The IADC North Sea Chapter has once again recognised outstanding safety practice at the 52nd Annual Safety Awards, supported by Gold Sponsor, Valaris.
Established in 1973 during the infancy of North Sea oil and gas, the IADC North Sea Chapter’s objective has been to unite the drilling industry in addressing challenges, setting new operational benchmarks and tirelessly promoting unrivalled safety standards which have since become globally renowned.
This year, an audience of 460 of the Chapter’s primary members, associate members, industry partners and guests gathered at Aberdeen’s P&J Live to celebrate company and individual performance.
Opening proceedings, Chapter chair, Michael Boyd reflected on the opportunities inherent within the drilling industry today, commenting: “Opportunity is everything, because it makes this industry such a great place to work.
“The energy transition is reshaping how we do business…ultimately inspiring collaboration and the creation of new companies, technologies, processes and practices which make our industry safer, stronger and pave the way to a more sustainable future.
Winners of the IADC North Sea Chapter Annual Safety Awards 2025, with Michael Boyd, Chapter Chair (far left). Photo credit: Martin Parker Photography
“Tonight, in the 85th year of the IADC, we celebrate the people who make our industry great and I extend my sincere congratulations to all category finalists and winners for their contribution.”
Committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates, the IADC North Sea Chapter raised £7,500 for local charity Befriend a Child on the night, whilst donating £3,000 to the UK Oil and Gas Chaplaincy Trust Fund in memory of former Chapter employee, Val Hood.
Winners of the IADC North Sea Chapter Annual Safety Awards 2025 are:
Associate Member Award – Interocean Marine Services. Runner-up Evolution Hoses – Rig Surveys Group
Best Safety Performance Award: Jack-up – Borr Drilling (below 1million manhours), Valaris (above 1million manhours)
Best Safety Performance Award: Floating Rig – Stena Drilling. Runner-up – Dolphin Drilling
Best Safety Performance Award: Platform Drilling – Odfjell Technology
Chairman’s Award for Best Safety Performance: Jack-up - Shelf Drilling for the Shelf Winner
Chairman’s Award for Best Safety Performance: Floating Rig - Stena Drilling for the Stena Don
Chairman’s Award for Best Safety Performance: Platform Drilling – H&P for the Scott
Chairman’s Special Award (to an individual making a remarkable contribution to improving safety) – Tomas Labanauskas, Shelf Drilling
The 2025 North Sea Chapter Annual Safety Awards were supported by Valaris, Borr Drilling, Dolphin Drilling, Rig Surveys Group, HMH, Stowen, Westerton Access and Shelf Drilling.