Monday 10 June 2013

Oil & Gas UK Welcomes EU Council of Ministers’ Approval of Offshore Safety Directive

Oil & Gas UK has welcomed the EU Council of Ministers’ vote today to approve the EU Directive on offshore safety.

Robert Paterson, Oil & Gas UK’s health, safety and employment director, said “Throughout the progress of this legislation, from Regulation to Directive, Oil & Gas UK has worked hard to help the European Commission achieve its objective of improving and strengthening offshore safety standards across the EU. We now feel that this Directive complements the world-leading health, safety and environmental standards already in place in the North Sea that were developed from the lessons the industry learnt following the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988.

“It is perhaps fitting that this final stage comes a week before we mark the 25th anniversary of Piper Alpha – the world’s worst offshore disaster – with a week of remembrance and reflection.

“Oil & Gas UK would like to take this opportunity to commend the European Parliament, Council and Commission for working constructively together, and with industry, in the development of this Directive. Their efforts will allow us to achieve a less disruptive and more seamless incorporation of the Directive provisions into UK law in a timely manner.”

ENDS

Details of the decision to adopt a Directive on offshore oil and gas safety are available here.