A new institute to support the oil and gas sector is to be launched at the University of Strathclyde.

The Strathclyde Oil & Gas Institute will help companies compete internationally.

It will be based at the University's £89m Technology and Innovation Centre, which is expected to be completed this year, and will focus on oil and gas integrity. This includes the design of platforms and associated equipment, to the condition monitoring of equipment as well as its operation and final decommissioning.

It also aims to look at "many of the key challenges" the sector is facing, such as ageing infrastructure. For example, the university said that around 30% of the 7,000 operational platforms around the world are more than 20 years old and are now operating beyond their original design life.

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Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: "The Strathclyde Oil & Gas Institute represents an important step forward for the University's contribution to the sector.

"It will respond directly to industry needs, and will help to address key business drivers including continuously improving safety and environmental performance, reducing costs, and increasing production efficiency.

"The oil and gas sector is recognised globally for its impressive levels of expertise and the high-calibre of its people. The new Institute will work in partnership with industry to further support innovation and deliver economic impact."

It is understood the Institute will bring in expertise from across the university's four faculties of engineering, science, business and humanities and social sciences.

(JP)