BP has begun drilling a potential carboniferous gas play in southern North Sea block 43/26a that, if successful, could open up a new phase of development in the region, the supermajor announced 5 December. The well, being drilled with partners Perenco and Premier…
Decommissioning is now firmly on the North Sea oil and gas industry’s agenda. Some US$21.98 billion is forecast to be spent on decommissioning UK North Sea facilities in the next 10 years.* As the number of operational platforms decreases and the pace of decommissioning increases…
Siemens Wind Power has launched its first customized turbine transport vessel in Esbjerg, the Rotra Vente, with a sister ship on the way next year. Image of the Rotra Vente, from Siemens. Sea…
Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) carried out an audit of operations, maintenance and pressure safety focused on Statoil's and Gassco's land organizations and the Heimdal main platform (HMP) and Heimdal riser platform (HRP). The audit was conducted between 22 and 29 September 2016…
FMC Technologies and Technip announced that the pending, combination between the companies has received a clearance decision issued by the General Superintendent of Administrative Council for Economic Defense, (CADE), the Brazilian antitrust authority…
Norwegian giant Statoil has started drilling at its Mariner field in the UK North Sea using the world’s largest jackup, with a target for first oil set for 2018. Image of the Mariner topsides at DSME…
Aker BP has completed the integration after the merger between Det norske oljeselskap and BP Norway. Aker BP now operates as one organization with considerable ambitions on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. “Aker BP has been through extensive integration work since we announced the merger…
Audrey Leon speaks with Helix Energy Solutions Group’s David Carr about a new system from the Subsea Services Alliance, which seeks to safely drive down the cost of well abandonment operations in open waters. Helix…
Asset Guardian Solutions Ltd. (AGSL), which specializes in managing and protecting companies’ “hidden assets” such as process critical software, has appointed Mark Steel to the position of business development manager for the UK. The…
2016 has been a year of challenges for the oil and gas industry. Audrey Leon surveys some of the year’s notable starts. Shell’s Stones project came online in September 2016, using the Gulf of Mexico’s second ever FPSO…
Despite oil’s instability over the last few years, the underwater vehicle market is set for modest growth as well as a breakthrough in resident vehicle technology. Emma Gordon reports. Subsea 7’s AIV…
After proving a deft hand at reusing topsides, Engie is now looking to do the same with jackets – but instead of moving them to new sites as production facilities, the firm wants to make them into marine habitats. Elaine Maslin reports. Engie’s vision…
The offshore lifting market for decommissioning has been relatively small so far, but it won’t stay that way. Elaine Maslin looks at some new concepts edging into the market. OOS’ Serooskerke. Image from OOS…
After more than three decades’ production, the mighty Murchison platform was finally down-manned this year. Work to dismantle the 25,000-tonne topsides is ongoing. Elaine Maslin reports. CNR International’s…
Seeking additional gains from subsea wells on a tight budget has paved the way for the implementation of a new technology to the market. Elaine Maslin reports. Helix’s Compensated Coiled Tubing Lift Frame in its operational position…