North Sea stalwart stepping down

Leading light in the energy industry

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THERE is a lot said and written about the so-called movers and shakers who have made the North Sea offshore energy industry what it is today and the envy of the world.

Their names are well known to those who work within these tight-knit circles where excellence in innovation, exploration and production go hand in hand.

To the general public, they are less well known, but the spotlight fell on one of their number yesterday after it was revealed that the boss of BP’s North Sea business, Dave Blackwood, is to retire early next year.

Mr Blackwood is respected widely as one of the leading players in the North Sea industry. He played a leading role in bringing major fields on stream and established BP’s new North Sea headquarters at Dyce.

He was also a key figure in setting up Oil and Gas UK and an influential member of industry and government liaison groups.

People are looking to the future of the North Sea and the challenges ahead as the sector continues to mature and tests the explorers and producers to their limits.

Many bright minds will be finding ways to solve these problems, but it is the past work of people like Dave Blackwood that has given them the expertise and know-how to rise to the challenges of the future.