Chevron's work in the Netherlands began more than a century ago.
Texaco, which later merged with Chevron, started operations in the Netherlands around 1902. After World War II, we sold fuel under the Caltex® brand.
We began onshore exploration activities in the Netherlands in 1962. This led to the award of the Akkrum concession in 1967, which produced natural gas for more than 30 years before the field was decommissioned in 2003. The rural site was restored to its original state and reclaimed for agricultural use.
In 2005, Chevron acquired Unocal and its interests in the Netherlands. The company had been active in the country since the mid-1960s, producing oil and gas since 1982.
In 2005, Chevron and our partners were granted production licenses enabling the development of the A/B shallow gas fields in the Dutch North Sea. A central processing platform and an export pipeline were installed in Block A12 in 2007. In 2011, the unmanned B13 satellite platform began production.
In 1982, first oil was produced from the Helder and Helm platforms in the Q1 Block of the Dutch sector. Chevron celebrated the 30-year anniversary of this significant milestone in 2012.
Health, Environment and Safety
Chevron's Operational Excellence Management System aims to improve safety, environmental and health performance every day and is woven into every aspect of our operations.
In the Netherlands, Chevron employs an effective behavior-based safety system known as POWER (Positive Observations Will Eliminate Risk). This observation system is essential to supporting safe behaviors. Chevron also employs Stop Work Authority, a policy that establishes the responsibility and authority of any individual to stop work when an unsafe condition or act could result in an undesirable event.
In the Netherlands, Chevron plays a key role as a member of the Southern North Sea (SNS) Pool. The SNS Pool brings together resources from eight separate entities to meet their logistical needs in a collaborative fashion. Among its objectives is maximizing safety by setting quality standards and standardizing safety rules and regulations. The SNS Pool provides a centralized marine and supply base service to more than 130 production platforms, eight drilling rigs and four accommodation platforms in the Dutch North Sea.
The Economy and Technology
Chevron contributes to the economy of the Netherlands by researching lubricants and fuel additives, by producing energy, and as an employer. Chevron's offshore oil and gas production supports the country's energy portfolio. The company has more than 150 employees and is the fifth-largest natural gas producer in the Netherlands.
Chevron deploys the latest technology, and our operations in the Netherlands have a track record of innovation. For many years, the shallow gas reservoirs of the Dutch North Sea sector were seen by many as not economical due to the difficulty of bringing those resources into production. But by using innovative solutions, such as horizontal drilling techniques, Chevron has led the way and made drilling in this area commercially viable.
Updated: April 2013
Cautionary Statement