The level of interest shown in the latest North Sea auction was “better than expected”, a consultant has said. Alyson Harding, of Westwood Global Energy, said the 50% increase in the number of blocks applied for was a “positive” outcome for a frontier round. But Ms Harding pointed out that more acreage was on offer […]

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The UK oil industry’s regulator said today that it was “encouraged” by the response to the latest North Sea frontier licensing round. But the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) remains concerned about low levels of drilling activity in the UK continental shelf (UKCS). Mike Tholen, upstream policy director at industry body Oil and Gas UK […]

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Aberdeen University has teamed up with Norwegian energy giant Equinor to offer a new scholarship for students on its MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience programme. The Equinor scholarship, worth £25,000, provides funding for tuition fees plus additional costs for students with an admission offer for September 2019 entry. The one-year programme has been running for 40 […]

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Energy accreditation and consultancy firm DNV GL has appointed Neil Fraser as its new decommissioning lead, with an eye to making Scotland an international hub. Mr Fraser, who also heads up DNV GL’s Noble Denton marine services, said he hoped to make Scotland a global centre for “oil and gas decommissioning”. He added that is was […]

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Stonehaven-based Whittaker Engineering reported a 53% jump in turnover as the recovery of the oil and gas sector continued last year. The family-run firm employs more than 120 staff including design engineers, fabricators, welders, machinists and mechanical fitters. Newly published company accounts show the company made £15.3 million for the year ending December 31 2017, […]

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Keeping old oil and gas platforms in place could be a “triple win” for the North Sea, creating a fresh wave of employment, according to a conservationist group. The Scottish Wildlife Trust said keeping part of the infrastructure could create new marine research jobs “after the shock of oil and gas exploration”, while giving evidence […]

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North Sea explorer Jersey Oil & Gas has appointed a new chief financial officer. Vicary Gibbs has taken up the role with immediate effect.  Scott Richardson Brown stepped down so that he could focus on his other directorships and business interests. Mr Gibbs has over 20 years’ experience as a corporate financier advising oil and […]

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North Sea drilling contractor Awilco kicked off operations at Shell UK’s Puffin location in the third quarter of 2018. The company, based in Westhill, near Aberdeen, owns and operates two refurbished semi-submersible drilling rigs, WilPhoenix and WilHunter. The Oslo-listed firm has also ordered one new build rig for drilling in harsh environments, including the Barents Sea. […]

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The past, present and future of the subsea industry will be discussed at an event near London next month. Subsea UK’s Back to the Future of Subsea conference will consider the sector’s prospects, drawing on developments over the past 20 years. Industry figures will also explore what the fourth industrial revolution in subsea may bring. […]

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