The Managing Director of international offshore engineering solutions company, Aquaterra Energy, has confirmed the company’s commitment to developing the UK oil and gas industry, through his appointment as a member of the new Oil and Gas Industry Council.

The body was established to represent the views of producers, operators and the supply chain in a partnership between industry and government. Patrick Phelan, who will provide an important voice for the supply chain, has already been involved in consultation around the development of the government’s Industrial Strategy, launched on 28th March.
The Strategy was designed by the government-industry partnership with the objectives of: securing tax certainty; providing supply chain support; and bridging the skills gap, to ensure the continued future growth of the UK oil and gas industry.

Commenting on his role within the Council, Patrick Phelan said: “There are some 400,000 people employed through the oil and gas industry in the UK and it is vital for the economy and energy security that the industry continues to thrive. Aquaterra Energy is engaged in providing specialist engineering solutions for offshore drilling needs and our products and services are in demand all over the world. So, the promotion of engineering as a career choice and the calibre of training young people receive through our high-class universities is of particular importance to businesses like ours. This is why I will be dedicating time to consulting with the Council and helping to promote future industry development.”