The shortlist for the Offshore Achievement Awards has been declared, recognising the top individuals and companies in the energy industry.

The awards, re-launched in October by the Society of Petroleum Engineers with the support of main sponsor TAQA Bratani, will celebrate the finest talent in categories including overall company performance, commitment to safety and innovation.

Entries were open to UK-registered companies in the oil and gas industry and for the first time renewables companies, a move demonstrating the increasing presence of companies in this sector operating in the North Sea.

The black-tie awards ceremony, now in its 26th year, is to take place on Thursday 15 March, 2012 at Ardoe House Hotel in Aberdeen. Winners will be announced on the evening and presented with a bespoke trophy designed by a Robert Gordon University student.

Masud Javaid, chairman of SPE Aberdeen and senior economist at Total E&P UK, said: “It has been hugely encouraging to see such a positive response and high number of entries, from both established companies as well as newer entrants. The return of the Offshore Achievement Awards has made a significant impact on the industry calendar.

“The entries we received this year were of an exceptionally high standard which made the selection process very difficult, however our expert judging panel is confident that the very best of the nominations have been recognised and made it through to the shortlist.”

Leo Koot, managing director of main sponsor TAQA Bratani, said: “There has been a fantastic response to the re-launch of the offshore achievement awards and it’s very encouraging and exciting to see so many organisations proud to share the successes of their company and people.

“It’s important to celebrate excellence and achievement in the industry and help foster talent, creativity and innovation through awards such as this.”

The OAA finalists in each category are:

New Idea (sponsored by Nexen)

Aubin, Coretrax, Subsea Deployment Systems

The Innovator (sponsored by BG Group)

Expro, Pelamis, Zenith

Safety Innovation (sponsored by Petrofac)

3Sun Group, Capita, Paradigm Flow

Export Achievement (sponsored by Maersk Oil)

Ace Winches, Nessco, TWMA

Offshore Renewables (sponsored by AREG and 3sun Group)

EMEC, FoundOcean, Vattenfall,

Working Together (sponsored by Robert Gordon University)

TAQA Bratani, Veolia Environmental, Wood Group PSN

Young Professional (sponsored by Red Spider)

Stuart Brand, 3Sun Group; Paul Handley, Axis Well Technology; Emma Stephenson, Shell

Great Small Company (sponsored by Wood Group PSN)

Alba, Safehouse, Titan Torque

Great Large Company (sponsored by Offshore Europe)

Ace Winches, AMEC, Axis Well Technology

Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Aker Solutions)

To be announced on the evening

As well as main sponsorship from TAQA Bratani and media sponsorship from the Press and Journal, Scottish Enterprise also announced its continued support of the Offshore Achievement Awards. The oil and gas industry’s needs and opportunities continue to evolve, and Scottish Enterprise aims to support the industry in its ambitions. Innovation and internationalisation are key drivers if Scottish companies are to achieve growth ambitions.

In recognition of this, the Scottish Enterprise Company Growth Team is offering each finalist the opportunity to take part in an Independent Business Review, followed by a fully funded strategy workshop with the aim of identifying key growth priorities within the company. Following this, there may be potential to access SE services and supporting activities to further support these priorities.

Tags: The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)