The UK offshore energy sector’s representative body OEUK has today announced Steve Nicol, Executive President of Operations at leading consulting and engineering company Wood, as the new supply chain champion for the sector.
Mr Nicol who is based in Aberdeen, succeeds Sian Lloyd Rees, Managing Director, Awen Solutions, who was appointed inaugural supply chain champion in 2021.
The role is a key part of the North Sea Transition Deal (NSTD) agreed by industry and government to accelerate the energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, and grow the economy. Mr Nicol will support Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) in its work across industry, governments, and regulators to build, enable, grow and sustain the UK’s offshore energy supply chain.
In one of her final steps as outgoing champion, Sian Lloyd Rees set out her thoughts on the future of the offshore energy supply chain in a report published by OEUK.
The report and the announcement of the new champion were made ahead of a reception hosted by OEUK in Aberdeen today to introduce new energy minister Michael Shanks MP to offshore energy companies in the region and across the UK. The report was presented to the Minister.
In her report, Ms Lloyd Rees highlighted the need to build on UK industrial strengths which, with timely support, could help accelerate progress towards the UK Government’s energy and net zero ambitions.
David Whitehouse OEUK chief executive officer said:
“On behalf of the industry, I thank Sian for her contribution and welcome Steve Nicol as the new Supply Chain champion. As a major employer and an OEUK board member, Steve will be an excellent ambassador in our on ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the UK’s world-class energy supply chain.
“With a heritage in oil and gas and a growing rich expertise across offshore energies, supply chain companies and the tens of thousands of jobs they support have the potential to be the lifeblood of a homegrown energy transition. We must protect this expertise and harness it.
“We must build on our industrial strengths, and we do that through working in partnership across sectors and with governments. Creating new opportunities for people and the economy starts with unlocking investment into our offshore energy supply chain and the time to act is now.”
Steve Nicol added: “People, skills and a robust supply chain are not only vital to the safe delivery of energy today, but for our future net zero ambitions. The supply chain must be able to expand and grow, and we need an attractive business environment that stimulates investment, enables new technology and champions the people who have the skills to deliver the transition. I look forward to working alongside OEUK in my new role to ensure the supply chain continues to lead the UK’s energy transition.”
Sian Lloyd Rees said: “Building on the highly relevant solutions developed for the oil and gas sector will enable us to make faster progress towards the UK’s clean energy ambition. Equally important is the proven credibility of this industrial strength in globally competitive markets”.
The Supply Chain Champion report is available here
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