2026 Offshore Achievement Award Winners Revealed!
August 2026
The 2026 SPE Aberdeen Offshore Achievement Award winners have been revealed at the annual ceremony held at the P&J Live, Aberdeen. Over 400 guests celebrated the exceptional achievements and outstanding performance of companies and individuals in the offshore energy industry at a black-tie ceremony hosted by actor Ron Donachie and sponsored by Bilfinger.
The evening's most prestigious honour, the Significant Contribution Award, was presented to Sir James Milne, CBE, in recognition of his transformative impact on the offshore energy industry spanning more than four decades.
Founder of Balmoral Group in 1980, Sir Jim has built a diversified powerhouse recognised among Britain's Top 100 private companies. Under his leadership, Balmoral Comtec pioneered advanced composite materials for subsea buoyancy, protection, and insulation—technologies now trusted across 56 countries and integral to the industry's pursuit of net zero. From ultra-deepwater buoyancy modules to the groundbreaking HexDefence system for offshore wind turbines, and investments including a £1 million Wave and Current Simulation Facility and the industry's most comprehensive Subsea Test Centre, Sir Jim has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. Beyond offshore energy, he founded Balmoral Tanks and created Balmoral Business Park in 2013, now home to more than 25 businesses. Through the Milne Family Foundation, he supports over 60 causes and consistently donates over £2 million annually—proving that business success and community impact are two sides of the same enduring commitment to making a difference.
Commenting on the win, Sir James says: “I am deeply grateful for this recognition. Over more than four decades there have been highs and lows, but we have always believed in looking ahead and pushing boundaries. Innovation has been at the heart of Balmoral from the very beginning, and it is the talent and commitment of our people that has turned ambition into reality. I am proud of what we have built together, and we will continue to move forward without ever standing still.”
The 2026 award winners are:
Emerging Technology Award, sponsored by Evolve
Stillstrom by Maersk
Field Proven – Technical Award, sponsored by Exceed
OneSubsea
Field Proven – Digital Award (New category for 2026), sponsored by Exceed
Hydrafact Ltd
Collaboration Award, sponsored by EXL
TAQA Well Completions
Skills Development Award
PBS
Offshore Workplace of Choice
Golden Eagle - CNOOC International
Sustainability Award
TAQA Well Completions
Industry Expert Award
Dr Myles Jordan, SLB
Inclusivity Champion Award, sponsored by SLB
Iyke Onyegiri, AFBE-UK
Industry Returner/Transferer Award, sponsored by Wood
Kat Masterson, THREE60 Energy
Young Professional Award, sponsored by Integrity
Hannah Wilson, PBS
Significant Contribution Award, sponsored by Harbour Energy
Sir James Milne, CBE
Highly commended certificates were also awarded to:
Industry Expert Award
Kevin Stewart, Wood
Offshore Workplace of Choice
PBLJ - Dolphin Drilling
Young Professional Award
Roberto Bellini, Energy Insider
Graham Dallas, Chair of the Offshore Achievement Awards Committee, says:
"Congratulations to our 2026 award winners and finalists. Each winner has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation that will undoubtedly inspire others. I'm particularly honoured that we are recognising Sir James Milne with our Significant Contribution Award—his four decades of technical innovation, business diversification, and unwavering commitment to community support exemplify the very best of our industry. The OAAs serve as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through collaboration and commitment to excellence. Your success today will help shape our industry's future, setting new benchmarks for achievement in the years ahead."
Rod Agnew, Vice President of Offshore Services at Bilfinger UK, commented:
"We are proud to continue our partnership with the Offshore Achievement Awards for a second year. Tonight's winners represent the innovation, dedication, and excellence that drive our industry forward. From Sir James Milne's remarkable legacy of technical achievement and community impact to the emerging technologies and exceptional young professionals recognised this evening, these awards showcase the talent and vision that will shape the future of offshore energy. Bilfinger is honoured to support a platform that celebrates not just what we achieve, but how we achieve it—with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive difference."
For further information on the Offshore Achievement Awards winners, please visit: www.spe-oaa.org
About the Offshore Achievement Awards
The SPE Aberdeen Offshore Achievement Awards (OAA) is the biggest and longest-established oil, gas and renewables industry awards for the UK offshore energy sector, covering all aspects from supply to upstream operations and offshore renewables.
For further information, please contact:
Suzanne Robertson
Mearns & Gill
suzanne.robertson@mearns-gill.com
M: 07812 023734
