The blowout on the Ocean Odyssey exploration rig in 1988 is often overshadowed by Piper Alpha but is a significant event in oil & gas history.Derek Beddows, Archer Knight’s Director of Diving and Safety Services, recalls his time as part of the response, and the pioneering work which went into capping the well, 32 years ago this week.
"If I had went into the accommodation I don't know if I would have ever came out"
Piper Alpha was a disaster – in every sense of the word – and it claimed the lives of 167 fathers, sons, husbands and friends. This single catastrophic event significantly changed our industry forever.
During this time of reflection, 32 years on from the Piper Alpha disaster, we must not forget the survivors, family and friends of those who lost their lives.
Two years ago, on the 30th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster we wrote about the challenges facing the North Sea: the large, experienced operators replaced with new entrants to the world of exploration, production and operatorship, the tight budgets and contractor margins.
A Piper Alpha remembrance service will be held today to mark 32 years since the disaster after organisers overcame the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Managing the risks of Covid-19 has been at the forefront of our minds in recent months. However, we must be careful not to be distracted from the ever-present potential of major accident hazards (MAHs).
The commemorative services will have to be held on a virtual basis this year.
It was set to be just a routine night shift for the men of Stonehaven Coast Radio Station, dealing with the chatter and communications in their role as the lifeline between sea and shore.
An appeal has been made to help families of Piper Alpha victims pay their respects in an upcoming memorial service.
A group representing families and survivors of Norway's worst industrial disaster has spoken of its “demand for a completely new inquiry” exactly 40 years later.
The son of a Piper Alpha survivor has published new research to shine a light on the hidden ”moral costs” of disaster incidents
Tributes have been paid to an “innovative” Aberdeen doctor who was on the frontline helping victims of the Piper Alpha disaster.
It was 10 years after the Piper Alpha disaster that Professor David Alexander carried out an extensive study into the psychological effects of the tragedy on those who survived it.
More than 350 onshore and offshore safety representatives from across the UK gathered at Aberdeen’s P&J Live for the recent Safety Rep 30 Conference, which was organised by Step Change in Safety, the UK’s member-led oil and gas safety body, to recognise the 30th anniversary of the SI971 regulations brought in following the Piper Alpha tragedy.
A series of accidents and fatal events in the North Sea were catalysts for the formation of the Offshore Industry Liaison Committee (Oilc) 30 years ago.
Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace (RCCW) has announced the retirement of partner Stewart Smith after nearly three decades with the law firm.
One of Scotland's most horrendous disasters in oil and gas history was remembered in Aberdeen today.
A memorial trust is planning an “informal” act of remembrance in Aberdeen this weekend to mark 31 years since the Piper Alpha disaster.
A man who has worked tirelessly to improve working conditions in the North Sea after almost perishing on Piper Alpha has been appointed to lead Step Change in Safety.
A leading Aberdeen trade unionist has said he will continue to campaign for an independent probe into helicopter safety in the oil and gas industry- even though the government has rejected calls.
Piper Alpha trauma expert David Alexander has officially joined the support team of a north-east firm offering a range of specialist training services.
Currently, more than a third of global oil and gas production comes from offshore fields. The exploration, development, construction, production, logistics, maintenance and decommissioning operations of these fields are carried out with maritime units, including offshore vessels, installations (fixed, floating and subsea) and pipelines. For many countries, the offshore industry is contributing significantly to the national and global economy.
Several organisations have come together in a video campaign to prevent another Piper Alpha-level disaster in the North Sea.
A landmark report into the Piper Alpha disaster has finally been made free to the public, decades since its publication.