Not long ago, Santos was known only as onshore operator, but in recent years it has become one of Australia’s most active offshore operating companies, the awards presenter, Shell Development Australia Chief Operating Officer Chris Gunner said.

In 2002, Santos began an extensive offshore seismic exploration program and in the years since it has contributed a substantial amount of information to industry knowledge of seismic and underwater sound, as well as knowledge of marine animals and how petroleum exploration and production might affect them.

“This information has been shared willingly and freely with the rest of the industry in Australia and has been taken around the world,” Gunner said.

“Santos has made a great contribution to the decision-making ability of government and the ongoing revisions to the seismic exploration guidelines. These efforts have resulted in a better understanding of whales, their interactions with the industry, all to the benefit of the industry, the whales and the community as a whole.”

The other environment award finalist was ConocoPhillips, which was recognised for its work in developing Darwin LNG.

“The engineering and environmental innovations developed for the Darwin LNG plant has resulted in a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, little or no disturbance to ecosystems, and ongoing protection and monitoring of local and regional ecosystems,” Gunner said.