Burnie holds a BSc in Petroleum from the University of Aberdeen, UK. He has over 40 years’ experience in international operations. Starting as a Petroleum Engineer and undergoing training with Shell, he has subsequently held Operations Management positions with many major and independent operators as a consultant, including Shell International, BHP, Mobil, Pennzoil, Amerada Hess, Cairn and BP. Burnie is recognised for his expertise in the areas of Well Planning and Operations, Deepwater, HPHT (High Pressure and High Temperature), Peer Review, Risk Assessment and Well Examination. His other areas of expertise include extended reach, horizontal wells and dual laterals.

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He has planned, designed and supervised the successful planning, drilling and completion of many HPHT wells, including Deepwater in the Gulf of Mexico as well as tough environmental conditions in other parts of the world. Often involved in working and supervising existing teams, introducing applicable HPHT technology and procedures, providing training and operations manuals, and instigating a rigorous planning procedures if needed.

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Author of 8 published technical papers.

Burnie has worked as a Director with Prime Energy for over 10 years.