IADC North Sea Chapter recognizes best in safety performance

The IADC North Sea Chapter recognized the best in safety performance at its annual Safety Awards Ceremony held in Aberdeen on 16 May. Northern Offshore and Noble Drilling were recognized in the jackup category while Transocean was awarded in the semisubmersibles category. Archer was recognized for its performance with platforms, and Stena Drilling landed the honors for drillships. Ensco’s Julian Hall, NSC Chapter Chairman, said it was important to recognize the contributions of individuals, teams and companies to the continuing safety of the industry. “It has not been an easy year, with safety dominated by understandable concerns regarding helicopter reliability. Particular thanks should be given to Step Change in Safety’s Helicopter Safety Steering Group for their invaluable work and effort expended on industry’s behalf,” he said.

IADC President and CEO Stephen Colville also addressed the chapter, highlighting the importance of improving the competency of people, as well as the effectiveness of processes and efficiency of equipment. “It is vital to drive down costs of operating in the North Sea,” Mr Colville said.

Merit Awards were presented for drilling operations on the Captain (Archer), Kvitebjorn and Oseberg C (KCA Deutag), Noble Hans Deul and Noble Julia Robertson (Noble Drilling) and the West Alpha (North Atlantic Drilling).

The Environmental Award went to Stena Drilling, and the Associate Member Award was presented to Sodexo.

The Chairman’s Special Award, presented to someone who demonstrates strong safety leadership, went to Stuart Hepburn of Archer.

The recipient of the Val Hood Award, which was established last year in memory of a late colleague to recognize the contribution of a person or organization to the industry, was the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a group that relies solely on charitable funding for its invaluable work. A check for £15,000 was presented to RNLI.

The event was hosted by broadcaster and Deacon Blue drummer Dougie Vipond, with entertainment from comedian Mike Gunn. Funds raised during the event will be donated to CLIC Sargent and Macmillan Cancer Support.

A full list of winners are listed below:

BEST SAFETY PERFORMANCE AWARDS 2013

• Jackups
  Under 1 million manhours: Northern Offshore
  Over 1 million manhours: Noble Drilling (Runner up: Ensco)
• Semisubmersibles: Transocean (Runner up: Odfjell Drilling)
• Platforms: Archer
• Drillships: Stena Drilling

MERIT AWARDS

• Outstanding safety performance over 9 years: Captain, Archer
• Outstanding safety performance over 9 years: Kvitebjorn, KCA Deutag
• Outstanding safety performance over 5 years: Noble Hans Deul, Noble Drilling
• Outstanding safety performance over 5 years: Oseberg C, KCA Deutag
• Outstanding safety performance over 4 years: Noble Julie Robertson, Noble Drilling
• Outstanding safety performance over 4 years: West Alpha, North Atlantic Drilling

ASSOCIATE MEMBER AWARD
Sodexo

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Stena Drilling

CHAIRMAN’S SPECIAL AWARD
Stuart Hepburn, Archer