A Chevron veteran of 31 years, Peter Blake, scooped the outstanding contribution to industry award at Subsea Expo in Aberdeen last night.
His 40-year career in the oil and gas industry includes delivering the first subsea production systems on the Petronella, Highlander and Strathspey North Sea projects.
Mr Blake has been an advocate for the north-east energy sector for many years, telling the New York Times in 2013 expertise from the region “continually influences undersea work across the globe”.
He recently set up his own company, Seonaid Subsea.
Global Underwater Hub (GUH), the trade body behind Subsea Expo, said Mr Blake had dedicated his career to “accelerating the development of the subsea industry”.
Mr Blake built and led the subsea business of US energy giant Chevron before launching its global technology centre in Aberdeen – cementing his reputation as an “innovator”, according to GUH.
More than 500 guests were at P&J Live for the prestigious black-tie event to celebrate successes of the UK’s subsea sector.
The event featured Skye at Night presenter Aderin-Pocock, the BBC’s “face of space”, who delivered a passionate speech.
Other award winners
- Company of the year, more than 50 employees – Scientific Management International
- Company of the year, fewer than 50 employees – ITC Hydraulics and Manufacturing
- Global exports – Kraken Robotics
- Cross-sector diversification – Viewport3
- Technology development – Fugro
- Rising star – Stephanie Hood, of Baker Hughes
Tributes were paid to Bill Edgar, former chairman of Subsea UK, the predecessor of GUH, who died last Hogmanay, just weeks shy of his 85th birthday.
A short film looked back on Mr Edgar’s life and career, while his family was presented with a plaque acknowledging his contribution in shaping Subsea UK.
With a talented workforce that includes inspiring future leaders, as was evidenced at the awards, the outlook of our underwater sectors is bright.”
GUH chief executive Neil Gordon said: “The 2023 Subsea Expo Awards has once again shone a spotlight on the successes and innovations of companies and individuals working in the underwater industry.
“Through a challenging few years, the varied supply chain that supports the industry has shown resilience, innovation and an eagerness to collaborate and diversify, which has been very evident in the companies shortlisted as finalists.
“It is with these traits that the industry can drive forward, achieve continued growth and support the energy transition. With a talented workforce that includes inspiring future leaders, as was evidenced at the awards, the outlook of our underwater sectors is bright.”
Conversation