An inspirational apprentice keeping his colleagues safe offshore; robotic crawlers for inspecting confined spaces and an innovative company leading the way in hydrogen hubs are just some of the people and projects to have secured accolades at last night’s OEUK 2024 Awards ceremony.

Around 600 people from across the industry gathered to celebrate at the annual celebration of the sector’s stars sponsored by Shell U.K. Limited, at the P&J Live on Thursday November 28.

Hosted by barrister turned broadcaster, writer and social equality advocate, Rob Rinder MBE, the OEUK Awards recognise outstanding performance from companies, as well as high-performing individuals, for their unique contributions to the sector.

Hailing the winners, OEUK’s chief executive, David Whitehouse said:
“This is the largest Awards event we’ve had for a decade with over 40 finalists inspiring us with their achievements. These remarkable people, exceptional teams and enterprising companies are making a difference to our everyday lives and their exciting achievements are helping to ensure we can become a world leader in delivering the clean energies of the future.”

The award-winning individuals and companies in each of the eight categories are:

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by OPITO

Dylan Fettes, Ithaca Energy, an apprentice operator on the Captain Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel won an award for his forward-thinking approach, which has helped drive greater efficiency when planning weekly scopes of work. Always proactive, he regularly sets up equipment for testing multiple times, collaborating with instrument technicians to ensure safety and permit controls are always in place.

Early Career Professional of the Year, sponsored by Wood

Amy Connelly, Shell U.K.Ltd, a wells engineer was recognised for using her technical skills, willingness to learn and leadership to make her mark in promoting sustainable well operations. She combines this with her passion and enthusiasm for the energy industry resulting in her becoming a role model and inspiration for young people through her dedication and voluntary work across the sector.

People & Culture – sponsored by Flotation Energy

As a provider of services for delivering large and complex subsea projects Ocean Installer Limited, has experienced a rapid increase in its workforce and continuously looks at ways to ensure its culture is rooted in psychological safety, trust and openness. The OEUK award was presented to Ocean Installer for its CARE values which it developed in collaboration with employees and which stand for Collaboration, Adaptable, Reliable and Energetic.

Outstanding Contribution to Energy Security – sponsored by Centrica Energy Storage+

Ocean Windswon the award for helping to ensure the UK’s security of energy supply, through the provision of renewable energy sources. As a major offshore wind developer with a 6.1 GW UK portfolio, Ocean Winds has significantly contributed to regional and national economies. Its Moray East project notably cut offshore power generation costs by more than 60%, from £140/MegaWatts per hour (MWhr) to £57.50/MWhr, showcasing cost-efficiency and driving renewable energy growth.

Outstanding Contribution to Energy Decarbonisation – sponsored by North Sea Transition Authority

This award was presented to Centrica Energy Storage + for its progress in most effectively cutting carbon emissions from the production of energy, which is vital to meeting the UK’s climate goals and supporting energy security. Centrica Energy Storage+ has hydrogen projects across the UK including its Easington Terminal on Humberside.This forms part of the Humber Hydrogen Hub initiative which supports industrial decarbonisation by supplying local heavy industries with hydrogen to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Innovative Supply Chain of the Year (large enterprise) – sponsored by Harbour Energy

SLBwon this award for its commitment to speeding up the adoption of technologies needed for the energy transition. Working with the Net Zero Technology Centre on its TechX accelerator programme, it helps boost enterprising local start-ups. Using its global expertise in innovation, SLB supports projects including a Scottish Hydrogen Hub and is pioneering automated drilling systems as well as manufacturing and distributing this technology.

Innovative Supply Chain of the Year (SME) – sponsored by Harbour Energy

As a company that has developed integrated artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, AISUS Offshore Ltdhas won an award for the innovative way it gives clients detailed information about the condition of their assets. Specialising in remote inspection technology, AISUS tools include robotic crawlers for inspecting hard-to-reach hazardous areas and using ultrasonic data to provide clients with accurate corrosion rate readings so their assets including topsides are safely, cost-effectively and efficiently maintained.

Neighbour of the Year – sponsored by D2Zero

This award recognises recognise companies that have exemplified exceptional corporate social responsibility and community engagement and is voted for by the audience at OEUK’s Awards celebration. This year it went to Spirit Energy in recognition of its values, which are delivery, care, collaboration, agility and courage. In Aberdeen and Barrow- in-Furness, it contributes to community projects including skills events for local unemployed adults and supports St Mary’s Hospice in Cumbria. To help young professionals, Spirit has offered over 3,000 hours of work experience locally and its employees have volunteered over 200 hours at local schools and career day events.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Offshore Energies UK