Once again, we’ve crossed the threshold of a new year. Hopefully, all our readers are feeling as optimistic as we are here at the magazine. This first issue of the year has been ambitious, including a wide range of topics that we hope include something of interest for everyone.

This issue starts out by looking at all the recent activity to bring the Kristin field on-line, especially concentrating on the semi-submersible platform that’s due to begin its journey to the field in March. In addition to the examining the efforts of Statoil and Aker Stord over the last few years, the article includes information coming from various subcontractors that have contributed to Kristin’s development. Aside from being a marvel of engineering, bringing Kristin on-line will undoubtedly be one of the major accomplishments of this decade for the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Turning around 180 degrees, we also examine issues of decommissioning and recommissioning. Ekofisk decommissioning receives more than a glance, as the project will this year will see the completion of clean-up activities and the beginning of removal activities.

Norse Cutting & Abandonment also describes how exact planning, unique equipment and full-scale testing were rewarded with success as it recently field proved its abrasive water jet cutting (AWJC) system at the Total E&P Norge Frigg DP 2 platform well abandonment campaign.

Want to go really deep? Odim Alitec describes its participation in a technological breakthrough for cost-effective deployment of infrastructure in ultra deep water. A Joint Industry Project, the fibre rope deployment system (FRDS) for deep water installation of subsea hardware uses synthetic fibre rope as substitute for steel wire.

Also in this issue, Prosafe Drilling Services describes its path-breaking operations for Norsk Hydro, including drilling at Oseberg B, Njord, Brage, Oseberg East and Oseberg South fields. Aberdeen Drilling School also provides information about how it trains for the difficulties and hazards associated with drilling in high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) environments.

This issue also includes a focus on the industry activities of two North-Sea neighbours: the Netherlands and Germany. Germany’s contributions to the industry almost go without saying – almost every development worldwide includes some marvel of German engineering. As for the Netherlands – the first country to engage in North Sea oil exploration – the involvement the industry is both experienced and broad.

Don’t forget to check out the conference and events section, whether the reviews of The 16th Deep Offshore Technology International Conference & Exhibition or the 4th Anglo Norwegian Oil & Gas Conference (ANGO), or the previews of upcoming events. If you haven’t filled this new year’s calendar already, there’s undoubtedly something there you won’t want to miss.