UK Oil and Gas Industry Association : Offshore survival suit revamp is excellent showcase of pioneering industry

January 17, 2019

Oil & Gas UK has said the latest development in offshore survival technology from the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC) is an excellent showcase of a pioneering industry.

The prototype garment, developed alongside Iron Ocean and Heriot-Watt University, could save the lives of offshore workers in the event of an incident at sea.

The 'Centurion 3' is made up of a three-layer upper body garment that produces heat when immersed in cold water and is designed to be worn under the traditional offshore survival suit - effectively protecting workers from the harsh elements of the North Sea.

Matt Abraham, Oil & Gas UK's supply chain and HSE director, said: 'We are encouraged by the development of this cutting-edge technology for industry which has the potential to save lives in an emergency scenario.

'As a major hazard industry, the UK's offshore oil and gas sector has a clear duty to protect the health and safety of our people. This is an excellent showcase of how our pioneering industry continues to drive ground-breaking improvements which can have a real impact on the lives of the people who work offshore.

'We are continually evaluating ways in which we can improve our preparedness in response to a major incident and we work closely with our members, as well as regulators and the government, to ensure we are setting high standards.

'The safety of our people is a core value and is at the heart of all that we do, and we have already seen how innovative technology has had a positive impact in allowing the industry to become more efficient, whilst reducing risks to the workforce.'