Options to create an ambitious industrial and energy vision for the wider Shetland area were discussed at an industry showcase event hosted by the Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) in Lerwick on 10-11 September.
The wider Shetland region is recognised as having significant potential and the OGA is promoting collaboration between the government, industry and supply chain to stimulate exploration and development, improve production efficiency, and optimise decommissioning to maximise economic recovery for the region and the UK.
The 2-day meeting also gave the opportunity for the local supply chain to connect with oil and gas operators and showcase their capabilities for both current and future activities.
The occasion was supported by positive announcements on decommissioning with Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, stating that Dales Voe has been identified by the Scottish Government as the preferred location for the UK’s first Ultra Deep Water Port. In addition, Veolia-Peterson announced they have signed a contract with Allseas for the provision of dismantlement and disposal services for a major Northern North Sea decommissioning project at the Dales Voe site; ensuring UK contractors have developed the skills and capabilities, and benefit from this work.
Gunther Newcombe, Director of Operations at the OGA said: “The OGA has been working with operators to develop strategic area plans incorporating the East and West basins of Shetland in order to maximise potential and this event has helped in developing relationships and discuss ways of improving value for the area”
Rachel Hunter, Area Manager of HIE, said: “It’s great to be here today at Dales Voe which has rightly earned the reputation as an onshore centre of excellence in decommissioning. Our investment along with support from partners towards the Dales Voe expansion project last year enhances Shetland’s position to become a leading hub for decommissioning works in the North Sea. This two-day oil and gas showcase, in which we have welcomed the oil and gas sector’s top people, is a seminal event which will shape Shetland’s role in the oil and gas sector for decades to come.”
Sandra Laurenson, Chief Executive of Lerwick Port Authority added: “I welcome the OGA and HIE’s initiative to host this vision event in Shetland and it is encouraging that such an excellent audience has taken time to visit. I hope they gain new awareness of what Shetland offers and have seen at first hand how our port is adaptable in meeting the sector’s changing requirements – including being decommissioning-ready. It is vital we all work now to maintain the momentum being generated.”
For more information, please contact Tracey Miller, communications manager at the OGA:
Tel: 0300 020 1072 ¦ Email: Tracey.Miller@nstauthority.co.uk