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2 thoughts on “Is there life after Offshore Europe?”
Some good reflections there Steve!
In answer to your question, pleased to report that there does indeed still seem to be life of some form after OE.
Speaking as “the Shell guy who had to sit by as “watcher” and observe BP screw up the Foinaven development 25 years ago” I’d just like to add that the move into deepwater WoS threw up as many surprises in it’s own way as the leap into UMC complexity had done in just 150m a couple of decades earlier. An impressive and vital collaborative team spirit was thankfully sustained in addressing these problems in the Dyce offices, which was key to successfully overcoming them for the benefit of all future developments (just as had been the case with the UMC).
I made what is likely to have been my last pilgrimage to OE in the snazzy new “P&J Live”, “Event Complex”, “TECA”, or whatever else it seems to be called at Dyce, and mercifully it all turned well worthwhile by bumping into enough similarly tenacious old friends who were largely there for much the same purpose. I must admit though that there was a bit of a spooky feel about Aberdeen, which didn’t seem to have the buzz in the city that is normally associated with OE.
My boots are now firmly on the peg, and look like they are very comfortable staying there until they rot and crumble into eternity. Thanks to all oilfield friends and colleagues who have made the last 50 years (since joining Shell in 1968) such a tremendously enjoyable journey. Now for something completely different – whatever that may be 🙂
Steve, Ian,
Having joined Shell in Aberdeen in 1989 straight from working in the desert with Flopetrol / Schlumberger. I can only say that the six years or so I spent with Shell working on Osprey (Bob Bell, Oaksey, Pete Lowe, Derek MacKenzie, Mike Craib, Alex Bruce), Gannet (support role working for Oakesy & Nigel George), Brent South with Neil Dobson and before I left to join Halliburton, Pelican with Bob Bell is a time that has had the most influence on my career. I can remember Ian coming back into Tullos telling the subsea guys what was going on on Foinavon, certainly a challenge……… I believe that although the technology has changed and improved, basic principles still apply, failure to prepare and plan mean failure to deliver. During a recent trip to the USA I had conversations where I was told by a couple of vendors that they were looking to put in place interface management capability / technology / systems and “software” ……….ah well better late than never I suppose. Ian I hope your retirement is fun and Steve if your in Aberdeen – give ma a call the Turkish restaurant is still open.