2026 Offshore Achievement Awards Finalists Announced: Record Digital Innovation and Exceptional Young Talent

The finalists for the 39th annual Offshore Achievement Awards (OAAs) have been officially announced today, showcasing the breadth of innovation and talent driving the energy industry forward.

Supported by principal sponsor Bilfinger for the second consecutive year, the 2026 OAAs recognise outstanding achievements across the full energy spectrum, from emerging technologies to individual excellence that shapes the sector's future.

Digital Innovation Takes Centre Stage

In a significant development for this year's awards, the Field Proven Technology category has been split into two distinct awards—Field Proven Technical and Field Proven Digital—reflecting the exceptional quality and volume of digital innovation entries received.

Graham Dallas, Chair of the Offshore Achievement Awards Committee, comments:

"The digital transformation of our industry is accelerating at an extraordinary pace, and this year's entries reflect that evolution. We received such outstanding digital submissions that we felt compelled to create a dedicated category to properly recognise these innovations. This ensures both traditional technical excellence and cutting-edge digital solutions receive the spotlight they deserve."

Exceptional Young Professional Talent

The Young Professional category has attracted unprecedented interest, with eight exceptional candidates shortlisted from a highly competitive field. These finalists will now proceed to interview, where a panel of industry experts will select the final three or four who will compete for the award at the ceremony in March.

Graham Dallas adds:

"The calibre of our Young Professional entries this year has been truly remarkable. The depth of talent, innovation, and leadership shown by the next generation gives me tremendous confidence in the future of our industry. The interview stage will be challenging, but we're excited to recognise these outstanding individuals."

The 2026 Finalists

Emerging Technology

• Arkane Technology
• Remedium Energy Ltd
• Stillstrom by Maersk

Field Proven – Technical

• OneSubsea
• Resolute Energy Solutions
• Titan Energies

Field Proven – Digital (New category for 2026)

• AISUS Offshore
• Hydrafact Ltd
• Zelim

Collaboration

• Harbour Energy
• Integrity ISS Limited
• Islay Subsurface & NZTC Well Decom Collab
• TAQA Well Completions

Skills Development

• Ithaca Energy
• OEG
• North East Scotland College
• PBS

Offshore Workplace of Choice

• Golden Eagle - CNOOC International
• PBLJ - Dolphin Drilling
• Cygnus - Ithaca Energy
• Culzean - PBS

Sustainability

• CNOOC International
• Peterson
• TAQA Well Completions

Industry Expert

• Dr Edris Joonaki, TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory Collaborator - University of Lancashire
• Dr Myles Jordan, SLB
• Kevin Stewart, Wood

Inclusivity

• José Guilherme Moraes, DNV
• Iyke Onyegiri, AFBE-UK

Industry Returner/Transferer

• Olayinka Atomeji, EDF Energy
• Kathryn Masterson, THREE60 Energy
• Tuoyo Shackleton, EDF Energy

Young Professional (Proceeding to interview stage)

• Robert Bellini, Energy Insider
• Suzie Coull, NSTA
• Scott Harper, bp
• Kellie Kerimi, bp
• Rachel Lucken, TAQA UK
• Antonios Manalis, Weatherford
• Lee Salisbury, Wood
• Hannah Wilson, PBS

The prestigious Significant Contribution Award will be announced on the evening of the ceremony.

Continued Partnership with Bilfinger

Rod Agnew, Vice President of Offshore Services at Bilfinger UK, said:

"We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Offshore Achievement Awards for a second year. The quality of this year's finalists demonstrates the exceptional talent, innovation and dedication that defines our industry. From digital pioneers to inspiring young professionals, these finalists represent the very best of offshore energy, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements in March."

Graham Dallas concludes:

"Selecting finalists from the volume and quality of entries we received this year was no easy task. I extend my sincere thanks to our judging panel for their expertise and commitment, and to Bilfinger for their continued support. Each finalist should be incredibly proud—they represent the innovation, excellence, and leadership that will shape the future of offshore energy."

The 39th annual Offshore Achievement Awards ceremony will take place on 5th March 2026 at the P&J Live, Aberdeen.

For further information on the Offshore Achievement Awards finalists, sponsorship opportunities, and how to buy tickets, please visit: www.spe-oaa.org

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association whose more than 127,000 members in 145 countries are engaged in oil and gas exploration and production. The Aberdeen Section is one of the largest of all SPE Sections across the world with over 2,000 members. In 2024, SPE Aberdeen received recognition from SPE International for winning two prestigious Presidential Awards for Outstanding Section, in both the Community Involvement and Technical Dissemination categories.

For more information please contact:

Suzanne Robertson
Mearns & Gill
Director
T 01224 646311
M 07812 023734
E suzanne.robertson@mearns-gill.com