Best Practice in Exploration

We demand commitment to quality and safety in every aspect of our business. We have stringent, robust operational standards, which are transparent and promoted throughout the company. All our staff and all our subcontractors are made aware of these standards and are required to conform to them if they are to work with our company.

• Onshore

  For all onshore exploration we first conduct an environmental impact assessment, consulting the appropriate specialists and stakeholders to identify existing environmental sensitivities, review any possible impacts of our exploration and take decisions based upon minimising this impact.

  For example, in preparation for our drilling programme based in Caithness, we consulted with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the Highland Council to ensure that our plans did not impact any sites of scientific, environmental or archaeological interest. We also completed a noise survey and designed our site to ensure that our operations would create minimum disturbance for the local community.

• Offshore

  We apply the same rigorous standards as we do for our onshore activities. We work with relevant local and national Governments to ensure that we follow agreed Health and Safety standards, wherever we operate.

  Our Health Safety and Environmental Management System is fully certified by Lloyds of London. Our safety record is impressive. Caithness Petroleum has never had any major safety or environmental incidents. We believe rigorous testing and preparation, in addition to sensitive implementation has led to this result.

  Some examples of work we have undertaken in this respect include:

  • Environmental studies to ensure the acoustic effects of seismic acquisition on marine life is minimal in the areas of the North Sea in which we are active;

  • Engagement with the local fishing community to minimise or offset any potential loss of earnings resulting from our offshore operations;

  • Use of marine mammal observers and passive acoustic monitoring systems during offshore operations to minimise our impact on local marine wildlife.