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AUGUST 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com

alking. A lot of talking has been happening of late. Financial commentators have been speculating about what will happen if China’s economy, which provides such a massive

smelting-pot of opportunities and possibilities, slows down. With that there is talk about which economy would come to replace it,

Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com

be it Japan, the world’s third largest economy, or perhaps the US,

Commercial Manager Kaye Kalu kayekalu@littlegatepublishing.com

Some economists seem to be predicting an ‘End of Days’ scenario,

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

and the low price of oil into one massive doomsday climax.

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

growth would be much more robust if China was also charging

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

to do some much needed economic restructuring. This month

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who are currently enjoying a snap back of their economic worth. combining the Chinese economy’s slow down with climate change Others are wondering if we need China at all. Of course, global ahead, but the world is well-positioned to allow China the space we caught up with our in-house biking tour team, who have just returned from a weeklong stint riding around Italy. We find out exactly what our travel correspondents have been doing – one got lost in Venuzuela and the other climbed a Hawaiian mountain – and we spoke with many of the leading businesses in the world about the secrets to their success and diversification. Meanwhile, global attention has fallen onto Zimbabwe following the killing of Cecil the Lion. There has been a witch hunt of trophy hunters on for quite some time, but this has reached a high point as Cecil’s killer, Minnesotan dentist Walter Palmer, is issued death threats online. Trophy hunters provide us with a convenient scapegoat to blame for the loss of endangered species. But as scientists

by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this

estimate that as many as 200 species of plant or animal become

magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.

extinct every day, over 1,000 times greater than the ‘natural’ rate,

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy

it’s clear that the problem is much, much bigger. Witch hunts only

of the information contained within this magazine, no legal

serve to remove ourselves from blame by passing it onto someone

responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising

else. Are we so guilty of our own inaction that we’re desperate to

make someone responsible, or is this just a defining social quality of being human?

prior written consent of the publisher.

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

Kuwait Oil Company

FEATURES

83 ORPIC 4 | Endeavour Magazine

11 Qatar Rail The Most Modern Railway Network 23 OVK Together We Achieve More 29 World Oil Tanzania Expansion And Consolidation 33 Abengoa Water The Sp ecial Touch Of Abengoa 41 Swisslion Takovo The Way The Cookie Crumbles 47 Blue Sea Energy Wind In Our Sails 63 KAHRAMAA Growth, Diversity And Challenge 69 Water Supplies Department of Hong Kong In Hot Water 75 Kuwait Oil Company In The Black 83 ORPIC Big Ambitions To Be Paid In Plastic 91 OK Zimbabwe Retail Royalty 95 Civicon Positioning For The Future 99 Petroleum Development Oman Fuelling Up For Success

Swisslion Takovo

ARTICLES 3 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note 6 Business Headlines Welcome To The Generation Debt Pilbara Ore Shipments Hit Record High Child Slaves Freed From Tanzanian Mines New Terminal at Airport in Madinah 30 New Wells Needed For Brazil 50 Automotives Volvo XC6: The Anatomy Of A Gentleman Triumphant Adventure Triumph Motorcycles: Speed Triple, Trophy, Explorer 104 Gadgets 106 Travel Peaking Behind The Curtain In Venezuela Zhouzhuang Dragon Boat Festival 112 The Anatomy Of A Gentleman 112 Book Reviews

Petroleum Development Oman Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES WELCOME TO THE GENERATION DEBT. LIVING IN DEBT HAS BECOME THE NORM BY DONNIE RUST

nd Generation X is screwed.

revolve their credit card balances (only paying a portion each month)

A report paints a harrowing picture where owing debt has

compared with only 32% of boomers. Without a doubt, this strategy

become a way of life for both Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, but

is having a negative effect on their ability to save for the future as

with the former paying a much bigger price in the long run. It seems that living with debt has become a way of life for both

more Gen Xers (23% versus 19% of boomers) said they believe “you can’t save for retirement until you pay off credit cards.”

Generation X and baby boomers as the stigma associated with

“Over the last three decades, there has been a collective shift in

owing money is gradually disappearing. What is replacing it is an

how people view debt – it’s now perceived as a normal part of one’s

acceptance of debt as just something that comes with life, a report

financial experience and that has fundamentally altered the way

highlights the issue in America but it is indicative of a far larger

people spend and save,” said Katie Libbe, Allianz Life vice president

problem facing all of the West.

of Consumer Insights. “If Gen Xers continue to delay saving for

Generation Xers are burdened by greater debt loads than baby boomers. This is hindering their ability to save for future needs like retirement.

retirement until they are completely out of debt, their nest egg is clearly going to suffer. For Gen Xers who are behind on saving, better debt management, with a focus on credit card spending, should be the first issue they address to get back on track.”

DEALING WITH DEBT Tackling the debt issue will likely be a significant challenge for many Gen Xers. More than a third (36%) of Gen Xers in Allianz Life’s study said they currently have more than $5,000 in credit card debt and a quarter admitted to carrying more than $10,000. In addition, 15% of Gen Xers said they also owe money to their parents. More than four in 10 (41%) Gen Xers say they are not comfortable with the amount of debt they have, while just a quarter of boomers

Baby boomers and Generation X are facing their financial future

reported feeling uneasy with their debt.

with nearly half (48%) of both generations agreeing that credit cards

The increasing comfort/acceptance of living with debt makes a

now function as a survival tool and 43% agreeing that “lots of smart,

behavioural change from Gen X in the near future seem unlikely,

hardworking people who are careful with spending also have a lot

meaning many Gen Xers will have less money available for savings

of credit card debt.”

and will miss out on decades of compound interest. In addition to

Alarmingly, this growing comfort with debt may be having a

carrying more credit card debt and debt in general, more Gen Xers

greater effect on the retirement plans of Gen X. Twice as many Gen

are seeing debt as a necessary way of life. One in five Gen Xers

Xers (27% versus 11% of boomers) say they are either unsure about

believe that going into debt to handle day-to-day purchases is “just

when they plan to retire or don’t plan to retire at all.

a fact of life” versus only 14% of boomers.

The study of 2,000 Americans, including 1,000 baby boomers

These attitudes are also evident in how each generation

between the ages of 49-67 and 1,000 Gen Xers (ages 35-48)

approaches long-term financial planning. When asked which

examined the financial attitudes and current finances for each

financial philosophy they preferred, half of Gen Xers said “enjoy and

generation, including total household debt. The study found that

live for today” versus only 39% of baby boomers, with the majority of

Gen Xers are carrying 38% more in mortgage debt (average of

boomers (61%) choosing “save and plan for tomorrow.” Accordingly,

$144,000 versus $90,000 for boomers) and 45% more in non-

nearly three-quarters (73%) of boomers said they are clear about

mortgage debt, comprised of student loan debt (average of $12,000

how much money they will need in retirement versus only 52% of

versus $5,000 for boomers) and credit card debt (average of $8,000

Gen Xers.

versus $6,000 for boomers).

“Although many Gen Xers are facing an uphill battle when it

While one reason that Gen Xers have higher debt may be related

comes to saving for retirement, the good news is there is still time

to earlier use of credit cards – more than three-quarters (76%) of

for them to change their bad debt habits,” added Libbe. “By taking a

Gen Xers got their first credit card at age 18-24 versus 68% of

few simple steps, like regularly tracking their spending and avoiding

baby boomers – the bigger concern is how they currently use credit

any new debt, burdened Gen Xers can take a significant step toward

to finance their lifestyles. Nearly half (46%) of Gen Xers said they

building a more successful financial future.”

6 | Endeavour Magazine

AUSTRALIA’S PILBARA ORE SHIPMENTS HIT RECORD HIGH Exports of iron ore out of Australia’s Pilbara port reached a new high for fiscal year (FY) 2015, plunging iron ore prices lower as the world glut continues to soar. Pilbara Port Authority announced on July 2 that it had delivered a record annual throughput of 619.8 million tonnes for the financial year ending 30 June, with Port Hedland increasing its throughput by 20% to 446.9 million tonnes. Iron ore exports for the year totalled 439.6 million tonnes, an increase of 75.2 million tonnes - up 21% from FY 2014, according to the Pilbara release. According to data from Metal Bulletin Ltd, this dropped the price of ore to USD55.63 or 6%, the biggest one-day decline in a year. Port Hedland achieved a record monthly trade throughput of 38.8 million tonnes in June, an increase of 4.5 million tonnes or 13% for the same month in 2014. However, with major construction and capital expenditure down, imports dropped 34% to 112,000 tonnes. “There’s nothing new,” an industry insider told IHS Maritime. “They will all keep shipping and the increase is still there.”

CHILD SLAVES FREED FROM TANZANIAN MINES

hile

for

most

of children working, took a

parents

the Western world

coordinated effort by police,

importance of education for

it went under the

Government

their children,”

social

welfare

officers and NGO workers.

Tanzania the last three years

The children’s right group Plan

Human Rights Watch (HRW)

will represent moments that

International was also heavily

described

changed their lives. This is the

involved in the efforts.

conditions faced by children

Plan’s

country Haldorsen,

2013,

the

radar, for 12,000 children in

number of children, some as

understand

report

the

precarious

director,

employed at illegal mines. The

young as eight, who have been

Jorgen

told

document claimed boys were

rescued from small-scale gold

Reuters that since 2012 a

being used to “dig and drill in

mines in the country.

total of 12,187 children aged

deep, unstable pits” for shifts

In a country that only three

between eight and 16 have

as long as 24 hours, while

years ago made the news for

been withdrawn from working

girls were subject to sexual

the harrowing images of albino

in gold mines in Geita and

harassment and were often

children

forced to become prostitutes.

murdered

Nyang’hwale districts in the

and their bodyparts sold for

being

north of the east African

superstitious

country.

remedies,

the

fact that child labour is so

However, enslaving

Tanzania has signed several

children

or not

isolated purely to this industry

prevalent will not be a surprise

international

but the Government is only

declaring

now admitting that this is a

children to perform dangerous

businesses,

serious problem. And as the

mining work is considered to

greatly from a work force that

world’s fourth largest gold

be one of the worst forms of

they don’t need to pay very

producing country it is one that

illegal labour, akin to slavery.

well, are in the position where

the international community

Azazeli Lwaitama, a political

they are not pressured into

can no longer overlook.

analyst and retired professor

ceasing the practice, which

The liberation of these

at the University of Dar es

is destined to continue to be

children, which is barely a

Salaam told Reuters, “More

a problem as long as poverty

dent in the actual number

advocacy is needed to ensure

persists in the country.

that

agreements,

employing

and

widespread.

Day-to-day, many of these who

benefit

TRAVEL

Venezuela Endeavour Magazine | 7

NEW TERMINAL OPENS AT PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN ABDUL AZIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN MADINAH, SAUDI ARABIA

he General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Tibah Airports

20 support buildings including dedicated Hajj facilities for Hajj

Development Company today announced the opening of the

passengers and a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Building.

new terminal at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz International

CH2M, a global engineering consultancy with over 40 years

Airport (PMIA) in Madinah Al-Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

of transportation infrastructure experience in the Saudi Arabia,

This iconic project consists of a new terminal of 156,940 square

was appointed jointly by GACA and Tibah to be the Independent

metres of terminal space on three floors, 16 aircraft stands served

Engineer for the Project. Using experts from the UK, USA and the

by passenger boarding bridges and 20 remote apron stands. The

Middle East, CH2M reviewed the design and provided a team on

project also includes the implementation of a widened and extended

site to monitor the facilities.

runway, with 10 km of taxiways capable of accommodating A380

CH2M is a global engineering company partnering with public and

size aircraft linking the runway to the terminal building and ensuring

private clients to tackle the world’s most complex infrastructure and

the fast and efficient movement of aircraft.

natural resource challenges. The firm’s work is concentrated in the

This Public Private Partnership (PPP) and fast track Engineering,

water, transportation, energy, environment and industrial markets.

Procurement and Construction (EPC) project was completed in

With US$6.1 billion in revenue and 25,000 employees, CH2M is an

30 months and is the first USGBC LEED GOLD Certified airport

industry leader in program management, construction management,

terminal outside of the USA and is also the first in the MENA

operations management and design, as ranked by Engineering

region. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), as Grantor,

News-Record and named a leader in sustainable engineering by

has contracted with Tibah, as Investor, through a Build Operate

Verdantix. CH2M’s commitment to the well-being of people and the

and Transfer Agreement which is the first airport privatization in

planet has earned the company a spot on Ethisphere’s World’s Most

Saudi Arabia. The Tibah Consortium, which comprises TAV Airports

Ethical Companies list for seven years in a row.

with Al Rajhi and Saudi Oger, appointed a Contractor Consortium

The firm first started working in the Middle East in 1976 and has

comprising TAV Airports and ACC to design and construct Phase

since grown to 18 offices and over 2400 employees. CH2M HILL

1 facilities. The new terminal and airfield is built to the highest

is working on some of the most iconic infrastructure programs in

international standards and allows for an initial operating capacity of

the region including the Riyadh Public Transport Program, the Inner

8 million passengers per year.

Doha Re-sewerage Integrated System (IDRIS) project and the Abu

The project includes a mosque for 1,000 worshippers and 8 | Endeavour Magazine

Dhabi Shah Gas Development.

NEVR JAPAN, MYANMAR, THAILAND TO COOPERATE ON DAWEI PORT DEVELOPMENT

30 NEW WELLS NEED TO BE DRILLED FOR BRAZIL TO REACH PRODUCTION TARGET

f successful, the project will allow cargo to bypass the

BOOK REVIEWS

narrow and congested Strait

of Malacca to forge shorter trade routes from the Middle East and Africa through to China and Japan. The agreement was signed in Tokyo on 4 July, on the side lines of the 7th MekongJapan Summit. The summit also adopted the ‘New Tokyo Strategy 2015 for Mekong-Japan Cooperation’ (MJC2015),

which

outlines

Mekong-Japan Cooperation in

ong recognised as the pioneer in deepwater technology, Petrobas has been able to build up huge reserves of some 16 billion barrels of oil, Douglas-Westwood, an energy intelligence

group, said in its DW Monday report. However it is a different matter to convert such reserves into

the next three years. Representatives of China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, attended the summit.

production and DW added in their report that Petrobas has a history of ambitious targets with a poor record of actually achieving them. As such, the long delayed ‘2015-2019 Business and

Management Plan’ released last week is a reflection of this new

reality for Petrobras. Oil prices are down, exchange rates are unkind

be built is a 138-km road

and Petrobras has slashed their expenditure plans by 40% from the

from Dawei to Kanchanaburi

plans announced a year ago.

The

first

infrastructure

piece now

likely

province, 119 km northwest of Bangkok.

It is clear where the upstream challenges lie and the company is now allocating 84% of its budget to E&P compared to 70% in

If successful, the project

the previous plan. The biggest cut goes to their refining and supply

will allow cargo to bypass the

sector, which has seen its budget reduced by 67% compared to last

narrow and congested Strait of

year’s plan.

Malacca to forge shorter trade

Production decline from existing fields is a huge challenge with

routes from the Middle East and

around 200,000 bpd of capacity eroded each year. Brazil’s huge

Africa to China and Japan. One

deepwater potential remains constrained with Petrobras having

reason for Japan’s interest in the

to revise their production target for 2020, which now forecasts

project is to counter Thailand’s

domestic oil output to increase to 2.8 million barrels per day – 40%

influence.

lower than its projection 12 months ago.

Thailand is keen on the

Douglas-Westwood predicts that over the forecast period, Brazil

project because it will underscore

will need to drill around 300 development wells in deepwater, in

its role as one of Japan’s largest

order to sustain and reach its production target. However, of the 29

offshore bases, while Myanmar

new rigs being built by the company, many are under threat from

needs the infrastructure.

either funding problems or yards withdrawing from the contracts.

It is a significant step-up

Douglas-Westwood had already taken a conservative position on

for Japan’s involvement in the

Brazil and the cut in production target now brings in line Petrobras’

region and is backed by JPY750

expectations and Douglas-Westwood’s own ‘DW D&P’ forecast.

billion (USD6.1 billion) in Official

DW concluded that the scale and importance of Brazil in the

Development Assistance loans

overall offshore sector means that the impact of the latest spending

assigned by Tokyo earlier in

revisions will be felt throughout the oilfield service industry supply-

2015.

chain.

10 | Endeavour Magazine

QATAR RAIL WWW.QR.COM.QA 974 4433 1111

BUILDING ONE OF THE MOST MODERN RAILWAY NETWORKS IN THE WORLD WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Doha Metro in Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital city will be one of the most advanced rail transit systems in the world when Phase I becomes operational by the end of 2019 and we were fortunate enough to speak with Engineer Sultan Al-Anzi, EVP of Operations at Qatar Rail.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

QATAR RAIL

The development of the Doha Metro was originally planned for 2007, as part of a bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Doha. While they lost the bid to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Doha still proceeded with the project in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which it won the bid for in 2010.

“W

ith road travel being an extensive mode of transport, Qatar

has

always

enjoyed

In August 2008, national development agency Qatari Diar Real

well-developed

Estate Investment appointed the German national railway company

road network made up of a highway system and

Deutsche Bahn (DB) to produce plans for a railway network in the

expressways,” Eng. Sultan Al-Anzi tells us, “The public transport

country. It was DB International (DBI), theglobal wing of Deutsche

that does exist is mainly provided by Mowasalat, a state-owned

Bahn, and Qatari Diar who prepared conceptual designs for the

integrated ground transportation company.”

consolidated railway network development in Qatar.

Recognising the importance of a reliable and aesthetically representing infrastructure, these requirements led for the proposal of a comprehensive railway network for future development in the Greater Doha area and in the state as a whole. The rail transit system is part of the Qatar Government’s €130bn diversification and modernisation strategy, which involves public and private investments. This campaign also aims to reduce the country’s dependency on natural gas exports. The project is already underway, with contracts for the first phase being awarded in August 2012 and the ground breaking celebration taking place two months later on the 10th of October 2012. Work has started on the Msheireb interchange station, which will serve as the hub for the metro’s operations. “The objective of the transport master plan for Qatar is to develop attractive, efficient and reliable public transport in the country,” he explains.

MASTER PLAN Doha Metro is part of a larger railway network, which consists of five modern and flexible railway systems integrated across the Persian Gulf and Eng. Sultan Al-Anzi reveals that the larger network includes the development of passenger and freight rail transport systems, along with fast rail links to the international airport, based on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) feasibility study. “The master plan involves development of a metro railway system in Qatar, in addition to long-distance and freight lines

THE PROJECT Originally, in 2009, Qatari Diar and DB signed an agreement to form a joint venture known as Qatar Railways Development Company (QRDC), for implementing, developing and managing the conceptual design of the railway plan. In this joint venture, Qatari Diar would hold 51% and DBI 49% shares in the joint venture (JV) company. However in 2011, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) purchased the shares held by DBI in the JV and became the sole owner of QRDC. In this regard the project is now being executed directly by Qatar Rail instead of QRDC, with support from DB International. Estimated at costing $36billion, the Doha metro network is planned to be built in phases and will become one of the most modern railway networks in the world with four lines, namely the Red, Green, Gold and Blue metro lines, an overall length of 300km and 98 stations. Bids for the lines were submitted in 2012 and early 2013 and Phase I of the project includes construction of all four lines and two major stations. Construction of this phase has been underway since 2013 and Eng. Saltan Al-Anzi assures us that it is expected to be completed in October 2019, three years ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

LINE ROUTES

connecting the emirate with the rest of the GCC,” he says,

The Red Line, also called the Coast Line, will run between Al

“Currently in the planning stage, the GCC network will connect six

Khor city in the north and Mesaieed town in the south via Lusail

member states, namely Oman, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

and Hamad International Airport. Divided into two major segments,

and Bahrain, with a 1,940km rail network.”

namely the North Line and South Line, this line will cover 55.7km

12 | Endeavour Magazine

Your Single Stop for Turnkey Railway Services FCS Rail the leading private sector railway services company. FCS is a specialized multidisciplinary railway services company providing a range of services across the full spectrum of rail transportation disciplines throughout the GCC. FCS is well on its way to becoming one of the most recognized and respected names within the Middle Eastern railway industry. Our leading international partners know us to be expert in the services we provide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; giving them the confidence to pursue their business objectives, while we support them with tailor made solutions. FCS provides comprehensive solutions across the core sectors. FCS Rail has an extensive resource base to facilitate end to end knowledge-based solutions ranging from conception, design, construction, supervision to operation and maintenance of railway systems. Qatar Office: +974 4443 4301 Dubai Office: +971 4214 6290 Office 238, Building 6WB Dubai Airport Freezone, UAE, PO BOX 371204

info@fcs-rail.com www.fcs-rail.com

QATAR RAIL

and 18 stations between Msheiredb and Al Khor while the Red Line

Greek firm Ellaktor, alongside Yapi Merkezi and STFA from Turkey,

South will serve 12 stations on a 42.8km segment between NDIA/

India’s Larsen & Toubro and Qatari company Al Jaber Engineering,

Messaieed and Msheireb.

was awarded a $3.3bn contract for the design and construction of

The Green Line, or Education Line, will run along Al Rayyan Road

the Gold Line in April 2014.

and link Education City with the heart of Doha. It will originate in

In the same month, the SYSTRA-Parsons joint-venture was

Industry Area-South and end at Al Rayyan Stadium, covering 31

awarded a €170m project management and work supervision

stations on a 65.3km stretch.

contract for Phase I of the Doha metro.

The Historic Line or Gold Line will connect Airport City in the north with Al Rayyan in the south, running for 30.6km covering 20

Atkins has been appointed as lead designer for the Gold Line and Red South Underground lines.

stations and the Blue or ‘City’ Line will be a 17.5km-long semi-

In September 2014, UNStudio was appointed as the principal

circular line linking the West Bay and Airport City North areas along

architect for the Qatar Integrated Railway Project by Qatar Rail and

the main C-Ring Road and connecting four stations.

will design more than 30 stations in Phase I of the Doha Metro project. Rolling stock contract for the metro project is expected to

THE HANDS BEHIND THE PROJECT

be awarded in 2015. A consortium of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Mitsubishi

With the stakes so high there is little room for error and the

Corporation, Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo and Thales submitted a bid

project management and consulting engineering contract for

for the turnkey construction of a fully automated driverless

the Red Line was awarded in 2013, to Jacobs Engineering, while

metro system in March 2014 and received a letter of conditional

a similar contract for the Gold Line and the main stations was

acceptance (LCA) in February 2015.

awarded to a team comprising of Louis Berger and Egis Rail. Hill

The package includes 75 sets of three-car trains, tracks,

International was contracted to manage the Green Line. The total

platform screen doors, a railway yard, a signaling system, power

value of these three contracts is estimated at $313.16m.

distribution, tunnel ventilation and telecommunications.

A QR55m ($15.1m) safety assessment contract was awarded to Lloyd’s Register in the same year. For the Red Line North, a consortium led by Italian construction giant Impregilo and including South Korea’s S K Engineering

MHI will lead the consortium and be responsible for overall project management, system integration and tunnel ventilation work. It will also supply the power distribution system, platform screen doors and tracks.

& Construction and Qatar’s Galfar Engineering & Contracting

Mitsubishi Corporation will supply the rail cars, in collaboration

was awarded a design contract dealing with the designing and

with Kinki Sharyo. Advanced communications-based train control

construction of 13km twin-bore underground tunnels and seven

(CBTC) signaling, telecommunications and security, integrated

underground stations starting from Msheireb station.

operational control centre and automatic fare collection systems

Following that, in June 2013, Qatar Rail awarded the $1.82bn

will be supplied by Thales.

Red Line South design-build contract to the consortium led by

Hitachi will handle project management tasks and facilities

QDVC, a joint venture between Qatari Diar and France’s Vinci

maintenance, including the delivery of special maintenance vehicles

Construction Grands Projects. The consortium, which includes

for the inspection of railway tracks and electric train lines.

South Korea’s GS Engineering and Construction and Qatar’s AlDarwish Engineering, is designing and building a 12.8km dual-tube underground line between Msheireb Station and the New Doha International Airport, as part of the contract.

INFRASTRUCTURE The key task for the Doha metro is to link all the major locations of the city, such as the Education City and West Bay, Lusail urban

Also in June 2013, a consortium of Austrian contracting firm

development area, Doha airport, the business and conference

Porr, Saudi Binladin and HBK Contracting Company was awarded a

centre and the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums. To achieve this, the

$2.5bn contract for the design and construction of the Green Line

railway lines and infrastructure will provide access through tunnels,

between Msheireb and Al Rayyan Stadium.

overhead railways and at the ground level.

A consortium of Samsung C&T, Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHL)

“Qatar Rail will build an east coast rail link between Ras Laffan

and Qatar Building Company (QBC) won a $1.4bn contract in the

and Mesaieed and a 180km high-speed link from Doha to Bahrain,”

same month to build Doha metro’s two major stations in Msheireb

Eng. Sultan Al-Anzi says. This line will cross the Qatar-Bahrain

and Education City.

Causeway on which trains will be able to reach a speed of 350km/h.

The following year, in March 2014, the FCC-led consortium,

Other projects include a 325km freight line, 270km of which

which includes Archirodon (Greece), Yüksel (Turkey) and Petroserv

will be used for passenger services, connected to the planned GCC

(Qatar), signed a $700m contract to build a 6.97km section of the

rail network; a light rail network serving residential developments,

Red Line along with three elevated stations. A consortium led by

a 100km long-distance rail transport line to Saudi Arabia with trains

14 | Endeavour Magazine

having speeds of up to 200km/h and the Doha metro network. A light rail network serving residential developments is also included within the projects, featuring a 100km long-distance rail transport line to Saudi Arabia with trains attaining speeds of up to 200km/h.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RAIL PROJECTS Qatar Rail launched the pre-qualification process for operation of the future Doha Metro and Lusail tramway at an Industry Awareness Day on May 7 2015 where approximately 600 companies attended, including 55 in the session on pre-qualification. The event was intended to encourage the private sector to

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participate in rail projects in Qatar and according to Transportation Minister, Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, 15% of the companies involved in the design and construction contracts awarded for the two projects so far are from the private sector. Of these, 70% are local firms and 30% foreign. Arcadis announced on June 23 that it is to provide architectural, branding, design and construction consultancy services for the Gold Line of the Doha metro under a €20m contract. Arcadis is already providing similar services for the Red Line South and the

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Endeavour Magazine | 15

QATAR RAIL

scope takes in design and co-ordination of architectural finishes for 10 of the 13 underground stations. This includes the design of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, structures and landscape, as well as construction support and consultancy services. The design phase is expected to take 12 months and construction support a further 24 months. The east-west underground line linking Airport City North with Al Rayyan South is scheduled to be completed by 2019 and is being built by the ALYSJ joint venture of Aktor, Larsen & Toubro, Yapı Merkezi, STFA Group and Al Jaber Engineering under a €3·2bn design and build contract. Hochtief ViCon has won a contract to provide building information modelling services for a section of the Doha Metro Red Line. A 6·7 km stretch of the Red Line between Lusail and Msheireb, which includes elevated and at-grade sections. ViCon is to prepare initial BIM documents including an implementation plan and the modelling guidelines and will also co-ordinate the implementation. Last year a consortium of Rizzani de Eccher, Lotte Engineering & Construction and Redco Construction won a US$609m contract to build this section of the Red Line.

THE LARGEST INFRASTRUCTURE SYNDICATION IN QATAR TO DATE When the 3·65bn riyal syndicated financing package for the construction of the Doha Metro Gold Line was finalised, Barwa Bank called it the largest infrastructure syndication in Qatar to date. Last year, project promoter Qatar Rail awarded the ALYSJ joint venture a €3·2bn design and build contract covering the eastwest line linking Airport City North with Al Rayyan South. The underground line is scheduled to be completed by 2019 as part of Phase 1 of the planned four-line network. Barwar was the sole book runner to arrange financing for ALYSJ. The mandated lead arrangers are Barwa Bank, First Gulf Bank of Abu Dhabi and Qatar International Islamic Bank. Law firm Simmons & Simmons advised the banks and Exarchou & Rosenberg International Law represented ALYSJ. ALYSJ comprises of Greek company Aktor SA, Larsen & Toubro of India, Yapi Merkezi and STFA Group from Turkey and Al Jaber Engineering, which is a Qatar based firm. ‘The Gold Line Metro syndicated financing is another credential that supports Barwa Bank’s status as a leading franchise in Islamic capital financing products and we thank ALYSJ for the trust they have placed in us’, said Khalid Mahdi Al-Ahbabi, Executive General Manager & Chief Business Officer of Barwa Bank.

QATAR RAIL As project promoter, Qatar Rail has awarded the Citizen Services Group consortium a €506m contract to build a 6·97 km section of the Red Line. As a credit to their faith in this consortium Eng. Sultan Al-Anzi explains that the consortium is led by Spanish firm FCC and includes Archirodon from Greece, Yüksel from Turkey

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and local firm Petroserv. “The scope of the 31-month contract announced on March 11 includes the construction of elevated stations at Barwa Village, Al Wakra and Qatar Economic Zone, as well as a road tunnel at Al Wakra.” He says.

THE PASSENGER EXPERIENCE The latest contract awarded by Qatar Rail sheds new light on what passengers will experience while riding the Doha Metro once the system starts operating in 2019. Coinciding with a weekend visit to Japan by Qatar’s Emir, a consortium of five firms, led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, has indicated that it has signed a letter of conditional acceptance with Qatar Rail. While some details of this deal have not been disclosed, it is known that it includes the sale of railway vehicles, laying of track and various systems including signals, power distribution, telecommunications and tunnel ventilation.

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16 | Endeavour Magazine

Automated fare collections: Thales is one of the five firms in the consortium and provides contactless systems that typically involve

passengers pre-paying their fare online or at the station and then holding a card or token up to a sensor at a gate. Thales is also the company that supplied the fare collection system for the Dubai Metro. This means of payment, the predominant form in the likes of the London Underground, has proved to be highly efficient and preferred by international commuters. Platform screen doors: Increasingly common in new and retrofitted metro systems, these are separate doors that act as a safety barrier between the platform and the tracks. Another feature is that some of the trains, akin to a system built in Dubai, will be fully automated and driverless, negating the need for human operators. In addition to Kinki Sharyo, Thales and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the full consortium â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which will also be responsible for maintaining the system for 20 years after it is completed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; includes Mitsubishi Corp. and Hitachi Ltd. According to Qatar Railâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, five companies and jointventures were invited to bid on the project. Three responded with the winning consortium including German industrial giant Siemens and a JV between Italian transportation firm Ansaldo STS and Spanish railway firm CAF.

Endeavour Magazine | 17

QATAR RAIL ABOVE GROUND PLANS Separately, another firm has announced that it has it received a US$79-million contract to act as a project management consultant

a landmark that clearly highlights the progress of the tunnelling works underneath Doha city.

for the approximately 16km of elevated and ground-level portions

The update was shared by Qatar Rail during a press conference,

of the Doha Metro. New Jersey-based Louis Berger Egis Rail joint-

held at the Millennium Hotel, which provided the most recent

venture is already familiar with the project, having previously been

milestones shaping the path of the company’s near future

named a project management consultant for the Gold Line and

undertakings; ones that will remodel Qatar’s urban landscape,

major stations in 2012.

infrastructure, and global role in the field of transport, shipping and

The Doha Metro is expected to be fully operational in less than five years. The first phase will consist of four lines: • • •

Qatar Rail already received the 21 Tunnel Boring Machines

The Red Line North, running from a connection with

(TBMs) assigned for the project, after being imported from

Lusail’s light-rail line to Msheireb via West Bay;

Herrenknecht, the German world market leader in mechanised

The Red Line South, running from Msheireb to Hamad

tunnelling technology. Most of Qatar Rail TBMs are currently

International Airport;

operational, with expectations to successfully accomplish the

The Green Line, running from Al Rayyan Stadium to

tunneling phase by the second quarter of 2017.

Msheireb via Education City; and •

logistics technologies.

Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz T. Al Subaie, Managing Director of Qatar

The Gold Line, running from Villaggio Mall to the area

Rail, said, “Qatar Rail has overcome many challenges to launch a

around the old Doha International Airport, via Msheireb.

successful tunnelling phase at Doha Metro project. Our philosophy is to talk about what we have achieved, rather than share intangible

DOHA METRO TUNNELLING Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), the company overseeing the construction of the Qatar’s integrated railway network, had nearly completed 20km of tunnels dug on the Doha Metro project,

promises. Today, we are pleased to announce the completion of nearly 20km of tunnels out of 113km; a development that we at Qatar Rail are proud of. Thanks to all workers and stakeholders contributing to the success of this national project in alignment with Qatar’s National vision 2030, the Doha Metro tunnelling works are progressing as planned in adherence to global standards”. The TBMs are a key component in implementing the Doha Metro innovative project; a high-tech mechanised alternative to conventional methods of design-and-build mining, drilling and blasting tunnels through everything from soft ground to hard rocks. They form circular tunnels through the rock and can install concrete linings along the drilled sections to reinforce the bored tunnel and stabilise the ground. The Doha Metro’s Red Line has launched all tunnel-boring machines, which are Lebretha, Al Mayeda, Al Khor, Al Biddaa, Lehwaila, Al Wakra, Msheireb, Doha and Al Zubara. Tunnelling works are progressing according to plan where the accumulative

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dug of these TBMs reached 11880m for both northern and southern sections. In parallel, the Green Line also launched its six TBMs with an accumulative tunneling of 6653m executed by Al Rayyan TBM, Al Gharrafa, Al Messila, Al Sheehaniya, Leatooriya and Lijmailiya TBMs, while the tunneling drive recorded 150m until now at the Gold Line, which has received its six tunnel-boring machines; Lusail, Sharq, Al Sadd, Al Waab, Al Sailiya and Ras bu Abboud (Airport City North). Eng. Saad Ahmed Al Muhannadi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Rail, discussed the latest updates of the rail projects said, “During the past year, we have achieved remarkable milestones on the Doha Metro and Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects thanks

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18 | Endeavour Magazine

to the joint efforts of the company and its contractors. Particularly,

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QATAR RAIL

the tunnelling phase for the Doha Metro was successfully launched

Rail’s developments in general and the Tunnel Boring Machines

as we achieved great records of 11880m of tunnel dug at the Red

(TBM) operations specifically.

Line, 6653m at the Green Line and 150m at the Gold Line. With

Needing only one point of entry, TBMs can drill right below

a skilled team and advanced machines, we were able to tackle

the city streets, practically unknown to the crowds above. They

obstacles and ensure works are moving forward.”

are also ideal for long lengths of uninterrupted tunnelling, as

Commenting on complications that may occur during the

required by the Doha Metro project. Having limited environmental

TBMs operations underground, Al Muhannadi said, “Challenges

footprints, the machines have very little impact on the infamously

are the rule of any innovative project similar to Qatar Rail’s current

high water levels that lie beneath Doha. Dust pollution associated

endeavour and these encounters might be logistic - like finding the

with construction sites is virtually non-existent as all work takes

best way to manage excavations left-over at any site or between

place approximately 20 metres below the surface. The Doha Metro

two different locations, or geo-technical, as no matter how good our

project is using 7 metre diameter TBMs, producing a tunnel with a

surveys were, we will keep on discovering what the underground

diameter of 6.7 metres.

world is hiding, from groundwater conditions to voids and cavities,”

Before any tunnelling begins ‘Pre Condition Surveys’ were

He also noted, “Technical hitches cannot be avoided while

carried out by Qatar Rail on buildings along the route. Key

implementing such a huge and complex project, however, they can

Monitoring Points were installed and actions taken to ensure that

be dealt with in an efficient, effective and timely manner. We were

all works are carried out under the safest conditions. Among three

proud of the team who handled a flooding situation at Al Bidda

major types of TBMs - Earth Pressure Balance (EPB), Slurry Shield

station earlier this year, which had no delay or impact on the Doha

and Open Face - the EPB machines were selected for Doha Metro

Metro progress. When and if such incidents occur, it is our duty to

due to the nature of the country’s geological makeup. This type of

react immediately.”

TBM is ideal for use in cohesive soft ground and rock conditions.

A presentation on the Qatar Rail projects and the tunnelling

Their name is derived from the fact that the pressure exerted by

mechanism was also shared by Eng. Hamad Ibrahim Al Bishri,

the machine itself is in equilibrium to the weight of the earth above

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Rail. The demonstration

it. While the machine drills through the ground, grout is injected

gave insight on “the other life being led underground” showing

straight into the ground to fill the overcutting gaps, stabilising the

the route of each TBM operating, the machinery details and the

ground

improvement at this stage.

“2019 is right around the corner and so we are leaving nothing

Qatar Rail’s interactive event was followed by a site visit to Al

to chance and working with the very best,” Eng. Sultan Al-Anzi

Sudan Gold Line Underground station, where attendees were able

advises, “Combining talent with vision is the way to achieve

to inspect some of the tangible and concrete progress of Qatar

greatness.”

Autodesk’s consulting team supports Qatar Rail on the implementation of building information modelling technologies and practices. By minimizing re-work, providing more actionable insight into projects and helping accelerate decision-making earlier into the project lifecycle, the overall time and costs of railway projects are decreased. The scope of work is driven directly from the Qatar National Vision as the country aims to sustain its development and provide a high standard of living for its people by 2030. Qatar Rail chose Autodesk’s expertise as part of its commitment to employ world-class technologies as it acts on its vision to deliver technologically ground-breaking railway infrastructure projects.

20 | Endeavour Magazine

Celebrating the

Future of Making QATAR Changing legislation, increasingly complex urban landscapes, skills shortages & shifting expectations of asset owners challenge how the engineering and construction industries think and operate. What impact will technologies like building information modelling (BIM), 3D printing, infinite computing, digital reality and crowd sourcing have on the way in which buildings and infrastructure assets are planned, designed and made?

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Join us as we look beyond today’s established technologies, and explore potential future digital strategies that might shape the construction industry, helping Qatar respond to the needs of its National Vision for 2030.

Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2015 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

22 | Endeavour Magazine

OVK WWW.OVK.CO.ZA 27 51 923 4500

TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE MORE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farmer is a successful entrepreneur who heads a complex business and manages the unique challenges of an international marketplace. Every farmer needs a partner who knows the industry and can help maintain and build every facet of a multicultural enterprise.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

OVK

South African agribusiness OVK is one of the most diversified and active companies we’ve seen come out of this industry. With divisions across wool and mohair textiles, mills, livestock, grain storage, trading, insurance, mechanisation, motor retail and financial services, the company has become a resolute and irreplaceable partner in the agriculture sector of South Africa.

tefan Oberholzer, CEO of OVK, explains that with the amalgamation of the Ficksburg, Clocolan and Laybrand Coops on 1 March 1993, the Oos-Vrystaat Co-op was founded.

During August 1993 the Oos-Vrystaat Co-op amalgamated with the Albert Co-op, and so the Oos-Vrystaat Kaap Co-op was officially established.

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“The Oos-Vrystaat Kaap Bedryf Bpk Company was established in 1999,” he says, “During 2004 the company expanded its operating area through its amalgamation with Kolk, which is situated in Hopetown, Northern Cape.” Oberholzer says that at the time, the main priorities for the newly-founded OVK were to establish trade and mechanisation branches, fuel depots, storage facilities and the marketing of grain, as well as a financially sound share-holding. Of course, OVK has grown tremendously over the past 22 years and some 51 trade branches have been opened in an operating area that covers the Free State as well as the Eastern and Northern Cape. One of the keystones to OVK’s success is that it provides a central resource to farmers across South Africa that they simply cannot afford to go without. Combine this need with a fantastic, personable approach and you get some very happy businesses. When you consider the scope of the farming land in South Africa and the range of different farming grades it consists of, everyone is a potential client, customer or partner to OVK.

24 | Endeavour Magazine

“Farmers were quick to gauge the potential of OVK, resulting in the accrual of more than 10,000 shareholders.” OVK prides itself on having responded to the needs of

important to OVK and especially to Oberholzer. Since taking on CMW, wool and mohair have been doing extremely well and the company is experiencing a jump in the volume of fibre traded.

producers over the years. An insurance service was established, the construction of a new fertiliser plant is in progress and a wheat mill came into operation three years ago. Another focus area is services to both cattle and sheep farmers; for the latter the provision of shearing services and mohair marketing is a priority. Two Toyota agencies based in Ladybrand and Ficksburg, enable farmers to purchase their favourite vehicle brand from OVK, who also assist them with financing products.

OVK’S UNIQUE APPROACH OVK makes it a priority to serve rural communities by providing a fully stocked port of call. Trade branches not only provide basic agritrade necessities and groceries but also supply fuel and hardware, making them essential for these towns. “We are known for our personable approach and CMW also

Apart from its head office at Ladybrand, OVK has regional

provide shearing teams and handle auctions,” says Oberholzer,

offices at Cradock, Burgersdorp, Ficksburg and Hopetown, as well

“OVK sought the opportunity to establish branches in rural towns

as the CMW head-office at Port Elizabeth.

where other agribusinesses did not want to venture.”

Oberholzer describes how OVK services cover all the facets of a modern agribusiness.

In conjunction with its passion for serving rural communities, OVK is actively involved with several local projects such as its

“A cattle, sheep and game abattoir operates from Strydenburg;

popular annual Golf day to raise funds for welfare projects in

grain marketing, storage and trading are provided for, as well as

OVK’s operating areas. Old age homes, children’s homes and food

shearing services and marketing for both wool and mohair,” he says,

schemes all benefit.

“CMW, a company that we acquired in 2013, recently procured

Schools are the heartbeat of all rural communities, and OVK

the first high-density press in South Africa with the capability of

gives training opportunities for pupils and sponsorships to school

pressing two or three bales all at once.”

sport-teams. Agricultural shows and festivals are well supported

Being at the forefront of technology and development is

and both the head office and regional offices have regular team-

OVK building sessions for staff members offering competitions and

include mandatory statutory training, apprenticeships, leadership

sporting activities.

training, product training and ad hoc study bursaries for staff

The company also supports emerging farmers to operate

members who have spent six months or longer with the company.

effectively and independently. A substantial number of farmers

Furthermore, the company sees personal development of staff

participate in this project and technical advisors assist them to

as an essential element to enable them to experience growth both

master the finer detail of successful farming practices.

privately and professionally. All staff are encouraged to grow and develop within their roles through after-hours study or in-house practical training.

THE AGRI-INDUSTRY Agriculture depends on nature for its success and prosperity. And while Oberholzer points out that the government often makes

THE FARMERS

statements that creates uncertainty and have a detrimental and

OVK understand the importance of what they are doing,

undermining effect within agricultural circles, he remains optimistic.

and this is why they value a personal approach so strongly.

“Agriculture is the only business that can deal with the growing

Consideration is given to the needs and requests of farmers. These

need for food and OVK has an extremely positive outlook for

differ from area to area and the company seeks to adapt to these

agriculture in South Africa,” he attests, “Meticulous planning, developing new products and finding ways and means to assist farmers in the wake of an unsuccessful season, means that they may remain successful in providing food to the world’s population.”

circumstances. Branch and regional managers visit clients on their farms regularly to build solid relationships, “This enables them to nip weak customer services in the bud and to provide specific needs,” Oberholzer says. He also says that happy customers and excellent aftersales

THE PEOPLE OF OVK

services means more continued business. OVK also has a customer

There are 1666 staff members at OVK and regular training

services centre to deal with client issues, “We can only improve

opportunities form the crux of their contribution to creating

further by listening to our clients and when issues do arise our

prosperity for both OVK and its clients. These training sessions

centre ensures a direct and immediate intervention.”

26 | Endeavour Magazine

5757_TOTAL_Agri Mark Toe Ad_92w x 138h.indd 1

2015/08/07 3:06 PM

KEEPING AHEAD OVK is a company that likes to lead from the front and Oberholzer highlights that while ongoing attention is given to the needs of farmers, identifying future needs is important. To do this, the company keeps abreast of developments within the agricultural sector to determine future opportunities. Widening the gap between OVK and its competition all boils down to customer service, and their loyalty scheme for clients has proven very popular. By making farmers shareholders in the company, OVK place the policies and control of the company in their hands. “The advantage of this scheme is that farmers get discount on purchases and product loans during the month, the amount of which appears on the monthly statement,” he explains, “With this amount shares are bought for the client. The growth accrued by these shares is a further gain. Dividends based on the profit achieved by OVK are paid on shares. This is another way that we give money back to clients and shareholders. They are free to sell shares or keep them and watch them grow.”

2015 Providing the very best service to their shareholders over the last 22 years, OVK has learnt the importance of always moving

forward. Now in the second half of 2015 there are a number of promising and exciting developments taking place. “Two particular developments this year are the high-density press at CMW, Port Elizabeth and the Silo complex at Elliot,” says Oberholzer. The high-density press, as previously mentioned, is the first of its kind in South Africa and is currently being installed at CMW. This press will benefit producers as far more bales will be transported per container, leading to a substantial reduction in freight cost per kilogram. The Silo complex at Elliot will bring about a developed identity for the Eastern Cape, which is better known for livestock farming but also has a high production of grain, especially maize. “Formerly the area only had limited handling facilities for grain,” Oberholzer says, “However, OVK has now acquired Elliot Maize, which has enough space for 2000 tons.” Some 25,000 tons of grain were handled at Elliot Maize during the 2013/2014 period. Thanks to the upgraded silo, Oberholzer believes that the outlook for the 2014/2015 season is more like 40,000 tons. “For our shareholders, clients and customers it is important that we provide as many opportunities for growth as we provide brilliant service,” he says, “After all, together we achieve more.”

Endeavour Magazine | 27

28 | Endeavour Magazine

WORLD OIL TANZANIA WWW.WORLDOIL.CO.TZ 255 22 2862079

EXPANSION AND CONSOLIDATION WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Growth is on the table for World Oil who is in the process of constructing a new terminal as well as expanding its fleet of trucks. Established in 1999 and having originated from the Bidyanguze Group of Companies, the company has kept true to its roots since its inception and has learnt many valuable lessons through the current oil crisis. Endeavour spoke with executive director, Hekima Bidyanguze.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

WORLD OIL TANZANIA

In a nutshell, the business practices of World Oil are fairly straightforward on the surface revolving around the importation, distribution and marketing of petroleum products.

“T

hese activities have led to some changes since we

transportation. While the products and services will stay the same,

originally began because as of today, World Oil is a million

they have always insisted upon development to put themselves

dollar company that is constantly seeking to develop its

into a position from which they can offer more efficiency and a

various aspects of businesses,” Hekima tells us, “We have achieved

higher quality of both products and services to their clients.

our impressive turnover growth over the years by developing our

“Currently we are in the process of constructing a new terminal

network and services to better serve the needs of the customers,

and parking yard,” he says, “And we are also acquiring new trucks

suppliers and end-users,”

for the improvement of our transport services,”

To achieve this there are a series of mechanisms in place that �� have been devised and relied upon over the years. With regards to �� they �� diesel �� products, offer premium motor sport and automotive �� gasoil and services-wise, they offer storage facilities and fuel ��

These changes will add to an already impressive facility where currently they have 100 trucks and 100 trailers for the transportation of their products in East and Central Africa zones covering Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC Congo and Malawi. “We have a fuel terminal consisting of sixtanks with storage

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capacity of 5.5 Million litreseach situatedon plots nos.37 and

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38 and a second terminal consisting of four tanks with a total storage capacity of 35,900,039 situated on plot no.35 and a third terminal, which currently has two tanks and astorage capacity of 17,879,228litresin total,which is situated onplot no.36,” he describes, “Construction is in progress to add two more tanks.” Besides the said facilities, the company owns a depot consisting of one tank with capacity of 3.1 million litres at Kigoma, in the western part of the country adjacent to Lake Tanganyika and the company also owns a pair of depots in DRC Congo with capacity of Congolese Nationals . Hekima assures that these facilities host the most advanced

Petroleum Equipment

technology available and are managed by highly trained and developed personnel, all of whom are very knowledgeable in the market environment. It is no secret that the oil industry is currently proving to be a challenging environment to operate in and this is due to various factors, which lead to non-achievement ofplanned goals, which can put further plans and targets into jeopardy. Currency fluctuations of the Tanzanian shilling against the dollar, especially where payment is made in terms of dollars can put strain on the company coffers and this isonly aggravated by the price fluctuation for petroleum products themselves, which forces the Government to appoint regulators for the importation of petroleum products who set the selling price of oil to avoid commotion in the

Head Office: Nairobi Regional Offices: Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda

30 | Endeavour Magazine

industry. Interest rates, at the moment, are very high in financial

of responsibility and integrity,” Hekima explains, “This helps them

institutions so when money is needed to safeguard employees,

to maintain faithfulness and be responsible to the company.”

subsidise business and invest in new projects, borrowing proves to be very costly.

Training is provided to staff and this includes safety education concerning the use of fire fighting facilities and how to deal with

Interruption in electricity supply increases the expenditure on

fire accidents whenever they happen. Drivers are trained on how to

fuel to run generators just to enable operations to continue, which

deal with mechanical issues, so as to enable operations to continue

is a sad reminder of the number of businesses operating in the top

and of course there is a great deal of training for staff in marketing

echelon of supply and demand who suffer inspite of the fact that

techniques to allow for efficient service to customers.

the Government is doing its best to provide reliable infrastructure.

“The individual staff training is important because efficiency

However with the recent commissioning of the source of energy

and effectiveness is increased,whileadding value to the company,”

from Gas in the Southern part of the country in Lindi & Mtwara,

Hekima reminds us.

the future is bright and a solution to the erratic electricity supply problem. “The other problem that we face is a shortage of skilled personnel and professionals,” Much of the Tanzanian population have achieved quite an acceptable level of education, however most upcoming youngsters

The company has started to implement new capital investments andto employ modern facilities and techniques in order to satisfy the demand of the market, Hekima says, “Also, we plan to expand our business by investing in machines and tools, while increasing the number of professionals in order to satisfy the prospective customers’ demands. We are therefore recruiting heavily,”

are lacking in professional experience. . Some of Those who are

Along with the aforementioned developments, there is a great

trained and have experience often leave Tanzania to seek green

expectation for the future of World Oil with an anticipated growth

pastures elsewhere and this creates a deficit and void within

in profitability and value, as well as a surge in market share. But

Tanzania. This means that World Oil isvery proud and protective of

Hekima is quick to highlight that, “Our new developments will help

the 300 personnel that it employs.

us gain an increased social awareness through our recruitment and

“The staff have to adhere to the Tanzanian labour laws and the

employment opportunities,”

company policies that are in place to maintain the highest standards

Loading gantry and fuel tanks Endeavour Magazine | 31

Traditional Ghanaian dance celebrating water during the official inauguration of the Accra desalination plant 32 | Endeavour Magazine

ABENGOA WATER WWW.ABENGOA.COM 34 954 93 70 00

THE SPECIAL TOUCH OF ABENGOA WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Innovation is what Abengoa has always been about. Founded in 1941 in Seville, Spain, the company has been working at the forefront of the construction and technology sectors. Applying innovative solutions for sustainability in the environmental and energy industries, with long-term value for shareholders and customers, has been the hallmark of this company for the past 70 years, but what does it take to keep the water flowing?

Endeavour Magazine | 33

ABENGOA WATER

Speaking with Abengoa Water Chairman and CEO, Mr. Carlos

Cosín Fernandez, we sought to discover what the new developments were at Abengoa Water and how they would affect its vast empire.

arlos Cosín explains that Abengoa Water is a dedicated arm

thanks to the aforementioned R&D and proprietary technology and

of the international technology and infrastructure company

its experience and expertise, it is developing desalination plants in

Abengoa, which is centered around promoting, developing

several key geographies, such as Asia (China & India), Latin America

and operating water-treatment plants, especially in the desalination business. “To reach our goals, we have a carefully designed strategy,”

(Peru) and Africa (Argelia, Ghana).

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Carlos reveals us, “This is based on developing our own technology,

Abengoa specialises in two high-growth sectors - energy and

which enables us to find innovative solutions in the water-

environment - in which Carlos Cosín says it is an international

treatment sphere.”

leader.

These research and development programmes focus on

“There is a growing international demand for innovative

improving efficiency with existing water treatment technology, as

energy solutions in the field,that prioritise those that use clean

well as developing new and improved technologies and techniques.

and inexhaustible sources are essential,” he says and the company

In keeping with the philosophy of innovation, the company is

creates facilities that converts energy from renewable sources into

focused on keeping sustainable development at the forefront of

electricity and biofuels, as well as constructing transmission lines

its mandate.

that support electricity networks.

Mr. Cosín, who is in charge of defining and leading the global

“We are specialists in turnkey projects and operating energy

strategy of Abengoa Water, a company formerly known as Befesa,

assets with a high technological component such as solar-

considers it no act of luck that they have become key player in the

thermal (CSP) plants, transmission lines, biofuel production plants,

world water sector, “We either own the plants we operate or we

cogeneration plants,” he says.

operate them for third parties under long-term contracts,” he says.

There are a number of key areas that Abengoa are particularly

He also describes that they promote the Public Private Partnership

interested in. To facilitate its further growth into the green energy

or PPP, model of contracting, “We have been successful in

sector it has interests in solar electricity and biofuels, “We promote,

developing PPP projects under a host of different conditions and

design, construct and operate electricity generation plants that

a range of clients,”

use solar and photovoltaic technology as well as plants for the

For example, as a leading company in the desalination sector,

34 | Endeavour Magazine

production of biofuels for transportation uses.”

In fact, Abengoa is an international name in developing second-

massive use of raw materials and non-renewable energy sources

generation biofuels. But of course the traditional business, that of

and develop new technologies to promote efficient resource

power transmission, is still a primary area of activity. It is revealing

management and the use of clean energy, while lowering CO2

that a business with such a diverse set of interests can still boast

emissions into the atmosphere.

being one of the main private concession holders of transmission

For Abengoa, sustainability is the cornerstone of company strategy and its businesses are geared towards achieving

lines in Latin America. Abengoa Water, where the crux of our article is focused, is highly committed to environmental sustainability and with the ongoing growth of the population, the need to improve living conditions in developing countries and to manage climate change is putting pressure on resources, which is why Abengoa Water’s main activities in the water sector include producing drinking water from sea and waste water. “We work towards sustainability,” Carlos tell us, “Offering workable solutions to create new sources of water, such as desalination and reuse of industrial and municipal waste, to name a few.”

sustainable development and management that can reduce the negative impact of operations on the environment. “Our success lies on two different pillars,” we are told, “Firstly, innovative, in-house technology and an ability to offer the best possible solution to the needs of its clients.” Maintaining its position at the forefront of innovation, with over €8.3 million spent on R&D this year alone – making our total accumulated R&D investment 41,7M€ since the inception of our R&D department, Abengoa structures and organises its research, focusing on developing inverse-osmosis desalination technology and treatment technology to make sea water and waste water drinkable in areas where fresh resources are scarce. The second pillar of success is the ability to offer unique

THE SPECIAL TOUCH OF ABENGOA

solutions that adapt to each specific situation and to the needs

Given the current global economic and environmental context,

of its clients, “Our primary focus is the municipal client where

there is an apparent need to both introduce processes for lowering

we provide innovative solutions for these clients who are trying

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ABENGOA WATER

to find alternative and secure sources of water. Additionally, we

alleviated. As many of the affected countries and Governments do

are diversifying our portfolio by focusing on industrial clients as

not usually have the financial resources to address these problems

well, related to the mining, fuel (oil and gas) sectors as those who

there is an opportunity for private sector companies to invest in

require water resources for the development of their production

water management, build infrastructure and solve these problems

processes.”

and this is where Abengoa Water comes in.

In 2015 Abengoa was awared as Water Company of the Year for its outstanding work and the company can also boast of several awards acknowledging its work in the desalination sector (Desalination Company of the Year 2009 and again in 2013). As a project developer, several of its flagship projects have also been presented with awards and honors. Water scarcity is a major global issue not only for the areas with great desertification and aridity, indeed, as climate change continues, water shortage will extend to other areas. Added to this problem is the current lack of water treatment plants and the fact that industries are large consumers of water themselves. Mr. Cosín explains that large investments are needed to upgrade existing facilities and develop new infrastructures so that the problems of scarcity and pollution of water resources can be

Reverse osmosis racks and pumping facilities of the Accra desalination plant 36 | Endeavour Magazine

EMPLOYEES One of the key resources the company believes in investing in is its staff. Abengoa employs 24,748 employees internationally, while Abengoa Water employs 391 employees. “People

are

the

principal

value-generating

asset

and

fundamental wealth of the organisation and therefore we place a high importance in creating ideal conditions for staff development.” Carlos tells us. Encouraging and facilitating internship programmes through agreements with universities, vocational training institutes and business schools, through the Abengoa Foundation, FOCUS, is considered vital, as is the use of specialized professional networks as a recruiting tool to identify talent, which is especially important when it comes to their investments in locations such as Africa.

ABENGOA IN AFRICA For Africa, water scarcity, water pollution from agricultural, mining and industrial activities and insufficient infrastructure are some of the main problems. There is also a definitive problem of access to water and sanitation in Africa, with approximately 358 million people currently lacking access to clean water and sanitation on the continent. This has provided an opportunity for Abengoa Water to develop several important projects. The Accra Sea Water Desalination plant is the first one of its kind in Ghana and at a total cost of €126 million; it was a sizeable but essential investment. As a combined effort of Abengoa, the World Bank and African financial institutions, the plant, which has been treating water since February of 2015, is able to supply 60,000 m3/d of fresh water, sufficient for 500,000 residents within the vicinity of Accra and the surrounding areas. “The plant uses advanced pretreatment technologies, like ultrafiltration membranes, with reverse osmosis membranes to produce the safest fresh water supply to the Great Accra’s region.

“inge® supplies advanced membrane technology which is a key component in water treatment processes. The most recent co-operation with Abengoa for a sea water desalination plant in Ghana was our first joint project with excellent results. We are proud to be a preferred technology partner of Abengoa.” Ralf Krüger, Director Sales at inge GmbH, Germany

It will be operated by Abengoa for 25 years and then the asset will be passed over to the client, in this case Ghana Water,” Carlos says.

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150 years

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Endeavour Magazine | 37

ABENGOA WATER

Accra is not the only African focus. The Agadir Desalination

Desalination is the faster, more reliable option to ensure water

Plant in Morocco marks a new page for both the company and

supply for local population and businesses. This project is able

the country, since it will become the first project that the National

to produce enough water for almost half a million people, from

Power and Drinking Water Office (ONEE) has developed under a

seawater, which has the additional advantage of helping to protect

public-private partnership (PPP) system, putting Abengoa at the

other water sources in the area.

forefront of this model in Morocco.

Furthermore, water coming from the desalination plant is

Agadir is a water-starved city with an average of 291.9mm of

already thoroughly treated and sanitised, which means that the

rain every year, meaning that it struggles to meet the demand for

plant can produce over 60,000m3 of clean, fresh water every day,

drinking water. With a booming tourism industry, driven by mild

making sure that the days of no water coming out of the tap are a

temperatures and natural beautiful beaches, this city needs to keep

thing of the past.

developing and ensuring its growth.

Community education and understanding is important for

This project, which will be the largest desalination plant in the

Abengoa Water and so the establishment of a fluent and open

country, will contribute to the major development taking place

relationship with the local community is essential for both sides to

in this region, especially in the tourism, agri-food and industrial

benefit from such projects. This includes open ceremonies and a

sectors of the city. This plant will produce 100,000m3 of water per

community outreach centre at the plant to allow citizens of Ghana

day once it is finished, enough water for almost 500,000 people.

to come and be educated on how the plant works.

This project offers a perfect example of Abengoa’s unique

“With the plant, the Greater Accra region can continue to

brand of solutions. Abengoa was the only company that responded

develop, both from a residential and industrial viewpoint, making

to ONEE’s final RFP, as it saw the opportunity where other

sure that Ghana continues to grow and expand.” Carlos Cosín says.

competitors only saw risk, thanks to the company’s expertise in

Of course this project was also possible thanks to the support

the local market. This is the first BOT contract in the water sector

of Abengoa’s partners, the Sojitz Corporation as well as Hydrocol.

in Morocco. Abengoa signed the contract and reached the financial

Abengoa has an excellent track record of working with international

closing of the project all within 2014 and has started construction

and local partners to make sure that the best possible solutions are

in early 2015.

always supported by experts in their field.

There are also Abengoa Water’s three desalination plants in Algeria – Tenes, Skikda and Honaine, representing an overall investment of $575 million – which offers a total production capacity in Algeria of 500,000m3/day. This allows for drinking water to be supplied to a population of more than 2,500,000 people. Other water projects include the water treatment plant of Cunene, in Angola, with a capacity of 16.3 million litres of water a day. “Over 230 million people worldwide depend on desalinated water daily as it is a reliable and sustainable way to ensure supply that conforms to WHO standards,” Carlos reveals.

CHALLENGES OVERCOME

THE FUTURE OF ABENGOA WATER Research and development is an ongoing priority for the company. Carlos Cosín reveals that solar desalination shows great promise and is useful as many arid areas needing water the most do have an abundance of sunlight. This has prompted several countries to invest in projects finding new ways to blend these two sustainable technologies together. “Solar-powered desalination faces its own set of challenges,” he adds, “Since desalination plants need to be near the coast, where solar radiation is not as strong.” In line with this new approach, Abengoa is developing the AlKhafji desalination plant, the world’s first large-scale solar-powered

As often they find themselves laying down fresh lines of

set up. This project will be built in conjunction with Advanced

infrastructure, there are a number of hurdles that need to be

Water Technology (AWT) in Saudi Arabia and will deliver 60,000m³

overcome in the African projects. For example, in Ghana, while

of fresh water being produced using only solar energy.

rich in water sources, the population suffered from a lack of a

“People, industry and agriculture depend on this resource for

proper, reliable supply of water due to geographical problems and

their normal operation, this makes water management as critical an

demographic expansion in the area. For Ghana to continue being a

issue for survival as the supply of energy.” Carlos Cosín concludes.

leading force of growth and security in the continent, its leadership knew that it had to made smart choices to bolster its economic growth. 38 | Endeavour Magazine

Desalination

40 | Endeavour Magazine

SWISSLION TAKOVO WWW.SWISSLION-TAKOVO.COM 381 11 20 69 300

THE WAY THE COOKIE CRUMBLES WRITTEN BY DAISY JONES

The Swisslion Takovo story started in 1997, when the first factory applying SL technology, a symbol of top-quality natural healthy food, controlled origin of raw materials and perfect flavour, was opened. Now, Swisslion products are present worldwide and Swisslion is the leading biscuit company in Eastern Europe. Endeavour Magazine spoke to Marketing Manager Tamara Bojic to hear how Swisslion got to the top – and why it’s reaching further still.

Endeavour Magazine | 41

SWISSLION TAKOVO

Swisslionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is one of growth and change. From

1997 to 2004 Swisslion installed a total of 11 production lines: ten in Serbia and one in the FYR of Macedonia. The company incorporated the Juvitana and Sisak factories in 2004 and 2008, and started Ice Cream Factory in a completely new production unit in April 2011.

tarting out as a confectionery producer, Swisslion evolved into one of the biggest food producers in Eastern Europe, with factories for chocolate, wafers, biscuits, ice cream, meat, baby

food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, pates, frozen food and more. The company has developed brands that can be found on every continent. Swisslion Takovo is a name that stands for more than just a rich, quality and well-chosen assortment of products; it also stands for competitive prices, flexible operations, fast decision-making and prompt distribution, thanks to a determined management team, competent staff, investment in technology, equipment and infrastructure and good manufacturing procedure. The company has factories in Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, enabling a very good strategic coverage of the market. The company is considered to be a system because of the complete chain from raw material production to bringing the final products to consumers. As well as Swisslionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recognisable technology, the company has developed a unique logistic and distribution pattern. Swisslion believes that there is still a lot of space to develop its distribution network, as due to the current political situation, Serbia is in a position to increase its exports for

42 | Endeavour Magazine

SWISSLION TAKOVO

the Russian market. It’s a market that’s full of potential, offering the

products at the best prices. They’re also a place where the company

business a chance to expand.

receives constant feedback from consumers, which is helpful in

Despite finding success, Swisslion still experiences some

product development. Sweet Houses are an established brand in

difficulties, meaning that there is a constant drive to keep the

Serbia and have expanded into Romania and Bosnia with more to

business innovative and fresh. Serbia and the Balkan region have

open soon. At Swisslion, customers come first.

faced economic crises in the past few years, but Swisslion has

“Customers have been loyal to our brands,” Tamara explains,

managed to retain a sustainable growth and positive trends as the

“We have a product palette with more than 600 items and there’s

company’s massive capacities make it easier to provide high quality

something for everyone’s taste, age and preferences. Not all of the

products at reasonable prices. Foreign competitors create another

products are profitable for us, but we keep some of them because

challenge.

of the loyalty of our consumers.”

“Subsidised imports for foreign confectionery producers is

Swisslion places just as much value on its customers as it does

an obstacle. Governments of foreign producers are financing the

on its 8,000 staff. Teamwork is the keystone of the company and as

export of such goods, and we do not have that kind of a support for

such, all potential employees must work through the whole system,

now,” says Tamara, “Also, we are constantly facing prejudices about

from production to sales, before specialising in a specific position.

the better quality of Western Europe import goods and that is why

“We believe that every person working in the system has to get

we started educating consumers about our production processes,

to know the system first,” says Tamara, “We work as one organism.”

raw materials quality and modern technology in our corporative

The company is currently developing a project of summer

marketing.”

internships for all future potential employees. This scheme is an

A unique customer approach differentiates Swisslion from

attempt to combat the “brain drain” effect that touches Eastern

its competitors. “Sweet House” retail stores sell only Swisslion

Europe, where students graduate with good theoretical knowledge

44 | Endeavour Magazine

Wels, Austria

www

and no experience. With this programme, Swisslion will help students to improve their skills and knowledge and move towards improving the Serbian economy. As well as improving the future prospects of young people

and being a desirable employer, Swisslion Takovo has developed partnerships with hospitals, universities and similar institutions in order to support threatened and disabled people. And with environmentally-friendly production policy, Swisslion is clearly a company with that takes its corporate social responsibility seriously. Looking to the future, Swisslion has plans to improve every aspect of the company. New employee satisfaction programmes are in place to keep staff performance high and technology and product innovation will ensure that business doesn’t go stale. Furthermore, the company will soon be entering big retail stores in Europe beyond the Balkan region, such as Carrefour, Lidl and Kaufland. Swisslion Takovo is set to experience more success. Well, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.

VFI and Swisslion-Takovo – Partners in Success We are taking pride in creating success for business partners. In the confectionary industry the development and the right choice of the applied fat is a most important factor for the final quality, a smooth production process and a short and reliable supply chain. Our partners receive full technological support with all our expertise.

VFI – Competence in Confectionary Fats

Wels, Austria

www.vfi.co.at Endeavour Magazine | 45

46 | Endeavour Magazine

BLUE SEA ENERGY WWW.BLUESEAENERGY.CO.KE 254 720 841 184

WIND IN OUR SAILS WRITTEN BY DAISY JONES

Bluesea Energy Limited is an emerging clean energy independent producer with big plans. While the company operates out of its Nairobi headquarters, it has an Africa vision: to establish a new standard for energy in Africa by developing the energy grid with environmentally friendly energy solutions that effectively use the most advanced technologies. Endeavour Magazine caught up with Bluesea to find out how it plans to achieve its ambitious goals.

Endeavour Magazine | 47

BLUE SEA ENERGY

The innovative renewable energy provider was established in 2009 to provide affordable, clean and safe energy to Kenya, East and Central Africa. The company bilaterally focuses on research and development as well as generating and marketing renewable energy to ensure modern energy solutions reach the market and has identified wind, solar, geothermal and biomass as the key renewable energy technologies for use in bulk power generation for national utilities and large consumers in countries with a power wheeling policy.

edicated to making its country a better, cleaner and safer

service providers. The key EPC entities for the renewable energy

place with green energy, Bluesea has brought together its

sector are Sichuan Machinery and Equipment Import and Export

most advanced teams and technology.

Company and Sichuan Project Management, companies that have

“We have brought together a highly reputable project

30 years of experience in acting as EPC contractors and taking

implementation team to deliver our initiative on time and on

responsibility for engineering, construction, commissioning and

budget. Our effort also helps the Government of Kenya towards

operation.

achieving its Vision 2030 energy goal of generating 5000MW of

Teamwork is just one of the key principles of Bluesea. In

national electricity generation capacity,” says the company’s Chief

conjunction with the company’s core focus on surpassing energy

Executive Officer Mr. John Majiwa.

supplies with continuous technological advances, Bluesea focuses

Striving for nothing less than to become the market leader in

on values to ensure a sustainable business. A company that is

Kenya, as well as East and Central Africa, Bluesea’s mission is to

always aware and acting with its corporate responsibility to society

perfect the use of renewable energy and deliver the best energy

in mind, Bluesea ventures to improve the lives of its customers

solutions modern technology has to offer to its clients. With

through healthier energy solutions for them and their environment.

advanced expertise and machinery in wind power, innovative staff

To achieve this, the company is wholeheartedly dedicated to

and excellent service delivery records, it’s easy to see how the

innovation in the energy markets in Africa, in line with global

company could achieve that.

tech trends and energy standards. In addition, Bluesea demands

These ambitions for growth are not just ambitions as the company is involved in a number of projects to develop the local infrastructure and energy supply in East and Sub-Saharan Africa, starting in Kenya.

integrity from all personnel to remain in line with its core values for achieving its objectives. The company’s General Manager Tsuma Charo explains further, “Bluesea runs on an integrated management system that conforms

Bluesea’s flagship project is the Meru 40MW wind farm.

to global standards by pursuing the triple bottom line approach,

Sited in Ntumburi Hills and Karima ka Mberwa in Meru County,

where a business benefits people, the planet and generates profits

the project is now heading towards construction after completing

for its shareholders. Sustainability is our corporate philosophy at

all the necessary works to reach bankability. The lead finance

Bluesea.”

partner for BlueSea in the Meru wind farm is the Sichuan Fortune

The company’s CEO Mr Majiwa explains that the company has

Investment Company of China (SCFIC), an investment management

a concrete people sustainability strategy that will transform the

company with the financial and technical capacity to support and

lives of the residents of Ntumburi and Karima Ka Mberwa areas in

develop a major project of this scale. Investing directly or through

Meru County through employment, a benefits sharing mechanism,

its subsidiaries in hydropower, biomass, wind and solar, SCFIC

economic inclusion and general livelihood enhancement. Bluesea’s

brings considerable technical and financial muscle, not to mention

project host communities will be virtual shareholders in the

its business acumen, to the partnership.

company by tying their fortunes to those of the company’s business.

Bluesea is a business that understands the importance of

Now is an exciting time for Bluesea. After its successful

seeking the experience and knowledge of others and highly values

application for a power generation licence in 2014, Bolloré Africa

teamwork and partnership. Bluesea signed a power purchase

Logistics has been awarded a contract to provide project logistics

agreement with a competitive tariff rate from Kenya’s only

services to Bluesea for the Meru wind power plant.

electricity distributor, Kenya Power, a move that makes many more

Jason Reynard, Bolloré Africa Logistics’ Regional CEO, expressed

projects possible. The company is also working with reputable

the company’s enthusiasm for the project, “We are excited to

international finance and technology partners and other auxiliary

partner with Bluesea Energy in their efforts to increase the supply

48 | Endeavour Magazine

of green energy to Kenya’s power grid. We have been partners of similar Industrial Projects in Eastern Africa in the last decade and rest assured that your investment is in capable hands.” The project involves the transportation of 27 wind turbines from the port of Mombasa to Ntubiri in Meru County, a distance of 746km. Due to the dimensions of these turbines, this massive move requires specialised vehicles and equipment. Each turbine’s tower measures 4.6m in diameter, its nacelle, which houses the generating components of the turbine, weighs 52 tons and a single blade is 23.2m long. John Majiwa reiterated the company’s commitment to the development of green energy in the country, “We at Bluesea are looking forward to the actualisation of this project and playing our part in Kenya’s energy development strategy. We have set systems in place and our aim is to have the farm operational by the end of 2015.” The Meru wind power plant is the first in a series of similar projects that Bluesea will undertake. The company has aims to produce a total of 200MW of wind power, of which 100MW will be produced by the plant in the Meru/Isiolo area, and an additional 100MW from the Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza by 2018. With

Kenfreight is your prime logistics partner in East Africa for out of gauge cargo. Our extensive knowledge, highly experienced employees and specialized equipment for large project cargo make Kenfreight a leader in the region. Visit us on ‘YouTube’ and watch Kenfreight unfold the biggest power generating logistics project in East Africa, comprising 38 windmills, 269 out-of-gauge components and 4,000 m3 of accessories!

these plans in place, Bluesea is in an ideal position to lead East and Sub-Saharan Africa towards a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future.

Endeavour Magazine | 49

AUTOMOTIVES VOLVO XC60 THE ANATOMY OF A GENTLEMAN WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

While BMW, Mercedes, Lamborghini and especially Renault have approached vehicle manufacturing from a position of prerequisite style first, VOLVO has always originated from a position of essential driver and passenger safety. I think that this makes the VOLVO the essential gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car.

50 | Endeavour Magazine

Quiet and confident, like the sort of vehicle that clearly has the strength to muster a shout but has no need to ever raise its voice.

ost men either walk the walk or talk the talk, but few men

example: the doors are designed for driver and passengers to be

can do both. We call these particular individuals gentlemen

able to get in and out easily without any back-twisting acrobatics- a

and the reason why they attract such attention from the

gentleman would have thought about this for when he is bringing

opposite sex and respect from their peers is because they are mysterious, understated and above all else in control. The same can be said for cars.

an entourage of companions in evening dress. A gentleman would also have thought about how the XC60 would look when arriving at a function or an event. For this the

The Volvo XC60 represents a basic requirement for a gentleman

Volvo XC60 had a facelift that brought it up to date with the rest

who knows what is important: the ability to protect what is

of the Volvo range and the main visual improvements are at the

important to him.

front where the bonnet and grill have been given a sleeker, newer

Like a gentleman, the VOLVO XC60 D4 does not brag about how fast it is or how powerful the engine is, which is more potent than the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Land Rover Freelander 2. And, like a gentleman there is no need to remind anyone about the engine size, which will take the D4 from 0-62mph in eight seconds flat or hammer on about the low CO2 emissions that make this car one of the cleanest on the roads.

A GENTLEMAN’S INSPIRATION The more I drive VOLVOs the more convinced I become that the designers are utter gentlemen. The quintessential gentlemen

look. This means that along with the mountain of safety features crammed into this car, you get a style that doesn’t look out of place when compared to premium rivals of the afore mentioned BMW X3, Audi Q5 and even the Range Rover Evoque. With a body favouring curves and subtle creases rather than imposing straight lines and too much rugged plastic body cladding, it looks quiet and confident and like the sort of vehicle that clearly has the strength to muster a shout but has no need to ever raise its voice. Inside, everything speaks of value and long lasting quality. Simple controls upon an elegant floating centre console design offer switches and controls that are assuredly sturdy. The climate

of old, the men who had standards that were not defined by rabble

control uses an intuitive pictogram for the air distribution and

but by a code of conduct. I further administer that these gentlemen

the seats are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever sat in and a

have put their time and energy into determining what a gentleman

comfortable seat is exactly what’s needed to impress a lady. After

would require in a car. And like a gentlemen, this is revealed in the

all, a sports car may have a roaring engine but if it can’t make a lady

small details and too-subtle-to-notice considerations. As a quick

comfortable, it’s a no go. Endeavour Magazine | 51

WALKING THE WALK Of course, it is pointless being understated if you can’t give the goods when needed. The Volvo XC60 is very comfortable and quiet inside and its efficient range of engines won’t hurt your pocket and

intrinsic understanding of what this chariot would be used for and I am fully expecting a thank you from them for mentioning it.

IMPRESSING

while the electric power steering feels artificially heavy and gives

A lady needs to be impressed. As a gentleman it is important to

very little feedback on twisty roads, the 4x4 version is surprisingly

ride that precarious line between excitement and safety and to do

capable off-road.

that control is very, very important. This has been worked into the

All the engines deliver decent performance, but the new

design of the Volvo XC60 and created a natural choice. Without

2.0-litre D4 diesel provides the best blend of pace and efficiency.

being garish or arrogant about it, the safety features that extrude

It feels particularly strong in the mid-range, where it benefits from

throughout the D4 are cleverly incorporated so that if you’re not

a muscular 400Nm torque output. However, it’s not the most

told they are there, you won’t find out until the car miraculously

refined engine, clattering noisily at idle and sounding strained when

saves your life in an accident.

extended. Still, it settles down to a background hum at speed.

In fact, VOLVO’s reputation for overwhelmingly present yet

While it may not be able rival a Range Rover Evoque for go-

stealthily unseen safety protocols is such that some people believe

anywhere ability, the Volvo XC60 is more than capable of tackling

they are protected by the hand of God instead of the genius of some

muddy country lanes and flooded roads thanks to its four-wheel

of the most forward thinking engineers, designers and mechanics

drive system, high ground clearance, strong diesel engine and hill

on the planet.

descent control. This becomes particularly handy when you’re

As was explained a recent launch of the VOLVO XC90, the

escorting a lady into the countryside and want to get the heart

XC90 younger and bigger brother, VOLVO have an aim for 2020

racing with an example of your calculated and expert driving skills.

that nobody will die or be seriously injured in their cars or because

Similarly, the Volvo XC60’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox

of them. Every scrap of technology around the car has been shaped

is a big improvement on the old transmission, which was jerky and

around this vision and what you have is a vehicle designed to be

slow to respond. The high driving position gives great visibility

entirely self-sacrificing in the light of protecting driver, passengers

and makes it easier to get a lady into and out of a car without

and pedestrians. There are frankly too many safety features to

her having to worry about damaging her dresses or flashing her

mention in one article and even then it wouldn’t do it justice, but

undergarments. I know for many this may not be a reason to

they are immense and mind boggling in sophistication.

purchase a car, but it’s as if VOLVO engineers and designers had an 52 | Endeavour Magazine

To scratch the surface, the model we had came with entry-level

noticed that the door bins in the back were a little small but I don’t think this would cause a family any trouble as there are many places for a family to store their bits and bobs as well as numerous cup holders and handily situated USB sockets located in the lidded armrest between the front seats for charging devices and toys.

EXPENSE AND ECONOMY SE versions getting five different electronic braking aids, dual-stage

I am loathed to return a press car with a full tank of fuel but I

airbags, traction control, hill descent control, an inflatable curtain

won’t lie, it was exhausting trying to expend an entire tank. There

for side impacts, a range of security features and Volvo’s City Safety

are two engine types you can have, the D4 and the D5. The D5

system is also included, which will automatically apply the brakes if

is the stronger of the two but I’ve heard it was a bit rough so I

it senses a collision and the driver doesn’t react in time. It is worth

went for the notoriously efficient four-cylinder D4 with a 2.0-litre

mentioning that the system only works at speeds under 19mph so

179bhp unit.

don’t go testing it on the motorway.

The D4 engine returns 62.8mpg and emits just 117g/km of CO2. If you want the added security of the all-wheel drive system,

A PRACTICAL GENT As a gentleman, I know the value of good boot space and you’d be surprised at how opportunistic a truly gigantic boot space can make a man. The VOLVO XC60’s boot is 494 litres and that’s if you don’t cram it. Cramming it to the roof would increase it to 655 and if you fold the seats forwards the boot space increases to 1,455 litres, which gives a huge amount of space to fling yourself around in if the need arises. Incidentally, while a gentleman would never discuss such a thing, the suspension of the car is fantastic and near silent. However, if you find yourself having to move out of the boot space in a hurry the boot doesn’t open from the inside… something that the VOLVO’s designers neglected to work into their design. IN THE CABIN

then the CO2 emissions do jump to 139g/km and fuel consumption increases to 53.3mpg. According to the online specs, the only petrol engine available is the 300bhp T6. Despite its impressive power output, it’s also very thirsty with a fuel economy of 26.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 249g/km. It also doesn’t feel as fast as its impressive power and torque outputs suggest. The Volvo XC60 with the diesel D5 engine is only available as a 4x4, but thanks to start-stop technology and the six-speed manual gearbox, it returns 139g/km and 53.5mpg. With the automatic gearbox, it returns 44.1mpg along with 169g/km of CO2.

PRICING Starting with a price in excess of £30,000 this isn’t a cheap car

The XC60’s 40/20/40 split rear seats are handy and they fold

but then again it has absolutely no reason to be. Any gentleman

flat so sliding objects in and out is no problem. It’s worth noting

would recognise that you can’t put a price on quality and confidence

that headroom isn’t great for taller passengers in the rear, but

and with the Volvo XC60 you’re not only paying for a car, you’re

there’s plenty of legroom and it doesn’t feel cramped, either.

paying for its ability to protect you at all costs. And between those

While I wasn’t spending that much time in the back I also

doors you are safer than in the hands of God. Endeavour Magazine | 53

TRIUMPHANT ADVENTURE

BY MARK GALLANT

Every year Littlegate Publishing organises a road trip to Europe. This year we decided that two friends and myself would ride Triumph motorcycles as far down as Italy. We had a lot of kit to test on the way, so a few months of planning (in the pub) was essential and after numerous ‘meetings’ to plan our route, we decided we would catch the overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hoek of Holland.

54 | Endeavour Magazine

e picked the bikes up from Hinckley in the UK and my first

the way is an amateur’s approach to cross country biking and not

impression was that two of us had chosen well for what

a mistake to repeat. TomTom were kind enough to provide me with

was going to be a 3,000-mile trip and one of us had not.

their latest motorbike SatNav, the Rider 400, which was quick to fit

The bikes were the Triumph 1200 Explorer, 1200 Trophy and the

and featured in our gadget section.

1050 Speed Triple, the first two are clearly made for mile munching

The ferry from Harwich to the Hoek of Holland is only a 1 ½

and the Speed Triple, not so much. We knew from the start that

hour ride from home for us, so we worked in the morning and

it would be interesting to see how we coped with long motorway

met for a gentle trundle there to grab a coffee and wait to board.

miles and tight Alpine passes.

This was my first overnight ferry crossing and as we walked into

We had a few days with the bikes before we were due to leave,

the cabin it seemed very civilised. This first impression improved

so we took the time to properly fit and test the SatNavs. I’ve learnt

dramatically after a couple of drinks. After a sound night’s sleep,

from previous experience that assuming you’ll ‘work it out’ along

waking up in Holland was brilliant and I had to suppress a shiver of

Endeavour Magazine | 55

horror at the thought of all the times I have taken my three kids to

degrees, we were cooking ourselves. My wife later questioned

France and endured a day crossing. Never again; sleeping while you

that riding along must cool you down, thanks to the airflow, but

travel is the way to go!

in temperatures like this there was no reprieve. Of course, after so

“Stay right, stay right” this is the mantra in my mind for the first

many rides together there is little shame amongst us so we took

few miles. Especially as we have recently published an article with

regular stops to replenish fluids and decompress, stretching out our

TomTom that highlighted how 71% of British drivers didn’t know

backs and walking off our aches.

which side of the road to drive on abroad and I am loathed to be a statistic in anything.

So we roll into Besançon, a citadel dating from the Roman occupation and a thoroughly nice town to boot. The weather here

On all our trips, the first day is the long slog as we use it to

was well over 30 degrees in the late evening and made hotter as

get as far as we can, so we can start feeling like we’re really on

the town sits in a natural geological bowl. Some minor maintenance

holiday. I’ve been told that it is a credit to my riding that it takes

on the Speed Triple was needed (oiling the chain) and then it was

an overnight ferry and a day of riding for me to get to unfamiliar

off to maintain ourselves and take on fluids and calories.

territory.

The next day we made an early start for Chamonix-Mont Blanc

Attired in our new motorcycle jeans and jackets from Bull-

and knowing the Swiss as I do, I’m certainly not going to pay a €40

it, our Air vests from Motoair and Helite, helmets from Arai and

+ carnet charge to use a few kilometres of road around Geneva.

Givi and gloves from Tucano Urbano, we were protected from all

The TomTom is set to avoid all but paved road and while this feature

the dangers of the road but as it was knocking on the door of 40

is great, it does mean you get dragged through industrial estates

56 | Endeavour Magazine

and tunnels for ages and ages, whilst we boiled. As soon as we’d

top into La Thuile, Italy. A fabulous run through over 20 hairpins

crossed the border, the avoid setting was lifted. It’s a dramatic, all

would bring us into Courmeyor and the entrance to the Mont Blanc

motorway, ride up to Chamonix and you end up at nearly 1100

Tunnel. What a feat of engineering! Miles of tunnel right under the

metres above sea level, even more dramatic when you look to your

mountain, with four lanes of traffic. Hot, expensive but worth a

right and spot Mont Blanc and the Mer du Glacé. The first time I

look anytime you find yourself nearby.

visited Chamonix it was as a travelling teenager, on a motorcycle,

The nightlife in Chamonix is fabulous and made even more so

on my way back from the south of France and in 30 years it’s lost

by the heat, people eating al fresco and promenading all evening.

none of its charm. It’s filled with ultra-fit extreme sports people

This is the perfect vision of Europe. You’re never far from the view

whose muscles ripple every time they lift their glass; we were just

of Mont Blanc or the Agile du Midi, so we decided to catch the

happy to unzip, unbuckle and unfasten our safety gear, sit on a

cable car to the top. Okay, I say we decided, that is a lie. My cohorts

chair and steam.

decided and I am too bullish to admit my utter terror of heights

We decided to look at two loops to ride over the following days.

so I went along too. It got so bad that I had to disengage from

The first took us down the valley for a short while before heading

my group, lest they playfully push me over a railing or something

up towards Tigne through Val d’isere and ending on top of the Col

equally laddish. I happened to have the opportunity to see a group

Du Iseran, one of the highest in the Alps and a regular haunt of the

of German Olympic karateka training in their white kiogis and

Tour de France. We headed back via the Petit col du St Bernard,

when you see a team of foreign martial artists pushing themselves

which turns into the Piccolo col St Bernard with a drop over the

through 40 minutes of grueling altitude training it puts things into

Endeavour Magazine | 57

perspective. One, I wasn’t going to die up here and two, if they are

A quick walk around Interlaken confirms our worst fears; that the

competing against the British, we’re going to get creamed.

ugly side of tourism has reached its commercial hand this far. No

The next day we rode off in search of the Great St Bernard Pass. This is after a short trip into Switzerland, once more via Martigny,

longer are there Swiss Army knife and clock stores, now plastic tat covered in pictures of more plastic tat rule supreme.

winding steeply down through its vineyards on the south side of

I have never had the pleasure of crossing Switzerland by back

the valley through oppressive heat. The top of the pass is a tourist

roads, but was determined to avoid the carnet. I don’t think I’ve

haven and often crowded so this is something I have come to

ever seen so much grass or so many cows in my life. It was beautiful,

expect in these parts over the last 30 years, but it loses none of its

even if it did smell a bit rural, but then again I live in Suffolk and I’m

beauty despite this fact. 30 years ago it was hardly known and I feel

used to that smell. After this we had the pleasure of riding up the

like I was one of the pioneers.

famous B500 biker route, which heads north and south through

The following morning we left our first class penthouse chalet

the Black Forest. This is another of my favorite places with its wide-

in Chamonix with heavy hearts and remarkably light wallets for the

open bends and predictable road surface. In some parts it looks

final stretch of our trip. The adventure may have been drawing to

more Swiss that Switzerland.

a close but not before we got to head right around Switzerland via the Furkha and Grimsel passes.

Saving for a narrow escape on the a main road, where a truck ahead of us suffered a full tire blow out that and gave us a much

The Grimsel is surely one of the prettiest places on earth and

too in-depth lesson on what’s inside a tire, as it came bellowing

at this time of year the rock is almost luminous green with fresh

past us, we arrived at Ettlingen, a lovely old-fashioned and unspoilt

lichen and the air is pristine and clear. On the other side is one of

German town, without incident. Grateful that we were alive, we

the bluest lakes I have ever seen; perfection, it is one of the two

treated ourselves to the tastiest, cheapest meal of the holiday and

that the country Interlaken sits between. From here we passed the

some good old-fashioned hospitality.

north face of the Eiger and came around to pull up at our hotel

We awoke to a grey start on our final day and we were sure

in the shadow of Jungfrau, not a bad setting for a one-night stay.

we were going to get a dowsing, but a few drops of rain was all

58 | Endeavour Magazine

it amounted to. There was a slight mix up on the TomTom as we

quality at just €7.50 for three and had a very quick and efficient

were trying to avoid obstacles such as ferries and motorways,

ferry boarding. We had our usual argy-bargy entering the cabin to

however, after riding in circles for an hour we realised we were in

see who got the double bed and I won that little battle.

a catch 22 situation and needed to open up our search. We added

With our bodies aching, we arrived back in old Blighty at

ferries and two minutes later had crossed a river for just 40 pence,

6.30am and rode back to Hinckley to return our faithful steeds. We

after which the satnav settled down and took us up the Rhine.

had had a whale of a time, the Triumphs were fantastic and didn’t

There we stopped at one of our favourite haunts: Benno’s Truck

miss a beat.

Stop in Kaub am Rhine. Benno’s is a renowned biker stop and you

As we had ridden to Italy and back and hadn’t needed the air

order whatever you fancy from the menu and you generally get a

vests, we decided to strap them to a fence and pop them, to see if

Bratwurst (sausage), fries and curry powder. I am sure that every

they would have been up to scratch. I’m glad to say that they would

time I go there I order something different but get the same thing,

have worked and I now don’t ride without one!

however Benno was particularly generous this time and added a Pork medallion, which again, I had no choice about. You don’t argue with Benno, as rumour has it he is a hardened member of the Hells Angels! Funnily enough though, I am starting to doubt this hard man reputation as there was a busload of thirty 9-year-old school kids having Bratwursts and it looked like a regular outing to Uncle Benno’s! After a beautiful ride along the Rhine to Koblenz we had to

Huge thanks to Mark and Rick for making the trip so enjoyable. Further thanks to Triumph, Givi, Arai, Tomtom, Bull-it Jeans, Moto-Skivees, Motoair, Helite and Littlegate Publishing.

make the miles up to the ferry so it was motorways all the way back. The time had come to hunker down, grin and bear it. At Hoek we picked up some bottles of wine that had us questioning it’s Endeavour Magazine | 59

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES

SPEED TRIPLE Introducing in the red corner, weighing

worked very well; riding at about 50mph,

in at 214kgs, 1050cc and 133bhp – the

the air flow seems to lift you slightly, taking

Triumph Speed Triple

the weight off your arms and making the

The Speed Triple is considered by many

cruising experience very bearable. At the

as the flagship of the current Triumph range

other end of the scale, cruising at 85mph

and an urban icon but how would it perform

(something I did only on the Autobahns!),

outside it’s comfort zone?

everything became a bit blustery and it

EXPLORER

After nine days of Autobahns, Alpine

was time to hold on a bit tighter! Sitting

passes and extreme heat I’m sad to have

at 70-75mph was perfect for both the bike

a good thing for an Adventure bike.

to give it back! The 1050cc, inline triple

and rider, and at this speed, the Speed

We call the styling Adventure; the go

powerplant produces over 130bhp and

Triple returned the best mpg of all three

anywhere look but it is very obvious

delivers the power with a punch when

bikes, whereas increasing the speed by

that the Explorer is made for tarmac

needed, yet smoothly at low revs, almost

10mph meant a whole different ballgame;

roads and maybe a bit light off-roading.

regardless of which gear you are in, thanks

it’s fuel consumption became the worst of

Its size, weight and cast wheels are

to the superb fuel injection system.

the three, the comfort level dropped, and

a sure fire give away but it is a good

a small vibration on the handlebars was

looking bike and well thought out and

frame gives the bike sharp handling and

introduced.

would make an excellent everyday bike.

exceptional front end feel. When coupled

above 85mph and if it became a problem in

Cruise control comes as standard,

with the upside down Showa forks and the

the long term, the simple addition of some

which is invaluable for those long

four piston, radially mounted Brembo front

decent bar ends would probably cure the

motorway miles. It keeps your arms

callipers, the Speed Triple becomes a match

issue.

relaxed and your focus from the speed

The modern twin-tube, twin spar

for most sportsbikes.

This vibration disappeared

Naked bikes certainly aren’t everyone’s

Well, this is a big bike, which is

monitoring to safety with the added

The Speed Triple’s styling goes hand-in-

cup of tea, but personally I love them.

hand with it’s performance. The minimal

Their performance and handling match

The Explorer’s rider ergonomics are

bodywork, the single-sided swing arm, the

most superbikes but you don’t have to be

very good accommodating to all sized

stubby tail section, with the twin pipes that

a jockey with a black belt in yoga to fit on

riders as you get one of the widest

growl as the revs increase nested below,

them. The lack of fairing encourages you

selections of seat heights on the market.

make this one of the best looking and

to keep the speed down which keeps the

It’s a very comfortable bike, as you seem

sounding bikes in the streetfighter class.

DVLA happy, but when you feel the need

to sit in it unlike the Honda Crosstourer

to open it up there’s endless torque to put a

I rode last year where you felt perched

smile on your face.

on it. You can hunker down behind the

The seating position is very comfortable which is slightly surprising considering the aggressive nature of the bike.

bonus of saving some fuel.

The on-

The Speed Triple is not the fastest,

adjustable screen that worked best for

board display is digital with an analogue

lightest or cheapest naked bike on the

this 5’11 guy in its lowest position. I

rev counter. It has all the functions you

market, but if you’re looking for an all-

tried it all positions however the higher

would expect; fuel gauge, 2 trips, miles to

rounder with a massive grin factor you’d be

it went the more pressure I felt exerted

go before you have to get off and push, etc.,

foolish to overlook it.

on the top of my helmet.

and is easy to use –you don’t need a degree

 Speed Triple £9,749 Speed Triple R £10,999

in IT to reset the trip! The small bikini fairing 60 | Endeavour Magazine

Manually

adjustable

suspension

front and rear. The rear preload adjuster

TROPHY setting can be easily changed according

Now I’m always on the fence when it

chooses to apply the front brake when you

to payload and preference with the turn

comes to Meriden or Hinkley. As an owner

use the rear. I like to drag my rear brake in

knob below the rider seat.

of two Triumph Tigers, one 2011 one 1978

bends so I’m not a fan.

The triple 1215cc engine has been designed just for the Explorer and is a peach.

It delivers strong torque and

high performance that sounds sweet even with the standard exhaust.

I just can’t drop into one camp.

The seat is adjustable and relatively

This is different however as I haven’t

comfortable after 8 hours in the saddle, the

had the pleasure of a big Triumph tourer

adjustable screen is great as is the fairing

before now so Hinkley it is (for now).

which does a great job of keeping all the

First impressions are good, easy power brakes and

fact that in 40 degrees of heat it becomes

however at low speeds she can feel

easy handling. On the road the weight is no

unbearable and the heat is all reflected up

heavy. We were high in the Alps and

problem but like most of this genre, slow

at you with no breeze for respite. Not a

very tired so stopped for refreshments

speeds and bike manoeuvres take some

criticism but worth noting if you’re planning

in 40 degrees of heat. When we went to

thinking about. The centre stand is a doddle

a trip to Spain. Tank range was good as you

set off the Explorers kickstand had sunk

to use even fully loaded so A+ for that.

would expect but filling was a pain with a

She feels light and agile on the go

from the 1200 triple, good

air and elements off you. So much so in

into the tarmac and the bike was leaning

All the gadgets come as standard on

perilously close to falling. It took all my

the SE, cruise control is fabulous,great for

strength in that thin air to right her, this

avoiding speed cameras as well as relaxing

The luggage worked well but lacked the

was the only time I considered how

your arms on a long journey. One thing

sophistication of BMW luggage and by all

lardy she is, and the rest of the time she

I never got bored of was the radio, even

accounts the durability. In all the Trophy

is quite nimble.

abroad it was easy to find a music station

is a great bike if you¹re in the market and

to enjoy on the winding alpine roads.

have the cash for that kind of thing, don’t

Slow turns are easy and sure

diffuser kind of thing stopping you from putting the nozzle in the tank.

however it’s the fast, open, sweeping

Triumph’s electronic suspension coped

compare it to and RT or Pan just enjoy it for

roads where the Explorer is most at

well and was great at handling the load

home. High-speed stability is excellent

and the stability in hairpin turns and fast

One thing though there’s no noise so

and the Explorer feels very planted

motorway bends, yes you can feel the

it’s back to Meriden for me I’m afraid for

in corners, even ones that suddenly

weight when you’re going down a 10%

some nostalgia.

tighten. The Explorer is a big, fast, fun,

gradient on a bumpy road where the

comfy motorcycle that’s fun to ride.

Tarmac is melting but it never felt unsafe.

Nice to wheelie too!

The brakes are well balanced too, shame

 Trophy £12,999 Trophy SE £14,599

 £11,599

though like most of its rivals the Triumph

what it is, a great tourer.

Endeavour Magazine | 61

62 | Endeavour Magazine

KAHRAMAA WWW.KM.COM.QA 974-44845555

GROWTH, DIVERSITY AND CHALLENGE: BRINGING LIGHT AND WATER TO QATAR WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Due to the continuous growth and development in Qatar and consequently the huge increase in water demand, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) has launched an ambitious water project to provide seven days strategic water storage within its network system. To catch a glimpse of the inner workings of the business behind this ambitious project, Endeavour Magazine spoke with Eng. Ali Mohamad Al-Ali. Endeavour Magazine | 63

KAHRAMAA

For a company established in July 2000, KAHRAMAA finds itself in a privileged role of being the sole transmission and distribution system owner and operator for the electricity and water sector in Qatar. For the past 15 years it has made good use of its position as an independent corporation and maintained the supply of electricity and water to its customers on a commercial basis. Having started with a total capital of eight billion Qatari Riyals it has, over the last decade, grown and developed strongly.

ng. Ali Mohamad Al-Ali explains that the core areas of business

And while the company is first and foremost a private business,

for KAHRAMAA revolve around the selling and distribution

its objectives are aimed as much at providing the best range of

of electricity and power through PWPA (Formulated Power

services to its customers by making use of the latest technologies

and Water Purchase Agreements), through which they provide

and methods as strengthening their financial performance.

necessary technical and corporate support for the establishment

“Our staff are some of the most regarded and best trained

of generation and desalination ventures. Secondly, they own,

in the industry,” Eng. Ali Mohamad Al-Ali says, “And this is not a

construct and operate electricity and water transmission and

happy accident but rather a direct result of us involving them in

distribution networks in the State of Qatar.

an environment of ongoing training and development and strong

“We also set up plans and development programmes, influence regulations, standards and codes of practice and provide consultancy services related to all our activities and operations.” It is not only about being the source of power and water to

customer focus.” Of course, a business can only be judged on the projects it is involved in and KAHRAMAA have a catalogue of successful endeavours to choose from.

the country but also providing the best service to ensure that the

“Recently we closed the fifth phase of a distribution network

customers are able to use this as efficiently and strongly as possible.

extension which we have been working on since August 2013,”

“Our mission is to provide the highest qualities of both electricity

Eng. Ali Mohamad Al-Ali tells us, “This covered a range of 165

and water for better and more sustainable living in Qatar.” “It is our mission that by 2030, our people, assets, systems

kilometres, which involved the extension and looping of DI pipes ranging between 100mm to 900 mm thick.”

and processes will set a global benchmark for performance,

There is another project, the currently open Mega Reservoirs,

technological innovation, environmental sustainability and social

where KAHRAMAA is working closely with a number of businesses

responsibility in the electricity and water sector,” he explains.

offering project management services that include the reviewing of

Eng. Ali Mohamad Al-Ali, a man with many years experience

design and tender documents for the Mega Reservoirs construction

within this sector, highlights that it is not enough for a company

packages prepared by the detailed design and site supervision

to provide a service or product to their customers and that how

consultant. They will also be performing technical evaluations in pre-

one does this is just as important and KAHRAMAA is very adamant

construction stages, acting on behalf of KAHRAMAA in managing

when it comes to its values.

the project, establishing and applying a full management, control

“Our customer focus and centricity is best described as relentless,” he explains, “We place the customer’s needs at the heart of our decision-making process.”

and reporting system for the project and ensuring completion of the project successfully. The objective of the Water Security Mega Reservoirs Project

He goes on to further explain that they keep to the highest

is to provide seven days of potable water storage in the new

standards of performance and responsiveness to meet the needs

mega reservoirs and the existing and future secondary reservoirs,

of the company itself and its stakeholders and to ensure a high level

preserving the water quality as per KAHRAMAA and World Health

of transparency to conduct business activities in an open manner

Organization (WHO) standards.

so that they may foster trust from employees and customers alike.

The first phase of the project will provide the seven days of

“Loyalty is particularly important,” he emphasises, “Only with

storage for the expected water demand at horizon 2026, with five

loyalty can you develop the teamwork that is necessary to truly

mega reservoir sites. The second phase will provide the seven days

carry a company forward into the future and to continue being a

of water storage for expected demand in 2036 by adding additional

company that we are all proud of.”

reservoirs within the five mega reservoirs sites.

64 | Endeavour Magazine

KAHRAMAA The project entails construction of five potable water mega

The first substation, Al Wukair-1, is located at Al Wakra Stadium

reservoirs sites and the interconnecting network of large diameter

Boulevard approximately 10km from Doha and the second, Al

water pipelines. Each reservoir site will ultimately comprise of up

Heedan, will be at the proposed Al Khor Stadium while the third,

to nine reservoirs, each of which will be the largest of their type in

Learaig, is to be constructed at Salwa Beach Resort near Qatar’s

the world.

border with Saudi Arabia.

Mega reservoirs and pumping stations will be constructed at five

With the goal for all three substations to be completed within

strategic locations along the Qatar National Utility Corridor. The

15 months, they will provide a power supply for residential,

first phase of the project, which is currently under implementation,

commercial and industrial applications in Qatar, including two new

will deliver storage capacity of about 2,300 million gallons of water

sports stadiums.

in 24 huge concrete reservoirs and some 480km of buried ductile iron pipelines with diameter upto 1.6m.

“Efficient and reliable power transmission is fundamental to a sustainable, environmentally sympathetic energy system,” said

Eng. Ali Mohamad Al-Ali indicates that the second stage of

Fatih Sakiz, CEO of Siemens WLL in Qatar. “Qatar is experiencing

the project, which will be implemented after 2020, will include

rapid industrial, economic and population growth, and we are

construction of additional pipelines and 16 new reservoirs within

proud to be continuing our work with KAHRAMAA to develop an

the five mega sites, to achieve an ultimate total storage capacity of

electricity network that supports the development ambitions of

about 3,800 million gallons of water.

the country’s Vision 2030.”

On the electricity front, Qatar’s phase 11 power transmission

Each of the turnkey 132kV substations comprises of Siemens

expansion project recently received a massive boost when

8DN8 132kV gas-insulated switchgear, four 40MVA power

KAHRAMAA awarded a contract for three substations to Siemens.

transformers, two boards of 11kV switchgears, station auxiliary

This contract reveals that Siemens will supply three 132/11kV

transformers, complete protection and substation control system,

substations as part of the Phase 11 of the power transmission

associated LV, power and control cables and high-voltage cable

expansion project and in addition to the turnkey construction of

diversion works.

three substations, Siemens has won a separate contract for air-

Siemens’

insulated switchgears too.

additional contract by KAHRAMAA for 654 NX

Air 11kV air-insulated switchgears is inclusive of protection for secondary distribution for greater reliability and stability of Qatar’s EnErgOprOjEkt EntEL (EpE) is unique an international consulting company, will be electricity network. These Siemens switchgears specialized in engineering, design and project management services:

implemented over a two-year period.

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KAHRAMAA has also bagged the “Excellence in the Corporate EPE has valuable references, is highly expertised and well equipped with necessary software to participate in various projects of this type.

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The award to recognise the efforts of KAHRAMAA’s E-mail / Web site:was given office@ep-entel.com / www.ep-entel.com Qatar Office: Energoprojekt-Entel LtD corporate social responsibility Tarsheed initiatives for supporting Phone: (+974) 44478571, Fax:(+974)44478572 activities in Qatar, spreading mass awareness about the rational energoqt@ep-entel.com

use of water and electricity. 66 | Endeavour Magazine

“The prime target of Tarsheed is to reduce the per capita water and electricity consumption in Qatar by 35% and 20%, respectively until 2017,” Eng. Ali Mohamad Al-Ali explains.

KAHRAMAA has targeted a generation capacity of 200MW through solar power by 2020. The Government has implemented numerous solar energy projects, including large-scale solar power plants, solar desalination

NEW ENERGY, NEW IDEAS Qatar is set to be transformed into a regional solar hub with its first solar power facility, thanks to KAHRAMAA. The solar power station is expected to be operational by 2016, with a generation capacity of 10MW to 15MW and the facility, which will cover an area of more than 100,000m², will be located at Duhail.

projects and solar panel manufacturing plants in line with the country’s goal to promote sustainability and diversity, while focusing on environmental awareness and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. The Solar-Smart Grid project, an initiative of the Qatar Foundation (QF), is also the first commercial photovoltaic (PV) project to be granted approval for grid connection from

Remarking on the announcement, Expotrade Middle East

KAHRAMAA. According to industry approximations, QF’s solar

regional director Brad Hariharan said, “With ample amounts of

energy smart-grid-enabled systems generate up to 85% of Qatar’s

renewable resources at its disposal, the GCC region is harnessing

total solar energy output.

the power of renewable energy technologies to its full potential.

Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI)

The state of Qatar has set a benchmark with its implementation of

announced its plans to set up a solar map by 2016, which will

massive, innovative programmes for the deployment of large solar

assist in identifying areas across the country that receive high-

power plants.”

intensity solar radiation, with the aim to install solar cells for power

The GCC has seen rapid growth in renewable energy generation

generation.

and consumption, with Qatar leading the region and being

Five solar stadiums for the 2022 World Cup will use ground-

supported by innovative research and infrastructure development

breaking solar-powered cooling technology to enhance the use of

plans. Deployment of new renewable energy initiatives has ensured

renewable energy.

that the small Gulf country has become a primary producer of solar energy, enhancing its sustainability drive. Being the most abundant and viable energy source, solar energy effectively addresses the increasing power requirements in the region, as the ongoing construction projects ramp up in the shadow of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

However, while the country has exceptional solar energy potential, price competitiveness and the lack of a renewable energy policy framework poses a challenge to the growth of the solar power in the region. “However, because it is valuable, it is a challenge we will accept,” he concludes. Endeavour Magazine | 67

68 | Endeavour Magazine

WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OF HONG KONG WWW.WSD.GOV.HK 852 2824 5000

IN HOT WATER WRITTEN BY DAISY JONES

The Hong Kong SAR Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water Supplies Department oversees and manages all aspects of sourcing and maintaining supplies of fresh and salt water throughout the territory. Every day, it pumps 2.56 million cubic metres of fresh water to meet the needs of 7.19 million people. Endeavour Magazine spoke to the dedicated team to find out how they run this massive, complex operation to provide the people of Hong Kong with this essential commodity.

Endeavour Magazine | 69

WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OF HONG KONG

Hong Kong’s fresh water supplies come primarily from its expansive hillside catchments along with considerable reserves piped in from Dongjiang in southern China. After strict water testing and treatment to meet global safety standards, this water is stored in service reservoirs for distribution to homes and commercial developments.

Supplies, LAM Tin Sing is highly focused on,

flushing is generally found in the majority of residential,

“Today, around the world we are all facing the spectre of climate

commercial and industrial buildings throughout Hong Kong,

change, a challenge for mankind perhaps like no other in history.

offering a simple solution that lowers the overall need for fresh

Our department is actively taking prudent and effective measures

water. The WSD is also responsible for initiating and monitoring

to ensure that Hong Kong’s water supply can meet the demands of

the development of new water sources, based on methods like

the growing commercial sector as well as consumers. To this end,

desalination, water recycling and rainwater harvesting.

we are actively expanding the use of cutting-edge technologies to

he Water Supplies Department (WSD) also utilises seawater, which is treated and piped to toilet flushing systems. Seawater

Water conservation is something that Director of Water

The WSD recognises that water underpins the vitality and

ensure secure sources of water and maximised water efficiency.

prosperity of Hong Kong and dedicates itself to meeting customer

We are also initiating outreach programmes in the community to

expectations and implementing strong and effective policies to

lower daily individual water consumption and discovering novel

promote water conservation, closely working with all stakeholders

and cost-effective ways to ensure that we achieve our aim of water

to optimise supplies so that Hong Kong’s water remains secure and

conservation and security to benefit everyone in Hong Kong now

of high quality now and in the future. With the encroaching threat

and in the future.”

of climate change, this is becoming increasingly important.

With such a high level of commitment to protecting the

Anticipated population increases and economic development

environment, the New Works Branch of the department is tasked

mean that fresh water demand will likely rise to over 1,100 million

with planning, designing and building waterworks to ensure

cubic metres by 2030 – up from 933mcm in 2013. In 2013, 26.5%

that all impacts to the environment will be minimised. The New

of the WSD’s water supply came from local catchment water

Works Branch follows a strict protocol, after being awarded the

collection, 50.5% from water resources imported from DongJiang

Environmental Management System ISO140001: 2004 certification

in China, and 23% from seawater for flushing. However, climate

in 2013. In addition, the WSD is working on a number of strategies

change will lead to more frequent incidents of extreme weather

to reduce the impact of climate change including exploiting new

consequences. This could put Hong Kong’s water security at risk, as

water resources, promoting water conservation and enhancing

an increase in rainfall intensity and a reduced number of rainy days

water efficiency.

will adversely affect the local rainwater yield. Over the last decade, the WSD has seen an even greater fluctuating trend in the local yield, signalling the impact of climate change on our local water

NEW RESOURCES

resources. Continued population growth and extreme drought

Planning and investigation studies have already begun into the

conditions in China will lead to greater competition for Dongjiang

construction of a desalination plant using advanced reverse osmosis

water resources among the various cities of Guangdong Province,

technology in Tseung Kwan O, which is projected to become

and this will become a real challenge for Hong Kong.

operational by 2020 and designed to meet 5-10% of total fresh

70 | Endeavour Magazine

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water demand in the territory. The WSD is also looking into viable

ensure adequate capacity to produce the highest levels of potable

techniques to expand grey water reuse and rainwater harvesting.

water for the public. Once its facilities upgrade is completed, in two phases, the Tai Po Water Treatment Works will see its capacity

WATER CONSERVATION

increase from 250,000 to 800,000 cubic metres per day at a total

The WSD’s strategy for teaching Hong Kong citizens about

investment cost of HK$5.6 billion. Phase one has been completed

water conservation starts with education programmes in schools,

and the Works is now processing 400,000 cubic metres of water

but the “Let’s Save 10L Water” campaign and the free distribution

per day. Phase two began in 2013 will see an eventual capacity

of flow controllers for taps reach the public at large. These flow

increase to 800,000 cubic metres per day by its commissioning

controllers reduce the flow from taps by 20%, saving around 2 litres

date in 2017. The in situ re-provisioning of the Sha Tin facility has

per minute, and are now installed in over 115,000 households, with

begun and will be commissioned sometime by the 2020s.

a further 100,000 water flow controllers installed in schools and Government buildings.

WATER EFFICIENCY

With plans on such a great scale, it takes a talented and highly dedicated workforce of around 4,400 staff members to run the WSD’s operations. In-depth training schemes, inter-branch seminars and motivation schemes all work towards keeping staff

The WSD’s 15-year phased programme of replacing and

motivated and to make sure that the department continues meeting

rehabilitating 3,000km of water mains will be completed this year,

and exceeding the customer needs. The WSD also maintains a

dovetailing with a technology-based smart water network strategy

consistently low workplace accident rate on water works contracts,

aimed at reducing capital expenditures, curtailing road construction

well below Government safety limits.

works and easing traffic disruption. Furthermore, both the Sha Tin

As well as maintaining good relationships with its staff and

and Tai Po Water Treatment Works are currently in the planning

between departments, the department works closely with the

and construction stages of major capacity increases, which will help

Water Resources Department of Guangdong Province. Water

72 | Endeavour Magazine

imported from Dongjiang, Guangdong generally accounts for 7080% of total fresh water consumption in Hong Kong. The WSD balances the monthly amount of water drawn in from Guangdong against local seasonal rainfall amounts to optimise local resources as much as possible. Hong Kong benefits greatly from the strong and amicable partnership nurtured between Hong Kong and Guangdong water officials and the WSD works to maintain a high degree of transparency when dealing in water transfer operations. The department understands that it serves the people and businesses of Hong Kong and this is a responsibility it takes very seriously. Looking ahead, it will contribute towards increasing the land supply for development in Hong Kong by offering to relocate service reservoirs to caverns and dispose of surplus staff quarters for more gainful use, strengthen its research and development team and activities and collaborate with other local and international parties to stay informed about the very latest developments in the water industry. The WSD’s vision of excelling in satisfying customers’ needs for the provision of quality water services may

“

Today, around the world we are all facing the spectre of climate change, a challenge for mankind perhaps like no other in history.”

become more difficult over the coming years, but its dedication cannot be doubted. With climate change coming, Hong Kong might be in hot water, but the WSD are one step ahead.

Endeavour Magazine | 73

74 | Endeavour Magazine

KUWAIT OIL COMPANY WWW.KOCKW.COM 00965 - 23989111

IN THE BLACK WRITTEN BY DYLAN DIXON

With plans to invest a colossal US$40.45bn into energy projects within Kuwait and an ambitious growth plan, Kuwait Oil Company is determined to continue to make great strides within its industry. Endeavour Magazine spoke to Sami Al Juhaim, Public Relations Director, about the exciting developments that are underway.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

KUWAIT OIL COMPANY

Founded in 1934, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) was originally established by British Petroleum (formerly Anglo-Persian Oil) and the Chevron Corporation (formerly Gulf Oil). With respected ‘founding fathers’ at the helm, KOC was born into assumed greatness and wasted no time in living up to the expectations placed upon it.

ocused on exploration activities, on and off-shore surveys,

significant milestone in the history of the company, with Sheikh

drilling of test wells and the careful development of producing

Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah commenting at the time,

fields, in addition to the more standard tasks of crude and

“Every one of my people and my friends will rejoice with me

natural gas exploration, the company hit the ground running and

in this happy event, which by the Grace of God is for our future

have not slowed the pace in the 81 years that have followed its

and welfare. I thank God for such an opportunity as this, that will

inception.

help us carry on with the various improvements which we desire

KOC came about as a direct result of the vision and leadership

for the happiness and welfare of the Kuwaiti people. I would like to

of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. A resourceful and courageous

further mention the assistance offered by the Company during their

ruler of Kuwait, he seized the opportunity to move from the

operations in our country. My thanks are also due to Her Majesty’s

cultured pearl industry into oil production following a technical

Government for their help in making such operations a success,

report alluding to the possibilities at hand. By signing a document

and to my personal friends the British and American members of

on December 23rd 1934, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah opened

the Board as well as to all the Company’s staff for their valuable

his country up to new wealth and international presence by granting

assistance. I am sure the friendship relation existing between us

KOC the very first Kuwaiti oil concession agreement.

and the Company will continue to exist in a spirit of cordiality and

Years of steady oil discoveries followed, in some cases of

good will.”

such quantities and pressure that it proved difficult to contain

1975 saw the nationalisation of Kuwait’s oil industry.

effectively. Unbelievably, a well that was first discovered in 1938 is

Implemented to assure control over the region’s natural oil

still producing today; such is the power of the supply.

resources, State shareholding in KOC was gradually increased

1946 played host to another landmark moment for the

until total control was assumed. By taking a proactive approach to

dedicated team at KOC. In a ceremony befitting such a forward

industry development, Kuwait has risen to undeniable prominence

thinking and progressive company, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

within the global oil market, demonstrating the incredible business

participated in Kuwait’s first ever crude oil export programme by

acumen and wise guidance of the country’s people and leaders

turning a silver wheel to allow oil to fill the British Fusilier tanker.

alike.

Depositing 10,567 tons in little over 11 hours, the event was a 76 | Endeavour Magazine

Celebrating 75 years of operation in 2009, KOC put on an

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enormous three-day celebration, which saw the city of Ahmadi

incredibly important development.

transformed with light shows and displays and welcomed highly

KOC recognise and acknowledge that hiring and retaining

esteemed guests including the Amir of Kuwait. Making a clear

talented people is the only way to ensure that the company

statement as to the continued success of the company, KOC began

continues to perform to expected standards. Operating in a

to look forward and plan astounding new initiatives.

performance-related environment, staff members are offered

Having released plans to invest US$40.45bn into new directives,

motivation and support to develop their leadership skills and

diversification seems imminent and inevitable as KOC seeks to

technical know-how within an organisation that takes Health,

remain not only at the forefront of their industry, but ahead of the

Security, Safety and Environment exceptionally seriously.

curve in regards to future technologies and directives. A major development is the KPC Upstream Mission, which seeks to,

Consistently operating with world-class standards in mind, KOC continues to move forward, despite industry difficulties. So firmfooted is the company that in addition to the large-scale investment

“Explore, develop and produce hydrocarbons within the State

plan being put into place, it has also committed to increasing its oil

of Kuwait, the Divided Zone and internationally and so be a secure

and gas rig numbers by an enormous 50% by early 2016. Existing

and reliable supplier to our customers, promote the care and

fields will not be left in the wake of progress however, as they will

development of our people and deliver on our commitments to our

be developed to increase their output and continue to contribute

stakeholders in a compliant, profitable, safe and environmentally

to the success of KOC.

responsible manner.”

Forever modest and respectful, KOC acknowledge that it is by

If successful, this mission will lead to KOC achieving a leading

the Grace of God that they continue to enjoy success, which allows

position in the global industry of upstream oil and gas as an

the country to enjoy continued affluence and sustainability – but

integrated enterprise. Increasing supply reliability and moving

let’s not overlook the dedication and endeavours of the human

towards a more sustainable future, this has been heralded as an

guiding hands that keep KOC firmly in the black.

80 | Endeavour Magazine

TAILORED FOR THE GCC COUNTRIES – PROUDLY MADE IN ROMANIA VULCAN ROMANIA holds a 100+ years tradition in manufacturing oil extraction equipment and power plant boilers. Over 25.000 VULCAN SRP units are now in service in 25 countries on 5 continents. As oil production increase generates the continuous need for improvement of equipment specifications, ease of use and longterm reliability, VULCAN’s forthcoming approach to their clients needs is now bringing a new product to the market. The Arabian Elephant is the nickname chosen for Vulcan’s brand new API 1280D365-192 SRP unit. Vulcan’s new product was developed specifically for the oilfields in the GCC region and it complements an already broad range of API certified SRP units. “Our new biggest, heaviest, most enduring SRP equipment reminds me of the biggest beast walking the Earth. They also have similar lifespans”, Vulcan’s CEO Mr. Remus Vulpescu explained. Mr. Vulpescu is now in charge at Vulcan after working for several years in Romania’s Government bodies managing the country’s energy sector. Starting in Q4 2015, the full range of Vulcan SRP equipment shall receive a comprehensive line of dedicated retrofitments including SCADA, variable speed drive and rod pump controller add-ons to acquire, monitor and alert remote dispatch centers of various relevant parameters pertaining to the operation of the equipment itself or to the environment conditions – from vibrations level in the rods to infra-red detection from the height of the Arabian Elephant’s “head”. Basic diagnostics and commands, such as emergency shutdowns, recurrent lubrication or drive speed change shall be also possible remotely, to further increase the attractiveness of Vulcan’s equipment and cut operation costs that are already lowest-in-industry. Moreover, engineers at Vulcan are discretely testing a range of proprietary injection steam generators designed to increase even more the productivity of their SRP equipment. First deliveries of injection steam generators should be expected in Q2 2016.

82 | Endeavour Magazine

ORPIC WWW.ORPIC.OM 968 2210 5000

BIG AMBITIONS TO BE PAID IN PLASTIC WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

A rapidly growing business in the Middle Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil industry ORPIC, the Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company was created from the integration of three separate companies and is no stranger to setting the bar in the industry with benchmarking projects. Endeavour Magazine caught up with the General Manager of the LIWA Pastics Project Mr. Henk Pauw.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

ORPIC

Benefitting from the included expertise, professionalism and

contacts of the three corporate giants that joined together to create Orpic, namely Oman Refineries and Petrochemicals Company LLC (ORPC), Aromatics Oman LLC (AOL) and Oman Polypropylene (OPP) Orpic has found itself in an enviable position to grow.

“O

ur refineries at Sohar and Muscat, as well as our

Project comes into it.

aromatics and polypropylene production plants in the

According to Henk, the Liwa Plastics Industries Complex is a

Sohar complex, provide fuels, chemicals and feedstock

transformational project that will improve Orpic’s product mix and

to Oman and to the world,” Henk explains, “Our team of more than

business model, double its profit and support the development of a

1,600 employees the majority of which are Omanis work across

downstream plastics industry in Oman.

these four plants with the common goal of building an integrated

“By taking advantage of the growing global market for plastics,

Omani refining and petrochemicals business of which the nation is

it will create new business opportunities and employment in the

proud of.”

Oman region and firmly reinforce Orpic as a significant player in the

To Henk this is more than merely a lip service, and he testifies

international petrochemicals marketplace.”

that the company therefor has a responsibility to operate safely

It is his hope that this project will bring new business

and reliably with due care to the environment and to deliver fuel to

development opportunities for the Sultanate in the fast growing

the nation and export products to their global customers.

plastics industry and so far it looks like this is assured.

“While we need to deliver a financial return to our shareholders,”

The project’s physical hub centres on the existing Orpic facility

Henk says, “We must also provide challenging and rewarding

in the Sohar Industrial Port Area. Land within the zone has already

careers to our people and most of all continue to expand with new

been allocated to allow for LPIC and the 2016-scheduled Sohar

investments and new operations adding to our strength.”

Refinery Improvement Project. The Port Zone and the businesses

He goes on to reveal that Orpic is owned by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and by Oman Oil Company SAOC

within it have contributed to phenomenal growth in Sohar over the past 10 years, and LPIC will augment and encourage that trend.

that in turn is a commercial company also wholly owned by the

Currently Orpic operates four plants split between two

Government of the Sultanate of Oman and that the company was

locations. In Muscat there is the Mina Al Fahal Refinery and within

created to pursue investment opportunities in the energy sector

the Sohar Port Industrial Complex, in Sohar, they have three plants,

both inside and outside Oman. This is where the Liwa Plastics

the Sohar Refinery, Polypropylene Plant and the Aromatics Plant.

84 | Endeavour Magazine

The integrated complex includes four industrial plants operating at two locations in Muscat and Sohar and these locations are joined by a 266 kilometer pipeline, delivering feedstock from Mina Al Fahal Refinery to the Sohar plants. “The plants take raw materials, the main one being Omani crude oil,” Henk says, “And then process them to create a series of

Improved It is a fascinating process to witness from raw material to safety product, firstly the Omani crude is processed in Mina Al Fahal into and cost fuel products and the long residue from this refinery is transferred efficiency via the pipeline to Sohar Refinery where, mixed with more Omani important fuels and petrochemicals.”

crude, it is refined to create fuels, naphtha and propylene. The naphtha is taken by the Aromatics Plant to create Benzene and Paraxylene, an industrial chemical used in the production of plastics.

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ur intelligent valve control solutions help create a safer working environment while simultaneously ensuring reliable carpets toand banknotes then taken savings by the can Polypropylene Plant. perations withtodiagnostics self-testing.isConsiderable be achieved with our integrated solutions with reduced numberTogether, of components. deliver increased through a reducedofneed for maintenance. the We twoalsorefineries have efficiency a production capacity

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Endeavour Magazine | 85

ORPIC

222,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The crude oil is turned into

between there and Sohar Industrial Port Area for gas transportation,

naphtha, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), Gas Oil (Diesel), Gasoline, Fuel

a 800+kTA Steam Cracker Unit, a HDPE Plant, a LLDPE Plant and a

Oil and Jet Fuel. In addition the Aromatics Plant has a production

Polypropylene Plant.

capacity of 818,000 metric tons per annum of Paraxylene and

“For the first time this will enable Oman to produce polyethylene

198,000 metric tons of Benzene. Finally the Polypropylene Plant

which is the form of plastic that rates the highest in terms of global

can produce up to 350,000 metric tons of polypropylene pellets.

demand which will enable Orpic to deepen its existing international

THE PROJECT LPIC is a steam cracker project which will process light ends produced in Orpic’s Sohar Refinery and its Aromatics plant as well as optimize the Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) extracted from currently available natural gas supplies. Its concept lies in rerouting elements of existing production in combination with additional purchased feedstocks to deliver high value polymer products for the local and international marketplaces. Its primary goal is to further increase the value-added that can be derived from Omani crude oil and natural gas. “One of the first key milestones has already been passed with the Ministry of Oil and Gas’ agreement to the natural gas allocation for the project,” Henk tells us. In the project there are six core components that Henk highlights, A natural gas extraction plant in Fahud, a 300km pipeline

markets as well as develop new ones,” he says.

LPIC’S TIMELINE Scheduled for completion in 2018, there have been a number of steps outlined for it’s successful completion that goes back to February 2014 where the FEED and Technology was awarded, in December last year the EPC tendering took place which was then awarded in April 2015. Forth quarter 2017 they will start commissioning and in second quarter 2018 it is anticipated to be operational. Once running the plant the predicted outputs are definitely promising, with 838 KTA of Polyethylene (LLDPE/HDPE), 215 KTA of Polypropylene, 186 KTA Mogas and 46 KTA Benzene.

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Tank Farming & Distribution Pipelines Pumping & Compressor Stations Mechanical & Civil Construction Works Electrical, Fire Defense and

Instrumentation & Control Systems in all type of Storage and Transportation facilities.

Whether you require Conceptual, Basic Design, FEED or Detailed Engineering, Construction Monitoring or Commissioning expertise, as Owner or EPC Contractor, relay on one of the leading SME companies and key supplier to all major Oil & Gas companies in the sector in Spain, also present in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

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Maf-Sohar Pipeline Project in Oman Engineered by DISEPROSA

Supporting Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Growth From Musandam in the north, to Salalah in the south, we are deeply invested in Oman and our long-standing customer and community relationships. WorleyParsons covers the full lifecycle of engineering projects for the hydrocarbons, minerals, metals, chemicals, infrastructure and power sectors; building and enhancing operating assets, and developing talented local people, to ensure a sustainable legacy for Oman.

Power Generation Transmission & Distribution Renewable Energy

Chemical & Fertilizer Plants Minerals & Metals Processing Aluminium & Downstream Industries

Ports & Marine Terminals Coastal Engineering Water & Wastewater

Environmental & Social Impact Assessment Environmental Permitting Infrastructure Concepts & Development

2 offices 46 countries

1,200 people in Oman

157 offices

35,100 people globally oman@worleyparsons.com +968 24 473 300 www.worleyparsons.com

ORPIC

After LPIC, plastics production will have increased by 1 million

spearheading for the near future. Henk explains that there are

tonnes, giving Orpic a total of 1.4 million tonnes of polyethylene

another two projects the Sohar Refinery Improvement Project SRIP

and polypropylene production by 2018. The company’s revenue

and the Muscat Sohar Pipeline Project (MSPP).

will grow further following LPP, and its profits will double.

The Sohar Refinery Improvement Project (SRIP) is a multibillion

With the highly integrated complex in Sohar including the

dollar capital investment for Orpic. It is a response to the need to

refinery, aromatics plant, steam cracker and the downstream

upgrade refining capability in order to further maximize the value

polypropylene and polyethylene plants, the operation will be one of

of Omani crude oil. At the same time it will significantly improve

the best integrated refinery and petrochemical facility combinations

environmental performance on the back of the recent progress

in the world, and will be able to achieve the maximum value-added

made Orpic’s Environmental Improvement Programme (EIP). The

for Oman’s hydrocarbon molecule.

Environmental Permits for SRIP were issued in July 2013, and in terms of siting the project, land agreements were finalised in

LPIC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES In terms of numbers, the construction phase of LPIC will require up to 7,000 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs).

August 2013 for a plot adjacent to the Sohar Refinery. The project is scheduled for commissioning in 2016. SRIP adds five new units, improving Sohar Refinery’s ability to

“Once the project has been completed, it is anticipated that

process heavier Omani crude oil with a Crude Distillation Unite

350 operators will be required to manage the facilities, as well as

CDU, a Vacuum Distillation Unit VDU, a Delayed Coker Unit DCU ,

150 technicians,” Henk reveals, “The indirect employment effect is

a Hydrocracker Unit HCU and a Bitumen Blowing Unit.

expected to create more than 1,200 jobs in the local area.” And this is only one of three major projects that Orpic are

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When SRIP comes onstream current production of fuels, naphtha and propylene will be raised by 70%. From the fuels

perspective this increase will answer the continuing growth of fuel

value is an integral part of SRIP and substantial local business

consumption in the country, which has grown by 10% annually

participation has been written into the project.

over the past 5 years. At the same time, the feedstock needs of

“The Muscat Sohar Pipeline Project (MSPP) will connect our

the company’s aromatics and polypropylene plants will be met, and

Mina Al Fahal and Sohar refineries by means of a 280 km pipeline to

with the increased supply of naphtha Orpic will be able to reduce

an intermediate distribution and storage facility at Jifnain, as well

naphtha purchases from 75% of its total requirement down to 25%.

as a new storage facility at Muscat International Airport, which will

The product range will be expanded, with Orpic able for the first

receive aviation fuel directly from the pipeline,” Henk says, “This

time to produce bitumen, primarily used to manufacture asphalt,

project is due to be commissioned in 2016.”

and in increasing demand in the Sultanate for infrastructural projects.

This will be a two-way multi-product pipeline, the first of its kind to be constructed in Oman. It will remove the need for Orpic to

Post-SRIP Orpic’s fuels production will increase by 4.2mn

ship and truck refined products. Not only will it bring a new level of

tonnes a year, with overall production levels reaching 13mn tonnes

efficiency and lower costs to its business, it will reduce the number

per annum in 2016.

of fuel-tank truck journeys in and around Muscat. Heavy fuel-tank

Henk goes on to explain that aside from the immediate

truck traffic in Muscat is expected to drop by 70%. MSPP will help

commercial benefits that SRIP brings to the business, it will have an

to ensure the safe, continuous and environmentally friendly supply

impact in other areas. 300 direct, permanent jobs will be created by

of a range of fuels to meet rapidly growing local demand.

SRIP, as well as around 2,400 Omani contract roles over the project lifetime. In the region of 900 indirect jobs will be generated by the

“To keep ahead of the competition you have to constant innovate and diversify,” Henk says, “We are very skilled at this.”

multiplier effect SRIP will have on the local economy. In-Country

Unlocking potential

At Petrofac, we specialise in helping our oil and gas customers develop, operate and maintain their assets. With around 20,000 employees and operations in 29 countries, we are a leading provider of oilfield services to the international oil and gas industry. We design and build oil and gas facilities – both on and offshore – and operate, manage and maintain them on behalf of our customers. Where we can leverage our service capabilities, we provide a fully

integrated service under flexible commercial models and will deploy our own capital in these projects. We think globally but work locally: training and development of national workforces and partnering with local companies is at the core of our approach. To learn more, visit www.petrofac.com

Endeavour Magazine | 89

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OK ZIMBABWE WWW.OKZIMBABWE.CO.ZW 263 800 4122

RETAIL ROYALTY WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

OK Zimbabwe will soon launch into a period of reinvestment, development and growth. Endeavour Magazine spoke to Tendai Makomva, Group Marketing Director, to find out what impact this exciting phase is expected to have. Established in 1942, OK Zimbabwe has accomplished beyond all its expectations in just 73 years, fully establishing itself as the retail company of choice in its country. Proactively responding to the needs and wants of customers, the organisation offers easy and convenient access to a wide variety of products and services that may otherwise be unavailable. Endeavour Magazine | 91

OK ZIMBABWE

OK Zimbabwe is no stranger to change or development. Incorporated in 1953 under the name Springmaster Corporation, then again in 1984 as Deltrade Limited, the final transformation occurred in 2001 when OK Zimbabwe was finally chosen. It’s not just the name of the organisation that has changed dramatically over the years; the reach of this retail giant has grown steadily to encompass a vast network.

K Zimbabwe has risen through the retail ranks at an impressive rate. Its first branch opened in 1942 and the second followed ten years later; a further five new outlets opened before

1961. Today there are 59 stores operating nationwide, but the company’s growth is not finished yet. Tendai Makomva explained the proposed expansion plans and large scale investments, “OK Zimbabwe is set to invest $16m in its operations and refurbish several existing stores nationwide due to increased competition. Our main rival is TM Supermarkets, backed by Pick n Pay, who last year invested $25m to refurbish its 50 stores across the country.” It’s clear that OK Zimbabwe is a company that not only listens to its customers but also keeps a watchful eye on competitors, staying at the forefront of a competitive industry thanks to extreme vigilance and an ability to identify needs before they are expressed. This is a great skill to have, particularly when new rivals are springing up all the time. In addition to TM Supermarkets, the Choppies Group have also tried to muscle into the retail environment, taking over a number of Spar outlets. OK Zimbabwe’s response was to open a new wholesale and retail hybrid store designed to offer consumers increased convenience. “This is a hybrid model; as with most of the OK Marts you get people who are buying just for their personal consumption and also for trade, so we actually cut across the different sectors of customers. Our point of difference is obviously the range – at OK Mart, we always speak about the range. You actually get what you want under one roof, from your dry groceries, to your butcheries and fresh department, so we are actually bringing something new to the market. Plus, employment has been created for locals as we have actually recruited new people to come in and fill in the gaps, not merely transferred existing employees.” It’s not just the 1500-strong staffing body and consumers that are delighted to be linked to OK Zimbabwe: suppliers are coming forward to give their seal of approval to this forward thinking and groundbreaking retail organisation. EA Electricals, a partner of OK, have been exceptionally pleased to work with the retail giant, as sales representative Mr Peacemore reveals, “It is our pleasure to working with OK Mart because of their focus. We are looking forward to working with OK Zimbabwe, OK

92 | Endeavour Magazine

Mart and Bon Marche as the whole conduit of OK, because it’s our

higher unemployment. These negative trends led to depressed

goal to be the electrical supplier of choice.”

consumer demand and a difficult trading year was experienced by

Reliable suppliers, satisfied customers and motivated staff are

most business sectors. Liquidity constraints persisted while local

a recipe for success and one that OK Zimbabwe has perfected.

manufacturing continued to decline. Revenue generated for the

However, the company has become known for more than great

year decreased by 4.3% to $462.7 million from the $483.7 million

range and value: the OK Grand Challenge is a much anticipated

posted in prior year.”

yearly competition. Started in 1989 with the top prize of a brand new Mazda 323, the promotion has grown in leaps and bounds,

Despite this, OK Zimbabwe is weathering the storm and Mr Lake has a clear and defined vision of the future,

attracting support from large names including Colgate and Cocoa

“To continue enhancing brand strength and improve sales

Cola and offering a staggering ZW$70 million jackpot prize in 2007.

growth, the OK Group will embark on full scope refurbishment

Using the slogan “Shop at OK, where everyone is a winner”, the

of OK First Street and OK Marondera. Partial refurbishment will

OK Grand Challenge attracts tens of thousands of eager spectators

also be carried out at OK Gwanda and OK Mbare. A new OK Mart

every year and was named the most outstanding retail promotion

will be opened in Mutare soon, while a new OK store is under

campaign of the year by the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe

construction and will be opened in Zvishavane by September 2015.

in 2011. 2015 has seen the accolades continue to roll in, with OK

Another OK Mart is planned for Victoria Falls later in the year, and

named as the best performing retailer of the year in the ZNCC

new and larger store will be put up at Houghton Park.”

awards.

It takes a strong company with a forceful leader to drive

Despite these successes, the OK Group Chairman David B. Lake

progress forward even in times of economic turbulence, but there

reveals that the retail industry has recently been going through

can be no doubt that OK Zimbabwe is up to the task. Maintaining

some difficult times,

impressive levels of consumer confidence and pushing forward

“The economic slowdown reported in the last ﬁnancial year deepened, as evidenced by increased company closures and

with development, one thing is clear; OK Zimbabwe will not be relinquishing its retail throne anytime soon.

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CIVICON WWW.CIVICONKENYA.COM 256 31 2260074

POSITIONING FOR THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY DYLAN DIXON

We featured Civicon last year regarding their role as one of the major players in the mechanical and civil engineering industry and a leader in Cranage, Erection and specialised transport. A proactive company with a strong belief in the development of skills enhancement, they have continued to influence the rise and growth of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standards within the country of Kenya.

Endeavour Magazine | 95

CIVICON

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year as one of the largest

engineering firms in Sub-Saharan Africa, Civicon has been involved in iconic projects in the region, including working under some of the harshest conditions to build roads in war-torn South Sudan for the World Food Program.

hat makes Civicon different is how it has refined the art

Civicon believes in the development of local workers to help

of doing business in underpenetrated areas and delivering

develop the ongoing growth of the economies of the countries

where many engineering firms don’t have the expertise or

where they work. Valuable experience is available for local

the skills to carry out the work. Under the group company TransCentury, Civicon runs a

tradesmen, including working on construction projects for fuel heavyweights like Total and Shell.

technical training program in conjunction with technical schools

“We have 2000 employees deployed in various projects,” Jason

in the region. The programme is aimed at improving the quality

says, “And training is on an on-going basis, especially Health and

of technical skill in the region and bridging the gap that currently

Safety, which is a key element in the projects we undertake.”

exists as some specialised skills are sought from outside the SubSahara.

As a diverse organisation, employees have the opportunity to work in a company that has the stability and control of the entire

There has always been a spirit of innovation at Civicon and

supply chain with their considerable in-house resources. They

each office in their wide African footprint is a reflection of this.

also have the opportunity to contribute to projects that work on

Their Uganda office is a fine example, originally set up as a transit

a turnkey basis, allowing exposure to the entire layout of a project

point for their trucking business to enable logistical support for the

instead of just a single facet. For clients, this eliminates the need

vehicles that were primarily transporting food aid from Kenya to

to juggle the management of multiple contractors on site and for

Southern Sudan for the United Nations. To meet this need they

employees, it gives them the chance to gel and communicate better

registered the company and set up in Kampala with an office and a

as a team.

yard. However, they were awarded an additional contract to work

As a major transporter on- and off-road in East and Central

with IDP, the Internally Displaced Peoples camps, to transport food

Africa, Civicon is ideally positioned to provide superior logistical

aid into Northern Uganda.

support to their projects. A prime example of this is the work

This proved a prestigious move as it gave them an opportunity

they do for various breweries around East Africa. Arriving in one

for substantial growth. To meet demand they established bases

piece, storage vessels imported from European countries pose an

in Lira, Gulu, Pader, Kitgum and Bundibugyo in the West as well

interesting logistical problem, requiring the use of tailor-made low

as developing a novel design for the fleet of 40-foot semi-trailer

loaders to transport them to their end location. Once there they are

trucks that allowed them to be ultra-competitive in the market

offloaded by a crane or gantry, Civicon constructs the foundations

place without sacrificing any of their potential to complete the

for the vessels and even proceed with piping and ensuring the

tasks.

vessels meet QA/QC requirements.

Jason explains that the business and market is vibrant: a

Civicon places emphasis on the quality and timely delivery of

number of key milestones are being achieved in the market, and all

work, a focus that sets them apart from the competition. Working

need engineering expertise such as power generation, “The region

regularly in the oil industry has instilled the concept of Quality

of East Africa is on a major drive to increase access to power to

Control as an integral part of the delivery requirements of a project

all and reduce the cost. This means construction of power plants,

in their corporate culture. Their QA/QC department tracks quality

transmission lines and substations.”

at all stages of a project’s lifetime, from receiving materials to the

96 | Endeavour Magazine

necessary NDE (Non Destructive Examination) of the welded joints during construction, ensuring the company complies with the specifications and procedures required. In amongst a number of projects that Civicon is involved with at any time, one stands out as the most exciting. A project that has been backed by the President of Kenya himself, the Lake Turkana wind project headed by the Lake Turkana Wind Power Company: “This is the biggest wind farm in Sub Saharan Africa and we are building a 300 km stretch of road that is essential for the logistics,” he says proudly, “With targeted completion come April 2016.” Wind power is a big interest for Kenya and this project will be adding 20% to the national grid and forms part of is part of Vision 2030 for Kenya to add an additional 500MW by 2017 so the wind farm plays a big part in that. “What is happening in the region is exciting, and we are ensuring that we are well positioned to take part in the iconic projects taking off in the region. There is no better time to be an engineering company in Sub-Saharan Africa than now!”

EAPCC is proud to be associated with Civicon Limited East African Portland Cement produces the highest quality cement, Blue Triangle Cement. Our brand is guaranteed by the dedication of our staff, the observance of the strictest quality control measures and the support of world class partners. With Civicon we successfully upgraded our plant to ensure emissions meet and exceed international standards while greatly expanding our dispatch capacity. We are proud to be associated with Civicon Limited.

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PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT OMAN WWW.PDO.CO.OM 968 24 381157

FUELLING UP FOR SUCCESS WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

With extensive investment being made in Oman to ensure oil output is optimised, Endeavour Magazine spoke to David Brown, Senior Editor of Petroleum Development Oman, to find out what we can expect from this industry giant.

Endeavour Magazine | 99

PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT OMAN

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is widely accepted as the

foremost oil exploration and production organisation within the Sultanate of Oman. It’s quite a title, but this recognition does not come easily or by resting on the successes of previous years; it is an earned accolade that requires consistent company development and improvement.

rincipally owned by the Government of Oman and Royal Dutch Shell (making up 94% of interests combined), PDO accounts for in excess of 70% of the country’s total crude oil output

and close to all of the natural gas. In operation since the early 1960s, PDO has finely honed its operations, expertly exploring and extracting within an area of 100,000 square km – around one third of the total expanse of Oman. We asked David to explain the dayto-day operations of PDO. “The primary objective of PDO is to engage efficiently, responsibly and safely in the exploration, production, development, storage and transportation of hydrocarbons in the Sultanate. The Company seeks a high level of performance with the aim of furthering the long-term benefits of its shareholders, its employees and the society of Oman, in line with our core values of honesty, integrity and respect. This approach to business is underpinned by our vision to be renowned and respected for the excellence of our people and the value we create for Oman and all our stakeholders.” Such explicit objectives are perhaps an indicator of exactly how and why PDO is so highly respected within its industry. Gaining an insight into how valued the entire staff body is allows us to understand that a team of highly motivated individuals is behind the company’s reputation for excellence, “The company provides all employees with safe and healthy conditions of work and adequate and competitive conditions of service. We pay particular attention to the recruitment, training and development of Omani employees and respect the rights

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PDO & WorleyParsons: a history of teamwork and success More than twenty years ago, we began providing services to PDO. The last two decades have seen us complete multiple phases of many projects together, including the initial stages of concept development through FEED, design, construction phases and then into long-term operations and maintenance support. WorleyParsons delivers projects; provides expertise in engineering, procurement and construction; and offers a wide range of consulting and advisory services in the hydrocarbons, minerals, metals, chemicals and infrastructure sectors. Since 1992, we have recruited, trained and developed more than 500 Omanis, many of whom remain with the company and have progressed through to senior positions during this time. We continue to provide our customers with a unique combination of global resources, world-recognised technical expertise and deep local knowledge. oman@worleyparsons.com www.worleyparsons.com

+968 24 473 300

PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT OMAN

of all employees, in line with the Omani Labour Law. PDO has

place, it even has an eye on the future of the industry. The company

a dedicated Diversity & Inclusion team of 20 employees that

acknowledges that any continued and future success is entirely

work towards establishing a healthy work environment free of

dependent on being able to attract, nurture and develop the most

harassment and discrimination. The team’s mission is to elevate the

academically advanced job candidates. With 92 scholars graduating

status of diversity and inclusion in the Company, to underline the

from top universities, both at home and overseas, the odds are

benefits of a diverse staff and the positive impact they can have on

stacked in PDO’s favour. All 92 students, 25 of which were women,

business performance.”

were supported in their studies which included subjects such as

It comes as no shock that a company so dedicated to the wellbeing and development of its staff takes corporate social responsibility seriously. David explained the initiatives in place, “At all times, PDO endeavours to be a good corporate citizen.

chemical engineering, geology and petroleum engineering. “These latest academic accomplishments are further evidence of some of the truly outstanding staff we have,” commented Raoul Restucci, Managing Director of PDO. He went on to say,

We operate in an environmentally responsible and sustainable

“With such great role models and ambassadors, PDO and

fashion, dealing transparently and honestly on the basis of open and

Oman are set for an exciting future in the rapidly changing oil and

competitive bidding with contractors and suppliers and supporting

gas exploration and production industry. PDO is proud to offer its

and investing in social and community projects.”

staff a first-class, broad and diverse range of study and training

In addition to these projects, PDO have some extremely exciting

opportunities. Of course, to do this, we need strong partnerships

developments in the pipeline, including the construction of the

with educational institutions at home and abroad and I would

world’s largest solar EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) plant, designed

like to thank the Ministry of Higher Education, Sultan Qaboos

to save natural gas reserves for economy boosting initiatives.

University, and the German University of Technology in Muscat for

“According to the National Centre of Statistics and Information,

their ongoing support for our staff and scholarship programmes.”

gas used at Oman’s oilfields account for more than 20% of the

The impact of large companies is often assumed to be negative,

country’s total gas use, with fuel for EOR representing a significant

but in the case of PDO, all offshoots from this large and successful

portion of that. This will continue to increase as EOR expands to

operation appear to be not only positive, but future-proofed.

contribute a third of the country’s crude oil production by 2020.

The supporting of new industry talent through a comprehensive

At the same time, more gas is needed for power generation,

academic programme is rarely so freely undertaken and as for

desalination and industrial development.

deliberate and considered CSR compliance, PDO is leading the

By using solar to generate steam, Oman can save up to 80% of

way. With numerous large scale projects currently in progress, a

the gas currently used for EOR. The gas saved can be exported as

tried and tested methodology for exploration and excavation and

LNG, boosting Oman’s export revenue, or as power and feedstock

an involved, informed and engaged management team in place,

for new factories, generating jobs and diversifying the local

the future looks good for the company. PDO is fuelled up and

economy.”

ready for even more industry success and we can’t wait to see

PDO has thought of everything. With academic initiatives in

102 | Endeavour Magazine

them achieve it.

GADGETS THE BEST USB FLASH DRIVE FOR Manly Men

IronKey W500 Workspace The world’s manliest USB stick has arrived, and it’s called the IronKey. Designed to be the most secure flash drive in the world, it uses AES 256-bit hardware encryption, the strongest you can get, to protect sensitive data and protect you from malicious code when you’re surfing online. If you want to unlock data stored on the IronKey you’ll have to enter an authorised password – but if you get it wrong 10 times, it self-destructs. Pretty mental. If James Bond had a USB drive, it’d be this one.

Movie Buffs

Lexar JumpDrive P20 This is a USB stick that can shift your file transfer into hyperdrive. With speeds of up to 400MB/s read and 270/s write, the JumpDrive is one of the fastest USB drives on the market. To put that into context, that means transferring a HD movie in under 40 seconds. And the model we looked at could store a staggering 128GB – a greater capacity than some of our computers – which makes this device a perfect pocket-sized movie library. Or you could store every Star Trek episode. (We worked it out. It’s big enough.) Power this up and it’s warp speed ahead!

Cuisinart Automatic Breadmaker The Cuisinart Automatic Breadmaker is definitely the sleekest looking Breadmaker I have had the chance to review, if you are looking for something to keep in line with your Jetsons contemporary kitchen this is the item I would suggest. It has a black glass top with a beautifully brushed stainless steel casing and as you would expect with the price it has been very well made. Reading through the manual (my manhood will get slated for this but it comes with the job) I could see there were 12 programs: Basic White, French/Italian, Whole Wheat, Sweet, Gluten Free, Packaged Mix, Cake, Dough, Pasta Dough, Jam, Bake Only and Rapid Bake. User friendly, you start off by selecting your loaf size (1, 1.5 or 2lbs) by simply pressing the loaf size button until the size you want is displayed on the LCD Panel, select your crust colour using the crust colour button going through the same process and then you simply press one of the preset programs for what you fancy. At this point you are given the option of whether you would like to start baking the bread now or set a time for when you would like it to

preference, the sundried tomato and olive bread is lethal to diets

be ready within the next 13 hours (I would not recommend leaving

and you could easily pile on the pounds as it is simply so good and

milk or other perishable items that long though).

so moreish!

You then simply relax and let the Automatic Breadmaker take

To summarise I would say looks great, bakes well and although

care of the rest, I have had some amazing breads made from this

it is a little on the pricey side (current RRP £150) you wouldn’t be

and some not so but I am unsure if this is simply my own personal

disappointed.

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Smooth Operators

Transcend JetFlash 780 This sleek little device does everything with style. Engineered with advanced USB 3.0 technology, the JetFlash is the fastest flash drive Transcend make, providing unparalleled performance with transfer rates of up to 210MB/s – 2.6 times faster than the standard USB 3.0 drive. To put it simply, it’s fast. We love its looks too: the elegant checkerboard design and silver casing make a sophisticated statement. Professional for work, stylish for play, we can’t think of anywhere the JetFlash wouldn’t look good. Compatible with a wide range of devices, this flash drive saves you time and hassle – and it looks cool.

AirWheel Half Segway, half unicycle, the AirWheel is a fun challenge. My kids love drifting around the house and garden on it. The AirWheel is a personal transport vehicle that uses a gyroscope and stabilisation to stay upright on its wheel but if only it were that simple. It takes practice and confidence. It’s no exaggeration to say that when you first begin, the AirWheel X3 appears all but impossible to ride. The videos online make it look easy, but I promise you - it isn’t. One of my sons is a skateboarder and he jumped on it and was at one with it immediately. I watched him whooshing around and then calmly stationary, just chatting and using his balance to keep still. In comparison there were others I saw who tried to ride it in a very different manner and tried to launch it like a skateboard and found it really hard. This is when the penny dropped. I would get on it and not move, just stand still on it. And it worked I stood there and it didn’t move and nether did I. Once my confidence was up and I knew it wasn’t going to launch from under me I pressed my toes down and it moved forward, raise toes and it stops. Brilliant, I have cracked it in less than 5 mins. My youngest was very worried but I explained my findings and he did the same and now I can’t get him off it. It is great fun. Weirdly the AirWheel website shows a video of a ten year old flying around on one however the user manual forbids anyone under 15 to ride one which is a real shame as the person getting the most enjoyment from the Airwheel in my house is an 11 year old. He is already asking how long it will take him to save up enough money to buy one. Great fun with an RRP of £399.99

Endeavour Magazine | 105

TRAVEL

PEAKING BEHIND THE CURTAIN IN VENEZUELA BY WILL HATTON

I needed to change some money. My driver knew a guy, who knew another guy, who knew someone who could change my dollars at a rate of 210 bolivars; more than thirty times the official exchange rate. With a beer costing just 25 bolivars and a bed starting at 300 bolivars this seemed like a pretty good deal to me.

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waited in a local shop. A creaky ceiling fan tried in vain to

a burning blockade or squads of nervous looking soldiers.

banish the stifling heat. I had just 500 bolivars left in my

Venezuela could be the next big thing for adventure travel

wallet… it didn’t sound like much and at the black market

as this is a country with more than its fair share of beautiful

rate it was a little over two dollars but it was plenty to last me

sights. Tumbling falls, perilous peaks and steaming jungle…

the day. With just one dollar I could buy four beers, jump in a

Venezuela truly does appear to have it all. Venezuela is not just

taxi, snack on half a dozen empanadas and still have change for

rich in beautiful sights though, this is a country with the largest

an ice cream. Backpacking in Venezuela was exactly what I had

oil reserves in the world.

hoped it would be; raw, untamed and unbelievably cheap - I could live like a king on just fifty dollars day.

So why on earth is Venezuela currently the cheapest country to travel around in the world, assuming you have dollars? How

A man in a dark suit appeared and hurriedly walked towards

has this gold-mine of a country gone to ruin? What has gone

the store with a grocery bag clutched firmly under one arm. He

wrong and why is there spiralling inflation, unrest in the streets

rushed in and gestured to the shopkeeper to close the door. A

and more kidnaps than any other country in the world?

rent-a-thug stood nearby with a metal chair leg in one hand,

Intrigued, I headed to a bar to find out…

watching me carefully. The harassed-looking money changer

“We have the most foolish government in the history of the

emptied the grocery bag onto the table. Coloured bills spilled

world! All of our past presidents have sought to make Venezuela

towards me, I had nearly one thousand bills to count. I handed

an export-superpower, but this is a country which is extremely

over a crisp hundred dollar bill and began the laborious task of

unattractive to foreign investors, because our Government

tying up the notes with elastic bands, I needed over a dozen.

thinks nothing of stealing to make a quick profit”

Nobody had told me it would be this complicated to change money in Venezuela…

She spoke passionately, her lip wavering, her hand punching the air. I estimated she was in her early forties.

Officially, backpacking in Venezuela should be unbelievably

“The lack of people with any capacity to manage the country’s

expensive. At the oft-cited rate of 6 bolivars to the dollar, a

economy has kept us in the dark for the last three years; mired

basic meal would cost around $15. Just three weeks ago, the

in uncertainty and with daily shortages of everything from

black-market rate for a single dollar bill was around 170 bolivars.

chicken to batteries.”

Today it was 220. Tomorrow, who knows?

It was true. Everywhere I had been, there were snaking

With spiralling inflation making the bolivar more and more

lines of hundreds of people queuing to buy basic food, rolls of

worthless, Venezuelans are desperate to change their bolivars at

toilet paper, garbage bags and pretty much all of the necessities

almost any rate, with dollars and euros being a much safer way

people should be able to buy cheaply and easily.

to hold life savings. Many Venezuelans are keen to leave the country, hoping to find work abroad, but with the Government

A Venezuelan friend, Mary Gomez (24) explained it to me over a game of chess:

only allowing it’s citizens to purchase a measly $500 a year, after

“The inflation has been the constant headache of all

mountains of paperwork, more and more people are turning to

Venezuelans, you feel frustration every time you go to a store

the black market as a means to cash out and get out meaning

and the price of a product you saw last week or two days ago

that Venezuela has some of the highest outgoing emigration

has increased three times.”

numbers in the world. Civil unrest stalks the streets and you

“When I go with my family to the supermarket and

never have to go far to find a group of crimson-clad protesters,

miraculously they are selling laundry detergent, each of us buy Endeavour Magazine | 107

108 | Endeavour Magazine

the two bags they let you take because we don’t know if we will

“It’s just not worth it, you’ll be shot for sure.”

have the joy of seeing it again in the next 15 days or month, it’s

“Is there even anything to eat in Venezuela? ”

the same with many basic goods.”

“How will you get money, I heard the black-market is unreliable?”

“Before, it was better; you could buy whatever you wanted; the only limitation was money. Now, even if you have the money you often cannot find what you need, and if you can find it, there are limitations on how much you can buy. You can only carry one or two (regulated products). Aside from that, you need to stand in long queues to obtain these ‘luxury items’, show your identity card and to top it, the cashiers must scan your fingerprints (mechanism to control the number of times you can buy a product), it is humiliating.” “Inflation has caused the smuggling of gasoline and regulated products. People known as ‘bachaqueros’ (like the big ants that make long lines carrying leaves of the trees) are devoted to queueing every day at several stores to buy goods and take them to Colombia, or resell them on the black market here.” “As the Bolivar is worth nothing, when they sell a litre of petrol or a packet of sugar, their profit is 1000%. Hairdressers, teachers, engineers, you name it, have left their jobs to engage in smuggling because it is so much more profitable than anything else. I think the smugglers and tourists are the only ones who benefit from Venezuela’s economic downfall.” I had nearly chosen to miss Venezuela out of my South America backpacking trip altogether as everybody I had met had warned me that to travel to Venezuela was pretty much the stupidest idea they had ever heard… The scariest advice came from a Venezuelan expat. “You will be robbed, that is for sure, just do not try to fight or they will kill you” Thoughts from my fellow backpackers were equally pessimistic… “It’s the kidnap-capital of South America man!”

“You’re an idiot.” Unperturbed and convinced that there is more to Venezuela than meets the eye, I crossed the border from Colombia. There was something I had to see… I stumped up a slippery path and hacked into the jungle. Oozing, sucking mud pulled at my ankles as I struggled onwards, my pack, laden with supplies and camping gear. I slipped and hauled myself up the path and hours passed as I battled my way through banks of cloud and past a tumbling waterfall. Mist engulfed me meaning I could barely see my hand in front of my face. Finally, I reached the summit. I was at last on top of the tabletop mountain that had inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s Lost World. Roraima, a magnet for thrill seekers and adventurers was the reason I had come to Venezuela. Another tabletop mountain suddenly appeared through a window in the dancing mist. I had just a few seconds to appreciate the patchwork quilt of purples, oranges, reds and greens making up the mountain-face before it disappeared, devoured by clouds. Roraima, like Venezuela itself, was not what I had expected. This is a beautiful, difficult country filled with kind and resilient people. The warmth and generosity I experienced in this wonderful, frustrating, insane and beautiful country had surpassed my wildest dreams. The true Venezuela, like Roraima, is masked. It is impossible to get a full picture, simply snapshots of truth through a fleeting window. Travel the world on the cheap with Will Hatton at

thebrokebackpacker.com

Endeavour Magazine | 109

ZHOUZHUANG BRINGS BACK TO LIFE ANCIENT TRADITIONS THROUGH THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

he Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu

traditions to visitors is crucial in celebrating a traditional Chinese

Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of

festival,” said Zou Lei from Jiangsu Water-town Zhouzhuang

the traditional lunar calendar, was celebrated from June

Tourism Co., Ltd.

20 to 22 in the ancient water town Zhouzhuang, where visitors

Moreover, on June 20, the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, an

had opportunities to experience customs and observe cultural

ancient ritual reappeared at the Ancient Archway where visitors

spectacles that have been absent in modern cities.

toured the town with the mayor and enjoyed a zongzi worship

Various traditional activities were carried out to celebrate the

dance performance featuring Zhong Kui, a deity played by an actor

festival to inherit common folk customs including drinking realgar

who is believed to drive away ghosts and evils in Chinese legend.

wine and making zongzi, Chinese tamales made of glutinous rice

Children were getting their forehead painted with realgar by Zhong

stuffed with various choices of filling and wrapped in wormwood

Kui during the event, a folk practice believed to bring good luck

leaves before being cooked by steaming. Yet the unique festival

and fortune.

spectacle in Zhouzhuang has always been Dragon Boat rowing.

For years, Zhouzhuang has been dedicated to preserving local

Experienced boatmen paddled boats decorated with colorful flags

customs and to recreating a way of life that is being eroded by

and wormwood branches while racing down the riverway, bringing

modernisation. Efforts include celebrating not only the Dragon

an ancient custom back to life.

Boat Festival but other traditional festivals such as the Chinese

“Dragon Boat rowing is a must-see event when visitors come

New Year, the Wealth God Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

to Zhouzhuang. It is an event that represents the spirit of the

“Zhouzhuang in Four Seasons” is another performance held

Dragon Boat Festival. We believe that preserving and bringing such

in Zhouzhuang to reveal the original ecology, regional culture

110 | Endeavour Magazine

and local folk customs of the ancient water town and it is now a model of preserving traditional culture in the modern industrial era. The main purpose for Zhouzhuang to stage this event is to retain Zhouzhuang’s lifestyle so visitors can recall their fading memories of traditions and customs. With a cast of 300 professional actors, dancers and a group of locals who resume their own roles as farmers, fishermen and town residents, the 60 minute show retraces Zhouzhuang to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and recreates traditions such as greeting the God of Wealth, singing fishing songs and picking lotus roots. The show is featured on a stage on water, making the show more interactive and realistic. “Many of our residents have been living here for generations.” Zou explained, “all of our cultural heritage has been passed down from one generation to another. It is not only a historic and cultural treasure for research, but also an opportunity for locals as well as urban inhabitants to rediscover their cultural roots.”

BY DONNIE RUST

112 | Endeavour Magazine

Hair

If you’re the kind of man who looks good with a topknot, you probably already know it. Otherwise a short back and sides, a shaved face and just enough hair product to give you some volume without making you look like a Ken doll is the right way to go. Orderly scruffiness is still very much in.

Suit

Charcoal grey by Slaters. Never underestimate the worth of a tailored suit. Your suit should look as if it were made to fit you and only you. Slaters not only offer free tailoring with all of their suits, they also have the expertise to discuss the best colour and shape for you. The fit should be comfortably snug and make sure you have a good crease in your trousers. Grey is a good colour, as it looks good with white, black and light blue shirts.

Cufflinks

Pass-me-downs. With cufflinks less is definitely more. Buttons are in, but if you have a cuffed shirt go for cufflinks that won’t distract the eye of anyone you speak with. Ditch anything humorous.

Watch

Timex. Intelligent Quartz Fly Back Chronograph to be precise. Gaudy golden or silver watches belong with 70s-style shoulder pads – in the past. The look today is all about organic browns and tanned leather. The Intelligent Quartz is a range of watches that rides the line between adrenaline sport junkie and corporate director; leather straps with buckles have a steampunk edge that’s right on trend. The Fly Back Chronograph can handle a bit of rough handling while still keeping its shine. Don’t go for digital watches. Analogue says sophistication, even if you don’t know how to tell the time on one.

Shirts

Collar Club. There are certain things that a man can be, will be and should be instantly judged upon. The shirt he’s wearing is definitely one of them. The Collar Club has a brilliant monthly subscription service that gets you discounted rates on the finest Italian quality shirts and their maintenance. For £69 a month you can become part of an elite group of gentlemen who always have that extra edge.

Shoes

Harley Davidson Grinders. Traditionally a biker’s boot, these are shapely boots smart enough to add a bit of extra style to your suit and the raised heel they can give a bit of lift when it is needed. When combined with a brown leather belt they give an organic feel to a light grey suit.

Car

Volvo XC60. The Volvo XC60 represents a basic requirement for a gentleman: protecting what is important to him. Being a gentleman is pointless if you can talk the talk but fail to walk the walk. While the Volvo XC60 may not be a sexy sports car, it has a luxurious and comfortable feel to it with remarkably large boot space; perfect for a man who knows where he’s going and is always prepared. BY DONNIE RUST

Endeavour Magazine | 113

BOOK REVIEWS KILL YOUR FRIENDS By John Niven London 1997: New Labour is sweeping into power and Britpop is at its zenith. A&R man Stelfox is slashing and burning his way through the music industry, fuelled by greed and inhuman quantities of cocaine, searching for the next hit record amid a relentless orgy of selfgratification. But as the hits dry up and the industry begins to change, Stelfox must take the notion of cut throat business practices to murderous new levels in a desperate attempt to salvage his career. “Magnificently eloquent...A vicious, black-hearted howl of a book... Cripplingly funny” (The Times) “Brilliant. It made me ill with laughter. The filthiest, blackest, most shocking, most hilarious debut novel I’ve read in years” (India Knight) “Might well be the best British novel since Trainspotting” (Word Magazine) “An all-out assault, a withering, scabrous attack on every part of the filthy machine... Stelfox is a creation of unparalleled awfulness, chronically sexist, racist and everything else-ist. He is funny, too... You laugh though you know you shouldn’t” (Independent) “Niven’s insider knowledge, coupled with the kind of headlong, febrile prose that would have Hunter S. Thompson happily emptying both barrels into the sky, results in a novel that is cripplingly funny” (The Times)

THE LITTLE BOOK OF BAD BUSINESS ADVICE By Steve Altes You’ve

tried

all

the

traditional

approaches in the business world, read countless self-help books guaranteeing career success and where has it gotten you? It’s time for new tactics. My Little Book of Bad Business Advice is more productivity-sapping than Minesweeper and ten-thousand times cheaper than a Harvard MBA. It’s a classic in the field of office heinousness. Buy one for yourself and one for your

Exerpt: Show up at your company’s Toastmasters meeting with a loaf of bread and a stick of butter and act really confused. Breeze past top executives’ secretaries by always insisting your calls are “personal, confidential, and extremely urgent.” Follow your brother-in-law’s hot stock tip.

lame-brain boss! Besides, a portion of

In job interviews, speak ill of your former bosses.

the profits go to charity. The rest I will

Tell co-workers, “That’s not how we did it at my old company,” at least once a day.

squander in a series of foolish get-rich-

End every business meeting with the admonition, “Remember, we never had this

quick schemes, as usual. Damn!

discussion.”

114 | Endeavour Magazine

CATCHING THE WOLF OF WALL STREET By Jordan Belford In this astounding account, Wall Street’s notorious bad boy - the original million-dollar-a-week stock chopper - leads us through a drama worthy of The Sopranos, from the FBI raid on his estate to the deal he cut to rat out his oldest friends and colleagues to the conscience he eventually found. With his kingdom in ruin, not to mention his marriage, the Wolf faced his greatest challenge yet: how to navigate a gauntlet of judges and lawyers, hold on to his kids and his enraged model wife, and possibly salvage his self-respect. It wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, for a man with an unprecedented appetite for excess, it was going to be hell. But the man at the centre of one of the most shocking scandals in financial history soon sees the light of what matters most: his sobriety and his future as a father and a man. In the go-go nineties, Jordan Belfort proved to Wall Street that you didn’t need to be on it to make a fortune in the stock market. But his company, Stratton Oakmont, worked differently. His young Long Island wannabes didn’t know about turnaround plans or fiduciary trusts, instead, they knew how to separate wealthy investors from their cash and how to spend it as fast as it came in - on hookers, yachts and drugs. But when Jordan’s empire crashed, the man who had become legend was cornered into a five-year stint cooperating with the feds. This continuation of his Wall Street Journal bestseller, The Wolf of Wall Street, tells the true story of his spectacular flameout and imprisonment for stock fraud. From a wired conversation at an Italian restaurant, where Jordan’s conscience finally kicks in, to a helicopter ride with an underage knockout that will become his ultimate undoing, here is the tale of a young genius on a roller coaster of harrowing highs and more harrowing lows. But as the countdown to his moment in court begins, after one last crazy bout with a madcap Russian beauty queen, the man at the centre of one of the most outrageous scandals in financial history sees the light of reality. Will a prison term be his first step toward redemption?

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