The Oil & Gas Technology Centre has appointed a new industrial director to lead the creation of two new national research and development centres based in the North-East of Scotland.
Russell Stevenson, who took up the role this month, will work closely with principal academic partners, the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, industrial partners and other academic institutions, to establish the two centres, focused on decommissioning and subsea engineering.
The National Decommissioning Centre is being established with the University of Aberdeen and will work with industry to develop and deploy technology that delivers cost-effective decommissioning at the end of field life, and during oil and gas production operations, including ‘small piece’ decommissioning techniques.
In partnership with Robert Gordon University, the National Subsea Centre will draw upon the University’s academic talent, tailored research and expert facilitation, as well as testing and trials facilities, to tackle subsea engineering challenges including automation and communications.
A chartered engineer, Russell joins the Oil & Gas Technology Centre following a 25-year career at Amec Foster Wheeler, which was recently acquired by Worley Parsons. He was most recently operations director, O&M, responsible for leading the operations and maintenance portfolio.
Russell has an MBA and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
Russell Stevenson, industrial director at the Oil & Gas Technology Centre said: “I am delighted to have joined the Oil & Gas Technology Centre and look forward to working with our academic partners and stakeholders to shape the future direction of these two exciting centres.
“By combining the talent, expertise and opportunities of both the academic and the industrial sectors we can achieve our goal of helping to maximize economic recovery from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) and anchor the supply chain in the North-East of Scotland.”
Colette Cohen, CEO of the Oil & Gas Technology Centre, said: “With a strong academic background and highly relevant industry experience, Russell is a fantastic addition to the team. His appointment to this important role demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with our academic and industry partners to create two world-class R&D centres. We look forward to formally opening the National Decommissioning Centre later this year.”