The Sea of Lost Opportunity
North Sea Oil and Gas, British Industry and the Offshore Supplies Office
By- Norman J. Smith, Ex-Director General Director UK Department of Energy's Offshore Supplies Office
This book reviews the condition of the British economy and the status of offshore technology immediately prior to the arrival of the oil and gas industry in the North Sea. It examines the immediate and long-term reactions to this large new industry of both the private sector and of government, including the formation, functions and operations of the Offshore Supplies Office (OSO). The "The Full and Fair Opportunity" policy for British firms and the role of "UK content" and the sponsorship of R&D through license awards are considered. Relations with the USA, Norway and other European countries, as well as the European Commission are covered.
Notwithstanding the nearly 30 years of government support through the OSO, the UK has not reaped the full benefit of the North Sea discoveries; this book attempts to explain why.
Audience
Public sector policy makers, business strategists, academics in fields of economics/industrial history, energy economics and business.
Handbook of Petroleum Exploration and Production
Hardbound, 320 Pages
Published: May 2011
Imprint: Elsevier
ISBN: 978-0-444-53645-7
Reviews
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"Turning to the Sea of Lost Opportunity, this book is highly relevant to the Britain, of today deeply stressed and seemingly unable to pull itself out of what has become an horrendous economic mire ...... a must-read for anyone who is hungry to learn about the industry that grew to become our greatest success story in a very long time." --The Press and Journal (Aberdeen) "Smith explains why 25 years of government support through the OSO did not produce greater benefit for the UK. He seeks to show how governments and industries might more effectively manage new demands and pursue strategic industrial objectives while leaving market mechanisms to function with minimal interference. These objectives have application to Australia, not least in our equally open attitude to foreign investment, with mining, agriculture and real estate all in the public eye at present. Smith's suggestions as to how Britain could have been done better are no comfort to past governments, but may, well prepare those to come for new challenges."--Federal Gallery (Australia) "[T]his is no less than the most important book involving the underwater industry that it has been my pleasure to have reviewed .There is so much wisdom woven into the fabric of this momentous book that its importance simply cannot be overstated. It is richly endowed with analytical tables, charts, and figures and makes compulsive reading."--Underwater Contractor International "Smith provides an excellent conclusion that looks at the current UK energy scene and addresses the diverse industrial implications and impacts on future energy policy. This is an outstanding exposition of administration from 1963- 1993. Free-thinking technologists, politicians and energy economists should learn from the past and the current situation in order to produce sensible energy policies for the future. Clearly, this is a book to digest with an eye on strategic development, in terms of sustainable supplies and the environmental challenge." --Materials World Magazine, 04 Dec 2011 "Detailed historical analysis of why the UK North Sea oil industry failed to establish a globally competitive offshore service and supply industry over thirty years." -- Oxford Today
Contents
1. In Europes Sick Bay - Britain Before North Sea Oil
2. The Genesis of the North Sea Oil and Gas Industry
3. Motivations and Constraints in Early North Sea Activity
4. Before OSO: Offshore Supplies 1963-1972
5. OSOs Formative Years 1973-1980
6. OSOs Long March into History
7. Assessing OSO
8. Case Studies and Expert Testimony
9. Looking Back on a Thirty Year Journey
10. Postscript
