• Most successful PETEX ever closes 2014, Oonagh Werngren, PESGB President 2014
• Discoveries and Developments: Deepwater Exploration, Offshore Israel
• Can the North American shale success story be replicated?

Plus Much More Inside 

Most successful PETEX ever closes 2014…

PESGB President, Oonagh Werngren hands over the reins of the Society that is in rude health, following a year of change in the industry

2014 has certainly been a roller-coaster year. In January we saw the warning signs that all was not right within the industry. The Wood Review delivered a set of recommendations to industry to overcome the challenges and it was great to see Sir Ian Wood take time out of his busy schedule to come and give the keynote ad- dress at PETEX in November. Sir Ian was able to talk in more detail about how he sees the Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) being set up now that Andy Samuel, has been announced as CEO. Andy, a highly respected industry figure and long serving member of the PESGB, takes up his new post on the 1st January 2015. We wish him all the best and look forward to developing a positive relationship with Andy and the OGA.

November also saw DECC announce results from the 28th Round of Licensing in the UKCS with over 60 com- panies applying for 134 blocks. While it is very encour- aging to see applications being made. I was personally disappointed not to see more wells or new seismic being committed. At 5 firm and 4 contingent wells, this must be the lowest number ever bid and it is not enough to stimulate exploration across the North Sea. It may be a measure of just how badly we need both fiscal support to further encourage exploration and more detailed regional studies to unlock the basin. One only hopes that the autumn statement, due on the 3rd December will have some positive news for the Oil and Gas Industry.

For PETEX the move east to ExCeL, London seems to have been a great success, with the show becom- ing larger than ever before. The Conference itself has grown to look at the future of exploration and in particu- lar the new technologies that will help unlock success. Attendee numbers were higher than in 2012, and we’re delighted to see PETEX growing but still remaining true to its “by the members for the members” ideal ethos phi- losophy. Naturally the entire surplus made at PETEX will be reinvested into the community and the industry in the form of student sponsorships and other good causes. So a very big thank you to Oliver Quinn, Ben Gardner and the whole team for an outstanding job in making PETEX such a phenomenal success.
I should also highlight that in December we have the Aberdeen Christmas Party, plus PROSPEX and Presidents evening in London. I hope you will make time to come along and make these events an outstanding success. Sadly, December will also mark the end of my term as President for the PESGB. I will remain on Council for one more year in the role of Past President to sup- port Hamish Wilson, the new 2015 President, and the team. New Council members will be introduced at both Christmas Events, but I am delighted to see we have had really strong applications for all roles.

As I sign off I would like to thank all the current Council Members and the PESGB staff for their amazing support this year. Our aim was to ensure that we have a fascinating 50th Anniversary Celebration and I am delighted to say this was achieved. We also delivered the move to the new office, some memorable very well attended lectures and conferences, the inclusion of new courses, and our membership has increased to over 6300 people in more than 50 countries. The PESGB is thriving, may it go from strength to strength.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.