Zeal for production eclipses efforts to beef up North Sea reserves, new report says
UK North Sea operators’ zeal for production eclipsed efforts to add new reserves to the basin’s hydrocarbons basket last year, a new report said.
North of Scotland
One hires gaming guru to drive digital growth
A gaming and technology expert has been appointed to drive digital company incubation and growth in the north-east.
OCA and trade union talks to continue
Crunch talks between the Offshore Contractors’ Association (OCA) and North Sea trade unions will continue later this month after yesterday’s meeting brought no resolution.
Peterhead CCS project ‘not ruled out’ by Shell decom plans
Shell’s plans to decommission a North Sea pipeline have not derailed a major clean energy scheme in Peterhead, organisers have insisted. The energy giant yesterday submitted plans to the UK government to shut down the Goldeneye field, which lies 81 miles north-east of Aberdeen. To read more on Energy Voice, click here.
Moray cashmere firm to open store in Edinburgh
Booming cashmere specialist Johnstons of Elgin is to open a flagship store in the heart of the Scottish capital’s luxury shopping quarter.
Serica Energy in fourth Bruce and Keith acquisition
Oil firm Serica Energy has announced a second deal in two days for stakes in the Bruce and Keith fields in the UK North Sea.
Aberdeen oilfield services firms could miss out over Iran sanctions
Smaller oilfield services firms in Aberdeen could miss out on work in Iran due to newly-imposed US sanctions, an analyst said yesterday.
Trust wrapping up new housing development
LAR Housing Trust said yesterday it was nearing completion of another development in Aberdeen, its seventh in the city.
Stornoway airport hits highest monthly record
The number of passengers using the main airport in the Outer Hebrides soared to a new monthly record in October, according to figures released by airline Loganair.
New platform for rise of North Sea freelancers, disguised employees to ‘disappear’
A freelance contractor has said it is “right” the disguised employee model will “disappear” from the North Sea, thanks to incoming legislation.
Premier Oil boss vows to rethink childcare at Kingswells
An Aberdeenshire-based oil boss has vowed to look again at childcare for staff members at Kingswells after being challenged at a panel discussion.
North Sea getting to grips with decommissioning work
The UK is now “on the road” with decommissioning, and as such costs are slowly but surely becoming more certain, according to the new chief executive of Decom North Sea.
Serica meets conditions for sanctions waiver, buys BHP’s stakes in North Sea duo
Oil firm Serica Energy took another step towards completing a series of UK North Sea acquisitions today.
Brodies’ oil and gas team sees busy year
Strong deals activity in the North Sea is driving growth for the specialist oil and gas team at Scotland’s largest law firm.
Victims’ compensation claim goes on for Super Puma crash
A lawyer has pledged to continue a compensation claim for the families of the victims of a fatal helicopter crash in Norway, after the criminal case was dismissed.
Crunch talks scheduled as majority of workers vote for strike
Trade union officials and employers will hold crunch talks over offshore workers’ pay next week in a bid to avert widespread strikes in the North Sea.
Shell’s North Sea business a ‘source of inspiration’, Brexit not a threat, CFO says
Shell’s chief financial officer said today that the firm’s UK North Sea division was a “source of inspiration” for the rest of the group.
Oil firm Tenaris to move into Marischal Square
Oil and gas supply company Tenaris is the latest business to take space at the Marischal Square development in Aberdeen.
Oil sector to ‘feel the heat’ over changes to contractor pay rules, says tax expert
The oil and gas sector is bracing for the “extensive impact” of changes to off-payroll working rules announced in the chancellor’s budget, according to a tax expert.
Result expected on OCA strike action vote
The result is expected later today on a union ballot for North Sea strike action. Workers are hoping for a 4% increase in basic pay from companies who are members of the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA). Offshore union Unite’s ballot on industrial action closes today. >> Read more on Energy Voice here <<
John Todd: Analysing the Autumn Budget
I’ve spent the last few days studying the detailed Budget announcements and considering what the implications are for individuals and businesses that I advise. Budgets are, by their very nature, political and this one felt particularly so.
Callum Wilson: A Budget for Grafters?
Entrepreneurs’ relief, the 10% capital gains tax rate on sale of trading business interests, is an emotive subject. It is either the ‘worst relief’ and costs the Government £2bn a year (The Resolution Foundation) or it’s one of the reasons why people are encouraged to set up businesses and pay tax in the UK. Business owners certainly don’t seem to emigrate to avoid UK capital gains tax like they did in the 1990s.
‘Be bolder’ in going for contracts, firms urged
North-east firms should “definitely” be bolder when going for offshore wind supply contracts, a project boss said yesterday.
Growth and jobs secured at Survivex after buyout
The new owner of Survivex said yesterday that growth was on the cards for the north-east offshore survival trainer.
Apache to fast track first oil from North Sea field, Q3 profits soar
Apache Corporation has confirmed plans to achieve first oil from the Garten field during the current quarter.
Survivex acquired by private-equity backed group
A north-east offshore survival training company has been acquired by a private-equity backed rival.
‘Lack of evidence’ means no criminal prosecution over Super Puma crash
Investigators have said no one will face criminal prosecution over a fatal helicopter crash off Norway two years ago due to a “lack of evidence”.
One of ‘strongest-ever quarters’ for Shell as 2nd share buyback tranche launched
Shell’s boss said today that the energy major had pulled off one of its “strongest-ever quarters”.
Chef’s cook school gives food fans a taste of Italy
Chef Samantha Pack is passing on her Italian culinary skills – as well as her passion for food –to a growing number of customers after launching her north-east cookery school earlier this year.
Hopes of a lifeline to keep Underwater Centre afloat
There was fresh hope last night that new owners will be found to continue the work of a world-leading Highland subsea training centre that went into administration last month.
2M Power Systems folds after being ‘let down’ by debtor
A north-east oil service firm has folded before its latest incarnation could get up and running.
All aboard for innovative new Peterhead offshore wind supply vessel
Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse avoided a bumpy ride yesterday when he cast off in a new air-cushioned offshore wind vessel. Mr Wheelhouse was in Peterhead to witness the launch of the Sea Puffin, an innovative new offshore supply vessel. To read more on Energy Voice, click here.