OGV Energy Australia Issue 4 by OGV Energy

Dräger Marine & Offshore’s latest innovation, the Safety Shop, is now available for hire.

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WHAT'S INSIDE

Contact: emma@ogvenergy.au

Welcome to the fourth issue of our OGV Energy Australia magazine on the theme of New Energy. This issue will have a keen focus on the latest happenings in the renewable energy landscape across the region and how the rest of the world is shaping up in the race towards net-zero.

We are hugely excited to have Subsea Technology & Rental (STR) as our front cover star and feature article. In their feature, STR explain how their robust technologies - like their SeaCast and ROVMUX - is not only supporting Australia’s arduous net-zero targets, but also paving the way in delivering real-time data without pausing operations across the offshore energy sector. For more, please turn to our feature article on page 4.

We are also delighted to showcase contributions in this issue from Lightsource bp, EDF power solutions, Potentia Energy and many more.

There are also comprehensive reviews from regions across the globe as well as the Mining industry here in Australia. You’ll also find insightful articles from Brodies LLP and Leyton, as well as current industry analysis and project updates from Westwood Global Energy Group and the EIC.

We hope you are inspired and informed from our fourth issue of OGV EnergyAustralia!

Driving smarter marine operations to unlock Australia’s energy potential

By Jason French, Regional Director – APAC, STR

With this comes ambitious energy targets – Australia is aiming for 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030 on the path to net zero emissions by 2050. Delivering on these objectives will require major renewable projects and vast offshore wind initiatives that will hinge on the rollout of smarter, safer and more costeffective subsea technologies.

Meeting this demand head on, STR delivers innovative marine sensor systems and technical expertise that is helping to shape the future of Australia’s flourishing offshore energy sector.

With large custom designed Technology and Service bases in Perth and Singapore, we are perfectly positioned to support complex offshore projects across Asia-Pacific.

Well-known for our established extensive rental fleet and service offering, STR is increasingly recognised for our work as a developer of advanced subsea technologies.

Our commitment to bringing integrated sensor systems - that help reduce vessel time, lower project costs and allow for realtime decision making in some of the world’s most challenging environments – to market has yielded technologies such as SeaCast and ROVMUX, two groundbreaking solutions that redefine how ocean data is collected and managed.

Profiling the ocean without pausing the mission

Traditional methods of sound velocity profiling require survey vessels to stop, deploy equipment, wait for data collection and then recover the sensor equipment before resuming operations. This interrupts workflow, can lead to inaccurate data and extends project timelines, something STR’s SeaCast system has been designed to counteract.

By eliminating the need for stopping and starting, SeaCast enables surveyors to gather accurate sound velocity profile data while the vessel remains in motion, generating significant time savings - typically more than four hours per day.

It is engineered for real-time streaming of sensor data, allowing operators to make informed decisions there and then. Moreover, its compact design makes it easily mobilised on a range of platforms, from conventional survey vessels to the growing number of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) that are now being deployed in Australian waters.

Underpinned by smart software architecture that allows for fully remote operation, SeaCast can be fully deployed and recovered in under ten minutes, reach depths of over 300 metres while underway at four knots and 200 metres at six knots.

For those operating off one of the world’s largest islands, SeaCast gives surveyors the autonomy, reliability and speed essential to traverse Australia’s large marine zones and dispersed offshore projects.

Smarter subsea integration for smarter ROVs

Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are the backbone of offshore inspection, maintenance and construction. But for too long integrating multiple sensors onto a single ROV has been a challenge that’s required complex cabling, heavy and fragile enclosures, lengthy setup times and catastrophic product failure due to flooding.

STR’s ROVMUX system was developed in direct collaboration with Tier 1 clients to solve these problems. The result is a high-performance, compact interface that simplifies sensor integration while delivering maximum flexibility and reliability.

Despite its small footprint, ROVMUX supports up to 20 sensors - an industry-leading capacity for its size. It is also compatible with a wide range of connections, including Gigabit Ethernet, RS232, RS485, and both 24V and 48V power options, which can be switched as required.

Few countries can boast a wealth of natural resources comparable to Australia. Among the world’s largest exporters of minerals and raw materials, the nation is also home to bountiful energy supplies, both traditional and renewable, which make it one of the industry’s most exciting markets.

Built for the harsh conditions of deepwater operations, the system is depth-rated to 6,000 metres and includes robust sealing and connector systems that significantly reduce the risk of flooding or failure.

For operators, this means fewer breakdowns, faster turnaround times, and a reduced need for on-site maintenance. ROVMUX also includes intelligent power management features such as monitored DC outputs with smart fusing and soft-start control for capacitive loads.

At the surface, an intuitive 12-inch touchscreen controller allows operators to monitor and manage system performance easily, with advanced diagnostics that support proactive troubleshooting and real-time configuration, empowering operators to do more with less, and supplied at a lower cost.

Meeting the moment and building the momentum

Australia’s offshore market is moving quickly, with declared wind zones in Victoria progressing, feasibility studies underway in Western Australia and New South Wales, and investment in subsea mining, carbon capture, oil and gas decommissioning and intercontinental energy transmission rising.

Operators in these sectors require technologies that support real-time data collection, autonomous operations, low-maintenance design and reliable performance in remote and often harsh conditions. STR meets all these requirements with our equipment, as well as our deep domain knowledge, engineering excellence and global network that ensures clients are supported at every phase of their operations.

Whether it’s enabling faster geophysical surveys with SeaCast or expanding the capabilities of subsea vehicles with ROVMUX, STR is helping Australia’s offshore operators do more, for less. Irrelevant of geographies, the global energy transition demands missionready solutions that redefine what’s possible offshore – and that’s just what we deliver. 

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COMMUNITY news

Uptick in Australian business prompts multimillion-dollar investment

A leading hydraulics and fluid management specialist has set its sights on consolidating its presence in Australia thanks to multimillion-dollar investment.

An uptick in business, particularly in the naval and defence sector, has fuelled Saturn Fluid Engineering Group aspirations to grow current operations coordinated from Adelaide SA and Perth WA to include the strategically important cities of Cairns and Sydney to support commercial marine and naval sustainment programmes.

With around $1 million invested in establishing a footprint in Australia so far, another $3.1 million over the next two years will notably increase the progressive company’s presence in Western Australia’s energy sector and develop a bespoke facility in Adelaide SA to support its growing number of partners in the significant defence sector. 

ATPI Appoints First Female General Manager in Saudi Arabia as Part of Strategic Expansion

ATPI, a global leader in business travel and events management, has appointed Zara Higgins as General Manager for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, signalling its commitment to the Kingdom and its alignment with the ambitions of Vision 2030.

This appointment is a significant milestone for Arjaa ATPI – the joint venture between ATPI and the esteemed Saudi-based Al Majdouie Group.

Zara will lead Arjaa ATPI’s Saudi Arabia operation, overseeing the delivery of advanced business travel solutions, strategic growth initiatives, and the development of a high-performing local team. Her focus will be on deploying innovative travel technology, enhancing service efficiency, and ensuring an exceptional client experience across the Kingdom.

Zara will also retain her role of Global Head of Energy for the ATPI group to drive continued growth across the energy sector. 

Haztech Solutions gears up for growth with key leadership appointment

Haztech, a leading provider of hazardous area management solutions to critical industries across Asia Pacific, has announced the promotion of Josh Gomes to Operations Manager, to drive continued growth in the region.

Since joining the business in early 2024, Josh established himself as key member of the team, contributing to the delivery of complex electrical projects for Haztech’s clients in oil & gas, LNG, utilities, and emerging hydrogen industries. His promotion reflects Haztech’s focus on developing internal talent and driving operational discipline as it scales.

In his new role, Josh will take on responsibility for client facing activities and will lead Haztech’s national operations to drive the development of end-to-end EEHA management and E&I services. 

Ann McRobb Associates

Limited Celebrates 13 Years of Trusted Partnerships and Global Growth

Ann McRobb Associates Limited is proud to announce its 13th anniversary in business, marking over a decade of delivering bespoke, impactful services to clients worldwide. What began as a family-run business has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, boasting a diverse network of associates and clients across multiple countries.

Since its inception, Ann McRobb Associates Limited has been dedicated to providing trusted and tailored solutions that genuinely make a difference. The company has built a reputation for fostering lasting relationships, collaborating with a wide array of industries, and embracing diverse cultures. 

Fugro to support deepwater gas project for Eni in Eastern Mediterranean

Fugro has been awarded a contract to run a comprehensive site characterisation programme for an Eni operated development of a deepwater gas project in the Eastern Mediterranean. This award marks an important survey campaign for Fugro in the region, supporting the ambitions of the Republic of Cyprus to become a regional gas producing and exporting country and contribute to enhanced energy security and affordability for Europe.

The project will draw on Fugro’s comprehensive offshore and deepwater geophysical and geotechnical expertise, as well as the company’s environmental services. The award reflects Fugro’s deep understanding of the region’s surface and subsurface characteristics and its long-standing relationship with the client.

Geo-data acquisition is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025. 

Awarding of Service Contracts on Baltic Hub projects in Germany

Iberdrola has awarded Semco Maritime GmbH two 3-year offshore service contracts, with options for extension, on the above-water scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of electro-mechanical equipment at two offshore substations in the Baltic Hub.

The Baltic Hub currently consists of two offshore wind farms, the 350 MW Wikinger and the 476 MW Baltic Eagle, near the island of Rügen in the German exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Baltic Sea.

As the balance of plant service works are planned and executed together as one project, optimizations can be realized through the combined project management as well as a central 24/7 on-call duty of experienced technicians reducing operational risks and costs for Iberdrola’s Wikinger and Baltic Eagle sites. 

HUNTING is an energy services provider to the world’s leading national and international oil and gas companies, manufacturing and distributing products that enable the extraction of oil and gas.

www.huntingplc.com

Kaseum are specialists in the design, development and manufacture of downhole tools. We are a highly experienced team with over 100 years’ experience in the development of new products for the perforation, logging, intervention, completion and drilling sectors. Our core skills include electronic, mechanical and software engineering with a particular emphasis on the design and manufacture of market-leading electro-mechanical intervention tools. www.cargostore.com Cargostore

network throughout the US West Coast, North Sea, East Asia, Middle East and East and West Africa.

www.kaseum.com

Apex Industrial Chemicals Limited, headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, has been a leader in providing high-quality chemical solutions since 1982. Our expertise spans across various sectors, including industrial, oil and gas, energy, renewables, marine, transport, and catering. We are dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and supplying effective chemical products that meet stringent industry standards.

www.apexchemicals.com

At STR, our mission is to offer all customers a competitive edge by supporting integrated, forward-thinking technology and innovative engineering solutions, complete with flexible and dedicated support from project planning to project completion.

www.str-subsea.com

The Paradigm Group was established in the Netherlands in 2009 to develop a number of ‘new generation’ well intervention technologies. The main focus was around the use of Thermoplastic Composites both as coatings and as the main constituent of well intervention ‘wirelines’.

In addition there was an exceptional level of in-house expertise in direct drive electric power systems for winches which were also targeted as a key area of focus.

www.paradigm.eu

Our mission is to support technology companies in achieving their Australian market targets. We offer an unparalleled opportunity for technology companies to successfully enter and thrive in the Australian market. We create an environment that brings together innovators, industry experts, and local businesses to foster collaboration and growth.

www.pulsetechnologyhub.com.au

Australia Energy Review

By Tsvetana Paraskova

Australia Boosts Gas Development As Battery Investment Soars

Australia has approved an extension to the operating life of its oldest and biggest gas processing project and moved closer to starting up a new LNG plant, while developers boosted battery storage investments.

North West Shelf Gas Extension

Following six years of extensive federal and state reviews and delays due to challenges in court, Australia’s federal government approved in May a proposal that would see the operating life of its biggest and oldest LNG plant extended to 2070.

The Australian Government has been considering a proposal to continue the use and extend the operating life of the North West Shelf gas processing plant in Karratha, Western Australia, beyond the expiry of its current approval in 2030.

Murray Watt, Australia’s federal Minister for the Environment and Water, made a proposed decision to approve the North West Shelf extension, subject to strict conditions, particularly relating to the impact of air emissions levels from the operation of an expanded on-shore Karratha gas plant.

The project’s operator, Australia’s top gas producer Woodside, first proposed the extension of the operating life of the North West Shelf Project in 2018. State and federal governments have been reviewing the plans to extend life beyond 2030, as it was originally planned, amid hundreds of appeals by activists campaigning to preserve the environment and the cultural heritage of the local people.

Woodside received the Western Australia state government approval in December 2024 after six years of assessment and appeals.

Extending the environmental consent for the project, which began producing gas in 1984, means that Woodside and its partners in the project could continue to deliver gas using existing infrastructure.

“This proposed approval will secure the ongoing operation of the North West Shelf and the thousands of direct and indirect jobs that it supports,” said Liz Westcott, Woodside Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Australia.

As part of the State Government approval in December 2024, the North West Shelf committed to a range of environmental management measures, including a significant reduction in air emissions and measures to manage greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce them over time, Woodside noted.

The North West Shelf Project has supplied more than 6000 petajoules of domestic gas, powering homes and industry in Western Australia. If used for just household electricity, this is enough to power homes in a city the size of Perth for approximately 175 years, Woodside says.

In a separate development, Woodside announced in May that the Scarborough Energy Project had achieved a major engineering milestone with the joining together of the topsides and hull for the Floating Production Unit (FPU).

The joining of the two mega-structures is a significant step forward for the Scarborough Energy Project as it progresses towards first LNG cargo, targeted for the second half of 2026, the company said.

The Scarborough Energy Project is now over 82 percent complete.

Once complete, the FPU will be moored 375 kilometres off the coast of Karratha, Western Australia. The Scarborough Energy Project is set to produce up to 8 million tonnes of LNG per year and contribute up to 225 terajoules a day of domestic gas supply into the Western Australian market.

Producers Call for Sensible Energy Policies

Australian producers now have the opportunity to take real actions that deliver the Government’s Future Gas Strategy, Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said in an address to the 2025 AEP Conference & Exhibition at the end of May.

However, forecasts of looming supply shortfalls on both the east and west coasts and weakened investor confidence in investing in new supply could put Australia’s energy leadership at risk, O’Neill said.

“Certainty around Australia’s energy and climate policies, environmental regulation and timely approvals is critical to driving investment,” the executive added.

“I am encouraged by evidence – including the Government’s Future Gas Strategy –that policymakers are increasingly willing to recognise and speak up for the critical importance of natural gas, including as the stabilising partner to higher levels of renewables and as a lower emissions source of power than coal,” O’Neill noted.

Woodside’s boss called for exploration to resume in earnest in Australia. This would begin with regular offshore acreage licensing rounds, and clear regulations around the well-proven and safe technology of seismic surveys.

“We must get exploration going now to ensure the energy future of the 2030s and 2040s is secure,” O’Neill said.

At the same AEP Conference, Kevin Gallagher, CEO at another major Australian producer, Santos, said that Australia needs to develop more of its own gas supply.

“Affordable energy is quite simply the lynchpin of national success. Without it, we pay more for everything,” Gallagher said.

The energy transition is slower than initially expected as energy demand continues to grow, the executive added, but noted that Australia is “exceptionally well-positioned” to lead in carbon capture and storage (CCS).

“We have world-class geological storage basins and we have the project experience,” Santos’ chief executive said.

In conclusion, Gallagher stated, “The world has an insatiable appetite for energy. And it will need all forms of energy to feed that appetite.”

At the end of May, the Victorian Government delivered a positive assessment for Viva Energy’s LNG terminal project in Geelong, marking a significant step in ensuring a secure energy future for the State.

Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny found that, subject to conditions, the project can proceed with acceptable environmental effects.

The gas terminal unlocks a pathway to bring LNG from Australian gas fields or around the world, effectively acting as a virtual pipeline to deliver gas directly to where it is needed most – the major Victorian markets of Melbourne and Geelong, Viva Energy said.

Australia’s Energy Storage Investment Continues To Soar

Developers maintained the momentum in investment in energy storage projects in Australia in the first quarter of 2025, the Clean Energy Council’s Quarterly investment report showed at the end of May.

Six storage projects representing 1,510 MW of capacity and 5,016 MWh of energy output reached financial close in Q1 – the second highest quarterly result for new financially committed storage projects.

It is encouraging to see sustained momentum in investment for large-scale battery and storage projects as they are critical to achieving reliable and affordable energy generation through renewables such as wind and solar, said Arron Wood, Clean Energy Council Chief Policy and Impact Officer.

“Subdued levels of investment are fairly typical in the first quarter of the year; however, the clear-cut result of this election has given the Government a mandate to continue leading Australia’s transition to clean energy and that has provided markets with policy certainty and a clear signal about where to invest.” 

Image: Akaysha Energy / Powin Energy.

MINING Review

By Tsvetana Paraskova

Australia’s Mining Industry Calls for Support for Exploration

Australia’s mining companies are seeking government support for easier access to exploration of metals and minerals in the country while many companies continue to report promising scoping studies for gold, iron ore, and critical minerals projects.

Industry Flags Decline in Exploration Investment

Mineral exploration expenditure in Australia’s total deposits declined by 18.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter and fell by 11.5 percent year over year, figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Mineral and Exploration statistics showed in early June.

That’s a concerning trend for the industry, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) said.

“The data released by the ABS today demonstrates what our Association and our members have been saying for some time now,” AMEC chief executive officer Warren Pearce commented.

“Those on the ground are doing it tough. The barriers to exploration have never been higher and it’s extremely difficult to raise funds for exploration,” Pearce warned, speaking on behalf of the association.

“As an industry we keep being told how important we are to the economic security of our country, but we’re not seeing that support on the ground where it matters.”

Mining Industry Welcomes New Federal Government

AMEC has also welcomed the Prime Minister’s choice after the election to keep Madeleine King as both Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia.

Those on the ground are doing it tough. The barriers to exploration have never been higher and it’s extremely difficult to raise funds for exploration

AMEC chief executive officer Warren Pearce

AMEC called for changes to land access and environmental approvals, as well as resolving coexistence issues with the renewables sector.

At the highs of 2023 Australia saw total national exploration expenditure (greenfield and brownfield) quarterly spends of over a billion dollars. The latest figures show this has dropped to a little over AUS$800 million being spent in the March quarter.

In addition, there was a 21.9 percent drop on new exploration drilling compared to the December 2024 quarter, with all metres drilled down by 11.6 percent.

Western Australia experienced the biggest decline, with expenditure across all commodities down, while total expenditure in the Northern Territory was at the lowest since the June 2017 quarter, AMEC said.

It should be noted that figures for the Northern Territory and Queensland are in part reflecting the realities of the impact of the wet season, limiting exploration and drilling activity for these regions, the association added.

The new federal cabinet “sends the right message” to the industry, the association said.

Minister King has worked closely with the association and was instrumental in the development of the legislated AUS$7 billion Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive (CMPTI), AMEC noted.

“Minister King understands the vital role the resources sector plays in maintaining Australia’s high living standards and economic prosperity, and has been a strong representative of the sector in Government and the Parliament,” AMEC’s Warren Pearce commented.

With the Federal Cabinet now confirmed, it’s an exciting time ahead for the resources industry, as the Federal Government builds on the CMPTI and the recent election promise to develop a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, AMEC said.

At the same time, the association reiterated its call for the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive (JMEI) to be continued and will work closely with the Government to secure the future of the programme.

Continuing this incentive makes sense because it is a proven and effective programme to incentivise early-stage investment in mineral resource development, AMEC noted.

Resource Development Updates

Many companies active in Australia have recently updated the market on the state of studies, exploration, and development of their mineral resource base.

Petratherm has announced that 73 Air Core (AC) holes were drilled at the Rosewood heavy mineral prospect in April. Results from the first 10 drill holes include numerous intercepts at higher grades than those previously encountered. Mineralogy results to date indicate the Rosewood HM prospect has a very high, on average more than 95 percent Valuable Heavy Mineral content, composed primarily of high titanium dioxide (TiO2) minerals.

“On this basis, we would anticipate future step out Phase 3 exploration drilling in the coming weeks will continue to identify additional highgrade mineralisation and extend the potential size of the exciting Rosewood discovery,” Petratherm CEO, Peter Reid, commented.

International Graphite said that the new Collie Micronising Facility in Western Australia has advanced since the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) study was released earlier this year.

Local Bunbury-based construction company Prosser Built has been appointed to progress detailed design of the facility and are expected to move into construction on completion of design and approvals. To date, 1,216 kg of graphite concentrates have been processed at Collie.

Everest Metals Corporation (EMC) is advancing the first rubidium industry in Australia at Mt Edon in Western Australia with the completion of an Engineering Scoping Study (ESS) prepared by Edith Cowan University. The study represents a key step in positioning Australia as an emerging player in the global rubidium supply chain as Mt Edon is Australia’s highestgrade rubidium discovery.

Rubidium, a rare and valuable critical mineral, is vital for high-tech industries such as defence, aerospace, and communications, EMC says.

Subject to further technical and economic studies, EMC is positioning itself as a potential supplier to the global rubidium market, supporting Australia’s strategic role in the secure and sovereign critical mineral supply chain.

South Australia’s Minister for Planning has granted provisional development authorisation for Renascor Resources’ proposed commercial-scale Battery Anode Material (BAM) manufacturing facility in South Australia.

The provisional development authorisation satisfies the primary regulatory requirement to construct and operate a state-of-theart manufacturing facility to produce up to 100,000 tonnes per annum of Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG) for use in lithium-ion battery anodes.

Renascor is developing a vertically integrated operation in South Australia comprising an upstream graphite mining and processing operation, and a downstream manufacturing facility in which graphite concentrate will be converted into PSG before being exported to lithium-ion battery anode manufacturers.

ACDC Metals said that study results have highlighted strong economics at the Goschen Central heavy mineral sand and rare earth element (REE) Project in northwestern Victoria. The project delivers a low capital intensity path to secure a domestic semirefined critical and strategic metals supply, supported by a robust conventional HM zircon and titania industrial minerals operation.

In addition to zircon and titania, Goschen Central provides the opportunity to vertically integrate a heavy mineral sand mining

operation with a rare earth processing plant (REPP) project, to unlock a significant uplift in value through the potential production of a mixed rare earth oxide (MREO) (or equivalent).

Alchemy Resources Limited has announced that it has identified compelling new lithium targets at Roe Hills farm-in with JOGMEC

Outcomes of the geology work and detailed mapping identified three key priority target areas for follow-up. Geologists are currently in the field conducting further detailed mapping to ground truth these areas, Alchemy Resources said.

EQ Resources Limited (EQR) reported preliminary results from bulk sample testing conducted at the Wolfram Camp Project in Far North Queensland. The testing found strong tungsten upgrade from ore stockpile achieving 86 percent tungsten recovery from just 5-10 percent of the original feed mass, demonstrating excellent de-bulking and upgrade potential, EQR said.

As a result, EQR is evaluating the potential to leverage its existing infrastructure to establish a regional tungsten hub. 

©Everest Metals

©Alchemy Resources

APAC Energy Review

By Tsvetana Paraskova

Asia Pacific is open for new business in the upstream oil and gas sector while many countries in the region are working to boost renewable energy capacity and invest in grid expansion and resilience.

Upstream Licences on Offer Across Asia Pacific

Asia-Pacific currently has more than 100 new oil and gas blocks on offer in licensing rounds across the region, Fraser McKay, Head of Upstream Analysis at Wood Mackenzie says. The blocks are in many parts of the APAC region—from onshore to deepwater, and from mature to frontier acreage.

For example, Pakistan has announced 40 offshore and 31 onshore blocks, with improved terms and gas prices to tempt investors.

India’s latest licensing round includes 25 blocks totalling 191,986 square kilometres across 13 basins. The offering is the largest in the history of India’s Open Acreage Licensing

Policy (OALP). The Indian government has also moved to improve and stabilise the country’s regulatory environment through enhanced incentives, easier access to seismic data, and amendments to its Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act (ORDA), WoodMac’s McKay says.

Brunei and Vietnam have also announced licensing rounds, with Vietnam’s licensing round of three-blocks its first in 13 years.

Malaysia has already awarded licences in its 2024 round, and both the majors and smaller players were given access to blocks. Malaysia awarded three exploration Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), 11 discovered resource opportunities (DROs) and two technical evaluation agreements (TEAs).

In addition, the last regular tender block, Air Komering, of the IPBR 2024 Phase II round was awarded to PT Huatong Services Indonesia under gross split PSC terms with a signature bonus of US$300,000 and a firm commitment of US$4.45 million.

Indonesia’s new government under President Prabowo “continues to set an investor-friendly environment with flexible and improved fiscal terms, shorter administrative processes, and lower entry barriers to drive appetite and interest in the country,” Welligence Energy Analytics said.

Nearly 300 million barrels of oil equivalent remain undeveloped in Malaysia’s small fields.

“Nearly 300 million barrels of oil equivalent remain undeveloped in Malaysia’s small fields. The government’s small field/DRO fiscal terms have proved popular since their introduction in 2021, and thanks to tweaks including simplified contract models, interest in marginal fields remains strong,” McKay said.

The 11 DROs were won by regional players Jadestone and Hibiscus, as well as EnQuest, Ping, and Seascape, all players who have turned their focus towards Asia due to increasing tax risks in the UK North Sea, McKay noted.

In Indonesia, the government has launched the Indonesian Petroleum Bidding Round (IPBR) 2025 Phase I, offering three direct offer blocks (Perkasa, Gagah, and Lavender) which contain a total of about 3.9 billion boe of unrisked prospective resources, Welligence Energy Analytics said.

The blocks will be awarded under cost recovery PSC terms. The Lavender block is offered via a special direct offer for Pertamina with an exploration well commitment in the fourth year.

The Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) said in a new report that reliable clean energy for APAC businesses is achievable if the right policy reforms are implemented.

Regulatory changes across five key markets –South Korea, India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam –can unlock 24/7 access to clean and reliable power, the report showed.

However, to achieve the goal to boost clean power procurement by corporations, the region needs streamlined permitting, transparent electricity data, and time-stamped Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Moreover, grid modernisation and storage will be crucial to enabling real-time clean energy use and system flexibility. Corporate leadership is also an important pillar for action to advance Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) of 24/7 carbonfree energy and procurement mechanisms, GRA said.

“Achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy in APAC is about building the renewables, grids and storage that businesses are demanding,” said Bruce Douglas, CEO of GRA.

In a separate report, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that Asia Pacific needs adequate levels of investments in grids to drive the energy transition.

Currently, investment is inadequate and is holding back APAC from fully benefitting from the energy transition, ADB said.

The bank calls for the urgent expansion of interconnected and modernised grids—both to keep up with rising energy demand and to integrate intermittent renewable energy sources across the region.

APAC is investing in the transition, the report found. While China accounts for a majority of investment, it was joined by India and seven other developing regional countries where renewables exceeded 75 percent of new national energy capacity addition in 2022, ADB noted.

“The expansion of digitalized grid infrastructure is essential to integrate low-carbon electricity seamlessly into national power generation and transmission systems,” said ADB’s Energy Sector Senior Director Priyantha Wijayatunga.

“With Asia and the Pacific forecast to generate two-thirds of global energy growth by 2040, meeting this daunting power supply gap will require multidimensional efforts including strong policies, innovative technologies, and long-term financing.”

Singapore is looking to be the core of a regional grid and enable cross-border electricity trade, after having relied on gas so far to meet its energy demand, Rystad Energy said in a report in June.

Regional interconnections in Singapore, primarily via subsea cables, are aimed at accelerating decarbonisation and decoupling domestic electricity prices from global gas market volatility.

Rystad Energy’s research has found that if all proposed interconnections to Singapore are realised, they could unlock up to 25 gigawatts (GW) of renewable and energy storage projects worth more than $40 billion in investment across the region, spanning hydropower, solar, and offshore wind.

Integrating solar and BESS technologies with the necessary backups, the solar-plus-storage systems can reach the level of reliability required by Singapore’s Electricity Market Authority (EMA) and could be comparable to other dispatchable energy sources, according to Rystad Energy.

“By leveraging its financial strength and reputation as a reliable business partner, Singapore can help unlock capital for largescale infrastructure in neighboring nations, where land is more abundant but power demand is less concentrated,” said Raksit Pattanapitoon, Lead Renewables & Power Analyst (APAC), Rystad Energy.

According to Nevi Cahya Winofa, Analyst, Renewables & Power Research, Rystad Energy, “As it engages in discussions with

its neighbors, the country must proactively identify and secure unique advantages to maximize shared value in the potential establishment of a regional power grid.”

China, unsurprisingly, set a new record in renewable energy in the first quarter of 2025, as it installed a record 60 GW of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the first quarter–the highest ever recorded in a first quarter in the country’s history, according to Rystad Energy research and analysis.

Of the 60-GW total, rooftop PV accounted for 60 percent, or 36 GW, marking the largest quarterly capacity addition for distributed PV in China’s history.

The surge was largely driven by the urgency to meet policy deadlines set by the National Energy Administration’s (NEA) new guidelines, which encouraged self-consumption of distributed solar projects to ease grid congestion issues, improve grid stability, and cut reliance on centralised power plants.

The surge in rooftop PV installations will continue, pushing total distributed solar capacity additions for 2025 to 130 GW, including 92 GW from commercial and industrial (C&I) projects and 38 GW from residential projects, Rystad Energy research indicates.

In the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) launched in June the Fifth Green Energy Auction (GEA-5), marking a significant milestone in the Philippines’ push for offshore wind energy. This auction round is the first to focus exclusively on fixed-bottom offshore wind technology, offering an installation target of 3,300 megawatts (MW) with a delivery commencement period from 2028 to 2030.

“By prioritizing fixed-bottom offshore wind for GEA-5, we are investing in a technology that is ready to deliver,” said Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

“This allows us to set a strong and credible foundation for the country’s offshore wind sector, one that can deliver first power by 2028.”

The Philippines DOE acknowledges the promise of floating offshore wind, but notes that the sector remains in early stages of development.

“We are still keeping the door open for floating offshore wind technology,” said Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara.

“As global experience grows and the technology matures, the DOE will reassess its inclusion in future auction rounds. For now, our focus is to build momentum with fixed-bottom projects that can succeed under current technical, regulatory, and infrastructure conditions.” 

©Rystad Energy

UK North Sea Energy Review

By Tsvetana Paraskova

Actions needed to make the North Sea an economic and climate success, the prospects of offshore energy industry jobs, field developments, and asset sales marked the past few weeks in the UK North Sea oil and gas sector.

“While OEUK sets out in detail how homegrown energy adds more value to the UK economy than imports, the trade body acknowledges government and industry must do more to understand how the UK can manage electricity and fuel prices and bring down costs,” the industry group said.

OEUK’s plan says that by choosing to put home-produced energy at the heart of government strategies, the sector could deliver £200 billion investment this decade alone in UK offshore energies, and support UK supply chain firms, operators, and developers to win new work in floating and fixed offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen, apart from oil and gas.

A strategy focused on domestic energy could also help the sector provide an additional £150 billion of value to the UK economy and support 200,000 jobs through backing the responsible production of an additional 3 billion barrels of domestic oil and gas while meeting UK climate goals.

Offshore Energies UK is calling for industry and government to develop a new national energy strategy that places home produced energy at its core.

The UK is currently consulting on a new industrial strategy, the first for Britain in years. The success of such a strategy would depend on the crucial energy factor, according to the offshore industry body.

At present, the UK imports nearly 40 percent of the energy it consumes while domestic energy prices are the highest among G7 nations.

OEUK has also said the Government should remove the windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2026. The leading trade body is calling for the windfall tax to be replaced with a competitive long-term mechanism that responds to future price shocks to encourage necessary investment in the UK’s energy future.

“In a country where today 75% of our energy comes from oil and gas, the solution is the responsible production of our own oil and gas from the North Sea, alongside the build out of renewable energy. It should not be a debate about one form of energy versus another – we need it all,” Whitehouse commented.

In a country where today 75% of our energy comes from oil and gas, the solution is the responsible production of our own oil and gas from the North Sea, alongside the build out of renewable energy.

“Decarbonisation must not mean deindustrialisation. Output in our energy intensive industries is at a 35-year low, yet our North Sea has the capability to provide all the energy it needs now and in future,” OEUK Chief Executive David Whitehouse said.

“Government and industry must work together to bring down energy costs while protecting the dividend that only home-produced energy can bring in terms of taxes paid, jobs supported, and value added to the economy.”

According to Whitehouse, “With the right investment climate and clear backing, UK offshore energy companies are prepared to invest up to £200 billion this decade across offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon storage alongside oil and gas. This investment would underpin the UK’s vision for a modern industrial Britain.”

“The sector needs action now to secure jobs, boost energy security, and build for the future. That means a commitment from government to deliver a mechanism in 2026 that creates a predictable response to future price shocks.”

A new report from Robert Gordon University warned in early June that the UK risks losing tens of thousands of offshore energy jobs by 2030 unless urgent and coordinated action is taken immediately.

The report, ‘Striking the Balance - Building a sustainable UK offshore energy workforce’, suggests a 2030 UK offshore energy workforce requirement for the oil, gas and renewables sectors of between 125,000 and 163,000 jobs, compared to today’s figure of approximately 154,000.

However, the specific UK oil and gas workforce is forecast to fall from 115,000 in 2024 to between 57,000 and 71,000 by the early 2030s.

In the lower case, the North Sea oil and gas workforce could shrink by approximately 400 jobs – the same number lost as a result of the closure of the Grangemouth refinery – every two weeks for the next 5 years, the report found.

Under a high-case scenario, workforce demand levels across the UK could hit over 210,000, but this will require the delivery of an additional 35 GW (or nearly 6 GW per year) of offshore wind and sustaining UK oil and gas activities for an extended period, similar to policies applied in Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

If Scotland fails to capture the full range of offshore energy opportunities and the oil and gas decline continues to accelerate, the Scottish-based offshore energy workforce could decrease from approximately 75,000 in 2024 to between 45,000 and 63,000 by the early 2030s, according to the report.

“Inaction or simply slow progress will mean that UK offshore energy job numbers overall could drop by almost 20% to 125,000 by 2030, making the path towards net zero even harder to negotiate,” said Professor Paul de Leeuw, Director of the Energy Transition Institute at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

provide subsurface technology, drilling and completion services, and digital solutions for major new developments. The company will deliver a rigless intervention framework that enables Repsol Resources UK to optimize well construction, production, and intervention to maximize plug and abandonment (P&A) operations.

Tattva Group has announced a £2 million investment in Project Development International (PDi), in a strategic push to expand its footprint in the North Sea, with a particular focus on engineering and procurement services to support operations and decommissioning. The investment aims to strengthen PDi’s core capabilities in subsea engineering and decommissioning, while enhancing its wider engineering services offering in topsides, Tattva said.

“Inaction or simply slow progress will mean that UK offshore energy job numbers overall could drop by almost 20% to 125,000 by 2030, making the path towards net zero even harder to negotiate”

In company news, Ithaca Energy has signed an agreement to buy a further 46.25-percent stake in the Cygnus gas field from Spirit Energy for a purchase price of £116 million. The Transaction, which is subject to NSTA consent, will raise Ithaca Energy’s operated interest in Cygnus to 85 percent.

NEO Energy has signed a deal to acquire Gran Tierra North Sea Limited (GTNSL), a 100-percent owned subsidiary of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. GTNSL holds a 100-percent equity interest in UKCS licence P2358 which includes the Serenity discovery, a potential future tie-back to the Bleo Holm FPSO. This creates potential growth and development opportunities as part of the recently announced strategic merger of NEO Energy with Repsol Resources UK Limited. Completion of the merger remains subject to approvals from the relevant authorities and regulatory consents.

Halliburton has won a five-year contract with Repsol Resources UK to optimize and support the full well lifecycle on their platform assets in the UK North Sea. Halliburton will

Fennex has secured a multiyear contract with energy company EnQuest for the deployment of its flagship AI-powered BehaviourBased Safety System, BBSS. This partnership marks a major step in advancing data-driven safety practices across the UK operations of EnQuest, a leading UKbased operator focused on safely maximising production and extending the life of mature oil and gas assets.

Bilfinger UK has secured a contract with National Gas to maintain gas flow along National Transmission System pipelines by bolstering Operational Technology. The contract is expected to create up to 100 jobs, with Bilfinger UK undertaking the role of Principal Designer and Principal Contractor at key locations.

Odfjell Technology and Oilfield Service Professionals (OSP) have created a global strategic partnership to advance operational performance, efficiency, and innovation across international oilfield markets. The partnership aims to leverage combined engineering, technology, and project management capabilities to streamline execution and reduce downtime. A key objective is expanding joint services into key markets including the North Sea, Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Brazil, and the Americas.

Flylogix said it had been contracted by Shell, Equinor, and Ithaca Energy to deliver essential methane emission measurement across the North Sea using Flylogix’s fleet of uncrewed aircraft. Under the new deals, Flylogix will have its drones fly for 16 UK oil and gas platforms and onshore terminals. 

Professor Paul de Leeuw Director of the Energy Transition Institute at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen

Cygnus Alpha platform in the north sea.

©Bilfinger

USA Energy Review

By Tsvetana Paraskova

US crude oil production is set to decline from record highs while natural gas prices in America are expected to rise from 2024 lows amid constantly growing LNG exports.

In May, the number of active rigs decreased by much more than the EIA had expected in the May STEO, based on data from Baker Hughes. With fewer active drilling rigs, the administration now forecasts US operators will drill and complete fewer wells through 2026. On an annual basis, the EIA now forecasts crude oil production will average a bit more than 13.4 million bpd in 2025 and a bit less than 13.4 million bpd in 2026.

For the second half of the year, the EIA expects slowing global oil production growth—led by relatively flat US crude oil production.

Despite the recent OPEC+ announcement of its third consecutive planned monthly crude oil production increase for July 2025, the EIA still anticipates OPEC+ producers will pump below the current target path, aiming to limit increases in global oil inventories and support falling prices. Per EIA’s estimates, OPEC+ will increase its crude oil production by 300,000 bpd this year, compared with a decrease of 1.4 million bpd in 2024, before increasing by 500,000 bpd in 2026.

Strong export growth that persistently outpaces US natural gas production would result in higher natural gas prices this year and next, according to the EIA.

The energy administration expects natural gas prices to increase throughout the summer as production declines slightly and demand for air conditioning increases the use of natural gas in the electric power sector.

The Henry Hub spot price in the EIA forecast averages more than $4.30/MMBtu in the second half of 2025, up from the May average of $3.12/MMBtu.

Domestic consumption and exports combined will increase by nearly 4 Bcf/d this year, while domestic dry natural gas production would grow by less than 3 Bcf/d.

While national indicators point to a cooling labor market, the energy services sector continues to demonstrate underlying strength

The oil and gas associations in Texas and the US noted a still resilient jobs market in the oilfield services sector despite a general cooling of the labour market. Finally, the oil lobby keeps welcoming legislation by the Trump Administration aimed at boosting US resource development and production.

US Crude Oil Production Set to Decline Next Year

US crude oil production is expected to decline from an all-time high of 13.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in the second quarter of 2025 to about 13.3 million bpd by the fourth quarter of 2026 because of decreasing active drilling rigs and declining oil prices, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) in June.

“We expect countries outside of OPEC+ will drive global liquid fuels production growth this year, increasing production by 1.1 million b/d. However, OPEC+ drives growth next year in our forecast, as NonOPEC+ growth in our forecast slows to 0.2 million b/d, with growth from Brazil, Guyana, and Canada being partly offset by a slight drop in U.S. production,” the EIA noted in its monthly outlook on the US and global energy markets.

Although natural gas inventories have recently moved above the five-year average, the EIA expects that as demand persistently outpaces supply through much of this year, inventories will fall back below the five-year average by October, putting upward pressure on prices.

Energy Workforce President Molly Determan

The energy services sector remained resilient in May amid signs of a broader national labour market slowdown, the latest jobs report by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council showed in June.

Strong LNG Export Growth to Support US Natural Gas Prices

In the same outlook, the EIA forecasts the benchmark US Henry Hub spot price to average about $4.00 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in 2025 and $4.90/MMBtu in 2026, considerably higher compared with $2.20/MMBtu in 2024.

However, the number of jobs declined. Total jobs in the energy services sector reached 638,876 in May, a decrease of 1,391 positions from April, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Energy Workforce analysis.

“While national indicators point to a cooling labor market, the energy services sector continues to demonstrate underlying strength,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan.

“Even with monthly declines, our industry remains focused on stability, efficiency, and long-term growth, powered by a workforce essential to American energy leadership.”

API Welcomes US EnergySupportive Legislation

American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers commented on the US House of Representatives passing the 2025 tax reconciliation bill, saying,

“We applaud the House of Representatives for passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to help restore American energy dominance.”

“By preserving competitive tax policies, beginning to reverse the ‘methane fee,’ opening lease sales and advancing important progress on permitting, this historic legislation is a win for our nation’s energy future,” Sommers said.

“We look forward to working with the Senate to strengthen pro-investment provisions and keep America at the forefront of energy innovation.”

The US Department of the Interior proposed in early June rescinding a rule put in place last year that added new restrictions on oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

“Rescinding the 2024 rule will remove regulations that are inconsistent with the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976, restore the original intent of the Act for the management of the area, and eliminate roadblocks to responsible energy production,” DOI said.

The Reserve, which encompasses approximately 23 million acres on Alaska’s North Slope, was set aside by Congress for

oil and gas exploration and development as a matter of national energy security and policy in reaction to the oil crisis in the 1970s.

Under the so-called Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE), the Biden Administration included electric vehicles in calculating fuel economy regulations.

Now the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a final rule, “Resetting the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program.” The rule explains that the Biden Administration ignored statutory requirements in CAFE barring consideration of electric vehicles when setting fuel economy standards.

“Our industry is committed to the safe, responsible development of Alaska’s vast energy resources, and we look forward to working with Secretary Burgum to advance American energy dominance.”

API applauded the proposal to rescind restrictions. Dustin Meyer, Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs, said “Our industry is committed to the safe, responsible development of Alaska’s vast energy resources, and we look forward to working with Secretary Burgum to advance American energy dominance.”

The Trump Administration said in June that fuel economy standards issued under former President Biden exceeded legal authority.

“The previous administration illegally used CAFE standards as an electric vehicle mandate – raising new car prices and reducing safety,” US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a statement.

“Resetting CAFE standards as Congress intended will lower vehicle costs and ensure the American people can purchase the cars they want.”

API welcomed this rule, too, with president and CEO Sommers saying “The previous administration’s rules effectively banned new gaspowered cars and trucks—overstepping their authority and facing clear pushback from voters.”

Sommers continued, “Every American should have the freedom to choose the vehicle that works best for them, and we will continue working with the administration on this critical pillar of an energy dominance agenda.” 

Dustin Meyer, API Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs

Middle East Energy Review

By Tsvetana Paraskova

The OPEC+ group continues to unwind their oil production cuts, bringing more supply to the market during the peak summer demand season, while the biggest national oil companies in the Middle East signed a series of deals with US firms.

The healthy market fundamentals and expectations that summer oil demand growth will hold strong prompted these OPEC and non-OPEC producers to pledge additional hikes to supply.

However, they noted, as usual, that “The gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions. This flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability.”

Market analysts see the continued output hikes as OPEC+ showing reduced tolerance to overproducing members and a power play to regain market share lost to US producers, who have been boosting production at oil prices above $70 per barrel, while OPEC and its allies in the OPEC+ have had to withhold supply.

OPEC+ Boosts Oil Production

The OPEC+ producers that have been cutting production since 2022 proceeded with easing the cuts and decided in early June to add another 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) to their combined output in July.

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman are raising production by 411,000 bpd for the third consecutive time, citing “current healthy oil market fundamentals and steady global economic outlook.”

Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey, commodities strategists at ING, expect the OPEC+ producer group to continue with the large increases in the coming months.

“This would mean that the full 2.2m b/d of supply will be brought back by the end of the third quarter of this year, 12 months ahead of schedule,” they said after OPEC+ announced the hike for July.

“This is the key assumption behind our price forecast for ICE Brent to average US$59/bbl in the fourth quarter.”

OPEC+ producers also decided at the end of May to mandate the OPEC Secretariat to develop a mechanism to assess the maximum sustainable production capacity (MSC) of the participating countries which will be used as reference for 2027 production baselines for all OPEC+ producers.

Some big OPEC producers in the Middle East, including Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, plan to raise their oil production capacity in the coming years. These countries have argued that they deserve higher baseline production levels as they expand capacity. The UAE, for example, last year argued for – and won – higher baselines for 2025 and 2026.

As the baselines are used when OPEC and OPEC+ set production cuts, the beginning of estimates for 2027 baselines suggests that the producer group will continue to manage its own supply and could cut or raise production, depending on market conditions.

Aramco and ADNOC Sign Energy Partnerships with US Firms

Aramco, the Saudi state oil firm and the world’s biggest oil company by any measure, signed a total of 34 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, with a potential total value of about $90 billion, with major US companies.

The MoUs and agreements with US companies – including Sempra Infrastructure, NextDecade, ExxonMobil, Amazon/ AWS, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm – cover collaborations and partnerships relating to a range of Aramco’s activities, such as LNG, fuels, chemicals, emission-reduction technologies, AI and other digital solutions, manufacturing, asset management, shortterm cash investments, and procurement of materials, equipment, and services.

In technical services, Aramco signed MoUs to reflect the existing relationships with strategic US suppliers—SLB, Baker Hughes, McDermott, Halliburton, Nabors, Helmerich & Payne, Valaris, NESR, Weatherford, Air Products, KBR, Flowserve, NOV, Emerson, GE Vernova, and Honeywell.

“As Aramco pursues an ambitious valuedriven growth strategy, we believe that aligning with world-class partners supports further development of our operations, strategic diversification of our portfolio, industrial innovation, and ongoing capability development within the Kingdom,” Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser said.

Separately, Aramco announced it had achieved a world-first by successfully commissioning a megawatt (MW)-scale renewable energy storage system to power gas production activities. It is the first deployment globally of an Iron-Vanadium (Fe/V) flow battery as a backup solar power source for gas well operations.

The battery is specifically engineered to withstand the hot climate of Saudi Arabia and achieve optimal performance under extreme weather conditions.

“Aramco already powers a large number of remote gas wells with solar panels connected to lead-acid battery systems, but our groundbreaking flow battery technology offers a flexible solution for diverse renewable energy storage requirements, making it an attractive option for a variety of industrial applications,” said Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight & Coordination.

MIDDLE EAST ENERGY REVIEW

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi national oil company ADNOC announced multiple agreements with US energy majors during the UAE-US business dialogue with US President Donald Trump. The agreements will potentially enable $60 billion of US investments in UAE energy projects across the lifespan of the projects.

The agreements include a field development plan with ExxonMobil and INPEX/JODCO to expand the capacity of Abu Dhabi’s Upper Zakum offshore field through a phased development.

ADNOC also signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Occidental to explore increasing the production capacity of Shah Gas field’s capacity to 1.85 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd) of natural gas, from 1.45 bscfd, and accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies in the field.

Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Dubai Industrial Park, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), and Umm Al Quwain. These will create more than 3,500 highly skilled private sector jobs and manufacture a wide range of industrial products including pressure vessels, pipe coatings, and fasteners.

State firm QatarEnergy, which is working on the world’s biggest LNG project expansion project in Qatar, believes that natural gas will be the backbone of growth of all economies and gas “is here to stay for the next century,” Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said World Gas Conference (WGC) in Beijing in May.

We will more than double LNG production from the current 77 million tons to 160 million including production from our Golden Pass project in Texas, which will come online later this year

“The agreements reinforce the shared commitment of the UAE and US to maintaining global energy security and the stability of energy markets. The enterprise value of UAE energy investments into the US is set to reach $440 billion by 2035, as part of the UAE’s $1.4 trillion investment plan into the country,” ADNOC said in a statement.

Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, commented,

“We see significant opportunities for further UAEUS partnerships across the energy-AI nexus and we look forward to working with our American partners to unlock long-term sustainable value and drive socioeconomic progress.”

ADNOC has also said that its partners across its supply chain have committed to invest AED3 billion ($817 million) in manufacturing facilities across the UAE.

The facilities are located across Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Khalifa Economic

Referring to Qatar’s North Field expansion to add substantial LNG export capacity, Al-Kaabi said that QatarEnergy will start up the first LNG train from the North Field East development –which has a 32 million ton per annum LNG production capacity – by the middle of 2026.

The North Field West project is in the engineering phase and will be going into the construction phase in 2027.

“We will more than double LNG production from the current 77 million tons to 160 million including production from our Golden Pass project in Texas, which will come online later this year,” Al-Kaabi noted.

“QatarEnergy will be the largest single LNG exporter as a company. While Qatar, as a country, will be the second largest exporter of LNG after the United States for a very long time,” Al-Kaabi said.

“We will play a very big role in helping economies around the world to flourish and to grow, with the cleanest fossil fuel available.” 

RCP-EDR

ELECTRONIC DRILLING RECORDER

The RCP EDR is designed to give operators a clear, unambiguous overview of critical drilling and mud data processes The system has been developed by RCP to greatly improve how information is presented using the latest industrial technologies and user-friendly interfaces.

The RCP EDR offers a quick and cost-effective solution for clients considering a new installation or a partial upgrade to their existing drilling instrumentation systems Our highly experienced engineers and software developers allows us to tailor each new system to meet your exact needs meaning that you do not pay for functionality you will never use

The RCP EDR utilizes a variety of sensing technologies to monitor the drilling processes, (typically: Level, Pressure, Height, Temperature and Flow). Sensor output signals are received by the distributed I/O racks and are then processed by the EDR.

Processed information is then transmitted through network communication modules to each of the user interfaces including remotely networked PC’s and local HMI’s System and operator interface communications may utilize either: Fibre-Optic, Profinet, Profibus or Industrial Ethernet connection

BRENT OIL PRICES

1 YEAR AGO

1 Year Ago (July 2024):

In July 2024, Brent crude oil averaged around $83 per barrel. Prices were influenced by OPEC+ production cuts, steady global demand, and geopolitical uncertainties. Market volatility remained moderate. Economic recovery in key regions supported stable oil consumption, while inflation concerns and interest rate trends continued to shape investor sentiment globally.

5 YEARS AGO

5 Years Ago (July 2020):

In July 2020, Brent crude traded around $43.24 per barrel, recovering from the dramatic crash earlier that year due to COVID-19 lockdowns. OPEC+ output cuts and gradually returning demand helped prices stabilize. However, uncertainty lingered due to virus resurgence, travel restrictions, and slow economic recovery, keeping oil markets cautiously optimistic yet fragile.

10 YEARS AGO

10 Years Ago (July 2015):

In July 2015, Brent crude hovered around $47.70 per barrel, sharply down from 2014 highs. Oversupply from U.S. shale production and a decision by OPEC to maintain output pressured prices. Slowing demand in China and a strong U.S. dollar further impacted oil markets, fueling a bearish sentiment and prolonged price weakness.

At the heart of OGV Media Group is the OGV Community, a corporate membership service that connects energy sector organisations with our growing network of professionals, leveraging member engagement and platform trafﬁc to maximize brand exposure.

to the OGV Community offers its members the following growing list of beneﬁts:

WEST FEIRAN OIL DISCOVERY

Petrobel has announced the discovery of oil through the drilling of the West Ferian-2 well. The oil was discovered within the Asal sands, and on test flowed at 2,660 barrels of oil per day (bbl/d). Additional studies are currently being undertaken to assess the reserves.

WASSANA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Valeura has taken the FID for the project with first oil expected in Q2 2027 and peak production anticipated at 10,000 b/d. The redevelopment of the Wassana field will be based on a new-build Central Processing Platform (CPP) with 24 production well slots. The new CPP is planned to replace the existing MOPU infrastructure.

APHRODITE SUBSEA TIE-BACK

Subsea7 has been awarded a contract for the transportation and installation of subsea equipment. Project management and engineering activities will begin immediately at Subsea7’s office in Houston, Texas, with offshore operations planned for 2027. Shell announced the FID for the project in June and production is expected to peak at around 18,400 boe/d.

SEA LION OIL FIELD (PHASE 1)

Several letters of intent and memoranda of understanding have been signed, covering the supply of the FPSO and key subsea equipment. Additionally, talks are ongoing to secure a suitable drilling rig. A final investment decision is expected to be taken in the second half of 2025.

UMM SHAIF – LONG TERM PRODUCTION PHASE 2 (LDTP-2)

First steel cutting for the project has been undertaken at McDermotts yard in Jebel Ali. McDermott, as the EPC contractor, are responsible for the construction of a water injection platform, five wellhead topsides, well fluid & water injection pipelines and 30 km of subsea cables.

SHAH DENIZ COMPRESSION PROJECT

The Shah Deniz Compression (SDC) project has achieved FID. The $2.9 billion SDC project will include construction of a new, electrically powered, unmanned compression platform (eNUI) in 85 metres of water depth, located about 3 kilometres from the existing Shah Deniz Bravo (SDB) platform. The new facility will house four 11-MW compressors and will compress gas received from both Shah Deniz Alpha (SDA) and SDB platforms.

BUKIT PANJANGJENGGOLO FIELD DEVELOPMENT

Velesto has announced the award of a contract to provide drilling rig services for Petronas’ PSC in Indonesia. Under the contract, Velesto will deploy the NAGA 8 jack-up rig covering a firm period of four years which includes 12 firm wells and 3 optional wells.

EKOFISK PREVIOUS PRODUCED FIELDS (PPF) DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Subsea7 has been awarded a FEED contract under a framework agreement with ConocoPhillips. The FEED study will ensure technical definition of the proposed subsea development. The company stated that work will commence immediately in its Norway office. In case of positive FID and government authority approval, ConocoPhillips can award a SURF contract to Subsea7.

ATAPU OIL FIELD (PHASE 2 – P84 FPSO)

ABB has been awarded a contract by Seatrium to design and build the topside and hullside electrical equipment, the electrical substation automation systems, and the E-Houses for the P-84 and P-85 FPSOs, with work to be carried out both abroad and in Brazil. The services will utilise ABB Ability™ System 800xA® and IEC 61850 substation automation technologies.

GOKTEPE GAS DISCOVERY

The Goktepe-3, which was drilled by the Abdulhamid Han drillship, has discovered gas. The discovery which holds potentially 2.6 Tcf of gas, will be developed via subsea wells tied back to FPU2 which is part of Sakarya Phase 3.

BESTLA OIL & GAS FIELD

The project’s subsea template installation and deck modules are expected before the end of June, with drilling activities slated to follow in Q3 2025. Tie-in and commissioning are scheduled for 2026.

ARAAM GAS CONDENSATE DISCOVERY

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy announced that Saudi Aramco has made a gas and condensate discovery at the Araam-1 well located in the Eastern Province. The well produced 24 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) of gas and 3,000 barrels per day (bpd) of condensate on test.

New Energy

Gains Momentum in Australia

Clean energy and energy storage investment is gaining momentum in Australia as the federal and state governments back increased renewable power and battery storage capacity.

The Labor government, which won the May general election, continues to promote policies aimed at easing development of wind, solar, and battery storage to boost Australia’s renewable energy generation.

The majority of Australiaan voters voted Labor in the federal election and the ruling party expanded its majority in a win seen as a result of anti-Trump sentiment in many parts of the world.

“In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have chosen optimism and determination. Australians have chosen to face global challenges, the Australian way – looking after each other, while building for the future,” Labor leader and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on election night on 3 May.

Clean Energy Welcomes Labor Win

Australia’s top renewable energy industry, the Clean Energy Council, said that the Australian Labor Party’s decisive and historic victory at the 2025 election was “a vote of confidence by the Australian people in the nation’s clean energy future.”

The re-election of the Albanese Government provides continuity for strong and effective policy that is critical to underpin new investment in clean energy that will in turn deliver lower power prices for all Australians, Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, said.

“It’s now time to leave the politics behind and get on with the job of rolling out renewable energy to deliver affordable and reliable power for all Australians,” noted Thornton.

“This also includes ensuring the effective design and implementation of the Government’s promised Cheaper Home Batteries rebate program, much-needed reform to environment and planning laws and reform to the energy market to ensure clearer incentives for new investment, including for long duration energy storage.”

The Climate Council, for its part, commented that “A steep swing towards Labor, delivering what is expected to be their largest majority since World War II, represents a resounding endorsement of Australia’s current plan for renewable power.”

Australia’s national electricity grid is already 40 percent powered by renewables and storage. At the 2025 election, Australians endorsed the progress that’s already been made by the first term Labor (ALP) government, and backed a renewablepowered future.

By the next election, Australia’s main grid is expected to be more than two-thirds powered with renewables and storage –making this switch unstoppable, the Climate Council said.

Clean Energy Investment Jumps

Australia’s clean energy investment soared in 2024, led by a significant uptick in new financial commitments to large-scale generation and another strong year for big battery projects, the Clean Energy Council said in a report in May.

New financial commitments to renewable energy projects jumped to over AUS$9 billion worth of projects reaching financial close, representing 4.3 GW of new generation capacity. This is the largest figure since 2018, when approximately AUS$10.1 billion was invested in new generation projects.

If storage is included, the total figure for 2024 stood at about AUS$12.7 billion – the highest single year investment figure for clean energy in Australia since records began.

A total of 13 large-scale solar projects reached financial commitment in 2024, for a combined capacity of 1.9 GW – significantly up from seven new commitments in 2023, for 921 MW.

The wind sector bounced back strongly, with eight new financial commitments, compared to zero in 2023. The new wind power projects will amount to 2.2 GW of new generation capacity.

In late 2024, the first tender round for generation through the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) – the Australian Government’s revenue underwriting scheme for large-scale generation and storage – was announced. The 19 projects selected have a combined generation capacity of 6.4 GW / 3.6 GWh, the Clean Energy Council said.

The surge in investment commitments reflects improving economic conditions after several years of high inflation increased the costs of financing, technologies, materials, and labour.

It also reflects the improving policy landscape for clean energy in Australia, with transmission build underway and a clear commitment – through the expansion of the CIS – to support 23 GW of large-scale generation and 9 GW of storage into the market by 2030, the Council noted.

“It is critical that industry, governments, communities and other stakeholders work together to maintain the momentum that has been built in recent years and double down on Australia’s extraordinary clean energy potential,” Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton said.

Going into 2025, Australia saw in the first quarter the second best quarter on record for investment in large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as six projects worth AUS$2.4 billion in total reached the financial commitment stage. These projects will deliver an extra 1.5 GW in storage capacity and 5 GWh in energy output, the Clean Energy Council said in its quarterly investment report.

The largest BESS project reaching financial commitment for the quarter was in Wooreen, Victoria, with a storage capacity/ energy output of 350 MW/ 1.4 GWh, and duration of four hours, while South Australia had the largest share of financially committed storage projects in capacity (640 MW / 1.8 GWh).

Offshore wind in Australia will create thousands of jobs, including in areas where coal is dying out, the Clean Energy Council said in a new Winds of Opportunity report, which includes analysis by Deloitte and was commissioned by the Council.

A scaled up offshore wind to 20 GW could inject AUS$15.2 billion into the Australian economy and attract AUS$100 billion of capital investment while creating ripple effects throughout local economies.

The Star of the South project in Gippsland Victoria has already spent AUS$4.8 million in that community, and that’s all before a licence to construct has been granted, the report noted.

Because 87 percent of Australians live within 50 km of the shore combined with the fact offshore wind areas are located close to retiring coal-fired power stations, offshore wind will help to electrify the grid with the least amount of new transmission infrastructure.

Given the gigawatt scale of each new project, offshore wind will be a critical technology to support the energy transition as 90 percent of thermal coal plants retire in Australia over the next decade, the report found.

In early June, the federal Australian government took the next steps in establishing the country’s offshore wind industry.

In Western Australia’s Bunbury zone, Chris Bowen, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, has made decisions which will likely see two new offshore wind projects delivering clean energy in Western Australia.

The minister made a preliminary decision to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd in the northern part of the declared area in the Bunbury zone.

Bowen has also shortlisted two projects—one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them. Out of the three projects, it is likely that the two applicants will progress one project each to the next stage of the development process where the Minister will consider offering a feasibility licence.

“In Bunbury, offshore wind has huge potential for jobs, new industry, and clean, reliable renewable energy in the regions which have powered Australia for generations,” Bowen said in a statement.

“Western Australia needs some 50 GW of additional generation by 2042, and we’re getting to work making sure that we deliver the new clean energy, and the good jobs, the West needs.” 

Lightsource bp signs first PPA in Taiwan with Star Trade for pilot fishery solar project

Lightsource bp, a leading developer and manager of global onshore renewable energy projects, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Star Trade for its Budai solar project in Taiwan. The agreement secures 100 percent of the project’s contracted electrical utput – equivalent to 115MWp.

Star Trade, a leading provider of renewable energy retailing and energy storage integration services of HD Renewable Energy Group and Taiwan’s third-largest electricity retailer, supplies renewable energy to major industrial and commercial customers including those in the semiconductor, financial and manufacturing sectors. This PPA demonstrates how tailored agreements can accelerate investment in renewable energy across Taiwan and the broader Asia-Pacific region, supporting the energy transition for businesses and communities.

This agreement reflects Lightsource bp’s ongoing commitment to meeting the rising global demand for reliable, affordable renewable energy solutions. In 2024, the company signed 10 new power purchase agreements – totalling 1.3GW of contracted generation – across Europe, the Americas and APAC, partnering with leading international organisations such as H&M Group, Microsoft, LyondellBasell and Google.

Lightsource bp’s expanding presence in APAC builds on its established track record in Australia and growth into New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea and now Japan. As the company’s footprint continues to grow, Lightsource bp is focused on meeting rising customer demand across the region by leveraging its expertise, experience, and strong relationships to deliver tailored PPA solutions to an even broader market.

Melanie Sutton, Director of Power Markets APAC at Lightsource bp, said: “This agreement with Star Trade strengthens our position in Asia Pacific’s evolving energy markets. Project Budai is not only about advancing utility-scale solar – it demonstrates how Lightsource bp is leveraging market intelligence and commercial innovation to adapt, optimise and grow. By integrating revenue strategy and offtake solutions from the outset, we’re setting the foundations for long-term resilience and driving value across the region.”

Tasmania’s Renewable Energy Renaissance: A Strategic Hub

for Asia-Pacific Decarbonization

Tasmania, Australia’s island state, is positioning itself as a pivotal clean energy hub in the Asia-Pacific, leveraging its abundant renewable resources and government-backed infrastructure upgrades. With 90% of its electricity already sourced from renewable energy—primarily hydropower and wind—Tasmania is now accelerating its transition to become a net exporter of green energy through projects like the Marinus Link interconnector. This article explores the investment opportunities emerging in Tasmania’s energy sector, from

utilities to infrastructure, while assessing risks amid global decarbonization trends.

Resource Wealth: Hydropower and Wind Power at Scale

Tasmania’s renewable energy foundation lies in its hydropower legacy, managed by Hydro Tasmania, which operates 10 power stations and five dams. A AUD 1.6 billion modernization program through 2034 will extend the lifespan of aging facilities like the Gordon (432–450 MW) and Poatina (363 MW)

Bin Fu, Head of Taiwan at Lightsource bp, said: “Our work on Budai demonstrates Lightsource bp’s expertise not just in project delivery, but in creating value for corporate customers by enabling them to directly contract renewable energy. By supporting Taiwan’s ambitions for a more sustainable energy mix, we’re helping businesses achieve their carbon reduction goals while building strong partnerships locally.”

Jason Chou, Chairman of Star Trade and General Manager of HD Renewable Energy, said: “HD Renewable Energy Group have long focused on advancing renewable energy solutions. We are excited to collaborate with Lightsource bp, a partner with strong global vision, and look forward to driving a greener, more globally connected future with Taiwan’s industries. With Star Trade’s recent transformation, we are bringing in top talent and new technologies to deliver more flexible and high-value solutions across power trading and energy aggregation.”

Earlier this month, Lightsource bp secured approximately TWD 6 billion in financing for the Budai project, located across Budai and Yizhu Township in Chiayi County. The financing was provided by a consortium of local and international banks. Construction is underway and the project is expected to reach completion in 2026.

The company is proud to be partnering with Star Trade on its debut project in Taiwan and looks forward to exploring future opportunities together, as Lightsource bp’s project pipeline continues to grow and diversify across the region. 

power stations, enhancing their efficiency and grid responsiveness. Meanwhile, the state’s coastal wind farms, such as the 180 MW Musselroe project, are being supplemented by the North West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a proposed 1.5 GW wind and solar hub.

The Marinus Link project—a 1.5 GW subsea HVDC cable connecting Tasmania to Victoria— will transform this resource advantage into export capability. Once operational in 2026 (Stage 1), it will transmit clean energy to mainland grids while enabling Tasmania to store surplus solar power from Victoria during off-peak hours. This bidirectional flow could reduce Victoria’s reliance on coal (currently 4.8 GW of capacity) and position Tasmania as a “Battery of the Nation.” 

European developers inch closer to building WA’s first offshore wind farm

EDF and Ocean Winds shortlisted for major renewable energy project off Bunbury coast

Two major European multinationals are nearing the award of feasibility licences to build Western Australia’s first offshore wind farm. EDF Power Solutions Australia, a subsidiary of France’s state-owned EDF Group, has received preliminary approval from federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen for its proposed Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm North project.

Minister Bowen announced the project earlier this month, stating it would generate 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, create around 900 construction jobs, and provide 450 ongoing roles. The energy output would account for roughly one-tenth of the Bunbury zone’s projected capacity and about three per cent of the additional electricity generation expected to be needed by 2042.

EDF has also submitted a second proposal, the Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm South, which has been shortlisted alongside a competing bid called Westward Wind. Industry sources believe Westward Wind is backed by Ocean Winds—a joint venture between Spain’s EDP Renewables and France’s ENGIE. Ocean Winds has declined to confirm or deny its involvement.

Before progressing, both shortlisted developers will need to resolve overlapping claims within the proposed zone. Meanwhile, a third applicant, Perth-based Wind with Purpose—partnering with UK-based Barrington Energy—was unsuccessful in its bid.

The race to develop offshore wind in WA has proven to be a lengthy and complex process. Since Bunbury was designated as one of six potential offshore wind zones in 2022, at least nine developers initially expressed interest. However, significant regulatory and financial hurdles have since narrowed the field to just three.

One early proponent, Copenhagen Energy, withdrew from the process and warned it would favour large multinationals with less commitment to local engagement. That concern appears partly justified, as neither EDF nor Ocean Winds currently has an office in Western Australia. However, both companies have demonstrated ongoing interest in the broader Australian market.

Ocean Winds was recently granted a feasibility licence for a project in Gippsland, Victoria. EDF, on the other hand, had applied for the Newcastle offshore wind zone but was unsuccessful. Despite these mixed outcomes, EDF welcomed the Minister’s preliminary decision, stating it was committed to a “responsible and consultative development process.”

“This marks an important step in progressing a project that has the potential to support WA’s energy transition and deliver long-term benefits for local communities, industry, and the regional economy,” an EDF spokesperson said. The company added it looks forward to engaging with local stakeholders as it conducts environmental, technical, and community studies.

Both EDF and Ocean Winds face mounting political resistance to renewables in Europe. In France, the conservative opposition recently introduced a moratorium on new wind and solar projects, while in Spain, recent blackouts have led to increased scrutiny of renewable energy.

Back in WA, the Bunbury wind project also faces opposition from local community members and political figures, and the state government has yet to fully back the initiative. Nevertheless, the federal Labor Party’s recent electoral win has given developers renewed confidence in the future of Australia’s offshore wind sector. 

Victoria powers ahead with Australia’s largest hydrogen refuelling station

The Victorian and Australian Governments are opening Australia’s largest hydrogen refuelling project and the first public service station to offer renewable hydrogen to commercial trucks and transport.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio has officially opened the $61.2 million Viva Energy New Energies Service Station in Corio, Geelong. Funded by a $34 million investment from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and $1 million from the Victorian Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund, the station sits on a key transport corridor at the corner of Princes Highway and Station Street.

This pioneering facility features a 2.5 megawatt onsite electrolyser that uses recycled water from Barwon Water and renewable electricity to produce renewable hydrogen. It marks Australia’s first hydrogen project to integrate both hydrogen production and vehicle refuelling at a single site. Initially, the station will support five hydrogenpowered buses and trucks daily, with plans to increase to 12–15 vehicles within two years. It can refuel 10 vehicles consecutively in under two hours, with each average fill taking around 15 minutes and providing a range of 200–450 kilometres depending on vehicle type and load.

The station also includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure. As part of the broader project, Viva Energy will deploy 15 hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles across Victoria within two years, supporting hard-todecarbonise sectors.

This project forms part of Victoria’s broader push to develop a renewable hydrogen economy, backed by $6.6 million in funding for pilot and demonstration projects. Central to this effort are Victoria’s four hydrogen clusters—some of Australia’s largest—which unite industry, academia, government, and communities to foster innovation, research, and supply chain development for a clean energy future. 

Potentia Energy’s Battery Storage Project Advances in Development

Potentia Energy has recently received development consent for its Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project.

It has also recently issued Notice to Proceed (NTP), under its connection agreement with electricity network provider, Transgrid.

The Ridgey Creek BESS project, about 10km west of Parkes New South Wales, includes a 130 MW/260 MWh energy storage system using grid forming technology and associated civil and electrical infrastructure.

Project development will now advance and, subject to final investment decision, construction is anticipated to start late this year and targeted to be fully operational by early 2027. The project has an investment value of more than $180 million.

Potentia Energy CEO Werther Esposito said this battery would provide the storage the system needs to unlock the full benefits of affordable sustainable energy.

“This project will play an important role in strengthening reliability of the grid and importantly, enabling more sustainable power for homes and businesses,” Mr Esposito said.

“Recently issuing our Notice to Proceed to Transgrid marks a significant step forward for the project.

“We’ve enjoyed a strong and collaborative relationship with both Transgrid and Lumea throughout development and we’re pleased to be moving into the next phase

“I’d like to thank the entire Transgrid and Lumea teams for their ongoing support and partnership in helping bring this project to life.”

“We’re proud to be delivering projects that provide the grid strength and reliability needed to deliver Australia’s clean energy transition,” Mr Esposito said.

Executive General of Lumea Craig Stallan welcomed the development notice saying Lumea, part of the Transgrid Group, was excited to connect the critical project.

“Ridgey Creek Project is a crucial Battery Energy Storage System for Australia’s clean energy future.”

“Lumea is honoured to partner with our customers to help deliver projects like the Ridgey Creek BESS, which will increase grid reliability and accelerate Australia’s transition to cleaner, more affordable energy for households and businesses,” Mr Stallan said.

A grid forming BESS is a type of energy storage technology designed to provide superior voltage and frequency support to a power grid, especially during disturbances or outages.

“Ridgey Creek will support the system during faults and establishes a stable reference point for other technologies, paving the way for Australia’s energy future beyond retiring coal fired generation,” Mr Esposito said.

“This project provides the storage that Australia needs and is a perfect complement to our growing portfolio of assets across the country.” 

Beam-Down Breakthrough: Sunlight Powers the Future of Green Hydrogen

CSIRO unveils Australia’s first beam-down solar reactor to produce green hydrogen

CSIRO has demonstrated a new solarpowered “beam-down” reactor that could revolutionise green hydrogen production. With around 75% of Australia’s energy still sourced from fossil fuels— particularly in heavy industry and transport— green hydrogen offers a low-emissions solution for sectors that are hard to electrify.

CSIRO researcher Michael Rae says green hydrogen could be key to Australia’s net zero transition. “Most hydrogen is currently made from methane, which emits carbon—what we call grey hydrogen,” Rae said. “To go green, we need scalable, reliable, and fossil-free solutions.”

While electrolysis is the common method for producing green hydrogen, it remains costly and energy-intensive. CSIRO’s new system, funded by ARENA and developed at the Newcastle Energy Centre, uses concentrated sunlight and metal oxide particles instead.

The “beam-down” reactor redirects sunlight from a field of mirrors (heliostats) to the top of a tower, then down onto a ground-level reactor. Inside, doped ceria—a metal oxide developed by Niigata University—undergoes a two-step reaction: it releases oxygen when heated and, when exposed to steam, produces hydrogen gas.

Professor Tatsuya Kodama from Niigata University said the material produced over three times more hydrogen than standard systems.

CSIRO’s Dr Noel Duffy said the beam-down setup enables high-temperature testing for a range of industrial processes. Dr Jin-Soo Kim, who led the project, said the system achieved promising results with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of over 20%.

The breakthrough positions Australia to lead in green hydrogen, helping decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as steelmaking and shipping, while turning sunlight into a powerful tool for cutting emissions. 

The field of heliostats at CSIRO’s Newcastle Energy Centre tracks the sun and reflects light onto a central tower –powering Australia’s first beam-down solar reactor.

Powering Australia’s Energy Future: Why Joining the OGV Community Is a Smart Move for Your Business

In the rapidly evolving Australian energy landscape, visibility, industry connections, and access to timely insights are critical for success. Enter the OGV Community, the corporate membership program from OGV Media Group, now proudly established in Perth, Western Australia.

OGV is more than a media outlet, it’s a strategic platform designed to connect energy companies with a global network of professionals, partners, and decision-makers. As we expand across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, our mission is simple: to help businesses grow through connection, exposure, and innovation.

Corporate Membership Tailored for Australia’s Energy Sector

The OGV Community provides a suite of powerful tools to amplify your company’s profile across multiple channels. Whether you’re an established player in offshore gas or a rising star in renewables, our membership unlocks access to:

 Share all your company news via the OGV website, newsletters, and social media

 Build a company profile page on the OGV Directory

 Appear in our LinkedIn Live broadcasts

 Reach over 400,000 energy professionals globally each month

 Access the OGV Jobs Board and CV database to attract top talent

 Enjoy discounted pavilion space at major Australian and global energy events

 Get new member exposure in OGV Energy Magazine – Australia edition

 Explore custom publishing and advertising packages across our platforms

OGV Energy Magazine: Now Publishing from Perth

With our new regional headquarters in Perth, we’re thrilled to launch OGV Energy Magazine Australia, offering in-depth coverage of the local and global energy scene. Published bi-monthly, the magazine includes regional editions across the UK & Europe, Middle East, US, and Renewables, with Australia now added to the map.

From major project updates and regulatory insights to financial trends and sector analysis, OGV Energy Magazine delivers what professionals in the Australian energy market need to know. Our editorial calendar allows member companies to strategically align their content throughout the year.

Distributed widely across Western Australia, with a growing online readership in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and beyond, the magazine is also featured at major Australian and APAC energy events, giving your business visibility in the places that matter most.

Events that Spark Opportunity Across Australia and the Region

Connection is at the core of what we do and our events are built to foster it. OGV hosts a wide variety of industry-specific and social gatherings throughout the year, both globally and now right here in Australia.

From business breakfasts and drinks receptions to panel discussions, meet the buyer and golf days, our events provide a professional yet welcoming space to connect with peers, explore partnerships, and discover new opportunities. Whether you’re based in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, or participating in APAC events, OGV ensures your business stays front and center.

In addition to national events, members can take advantage of our unique venues in Aberdeen, Scotland, including the OGV Taproom, The Vault, and Newburgh golf course, for when business takes you global.

Join OGV from Perth –Connect Globally, Grow Locally

As we bring our global energy media powerhouse to Australia, we invite you to be part of a growing, future-focused community. From project promotion and recruitment to global exposure and real-time industry connection, OGV Community membership is designed to help Australian companies thrive in the energy transition. 

L-R: Emma Davidson, Sales Manager OGV Group Australia; Cali Gallow, Graphic Designer OGV UK; Ellie Wakeford, Events Coordinator OGV UK.

L-R: Dan Hyland, Operations and Sales OGV UK; Emma Davidson, Sales Manager OGV Group Australia; Cali Gallow, Graphic Designer OGV UK; Ellie Wakeford, Events Coordinator OGV UK.

Five energy sector lessons from Ukraine

Figures shared by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine state that, during three years of war, there have been 63,630 instances of damage to Ukraine’s oil, gas, and energy infrastructure, including over 34,000 substations, distribution and transmission lines, 4,800 generation facilities, 23,000 gas facilities, and 1,400 heating facilities.

By the end of 2024, the total estimated losses to the energy sector were approximately USD 93 billion. Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian energy system continues to operate and has introduced new measures to enhance its resilience.

Here are several lessons that can be learned to improve European energy resilience against various threats:

Synchronisation of networks

As a legacy of the former Soviet Union, the Ukrainian power system was synchronised with Russia's grid network. Before the war, Ukraine had begun the integration process with ENTSO-E and was scheduled to synchronise in 2025.

In February 2022, Ukraine planned a test to disconnect from the Russian grid and operate in island mode for several days. The first day of this test coincided with the start of the war on February 24, 2022, however the Ukrainian TSO and ENTSO-E worked tirelessly to secure urgent synchronisation within three weeks. Currently, the Ukrainian grid is synchronised with the EU grid, and efforts are underway to extend cross-border capacity from 1.7 GW to 2.5 GW for emergency situations. Importing electricity from the EU has helped Ukrainian businesses avoid power cuts during major attacks on the energy infrastructure.

Lesson: Synchronisation and the interconnection of networks between neighbouring countries plays a crucial role in grid resilience and stability.

Cyber attack protection

There were numerous cyber attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure that predate the war. During the war, that number increased significantly, with DTEK, the largest private energy company, reporting over 300 million cyber attacks during the war. The Ukrainian TSO and its foreign partners are working closely to introduce new measures against such attacks. Efforts have been made to foster a culture of cybersecurity within the energy sector, including regular training and awareness programmes for employees to ensure they can recognise and respond to cyber threats.

Lesson: Strengthening cybersecurity is essential for resilience. Multi-layered security, regular updates, and promoting 'cyber hygiene' are critical components.

Diversification of oil and gas supply

Ukraine was previously heavily dependent on oil and gas supplies from Russia, but currently, is more flexible in purchasing oil and gas, sourcing these commodities from EU partners. There are increasing contracts for LNG supply from the US and other markets, delivered via EU ports. Several projects are underway to enlarge cross-border capacity for gas supplies.

Lesson: Each country should diversify its energy resources and not rely on a single source of supply.

Vulnerability of centralised generation

Ukrainian power generation and heat supply are predominantly centralized, with large coal-powered plants, nuclear stations, and hydro power stations supplying electricity to multiple cities or regions. Most cities also have centralised heating. Russia targeted power plants, causing blackouts across entire regions, and in response, the Ukrainian government adopted a strategy to build decentralised generation, with numerous small power plants that are more difficult and more costly to destroy.

Additionally, there is a strategy to introduce smart grids. DTEK, which lost all its coalpowered plants, is investing in wind projects in Ukraine, which are less vulnerable to missile attacks.

Lesson: Decentralised generation can create a more stable and resilient power system than one reliant on centralised production.

Energy as a service and merchant PPAs

During the war, Ukraine lost two-thirds of its generation capacities. To support businesses, the government introduced significant incentives for importing gas and renewable energy generating equipment. This led many businesses to build generation capacities on their sites. Most operate independently and are not visible to the grid, but more companies are becoming active consumers, consuming part of the electricity and selling the rest on the market. There is growing interest in the 'energy as a service' model, attracting investments in new projects.

High demand for electricity has driven market prices up, making Ukraine's electricity DAM prices the second highest in Europe. Many renewable energy producers are selling electricity based on market prices, having suspended their FiT licences. IFIs are beginning to finance projects based on market prices and are considering introducing a Minimum Price Guarantee Platform to increase the bankability of projects based on merchant sales of electricity.

Lesson: While system resilience is crucial for many businesses, energy resilience for businesses is equally important. Energy as a service and merchant PPAs models have significant potential to enhance the resilience of individual businesses from disruption to their energy supplies. 

Want to know more?

Brodies LLP is a UK top 50 law firm with offices across Scotland, the UK and internationally. For more useful insight and details of our energy expertise visit brodies. com

Yaroslav Petrov, Brodies LLP

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Innovating Asset Integrity: Building a Resilient and Sustainable Future for the Energy Sector

In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, asset integrity is more critical than ever. As the world transitions to new energy sources—whether renewable or low-carbon—the pressure to maintain safe, reliable, and sustainable operations has intensified.

Asset integrity ensures that infrastructure, from offshore platforms to renewable energy facilities, remains operational and safe throughout its lifecycle. To meet these challenges, the energy industry is embracing innovation to safeguard assets while reducing costs and minimising environmental impact.

The Evolution of Asset Integrity

Traditionally, asset integrity in the energy sector relied on reactive approaches, where problems were addressed only after they occurred. Inspections, repairs, and replacements were done post-failure, leading to significant downtime and unplanned costs. However, with the energy transition, this model is evolving.

Today, asset integrity management is shifting to a more proactive and predictive model. Operators focus on identifying potential risks and degradation before full-scale failures occur. This shift is driven by regulatory pressures, safety concerns, and a need for more efficient long-term asset management.

Moreover, asset integrity isn’t just for oil and gas companies; renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen now face similar challenges. With these technologies still maturing, robust asset integrity practices are essential for long-term reliability, especially as the energy sector integrates decentralised and variable power sources.

The Role of Innovation in Asset Integrity

Innovation has become the backbone of improving asset integrity in the energy sector. New technologies and methods are emerging to address the challenges of maintaining complex infrastructure while ensuring sustainability. These innovations are paving the way for more resilient energy systems.

One such innovation is advanced materials technology. The development of new materials and coatings that resist corrosion, wear, and fatigue is crucial to extending the life of assets. For example, anti-corrosion coatings are widely used in offshore and onshore installations. These coatings protect assets from environmental exposure, ensuring they perform optimally for longer periods and reducing maintenance costs.

Additionally, predictive maintenance has emerged as a key innovation. By integrating real-time monitoring and performance tracking, operators can predict when specific components will need attention, allowing them to intervene before issues arise. This approach not only prevents unplanned downtime but also reduces operational costs.

Another significant innovation is conditionbased monitoring. This technique regularly assesses the condition of critical infrastructure, enabling operators to make data-driven decisions about repairs and

replacements. By focusing on real-time asset health, condition-based monitoring increases the reliability of assets and cuts down on unnecessary maintenance activities, further reducing costs.

The Future of Asset Integrity in New Energy

As the energy industry continues to evolve, the future of asset integrity will be shaped by innovations that prioritise efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. One promising trend is the increased adoption of advanced diagnostic tools and performance optimisation software. These tools allow operators to assess asset health in real time and make more informed decisions about maintenance schedules.

Sustainability will also play a critical role in the future of asset integrity. As the global push for cleaner energy intensifies, maintaining assets with a reduced environmental footprint will become increasingly important. Innovations focusing on reducing emissions and energy consumption in asset management processes are already gaining traction. For example, some companies are exploring ways to power maintenance operations using renewable energy sources, further reducing the carbon footprint.

Moreover, as the industry shifts towards decentralised power generation—such as offshore wind farms, solar installations, and green hydrogen plants—the complexity of asset integrity management will grow. To tackle these challenges, collaboration among industry stakeholders and the development of standardised asset integrity practices will be essential.

Innovation is the driving force behind the evolution of asset integrity in the energy sector. Whether through the development of advanced materials, the implementation of predictive maintenance, or the use of condition-based monitoring, the industry is moving toward a future where assets are more reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective. As new energy technologies mature, maintaining and enhancing asset integrity will be key to the long-term success of the energy transition. With continued innovation, the energy sector is positioned to build a more resilient and sustainable future—one where asset integrity is fundamental to every operation. 

Authored by

Douae El Boukili Technical R&D Consultant

Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Valaris lands $760 million gigs for rig duo in US Gulf

Bermuda-incorporated offshore drilling contractor Valaris Limited has won a contract extension for one drillship and a new contract for another with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Occidental, in the Gulf of America.

The 940-day contract extension for drillship Valaris DS-16 is expected to start in June 2026, and a new 914-day contract for Valaris DS-18 in mid Q4 2026. Valaris said the combined addition to contracted revenue backlog for the rig pair is $760 million.

Both drillships are of GustoMSC P10,000 design, built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, with the former delivered in 2014 and the latter in 2015.

Valaris’ President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Anton Dibowitz, said: “We’ve secured approximately $1.9 billion in new contract backlog so far this year, reflecting solid execution of our commercial strategy and our

ability to deliver safe and efficient operations for our customers.

We remain focused on securing additional attractive, long-term contracts for our highspecification assets that will further support our earnings and cash flow.”

In May, the drilling contractor reported a backlog of $4.2 billion after securing approximately $1 billion of new contracts since its previous fleet status report, increasing its backlogs from April and February.

That same month, ARO Drilling, its 50/50 joint venture with Aramco, scored contract extensions for five of its rigs. 

Floatel Secures Longer Stay for Accommodation Rig off Australia

Offshore accommodation rig provider Floatel International has secured another contract offshore Australia for its Floatel Triumph accommodation rig.

The assignment is for approximately 35 days with an option for the client to extend. The expected start date is in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Floatel Triumph has already been booked off Western Australia under a contract expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2025, and last for 3-5 months.

“This contract reinforces Floatel International’s strong presence in the Australian offshore accommodation sector and highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality services to its clients,” Floatel said.

The Floatel Triumph, built by Keppel in 2016, is outfitted with the Kongsberg Dynamic Positioning System, which is certified to DP3 class.

It can accommodate 500 people in one and two-bed cabins and has large recreational areas, including mess and day rooms, a gym, an internet café, and a movie theater. Workers can transfer between the floatel and the host installation using the unit’s telescoping gangway. 

Australian Energy Sector Celebrates Major Contract Wins, Powering Future Growth and Energy Transition

Australia’s dynamic energy sector is showcasing robust growth and strategic foresight, with significant new contract wins underscoring its crucial role in national energy security, driving innovation, and delivering substantial economic benefits.

These agreements highlight a collective commitment to leveraging Australia’s vast energy resources while actively accelerating its transition towards a cleaner and more diversified energy future.

The recent contract awards span a comprehensive range of services, from optimizing critical gas and oil infrastructure to pioneering advancements in offshore renewable energy and complex decommissioning projects, reflecting Australia’s diverse energy capabilities and its enduring importance as a global energy supplier.

Highlights of recent contract activity, signaling a strong future for the Australian energy landscape, include:

Integrated Operations Support: Southern Cross Energy Services, a leading Perthbased engineering and asset management firm, has secured a multi-year, multi-milliondollar contract for integrated operational support and maintenance across a significant portfolio of offshore gas facilities. This pivotal agreement will sustain hundreds of jobs and is vital for ensuring the long-term efficiency and reliability of Australia’s critical energy infrastructure, bridging towards a cleaner energy future.

Subsea Robotics & Inspection (SRI): Outback Robotics Innovations, a specialist subsea technology company with operations across Western Australia and Queensland, has been awarded a major contract for advanced SRI services. Their deployment of cutting-edge autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remote systems demonstrates Australia’s commitment to technological leadership, ensuring safe and efficient operations that contribute to a sustainable energy future.

Drilling & Well Optimization: Pacific Rim Drilling & Wells, a prominent drilling contractor, has announced new agreements for development drilling and well optimization campaigns in key offshore basins. These contracts are instrumental in responsibly maximizing the economic recovery from existing hydrocarbon reserves, providing essential energy while new renewable capacities are brought online.

Decommissioning & Rehabilitation Projects: In line with Australia’s long-term energy transition strategy, Coastal Decommissioning Services, an integrated asset retirement specialist, has secured contracts for the safe and environmentally responsible removal and rehabilitation of offshore infrastructure. These projects represent a significant investment in securing the future integrity of Australia’s marine environment, clearing the way for new uses and creating specialized employment opportunities in a circular energy economy.

“These recent contract wins are a strong testament to Australia’s continued strategic importance in the global energy market and its proactive role in shaping our energy future,” said Emma Davidson, OGV Group PTY.

About the Australian Energy Sector: The Australian energy sector is a vital component of the nation’s economy and a major global energy exporter. It encompasses significant production of natural gas, coal, and uranium, alongside rapidly expanding renewable energy capabilities in solar, wind, and hydrogen. The industry is actively engaged in supporting Australia’s energy transition goals, striving for a balanced approach to energy security, economic growth, and decarbonization. 

Kent awarded $1.1 billion EPCM contract for ADNOC Gas’ Asab and Buhasa facilities

Kent has been awarded a major Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contract by ADNOC Gas, valued at approximately $1.1 billion, for the optimisation and expansion of its Asab and Buhasa gas processing facilities.

This award marks a significant chapter in Kent’s decades-long partnership with ADNOC and strengthens its position as a leading EPCM contractor in the region.

The award is part of ADNOC Gas’ broader $5 billion Rich Gas Development (RGD) Project, a strategic initiative designed to unlock new gas reservoirs, boost liquid gas exports and enhance gas self-sufficiency for the UAE. Kent’s scope will focus on debottlenecking and optimising existing assets at the Asab and Buhasa sites, enabling increased throughput and improved operational efficiency to meet growing energy demands.

With this award, Kent continues to build on its established track record of delivering complex EPCM scopes for ADNOC and other leading operators across the Middle East. The company’s extensive regional presence, technical depth and longstanding client relationships have made it a trusted partner in delivering safe, innovative and sustainable project outcomes.

Tush Doshi, Chief Operating Officer at Kent, commented:

“This contract award is a clear testament to the strength of our relationship with ADNOC and our track record of successful delivery in the UAE. We are proud to support ADNOC Gas’ strategic ambitions with this important work at Asab and Buhasa. It reflects the confidence placed in Kent’s EPCM expertise and our commitment to excellence, safety and longterm value creation.”

The Rich Gas Development project plays a vital role in ADNOC Gas’ strategy to grow between 2023 and 2029. ADNOC Gas has also underscored its commitment to enhancing InCountry Value (ICV), with plans to create hundreds of new technical roles by 2029, contributing to the UAE’s national economic growth.

Kent is proud to play a pivotal role in the delivery of one of ADNOC Gas’ most strategic projects to date and remains committed to supporting the UAE’s vision for a secure, sustainable energy future.

Oil and Gas Decommissioning Market: A Dynamic Month in Review

The global oil and gas decommissioning market has maintained its robust upward trajectory over the past month, with significant activity and ongoing discussions shaping its future.

While precise month-on-month figures for May 2025 are still being compiled, the broader outlook for the industry remains strong, propelled by the increasing maturity of offshore fields and an evolving regulatory landscape.

Projections continue to signal substantial growth in decommissioning expenditure. Recent reports from May 2025 indicated an anticipated US$45 billion to be spent on offshore decommissioning projects within the next five years. This represents an almost 8% year-on-year growth, with spending expected to climb from US7.0 billion this year to more than US10.3 billion by 2030. The market’s healthy performance stems from a growing number of deserted wells and increased investment in managing inactive oil and gas infrastructure.

Topside removal projects are gaining considerable traction, highlighting a shift toward the more complex and visible phases of decommissioning. Companies are actively forging strategic partnerships and

collaborations to bolster capabilities, share expertise, and address the multifaceted challenges inherent in decommissioning. Furthermore, efforts to expand geographical presence through acquisitions and new project developments are clearly evident. Asia, in particular, stands out for its rapid growth in decommissioning activities, with projects underway in Australia and India, alongside planned initiatives in Thailand.

The UK North Sea remains a focal point for decommissioning. With 22 UK fields ceasing production in 2024, and approximately 12% of active UK fields expected to cease production in 2025, the demand for decommissioning services continues to intensify. Companies like EnQuest are advancing their decommissioning campaigns, including the Heather topsides removal slated for 2025.

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) consistently engages with the industry on decommissioning strategy, prioritizing costeffectiveness and exploring the potential for repurposing existing infrastructure.

Innovation remains a critical driver within the decommissioning market, with a strong emphasis on enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental outcomes. Events such as the SPE Well Decommissioning Conference held in Aberdeen this June underscore the industry’s commitment to knowledge sharing and identifying future opportunities. A key area of technological focus is well plugging and abandonment (P&A), which, as the most costly phase of decommissioning, is driving the development of more efficient and environmentally sound techniques. The National Decommissioning Centre (NDC) continues to leverage its marine simulator for scenario planning, trialing new offshore technologies, and derisking decommissioning programs in virtual environments, thereby optimizing operations and assessing environmental impacts.

Despite this positive momentum, the decommissioning market faces persistent challenges. The high cost and complexity of decommissioning, especially for larger, deeper water platforms, remain significant hurdles, demanding highly engineered solutions and extensive planning. The regulatory environment is also continuously evolving, with recent legal decisions, such as that involving Nobel Oil E&P North Sea Ltd v NSTA, highlighting the intricate legal landscape and the imperative for robust decommissioning programs to comply with regulatory requirements. A critical challenge, particularly here in the UK, is managing the workforce transition as oil and gas production declines. A recent Robert Gordon University report warned of potential job losses unless urgent action is taken to sustain the offshore energy workforce and facilitate the transfer of skills to emerging sectors like offshore wind. The industry also faces scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, which is fueling demand for more sustainable decommissioning practices, including efficient material disposal and recycling.

In summary, the oil and gas decommissioning market is experiencing a period of intense activity and transformation. The past month has underscored its growth trajectory, the increasing importance of strategic collaborations, and the continuous push for technological innovation. However, effectively addressing the interconnected challenges of cost, regulatory compliance, and workforce transition will be crucial for the industry’s future success and its contribution to the broader energy transition. 

ExxonMobil lets decommissioning contract for Hoover-Diana developments

The specialist service company will deliver a complete flowline decommissioning package for the Gulf of Mexico assets.

ExxonMobil has let a decommissioning contract to EnerMech for the Hoover-Diana development in the Gulf of Mexico.

The contract scope includes decommission of the subsea flowlines which will include flushing, pigging, and filling the lines to safely remove hydrocarbons and prepare for decommissioning, according to a release issued on behalf of EnerMech June 16.

The work scope includes flushing of the umbilical, pipeline flushing, and seawater fill operations for the subsea flowline loop, as well as nitrogen flushing

via subsea vessel, coiled tubing services, and final seawater filling for the Northern Diana flowline. Multiple service lines will be required for this operation, including coiled tubing, pressure pumping, chemical services, filtration, separation, and pipeline gauging.

Hoover and Diana fields lie about 160 miles south of Galveston, Tex. Diana is sited mostly within East Breaks bloc ks 945 and 989 in 4,800 ft of water. Hoover lies in Alaminos Canyon blocks 25 and 26. The fields were discovered in 1990 and successfully appraised in 1997. 

AF Offshore Decom secures Heerema decommissioning gig

Decommissioning specialist AF Offshore Decom has been awarded a contract by Heerema Marine Contractors for the onshore reception, dismantling, and recycling of a production platform from the UK sector of the North Sea.

The scope of work includes both the topside and jacket, with a combined weight of approximately 15,000 tonnes. According to the current schedule, the topside and upper jacket are expected to be delivered to the company’s facility in Vats, renowned as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly dismantling facilities, in 2026. The remaining jacket section will be delivered in 2027. 

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Duty of Care through Technology and Expertise

Nicola Reith, General Manager, Scotland

ATPI is the trusted partner to the international energy industry, delivering expertise and solutions to 170+ countries worldwide. Naturally, this takes us into far reaching and diverse social and geopolitical environments, highlighting the importance of a proactive and responsive approach to duty of care. Between clients and regions, duty of care is ever evolving, so our support is always bespoke to the varied needs of our clients and the country of travel.

When travel and international policy moves fast, complacency isn’t allowed. Instead, we apply a continuous approach to ensure that our operational and technological solutions are always developing as the world does, adapting to client and industry needs per location. This is where a personalised approach is critical to fully understand a client’s business and what kind of support we can provide to them across the organisation.

As General Manager, Scotland, I am directly responsible for critical operational tasks including the quality of the services we deliver to clients regionally, how we manage and allocate our internal resources, and how we can do our best to ensure all client operations are of the highest standards possible. Consistent across each of these responsibilities though is my obligations to the wellbeing and duty of care for our clients and their traveling team members.

We are proud of our commitment to putting people first, always prioritising the safety, security, and wellbeing of clients and staff. Between addressing concerns surrounding travel safety, security, and operational efficiency, ATPI ensures that our people-led priorities remain at the forefront of our global strategy.

CrewLink

Supporting our duty of care processes is CrewLink. Emerging in response to industryspecific demands and the intricate challenges of energy travel, CrewLink allows users to plan and manage travel more efficiently. A travel management tool, CrewLink not only provides

greater operational efficiency and control but also establishes a foundation for more costeffective travel management processes.

From a duty of care perspective, CrewLink empowers organisations to navigate the often challenging and dynamic landscape of crew travel logistics, providing adaptable and bespoke insights for an industry where precision and responsive are paramount to workforce wellbeing.

With real-time crew tracking, an integrated communication hub, crew wellbeing support, and crisis response coordination, CrewLink has several critical features to monitor crew movement, ensure they have direct communication with support lines for rapid response to unexpected events, and can monitor their wellbeing through fatigue and rest periods.

A holistic service, CrewLink combines operational support with duty of care responsibilities.

North Sea Case Study

One of our long-standing clients, an international E&P company, has been partnering with us for over 20 years, utilising our extensive duty of care services. This ongoing relationship is built on shared values of transparency, accountability, and mutual trust. Rather than a traditional vendor-client dynamic, the client values a true partnership, aligned with the collaborative ethos we uphold at ATPI.

With travel across continents, including throughout Europe and Africa, the client utilises our team to help shape and inform its travel management strategy, alongside its duty of care approach to the workforce. They know that they have our experts on hand to help them focus their travel strategy.

Since joining ATPI, I have worked closely with the client and seen our dedication to duty of care in full demonstration. As part of the emergency response team that supports the client as and when they need assistance, I have seen first-hand the benefits of what our team can do. In one emergency situation in the North Sea, we worked closely alongside the clients’ Specialist Response Team to guarantee the safe onward travel of its crew.

By having people on the ground and available for all support requests, combined with our innovative technology platforms, we can create and cater bespoke emergency response services to handle any and all situations that arrive locally and across the globe. 

If you would like to find out how ATPI can help streamline your travel management, email: