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Oil patch insider: AOGA industry award winners
named; icebreaker commissioned
Kay Cashman Petroleum News
Each year the Alaska Oil and Gas Association recognizes individuals, contractors and projects for achievements in the oil and gas industry in the state. The AOGA Industry Awards celebration will be Aug. 27-28 at the Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage.
2025 AOGA Industry Award winners are:
*Contractor of the Year, Denali Universal Services
*Rising Star Award, Sydney Long, ConocoPhillips Alaska
*Marilyn Crockett Lifetime Achievement Award, Mark Ireland, Santos
*Project of the Year, horizontal directional drilling under the Colville River by ConocoPhillips Alaska
About awards, winners Contractor of the Year Award for Safety Performance recognizes a support company for its commitment to safety. For more than 30 years, AOGA said, Denali Universal Services has been a cornerstone contractor for ConocoPhillips Alaska and is recognized for consistently demonstrating safety leadership.
The Rising Star Award honors a young professional under the age of 35 who has made an immediate and definitive impact on the industry in Alaska. Sydney Long, a senior analytics engineer, has advanced swiftly through key roles in engineering and analytics at ConocoPhillips Alaska, working as a mentor within the company to share industry knowledge with professionals in every area of the company.
The Marilyn Crockett Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of the former AOGA executive director who dedicated her 41-year career to "growing Alaska's economy through a vibrant oil and gas sector in the state." Mark Ireland's 40-year career, which ends in November when he retires, includes leadership in nearly every major oil field west of the Kuparuk River and international technical leadership roles.
The Alaska Oil and Gas Project of the Year for Environmental Stewardship and Innovation Award honors an industry project that demonstrates superior environmental stewardship in design, construction or operation and/or an innovative approach. ConocoPhillips Alaska's use of horizontal directional drilling to install dual pipelines under the Colville River during a single winter construction season set a new precedent in sustainable engineering, setting a new benchmark for environmental accountability.
Arctic icebreaker commissioned Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar and U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, were among those attending commissioning of the polar icebreaker USCGC Storis in Juneau Aug. 11. Homeland Security said in an Aug. 11 release that the commissioning marks a crucial step in Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's mission to transport the U.S. Coast Guard into a more agile, capable fighting force ready for the challenges of the 21st century.
"The commissioning of the Storis marks a new beginning for the U.S Coast Guard," Edgar said, citing President Donald Trump's recapitalization of the USCG with $25 billion.
The Storis is America's first polar icebreaker in 25 years. The medium polar icebreaker expands the U.S. operational presence in the Arctic and will support Coast Guard missions while the Coast Guard awaits delivery of the new Polar Security Cutter class.
Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard, said: "The commissioning of USCGC Storis immediately strengthens our ability to control, secure and defend the U.S. border around Alaska and maritime approaches in the Arctic. Storis is the first step of a historic investment in the Coast Guard to add critical capacity to our polar icebreaker fleet to protect U.S. sovereignty and counter malign influence throughout the Arctic."
The $25 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard includes:
*$4.3 billion for polar security cutters, extending U.S. reach in the Arctic;
*$3.5 billion for three Arctic security cutters;
*816 million for might and medium domestic icebreaking cutters; and
*$300 million for USCGC homeporting in Juneau.
The Storis, formerly the motor vessel Aiviq, was acquired on Dec. 20, 2024, and subsequently renamed after modifications to enhance its communications and defense capabilities.
Storis is manned by a hybrid crew of Coast Guard and civilian mariners.
This marks the second vessel in Coast Guard history to bear the name Storis, with the original "Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast" having served 64 years of icebreaking operations in the Arctic.
Alliance board nominations call The Alliance has issued a call for board nominations.
In-coming Alliance Board of Directors President Skeet Black said there are seven 3-year terms available in the fiscal year 2026 election, with one incumbent running. Election results will be announced at The Alliance annual meeting Oct. 23 at the Anchorage Downtown Marriott, with terms of newly elected members beginning Oct. 24.
Nominations must reach The Alliance office by Sept. 9 and require: a written statement of candidacy; a brief history of employment, involvement in industry and/or business-related organizations and other pertinent information; a photograph, with an electronic headshot preferred.
--Oil Patch Insider is compiled by Kay Cashman
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