OAA awards offer industry light

OE Staff Mar 18, 2016

Well-SENSE Technology’s technology director Dan Purkis has been singled out for his efforts in the offshore oil and gas industry with the award of the Society of Petroleum Engineer’s (SPE) Aberdeen section Significant Contribution accolade.

Purkis’ career spans some 20 years, but his interest in engineering started much earlier. An inventor at heart, Purkis has led world-class design teams, pioneered the world’s first intelligent completion and played a critical role in developing intellectual property for some of the world’s best-known oil and gas service companies.

The award was presented at the SPE’s 30th Offshore Achievement Awards, at which OE is media sponsor, held in Aberdeen last night.

After collecting his award, he said: “Enthusiasm, passion, and always questioning if there’s a better way are the keys to successful innovation. In a low oil price environment there has never been a better time to introduce new technology. It does however require the right industry support and an acceptance that no significant changes can be made if a risk averse attitude prevails.” Read more about Dan in April's OE.

Companies picking up awards included Tendeka, Well-Centric, Interventek Subsea Engineering, Darcy, N-Sea, CETCO Energy Services, TWMA, Peterson and Aker Solutions.

A special award was presented to BP’s former North Sea region president Trevor Garlick, in recognition of his long term support of SPE.

Alan Dick of award organisers SPE Aberdeen said: “This year’s Offshore Achievement Awards have been a much-needed injection of energy for the industry, reminding all of us that by continuing to innovate, collaborate and communicate, we can remain confident in the long term future of North Sea oil and gas.”

- Winners

The 2016 Offshore Achievement Award winners in each category are:

Emerging Technology Awards

WINNER – Interventek Subsea Engineering

Innovator Award

WINNER – Darcy

Safety Innovations Award

WINNER – N-Sea

Environmental Innovation Award

WINNER – CETCO Energy Services

Export Achievement Award

WINNER – TWMA