The leading representative body for the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry has hailed the grit and resilience of the thousands of people working for the critical sector as it opened nominations for its annual awards today.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, key workers both on and offshore continued to safely operate installations around the UK Continental Shelf, supporting the UK’s security of energy supply. While seeking to deal with the economic fall-out of the  low oil and gas prices brought about by the pandemic, the industry continued with its work on Roadmap 2035, making major commitments to halve emissions from the production of oil and gas in the next decade as well as progressing its plans to support carbon cutting solutions including carbon capture usage and storage and hydrogen.

Industry body OGUK will hold its annual awards, sponsored by Shell, on 10 December this year, with hopes that its virtual format will make it more accessible not only to the industry workforce, but to family, friends and anyone with an interest in how the sector is shaping up as part of a low carbon future.

Commenting as nominations open, OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie said:
“This has been extraordinary year in which our industry, only just beginning to recover from the last downturn, finds itself facing more dark days ahead. Yet, in spite of the personal and professional challenges the coronavirus pandemic brought on all industries, companies and people, our key workers ensured our critical industry never stopped operating.

“This is the North Sea spirit and grit we are known for, working in tough circumstances to provide affordable energy to millions across the UK. It is this same resilience which should give confidence that our changing industry is and will continue to step forward by cutting its emissions and in using its skills and expertise to develop the solutions needed to meet our country’s climate ambitions. We remain on track to deliver our ambitious plan to realise the full potential of our sector through the energy transition, Roadmap 2035.

“With a new virtual format, OGUK’s annual awards are an opportunity to tell our positive story to more people than ever before. Whether it’s family, friends, or you  want to know more about how our industry is changing and about the people who make this sector the amazing industry that it is, we hope everyone will enjoy taking part in acknowledging and celebrating inspirational and impressive contributions.”

Nominations close on 2 October and companies are being encouraged to champion talent and innovation, with nine awards up for grabs this year.

Shell UK upstream vice president Steve Phimister said:
“2020 has thrown down challenge after challenge for the sector. But our people have stepped up and met it, maintaining the critical energy supplies that the UK relies on, as well as starting to address the all-important subject of Energy Transition. We can all be proud of our huge efforts right across the industry, and I look forward to seeing our most important asset – our people – celebrated at these awards.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Oil & Gas UK