A Positive New Year

Looking back at 2015, it’s easy to focus on low, unstable oil prices. But it’s definitely more useful to look back at how the industry has risen to the challenges these prices have created.

Over the course of this year, the most prominent theme has revolved around how the industry could face the challenges posed by the downturn. Now, we see more optimism about how the industry is tackling these challenges – and more specifics about how this can be done.

We kick off this issue with a look at the activity on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Although we’ve seen layoffs and delayed project spending due to the downturn, this year has also included the drilling of 57 exploration wells.

Looking further in to the coming year, we hear from io oil & gas consulting, who remind us that although the downturn has cast a shadow over the industry, it has also created an opportunity to change standard ways of working – pointing to collaboration and technologies as solutions for change.

Proserv puts a fine point on the technology solution, asserting that the industry must stop over-engineering in order to reset the cost base. Be sure to read how Proserv is working to help increase production levels by focusing on direct solutions, what they call “Ingenious simplicity”.

We also hear from logistics provider GAC UK, who highlights some of the steps that can be taken to generate efficiencies, support business continuity and protect profitability. And from DNV GL, we hear about their collaborative efforts to streamline documentation to achieve cost savings.

The annual Autumn Conference, which marks the release of the International Energy Agency’s annual flagship publication, the World Energy Outlook, has become a must-attend event. We were there and have an all-too-brief look as some of the highlights.

In the decades ahead, natural gas will play an increasingly important role in meeting the world’s energy demand. And we include a short synopsis of Douglas Westwood’s The World LNG Market Forecast 2016-2020 that describes how this market will grow over the next 5 years.

As always, we also include a number of features that focus on technologies that help to push the industry forward.

BMT Fluid Mechanics describes how Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can complement physical modelling as an aid to validating FLNG design. And CD-adapco tells us how CFD can aid in optimising tension leg offshore platform orientation.

From Video Film Int AS/Crestron Norway based in Oslo, we hear about how AV has evolved from a specialty area to a business-critical application that serves as a tool for collaboration.

We also include a look at Fugro’s all-purpose, subsea trenching system that can operate at depths from 10 to 3,000 metres. And SPX FLOW’s Aberdeen Service Centre discusses ways in which maintenance work can be carried out faster and more effectively – and reduce down time and lengthen service life – with the goal of saving costs.

And that’s only a few of the features in this issue. Be sure to let us know what you’re up to in the coming year.

And so, from all of us here at Scandinavian Oil-Gas Magazine, we wish you

A Joyous Holiday Season & A Peaceful and Prosperous New Year