In the news

The U.S. government has revoked the approval for the Empire Wind offshore wind project, a joint venture between Equinor (Norway) and BP (UK). The decision, driven by regulatory and economic concerns, halts plans for the 2.1 GW project off New York. The developers are reviewing options, including potential legal challenges or revised proposals.

Key Companies:

Equinor (Norwegian energy giant, formerly Statoil)

BP (British multinational oil and gas company)

Key Details:

European Companies: Equinor (lead developer) and BP (partner).

The VO:X Barentsz is a 7-meter uncrewed survey vessel (USV) developed by Van Oord and DEMCON Unmanned Systems. In March 2025, it became the first uncrewed seagoing vessel to fly the Dutch flag, following the issuance of a certificate of registry by Dutch authorities.

 Designed for challenging offshore conditions, the VO:X Barentsz supports dredging, offshore wind, and maritime infrastructure projects. Its uncrewed nature enhances safety by eliminating the need for onboard operators and reduces emissions, aligning with sustainable operational goals.

 This vessel represents an evolution of Van Oord's previous USVs, incorporating advanced technologies and expanded functionalities for offshore operations.

 The successful deployment of the VO:X Barentsz signifies a significant advancement in maritime autonomy and the integration of uncrewed vessels into existing regulatory frameworks.

BP has announced a significant strategic shift, moving away from its previous focus on renewable energy to prioritize oil and gas production. This decision comes in response to investor pressure and financial challenges associated with its earlier green energy initiatives.

Increased Investment in Oil and Gas

Under the leadership of CEO Murray Auchincloss, BP plans to boost its annual investment in oil and gas to approximately $10 billion, accounting for about two-thirds of its capital expenditure. The company aims to increase its oil and gas production to up to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2030, reversing its prior commitment to reduce fossil fuel output.

enca.com

Reduction in Renewable Energy Spending

Concurrently, BP will significantly reduce its spending on renewable energy projects. The company plans to cut annual investments in low-carbon energy to between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, a substantial decrease from its previous commitment of $10 billion per…

Very rare conditions for the end of January