Following a summary of the chronological development from 1965 to 1984 of UK offshore gas and oil production, the paper offers a subjective selection of engineering features which have been significant. The author then sets out his thoughts on the present challenges and points to some possible future changes in offshore engineering.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
LivermanJ. G.Without precedent: The development of North Sea oil policy'. Public Administration, Winter 1982, 60, 451–469.
2.
Field analysis service Forties, Dec. 1984, 1–9. (Wood, Mackenzie and Company) (Frequent reference has also been made to WM Monthly North Sea Reports).
3.
WhartonFarrington R.Engineering underwater—what the diver can accomplish. Proc. Instn Mech. Enyrs, 1977, 191, 11–17.
4.
CottonH. C.Welded steel for offshore construction. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1979, 193, 193–206.
5.
Power plants for offshore platforms IMechE Conference, London, Nov. 1981 (Mechanical Engineering Publications Limited, London).
6.
FrewJ. K.SkinnerA. L. W.Offshore and onshore engineering practices compared. IChemE/IMechE Joint Conference Preprints, Nov. 1984, B2, 1–15.
7.
Pumps and compressors for offshore oil and gas, IMechE Conference, Aberdeen, 1976 (Mechanical Engineering Publications Limited, London).
8.
Fluid machinery for the oil, petrochemical and related industries, IMechE European Congress, The Hague, 1984 (Mechanical Engineering Publications Limited, London).
9.
DestyD. H.No smoke with fire. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, Part A, July 1983, 197, 159–170.
10.
MyersA.SideJ.Information and legislation on offshore accidents and safety. Offshore Information, Institute of Offshore Engineering Conference Nov. 1984, Edinburgh.
11.
CarrP. J.WilliamsonJ. L.The Sullom Voe success story. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1982, 196, 239–258.
12.
DentonA. A.Towage and installation of offshore structures. Offshore Engineering, Royal Institution of Naval Architects Symposium, Nov 1981, London.
13.
North Sea costs escalation study, Energy Paper No 7, 1976 (Department of Energy) (HMSO, London).
14.
BastiaanseT.LilesJ. R.Overview of the Central Cormorant underwater manifold centre project (1974–1983). Offshore Technology Conference Proc., 1983, 3, 229–236.
CostelloG. J.BrinkF. I. A.HeneryD.Insulated pipelines between the underwater manifold centre and Cormorant A platform in the northern North Sea. The UMC control system, 265–274.
19.
LothW.HeneryD.The Central Cormorant UMC. Subsea International '85, SUT Conference, London, Jan 1985.
20.
MarslandS. D.DebanoB. R.Underwater modifications to the Brent field gas export facilities. Offshore Technology Conference Proc.1983, 2, 355–364.
MercierJ. A.LeveretteS. J.BliaultA. L.Evaluation of Hutton TLP response to environmental loads. Hutton TLP vessel—structural configuration and design features, OTC 4429, 585–602.
24.
SmithI. J.PisarskiH. G.EllisN.PrescottN. J.Assessment of fracture toughness requirements for the deck structure of the Hutton Tension Leg Platform using finite elements and the CTOD design curve. Hutton TLP vessel—structural configuration and design features, OTC 4430, 603–610.
25.
Development of the oil and gas resources of the United Kingdom1984. Report to Parliament April, 1984, (Department of Energy) (HMSO, London).
26.
AdyeA. M.The role of research in man's use of the oceans. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, Part A, April 1983, 197, 79–90.
27.
AllcockL. C.Offshore oil and gas: The future engineering contribution. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1974, 188, 11–24.
28.
Offshore research focus, Two-monthly newsletter published by CIRIA for Department of Energy, London.
29.
PattenT. D.Summary of current UK research in offshore technology. Proc. Croation Republic Conf. on Marine Technology, Zagreb, Nov. 1979, 27pp.
30.
Potential oil and gas production from the UK Offshore to the war 2000, Report of UKOOA Technical Study, Sept. 1984 (UK Offshore Operators Association, London).
31.
The international offshore oil and gas market: opportunities for Scottish business, Study Report, Jan. 1985 (Scottish Development Agency, Glasgow).
32.
Offshore supplies: performance and prospects, Report by the Joint Offshore Committee, Jan. 1985 (National Economic Development Office, London).
33.
BathP. G. H.van der BurghJ.YpmaJ. G. J.Enhanced oil Recovery in the North Sea. 11th World Petroleum Congress, London, 1983, 3, 189–204.
34.
AveryR. G. S.Offshore drilling, with particular reference to the North Sea and the Sea Quest. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1966–67, 181, Pt 1, 848–875.
35.
BirchonD.The use and abuse of materials in ocean engineering. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1970–71, 185, 241–271.
36.
BishopR. E. D.Ocean Engineering. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1968–69, 183, Pt 1, 764–789.
37.
DeaconG. E. R.Progress in oceanographic research and technology. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1967–68, 182, Pt 1, 846–856.
38.
McHughJ.The engineering of the national transmission system of the British Gas Corporation. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, Part A, July 1983, 197, 179–196.
39.
SharpD. M.Rope in the marine environment. Proc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1976, 190, 45–57.
