom: The Maamoura platform operated by Eni Tunisia…
An alternative view of pipework vibration management by Neil Parkinson, technical director at AV Technology. Complex offshore pipework. Images from AV Technology Some incidents are guaranteed to make headlines…
Elaine Maslin examines how better data trending and a focus on key hubs could help improve ailing production efficiency rates and extend asset life on the UK Continental Shelf and beyond. NI CompactRIO…
Managing the process and the power systems that serve it through a single integrated control system can cut costs while giving a much better overview of the total plant. Laya Sathyadevan explains. Managing…
Claudio Paschoa takes a look at Ceona’s vertical pipelay vessel, Polar Oynx, now serving Petrobras offshore Brazil. Polar Onyx in the Storfjord in Norway. Photo from Norsk Skipsfarts Forum. With…
Unacceptable power quality can have significant impacts on safety, the productivity of operations and profitability. Ian C. Evans explains. An Ex motor. Photos from Harmionic Solutions. Electrical…
China's Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) has been building the program at its new Hadal Science and Technology Research Centre (HAST). The Hadal Zone is ultra deewater, 6000m-11,000m below the surface and includes deep trenches formed by tectonic subduction…