OCA INDUSTRY NEWS

Liquefied Natural Gas: the Technology and its Role in Meeting the Supply Challenges of the Next Decade

17/11/2010 00:00:00

Liquefied Natural Gas: the Technology and its Role in Meeting the Supply Challenges of the Next Decade

Two day seminar

17-18 November 2010

One Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ

Book now or view the full programme: www.imeche.org/events/S1492

Overview

As the supplies of natural gas from the UK North Sea sector decline, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is going to play an increasing part of the supply of natural gas to meet the requirements of the United Kingdom. This raises questions on how much LNG is required, who will provide it, and where and how should it be stored and distributed. A number of countries have natural gas reserves available, and many of them are busy constructing liquefaction trains and export facilities.

This in turn has been matched by a boom in the building of the specialised ships required to transport the LNG to the country where it will eventually be used. In the United Kingdom, the destination is determined by the availability of suitable deep water ports, which also have to be strategically located in relation to the established natural gas transmission network.

This two-day seminar will bring together leading individuals and organisations that are, or will be, active in the LNG industry. Day one will address the global picture, technology developments and shipping issues. Day two will focus on the outlook for the UK, legislation and safety issues and global project experiences.

17th November 2010
Session 1: Global Outlook and LNG Market Projections
Session 2: Technology Developments
Session 3: Shipping
Complimentary Drinks Reception

18th November 2010

Session 1: LNG: UK Outlook
Session 2: LNG Safety
Session 3: Project Experience

Attending this event will help you:

· Learn from the experience of specialist LNG individuals and organisations

· Gain a better understanding of the highly specialised engineering aspects of LNG designs, leading to safer and more effective operations

Technical advantages

· Learn about new technology, ideas and equipment developments

· Experience from past examples of LNG equipment and storage design

· Meet, greet, network and exchange information with like-minded colleagues

Who should attend

Everyone with an interest in the LNG industry: legislators, safety and environment agencies, planners, designers, operators, contractors, engineering specialists and consultants, shippers, ship managers, port operators, students.

Book now or view the full programme: www.imeche.org/events/S1492

Alternatively, call Emily Voris on 020 7973 1317 or email e_voris@imeche.org

Your Future in Mechanical Process Engineering – a prestigious free evening event to explore the options available for graduates

03/11/2010 00:00:00

Your Future in Mechanical Process Engineering – a prestigious free evening event to explore the options available for graduates

Free evening lecture

3 November 2010

One Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ

Book now or view the full programme: www.imeche.org/events/L118

Overview

As a mechanical engineering graduate, the world is your oyster, and you need to be able to make an informed choice. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is holding an informal session for students and recent graduates, allowing you to speak with longer-serving engineers and companies that can recruit and advise as you take the first step in your career.

18:00hrs – 19:30hrs Short presentations
The event will start with a number of engineers describing their careers and how they started in their professions within the process industry: Oil, Gas & Chemical Engineering, Offshore Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Food Engineering, Bulk Materials Handling

Presentations include:

· Chairman’s Introduction: A guide for graduates

· Recognising Excellence in Engineering – Ms Claire Maycock, Business Development Manager London, IMechE

· Mr Andy Teague CEng FIMechE, Project Director, SABIC UK Petrochemicals

· Mr John Phillips CEng FIMechE, Global Manager, Large ASU Machinery Engineering, Air Products Plc

· Mr Paul Andrew Raithby CEng BEng MBA MIMechE, Inspection Engineer, Christal Global Millennium Chemicals

· Mr Chris N E Huggett CEng MIMechE, MPP PU Engineer, Novartis Grimsby

· Ms Claudia Stafford CEng MIMechE, Asset Engineer, SABIC UK Petrochemicals

· Mr Will Marsh AMIMechE, Project Engineer, Mars Chocolate UK

19:30hrs – 20:30hrs Networking session over drinks and refreshments
A networking session will provide you with an opportunity to talk directly to mechanical engineers in the process industry, possible employers and recruitment agencies exhibiting who are looking to recruit/provide advice. The IMechE Membership team will be on hand to answer questions.

Confirmed exhibitors include: Air Products, Automation Experts, Bureau Veritas, Caterpillar, E.ON, Mars, Novartis and Patheon

Attending this event will help you:

· Gain an insight into possible routes through the immediate post-graduate “minefield” by talking directly to mechanical engineers about their career and thus helping you to make a considered decision

· Learn from the experiences of mechanical engineers via short presentations from engineers talking about their experiences during the first few years of their post-graduate career

· Meet a significant number of potential employers gathered in an informal environment so that the important first contacts can be made

· Select employers for your first post-graduate post

· Learn more about the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and what it can offer you

· Increase your awareness of Chartered status and understand why it is a worthwhile goal

· Understand the number of different routes available to obtain Chartered status

Attending this event will help employers:

· Make contact with potential employees, allowing you to compare potential graduates/employees in a way that allows you to select suitable candidates

· Increase your visibility in the engineering profession in a positive way

Who should attend

Students, graduates, young engineers, longer-serving engineers, employers from the process industry, mechanical engineering recruitment agencies

Book now or view the full programme: www.imeche.org/events/L118

Alternatively, call Emily Voris on 020 7973 1317 or email e_voris@imeche.org

Carbon Capture and Storage: How is it working and what next?

13/10/2010 00:00:00

Carbon Capture and Storage: How is it working and what next?

13-14 October 2010

Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London

Book now or view full programme: www.imeche.org/events/S1516

**OCA Members get to attend at Discounted IMechE Member Rate**

Gain insight into current policy, legislation and funding issues, understand how technical, regulatory, safety and environmental challenges of CCS are being addressed across industry on day one. Keynote presentation by Charles Hendry MP, Minister of State, Department of Energy & Climate Change

Learn from a series of case studies based on practical experience of the technical and operational challenges of developing CCS projects across the world on day two.

Organisations presenting: HSE, DECC, ScottishPower, Det Norske Veritas Ltd (DNV), E.ON UK Plc, Powerfuel Power Ltd, Environment Agency, Arup, AMEC, M W Kellogg Ltd, Foster Wheeler Energy Ltd, FLUOR Ltd, Burges Salmon, Schlumberger Carbon Services, IEAGHG, Sinclair Knight Merz (Europe) Ltd, 2Co Energy Ltd, University of Edinburgh, University of Durham

Benefits of attendance:

• Get update on current policy, legislation and funding issues

• Learn about the real challenges in CCS that remain to be solved from key industry experts

• Learn from a series of case studies on plants in the UK, Europe and USA that are in operation now

• Find out about operational flexibility and key issues of equipment functionality

• Obtain an overview of projects implementing CCS

• Get detailed updates of IGCC and post combustion projects

• Gain an understanding of current developments of Post combustion capture on CCGT’s

• Receive an update on technical issues surrounding CO2 transportation infrastructure

• Understand progress being made on storage site appraisal

• Gain knowledge of current thinking of enhanced oil recovery

Who should attend?

Specialist designers, plant owners, operators, investors, financial advisers, insurers and policymakers.

Event enquiries: Taz Khatun, Events Executive on 020 7973 1306 or email t_khatun@imeche.org

*Members of supporting organisations get to attend at Reduced IMechE Member Rate* See registration form for full list

Exhibition and Sponsorship:

Enhance brand awareness of your product or service through our range of exciting sponsorship/exhibition opportunities.

For details, contact Aman Duggal on 020 7973 1309 or at sponsorship@imeche.org.

Subsea Engineering: Designing for Integrity and Operation’

16/06/2010 00:00:00

16 June 2010
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London
www.imeche.org/events/S1485

Overview
As offshore oil and gas developments move to deeper water and more remote locations subsea developments become the only option. Subsea engineers must therefore work ever smarter to optimise the integrity of the equipment through good design whilst expanding the boundaries of operational capacity and availability.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has organised this seminar to examine the operational challenges in such environments, and to share solutions to them. With presentations by key subsea engineering companies and industry figures, this event will provide an update on the best practice in subsea engineering design for integrity and operation.

Who should attend
Offshore Oil & Gas operators, service and engineering companies and suppliers, Subsea Engineers, Engineering Managers, Research and Development Managers, Consultants, Students

Safe and Reliable Life Extension of Topside Equipment Offshore

18/03/2010 00:00:00

Safe and Reliable Life Extension of Topside Equipment Offshore
18 March 2010
1-day Seminar
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, One Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ

Book now: www.imeche.org/events/S1482

Many offshore platforms, drilling, work over rigs and other facilities are past their original design life. But new technology and field enhancement has meant that they are required to continue operating. Changing properties of the fluids produced or additional wells require different processing and equipment in order to maintain production.

The topside equipment needs to continue to operate and so often requires extension, adaption or preventative maintenance as well as updating, upgrading etc to bring it in line with current legislation and operating and safety practices. In addition there have been a number of mature offshore facilities that have been acquired by independent operators, with different priorities. These topics will bring leading suppliers, service and engineering contractors and offshore oil and gas operators together to share their knowledge and experience to extend the life of existing facilities in a safe, reliable and cost effective way.

Attending this event will help you:

Comply with and identify safety and legislative issues and hear about possible solutions
Understand safety issues facing aging rotating equipment infrastructure
Optimise life extension decisions for topside equipment
Manage obsolescence and maintenance issues

Technical Advantages:

Maintaining HSE compliance
Extending the working life of machinery
Integration of the latest technology in field life extension
Identify field enhancements on offshore facilities
Equipment upgrading and replacement
Debottlenecking
Brownfield development
Rotating equipment, extended maintenance
The use of temporary equipment and its compliance with safety and European directives
Management of obsolescence and maintenance issues

Who should attend:
The seminar will bring together the following attendees, to share their knowledge and experience, to extend the life of existing facilities in a safe, reliable and cost effective way

Offshore oil and gas operators and licence holders
Service, operations, maintenance and engineering companies
Equipment suppliers
Certification Authorities
Regulatory Authorities

For further information: www.imeche.org/events/S1482

Oil & Gas Chaplaincy Christmas Carol Service

12/11/2009 00:00:00

Each year a Christmas Carol Service is held by the Chaplaincy. Details of the service are below and also on the attached flyer:

Date: Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Time: 12.30 - 1315

Venue: Kirk Of St Nicholas, Union Street, Aberdeen

All are welcome to attend.

OCA Annual Awards Announced

03/11/2009 00:00:00

A teenage role model for the energy industry has helped her company complete an impressive double at a prestigious offshore awards ceremony.

Samantha Thomson joined Aker Solutions, straight form school aged just 16, three years ago. Since then the trainee piping designer has excelled professionally and personally, achieving a range of goals.

The 19-year-old developed a cheaper way to produce drawings – then tutored her colleagues through courses in the method; promoted the company in schools, colleges and career fairs; found solutions for offshore clients and is working towards an HNC in mechanical engineering.

She has also found time to become a qualified adult Girl Guide leader and receive her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at Holyrood.

Sponsor Eric Whiteside says: “Samantha has outstanding potential and is a great advert for young people in our industry.”

Samantha was honoured with the Offshore Contractors’ Association’s Training Award last night (Oct 29) at the organisation’s annual Challenge Awards in Aberdeen.

The ceremony recognises the wealth of talent in the offshore industry and saw Aker Solutions also pick up this year’s Environment Award for a campaign to curb the company’s eco footprint.

Initiatives ranged from using energy efficient lights to controlling levels of radiant heating; developing graphics to engage the workforce; supporting the city’s Bankhead Academy in identifying a school sustainability initiative and planning an environment day.

The Safety Award was won by Allan Pollock of Wood Group Engineering (NS) Ltd for his leadership in a drive to improve the company’s safety performance on a contract covering 12 offshore installations and two onshore terminals.

He held 15 workshops attended by 150 supervisors and personally visited all the sites. An extensive survey identified actions to be taken and resulted in a marked improvement. His achievement is now being used across the company’s North Sea contracts as an example of leadership in action.

And the Technology and Innovation Award went to Caltec Ltd, part of Petrofac Production Solutions for its Wellcom Oil Skid System devised to enhance production by utilizing borrowed energy from high pressure streams such as multi-phase wells to boost or lower back pressure on low pressure wells, allowing them to flow.

The system, which uses an in-line separator and jet pump technology, can boost reservoir recovery, increasing the field life and asset value – potentially increasing production by up to 25% while using ‘wasted’ energy. Testament to the benefit it brings is the rapid uptake of the technology by traditionally conservative asset owners in the North Sea and Malaysia.

The Awards ceremony, held during a black tie dinner at The Marcliffe at Pitfodels, is now in its 15^th year.

OCA chef executive, Bill Murray, said: “Each year the bar is raised by an even higher standard of entries. We already know we have an industrious and innovative workforce offshore who are constantly striving to make improvements across the board.

“But it is particularly gratifying, in these challenging times, to see the impressive work being carried out in all disciplines to achieve better and better results. It is a pleasure to be able to officially recognise this wealth of talent within our industry.”

UK/Norway Cross-Border Business to Business Mentoring Programme

29/10/2009 00:00:00

Following on from the success of the first and second UK/Norway Cross-Border Business to Business Mentoring Programmes, DECC and INTSOK (Norwegian Oil and Gas Partners) are pleased to announce the launch of the third phase of the programme and are now inviting small to medium sized organisations in the UK and Norway to participate in the programme.

The aim of this 12 month programme is to match Mentors from Oil Operators and Contractors in the UK and Norway to small to medium sized enterprises (SME’s) in the opposing country to improve cross-border export opportunities, share knowledge and provide a valuable insight into business practices and cultures in the two countries.

A number of high profile Norwegian companies including StatoilHydro have agreed to be Mentors for the UK side. All Mentors providing support to SME’s on the programme are typically middle/senior managers or senior technical personnel within the organisation and come from a wide range of backgrounds. Mentors are matched with SME’s based on the skills and experience they can offer and aligned as much as possible, to the skills and experience required by the Mentee. For any areas of expertise that the Mentor may be particularly lacking, they can still provide support by accessing more relevant personnel within their organisation that may be able to assist.

Typical areas where SME’s stand to benefit in increased knowledge and expertise include areas such as;

· Business Planning and Strategy

· Contracting and Commercial Strategy

· Exporting / Importing

· Management Systems and Processes

· Research / Technology Development

· Sales and Marketing

· Supply Chain Management

· Various Engineering or Technical disciplines

In order for an SME’ to be considered for entry on to the programme, organisations must meet all of the following criteria;

· Have less than 250 employees

· Actively involved in the Oil and Gas Industry

· Currently involved in exporting to Norway

· Able to demonstrated a proven performance in QHS&E

· Proactive and innovative in product or service development

· Financially sound

The format for the programme sees each Mentor matched with an appropriate SME organisation in the neighbouring country through a comprehensive matching and selection process. They then work together over a 12 month period as part of a structured programme, culminating in the production of a joint case study which reflects the combined successes, achievements and learning gained.

Mentors are expected to devote between 5% and 10% of their time mentoring their SME over the 12 month period. Mentees and Mentors will be expected to visit each other at least once every quarter, this will be in addition to regular telephone and e-mail contact.

Mentees will be expected to devote a significant amount of time to the programme and generally the benefits will be directly linked to the time afforded to the initiative. Costs will be minimal albeit participants will have to pick up the cost of travel or accommodation incurred throughout the programme. In addition there will be a small fee payable by each participating SME of £1000 plus VAT which will cover all programme management and administration including catering and venue costs for the launch event and quarterly networking events.

In addition to the one-to-one mentoring relationship, there will be a number of events for participants organised on a quarterly basis in the UK and Norway, which will provide the opportunity for networking amongst participants, sharing of experiences and review of the progress to date. It will also provide an opportunity for appropriate guest speakers to talk to the collective programme membership on some of the most important issues affecting the industry today such as supply chain and skills shortages.

Some of the key benefits which have been achieved by organisations on the first two programme’s include:

· Significantly improved understanding of the UK/Norway markets

· Improved knowledge in technical/commercial areas

· Changing ideas and challenging thought processes, helping understand cultural differences and enabling a more open minded approach

· Improvements in Supply Chain interfaces and better understanding of contracting strategy

· Significantly improved network of contacts

The attached information pack gives more details on the programme. If your organisation is interested in participating, please complete the attached application form in the first instance, and return it by Friday the 6^th of November.

For any further information, contact:

Ref: UK/Norway Mentoring Programme

Rebecca Barry
Industry Development Manager
PILOT Secretariat, Industry & Technology Development
DECC - Department of Energy & Climate Change
3rd Floor
Atholl House
86-88 Guild Street
Aberdeen
AB11 6AR

Rebecca.Barry@decc.gsi.gov.uk

Tel: +44 (01224) 254057

Fax: +44 (01224) 212521

Annual Service of Remembrance

07/10/2009 00:00:00

Each year a remembrance service is held for the Oil & Gas Industry. This year the service will be held on:

Date:      Friday, 30 October 2009
Venue:   Kirk Of St Nicholas Uniting, Union Street, Aberdeen
Time:     12.30pm until 1.15pm

All are welcome to attend.

PILOT Forward Workplan

24/09/2009 00:00:00

DECC, in partnership with FPAL and Oil & Gas Uk have launched a PILOT Forward Workplan database, which will complement and enhance the highly successful annual PILOT Share Fair by building on its concept and providing an online platform for potential contracts and opportunities. The initiative is part of the 'new tiered compliance system' and is a criteria for achieving the 'Gold' award.

The database is hosted on the FPAL website www.fpal.com and can be accessed via the PILOT Forward Workplan link.

IMECHE Conference - 28/29 October 2009 - Carbon Capture and Storage

14/08/2009 00:00:00

Carbon Capture and Storage - Making it happen
2 day seminar
28-29 October 2009
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, One Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ

Book online now or view the full programme: www.imeche.org/events/s1439
Carbon capture and storage is one of the most exciting propositions for reducing carbon emissions, offering affordable low carbon energy supplies and diversity of energy sources. The technology now exists to achieve substantial carbon reductions, but the regulatory and economic frameworks are not currently in place for full advantage to be taken of this advance in technology. This seminar will describe and challenge the current position and provide an essential update on both the legislative and technical barriers to this technology.

Day one of this two day seminar will question the policy and regulatory issues of CCS and will pose the question 'is CCS the way to retain coal as a 21st fuel?'

Day two will address the technical challenges of delivering the technology in a large scale industrial setting.
Through bringing together both technical and policy expertise, this seminar will present a unique opportunity to share their views on one of the most exciting technological developments of the 21st century.

Attending will help you:

Understand the policy and regulatory issues surrounding CCS
The importance of CCS to achieve the carbon emission reductions
Appreciate the latest technological developments in CCS both in the UK and internationally
Understand the options and health and safety issues for transportation and storage
Learn about the importance of CCS to achieving the level of carbon emission reductions required by 2050
Gain a deeper understanding of the financial realities of delivering zero carbon energy
Question whether coal really is a 21st century fuel
Learn how to make this exciting technology a commercial reality
Explore options for transportation and storage of carbon dioxide
Understand the health and safety issues surrounding the transmission of carbon dioxide
Meet, greet and network with experts/key industry professionals
Find collaborators for future projects

Who should attend:
This event is an ideal opportunity for plant owners, operators, investors, financial advisers, insurers and policymakers to gain an understanding of the range of issues involved in developing, owning and operating power/process plants with carbon capture.

Book online now or view the full programme:
www.imeche.org/events/s1439
Alternatively, call Taz Khatun on 020 7973 1306 or email T_Khatun@imeche.org

Exhibition and Sponsorship
If you have a product or service to promote, you can enhance brand awareness through our range of exciting sponsorship/exhibition opportunities.

For details of how we can tailor a package to suit your needs, please contact Aman Duggal on 020 7973 1309 or at sponsorship@imeche.org.

Imeche - Carbon Capture and Storage Programme

The OCA have moved

01/07/2009 00:00:00

As of 1 July 2009, the OCA have moved to a new office:

Heritage House
Grandholm Crescent
Bridge of Don
Aberdeen
AB22 8BH

Tel: 01224 707545

Our email addresses remain the same.

Safe and Reliable Life Extension of Topside Equipment Offshore

16/06/2009 00:00:00

Safe and Reliable Life Extension of Topside Equipment Offshore

16 June 2009

Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Aberdeen

Book now: www.imeche.org/events/S1438

To keep in line with current legislation and safety practices, topside equipment often requires extension, adaption or preventative maintenance as well as updating, upgrading etc.

This event will bring together leading suppliers, contractors and offshore operators, to share their knowledge and experience, helping to extend the life of existing facilities in a safe, reliable and cost effective way.

Attending this event will help you:

· Optimise life extension decisions

· Manage obsolescence and maintenance issues

· Integrate the latest technology in field life extension

· Understand safety issues facing aging rotating equipment infrastructure

· Examine the use of temporary equipment and its compliance with safety and European directives

· Meet greet and network with key industry players

Who should attend:

The seminar will bring together the following attendees, to share their knowledge and experience, to extend the life of existing facilities in a safe, reliable and cost effective way.

· Offshore oil and gas operators and licence holders

· Service, operations, maintenance and engineering companies

· Equipment suppliers

· Certification Authorities

· Regulatory Authorities

For event programme or to register: www.imeche.org/events/S1438

Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities

If you have a product or service to promote you can enhance brand awareness through our range of exciting sponsorship / exhibition opportunities.

For details of how we can tailor a package to suit your needs, contact Aman Duggal on:

telephone: +44 (0)20 7973 1309 email: sponsorship@imeche.org

Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards 2009

25/01/2009 00:00:00

CALL FOR ENTRIES - CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2009

Scottish Enterprise, in conjunction with industry sponsors, has launched the 2009 Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards, inviting entries from across the oil and gas sector.

The search is now on for individuals and organisations that demonstrate outstanding achievements and contribution to the success of Scotland’s oil and gas industry. With nine award categories including Export Achievement, Safety and Rising Star, there will be at least one category that fits your profile.

Known as the ‘Oil Oscars’, and now in their 24^th year, you will be entering one of the most prominent award competitions for the industry. Finalists will benefit from the targeted publicity campaign, and category winners will receive £5,000 worth of bespoke support to help achieve their growth ambitions.

For full details about the awards, how to enter,download entry forms, and to book your tickets, visit the website at:

www.scottishenterprise.com/soaa

HSE Offshore Safety Statistics 2007/08

10/12/2008 00:00:00

HSE have published the detailed analysis of of the offshore accident and ill health statistics for 2007/08.

The report can be found on the HSE web-site at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/offshore/statistics/hsr0708.pdf

OCA Annual Awards 2008

03/11/2008 00:00:00

Leading energy service company AMEC went back to school to win top honours at a prestigious offshore industry awards ceremony.

The company, which provides consultancy, engineering and project management services across the globe, picked up the environmental accolade at the Offshore Contractors' Association Challenge Awards for its work with Newtonhill Primary.

AMEC, which took its sustainability ethos into the classroom at the school near its Aberdeen base, also picked up a second award, for health and safety, at the ceremony in the Granite City.

Both awards centred on the work of AMEC's Britannia Satellites Project, (Britsats) which involved the installation of a new platform, alongside the existing Britannia platform, to handle production from Brodgar and Callanish fields.

The Newtonhill Primary partnership aims to help youngsters with a number of educational and eco projects while involving them in the oil and gas industry and raising their awareness of AMEC's role in the sector.

The children now hold their Pupil Council and safety meetings at AMEC premises where they experience a business environment. The company has also bought K'nex, Meccano and Lego for pupils entering engineering contests to boost their engineering skills and helped the school achieve a Gold Award for Enterprise.

Newtonhill Primary head teacher, Linda Cruickshank, was a guest at the ceremony where Pavlos Phokas accepted the award on behalf of the Britsats team.

The OCA safety award recognises the steps AMEC took to build on its safety culture by strengthening the role of supervisors and making them accountable through a comprehensive five-part supervisory engagement process. The success of this initiative can now be applied to all AMEC's current and future projects.

Meanwhile Wood Group Engineering (North Sea) Ltd's Kirsty Beetham, who is on the Instrument Graduate Training Scheme, picked up the Association's Future Star Award for Training.

In addition to being a model student, Kirsty, 27, of Bucksburn, Aberdeen, has also worked voluntarily with local schoolchildren as a Science and Engineering Ambassador and acted as presiding judge in the North East Regional Final for the Junior Engineers for Britain K'Nex Challenge.

Presenting the award, Offshore Contractors' Association chairman, Bob Keiller, described Kirsty as and outstanding candidate and a young woman who "exemplifies our values of working together, challenging the future and enthusing upcoming generations."

The Challenge Award for Technology and Innovation was won by Aker Solutions for its work on the Frigg Cessation Project. The challenge of removing a massive module support frame from the TCP2 installation included finding a way to restrain the structure during the journey to Shetland for demolition and disposal.

The team developed FlexSeaFast, a solution consisting of rubber pyramid gripper plates and elements which ensure secure transportation at sea. The new technology has significant cost and safety benefits.

The awards, which are now in their 12th year and recognise the outstanding achievements of the offshore contracting sector, were presented before an audience of around 200 guests at a black tie dinner at Aberdeen's Marcliffe at Pitfodels Hotel on October 30.

Principal guest speaker was David Blackwood, BP Exploration’s Director of North Sea Operations. Guests included Bob Keiller, who is also Chief Executive of PSN, and the Right Reverend David Lunan, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Mr Keiller said "The awards recognise best examples of the wealth of talent and creativity existing within OCA member companies. Through the efforts of people such as those receiving awards we can be confident of overcoming the challenges we face in securing the long term future of this vital industry and its valuable contribution to the UK economy."

20th Anniversary of the Piper Alpha Disaster

18/04/2008 00:00:00

On Sunday 6 July 2008 at 2.00pm there will be a Service of Remembrance in the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting, Union Street Aberdeen. This great historic church has witnessed many events in its long history including services that have marked tragedy in the Oil and Gas Industry. Within the Kirk is St John's Chapel also known as the Oil Chapel. There rests the Book of Remembrance that records the names of all those who perished in the Piper Alpha disaster.

This ecumenical service, which will be attended by the First Minister Alex Salmond, is open to all who wish to attend. The service will be held in the West Kirk of St Nicholas because of the large numbers we expect to be present.

Piper Alpha Invitation

Piper Alpha Memorial Service

OCA 2007 Pay negotiations

10/09/2007 00:00:00

Today offshore Unions UNITE (AMICUS SECTION) & GMB announced the result of the 2007 Pay Ballot. The Ballot has now been accepted by both Unions and is a massive step towards the introduction of 28 days paid holiday, without loss of pay, for all employees of OCA member Companies.

The result is as follows:-

UNITE (AMICUS SECTION) 86% voting to accept, 14% to reject
GMB 60% voting to accept, 40% to reject

This is part of a package that also requires the removal of Employment Tribunals against OCA member Companies, all parties (including those out with the partnership agreement) are working together to secure this position.

Alan Harvey (UNITE National Officer), stated "We are very close to securing a deal which will deliver full holiday entitlement top our members employed by OCA Member Companies, it should be recognised that this has been achieved by negotiations rather than the lengthy legal route that other parts of the industry wish to continue. I would like to go on record and thank all the members for their patience and to thank members and officials of other organisations for their co-operation and support for taking this issue forward".

Keith Hazelwood (National Secretary of the GMB) commented, "Whilst we are delighted by this progress, it must be seen as a missed opportunity for the industry as a whole, but nonetheless credit has to be given to the OCA's foresight in Industrial Relations, the full closure of this deal will allow our members and the OCA Companies to concentrate on working in a safe and efficient manner towards the Industry Goal of maximising recovery from the North Sea".

Bill Murray (Chief Executive of the OCA Companies) added,

"We at OCA are delighted that the package including holidays has received such enthusiastic endorsement. Hopefully the remaining step of removal of Employment Tribunal claims can be concluded quickly so that our employees can receive the benefit of the deal."