Many consider Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) to be the up-and-coming technology conference. We couldn’t agree more and are really looking forward to what promises to be a fascinating array of announcements during the conference. And for those attending (as well as those who can’t) this issue shapes a context for this year’s ONS and its theme: Bridging the energy gap.

To start, we’ve interviewed Norway’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Odd Roger Enoksen. Although he’s been on the job less than a year, he is living proof that the rules in the oil and gas industry are changing and that these are exciting days. Mr. Enoksen’s counterpart in the UK, Malcolm Wicks, was appointed the UK Minister of State for Energy at the Department of Trade and Industry in May 2005, so with more than a year in the saddle, he helps us to see how current energy issues are affecting the UK.

Back here in Norway, we’ve also spoken with Siv Jensen, the leader of Fremskrittspartiet (the Progress Party), now Norway’s second largest political Party. This liberalist party has moved from a position as a small party on the right fringe of the Norwegian political landscape to a major political force. Ms. Jensen’s remarks provide another point of view of the industry’s place in Norway.

So, having perused these three interviews, you should have a good foundation for remarks made by the speakers at the opening ceremonies for ONS 2006, especially when Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg delivers his address on Norwegian oil policy.

Putting politics and policy aside for the moment, we have a technological overview (a bit of the up-and-coming technology stuff ) of the current state of subsea technology – looking out over the horizon – as well as a bit of forward-looking crystal-ball gazing.

Three subsea industry leaders agreed to talk with us: Tore Halvorsen, Vice President – Energy Production Systems, at FMC Technologies in Kongsberg; Raymond Carlsen, Aker Kværner Executive Vice President, of Aker Kværner Subsea; and Vetco Gray’s Vice President for Northern Europe, Stig Jessen. Again, more context for both the ONS conference sessions and as you walk the exhibition halls.

We also look at two high-profile fields where subsea applications as well as their onshore processing facilities and pipeline systems are continuously making an impression: Ormen Lange and Snøhvit. To top it off, we include some discussion of the upcoming development of the Shtokman field.

Speaking of pipelines, we look at Russian pipelines, as well as those in Central Asia and West Asia, including an in-depth look at Russian plans to supply China and Japan. Moving around the globe, we also include a look at current pipeline activity in South America. In addition to this, we have articles concerning pipeline inspection and maintenance.

This issue also includes a focus on industry-related activities in the United Kingdom and Scotland as well as in Denmark. A little something to look into before visiting their respective pavilions at ONS.

But ONS must share the spotlight with other of this year’s important events. In addition to previewing upcoming events, we have reviews of recent conferences, including the 14th Underwater Technology Conference and Exhibition that was held in Bergen, EAGE’s 68th conference – their biggest ever – that took place in Vienna and the 23rd World Gas Conference in Amsterdam.

So, enjoy this year’s ONS – we’ll see you there (we wouldn’t miss it)!