Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury prepares with Petrofac for offshore visit

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Robert Jenrick, has undertaken essential underwater escape training in preparation for future offshore visits, in line with the government’s focus on North Sea field life extension.

Mr Jenrick visited Petrofac’s Survival Training Centre in Altens, Aberdeen and received classroom-based instruction in the use of the Emergency Breathing System, before practicing Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) in the facility’s pool.

Responsible for the UK government’s energy and environmental taxes, Mr Jenrick is planning to visit offshore installations to gain further insight into the industry and life offshore.

Gwen Folland, Petrofac’s Head of Government and Stakeholder Relations, accompanied Mr Jenrick throughout his training. She commented: “Extending the life of the North Sea is now more important than ever before, so it’s very promising to receive continued support from the UK government as the industry works together to secure jobs within the sector and another generation for the basin.

“It was a pleasure hosting Mr Jenrick’s visit and having the opportunity to showcase our capabilities, as well as our state-of-the-art training facilities. He emphasised the importance of the high-quality training in offshore safety that we provide and was also interested to hear about the efficiencies we’ve introduced to our training delivery.”

Mr Jenrick said: “The oil and gas industry is an important national economic asset. We’ve backed it with an internationally competitive tax regime to attract investment, encourage innovation and maximise economic recovery from the UK Continental Shelf.

“The industry rightly prides itself on high safety standards. I saw some of the rigorous training for myself and enjoyed taking part in the helicopter underwater escape training at Petrofac’s facilities. Passing the course means I can be the first government minister for several years to visit platforms and meet men and women working in this demanding industry in their workplace.”