This year’s International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) North Sea Chapter Safety Awards were announced by Chairman, Steve Rae of Seawell, at the organisation’s glittering annual dinner in Aberdeen. Nearly 400 IADC members and their guests saw the awards being presented by Jackie Bird before being entertained by comic actor and after-dinner speaker, Chris Barrie (of Red Dwarf, Brittas Empire and Massive Motors fame).

2008 Industry Guest Speaker was Graham Robinson, Worksite Hazard Project Manager for Shell’s global “Goal Zero” team. Guests were also addressed by 2008 IADC International Vice Chairman, Claus V. Hemmingsen, Partner in the Firm A.P. Moller, member of the Executive Board in A.P. Moller - Maersk and CEO of Maersk Contractors.

Steve Rae highlighted the challenges of the current market. “Activity levels throughout 2007 continued at a relentless pace - unabated by the constraints in the supply chain and the extremely tight labour market. Throughout 2007 we have seen mergers, acquisitions, management buy-outs and the emergence of new entrants. These are truly exciting and challenging times in our industry.” But regardless of industry conditions, safety remains the core issue for IADC.

Performance awards were presented for jack-ups, semi-submersibles and platforms based on safety statistics for 2007.   Noble Drilling were winners in the jack-up and platform categories, with Stena Drilling picking up the semi-sub award.

For this year’s Merit Awards, it was decided to “raise the bar” and recognise operations or installations that had achieved extended work periods without a Restricted Work Transfer Case or above, that is, those incidents that result in individuals being unable to conduct their normal duties. Steve Rae explained “This should be seen as a positive step for IADC, demonstrating that we are prepared to lead the industry in introducing more stringent criteria for recognising our safety performance.”   Awards were presented to Noble Drilling, for the BP Clair Platform, and to KCA DEUTAG for the Kvitebjorn Platform for achieving 3 years without an RWTC or above.

One rig that has regularly received a merit award over recent years was presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award for working 10 years without incurring a lost time incident - the Noble Drilling jack-up, Noble Piet van Ede.

An IADC NSC Associate Member Award recognised several safety innovations:

• Abermed for innovations in telemedicine and use of remote diagnostic systems and thrombolysis in the offshore environment
• ESS Support Services Worldwide for a range of new initiatives introduced over the past year
• NOV Brandt for their VSM 300 Shale Shaker
• Universal Sodexho for their new HSE Website and other safety initiatives
• Weatherford for their Overdrive Casing Running and Drilling System

The winner was NOV Brandt.

Steve Rae’s Chairman’s Special Award was presented to Russell Robertson, who has been seconded from his employing company Transocean to Step Change in Safety. The award recognises Russell’s selfless dedication and commitment given on behalf of IADC throughout his 30 month period of secondment.

IADC North Sea Chapter is one of 19 IADC Chapters worldwide and has been active for 35 years.  With12 Contractor and over 50 Associate members, the North Sea Chapter represents member companies in North West Europe.

IADC NSC Safety Awards Ceremony Winners – 16 May 2008

Performance Awards:-

Jack-ups

• winner – Noble Drilling
• runner up – Rowan Drilling

 Semi-Submersibles

• winner – Stena Drilling
• runner up – Diamond Offshore

 Platforms

• winner – Noble Drilling
• runner-up – KCA DEUTAG

 Merit Award:-

 Outstanding Achievement Award for 10 years without Lost Time Incident:–

·        Noble Piet van Ede, Noble Drilling

Outstanding Safety Performance for 3 years free of Restricted Work Transfer Case or above: –

·        BP Clair Platform, Noble Drilling

·        Kvitebjorn Platform, KCA DEUTAG

Associate Member Award:-

• NOV Brandt for the VSM 300 Shale Shaker - for development of their VSM 300 Shale Shaker, achieving a marked reduction in noise levels for rig crews who are required to operate and maintain equipment in this vital area.

Chairman’s Special Award:-

• Russell Robertson, Transocean, Step Change in Safety