Editor's note: This column first appeared in the November-December 2023 issue of Offshore magazine. Click here to view the full issue.
By David Paganie, Chief Editor
This is the time of year that companies reflect on performance and market developments and set goals for the coming year. The reflection period at Offshore is a long one – 70 years, in 2024. The longevity of Offshore is a testament to the importance of the offshore market, and the editorial principles that have been passed on and embraced by generations of brilliant journalists at the magazine. It is also attributed to the trust that the brand has established with its readers. Offshore is committed to educating and informing industry professionals, with in-depth technical articles, case studies, industry trends, and unbiased editorial interviews. The magazine’s mission is to continue as the leading source of timely, actionable, and relevant news and technical content for the offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy industries. Since its humble beginnings in Houston in 1954, it has been Offshore’s mission to keep readers informed of the technologies and industry trends that enable good business decisions.
The magazine is also committed to adapting and evolving to keep pace with changes in the offshore market and with reader behavior. A recent market change that led to an amendment to the magazine’s editorial mission, was when conventional oil and gas readers started seeking opportunities in offshore renewable energy development. To meet this need, the magazine expanded its scope of coverage and added a topical monthly e-newsletter. Meantime, readers are increasingly looking to digital magazines (versus print) and social media (mainly LinkedIn) for news and insight.
Starting in 2024, Offshore magazine will be published six times per year and in digital-only format. There will be special print runs during the year in connection with select industry events. In addition, the editorial team is sharing more content on social media platforms; and developing a series of webinars, editorial videos, special reports, and much more for next year.
Regarding the market, Offshore expects some of the leading themes in 2023 to continue in the new year. These include ongoing geopolitical tension that could cause instability in global energy markets; finding value with the integration of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, through the lifecycle of a field; more innovation and investment in methane leak detection and reduction, and in carbon capture and storage; continuing advances in autonomous inspection and operations; and developers seeking solutions to improve the economics of offshore wind development.
Another theme, weighed heavily toward oil and gas, is recruiting and retention of the next generation of talent. This is due to many professionals in the industry reaching retirement, new preferences and priorities emerging from younger professionals, and seasoned project managers and engineers transferring their skill sets to renewable energy development. Both the oil and gas and renewable energy industries are growing, so competition will continue to be tight for talent and construction assets.
Offshore is grateful to its readers and advertisers for supporting the brand through the past 70 years. We invite you to stay with us as we evolve our media products with a digital-first mindset to bring you the information you need to make informed business decisions.
