In Aberdeen last night (Thursday, November 20), the UK’s offshore energy industry paused to celebrate its people – from those just starting out to those whose careers have spanned the North Sea’s six-decade story.
At Offshore Energies UK’s (OEUK) 2025 Awards, sponsored by Shell U.K. Limited, the spotlight turned to the individuals and companies shaping the sector’s future, even as it faces a complex fiscal landscape and a subsequent downturn in activity.
The evening recognised young professionals bringing fresh ideas to established challenges, as well as the engineers, technicians, and leaders whose experience continues to anchor an industry in change.
Among the winners was Able UK Limited, a company that has successfully delivered over twenty major decommissioning projects, recycling over 250,000 tonnes of offshore infrastructure to date, with verified material recovery rates of over 98.5%.
Shell UK won the Outstanding Contribution to Energy Security award, which recognised the Penguins FPSO for delivering 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day, heating the equivalent of 700,000 UK homes for a year, cutting emissions by 30% versus its predecessor Brent Charlie, and extending field life by 20 years.
OEUK Chief Executive David Whitehouse said the night was a reminder of both the continuity and evolution within the energy workforce.
'Our sector has always been defined by its people; their skills, resilience, and ingenuity.
'What we saw this evening is how that same spirit is driving innovation across carbon capture, hydrogen, and offshore wind, while continuing to deliver the oil and gas that the UK still depends on.
'We hope the Autumn Budget recognises the value of these skilled jobs and the communities they sustain.
'This is a story of transition, but also of continuity – of people who’ve powered the country for decades and are now helping to shape how it’s powered for decades to come.'
Winners:
Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by OPITO: Liam Godsman, Katoni Engineering
Early Career Professional of the Year – sponsored by Harbour Energy: Luke Donnelly, Able
People and Culture – sponsored by Global: Altrad
Outstanding Contribution to Energy Security – sponsored by Centrica Energy Storage+: Shell U.K. Limited
Outstanding Contribution to Energy Decarbonisation – sponsored by North Sea Transition Authority: Oxford Flow
Outstanding Contribution to Circular Economy – sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland: Able
Innovative Supply Chain Company of the Year – Large Enterprise – sponsored by Net Zero Technology Centre: Tracerco Limited
Innovative Supply Chain Company of the Year – SME – sponsored by Net Zero Technology Centre: Apollo
Neighbour of the Year – sponsored by Peterson: Ithaca Energy
Source: OEUK
