The offshore oil & gas production has always been a remarkable sector to fly for. The flights themselves often represent an operational challenge requiring thorough preparation. Flights are sometimes preceded by dozens of telephone calls, to keep everyone informed and to identify the perfect moment for taking pictures. And then comes the actual moment at which the shutter closes and I am able to observe situations that remain unknown to so many people, from enormous transport operations far out at sea to platform installations by massive work rigs. It is always a challenge to record the perfect picture of this remarkable world beyond the horizon. The level of interest in the pictures is reflected by the popularity of our photo books about the sector. Part one, 'The Dutch offshore' has sold out and there are just a few cartons of part two 'The Dutch offshore 2010-2013' in the storeroom. In other words, the time is right for compiling part three, with photographs taken over the past two years; years in which booming business gave way to a more reticent approach, given the low oil price.
Fortunately, there is still sufficient activity in the oil and gas fields of the North Sea to justify regular observation flights. After all, the Dutch contribution by ground-breaking innovative businesses is anything but modest. The Dutch offshore, still going strong!