Research by the University of Edinburgh suggests the UK’s oil and gas industry is entering the last decade of production due to depleting resources. The study flies in the face of bold UK and Scottish government estimates and was released in the same week that Statoil announced a ‘significant new discovery’ in the area. We investigate the conflicting projections for the future of the UKCS.

We also take a look at Malta’s latest offshore exploration efforts and chart a timeline of the most significant discoveries in the Mediterranean Sea.

Plus, we investigate the controversy surrounding Hilcorp’s plan to drill in Alaskan federal water, explore a new remote tracking technology for sea ice affecting offshore installations, and find out how wearable Internet of Things-enabled devices are helping to keep workers safer on the job.

In this issue 

Malta: Chasing Opportunities

Malta has reportedly opened three offshore blocks north of the island for hydrocarbon exploration. Yet, despite close proximity to the East Med’s gas rich waters, the country has a poor exploration record; Heidi Vella asks, is a stable government and favourable location enough to draw investors?

Read more.

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Game-Changing Gas Discoveries

Massive gas discoveries in the Mediterranean Sea’s Levant Basin have attracted a flood of investment – and no shortage of geopolitical tension. Chris Lo examines some of the most important milestones.

Read more.

Twilight Years

Controversial research by the University of Edinburgh suggests UK oil and gas industries are entering the last decade of production. Julian Turner talks to the author of the report, Professor Roy Thompson, about his findings.

Read more.

Offshore or Onshore?

Hilcorp plans to drill on an artificial gravel island in Alaskan federal waters – a proposal that has drawn criticism from environmental groups. Patrick Kingsland looks into the debate surrounding the Liberty project.

Read more.

Iceberg Ahead

A team led by Canadian technology company Rutter has developed a tracker that can help protect offshore platforms from icebergs. Molly Lempriere finds out more.

Read more.

Connected Safety

Wearable IoT devices can help protect workers by monitoring biometrics, broadcasting data back to control rooms and warning workers of potential dangers. Molly Lempriere asks whether the oil and gas industry is ready to embrace this safety revolution.

Read more.

Next issue preview

The US has announced it will withdraw from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global standard on transparency in the resource industries, particularly oil and gas. With the US Department of the Interior saying America’s domestic legal framework prevents full EITI implementation, we explore the aims and accomplishments of the initiative, and ask what US withdrawal could mean.

We also take a look at new developments off the Namibian coast, draw up an interactive map of deepwater exploration winners and losers around the world, and speak to some of the winners of the 2017 Oil & Gas UK awards.

Plus, we find out about a new conversion technique for methane that could help to clean up methane flaring, and speak to Blue Abyss about its plans to build a deepsea training centre in the UK.

Yearbook Issue Out Now

The yearbook edition of Offshore Technology Focus is out now. You can read it for free here.

While 2017 has largely been a tough year for the offshore oil and gas industry, there have been a few events to be cheerful about. An improved oil price, surprise investments and the promise of future acquisitions all point to a brighter 2018, but we’ve spoken to industry analysts to find out what’s really in store for the year ahead.

If 2018 is going to be a favourable one for the oil and gas industry then you can bet that the proliferation of technology will have something to do with it. We take a look at how the sector is using advanced technologies.

Plus, as this is our yearbook edition, we’re revisiting all the regional developments that took place in 2017. From Russian tax overhauls, to China giving the market a more decisive role, to the US’ review of the Well Control Rule, this issue is full to the brim with 2017’s biggest talking points.

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