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£100M BOOST FOR BIGGEST UK HYDRO SCHEME IN DECADES

A giant hydro scheme which would double the UK's ability to store energy for long periods is taking a leap forward with a £100m investment by SSE.

The proposed 92m-high dam and two reservoirs at Coire Glas in the Highlands would be Britain's biggest hydroelectric project for 40 years.

Scottish ministers approved the 1.5GW pumped storage facility in 2020.

But power giant SSE wants assurances from the UK government before finally signing it off. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it was "committed to supporting the low carbon hydro sector, including hydro storage".

Perth-based SSE says the £1.5bn scheme would help tackle climate change and improve UK energy security.

The concept of Coire Glas is simple. It involves two reservoirs at different heights in the Great Glen, the geological fault which slices through Scotland between Inverness and Fort William.

When power is plentiful and cheap, water would be pumped 500 metres uphill for storage in an upper reservoir with the capacity of 11,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

When supply is tight and prices high, it would be released, using gravity to generate electricity by spinning four turbines way below on the banks of Loch Lochy, before flowing into the lower reservoir.

By storing electricity generated in windy or sunny weather for use on cold, still or dark days, Coire Glas could help smooth the transition from oil, gas and coal to more sustainable but intermittent sources of energy such as wind and solar.

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"We believe strongly it could play a huge role in enabling a decarbonised energy system," said Finlay McCutcheon, SSE's director of onshore renewables.

Keith Bell, professor of future power systems at Strathclyde University, said the proposed scheme would also help with another policy objective: reducing the UK's reliance on imported gas, a challenge given added urgency by the invasion of Ukraine last year by the world's largest gas exporter, Russia.

However, Prof Bell injected a note of caution, saying: "We need a lot more energy storage capacity to get rid of fossil fuels completely... probably 10 to 50 times greater even than the capacity of Coire Glas."

Nonetheless it would still be the UK's largest hydro scheme since the "Electric Mountain" project was completed at Dinorwig in Snowdonia in 1984, and one of the biggest-ever engineering projects in the Highlands, creating up to 500 construction jobs at its peak.

Debate about the pace of the energy transition has featured in the current campaign for the SNP leadership after outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed concern about new North Sea drilling in the context of meeting Scotland's target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Mr McCutcheon, of SSE, insisted there was a clear case for the UK government to support a strategic expansion in hydro capacity.

The firm's existing assets had been "absolutely critical" in keeping the lights on during a "fullblown energy crisis" in the UK and Europe this winter, he said.

Despite mild weather, "our existing pumped storage - Foyers on the shores of Loch Ness - has never been used so intensely," Mr McCutcheon added.

Scotland's only other pumped storage scheme, operated by Drax Group, is housed within a giant artificial cavern inside Ben Cruachan on the shores of Loch Awe in Argyll.

The North Yorkshire-based company plans to more than double the generating capacity of its facility, nicknamed Hollow Mountain, to more than 1GW, with the construction of a new underground power station.

But both Drax and SSE have been reluctant to press ahead without assurances from Whitehall.

"SSE needs clarity around how the UK government is going to support projects like Coire Glas," Mr McCutcheon explained.

"It was a key element of their energy security strategy last year, but we need to see how that's going to work in practice."

He added: "It doesn't require subsidy but they are enormous investments."

Specifically, SSE would like a commitment to a revenue stabilisation mechanism and more assurances about how the regulated energy market would reward low carbon power generation.

Prof Bell of Strathclyde University said answers were urgently needed by industry, pointing out that the Climate Change Committee, which advises the UK and devolved governments, had published a report this month asking ministers for greater clarity.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson accepted that hydro would be "critical to delivering greater energy security and independence, economic growth, and our net zero ambitions".

"Already we are supporting up to 480,000 wellpaid green jobs, and leveraging up to £100bn of private investment in low-carbon technologies including storage by 2030. This will bolster our energy security and help ensure we bring down wholesale electricity prices to among the lowest in Europe," they added.

SSE says it hopes to make a final investment decision next year. If it goes ahead, completion is expected in 2031.

When running, Coire Glas could reach full generating capacity in under 60 seconds, providing rapid flexibility in the case of a loss of power elsewhere on the national grid.

Alternatively, operating at a more sustainable level, it could power three million homes for up to 24 hours.

The £100m outlay announced by the FTSE 100 company will be used for exploratory work, which includes boring a tunnel four metres wide for about 1km into the hillside to assess the geology of the site.

The investment in Coire Glas comes on the 80th anniversary of the Hydro Electric Development (Scotland) Act 1943, which nationalised the industry and kick-started the creation of more than 50 dams.

The visionary Labour politician Tom Johnston was the driving force behind the expansion, which brought power and jobs to the glens, dramatically improving life in rural Scotland in the years after the war.

It's amazing how this old technology is suddenly becoming necessary again - but for very different reasons.

Pumped hydro schemes were once vital when we all demanded electricity at the same time.

The moment when Dirty Den served divorce papers on his wife Angie during the 1986 Christmas Day episode of Eastenders was watched by 30 million people.

Most of them needed a calming cup of tea when the credits rolled.

All those kettles created a phenomenal demand for electricity, and that's when the sluice gates opened on our pumped hydro plants.

Changing TV habits mean that doesn't happen as often now, and it's the peaks and troughs of supply - rather than demand - which this sort of technology will resolve.

In 15 years, when we're tucked up in bed on a windy night, it'll provide somewhere for all that excess power to go so that it can be used when we wake up.

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Edda Wind Nets CSOVs Contracts with Vestas

Offshore wind service vessel company Edda Wind has signed contracts with the Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas for its commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) in 2024 and 2025.

According to Edda Wind, the contracts total a minimum of 750 days of firm work with options for extension of each work scope.

The company recently placed a EUR 250 million order with Vard for four new CSOVs, with options for ordering up to four additional vessels.

Once these four newbuilds are delivered, Edda Wind will have a fleet of 14 vessels, of which two are currently in operation, with five more expected to commence operation this year.

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Infinity has been a five-time winner at the British Accountancy Awards and has been a three-time finalist at the Scottish Accountancy Awards in recent times.

Last month, the company took delivery of the CSOV Edda Boreas which is scheduled to start working at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the UK this May.

The vessels that will serve the contracts are to be nominated from Edda Wind’s fleet of CSOVs at a later stage, the ship owner said. All CSOVs in the fleet can accommodate

Worley awarded FEL 2 contract to engineer Cerilon’s US gas-to liquids facility

approach. This modularisation methodology is one that Worley has considerable experience in, with customers leveraging this approach to enable a quick response time to market.

120 persons and are prepared for zeroemission operations with hydrogen as an energy carrier in a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) concept.

When it comes to Vestas, the turbine manufacturer recently acquired ST3 Offshore in the sixth tendering round since the Polish offshore steel foundations maker declared bankruptcy.

Dolphin rig starts operations offshore Nigeria

Melbourne, Australia (15 March 2023): Worley, a global project delivery and asset services provider, has been selected by Cerilon, a Canadian based energy and resource development company, to provide engineering services for the FEL 2 stage of Cerilon’s gas-toliquids (GTL) facility in North Dakota, US. This GTL facility will convert natural gas to produce up to 24,000 barrels per day of low carbon emission, synthetic energy products, including ultra-low sulfur diesel, naphtha, and lubricant base oils. With new mandates expected in the US on transportation fuels, the production of these liquids will help meet high demand and assist with the country’s low carbon objectives.

The GTL facility will also include carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), to further enhance the project’s sustainability. The overall plan for the project is to adopt a design one, build many

Worley’s global expertise and capacity to provide full EPC services were key drivers in Cerilon’s decision to select the company as its engineering partner. Rhys Mersereau, SVP of Operations, Worley, stated, “This energy transition project directly aligns with our purpose of delivering a more sustainable world. With escalating future energy demand and concerns for energy security at the forefront of our mind, the production of these low carbon energies will be crucial as we navigate towards net zero.”

Cerilon’s strategy is to replicate this major GTL facility in other sites across North America, with speed – achieved through modularisation – and sustainability as the main drivers. Ron Opperman, CEO of Cerilon GTL, notes, “Cerilon GTL intends to adopt a design one – build many approach and the Worley team has the GTL experience and global reach that we were looking for in an engineering partner. Their capability to provide full engineering, procurement, and construction services and to support other important elements of our project design such as CCS makes them the right fit for our team.”

Dolphin Drilling’s semisub Blackford

Dolphin has started a 12-month drilling contract with General Hydrocarbons Ltd. offshore Nigeria.

Recently the rig underwent recertification for a new five-year period in Las Palmas, the Canary Islands and was then towed to Port Harcourt in Nigeria.

Dolphin Drilling announced it secured a 12-month contract with Nigeria-based General Hydrocarbons Ltd. worth $96 million in October 2022.

Seadrill drillship gets more work in Gulf of Mexico

Offshore drilling contractor Seadrill has secured a contract extension for one of its drillships, which will continue to carry out operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

Back in April 2022, Seadrill reported that the West Neptune drillship secured a four-well extension with two one-well options with LLOG Exploration Offshore in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The 2014-built drillship has been working for LLOG since September 2021 and the firm part of its contract was set to expire in October 2022 with options until December 2022.

In November 2022, the offshore drilling contractor disclosed that the West Neptune

Ørsted, Simply Blue Group and Subsea7 win Scottish floating wind lease

Salamander, a joint venture between Ørsted, Simply Blue Group and Subsea7, is pleased to have been offered an exclusivity agreement as part of Crown Estate Scotland’s Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing round.

The 100 MW Salamander floating offshore wind project, located 35km off Peterhead, is designed to provide Scotland and its supply chain with an early opportunity to deliver floating offshore wind ahead of the largerscale ScotWind buildout. With gigawatts of floating wind buildout expected in Scotland and the UK over the next decade, Salamander will be a valuable stepping-stone to ensure local supply chains are ready and able to take full advantage of this opportunity. Salamander will demonstrate a package of innovative technologies at commercial scale, readying them for roll out in utility-scale projects such as the ScotWind leases. These technologies will be critical to ensuring floating offshore wind energy is deliverable, affordable for consumers and contributes value to local industry and business.

The INTOG round was split into two pots – one for smaller scale innovation projects of 100 MW or less and one for larger projects linked to oil and gas infrastructure. Salamander was successful in the innovation route.

drillship got a six-month firm term extension, with a further six-month optional period with LLOG. The extension was expected to keep the rig busy until Q4 2023.

In an update on Tuesday, 7 March 2023, Seadrill revealed that LLOG had executed approximately six months of term extensions for the West Neptune drillship, adding to the rig’s backlog in the Gulf of Mexico. The extensions will start in direct continuation of the existing term and will keep the rig busy until Q3 2024, furthering Seadrill and LLOG’s long-term association. According to Seadrill, the total contract value for the extension is approximately $79 million.

The West Neptune is a sixth-generation ultradeepwater Samsung 12,000 drillship. It is capable of operating in water depths of 10,000 ft to 12,000 ft. The rig’s maximum drilling depth is 37,500 ft.

Huw Bell, Salamander Project Director, said: “This opportunity through INTOG will allow us to progress the project, which will play a significant role in how the industry delivers floating wind going forward and help the Scottish supply chain to ramp up activities for the local and international market.

“We expect our approach to support the floating wind industry in the same way that fixed offshore wind successfully reduced costs over the last ten years. De-risking floating wind technologies for future commercial projects will allow Scotland to maximise the financial benefit of its strong offshore wind resource and generate longterm jobs for local communities.”

Salamander is currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment (EIA). The project has submitted its EIA Scoping Report to Marine Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council, who have now passed it to statutory and non-statutory consultees for their review and responses to the proposed project and scope of the EIA. The project has a grid connection agreement with the National Grid to enable the project to be delivered by 2030 and contribute to the UK’s 5GW floating wind target.

Gabriel Davies, Head of Floating Wind at Ørsted, said: “Salamander is a stepping-stone project designed to stimulate and support innovative, renewable supply chains in Scotland, maximising opportunities to support renewables around the world. With floating wind on the cusp of industrialisation, Salamander will play a crucial role in bringing down costs and accelerating the technology’s full-scale commercial deployment.”

Duncan Clark, Head of Ørsted UK and Ireland, said: "This award comes a year after we successfully secured the 1 GW Stromar floating lease in the Scotwind lease round and marks another major milestone in pursuit of our global floating wind strategy. Alongside our Stromar project, the pair form a complementary floating offshore development portfolio in Scotland.”

Regarding Seadrill’s recent activities, it is worth noting that one of the company’s drillships recently embarked on its assignment at a field offshore Brazil with the country’s oil and gas giant, Petrobras.

This drillship started its contract with Petrobras only a week after the West Jupiter drillship did the same.

TRAC Energy Ltd secures contract as sole UK distributor for Elastopipe™ flexible piping system and Firestop passive fire protection (PFP) provider

Vipo, specialists in developing and manufacturing rubber based thermal, fire and corrosion protection products for global markets, have selected TRAC Energy Ltd to be its sole UK distributor for its Elastopipe™ and Firestop Passive Fire Protection product ranges.

This is the first time TRAC Energy Ltd has been awarded a distributor contract and represents an opportunity for growth for the UK-based company. In addition, it will allow Vipo to better meet the demand of its UK customer base, by providing local knowledge and support.

TRAC Energy Ltd is a leader in providing a wide range of engineering support services, including rope access inspection, repair, and maintenance for the global energy industry.

Vipo has over 125 years of Polymer material technology expertise and over 50 years’ experience in offering high-end active and passive fire protection solutions. Elastopipe™ exists as a patented flexible piping system developed to protect people, assets, and the surrounding environment during active fire scenarios. The Firestop Passive Fire Protection range ensures the protection of vulnerable areas to allow for people and valuable equipment to be saved in the case of fire spread.

Contract manager for TRAC Energy Ltd, Tommy van Huuksloot, commented, “We are proud to be able to partner with such an expert in their field of topside safety solutions in the energy market. After working with the company for more than 18 years, we are delighted to strengthen our service delivery through this new partnership.”

To feature new senior hires and appointments within your organisation, please contact Jordan Clarke, Head of Marketing & BD at Norman Broadbent. +44 (0) 7912 564 797 / jordan.clarke@normanbroadbent.com

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Amplify Energy gets

new COO

Oil and gas company Amplify Energy Corp. has revealed the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer (COO), who will assist the firm in bolstering its cash flow generation.

Amplify Energy announced earlier this week that Dan Furbee had joined the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Amplify, Furbee served as a partner at Sentinel Petroleum from February 2022 to March 2023 and as an independent advisor for various companies from January 2021 to January 2022.

Martyn Willsher, Amplify Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer, remarked: “I am excited to announce that Dan has decided to join Amplify. Dan will be a valuable addition to the management team and brings extensive operational and managerial experience to the company that will help maximise the value of our cash flow generating properties.”

Previously, Furbee served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Riviera Resources from August 2018 to December 2020, as Linn Energy’s Vice President of Asset and Business Development from March 2018 to August 2018 and as Vice President of Business Development and Asset Development for Sanchez Energy Corporation from September 2013 to February 2018.

From 2005 to August 2013, Furbee, who holds a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Marietta College and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Houston, served in various engineering roles of increasing responsibility at Linn Energy.

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EthosEnergy Appoints Former ItalPresseGauss CEO, Mario Cincotta as New East Hemisphere Executive Vice President

EthosEnergy has appointed Mario Cincotta, former CEO of ItalPresseGauss and Senior Vice President of Norican Group, as its new Executive Vice President of East Hemisphere. Mario will

John Begley,

John is a Managing Director for Norman Broadbent Group and leads our Industrial Practice. He has over 20 years’ experience across executive search, research & insight, and leadership advisory (leadership development, psychometric evaluation, and leadership assessment).

During his career, John has worked with business leadership teams across the US, EMEA and more recently the Asia Pacific region, primarily in the Industrials space. John works closely with companies of all sizes and ownership structures including pre-revenue start-ups, private equity-backed, privately, and publicly owned, AIM listed, and International PLCs. Besides his strong background in executive search, John has pioneered the use of leadership advisory services around succession planning, and the on-boarding of senior and high potential future leaders.

John is qualified in a variety of psychometric evaluation techniques and assessment methodologies.

UK oil & gas player promotes from within to fill CEO role

UK-headquartered and AIM-listed oil and gas player Europa Oil & Gas picked a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after its current one decided to resign.

Europa Oil & Gas revealed on Wednesday, 15 March 2023, that Simon Oddie, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer since August 2020 and Executive Director since November 2019, has decided to retire from the role. However, Oddie will remain on the board as a Non-Executive Director.

Brian O’Cathain, Chairman of Europa, commented: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Simon for his service to the company as Chief Executive Officer. Simon was appointed to the board initially as NonExecutive Chairman in January 2018 before becoming Interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman in November 2019 and then Chief Executive Officer in August 2020.

I am pleased that Simon will remain as a Non-Executive Director to ensure a smooth handover and enable business continuity going forward.” have strategic and operational leadership for the East Hemisphere. He will be based in Italy and report into the CEO, Ana Amicarella.

Due to Oddie’s decision to step down from the CEO role, William Holland is moving from the role of Chief Financial Officer to Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, according to the UK firm. With over 30 years of experience predominantly in corporate, financial and M&A roles, Holland started his career as an engineer with a particular focus on North Sea operations with Halliburton.

He brings with him 25 years of experience across the energy industry having spent 20 years with the GE Energy business in various leadership roles prior to his former position.

Ana Amicarella, CEO of EthosEnergy, said, "Mario is known for his strategic vision, strong leadership and ability to execute. I am excited to welcome him to EthosEnergy and look forward to

UK-headquartered international industryfunded spill-response cooperative Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), wholly owned by environmentally responsible oil and gas companies around the globe, has welcomed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who previously worked in various executive positions at BP.

Oil Spill Response Limited, a provider of oil spill response services, announced the appointment of Vania De Stefani, who brings over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry with a strong background in engineering, operations and process safety, as its new CEO on Tuesday, 14 March 2023. The appointment is effective from 1 April 2023.

Astrid Sorensen, Chair of OSRL’s Board of Directors, commented: “We are delighted to have Vania join us as our new CEO. Her deep experience in the oil and gas industry, as well as her proven track record of leadership and technical expertise, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and support our members’ and customers’ needs.” working closely together to deepen customer relationships, strengthen our position in the market and grow our business."

Mario added, "I am delighted to join EthosEnergy at such an exciting time in their transformation and growth journey. I believe that building talent, team engagement, and inclusiveness as well as developing sustainability are key competitive factors, and look forward to working with the team to execute on these areas to take our business to the next level."

Harbour Energy appoint Belgacem Chariag and Louise Hough to Board

Harbour Energy Plc has announced today the appointment of Belgacem Chariag and Louise Hough as independent NonExecutive Directors. Belgacem and Louise will join the Board on 1 May 2023 and will stand for election by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting to be held on 10 May 2023.

With current CFO stepping down, Carnarvon promotes from within to fill the role

Australian oil and gas company Carnarvon Energy has picked a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), after its current one decided to resign.

Carnarvon Energy announced on Friday, 3 March 2023, the appointment of Alex Doering to the CFO role, effective from 1 June 2023. Doering’s appointment follows the decision of incumbent CFO, Thomson Naude, to depart Carnarvon in mid2023 after 13 years of service.

Thomson Naude, Departing Carnarvon CFO, remarked: “I am pleased to be leaving Carnarvon in such a strong position. Together with securing the partial Bedout divestment with CPC Corporation, Taiwan, and with a strong level of interest from traditional lenders and alternative funding sources for the Dorado development, the business is in excellent financial shape. I look forward to remaining a close friend and strong supporter of Carnarvon into the future.”

The Australian oil and gas player explains that Doering, who has been with the firm for over ten years, is the current Financial Controller, as well as being Joint Company Secretary. Doering is a qualified Chartered Accountant, an Associate of the Governance Institute of Australia and has a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Finance.

Adrian Cook, Carnarvon Managing Director and CEO, commented: “I would like to welcome Alex to the role of CFO. He has amply demonstrated his ability to undertake this role over the past few years and it is exciting to see the next phase of his career progression within the business. On behalf of the entire Carnarvon team, my gratitude goes to Thomson for his excellent record of service to the business over the past 13 years. He leaves Carnarvon with great financial strength and well equipped to meet its funding requirements upon targeted FID of the Dorado development.”

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ASCO Appoints Business Development & Operations Manager To Lead Growth In Northeast England

Global integrated logistics and materials management specialist, ASCO, has appointed Ryan Thompson as Business Development & Operations Manager for Northeast England. Based in Sunderland, Ryan will lead the company's growth in the northeast, while overseeing regional operations for its Ship Agency business, Seletar. As one of the leading ship agents for the UK

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Belgacem has extensive experience in the energy, materials and chemicals industries. He has held a variety of leadership positions within oil field services companies, including nine years at Baker Hughes and before that over 20 years at Schlumberger.

Most recently Belgacem was Chairman and CEO of Ecovyst Inc., a leading global provider of specialty catalysts, materials, chemicals and services. He is currently a non-executive director for Helmerich & Payne, Inc., a New York listed provider of drilling solutions and technologies for oil and gas exploration and production companies. Belgacem will also join the Board’s Health, Safety, Environment & Security Committee and the Nomination Committee.

Louise has a wealth of experience and deep understanding of both the financial and energy markets, having spent 25 years at UBS where she held a variety of roles, including Head of Specialist Sales. More recently, Louise was Head of International Investor Relations for Saudi Aramco, playing a lead role in preparing the company and management for its IPO and first public bond issuance’s. She was also a member of the Saudi Aramco Sustainability Steering Committee, working extensively on all aspects of ESG reporting and has significant experience advising investors, boards and executive management teams on capital marketsrelated activity and sustainability and governance issues. Louise will also join the Board’s Audit & Risk Committee and the Remuneration Committee.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Ashtead Technology as the company continues to build momentum in the offshore renewable energy sector supporting the construction and installation stages of offshore wind farm developments.

Ashtead Technology strengthens team with new offshore renewables appointment energy industry, Seletar provides crew coordination, freight management, procurement services, onshore logistics, and an extensive range of complementary services such as fuel provision, industrial tank cleaning, waste management, and ship spares logistics. Seletar's services are facilitated by its eight strategic UK locations, serving more than 20 neighbouring ports.

International subsea rental equipment and solutions specialist Ashtead Technology has appointed Rich Fry as Group Business Development Manager – Renewables.

The appointment underlines the company’s strategic ambition to accelerate the growth of its capabilities, services, and track record in the offshore renewable energy sector to strengthen its market position and support customers globally in the delivery of the energy transition. Rich brings strong credentials to the company with over a decade of experience working with equipment manufacturers, installation and O&M contractors in various engineering, project management and business development roles in the offshore renewables market.

With over six years of experience as a Ships Agent and a history within the marine industry, Ryan brings specialist skills and knowledge to the ASCO team. Outside of work, Ryan utilises his skipper experience by volunteering as a crew member for the RNLI.

Bob Gillespie, Ashtead Technology’s Commercial Director, said: “Offshore renewable energy is a key growth sector for our business with offshore wind projects now accounting for a significant proportion of our Group revenue. Working alongside our highly skilled team, Rich will play a key role in leveraging our existing strengths and capabilities to grow our presence in the global offshore renewable energy market utilising his wealth of domain knowledge and industry expertise. I’m looking forward to working with Rich and our wider team of experts to support the continued delivery of best-inclass and cost-effective offshore wind energy lifecycle solutions for our customers.”

Commenting on his appointment, Rich, said: “I have witnessed Ashtead Technology’s impressive growth over recent years, and it is a privilege to be able to play a part in the next stage of the company’s exciting growth journey. Ashtead Technology has developed a strong position in offshore renewables and I look forward to building on this track record through raising awareness of the broader range of technologies, expertise and services we have to offer from across the Group.”

Ryan said: "I am proud to be joining ASCO to support them at this significant stage of their growth in the northeast. I look forward to meeting with clients and colleagues, both old and new, to discuss ASCO's full range of logistics services and how Seletar can support them with specialist ship agency services."

Ross Irvine, General Manager for Seletar, said: "Ryan is a great addition to the ASCO team, and his expertise will be a valuable asset to us. I look forward to working with him to develop our support in the region and share the breadth of services we offer."

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Well-Safe Solutions provides a ground-breaking approach to the safe and cost-efficient decommissioning of on and offshore wells. We offer a specialist well abandonment service that allows operators to meet the challenges and regulatory imperatives around decommissioning, while significantly reducing costs.

Well-Safe Solutions supporting decommissioning of bp Kate wells in North Sea

isolation criteria including identifying and quantifying zones of flow potential and risks associated with redevelopment.

“In addition, we will also examine existing barriers and optimise the barrier strategy, taking into account the attributes of the region to safely and efficiently deliver this project.”

Well-Safe Solutions personnel will work alongside bp staff throughout, realising the decommissioning company’s promise to provide safe, smart, and efficient well decommissioning through collaboration.

International well decommissioning specialists Well-Safe Solutions is supporting the decommissioning of two suspended wells in bp’s Kate field in the North Sea, 220km from Aberdeen.

The programme of work, expected to be executed from the Noble Innovator jack up vessel during Q2 2023, will see WellSafe Solutions carry out well engineering support services using its bespoke Well

Decommissioning Delivery Process (WDDP).

Ruth Thomas, Subsurface Team Lead at Well-Safe Solutions, said: “We are very much looking forward to supporting bp with this work scope, which involves detailed subsurface and well engineering basis of design studies ideally suited to our specialist capabilities.

“Well-Safe Solutions will be instrumental in establishing and evaluating key subsurface

James Richards, Well Abandonment Director at Well-Safe Solutions, added: “The Well Decommissioning Delivery Process (WDDP) guides operators through the well plug and abandonment process efficiently and effectively, without the extended commitments and high costs historically associated with engineering resources over long periods.

“The WDDP is built to realise the benefits of capturing, retaining and sharing of knowledge between our personnel, clients and stakeholders.”

This announcement is the latest in a busy year for Well-Safe Solutions, as it prepares for the mobilisation of the Well-Safe Defender and the fitting out of the Well-Safe Guardian with a bespoke dive spread system by summer 2023.

Neptune Energy to spend $23 million on decommissioning in Germany this year

Neptune Energy today announced it will spend $23 million on a targeted decommissioning program in Germany this year, plugging and abandoning wells which have ceased production and removing associated infrastructure.

Operations have now been completed on the plugging and abandonment (P&A) of a well in the Bentheim gas field, located in western Lower-Saxony, with a second well on the field due to be decommissioned later in 2023.

It follows the P&A of two wells in the Itterbeck-Halle field in recent months.

Andreas Scheck, Managing Director for Neptune Energy in Germany, said: “Neptune continues to play an important role in supporting energy security in Germany, operating production assets across Eastern and Western Germany, and in the Rhine Valley in the south.

“Decommissioning is an important and natural step in the lifecycle of our business and we are committed to returning these sites to nature safely and responsible, once production has ceased.”

Last year, Neptune spent $12 million on abandonment and renaturation activities in the country. Plans are also being developed for decommissioning operations in the Fronhofen gas field, the Reitbrook West oil field, and the Victorbur mud pit.

Across its global portfolio, Neptune Energy expects to spend approximately $112 million on decommissioning activities in 2023.