Page 77: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Aug/Sep 2013)

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OE Preview shelf last year was in excess of £11 billion. This year it is forecast to rise even further, to at least £13 billion. No fewer than 30 new offshore oil and gas developments were approved in the last 12 months and 167 new produc- tion licenses were awarded in the lat- est licensing round. “However, sustaining this intensity of activity will be a challenge. Despite record investment, production has fallen 30% in two years. Exploration has also faltered and production eff- ciency has declined from 80% to 60% in 10 years. “The sector must fght to keep costs under control. Much focus is being

Statoil’s UK North Sea Mariner heavy oil feld development concept. The feld, one a given to maintaining aging infrastruc- number of large developments driving North Sea spending, is due on stream in 2016.

ture and delaying its decommissioning.

Access to capital is still an issue for on companies’ efforts to establish a col- explain the central role the industry some small to medium-sized compa- laborative industry strategy on skills. plays through innovation, job creation nies. Our industry also has a strong “The industry is also developing a and its economic contribution to the UK. demand for skilled personnel to sup- range of initiatives with both the UK “The development and implemen- port its activities. and Scottish Governments to ensure tation of advanced technology will “Greater collaboration across indus- access to skilled staff is maintained for also be crucial in helping to improve try and with governments will provide the future health of the sector. exploration success, raise production many of the solutions. Oil & Gas UK effciency and ultimately maximize the “Through Oil & Gas UK’s Energizing and its members are working with (sec- economic recovery of the UK oil and the Nation’s Future campaign, we are tor skills training body) OPITO to build gas resource.” focusing on ways to better engage and oedigital.com August 2013 | OE 79 074_OE013_Offshore-Europe.indd 79 7/22/13 1:22 PM