In the survey taken at this week鈥檚 Offshore Europe event, the issues of ageing assets and access to talent were jointly ranked first, with 29% of respondents identifying each as their primary concern. Legislation also featured, with 15% of respondents ranking it first, due to the increasing complexity of the global regulatory environment.
The survey
Peter Richards, Vice President Marketing and Communications Lloyd鈥檚 Register Energy, said: 鈥淎cross the world, assets are reaching maturity, access to reservoirs remains challenging and many experienced specialists are nearing retirement. On top of that, the 鈥榙igital oilfield鈥� brings an increased need for strong capabilities in mathematics, statistics and data alongside the traditional science and engineering skill sets. This survey reflects those industry dynamics.鈥�
Offshore Europe
The theme of this year鈥檚 Offshore Europe, 鈥業nspiring the next generation鈥�, also reflects this, and recognises the need to understand what the industry鈥檚 future looks like and to build a talent pipeline to support it. But in the low oil price environment, many organisations need to make difficult decisions in order to achieve cost reductions 鈥� and that may prove to be counter-productive in the longer term.
Following the technical session on talent development which was chaired by LR Energy during the conference, John Nicolson HR Director, Lloyd鈥檚 Register Energy, commented: 鈥淓ven as the energy industry braces itself, companies must keep one eye on the future 鈥� if the talent pool is diminished (in quality or quantity) the business will be less able to leverage the upturn when it arrives.鈥�
The contemplated outcome
As the debate at Offshore Europe 2015 illustrates, how the industry addresses these challenges is critical in ensuring the continued long-term growth of the industry.
There are no easy answers but one thing is clear from Offshore Europe 2015: the industry is aware of the challenges and is actively looking for solutions to drive long-term growth.
Edited from various sources by