Endeavour Magazine October 2017

OCTOBER 2017

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W

e mention it a few times within

South Africa and their ongoing mission to

this issue of Endeavour, but

save lives. We were also excited to speak

there’s no way to get around it;

with Griffon Hoverwork, innovative leaders

the world needs some relief. I don’t mean a

in emergency-response hover vehicles,

bit of stress-alleviating, I-sure-needed-that-

about their new line of vessels ready to

nap relief, though I think we’d all agree that

reach those in crisis over water and difficult

we could use some of that as well! But I’m

terrains. Meanwhile, Abengoa Water are

talking, of course, about global relief efforts.

working to develop and expand their water

Last month, we mentioned the floods and

treatment plants, focusing in particular on

hurricanes hitting much of the world, and

cleansing sea and waste water ready for

in the weeks since, the numbers of places

drinking and clean, sustainable use.

and people affected have only risen.

On a lighter note, we celebrated the month

Governments have been criticised for

of October with its two main associations

responding too slowly, but as it is always

– horror and beer! Venture with us into

moving and gratifying to see in moments

the spooky Halloween-themed restaurants

of crisis, observers around the world have

of Japan, then wash them down with

felt driven to get off the benches and get

a refreshing free pint at the Guinness

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

involved, whether through hands-on aid,

Storehouse in Dublin.

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raising awareness or, the most practical option for most of us, by donating to

Once all of that has you fortified, visit our

the groups who are battling to get things moving. the Americas and Eastern Europe, people

people from all walks of life – every batch

are grappling with not only the loss of their

of relief sent can save someone.

homes, but the loss of power and resources, and are facing the diseases and dangers

stories, and therefore know the conditions and challenges that people in this diverse

magazine do not necessarily represent those of

cross-section of our world are facing: if

the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons,

you don’t, give it a quick Google. The sheer

every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information

scale is staggering.

Given these critical situations, it was a pleasure this month to speak with several

published. All rights reserved. No part of this

companies who know all about aid. We

publication may be reproduced or stored in a

caught up with SANBS, the South African

retrievable system or transmitted in any form or

National Blood Service, to follow up on their

by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

that flooding can spread. You have almost certainly been bombarded with news

living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst

of global hurricane and flood victims. The crisis is far from over, and it is affecting

responsibility for omissions or errors. The points writers and/or in advertisements included in this

organisations you can donate to in support

Throughout South Asia, the West Indies,

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept of view expressed in articles by attributing

Twitter to see some of the many brilliant

efforts to increase the number of donors in

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2017

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

KENDAL NUTRICARE FEATURES

GRIFFON HOVERWORK 4 | Endeavour Magazine

16 Griffon Hoverwork

Speeding To Success 22 Abengoa Water

Down To The Last Drop 30 Alcon Nigeria

Going Further 38 Montserrat Utilities LTD

Powering Onwards 44 Kendal Nutricare

Feeding The Future 54 Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

Defend And Deliver 60 Etihad Rail Network

Making Tracks 68 Petroserv Ltd

Building The Qatar Of Tomorrow 74 Surinam Airways

Trusted Wings 80 Guyana Goldfields

Setting The Gold Standard 86 Tanzania Chamber of Minerals and Energy

Dedication To The Core 92 Botswana Chamber of Mines

Mining Their Own Business 100 Colon Import and Export

A History In Prosperity 106 ADWEA

Powering Progress 116 Barbados Ports Inc

A Boom For Bridgetown 122 Kuwait Oil Company

The Silver Wheel

TANZANIA CHAMBER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY ARTICLES

6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Middle East Africa Asia Americas Europe

12

Focus Guinness Storehouse: Living History

28 52 98

Amazing World Octlantis The horror restaurants of Japan The Wolves of Yellowstone

66

Automotives Peugeot 508 SW GT BlueHDi 180 Auto

ABENGOA WATER Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES MIDDLE EAST SAUDI ARABIA LIFTS BAN ON WOMEN DRIVERS Saudi Arabia is lessening its ban against women being permitted to drive, following a royal decree.

Following

the

Kind’s

decree,

the

government have until June 24, 2018, to implement the new decree.

“This is a historic big day in our kingdom,” said Prince Khaled bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US. Manal al-Sharif, one of the women behind

the

Women2Drive

campaign,

Bustani, said the excise tax will be collected

Saudi authorities have taken a number

on a monthly basis and the taxed entities will

of measures since last year to stimulate the

be required to file tax returns within 15 days

real estate market and ease a shortage of

after the end of the month.

affordable housing.

“Starting the first of October, the excise tax will be implemented,” Al Bustani said.

banks to provide a bigger share of funding

According to Al Bustani, initial statistics

for home purchases and the government

show that the authority expects 250 entities

has talked about signing deals with Asian

to file excise tax returns, adding that the

firms on a potentially $100bn project to

filing process will be done voluntarily by the

build 1 million low-cost homes over the next

taxed entities, but the authority - by law-

five years.

reserves the right to examine and/ or audit any tax statement, if needed.

UAE INVESTIGATING EMIRATES A380 INCIDENT

celebrated the victory by posting a photo on Twitter of herself behind the wheel of a car.

The United Arab Emirates’ civil aviation

Sharif, who now lives in Australia, was

regulator is investigating why an Emirates

previously jailed in Saudi Arabia 2011 after

Airbus A380 superjumbo flew dangerously

posting a video on YouTube of herself,

low

wearing a black headscarf and sunglasses,

the

the September 10 episode as a “serious

campaigner

commented, “Saudi Arabia will never be the same again. The rain begins with a single drop.”

Forbidding women from driving put Saudi Arabia’s women at great risk, denying them easy transport and giving their husbands and male relatives strong control over where they may or may not go. This was particularly dangerous for any women suffering from domestic abuse.

UAE ANNOUNCES NEW EXCISE TAX

Moscow’s

its air accident investigation unit is treating

spurred her to start the campaign. tweet

approaching

The General Civil Aviation Authority said

The act provoked death threats and another

when

Domodedovo Airport last week.

driving a car.

In

Earlier this year, the central bank allowed

incident”. The GCAA said Emirates flight

SAUDI CENTRAL BANK ANNOUNCES MEASURES TO CUT MORTGAGE COSTS

EK131 “descended below the glideslope on approach”, meaning that the aircraft flew

Saudi Arabia’s central bank has scrapped administrative fees for mortgage holders if

below the recommended height as it came into land.

they switch between fixed and floating rate

The aircraft descended to 400 feet at

loans, as part of new measures to boost the

8 nautical miles from the runway, before

housing market.

pulling out of the approach and later landing

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority

safely, but only after a second unsuccessful

also announced, via its twitter account,

attempt. The typical height for a passenger

other measures to help reduce mortgage

jet at that distance would be more than

costs, including allowing a mortgage holder

2,000 feet, an aviation expert said.

to move to a new lender without additional

The incident comes amid a probe

The United Arab Emirates has revealed

costs. Mortgage laws and regulations are

into the Emirates crash landing at Dubai

details about the new excise tax due to be

still being ironed out, according to one

International Airport in 2016 which is

imposed on tobacco, energy drinks and fizzy

Jeddah-based analyst, and may be subject

looking at the actions of the pilots, the

drinks.

to modifications.

GCAA said on August 6.

The UAE had previously announced

Nevertheless, Riyadh’s

the

in

All 300 passengers and crew evacuated,

Transformation

but a firefighter died tackling a fire after the

measures

National

fit

plans to impose excise tax on tobacco and

with

energy drinks at a rate of 100 percent, and

Programme for economic development,

on fizzy drinks at a rate of 50 percent on,

which includes raising the percentage of

In June, Emirates was fined and barred by

with the exception of carbonated water,

Saudi family homeowners to 52 per cent by

China’s civil aviation authority from adding

starting October 1, 2017.

2020, from 47 per cent at present.

new destinations and aircraft in China for six

Speaking at a news conference in Dubai

The international benchmark is 64 per

on Wednesday, the director-general of the

cent, according to the Saudi programme

UAE’s Federal Tax Authority, Khalid Ali Al

document.

6 | Endeavour Magazine

plane skidded along the runway.

months, following two incidents of “unsafe operations”.

AFRICA THOUSANDS OF SOUTH AFRICANS MARCH AGAINST CORRUPTION Thousands of South Africans marched against corruption under President Jacob Zuma’s rule in protests led by unions which have backed a rival to Zuma’s faction as the next leader of the ANC. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), ally of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), called on its one million members to strike and join marches in major cities across South Africa.

Though the demonstrations are officially against graft, much of the frustration and anger is aimed at Zuma.

Senior members of the ANC have also called for Zuma to quit in recent months following allegations that his friends, the Gupta family, wield undue influence over

Cameroon’s minister of communications declined to comment on HRW’s report.

Nigeria is struggling to cope with millions

have been killed.

capital

Africa’s biggest economy grew out

At least 10.7 million people are in need

of recession in the second quarter as

of assistance in the region, mainly in Nigeria

oil revenues rose, but the pace of growth

but also in Chad, Niger and Cameroon,

was slow.

according to the United Nations.

Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun has said

Cameroon signed a treaty in March

the government plans to refinance $3 billion

with Nigeria and the UNHCR to ensure

worth of treasury bills denominated in naira

that all refugee returns are voluntary but

with dollar borrowing to lower costs and

the rights group said Cameroon’s violations

improve its debt position.

had continued.

Some deportees, including children, were so malnourished or sick they did not survive their return to Nigeria.

FORMER IVORY COAST PRESIDENT TO REMAIN DETAINED DURING TRIAL The International Criminal Court said judges had ordered former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo to remain in detention during his war crimes trial.

Judges said Gbagbo presented a flight risk and has a “network of supporters” that

witch-hunt.

could obstruct or endanger trial proceedings

Zuma survived an attempt in parliament

if he were released.

to force him from office in August, but was

Gbagbo’s

left politically wounded after some ANC

defense

team

requested

provisional release but judges said they failed

members backed the opposition’s no-

to propose “concrete and solid” conditions

confidence motion.

that would ensure Gbagbo’s continued presence at the trial.

CAMEROON ACCUSED OF 100,000 ILLEGAL DEPORTATIONS

and Cameroonian law and constitute one

towards

of the debt to meet the obligations.

say they are victims of a politically-motivated

The deportations violate international

applied

eight-year conflict in which at least 20,000

The Guptas and Zuma deny wrongdoing and

Watch has claimed.

be

was to provide the legal backing for the use

interests is known locally as “state capture”.

Haram since early 2015, Human Rights

only

expenditure. Osinbajo said the amendment

The raiding of taxpayers’ funds by outside

insurgency by Islamist militant group Boko

can

for food, shelter and medicine, victims of an

of millions of dollars.

at least 100,000 Nigerians who have fled an

that proceeds of government borrowings

of people dependent on emergency relief

the award of state contracts worth hundreds

Cameroon’s army has forcibly deported

Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act states

Gbagbo is accused of four counts of crimes against humanity, including murder,

NIGERIA APPEALS TO SENATE OVER 2.7 TRILLION NAIRA DEBT Nigeria’s

government

has

asked

parliament to amend its spending law to enable a debt program to settle 2.7 trillion naira ($8.6 bln).

of the world’s largest recent cases of illegal

It requested amendments to the law,

forced repatriation, the rights group said in

which stipulate allocation of government

a report.

spending, to allow Nigeria to fund regular

It further accused Cameroon’s military

payments towards the debt from proceeds

of subjecting some of these refugees

of the debt itself, rather than just spending

to torture.

them on capital projects.

rape, persecution and other inhumane acts allegedly committed during postelectoral violence in Ivory Coast between 16 December 2010 and 12 April 2011, when Gbagbo refused to accept defeat by rival Alassane Ouattara.

The trial has been in progress since 2016, with Gbagbo’s requests to go free in the interim rejected in September 2017.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

ASIA MYANMAR’S SUU KYI CONDEMNS ABUSES IN RAKHINE; OBSERVERS NOT CONVINCED.

of income that he denied receiving. He

A part of the new law will require

is scheduled to be formally charged on

overseas firms to store data within the

October 2nd.

country, as well as submitting to security raised

checks of their systems. This follows with

Myanmar leader and Nobel Peace

regarding the legality of Sharif’s family’s

Questions

have

also

been

China’s wish for state-controlled cyberspace

Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi publicly

wealth. Sharif has expressed his view that

and dataflow, which also accounts for the

condemned human rights violations in the

the charges are politically motivated, looking

country’s strict ban on foreign news sites,

Rakhine state, ending her silence on the

for anything that can be manipulated to go

search engines such as Google and social

topic, which had been met with worldwide

against the will of the electorate and have

media such as Facebook. They also have

criticism. Suu Kyi said violators would be

him removed as Prime Minister.

strict limitations in place for the use of apps

brought to justice. However, she did not

Sharif has been Prime Minister of

address accusations from the UN that

Pakistan three times, with all three terms cut

The new laws are expected to be in full

her own political campaign has stirred up

short, including one term that was cut short

effect by the end of 2018. The US feels

ideas of ethnic cleansing against Rohingya

by a military coup in 1999. His party fears

that these measures would not only deter

Muslims. The

this

that whatever the outcome, the trials will

overseas businesses from working with

left the UN unsatisfied and unappeased by

have a negative impact on their popularity in

China, but would prohibit data transfers

her address.

next year’s elections.

that are a normal part of every-day modern

failure

to

address

On the 25th August, attacks by Rohingya Muslim

insurgents

triggered

such as WhatsApp.

business.

military

responses against the people. 410,000 Rohingya Muslims were forced out of the

SINGAPORE AND INDONESIA CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF TIES; SUBMIT SEA BORDER TREATY

country and into neighbouring Bangladesh.

Suu Kyi had previously not addressed the nation since this incident, and has made no action to respond to the forced mass exodus

The Foreign Ministers of Singapore and

or violence towards this Muslim group,

Indonesia have jointly submitted a treaty to

which again supported foreign suspicions

the UN that clarifies their sea border.

regarding her sincerity in the recent address.

The treaty is the third of its kind

Human rights group Amnesty International

between the two countries after they first

described her speech as “little more than a

agreed on the maritime boundary along the

mix of untruths and victim-blaming.

central part of the Singapore Strait on May 25, 1973. The first treaty came into force on

Rohingya refugees arriving in Bangladesh

Aug 29, 1974,

have reported both soldiers and Buddhist

That was followed by another pact on

civilians attacking and burning their villages.

the western section between Indonesia’s

PAKISTAN’S EX-PM SHARIF VOWS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION CHARGES Ex Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed to fight graft accusations after he appeared before an anti-corruption court after a month abroad prior.

Sharif previously appeared before a

Pulau Nipa and Singapore’s Sultan Shoal signed on March 10, 2009, and which

U.S. FEARS DAMAGE TO BUSINESS FOR CHINA IN NEW CYBER SECURITY LAW

entered into force on Aug 30, 2010.

The latest treaty covers the eastern section of Changi and Batam, and together,

The USA has asked China not to

the three account for a 67.3km-long sea

implement its new cyber security law, out of

border in the Strait of Singapore. The treaty

fears that it will damage global trade.

excludes an area between Pedra Branca

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) court

Following years of debate regarding

and Bintan island, which involves Indonesia,

in Islamabad on three charges. He did not

tighter cyber security laws, China ushered

Singapore and Malaysia. The joint submission

enter a plea, but has described the bases as

in its new measures in June. Many foreign

of the treaty was held in conjunction with

“baseless” and “based on lies”.

businesses and business groups fear that

the commemoration of the 50th anniversary

the stringent restrictions will hinder their

of the establishment of diplomatic relations

ability to operate in the country.

between Singapore and Indonesia.

He was disqualified as Prime Minister after failing to declare a small source 8 | Endeavour Magazine

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AMERICAS U.S. DEFENCE WANTS CONTROL OVER TECH IN MAKE-IN-INDIA PLAN U.S. defence firms are offering to set up production lines in India to win deals worth billions of dollars. The firms want stronger assurances they won’t have to part with proprietary technology, according to a business lobby group’s letter to India’s defence minister.

These companies are also saying they shouldn’t be held liable for defects in products manufactured in collaboration with local partners under Prime Minister

in international airspace in retaliation, and

appeal, started to raise funds for Hurricane

has moved a number of aircraft closer to its

Harvey relief, to include Puerto Rico

eastern border.

and other American lands affected by

Trump has retorted that if the US

Hurricane Maria.

were to take a “military option”, it would

When the storm hit the US territory, it

be “devastating for North Korea”. He has

killed at least 16 people and knocked down

accused the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un,

power, communication and water grids

of “Acting very badly”, and has also accused

across the island. Relief has been much

the

those

slower in arriving than that for Texas and

previous for leaving US relations with the

Obama

administration

and

Florida, in part because of the strain on

country in as “mess.”

resources from the recent crisis. However,

“I’ll fix the mess,” the President has warned. “We’ll see what happens.”

as Puerto Rico goes on without sufficient aid, the situation grows worse.

Early relief aircraft are finally set to

Narendra Modi’s Make-in-India’s drive to

arrive, carrying essentials such as rations,

build a military industrial base.

clean water and baby diapers. This relief has

Lockheed Martin and Boeing are both

largely been possible due to donations and

bidding to supply combat jets to India’s

celebrity-led appeals.

military, which is running short of hundreds

President Donald Trump has announced

of aircraft as it retires Soviet-era MiG planes,

he will visit Puerto Rico on October 3,

and its own three-decade long effort to

nearly two weeks after Maria struck the US

produce a domestic jet is hobbled by delays.

commonwealth. The President inspected

Lockheed has offered to shift its

damage and rescue efforts in Texas and

F-16 production line to India from Fort

Florida in the immediate aftermath of the

Worth, Texas, and make it the sole factory

recent hurricanes.

worldwide if India orders at least 100 single-

Defending the federal response in Puerto

engine fighters.

Rico as “anything but slow” Monday, White

The US-India Business Council wrote to

House press secretary Sarah Sanders said

India’s defence minister seeking a guarantee

the administration will be able to determine

that U.S. firms would retain control over

appropriate funds “once we have a greater

sensitive technology - even as joint venture

insight into the full assessment of damage.”

junior partners.

On Tuesday, Trump said the recovery was more difficult in Puerto Rico because of its

TRUMP: “I WILL TOTALLY DESTROY NORTH KOREA.” NORTH KOREA: “TRUMP HAS DECLARED WAR.” In his first address to the UN, American President Donald Trump threatened to

geography. FEMA administrator Brock Long added that the limited operations at Puerto Rico’s international airport were making it

PUERTO RICANS STILL WAITING FOR AID

difficult to move resources into the area.

A week after Hurricane Maria ravaged

“totally destroy North Korea” if need be,

Puerto

Rico,

the

US

commonwealth’s

leaving the UN hoping that this war of words

residents are struggling to survive without

would not turn into real action.

basics.

Since this address, an inflammatory

President Trump originally promised to

tweet from the US President claimed that

send aid in early October. Many have called

North Korea “won’t be around much longer”.

for him out for not sending aid sooner,

In response to this tweet, North Korean

saying this will result in American blood on

foreign minister Ri Yong-ho claims that Trump has declared war on North Korea, and has threatened to shoot down US bombers 10 | Endeavour Magazine

his hands.

Meanwhile,

former presidents

have

extended the reach of the One America

With nearly all 1.6 million electricity customers in Puerto Rico without power, the lack of fuel is a key problem across the island. People are relying on generators to keep appliances such as air conditioners, medical devices and refrigerators running.

Many hospitals are struggling to treat patients and scores of people are lining up with gas cans for hours to collect essential generator-running fuel.

EUROPE GOOGLE APPEALS AGAINST EU 2.4 BILLION FINE

UBER APPEALS DRIVER-PAY DECISION Uber Technologies Inc.’s continued to fight attempts by regulators and taxi drivers

Google has been handed a fine of EU 2.4

to force it to pay overtime and vacation pay,

billion by the European Commission.

in a court hearing in London.

It was ruled that the tech company

The

had abused its power by putting its own

San

Francisco-based

company

is appealing a decision by a three-judge

shopping comparison service at the top of

tribunal that gave U.K. drivers the right to

the Google search engine.

overtime and holiday pay. Uber called the

The company was given until September

ruling “perverse,” saying the drivers didn’t

28 to end the so-called anti-competitive

have contracts and so shouldn’t get benefits

practices, otherwise it would be handed

of full-time employees.

another fine the equivalent of five percent of

The case, brought by two drivers, was

its parent company Alphabet’s average daily

the first against the company in Britain and

global earning.

could have ramifications for thousands of

Speaking following the June ruling, the

drivers there. Uber attorney Dinah Rose said

EU’s Competition Commissioner labelled the

Wednesday that the drivers didn’t have a

company’s activity illegal under the Union’s

contract with Uber, which was acting as an

antitrust rules. Google said it “respectfully

agent, not an employer.

disagreed.”

“Uber has done a U-turn -- at the

Google is appealing against the ruling.

employment

tribunal,

the

firm

argued

that they were not a taxi company, but an app putting customers in touch with

KAZAKHSTAN GOES DIGITAL

drivers,” Rachel Farr, a senior lawyer in the

International Sovereign Wealth Funds

employment, pensions and mobility group

have been gathering in Astana to explore

at Taylor Wessing, said. “Now Uber says that

new frontiers and tap into more markets.

they are no different from a traditional mini-

With the advent of the digital economy,

cab firm with self-employed drivers.”

Kazakhstan is seeking opportunities and

Uber

facing new challenges.

The

event

brought

working

together more

has

faced

conditions

complaints around

the

about globe.

London’s is proposing banning the service

than 200 participants from thirty different

from the capital because of concerns about

countries.

passenger safety, and concerns have been

They discussed new approaches to risk

raised that the company does nothing to

management and trends in investment,

protect driver safety as well.

mainly in the digital sector.

In a country where 65% of exports are linked to oil production, it’s time to diversify, says the head of strategy at Samruk Kazyna, Kazakhstan’s government-owned Sovereign Wealth Fund established in 2008.

“The most important for us at the Fund has been diversification into the non-oil sectors of the economy,” said Baljeet Kaur Grewal, Managing Director of Strategy at

a preliminary agreement with General

Samruk-Kazyna. “These include things like

Electric, aimed at creating a sustainable

the green economy, green technology and

digital ecosystem for the Fund’s industrial

solar paneling, for instance.”

companies, as well as for other potential

During the forum, Samruk Kazyna signed

businesses in Kazakhstan.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

FOCUS GUINNESS STOREHOUSE: LIVING HISTORY

G

uinness – it’s a brand close to many people’s hearts and a name that immediately evokes thoughts of Ireland.

Founded in 1759, the spirit of Guinness is still alive today, not only in the city, but wherever the beer is enjoyed. Its story has inspired generations, and the Guinness Storehouse is working to allow interaction with this story like never before. We spoke with Paul Carty, Managing Director of the Storehouse, to catch up on what is changing for the popular tourist spot, and why he feels there is such a strong relationship between his country and the iconic black beverage.

Arthur Guinness was born in Kildare, Ireland in 1725. When his godfather, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Cashel, passed

away,

Guinness

invested

his

inheritance in a small brewery a little outside of Dublin. Four years later, he would found a new brewery in the city, and this investment would change not only his life, but the lives of the families of Dublin for centuries to come.

The Guinness Storehouse is a centre for all things Guinness, where tourists can learn more about the brand’s history and secrets in a living, breathing, delicious experience. It is the country’s most popular tourist location; last year, the Storehouse received 1.7 million visitors - about 50% of the city’s total tourists! 90% of the Storehouses’ visitors come from overseas, and according to their polls, 7/10 of these decide to include the tour in their holiday before they even reach Ireland. This shows how connected the ideas of Dublin and Guinness are for many – especially as 20% of their visitors haven’t even tasted the famous beer before! So, why does the Storehouse have such a draw?

We

spoke

with

Paul

Carty,

the

effervescent Managing Director of the 12 | Endeavour Magazine

Storehouse. Mr Carty feels that it was Arthur

example, he used to take them out for an

Guinness himself who gave the brand the

annual picnic, which would’ve been unheard

reputation it has today: “Guinness itself is

of in the times of the industrial revolution.”

synonymous with Ireland and Dublin. The

In the 1700s, this ‘personal touch’ was

whole story of Arthur Guinness, the legacy

rare, with workers’ wellbeing often thrown

he created and the philanthropy around

to the way-side. In a time of harrowing

Ireland that he inspired – all of that is very

conditions, Arthur Guinness’ dedication to

dear to people.” The beer used only Irish

his employees was rewarded with the love

ingredients, meaning the brewery supported

and loyalty of the local people, and it was a

generations of local barley farmers and

feeling that lived on. “When I was a young

become an essential part of people’s lives.

fellow growing up myself, the respect that

More than this, it became a loved extension

my parents had for the Guinness brewery

to the wider community thanks to Arthur

and the Guinness family was clear. It is a

Guinness’ many charitable acts. Mr Carty

brand that is still admired, and indeed loved.”

told us more;

For Paul, this love of the brand means

“He donated St Steven’s Green to the

its authenticity is worth preserving. The

people of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Guinness Storehouse is housed in a literal

was renovated by him, and he looked

storehouse that the company used to use

after his workers from cradle to grave. For

for fermentation, and this connection with

the archives and lay it out end to end, the

to thematically arrange their floors (which

paper materials would cover about 7km.”

rise around a giant central pint-glass) for

This huge collection informs everything the

the ultimate story-telling journey. In the

Storehouse does, from its exhibits to the

new floorplan, one of the most popular

décor of the building and the stories the

destinations is the World of Advertising –

staff tell. It’s a source of pride; “In all our

an entire level dedicated to showcasing the

planning, we go to the archives for guidance,

history of the company’s iconic marketing.

to make sure that everything we say, and

The brand has often been heralded for its

everything we train our staff to talk about

advertising, and the Storehouse quickly

is grounded in authenticity and truth. It’s a

found that their visitors couldn’t get enough

history runs throughout the building’s

great comfort to me that everything we do

of it. Designed following popular demand,

design. The industrial steel interior is a bright

and say is absolutely spot-on.”

the World of Advertising includes attractions

turquoise – a curious choice, perhaps, but

With this fantastic point of reference,

such as a 180-degree cinema screen where

one that’s authentic to the building’s original

the Storehouse has evolved over the years

visitors can view some of the brand’s most

1902 paintjob. “I think it’s the story that

to present Guinness’ story to the public in

memorable film adverts and green-screen

we tell and the authenticity we possess in

a smoothly flowing, interactive journey. The

booths where they can even ‘star’ in their

the Storehouse that keeps people coming.

team are constantly working to improve

own commercial!

Everything we say and do is grounded in the

what’s on offer; having spent an original €42

Not surprisingly, the Storehouse’s other

truth from our archives.”

million creating the Storehouse experience

popular floors are the ones that allow

This dedication to historical accuracy is

in 2000, the company has spent a further

visitors to interact with the beer itself.

made possible by the Storehouse’s extensive

€26 million since to update, adapt and

When the attraction first opened, visitors

archives – a collection of news articles,

ensure that the attraction is as good as it

wouldn’t actually taste Guinness until they

documents and artefacts that date back to

can be. “We’re always working to enhance

received their free pint in the Gravity Bar, at

the brand’s inception. Eibhlin Colgan, the

the storylines. When people leave, we want

the very top of the building. Since then, the

company’s talented head archivist, joined

them to say ‘Wow, that was amazing, and I

Storehouse has introduced tasting rooms on

Mr Carty in speaking with us; “We’re in a

got it. I understood the message’.”

the second floor;

privileged position as a brand, in that we’re

One of Paul’s favourite investments was

“They get the introduction to the liquid

a brand that’s so old, and we physically have

a consultation with American company BRC

a lot quicker, and I think that’s right. We

our history. If we were to take everything in

Imagination Arts, who helped the Storehouse

teach them how to taste Guinness and how Endeavour Magazine | 13

to appreciate Guinness, just to wet their appetite for what they can expect when they get to Gravity.”

On their way to the top-floor bar, visitors will also pass two lower-level bars called the Connoisseur Experience and the Guinness Academy. Having previously learnt to taste Guinness, these bars teach visitors how to serve it by training them in the brand’s unique ‘two-part pour’: “People wanted to learn how to pour the perfect pint, so we’ve created two academies, and they’re beautiful. Each bar can hold ten people, and they get a certificate and their picture taken. Now, over 40% of our visitors get the opportunity to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.

“This has a huge impact on support globally as well. As a global product, one of the biggest barriers is the two-part pour. It is important that barmen around the world let the pint settle for six seconds, and then top it off with a second pour. When our 40% of 1.7 million go back to their homeland every year, they can influence barmen when they order.”

Predominantly, the Storehouse’s visitors reflect the beer’s markets, with the US, UK and Europe leading the way, but Canada and China on the rise; “Last year, we had 46,000 Chinese visitors, which is a lot, given that I think the total Chinese tourists entering Ireland came to 50,000!” However, the experience can be a powerful one for local visitors too. Eibhlin elaborated: “We offer a genealogy service for visitors whose family

huge appetite from our visitors to see more

to expand and extend the bar. We want to

worked in the brewery, using the archives

artefacts on display and engage more with

make it more comfortable, so people can

and original personnel files. It can be very

the archives and the history. We’re not a

dwell there a bit longer, enjoy the views, and

emotional for visitors, and positions our

museum by any stretch – we’re a very alive

enjoy their pint in comfort.”

heritage as something that is still very much

building – but people want to know more

The expansion will connect a second

a living, breathing part of the brand.”

about the beer and the brand.” The new

bar to the first over a bridge, increasing its

There are yet more improvements on the

archives will be housed in a second building,

capacity from 250 to 550. The new, improved

horizon for the ever-evolving Storehouse,

standing alongside the Storehouse, where

bar is expected to launch in summer 2019

and one of them is close to Eibhlin and

visitors can interact with the collection in a

- but don’t panic! The original Gravity Bar

Paul’s hearts – a vast expansion of the

deeper and more meaningful way.

will be unaffected by the construction work,

archive facilities, to allow more history to be

The second rooftop provided by this

and the Storehouse are planning to keep

displayed and interacted with at any one time.

expansion will also support the Storehouse’s

the beloved destination open and the free

“Originally, the archives were sort of pushed

other big plan: an addition to the famous

drinks flowing. After all, where would this

into a corner. What we’ve realised now is

Gravity Bar. “Of course, the rooftop Gravity

legacy of brand participation, patriotism and

that the archives are central to everything

Bar is still the jewel of the crown. Everybody

love be without the thing that started it all

we do at the Guinness Storehouse. There’s a

ends up there, and that’s why we’re going

off – a perfect pint?

14 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 15

GRIFFON HOVERWORK WWW.GRIFFONHOVERWORK.COM // 0044 23 8068 6666

SPEEDING TO SUCCESS Hovercrafts are fighters. The relentless vehicles were designed to ignore boundaries, capable of travelling over land, water, mud, ice and other difficult surfaces. If you want to reach somewhere difficult in a hurry, a hovercraft is what you need – and Griffon Hoverwork are working to ensure that you are as safe and well-equipped as possible when you go.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

GRIFFON HOVERWORK

Griffon Hoverwork Ltd (GHL) are a leading company in

hovercraft development and design. Established in 1976, they know these hybrid vehicles inside and out, offering a full range of services from conception through to operation, as well as repair, refit and conversion to adjust crafts to their clients’ needs. The beauty of the hovercraft is its ability to traverse difficult terrain at speed, and their clients certainly put this claim to the test; GHL’s crafts have travelled everywhere from the jungles of South America to the frozen waters of the Arctic.

T

his confidence in exploring new terrains is much like GHL themselves. They are always on the lookout for new business areas, catering to a wide range of companies with high-demand

missions. Adapting hovercrafts to a new set of requirements takes

Import & Export Services (ALL MODES)

extensive planning – customers must be able to trust that they are

Marine Industry Shipping

safe in some of the world’s most dangerous environments, so each

(SPECIALISTS)

model must be designed and built to an exacting standard. With

Customs & VAT Guidance

such a range of locations and tasks to cater to, making a standard

(EXPERIENCE)

vessel wasn’t enough for GHL – instead, they are ever expanding

Documentation Services

their product range to tick these different boxes. After consultation with their customers, the company turned their eye to three large

(AUDIT & PROCESSING)

and demanding areas of work: emergency and armed responses, military operations, and passenger vehicles. Off the back of this, they have designed and produced two new, ground-breaking models for their line, and created innovative new technology in the process.

One of these models is the 12000TD. GHL claim that the craft is the most technically advanced model available today, due to its improved fuel efficiency, low emissions and extremely quiet running volume. The vessel is powered by two engines instead of four, using larger propellers than its predecessors, which accounts SEA AVIA FORWARDING LTD UNIT 3 FREEMANTLE BUSINESS CENTRE MILLBROOK ROAD EAST SOUTHAMPTON SO15 1JR Contact CHARLIE MILLIGAN

experience delivering results 18 | Endeavour Magazine

E: enquiries@seaavia.co.uk T: 00442380 334403 W: www.seaavia.co.uk

both for its improved running costs (fuel savings with the 12000TD can be up to a third) and its reduced noise. Using a new hybrid diesel electric drive system, the 22.4m long craft can carry 80 passengers or 12 tons of cargo, achieving a top speed of 50 knots.

GRIFFON HOVERWORK The 12000TD is constructed using bonded aluminium structures in the place of traditional welding, to avoid the possible

as an open top, soft top or hard top, again to meet a variety of needs.

distortion that welding can cause, and its interior is fully flexible.

Designing and building these vessels to the right standard was

The propellers and fans are powered with the help of Synchrochain

a rigorous process. To ensure that every element of their innovative

Carbon timing belts created by ContiTech, including polyurethane

designs not only met the International Association of Classification

belts that exceed five meters in length – the longest ever made

Society’s safety guidelines, but achieved the company’s goals with

to date. These extra-length belts were required to work with the

industry-changing efficiency, required a lot of planning, tests and

model’s larger-than-usual propellers.

precision. According to the company, this created more paperwork

The 12000TD is a record-breaker in many ways; on top of the

than the weight of the vessel!

new ground covered by its components and performance, it is also

Both models have been created to not only give a top-of-the-

the first passenger hovercraft built in the UK for over a decade.

range performance within their roles, but to also uphold Griffon

Some of its passenger-specific features include two loading ramps

Hoverwork’s environmental concerns. The first issue was noise

to allow for easy access and larger-than-usual windows to provide

reduction, both for the sake of passengers, people on the nearby

great views. Fittingly, the first company to use the new model is

beaches and also the wildlife itself. The crafts have also been created

Griffon’s sister company, Hovertravel, who have added ‘Solent

to avoid physical pollution – their propellers and watercooled seal

Flyer’ and ‘Island Flyer’ to their active crafts.

systems both prevent interchange with the sea (taking water out of

The second vessel Griffon have launched is the 995ED, a brand

the sea and then putting it back in again), meaning the vessels avoid

new model that has re-thought the hovercraft, combining a range

water contamination. The 12000TD is so efficient that it doesn’t

of forward-thinking concepts and original technology. This craft

even create air pollution.

is designed to be fast, agile and easy to use, intended as an ideal

The leading hovercraft experts in Europe, GHL have a vast

emergence response vessel. It can travel at high speed over many

global reach, serving customers in 41 countries and all five

surfaces, and it is also designed to be easy to transport by road. It has an endurance of four hours and can carry up to eight people or 995kg. Its twin engines are diesel-electric hybrids, offering a quieter running sound whilst remaining reliable, and the diesel electric transmission system allows for improved handling without the use of rudders. The system’s precise control over the craft’s swivelling duct modules not only improves the ease of steering, but also makes it possible to break and even reverse, thanks to lift fans being positioned at the fore and aft of the craft, rather than both at the back. This new level of manoeuvrability could be life-saving in an emergency situation.

As well as making the 995ED easy to use, Griffon have designed her to be easy to maintain: in an emergency, one needs the craft to be in good working condition, so its creators have introduced a variety of innovations to make the model up-keep friendly. Firstly, it has a modular construction, meaning the instruments, power, thrust and superstructure are all quick and easy to change out if any are faulty. Even the engine can be replaced within ten minutes.

Like the 12000TD, the 995ED is made from bonded marinegrade aluminium, an innovative trademark of Griffon Hoverwork that has been a major contributor to their lead position in the market. Also like the 12000TD, it sports a flexible interior. In this case, the cabin is designed to allow for a stretcher and to cater to various roles, including search & rescue, border security, surveying, passenger ferry and military operations. The model is also available

20 | Endeavour Magazine

continents. Currently, they are working closely with Nigeria’s oil

bonds with many of their suppliers, including huge brand names

companies to look at their needs for clean-up operations in the

such as Honda, Ford and the Hoffman Group.

aftermath of the Delta oil spill. Through their consultations and

Griffon Hoverwork are a skilled, dedicated team who know

research, the company has found that their vessels are able to be

about all things hovercraft. Over a third of their full-time employees

altered for this offshore industry without needing to change the

are engineering graduates, and they are proud to have a diverse

hovercrafts’ structure or mission systems. Using Unmanned Aerial

floor representing a range of ethnicities and a very healthy share of

Vehicles (UAVs), teams are able to identify what sort of response is

female engineers. Their history has strong roots in the trade – the

required for a spill, which then allows them to alter and load up the

company’s founders set up the world’s first hovercraft operation

hovercraft cabins appropriately before setting off to the emergency

(Hovertravel) alongside Sir Christopher Cockerell, the British

site.

engineer credited as the modern hovercraft’s inventor – you’d be

For each country added to their footprint, the company visit

hard-pressed to have a longer history in the field than that! As they

the area themselves to speak with consultants and gather insight

continue to take on fresh young minds and train them with this

on the legal and environmental requirements, as well as the gaps

wealth of experience, it’s no wonder the company is continuing to

in that market. Every time a new market is ventured into, this of

innovate their creations and conquer new sectors; when it comes

course creates jobs in that country, and in this world economy,

to hovercrafts, it seems that Griffon Hoverwork will continue to

more jobs are welcome the world over.

rule the waves.

Expanding globally also has the company less concerned about Brexit than other European hovercraft companies – their growth is a certain way to prepare for an uncertain future. However, the necessity to streamline their supplier chains becomes an increasing challenge as their footprint grows – thankfully, they have very tight

Endeavour Magazine | 21

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

DOWN TO THE LAST DROP Since 1941, Abengoa has put sustainability first. For Abengoa Water, this means clean water treatment that not only keeps the life-giving resource fresh, but is carried out in an environmentally maintainable way. With exciting new plants in the works and an ever-growing global presence, we caught up with Abengoa Water to see what was new for the innovative subsidiary.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

ABENGOA WATER

Technology is making science fiction-esque strides across

the markets, in everything from Virtual Reality and AI to cleaner, more intelligent industry. Abengoa are a global biotechnology company; they have been chasing the future since 1941, working to improve efficiency and sustainability across multiple crucial sectors, including energy, telecommunications, transportation and the environment.

A sea of expertise in Sea Water Reverse Osmosis A sea of expertise in A sea of expertise Sea Water ReverseinOsmosis Sea Water Reverse Osmosis

F

ounded by Javier Benjumea Puigcerver and José Manuel Abaurre Fernández-Pasalagua in Spain, Abengoa now operates around the world, present in the United States, Algeria,

Ghana, China, India and the United Arab Emirates. From this global platform, the company seeks to influence and raise the bar for these sectors the world over, producing biofuels and biochemicals

TALIS has equipped numerous desalination plants all over the world with BELGICAST

range which reliably perform their task for a long time. and Dealing with specialthe promoting requirements and complex installations is one of the strengths of our research and

sustainable use of raw materials.

development teams. The high reliability of BELGICAST product range One reduces such the risksraw connected with large scale installations and thus ensures a succesful and economic falls under the

TALIS has equipped numerous desalination plants all over the world with BELGICAST

on-time completion thefor project. range which reliably perform theiroftask a long time. Dealing with special

requirements and complex installations is one of the strengths of our research and TALIS has equipped numerous desalination plants all over the world with BELGICAST development high reliability of BELGICAST product reduces risks range which teams. reliablyTheperform their task for a long time.range Dealing withthe special connected withand large scale installations thus a succesful economic requirements complex installations and is one of ensures the strengths of our and research and on-time completion thehigh project. development teams.of The reliability of BELGICAST product range reduces the risks connected with large scale installations and thus ensures a succesful and economic on-time completion of the project.

material is water. This life-giving resource

jurisdiction of one of Abengoa’s many subsidiary

companies, aptly called Abengoa Water. Focusing on water treatment, and in particular on desalination, Abengoa Water are constantly pushing to expand their reach by building more and ever-better plants and facilities. In the company’s own words; “To reach our goals, we have a carefully designed strategy based on developing our own technology, which enables us to find innovative solutions in the water treatment sphere.” This is achieved through constant investment in R&D programmes (the company have been known to spend over €8 million on R&D in a year), which not only focus on improving efficiency in order to boost their financial

Bº Zabalondo 31 - 48100 Mungia, Bizkaia, Spain

returns, but always keeps sustainability at the forefront of its

Phone: +34 94 488 91-20 Fax: +34 94 488 91-30 Download our brochure TALIS Seawater desalination Download our brochure TALIS Seawater desalination

E-mail: belgicast@talis-group.com Bº Zabalondo 31 - 48100 Mungia, Bizkaia, Spain Internet:+34 www.belgicast.eu - www.talis-group.com Phone: 94 488 91-20 Fax: +34 94 488 91-30

Bº Zabalondo 31 - 48100 Mungia, Bizkaia, Spain

E-mail: belgicast@talis-group.com

+34 94- www.talis-group.com 488 91-20 Fax: Internet:Phone: www.belgicast.eu

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24 | Endeavour Magazine

+34 94 488 91-30

E-mail: belgicast@talis-group.com Internet: www.belgicast.eu - www.talis-group.com

research.

Abengoa Water works both independently and in cooperation with third parties. The award-winning company owns many of the

ABENGOA WATER plants they operate, and those they operate for others are done

The latest of Abengoa Water’s new projects is a new 275,000

so on long-term contracts. This means they have time to build

m3/day desalination plant in the Agadir region, Morocco, the

upon their operations, in experience, staff training and improved

contract for which was signed in June this year. The project, valued

technology, to make sure they get the very best out of the plants

at €309 million, will be the largest plant designed for drinking water

under their control.

and irrigation. The contract also provides for a possible capacity

As specialists in desalination, Abengoa Water have added many

expansion up to 450,000 m3/day. The construction is being

new desalination plants to its legion over the years. Desalination

developed by separate clients; Office National de l’Electricité et

is the process of extracting salt and mineral components from

de l’Eau Potable (ONEE), the Ministry of Agriculture, Sea Fisheries

saline water. The process can clean undrinkable waste water and,

and Rural Development and the Ministry of Waters and Forests

significantly, can utilize plentiful seawater in response to the highly

of Morocco. These clients originally wanted two separate projects,

present global issues of drought and flood. Worldwide, over 230

but the two have been combined into one plant to save on waste;

million people currently depend on desalinated water daily, as it

ONEE wanted a 50 % expansion of production capacity under

is a reliable and sustainable way to ensure that their water supply

Abengoa’s current contract with them, which would increase

conforms to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. There

capacity to 150,000 m3/d of drinking water; the second project

are many methods for achieving desalination on a large scale,

was to produce 125,000 m3/d of irrigation water as well as the

including vacuum distillation, vapour-compression distillation

construction of a corresponding irrigation network for a total of

and reverse osmosis. However, of all clean water methods, these

13,600 ha for the Ministry of Agriculture. As well as combining

approaches are the heaviest on energy use - this is why Abengoa

the two to save resources and maximise efficiency, Abengoa

are endlessly innovating to develop the life-saving technology and

Water plan to make the project capable of switching to running

to bring down this environmental cost.

on wind power. Once complete, they will still hold the contract for

26 | Endeavour Magazine

engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of the plant

projects, Abengoa Water are looking to the private sector to invest

for the following 27 years.

in this growing and water-saving enterprise.

Moving forwards, the company is looking into the possibility

With a solid history of experience and an army of highly trained,

of solar desalination, the natural next step in sustainable plant

award-winning staff behind them, as well as a 25,000-employee

solutions. Solar power would make excellent use of the arid, sun-

strong company Group supporting them, Abengoa Water are well

beaten conditions of some of the areas that need treated water

positioned to keep achieving essential steps for the world’s water.

the most. However, as plants by and large need to be by the coast,

Thankfully, their modus operandi is just one of many methods being

where weather can be variable for any country and winds tend to

pursued to clean, protect and distribute water to those who need

be strong, wind power remains the company’s strongest focus.

it, but with climate change throwing us the challenges it has this

Whilst the company is enjoying solid success, their output

year, never mind the years running up to 2017, it is clear that we

never seems to be enough for Abengoa Water. With water scarcity

need all the help we can get! When it comes to future of our planet,

a major global issue, and climate change continuing to exacerbate

it’s all hands on deck. We look forward to seeing Abengoa continue

not only droughts but also water-contaminating floods, the demand

to push and innovate towards a cleaner, greener and altogether

and need for clean water is high. Another issue, which Abengoa are

safer tomorrow – every drop of water helps.

constantly addressing and reducing in their research, is the demand for water that comes from running a plant itself.

In the face of the present global crises, Abengoa urges that large investments are still needed to upgrade existing facilities and develop new infrastructures sufficient to alleviate current need. As many of the companies affected cannot afford to invest in such

Endeavour Magazine | 27

AMAZING WORLD OCTLANTIS

T

here has been many a viral video

our potential replacements. However, for

featuring octopuses, usually starring

all that they are intelligent, agile, dexterous

Octlantis is no accident; this is not a

the otherworldly creatures as they

and persistent, we have always known that

collection of octopuses (or octopodes, not

perform a feat of disturbingly intelligent

these animals lack certain key elements for

octopi) simply happening to take shelter in

problem-solving

or

physical

city, whimsically dubbed ‘Octlantis’.

resilience.

filling our shoes; the so-named ‘gloomy’

a convenient rock formation – it is octopus-

Popular contenders have included these

octopus is a solitary creature, only looking

made, built out of a combination of exposed

monstrous molluscs walking on land, letting

for company once a year to mate...or that’s

rock and beds of shells salvaged from eaten

themselves out of boxes, squeezing to

what we thought. Our long-held idea of the

prey. Not only have these shells been used

freedom through impossibly small spaces

wandering, lonely octopus, lacking a purpose

to create exterior walls to make a shelter,

and even unscrewing a jar from the inside.

or plan, was challenged in 2009 and has now

they also divide up separate shell-built dens

These videos have been received with

been firmly shattered by a discovery south of

within these walls. Octlantis’ residents are

playful (or genuine?) horror as we eye up

Sydney in Jervis Bay; an underwater octopus

not huddling randomly together - they have

28 | Endeavour Magazine

through posturing and colour changes, and

of making. Professor David Scheel, who led

even organized den evictions.

the research, described the behaviour in

Octlantis is not a one-off phenomenon –

Octlantis as “remarkably similar to vertebrate

in 2009, a similar ‘city’ was discovered, again

complex social behaviour.” Peter Godfrey-

in Jervis Bay, by Matthew Lawrence. The

Smith, author of Other Minds: The Octopus

complex nest, this time dubbed ‘Octopolis’,

and the Evolution of Intelligent Life and

was formed around a large, man-made metal

diver at 2009’s Octopolis, further believes

object on the ocean floor. Because of its man-

that these city structures could escalate the

man focal point, the discovery was thought

development of octopus intelligence and

to be an anomaly, but the new discovery

social behaviour, much as they did in early

of Octlantis has shown that this isn’t the

human development.

case. It could be that in the right conditions,

Could these cities be the start of Planet

octopuses are learning to work together to

of the Octs, or are they simply evidence

create a mutually beneficial situation; both

that there is still much we don’t understand

purposefully constructed an area where

sites offer rocky outcroppings around an

about life on our ocean floors? Either way,

they can enjoy private homes within a larger

otherwise flat area, ideal for building.

their discovery is allowing zoologists rare

social structure. Sound familiar?

Whilst octopuses are far from the only

Marine biologists have said that they don’t

believe

octopus

behaviour

opportunities to study these mysterious

has

creatures in a new context, and potentially

creature to create a group living structure,

recently changed, so much as our ability

even watch as flies on the wall as their social

they were previously thought to live separate

to observe it, as we are now able to use

structure develops in complexity. Whether

lives, and have not demonstrated the same

GoPros to watch their interactions rather

these are the only two octo-cities in the

colony or pack mentality usually exhibited by

than intruding with human divers. Even so,

world, or whether they are as widespread

such creatures. Yet, the residents of Octlantis

the strange thing about these octo-cities

as our own, is still anybody’s guess, but

act differently – observing marine biologists

is that, much like humans and other high-

one thing is for certain; the more we learn

have seen complex social behaviour in play,

intelligence animals, this form of living is

about the world, the more we realise we

including flirting and status negotiation

not the only choice octopuses are capable

didn’t know.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

ALCON NIGERIA WWW.ALCON-NIG.COM // 234 802 054 4960

GOING FURTHER Alcon Nigeria Limited prides itself on being one of the most reliable service contractor in Nigeria, as well as one of the most adventurous, and is taking steps towards conquering Sub-Saharan Africa. Alcon will take on jobs in adverse project conditions that other contractors won’t touch – they even expanded their services to include security provision.

This can-do attitude has built Alcon a reputation as the team that delivers results, whatever the challenges.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

ALCON NIGERIA

Alcon Nigeria is an E.P.I.C (Engineering, Procurement,

Installation and Commissioning) contracting company of aptly epic proportions. With a team that is 2,500 strong, Alcon is capable of carrying out over 250,000 man-hours of operations in the Procurement & Technical Services a year, as well as staggering 7,000,000 man-hours a year on construction services in the Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation fields.

I

f this isn’t enough to assure you of their quality and experience,

for projects; i.e. foreign direct investment, available government

Alcon have been in business since 1982, having started out as

funding and funds from local banks are all lacking, which ultimately

MED Construction before changing its name to Alcon Nigeria in

impacts the positive economic growth in Nigeria.”

1984, thus boasting of 35 solid years of operation.

In addition to aggressive competition, Nigeria’s dependence

Evolution has long been the watchword for this stalwart

on Oil has developed a strong competency culture and high

company. Despite economic difficulties, they have continued

quality that the country’s EPC contractors must meet. “Over the

to expand the sectors they operate in and improve their clients’

years, a small percentage of expatriate personnel and a much

experiences. We spoke with Gerardo Della Santa, the new

larger percentage of local personnel have been able to develop

Managing Director for Alcon Nigeria, about this ongoing journey.

and build technical capabilities in all engineering disciplines (civil,

“It is a never-ending story, due to the state of business in

structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, HVAC

Nigeria.” Della Santa is referring, in part, to the country’s ongoing

and telecommunications) whilst working with international oil

recession. Alcon’s firmest roots have long been found in the Oil

companies. Thus, a strong industrial culture of safety and quality

& Gas sectors; and like all Oil & Gas companies, they were hit by

has developed.”

the drastic fall in oil prices between May 2014 and January 2016.

This competitive and exacting atmosphere has raised standards

Besides rocking the oil and gas sectors themselves, this plummet

across the industry; fortunately, Alcon has a long history of such

had a wider effect on the economies that relied on these industries

exceeding these standards, and has had no challenge staying at the

and the nation which had primarily depended on Oil thus resulting

top of the pyramid. “Alcon has recently been recognized by Shell for

in high inflation and a struggling banking sector, which in turn

our exceptional quality and reliability. We also own and operate a

affected companies across the board.

large fabrication yard and marine jetty in Woji, Port Harcourt, and

“Due to a shortage of potential projects, as a contractor, the competition has become much fiercer. We are seeing very aggressive

have a large asset base of equipment and tools to ensure flawless project execution.”

pricing strategies; everyone wants to remain in business while

Furthermore, the forward-thinking company have their eyes

sacrificing their margins in the short-term. One of the challenges

set on the future, and in recent years have started delving into the

that every sector is facing is availability of the necessary funds

Power sector. In particular, they have been applying their heavy

32 | Endeavour Magazine

ALCON NIGERIA construction skills towards the building of power generation plants,

& gas sector and we are seeing more appetite to improve the

a venture that quickly yielded positive results, with Alcon receiving

power sector in Nigeria also.” Despite their continued loyalty to

the Mechanical Erection and Piping Works from Siemens for the

a recovering Oil and Gas sector, Alcon is determined to plough

459MW Azura Power Plant and the Civil, Mechanical and Electrical

onwards with its newer areas of operations. Della Santa expresses

Works from METKA for the Federal Government / GE AFAM III

his firmness on this in no uncertain terms: “Without expansion, our

200MW Power Plant.

company cannot survive”

Whilst he is keen to expand into the power sector and see where

Apart from delving into power plant construction, Della

this pathway can take Alcon, Della Santa remembers the clients that

Santa hopes to build upon this new avenue by getting involved in

have gotten his company this far, and is in no hurry to turn his back

providing Operation and Maintenance services to industry players.

on the sector that has long been the greatest revenue source for

They are also working to forge and develop new partnerships

the company. “Alcon remains committed to helping international

in this sector; the company knows that in order to strengthen

oil companies, Nigerian oil companies and multinationals to

their position, they need the links and relationships with existing

further develop Nigeria’s gas and power infrastructure. We are

key players.

focusing on our clients, finding ways to work more efficiently

“Alcon has a strong partnership with ABB, with which Alcon

and productively with them, and improve communications and

is a certified Low Voltage Panel Builder. We are expanding this

feedback mechanisms. There are many exciting opportunities in

partnership with the construction of an 8,000-square meter

this area and we look forward to using this medium to announce

state-of-the-art workshop and showroom. We’re also expanding

Alcon’s next big win!”

into other technical areas such as Process Automation, Power

Like the Roman god Janus, the company is forever looking

Transmission and Power Distribution. Ultimately, our strategy

forwards as well as back, and Della Santa can see light on both

is to develop key relationships with multinational companies

horizons; “The environment seems to be improving in the oil

and combining each other’s complementary skills in delivering

34 | Endeavour Magazine

ALCON NIGERIA positive outcomes to Nigeria’s many infrastructure challenges.”

five untrained personnel, and as such, Alcon treats the provision of

The contractors are even looking into new power avenues such as

training, conferences and/or exhibitions as a very important part of

the new opportunities opening in thermal, hydro and solar power

its HR curriculum.”

alternatives.

Alcon also makes sure that these employees have the free time

Like their areas of operations, Alcon’s geographical reach is

available to focus on working towards qualifications, degrees or

varying. They have a history of local, regional and national projects,

undertaking independent study. The company strives to challenge

and have recently even turned their eye to international horizons.

their staff, giving them agency within the company to better inspire

In 2016, the company began looking to branch out to neighbouring

them and to bring the very best out of each employee.

African countries, with Ghana chosen as its case study; “Alcon has

“As a leader, it is my job to motivate members of my team to

been cautiously exploring the potential of expanding into Ghana if

work to the very best of their abilities, and this requires that I see

the right opportunity presents itself as an anchor project. Multiple

the professional capabilities of each individual beyond what is

teams have visited to gather market research, explore potential

obvious. For instance, I believe in empowering my team members

partnerships and meet with government officials. Alcon remains

with accountability and responsibility so that the individual is

hopeful that this expansion may happen sooner than later.”

motivated to do more and his/her best is brought to the surface.

Currently, Alcon employs about 2,500 personnel, including

Thus, if you can activate the natural talents of your employees in

expatriates. The company does a lot of outreach work in universities

ways that make them feel more responsible about their jobs, you

to attract more graduates to their numbers, and are keen to reach

will be inspiring something that is more significant, that has longer

out to a range of nationalities and cultures in their recruitment.

lasting impact and is more sustainable to the company.”

“The greatest asset in any business is its staff and Alcon

Despite this personal approach for his staff, Della Santa’s

takes pride as an organization that encourages a work-friendly

own work attitudes are wholly company-focused: “I believe that

environment. We believe that one trained staff member is worth

the company should be in front whilst I strive to achieve the goal

36 | Endeavour Magazine

that I have been paid to achieve by implementing what I know and believe in to attain overall success for my organization. In my opinion, personal success means nothing but the success of my company means everything.” He has only recently taken on the role as Managing Director for Alcon two months ago. However, he has been with the company since 2004, so he is well-versed in the Alcon ways of doing business.

So, how does Della Santa feel moving forwards, as Alcon takes on a varying slate of new ventures? “We’re cautiously optimistic about the future environment in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara. We feel Alcon is well positioned with its experience, capabilities and assets, whilst fine-tuning itself to function more efficiently and effectively.”

Alcon are the contractors who venture forth where other companies don’t dare, and this remains as true of their expansion strategy as it has always been of their projects. However, through all of their changes, this efficiency and effectiveness remains key; whilst Alcon are willing to take on risks, they ensure that their clients are investing in a sure thing. They not only venture forth, but bring back the prize – that’s definitely E.P.I.C.

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Endeavour Magazine | 37

MONTSERRAT UTILITIES LTD WWW.MUL.MS // 001 664 491 2527

POWERING ONWARDS Hidden in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, Montserrat is a small home with a big history and one almighty challenge – the Soufriere Hills volcano, and the vast portion of the island that it has made uninhabitable. We spoke with David Thomson, former Managing Director of Montserrat Utilities Limited, to talk about life and industry in this resilient region.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

MONTSERRAT UTILITIES LTD Montserrat is nicknamed the Emerald Isle of the

Caribbean, both after its resemblance to Ireland’s coasts and the ancestry of many of its settlers. Over the years, the Irish and African population of the island blended together, with Gaelic and Caribbean dialects and traditions blending as well. Connections to religion and the land are strong, as is a sense of tenacity in the population; as the island’s motto goes, “A people of excellence, moulded by nature, nurtured

by God”. However, much like Ireland itself, the resolute Emerald Isle hasn’t inherited the famed ‘Luck o’ the Irish’.

A

mere 39 square miles in total, Montserrat’s 5,000 residents live and work on a third of the island’s total land. The selfcontained British Overseas Territory had its well-balanced

Generating results beyond conventional

rhythm of life disrupted in 1995, when the island’s volcano erupted for the first time in 350 years. Further eruptions and activity continued into the 2000s, with volcanic flows and ash clouds rendering much of the island uninhabitable. This area was labelled the Exclusion Zone, and the resulting loss of housing and stability caused half of the island’s population to leave. The nation’s capital city of Plymouth was amongst those lost to the eruption, and its ruins can still be viewed from mountainous vantage-points.

Events of this life-altering scale are rare; the volcanic activity rocked Montserrat, changing the course of its future and what it meant to be a citizen. Even before this disaster, the island was hit by Hurricane Hugo, in 1989, with 90% of the housing suffering some form of damage, and echoes of this past still sound during each Hurricane Season. However, the island recently caught a long-overdue break, emerging from Hurricane Irma and Maria’s destruction-spree without too many long-lasting effects.

We do more than provide engineering and EPCM services throughout the Caribbean.

We power communities.

To find out how we’re better together, visit us at stantec.com

Neighbouring islands fared less well and will take years to recover.

Despite difficulties, life on Montserrat carries on. In response to the volcanic eruption, the United Kingdom granted Monserrat’s people full residency rights in 1998, and full citizenship was granted in 2002. With travel and relocation open to them, Montserrat’s 5,000 have chosen to stay in their picturesque Caribbean home. It

40 | Endeavour Magazine

Soufriere Volcano

MONTSERRAT UTILITIES LTD doesn’t take more than a glance to understand why; the sparkling

plans, the government and MUL have employed Stantec, who have

bays and luscious green of the Emerald Isle are home to plant and

assessed the company’s systems and requirements with their eye

wildlife as striking as it is rare, including the Montserrat Oriole,

of experience.

the endemic bird that is the national emblem, the fire-chested

“We are well on the way to achieving 10% renewable in the first

galliwasps (lizards) and the almost extinct ‘mountain chickens’, a

phase, and over 40% in the second phase. One advantage of being

species of edible frogs.

so small as a nation is that what looks like little steps for others can

Access to the island is still limited and has to be by way of

take us a long way. Following the implementation of the first 1MW

Antigua, and whilst the island’s beauty pulls in some limited

of Solar PV, we will be looking to see how affordable it is to expand

tourism, life on Montserrat is still in the process of finding a new

that, together with storage for off-peak use and cloud cover.”

way forward. The business sector remains low-key; currently,

MUL’s financial situation hasn’t been simple. Despite holding a

Montserrat Government employ about half of the working

monopoly over the nation’s utilities, the company’s tariffs are set

population. Montserrat Utilities Limited operates from the position

by the government and haven’t been changed since 2004. As you

of being the largest limited company on the island - with 75

can imagine, global inflation has put MUL under significant strain

members of staff. The Government-owned company is tasked with

as they attempt to operate on their un-altered prices. Although the

the responsibility of powering the island; operating a monopoly

Government of Montserrat receives substantial aid and support

in the sector, they provide all electricity and water services to the

from the UK, Montserrat Utilities is not supported financially by

Emerald Isle, including the generation and distribution of electricity,

the Government of Montserrat. Instead, they rely on donor aid

the collection, treatment and distribution of potable water, and

from regional and international institutions to invest in new assets

the maintenance of sewage treatment systems. This position is a

and to make sure that its facilities are up to date.

duel blessing and responsibility, allowing MUL to operate without

As a result of pressure from the Caribbean Development Bank,

the fear of competition, but also in the knowledge that issues or

the company are now looking to get a full cost survey carried out,

failures to deliver are not an option.

leading to a tariff review, and MUL’s careful planning and hard work

Fortunately, Montserrat’s utilities are in safe hands. Despite challenging circumstances, the company has an ever-resilient and positive team. In part, this can-do attitude is inspired by MUL’s management. David Thomson, the former Managing Director, believes in keeping his staff motivated by placing high importance on their visions for the company: “I believe the key to leadership is to try and find out what motivates individuals and teams. Most would say it’s just about the money, but I fundamentally disagree. Here on Montserrat there has been little or no change in the money for about ten years.

Physical achievements and improvements motivate many of the technical staff.”

This motivation has MUL looking ambitiously to the future.

Amongst their aims is the heart-felt goal to go green – an initiative prompted and led by the company’s workforce. “Our biggest goal at the moment is to reflect the staff-inspired vision to become the ‘Greenest Utility Provider in the Caribbean’. The goal in the government’s Energy Policy is to become 100% renewable by 2020. Bearing in mind that we are 0% renewable today, in 2017, this is a steep target.”

Steep indeed – with only two and a half years to make a 100% turn-around, the aim may seem over-ambitious to some, but Thomson in confident. The first steps are already well under way - the company is currently working with the Government of Montserrat on a tender for 1MW of Solar PV, which will be introduced in stages. “This may not sound very much,” comments Thomson, “But our peak demand is 2.4MW, with a base load overnight of 1.4MW”. This tender, once its stages are complete, would account for a vast proportion of the company’s output. In developing their 42 | Endeavour Magazine

has been met with generous support. “We are grateful to all of our

donors. CARICOM and GIZ have helped with the early stages of

Managing Director to Kendall Lee, a Montserration with many

devising an appropriate and new Energy Strategy. Meanwhile, the

years’ experience in the electricity sector. His problem solving skills

Caribbean Development Bank has assisted with water storage

and quiet way of pushing ahead with change will be needed as MUL

facilities and strengthening works to water pipelines. They, together

move forward. As an indicator of a new approach, some in-house

with the UK’s Department for International Development have also

funding has been released to allow replacements of the vehicle

helped MUL to fund a new power station. The latter stages of this

fleet, and bids have been made to update the mobile plant that are

development have been taken on by a partnership with the Rocky

necessary to run the operation in the field.

Mountain Institute/Carbon War Room, with support from the Clinton Climate Initiative.”

“Once consolidation has been achieved and revised tariffs are in place to better cover our costs (at an affordable price for the

MUL are now in the final stages of put the finishing touches to

residents and local businesses), the company will be in a stronger

this new power station, which has been developed in partnership

position to move forward. Working with the Government, we will

with Indian company Angelique International Limited. The plant will

also pursue geothermal technology to see how that can best be

include a new 1.5MW diesel generator that will provide a base load

brought into the supply side of electricity generation, and bring us

of power whilst MUL convert their other systems to support their

to the 100% renewable energy target.”

solar power plan. Despite donations, these costly steps towards

It is a complex but exciting time for MUL. As is often the case

the future must all taken with caution, observing a careful balance

with periods of change, outgoings are high and business has

between investment and change, but also the need to remain a

been tight, but once these changes are in place, a stronger and

stable and reliable supplier for their nation’s people.

greener heart will exist to pump energy into its nation. The slate of

“Following the repairs to damage caused by Hurricane Maria,

developments in the company’s near-future tell of an unquenchable

the next year or two, will see the company try to consolidate its

ambition in the face of difficulty; this is a company after the island’s

financial position and recover from a difficult year keeping power

own tenacious heart. Not content with being held back by the past,

supply going, until the country sees the benefits of the new

MUL are looking to the future, and building one they and their

power station. David Thomson has handed over the reins of the

nation can thrive from and be proud of.

Destroyed city of Plymouth Endeavour Magazine | 43

KENDAL NUTRICARE WWW.KENDALNUTRICARE.COM // 0044 1539 898 555

FEEDING THE FUTURE At the point when a person becomes a parent, perceptions and priorities shift; suddenly, the wellbeing of a tiny life is the most important thing in the world, and nothing but the very best is good enough. Whilst breastfeeding is nature’s recommended sustenance for these little ones’ early months, many parents are either unable to, or have reasons to move or supplement breastmilk – but this doesn’t mean they expect anything less than top quality replacements.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

KENDAL NUTRICARE

Infant formulas aim to mimic and provide the nutrients

of breastmilk; as you can imagine, when it comes to what they are feeding their new-borns, parents want to know that they are getting a superior product.

K

endal Nutricare is Britain’s only manufacturer of infant milk

cream, these ingredients while vastly cheaper are not something

powder and infant cereals for retailers and pharmacies. It

that many parents would openly feed to their infants in large

describes itself as an “energetic, home-spun team competing

quantities. “To save money, they’ve taken out the cream of the

against multi-nationals”. The company is smaller than its leading

milk, which is processed into butter and is worth £6,000 a ton, and

rivals, but has a solid history of experience behind it and has

instead they’ve replaced it with oils like palm oil, costing £1000

come into the ring swinging. Kendal Nutricare’s factory has been

a ton.” McMahon claims that over-use of palm oil could cause

operational since 1962, and its current owner, Ross McMahon,

infants to suffer from issues such as constipation and eczema.

has been in the food industry for 30 years. However, the company

Palm oil, normally used for cooking or making soap, has been

itself is quite young in its current form; McMahon bought it from

said to be difficult to digest when it interacts with calcium, and

Heinz in June 2015 following a year of negotiations. We spoke with

Kendal Nutricare wishes to build on various researchers’ findings

McMahon about the changes he has made to Kendal Nutricare and

in this regard. Whilst they have several research papers underway,

the exciting releases on the horizon for his infant formula brand,

McMahon says he has already had feedback confirmation from his

Kendamil.

clients. “We have so much public feedback about children feeling

From the start, McMahon was ambitious in his plans for the

better. Kendamil has the consistency and taste of real milk, whereas

company: “After 30 years in food manufacture, I had spent the

competitors’ products are lighter and waterier, because they are

previous five years before I purchased Kendal researching infant

made using skim milk with added oils between 25-30%. Kendamil’s

milks and cereals. My philosophy is to learn from our competitors,

thicker consistency is more filling and satisfying and parents report

and then go further in terms of quality and presentation.” He has

it leads to better sleep patterns

not held back on his philosophy – in many ways, Kendamil has taken

Palm oil, which many consumers choose to avoid both for

baby and infant formula back to the drawing board, turning away

health reasons and because of its negative environmental impact,

from cost-cutting methods and focusing on the most important

is used in baby and infant formulas across the big brands, from the

guide for their recipe; natural breast milk.

cheapest through to some of the most costly. “People attack us

“We are the only formula still retaining the full cream

and say, ‘You can’t feed milk to an infant’. Well of course, we aren’t

nutrients and fatty acids found in mammals’ milk,” explains

feeding straight whole milk to an infant: our product is fortified

McMahon. Meanwhile, rival brands use skimmed milk that is then

like everyone else’s, it follows the WHO codex alimentarius like

supplemented with oils in an attempt to restore its nutrient content.

everyone else’s, but we actually use milk fat instead of using palm

McMahon believes that this departure from nature could cut out

oil,” says McMahon. Kendamil products also avoid the use of fish

essential elements; “We would say that if a woman is generating

oil, following several news reports of adverse reactions to the

51% saturated fat in her breast milk to provide all the energy an

ingredient in other brands. Instead, they add Omega 3 to their

infant needs , plus lipids (fats) account for over 60% of brain matter

formula by going direct to the source; pure marine algae.

then the same should be present in our formula.“

Of course, Kendal Nutricare and its rivals are not making these

More dramatically, many mainstream brands substitute other

health choices alone. They work closely with expert suppliers to

ingredients such as palm oil or lactose in the place of full milk

secure the healthiest ingredients available. One such supplier

46 | Endeavour Magazine

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KENDAL NUTRICARE is Barentz, a leading international ingredients distributor with a

market for better quality infant formulas at a more affordable price,

unique, babyfood grade production plant, a specialst in spray drying

says Mc Mahon.

and encapsulation, called Vitasquare. At Vitablend, Barentz produce

“We are one of the most competitively priced formulas on the

customized nutritional premixes and blends for fortification and

market. However, our raw materials are more expensive. We’re

protection of food, specific both to Kendal Nutricare’s requirements

spending no money on TV advertising, we don’t have reps out on

and their own insight into what a healthy, fortifying formula needs.

the road visiting doctors and hospitals; instead, we pass on these

The other specialists Kendall work with are food standards

savings to give consumers at as keen a price as we can.”

agencies. All food products must meet certain safety criteria before

Kendamil has recently broken into the desirable US market,

they are displayed in the supermarkets, and when it comes to baby

which it achieved through a niche product: “We produced a product

formula, particularly international specifications exist to protect

called Super Kosher, or Kendamil Mehadrin, which got us into 130

the youngest in our societies. These criteria vary from country to

shops in New York.” Kendamil Mehadrin is made to a strict Kosher

country. Kendal Nutricare uses mostly local ingredients fresh full

recipe, and whilst it is manufactured at a significantly higher cost,

cream milk from 220 local Lake District farms, but it is targeting

it opens Kendamil up to a market which has previously had very

global markets; 90% of its Kendamil products are exported, with

little competition nor choices for consumers. “Kendamil Mehadrin

sales in Asia, Africa, America, Europe and the Middle East. We asked

is carefully supervised throughout the production – Rabbi’s go to

McMahon how Kendamil varied to meet the various requirements;

the farm, they go to the dairy, they come here and they watch the

“There are really four recipes, for European, Asian, Codex countries

packing process. 24 hours before production, we have to change all

and Australasia. They differ in terms of protein and fat contents.

our filters and clean down all our lines. It’s the same recipe, more

Some markets are really dominated by the multinationals. For

or less, but the process itself is quite expensive Kendamil Gold

example, in Indonesia, they literally write the rulebook, so the

containing Human Milk Olligosaccharides hopes to launch shortly

regulations can be very onerous for new entrants Whilst these

in the USA.

requirements exist for consumer safety, there is clearly a gap in the

48 | Endeavour Magazine

Challenging the Multinationals in their kosher monopoly is par

for the course for Kendal Nutricare; the smaller company doesn’t back down from going head to head with leading brands on all market fronts. As well as manufacturing Super-kosher for Orthodox Jewish consumers, Kendamil has also been Halal-approved for Muslim markets. “In the Middle East, South-East Asia and North

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ingredients distributor, supplying Kendal AdEndeavor_188x138.indd 1 Nutricare with the high quality ingredients they need for their specialised market segment. Barentz has a unique, babyfood grade production plant, Vitasquare, a specialist in small batch spray drying and encapsulation. At Vitablend, Barentz produces customized nutritional premixes and blends for fortification and protection of food. Barentz works closely with their clients to find optimal ingredient solutions for the Food & Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care and Animal Nutrition sectors.

procedures involve removing all the filters before production, and we had to trace all our raw materials back so every ingredient in the recipe could be approved by the Halal organisation. We thought we went for the highest accreditation, but we’re now learning that some countries require us to pay for their own inspectors to come here. So, it’s an expensive business.”

Inspections cover every stage of food production – whilst essential for quality control, they are never a cheap or easy process.

“I read an article once that said, “’Oh, well, we all know the price of raw materials’, but the most expensive thing in a business like this is testing. Each ingredient needs to be sent out to laboratories, then when you make the powder, you test it again, and when you pack it under gas in consumer packs, you test it again. Then, when it reaches its destination, each country tests it themselves.”

Kendal Nutricare’s mission is to follow nature’s blueprints in their formula as closely as possible – and what’s possible just

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Endeavour Magazine | 49 26-09-17 15:02

KENDAL NUTRICARE took an exciting leap. The focus of this breakthrough is Human

people who needed a meal replacement. “We came up with a range

Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMOs are found naturally in

of Super-fruit smoothies only flavoured by natural real fruits. You

breastmilk, in a higher quantity than breast milk’s protein – they are

get 50g of reconstituted fruit per glass, and there are two products,

a significant element, and one whose function can’t be mimicked

‘Mango & Passionfruit’, and ‘Super Berry’. It has nothing to boost

by any combination of regular food ingredients. In fact, it has taken

these flavours in terms of sugars, it’s gluten-free, and instead of

a dedicated team 12 years to successfully reproduce them, but a

using soya or corn syrup, we’ve put in skimmed milk and whey. If

synthetic HMO is finally approved and available!

you know you’ll get home for dinner, but until then you’ll have to

HMOs were first discovered in 1886 during studies into the

get by, a glass for breakfast and a glass for lunch would sustain you.”

causes of cot death. This family of glycans serve as false receptors

However, its close-to-nature formulas for infants and its

for pathogens to lock onto, thus preventing them from reaching

impending implementation of HMOs are the big reasons to be

the feeding infant. This provides protection against Noroviruses,

excited about Kendal Nutricare. It is setting a new standard for

which cause two thirds of infant death. HMOs aren’t digestible

infant formulas, and is unafraid to compete against bigger brands

and serve no nutritional value in the milk; they are Mother Nature’s

where Kendal Nutricare feel their products are better quality and

security system, and until recently, they were irreplaceable. The

more competitively priced. When it comes to what’s best for us

new synthetic HMO technology is approved for use in America and

and our children, Kendal Nutricare is building a reputation as the

Europe, but not yet in Asia.

company that will put our needs first, in quality and in price. As

Kendal Nutricare is also branching out in other ways, such as

HMOs help narrow the gap between breast milk and bottled milk,

through a new line of formula products for adults. “We have years

Kendal Nutricare is working hard to pass on these break throughs

of experience making formulas for babies – I thought, why not do

to benefit modern consumers.

something special for adults?” McMahon wanted a healthy, fortified product that could help a busy adult keep sustained during the working day, not aimed at body builders or slimmers but for active

50 | Endeavour Magazine

AMAZING WORLD THE HORROR RESTAURANTS OF JAPAN

A

s the East leaves its spookiest season of the Ghost Month behind, nights of wandering dead are just beginning

for the West. Whether Dia de Los Muertos or All Hallow’s Eve, the darkening autumn nights are a time to indulge in ideas of the supernatural. In Japan, residents get a double whammy, with both the traditional Eastern and Western haunted holidays celebrated one month after the other. It’s no surprise, then, that the country is home to some of the most chilling horror films out there! A cultural leader in the artistic and the macabre, Japan is a top spot for celebrating this Halloween. Don’t believe us? Their horror-themed bars and restaurants should change your mind.

For fans of all things unsettling, Japan has the dinner-date for you. From the hammy to the downright dark, everyone’s tastes are catered for - just make sure you can stomach it!

Given this ghostly time of year, you might be tempted to brave the Yurei Izakaya restaurant. Yureis are Japanese spirits, much like Western ghosts, that are said to haunt the Earth if they suffered tragic or violent deaths. These ghosts are often vengeful, violent or distraught – they’re certainly not a natural choice for a waitress! Yet that’s exactly who will serve you at this unique

playing throughout, creepy voodoo inspired

deep red walls house a dimly lit, baroque

spot; the Yurei’s waiting staff wear white

dishes and even booby traps out to get

setting; the décor is somewhere between

burial kimonos, gliding through the fog-filled

you on the staircase, it’s a dinner not to be

camp and classically sinister (as all good

room amongst the skeletons and statues

braved by the faint of heart.

vampires are), with miniature skulls and

that loom mournfully in the gloom. These

If ghosts aren’t your thing, Japan is,

fake spiders thrown in alongside grandiose

waitresses will even regale you with the

unsurprisingly, more than happy to cater to

candelabras flickering atop coffins. The

stories of how they ‘died’. With horror music

the vampire crowd! In Tokyo’s Vampire Café,

Asian restaurant takes on French and Italian

52 | Endeavour Magazine

prison’, or odder still, the ‘horror prison

might ask, or a horrortastic S&M club? This

hospital’. The Lockup and Alcatraz are just

restaurant is taking visitors’ experience to

cuisine to bring that traditional European feel

two popular haunts (get it?) in this bizarre and

the next level, but don’t worry – you may be

to the vampiric experience, and pale-faced,

not all-together PC theme, where patrons

handcuffed, but there’s bound to be a nurse

Gothically dressed maids and footmen are

are literally shut in prison cells and even

on hand ready to feed you from test tubes,

naturally ever-ready to serve their patrons a

handcuffed and tormented by the restaurant

syringes and blood bags. At Alcatraz, you can

variety of blood-red drinks.

staff, who are dressed and perform as a

even order a ‘Slap Shot’ if you want that extra

However, perhaps the oddest fixation

selection of terrifying inmates and titillating

sting of punishment with your beverage. Bon

of Japan’s freakish food sector is the ‘horror

‘evil nurses’. Are these restaurants, you

appetite!

Endeavour Magazine | 53

NIGERIAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION WWW.NNPCGROUP.COM // 234 9 460 81000

DEFEND AND DELIVER Nigeria and the Oil & Gas industry have a long and involved relationship. At times, the relationship has been tumultuous, moving from bountiful ups to shattering downs, but through it all, the two have remained closely bound. This year, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) celebrate their 40th anniversary, representing four decades of this rollercoaster ride.

As they celebrate a time of not only stability, but increasing profits, we decided to mark NNPC’s anniversary by taking a closer look at this eventful industry.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

NIGERIAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION Nigeria’s petroleum industry is the largest in Africa.

Whilst only contributing to around 9% of the country’s economy, the sector defines Nigeria in the global industrial Who’s Who. Their oil export revenue has totaled $340 billion since the 1970s, and now produces over 2.8 million barrels (450,000 m3) of oil a day. As a profitable and highly sought-after resource, this natural wealth often comes with an unwelcome side-order of political unrest, and Nigeria has been no exception. In response to this, but by no means in conclusion, the petroleum industry was nationalised in 1971; this is where NNPC’s involvement within the sector, and the story of their 40-year anniversary, began.

I

n May 1971, the Nigerian government was under the military

production, gas development, refining, distribution, petrochemicals,

control of General Yakubu Gowon following the recent war with

engineering and commercial investments, all of which still operate

Biafra. In the aftermath of this conflict, the government felt it

closely hand-in-hand with the Nigeria government.

important to secure Nigeria’s oil industry and to gain more control

In keeping with their safeguarding role, NNPC are currently

over its operations, in order to ensure a rebuilding of wealth,

investing in large-scale restoration efforts of their four refineries.

resources and stability for the country. As well as guiding the

Following a mandate from President Buhari, they have formed

industry back to operating as it should during a chaotic time, the

eight committees of selected personnel that have been tasked with

move was also taken to follow the advice of the Organization of the

the responsibility of returning all refineries to their former glory by

Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) - an organisation Nigeria

2019. This is an ambitious goal. Dr. Maikanti Baru, group Managing

was eager to join. As a result, the sector was nationalized and the

Director of the corporation, instructed the committees to use “out

Nigerian National Oil Corporation was created, later becoming the

of the box solutions” to achieve it; beyond this advice, it seems that

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in April 1977.

these lucky nominees are being entrusted to create the solutions

The NNOC, or NNPC, existed as a body through which the

themselves. As Dr Baru said in an address to the committees, “I

government would enter joint ventures with the oil and petroleum

am convinced that the teams we have selected here today will

industry. The corporation’s existence made the government’s

give the necessary direction towards returning the refineries back

participation in this sector legally binding. On top of its exploration

to their optimal levels of performance.” The original target for this

operations, the purpose of the NNPC was and is to protect the vital

restoration was 90% capacity, but Dr Baru is shooting for 100%. He

Oil and Gas industry, allowing the government a hand in steering

also hopes to see efforts directed at restoring the workforce itself,

its development and intervening when it requires aid. A continued

and not the facilities alone, in order to genuinely see this return to

history of political and military turmoil since the ‘70s has repeatedly

form achieved.

tested the importance and effectiveness of this involvement;

The sudden push for this restoration to take place in the

NNPC saw the sector not only survive but expand. Between 1978

immediate future has been credited to the current rare existence

and 1989, NNPC constructed refineries in Warri, Kaduna and their

of the right political and economic conditions; not only has Nigeria

second in Port Harcourt, and in 1988, the corporation increased

just emerged from a period of recession, and thus has the resources

its flexibility by commercialising into 12 strategic business units,

to tackle this work, but it also has a leadership who are motivated

covering all areas of the oil industry, including exploration and

to see it done.

56 | Endeavour Magazine

Prudent Energy Evolving to be the preferred energy provider in West Africa Our strength is our people and ability to deliver vital service safely…

Prudent Energy has grown over the last few years to become a leading indigenous oil trading firm. Her portfolio of assets include a 54 Million Litre fully automated ultra-modern petroleum products depot and a selfserving jetty. Supporting her logistics are two marine vessels; MT Ashabi (29,005DWT) & MT Mosunmola (16,326DWT) and the company’s distribution capabilities are underpinned by fleet of dedicated trucks. Direct access to products by end-users is through a network of retail outlets delivering quality products and services Prudent Energy’s efficiency in service delivery as well as strategic partnerships with world renowned commodity trading companies such as Glencore Energy UK Ltd and British Petroleum has differentiated the company from its peers and among other things, aligned the company in a strategic partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) earning the company an award of a 2017 Term Crude Oil lifting contract which in turn opens more commercial opportunities with the corporation.

The company’s strategy is to diversify its product offering to the market – including a 12,000m3 LPG Storage facility due to be commissioned in the 2nd Quarter of 2018. The company also has plans to develop a 15,000 bpd modular refinery in the effort to explore other supply avenues for finished products in line with the Federal Governments aspiration for domestic petroleum refining capacity while simultaneously developing local competency.

Prudent Energy aims to increase its reach and ultimately impact lives by providing excellent products and services through participation in the entire downstream petroleum product value chain while keeping to her QHSE commitment. This end to end participation would in turn positively impact retail growth and sales.

NIGERIAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION Another recent and extremely direct example of NNPC protecting the industry is the organisation’s intensified efforts to

Baru stated publicly, “Safety to one is safety to all – this defines how we handle safety issues.”

safeguard its pipeline from vandals and fire outbreaks. According

The Regional President of OSHA’s Nigeria branch, Dr. Dalhatu

to recent NNPC reports, 89.5% of their pipeline breaks are due

Mohammed Ahmed, commented on Dr Baru’s fantastic efforts

to vandalism - this is a crucial problem that accounts for the vast

towards responding to this threat; “I want to commend the efforts

majority of their repair costs. The corporation is aiming to not only

of the GMD as far as safety of lives and property is concerned in

protect itself against this damage and loss, but to keep its pipes safe

the corporation. Safety is everybody’s business, as it is a multi-

to ensure a continued, reliable supply of petroleum for the nation.

dimensional issue that requires a multi-dimensional approach.”

Some of NNPC’s new security measures include Horizontal

The tasks they face aren’t easy, and failure is not an option –

Directional Drilling (HDD) technology that allows pipelines to be

especially during this ideal time of financial ability and political will

buried deeper and thus prevents easy accessibility. They have also

to see the sector flourish. In time for their 40-year anniversary,

invested in technology-based pipeline surveillance mechanisms

NNPC are preparing for this ambitious period by undergoing a

that are able to detect people, deny access to intruders and send

major shake-up to their structure and leadership team, with many

alerts. Finally, the corporation are collaborating closely with law

executives and directors receiving new titles in a mass re-shuffle.

enforcement groups who are able to guard the crucial pipelines,

Dr. Baru addressed staff shortly before the announcements were

including aerial monitoring and marine patrols by Nigeria’s military.

made, saying that the changes were designed to plug gaps and

They have also attempted to boost safety both for the pipelines

ready the corporation for the challenges that lie ahead. 55 senior

and Nigeria’s residents through a clearly marked right-of-way

employees were affected by the changes.

system for their pipelines across all covered locations. This system

NNPC’s efforts are not all reactive and restorative – they are

is designed to keep the public away from the facilities for their own

also pushing ambitiously forwards, able to boast not an impressive

safety, as well as the security of the facilities themselves. As Dr

stability in the oil sector, but a remarkable increase in gas supply.

58 | Endeavour Magazine

The corporation has increased the daily average natural gas supply to the nation’s gas power plants to 730 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) – that’s an increase of 123% since their formation. Growth is still happening, gradually; in its June 2017 Monthly Financial and Operations Report, the corporation said that gas supply to power plants had increased slightly by 0.13% between May and June 2017. The report also stated that nationwide petroleum supply continued to show stability, reading “The Corporation has maintained seamless nationwide supply and distribution of petroleum products, which guarantees stable products and queue-free filling stations across the nation.”

With battles and challenges on many fronts, the NNPC continues to build Nigeria’s Oil and Gas industry up from strength to strength, protecting its infrastructure and putting the plans and people in place to see it flourish in the years to come. As this sector globally begins to regain its optimism, Nigeria will not be left behind in the upswell, thanks to NNPC’s diligence and ambition.

This is an industry to watch, and Endeavour are excited to see what lays ahead for Nigerian oil, as well as its potential evolution into alternative energy sectors.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

ETIHAD RAIL NETWORK WWW.ETIHADRAIL.AE // 00971 2 499 9999

MAKING TRACKS When Etihad Rail was founded, they were assigned a monumental task – to not only maintain and operate the UAE’s entire freight and railway network, but to construct it in the first place.

Starting from nothing, Etihad Rail have tackled their task in stages, achieving their mission in steady leaps, whilst all the time cultivating the network they have already put in place. Products and passengers alike depend on their success, and the end is finally in sight.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

ETIHAD RAIL NETWORK

Railways are the veins of a nation, essential solutions Quality is a Full-time

for travel and delivery that inject life and movement into business and industry. Etihad Rail was Commitment established in 2009 with a mandate to manage the he world’s largest, safest and most modern quarries. and operation of the development, construction ommitment wer UAE’s national freight and passenger railway network – no small order!

Stevin Rock, one of LaRgeSt mining gRoupS in the woRLd, with acceSS to 17 biLLion tonneS of SuRveyed ReSeRveS, iS owned by the goveRnment of RaS aL khaimah, and itS bRoad Range of pRoductS have been uSed in Some of the woRLd’S moSt higheSt pRofiLe and pReStigiouS deveLopmentS, incLuding hamad inteRnationaL aiRpoRt, RaS Laffan new poRt expanSion, peaRL of QataR, the buRj khaLifa, and the dubai metRo.

hrough qiality products ovement via research and environment

Stevin Rock LLC P.O. Box 559 Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971-7-2588666, Fax: +971-7-2588777 Email: stevin@emirates.net.ae Web: www.stevinrock.ae

Founded in 1975 as a 100% owned subsidiary of Dutch civil engineering company Volker Stevin, all rights to the business were purchased in May 1996 by His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, which began an era of consolidation, expansion and strengthening. In 2004, as a 99% government-owned company, it became Stevin Rock LLC, and a new board was formed.

Delivering the highest quality material to some of the leading developers and construction companies inside and outside the Gulf region, Stevin Rock produces: • High-grade limestone and gabbro rock, concrete and asphalt aggregates for the construction industry, including Armour Rock (1.0+ tonne material), Small Armour (1001,000kg) and core material (<1.0 tonne material) • Crushed aggregates • Lime kiln feedstock • Cement kiln feedstock Khor Khuwair is the largest of Stevin Rock’s quarries and, with an output capacity of 27 million tonnes per annum and reserves of over four billion tonnes,

T

he company got to work straight away, planning the project in a set of phrases: the first phase was a 266km long western stretch between Al Ruwais and Shah that would connect

Ruwais with Habshan by 2013, and would further link Habshan with Shah by 2014. The second phase would connect Abu Dhabi with Dubai and provide links to Jebel Ali port, Mussaffah and Khalifa port, and the third and final phase would then serve as an

SOLID AS A ROCK

We are the leading quarry operator in the Middle East for over 40 years, with an unparalleled reputation for quality, consistency and reliability in both our products and customer service.

extension to link to the northern emirates.

The intentions for the railway was to not only free up traveling within the UAE, but to provide essential links with the other six countries of the GCC: The Kingdom of Bahrain, The State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and UAE. This wider networked has been dubbed the Gulf Railway, or GCC Railway, with each country taking responsibility for their pieces of the puzzle. In total, the entire GCC Railway is designed to have a length of 2,177 km, at an estimated cost of US$ 250 billion. It is scheduled to be completed by 2021, in keeping with the UAE’s own plans.

Of course, since the railway was designed, trade contact between Qatar and the rest of the GCC has met stumbling blocks. The other GCC nations voted to boycott Qatar in terms of trade and travel

62 | Endeavour Magazine

is one o the wo geology regular planes, highest and geo for conc applicat the very Further art e transpor can ex tonnes maintai have co 470,000 continu materia barge, s quarry’s Strict e stage of to the minimis Al Gha unique primari Gulf an

ETIHAD RAIL NETWORK on the grounds that the country supposedly supported terrorism

UAE Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

– accusations that Qatar deny. These fractured relationships have

The UAE Vision 2021 is a set of goals proposed by H.H. Sheikh

raised a serious issue for this cooperative infrastructure project,

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime

and it seems that healing is not expected to appear on the horizon

Minister of the UAE, at the closing of a Cabinet meeting in 2010.

any time soon: rejecting its part in the group build, the Qatari

The goals aim to raise the UAE up as one of the best countries in

railway company Oman Rail has begun work on an independent

the world by 2021, a date picked to mark the Golden Jubilee of the

domestic line that will not meet up with the connecting elements

Union. It is a passion for the Sheikh to see this vision come to pass,

of the GCC Railway.

and so the objectives have become an integral element across the

With the future of negotiations between these nations still

board of UAE industry and life.

unclear, Etihad Rail has no options except to continue. Once

For Etihad Rail, this means the network must not only come

complete, it is hoped that the state-of-the-art railway will act as a

to completion, but must operate at a world-class standard. This

catalyst for economic growth by redefining logistics and transport

is also a requirement if trains are going to win a place in people’s

in the region and providing a service that is safe, sustainable and

lifestyle choices when it comes to transport; the country has a

reliable. At a cost of Dh40 billion, the 1,200 km network will

strong and extensive road system, meaning that trains will need to

connect major industrial zones, cities and ports together. In the

be a reliable and pleasant alternative if they hope to attract their

meantime, the works themselves are providing jobs for thousands

predicted numbers and achieve their aims in terms of reducing car

of people, and will continue to provide jobs once complete.

emissions. On paper, the railway is projected to serve about 16

The project is not only taking place to fulfil the GCC’s collective

million passengers and 50 million tons of freight.

vision, but also as a part of the UAE government’s mission to

The freight side of their operations is more assured. Emirates

diversify their country’s economy, as they outline in their announced

Steel has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to use

64 | Endeavour Magazine

the network as their main mode of transport for their steel, and

railway will impact lives both nationally and internationally. With

the freight trains will also carry goods such as hydrocarbons,

improved connectivity between people, businesses, resources and

aluminium, rocks, cement and iron. To handle such loads, special

countries, it seems likely that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

heavy haul freight trains were built for Etihad Rail by American

Al Maktoum’s vision for the already high-achieving UAE will come

company Electro-Motive Diesel, and PCM Strescon Overseas

to pass. In many ways an inspiration in terms of their construction

Ventures of India were awarded a contract to design and build a

and industry, it will be exciting to watch what the UAE achieves

sleeper manufacturing facility and railway sleepers for the network.

once new logistical avenues open up to its people. We’ll certainly

Of course, building a new railway system involves more than

be paying attention here at Endeavour, and we suggest companies

simply putting the physical elements in place. Staff must be hired

and investors the world over do the same!

and trained ready to operate the system smoothly, and when that system is a country first, new laws must be put in place as well.

UAE’s Ministry of Public Works has been hard at it creating federal rail regulations to govern and protect the operation of the railway, and received approval from the cabinet to also work on supporting laws that will not only deal with the rail operations, but will also cover requirements such as land acquisition and compensation.

Naturally, whilst they have the power to work on these laws, any proposed laws must be ratified by the Government before going into effect.

It has been years in the making, but on completion, UAE’s

Endeavour Magazine | 65

AUTOMOTIVES PEUGEOT 508 SW GT BLUEHDI 180 AUTO

P

eugeot have really upped their game in recent years, and I am delighted that they have re-earned the respect we

knew they deserved. The 508 Estates are a game-changer for Peugeot, and they are already frightening their pricier competition.

In short, the 508 is an attractive car that also delivers great driving. The aggressive yet beautiful front end is framed by 100% LED light units, which set off this car a treat.

Often, a saloon’s estate counterpart is the ugly big sister of the family, but not so here - the estate version of the 508 actually looks better, and you don’t notice any extra weight when driving. It is quality both on the inside and out, and I just love the stitching on the seats and all the cubby holes. When you drive a lot of cars, it’s the little things that stick in your mind and push a car into a different league.

The 508 series provide a great drive thanks to their spread of strong and capable engines with really attractive price tags.

The 508 SW is solid on the road with assuring suspension. The car makes easy

space a-plenty, with pleasant and attractive

big - it’s just not as big as some of the

work of everything, from back roads to fast

surfaces of soft-touch plastics with nice

squarer cars. In fact, the 508 doesn’t have

motorways; I didn’t find any road conditions

design details. Ours came with the optional

any more boot space than the smaller

it didn’t eat up with ease. It is an involving

full-length panoramic sunroof, which is

308 SW, but makes up for this by offering

drive which is rewarding and satisfying.

stunning and really lights up the space. The

luxurious amounts of space everywhere else

The 508’s interior is top drawer, and a

boot isn’t as big as some of the competition,

in the car.

huge improvement from years gone by. It’s

but that’s to be expected from the fantastic

Peugeot are not only keeping up with the

gratifying to see such high quality achieved

silhouette lines Peugeot has achieved. Don’t

competition at last, but embarrassing some

within this budget range. The cabin has

get me wrong, the boot is still monumentally

of the more expensive German models.

66 | Endeavour Magazine

Dare I say, this is the best medium range

mirrors, an ultrasonic alarm and 18-inch

estate version, and rightly so, as it looks the

model that Peugeot has offered us for the

alloy wheels. Inside, there’s automatic dual-

best and is the most practical. It is around

last twenty years.

zone air conditioning and a seven-inch

£1200 more than the saloon, but this is

multifunction

money well spent.

One of the ways it scores over its rivals

colour

touchscreen

from

is that Peugeot build in plenty of standard

where you can control a DAB digital radio,

equipment at modest prices. Even entry-

satellite navigation and Bluetooth for your

level ‘Active’ car gets LED daytime running

mobile phone.

lights, rear parking sensors, auto headlamps

I would expect the majority of the 508

and wipers, tinted glass, power-folding

customers to choose the more flexible SW

RRP £26,370 to around £35,000.

Endeavour Magazine | 67

PETROSERV LTD WWW.PETROSERV-LIMITED.COM // 00974 4419 0333

BUILDING THE QATAR OF TOMORROW Petroserv is a company that has garnered itself an enviable reputation within a highly competitive industry, but at no point has the market dulled its shareholders’, board of directors’, executive management’s and staff’s enthusiasm for quality and progress. Chief amongst the executives is Tarek Malhas, Oil & Gas Business Unit Manager; Endeavour spoke with Tarek to further understand what sets Petroserv apart.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

PETROSERV LTD

Before we even take a look at the extensive experience

within the oil and gas industry that Tarek Malhas has demonstrated, one thing stood out immediately when speaking with him - a philosophy that he works in accordance with every day: “Together, we safely deliver.”

Y

ou might be wondering what grabbed our attention about this rather modest mantra, and we’ll tell you. It’s the fact that Petroserv clearly operates, as a whole, with this tune

at the forefront of all projects. When a large organisation is able to maintain such focus on collaborative practices for collective success, you know you’ve hit on a very special company indeed.

Malhas is an integral part of the executive members that are collectively steering the strategy - speaking about him, Petroserv were proud to reveal that; “Tarek Malhas is a certified project management professional with two engineering degrees and 24 years-experience in oil and gas, throughout ten countries across five continents: Middle East, Europe, U.S.A, North Africa and Australia. The company embraced executive restructuring in 2016 and Tarek came on board to take over the management and further development of the Oil & Gas Business Unit.”

Whilst a striking track record, nothing speaks more eloquently than proven leadership, which Malhas has in droves. He is well versed in drawing out the best in his team through “vision, communication, inspiration and teamwork. Amongst all, remaining positive in negative circumstances and turning them into opportunities.”

In terms of what Malhas has added to Petroserv’s Oil & Gas Business Unit, it is vital to first understand exactly what the company does. In a nutshell, we are looking at a fully specialised

70 | Endeavour Magazine

operation that is able to service a wide range of clients with high level engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation and construction across various divisions; civil, infrastructure, and oil & gas. Malhas was quick to point out some more impressive credentials of this fast-moving operation; “Petroserv limited is ISO 9001: 2008, ISO 14001: 2004 and OHSAS 18001: 2007 certified, while being a wholly owned Qatari company and one of the leading EPIC contractors in the State of Qatar. Founded back in 1978, Petroserv has proven track record with a large variety of Qatari and international clients including: Qatar Petroleum (QP), , QAFCO, QAFAC, QALCO, Qatalum, QCHEM, RLOC, WOQOD, QVC, , Qatar Steel, Qatar Gas, Qatar Armed Forces, Ashghal (Public Works Authority), Kahramaa (Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation), Private Engineering Office (PEO), , Siemens, , CCIC, Saipem, Hyundai and Iberdrola.”

There’s certainly no debating these credentials, but qualified or not, managing work from a range of international companies comes with its challenges. How does Petroserv manage this vast range of work? The answer is simple; in addition to the multiple divisions offering a spectrum of services, Petroserv is part of the Aperture Group Management, which houses under its umbrella other thriving companies such as the Spanish ECISA and Harinsa, Road Bridge, Bothar, Quanto Bello, TDGISERV, Petroserv International, Delta

NOBODY DOES

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in Qatar, covering various We are proud to beindustrial the leading source of reliable en sectors. We are currently executing Eniprom Trading and Services is a specialist provider Oil, Gas and other Energy sectors. contracts involving the Supply of SteelTogether with our track record in project execution covering Supply Ch Pipes, Spools,TheFittings, Valves as well as innovative way Eniprom adopts to meet our cus extensive range ofour products on offer and by the c Steel Plates. anWe also have Teams the downstream sectors. executing in-situ work that involves Our area of Expertise: Supply Chain Management, O special welding of Pipeand Joints as well as are among th maintenance Revamping services FBE Coating ENIPROM…. and Internal These YourLining. partner in Quality, Technology are related to projects for QP, QAFAC, KAHRAMAA and ASHGHAL. We are working closely with “Petroserv” on many of these projects and we look forward to maintaining this successful cooperation in the years to come.

ENIPROM TRADING AND SERVICES 12221 Doha, Q

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We are proud to be the leading source of reliable energy solutions in the state of Qatar and across the region.

Eniprom Trading and Services is a specialist provider of Technical Services, Industrial products and Engineering support for the Oil, Gas and other Energy sectors. Together with our global partners and associate companies, Eniprom possess an excellent track record in project execution covering Supply Chain Management and Engineering Services.

The innovative way Eniprom adopts to meet our customers’ expectations is supported by a solid Quality Management system, an extensive range of products on offer and by the comprehensive service package that we provide for both the upstream and the downstream sectors.

Our area of Expertise: Supply Chain Management, Oilfield services, Welding & Fabrication Work, Engineering support, Plant maintenance and Revamping services are among the activities that ENIPROM is actively involved in.

ENIPROM…. Your partner in Quality, Technology and Success.

ENIPROM TRADING AND SERVICES 12221 Doha, Qatar, Tel: +974 444 11868, Fax: +974 441 10000 Email: sales@eniprom.com Endeavour Magazine | 71

PETROSERV LTD Corporation, Oriental Trading Co., Petroserv LTD Trading Division,

endeavour to turn them into opportunities by thinking outside the

Petroserv Controls & Communications, Qatar Lubricants Company

box, finding alternative solutions, diversifying our portfolio and

LTD (QALCO) and Q-Air Global, all delivering in harmonised sync

maintaining good relationships with the financial institutions that

and synergy as a global operation far beyond Qatar. Perhaps this is

support our operations.”

why, like the many other resilient Qatari companies we have spoken

It seems like such a simple solution, to tackle challenging

with, Petroserv seem optimistic and un-phased by the challenges

market conditions with positivity and amiable professionalism, but

of the gruelling times in the region and the circumstances in Qatar.

this is one of the approaches that makes Petroserv and its group

“Let us start by quoting that the year 2017 is characterized

so different and appealing. That, and an absolute commitment to

by Deloitte as “the slow road back”. “The Qatar Ministry of

serving up the very best and highest quality of work possible;

Development, Planning and Statistics (MDPS) expects that 2017

“At Petroserv Limited, our success is strongly attributed to the

will remain healthy at 3.8% economic growth and that stalled

quality of the services we provide and the level of client satisfaction

projects are seeing light”. On a positive note, Qatar continues its

being achieved. Our prime purpose is to supply, deliver and manage

growth rate with plans of increasing hydrocarbon sales and thus

projects with quality and timely completion, whilst causing zero

offering a wide range of prospects to contractors and service

harm to anyone, any assets or the environment. We are geared up

providers.”

for the future prospects the industry will unfold.”

“The Qatar market is competitive and, as accustomed, survival

‘Geared up’ is right, as with a dedicated team of 3500 staff in

is for the fittest, but at no doubt; our pencil is always sharpened to

place, along with its track record and experience, Petroserv is well

maintain a feasible edge. Challenges are always there, especially as

placed to handle any future challenges - but it isn’t simply waiting

we work in an environment of EPC design engineering, procurement

for them to happen. Instead, this forward-thinking company is

and construction where scope may creep and project delay costs

consistently investing in the people that directly contribute to the

could mount up. As for obstacles, we as a group of companies

continued stewardship of the impeccable company reputation;

72 | Endeavour Magazine

“Petroserv promotes from within, as well as acquiring

On a further note, Petroserv continues to enhance its project

experienced talents from the industry. Structured training is

backlog by tendering assertively into new projects including, but

available to employees through external specialised consultants, as

not limited to, venturing into the Operation / Maintenances and

well internally through hands on experience in the field.”

Assets Management arenas. Add in a clear desire to diversify the

As a widely respected global operation, it is not surprising that Petroserv have a host of exciting new projects on the horizon.

Malhas eloquently explained some of the more interesting developments;

interests of the company as much as possible, and you have one thing; a recipe for future success.

With Malhas at the leading front of the of Oil & Gas Business Unit, as well as other sharp executives in the other business units

“Petroserv, as a licenced holder for LPG /SNG systems, has

along with the direction of the Managing Director Mr. Barry Miles,

recently signed a memorandum of understanding with National

it’s little wonder that Petroserv is the upstanding operation that it

Gas of Oman (NGC) to mutually develop in Qatar the business of

is and more than that, a guiding force for competitors, as to the

LPG/SNG. The focus of this agreement is mainly on conversion

necessary standards they have to meet in keeping up.

projects substituting diesel running facilities with LPG/SNG,

This is one group that we look forward to keeping an eye on,

building LPG / SNG networks and projects as well as maintenance

as something tells us that while the first 40 years of operation

& asset management of existing LPG installations.

has been nothing but a success story, the next 40 will be even

“Also, in collaboration with a partner from South Africa, M/s

greater.

Enserve, Petroserv has formed a comprehensive environmental management service that includes a fugitive emission monitoring and control program using infrared technology, designed specifically to monitor, control and reduce volatile organic compound emissions.”

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Endeavour Magazine | 73

SURINAM AIRWAYS WWW.FLYSLM.COM // 00597 465700

TRUSTED WINGS For 55 years now, Surinam Airways has given the nation wings, both internally and overseas. As Surinameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national airline, the company has grown from a modest concept into the proud flag carrier for the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transport and trade. Whilst they celebrate their 55-year anniversary, we caught up with Surinam Airways to see whether this journey has been smooth flying, or whether there has been any turbulence along the way.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

SURINAM AIRWAYS

Surinam Airways is a part of the Surinaamse Luchtvaart

Maatschappij (SML) Group – a government body that takes care of all things aviation. They state their mission as: “To be an innovative, product-oriented organization where honourable, empowered, and loyal staff provide customers with our Surinamese hospitality.” It is a simple, focused goal that carries an ethos of excellence into every aspect of the company’s operations, not only in the provision of their air services, but also in their support of the nation’s communities and the sharing of their success.

S

urinam Airways have been in operation for longer than modern Suriname has enjoyed its independence. When they were founded, the nation was under Dutch rule, only attaining

freedom in 1975. Like many early years of independence, the change led to a politically rocky and socially turbulent time. However, the split from the Dutch government was remarkably amicable, with supportive aid provided for the Surinamese economy whilst it found its feet in the first ten years.

The Dutch also had a hand in the forming of Surinam Airways, but it was an enterprise dreamt up and made possible through Surinamese ambition. The origins for the company were born out of a plan made by local pilot Ronald ‘Rudi’ Kappel and owner of Surname’s 7Up factory, Herman van Eyck. The two entrepreneurs wanted to create faster connections between Surinamese cities, no longer content with the limits of train transportation. In 1955,

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the pair took matters into their own hands and began using private aircraft to connect between Paramaribo, the country’s capital, and Moengo, site of the country’s first bauxite mine. This aid to industry continued for seven years, until in the summer of 1962, the Government of Surinam bought out the enterprise and renamed it the Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij (SLM).

Following the creation of SLM, the Surinamese Government decided to build upon what Kappel and Eyck had started by adding

SURINAM AIRWAYS a high number of official flight paths and landing areas that opened

and efficiently, which they accomplish by following the highest

up the centre of the country. The company also invested in several

standards of quality, safety and security in all administrative,

Bell 47G helicopters – a model also used for irrigation in several

operational and technical processes across the board. This careful

rice districts. Two years later, the airline went beyond internal

adherence to regulations and SLM’s own high standards is achieved

flights and began to operate internationally. This was initiated by

through constant training for all employees geared towards

the Dutch, with the first international location being the Dutch

their personal roles within the team, to make sure that everyone

Caribbean island of Curaçao. This flight path was maintained

performs to the very best of their ability. This training also allows

through an agreement between SLM and Dutch companies ALM

SLM to promote their culture of conscientiousness and a proud

Antillean Airlines and Royal Dutch Airlines. The route also had stops

work ethic. Achievements from staff are well rewarded, whilst

in Georgetown, Guyana and Port of Spain, Trinidad, which both

errors are treated as an opportunity to learn and grow.

needed manning. Originally, SLM’s involvement in this cooperative

The great care that is taken in the training and support of staff

effort was limited to providing cabin crew and marketing activities,

goes beyond Surinam Airways to extend to all employees under

but as time passed, this involvement grew to include pilots.

the SLM umbrella. Whilst the two are often seen as synonymous,

In November 1975, Suriname finally achieved independence

people forget that Surinam Airways is only one facet of the SLM

from the Netherlands and SLM was named the national airport

Group as a whole; as well providing airline services themselves,

for the new republic. In the years since, the airline has expanded

SLM has every aspect of the flight experience covered by its

its destinations and, of course, its fleet numbers. Still going strong

subsidiaries, including Surair Catering Services, Surair Ground

today, Surinam Aviation have recently invested in several new

Services, Surair Aircargo Services and Residence Inn Hotels.

aircraft and maintain their reputation as a reliable and worthy

Unlike the government-owned SLM, the group’s subsidiaries are

National Carrier for the country.

independent Surinamese businesses, which allows them more

SLM are committed to conducting their operations safely

78 | Endeavour Magazine

freedom to operate with flexibility and, importantly, to respond

quickly to market developments. However, SLM ultimately

dedicates itself to protecting biodiversity in Suriname. In particular,

oversees the operation of these subsidiaries, determining their

the foundation works in protected areas, and aim to improve the

growth strategy and watching over their progress – through them,

well-being of future generations by working to limit and respond

the government serve as a ground control hub, but the companies

to environmental risks and ecological shortages caused by present

themselves are their own pilots.

actions.

As well as holding a responsibility towards their subsidiaries

It is clear that SLM are not a company that are only operating

and carrying the country’s aviation on their shoulders, Surinaamse

for themselves, nor only in the interest of the government. They

Luchtvaart Maatschappij know that their duty extends to the entire

do not even limit themselves to caring for the country’s aviation

people of Suriname. They contribute to the country’s economy

needs, but instead, by extension, the needs of the whole nation.

not only through the provision of jobs, but the smooth delivery

From business to the environment to social support, SLM are

of trade and tourism. On top of this, they also respect their duty

working to deliver Suriname into a stronger, better future, and they

to the environment and the wider world: in their own words, they

are taking them there on a carefully chartered course.

say, “We attach a lot of importance to sustainable development, originating from a clear awareness that we as a company are jointly responsible for humankind and environment on a broad basis.”

Their corporate responsibility policy calls for a steady balance between “the Three P’s of Profit, People and Planet”. Their efforts include sponsorship to various community initiatives in the country, getting involved in the arenas of education, sport, health, culture, environment and entertainment. They are also currently working closely with the Suriname Conservation Foundation (SCF), which

Endeavour Magazine | 79

GUYANA GOLDFIELDS WWW.GUYGOLD.COM // 001 416 628 5936

SETTING THE GOLD STANDARD The Republic of Guyana, a South American nation based on the northern coast of the continent, is not, for want of a better term, a household name. Then again, nor are many of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secrets.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

GUYANA GOLDFIELDS

A former British colony for a little over two centuries,

until it achieved independence in 1966, Guyana’s landscape and spectacular bio-diversity showcase the beauty of nature at its finest and most unspoiled. The peaks and plateaus of the Guiana Shield thrust out into the sky above a canopy of lush rainforest that blankets the land around it, and where this greenery doesn’t flourish, the country instead boasts otherworldly beaches and sweeping savannahs.

G

uyana’s natural gifts have provided the foundations upon which a thriving eco-tourism sector is emerging, but as the miners who have entered the country in recent years have

found to their delight, Guyana’s natural gifts are as bountiful below ground as they are above.

Guyana Goldfields, one of Canada’s most promising upand-coming junior miners, has discovered first-hand just how extraordinarily mineral-rich the Guiana Shield region is – an area stretching across tracts of territory in Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and Brazil. It is here that the company’s flagship project, the Aurora Gold Mine, is based, and make no mistake about it – Guyana Goldfields have struck gold.

“We announced commercial production in January 2016, and it represented our first full year of production with just over 151koz of gold. It’s been a great accomplishment and we’re pleased with the progress we’ve made thus far,” said Scott Caldwell, Guyana Goldfield’s President and CEO. He continued: “We also started 2017 off strong by producing just over 40koz in Q1’17 while maintaining an excellent health, safety and environmental track record, with over 3,000,000 hours accumulated without a lost time incident.”

Such considerable output from what is a truly world-class gold asset signals Guyana’s return to the top table of global gold mining.

With estimated reserves in excess of 3.2 million ounces to be mined over an initial 15-year lifespan, Aurora presently yields in the region of 150,000 ounces of gold per year on average. However, these

82 | Endeavour Magazine

GUYANA GOLDFIELDS figures, impressive as they might be, don’t tell the full story for one

Guyana Goldfields team have the means and resources to achieve

simple reason: they are conservative in nature, and don’t take into

this. However, what is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and

consideration vast, as of yet untapped ore reserves onsite, nor an

reassuring attributes of the company is that there is a commitment

expansion of Aurora’s processing facilities that upon completion

to getting to the top the right way, and to becoming one of the

will greatly increase production capacity.

sector’s premiere mining companies without compromising the

“We have ore reserves of 3.2 million ounces of gold, all very

environmental integrity of Guyana in any way. Once upon a time, the

high-grade at approximately three grams. Then there’s additional

gold mining sector had a poor reputation that, due to incompetence

resources that could potentially ramp up reserves to around 8

and malpractice, was well-deserved in many instances. Times have

million ounces – we have a further 5 million ounces where we

changed, however, and such negligence on the part of the mining

need to do more drilling and technical work to expand accessible

sector is for the most part now an unpleasant chapter in history,

ore reserves. Right now, we have a 15-year mine life, although in

but understandably a distrust of the sector lingers, especially in the

reality its lifetime could last a lot longer than that. We’re expanding

minds of the Guyanese who remember the Omai disaster in 1995.

the plant at a phenomenal rate from around 150-160,000 ounces

With this in mind, Guyana Goldfields has set-out to make itself a

to about 220,000+ ounces per year – we’ve just started that

valuable and conscientious component of the Guyanese economy

expansion, which will be a $42 million project and completed by

that not only contributes wealth to the country’s national coffers,

early 2018.”

but also invests in sustainable objectives that increase the quality

Constructed on time and on budget at a cost of US$250 million,

of living for the Guyanese people as a whole.

Aurora Gold Mine’s credentials place it firmly in the world-class

In every fibre and sinew of the company can be found an

category and signal Guyana’s return to the top table of big-ticket

overarching commitment to going about mining operations in a

gold producers. However, as Caldwell mentioned, what is most

socially and environmentally responsible manner, as Scott was

exciting to Guyana Goldfields and their investors is that this already

keen to iterate: “Our focus and efforts on CSR and sustainability is

top-tier asset hasn’t yet come close to realising its potential.

Indeed, realising this potential is the company’s foremost goal, and Guyana Goldfields is set to commit to a $6-8 million per annum spend on exploration and drill work which will not only incorporate brownfield work on the Aurora site but true grassroots greenfield exploration amongst other targets within their vast portfolio of assets in Guyana. Such a considerable outlay, along with the $42 million that has been set aside for the mill expansion, is a statement of intent on the part of Guyana Goldfields.

Technically speaking, Guyana Goldfields is, for all its strengths, a junior miner, but Scott and the rest of the team have far greater aspirations. And critically, the means are there to achieve organic growth through the drill-bit, mill expansion, and exploration, which will in-turn deliver a sufficient enough production increase to see Guyana Goldfields rise to the next level.

On this, Scott told us: “We believe, or at least hope that we’re going to find another deposit that will require us to build a new, second mill, and the goal is to organically grow from 220,000 ounces to maybe 300-400,000 ounces. But we’ve got to get drilling, then we’ll know if we’re going to be truly successful. There’s a lot of targets, we know there’s a lot of gold in the region, the question is can we find it and put it into production? If we do and we continue achieving organic growth, we can go to the next level and become the next mid-tier producer.”

In terms of capability and expertise, there is little doubt that the

84 | Endeavour Magazine

engrained. The company’s CSR Strategy, Community and National

got a great working relationship with the government and the

Initiatives target areas locally within our communities, and also on

local communities there. It’s a very friendly and supportive country

a national level that promote sustainable development in Guyana.

to do business. On the operations side - the mine is performing

We do a lot of work with children, in terms of investing in and

well, as is the mill and the processing plant. Our next focus is on

supporting educational efforts, and we also work with a number

the mill expansion which will bring our overall annual production

of indigenous communities on various initiatives. We invest in and

from 150koz of gold to over 200koz. Alongside that, we’re also

support schools and offer transportation to help kids get to school,

focused on organic growth through the drill bit and ramping up our

which can involve helping them travel by bus or by boat. Offering

exploration efforts to hopefully find that second mine”.

opportunity to children with a view to building a better future has been a central focus of ours.”

We also have a strategic investment in a company called Solgold PLC, a team that is based out in Brisbane, Australia. It

Through building relationships with local communities and

looks like they’ve found a huge porphyry copper-gold system in

taking great stride in operating in a conscientious manner to

Ecuador that looks very promising. Following our investment, we

eliminate any negative social or environmental impacts, Guyana

at Guyana Goldfields own about 7.2% of the company – clearly

Goldfields is winning hearts and minds. As they have shown,

as far as strategic investments go, it’s done quite well. All in all,

it is possible to marry commercial success with a socially and

everything’s looking pretty good. Things are going great at Aurora

environmentally responsible approach to doing business. Business

and our strategic investments are looking pretty good for us.”

is booming, and with gold prices continuing to rise it would be safe

Having worked with Guyana Goldfields over the years and

to say that over the short to medium-term, at least, the marketplace

having observed the company’s growth and development, it is hard

looks buoyant.

for us not to share Scott’s optimism.

When asked about what’s next for the company, Scott concluded: “We’re very happy working in the country, and we’ve

Endeavour Magazine | 85

TANZANIA CHAMBER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY WWW.TCME.OR.TZ // 255 22 2667594

DEDICATION TO THE CORE The mining industry in Tanzania is critical, in terms of supporting the local economy, so it makes perfect sense that an overseeing body would be put in place to protect the interests of everyone, at every level. Endeavour Magazine spoke with Gerald Mturi, Executive Head of the Tanzania Chamber of Minerals and Energy, to find out if there are any innovations or challenges on the horizon.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

TANZANIA CHAMBER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY

The Tanzania Chamber of Minerals and Energy may have only been brought into being in 1994, but don’t let their relatively short operating span fool you into believing that developments haven’t been made.

Originally founded in order to ensure that its members’ interests were represented within the Tanzanian mineral sector, the Chamber essentially gives a voice to everybody, from stakeholders through to investors and even mediates between governmental bodies and mining operations as well.

N

aturally, with communication playing a major role in the day-to-day business of the Chamber, highly experienced, dedicated and responsible professionals were needed to

get on board, and Gerald Mturi proved to be the exact calibre of management material required; “I have been an executive of the Chamber since September 2016, taking over from Eng. Emmanuel Jengo who worked for the TCME for 17 years. Before joining the TCME I worked for Resolute (Tanzania) Limited, a subsidiary of Resolute Mining Limited of Australia for 16 years in various capacities, and my background is firmly in accounting.”

It’s no mystery why Gerald was considered to be the man for the job. With a wealth of experience within the mining industry already and qualifications relating to high-level accounting, he was perfectly positioned to inject new life into the Chamber; “Currently we have about 42 members and are looking to expand when new projects come online. There is the potential to have more than 60 members in the next few years.”

We can well believe that expansion is on the cards, especially when you understand exactly who the Chamber seeks to represent and bring together; “The Chamber represents a broad spectrum of relevant players in the mining industry, including small-scale miners, individuals, service providers and international mining companies of all sizes who have identified Tanzania as a worthwhile place to invest their money. These companies are carrying out a range of activities within the mining sector from exploration to production.”

88 | Endeavour Magazine

PANAFRICAN GROUP

Mining is a complex industry to navigate, what with a number of different operational and investment tiers to take into account and then there’s the fact that Tanzania is a very attractive prospect for international investors as well. Being able to draw up a comprehensive communications strategy is vital; one that will reach local businesses as well as foreign parties, which is why promoting the current ongoing mining projects in the country is a top priority for Gerald, “As of now, we have five large scale gold mines and one large scale diamond mine. We have one world-class uranium project and one world class nickel project. These two are currently under care and maintenance, due to low commodity prices, but it’s expected that as soon as prices improve, mines will be constructed in the two project areas. There are also two advanced graphite projects and three others. There is one iron and one coal (advanced) project, and our plan is to develop them together. The coal project will feed a coal-fired power plant whose electricity will run a steel smelter to process the iron ore. There are also many other small and medium gold, rare earth and gemstone projects.“ Far from being a one-trick pony, Tanzania’s mining industry is offering a wide range of potential finds and savvy investors are

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Endeavour Magazine | 89

TANZANIA CHAMBER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY frequently seeing the sense in offering their knowledge and financial backing to mining operations within the country. As Gerald says,

“Encouraging all members to achieve best practice, in accordance with the Chambers commitments and in all aspects of

“Tanzania is a country where mining investors can come and

their business, with special emphasis on Occupational Health and

invest. The country has a rich geology with a lot of potential for

Safety (OH&S), environmental conservation and land management,

hosting world-class mines and it currently has a firm and strong

sustainable social development, commercial practices, building

Government, which is anti-corruption. We have just revived our

capacity in the workforce and working in partnership with

mining legislation and there are some piquant changes that people

educators and students.”

will definitely want to know about.”

This small part of the Chamber’s mission statement is a

You might be thinking that it’s a little strange that the Chamber

worthwhile endnote, as it succinctly demonstrates that Tanzania

would be so happy for external investors to come in, but regardless

is doing things that little bit differently. Safety, the future and

of where the funding comes from for new exploration projects, the

education are central concerns, and if that isn’t a good enough

benefits to local communities will always be felt, while also keeping

reason for outside investors to take some serious interest, then we

the industry as buoyant as possible. Gerald explained a little further,

don’t know what is.

“Mining provides employment, generates foreign exchange and

In terms of securing a profitable, informed and progressive

generates taxes for the country. Profits always eventually trickle

industry within Tanzania, Gerald and his team at the Chamber are

down to support social economic projects and give back to the

ready for whatever the future will bring, and will be consistently

communities close to successful projects.”

striving to improve the mining sector from the inside, out. We look

With a comprehensive mission in place to represent, educate,

forward to revisiting the chamber to see the results, especially

mediate and protect every facet of the mining industry in Tanzania,

when commodity prices improve and resting mines are opened

the Chamber of Minerals and Energy has been focussing on the

back up for new exploration projects.

elements that will best serve the interests of its members. Critically, this includes,

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www.shantagold.com Endeavour Magazine | 91

BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF MINES WWW.BCM.ORG.BW // 267 391 4685

MINING THEIR OWN BUSINESS Protecting the interests of a profitable industry is vital for the continued success and livelihood of any region, and the Botswana Chamber of Mines takes this responsibility exceptionally seriously. Endeavour Magazine interviewed Charles Siwawa, Chief Executive Officer, to understand exactly how the organisation seeks to support local mining interests.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF MINES

You might think that the mining industry can regulate

itself, but you would be overlooking a few key factors.

The competitive nature of the industry itself needs to be taken into account, but even more important is the constant education of those employed within the sector, as well as a stringent adherence to any and all legislation, both old and new.

I

t would have been a difficult task for individual operations

Naturally, we all know that periods of extended financial

to make sure they were at the forefront of any and all new

turbulence in recent years have had far and wide repercussions for

developments, which is why a number of minerals exploration

almost every industry, and mining is no different. Charles expanded;

and mining companies collaborated to form the Botswana Chamber

“The current state of the industry is rather subdued, as a result

of Mines. CEO, Charles Siwawa, explained further;

of the depressed commodities market that affected worldwide

“The Botswana Chamber of Mines is an organisation set up

prices. However, there are indications that the market is improving,

by the minerals exploration and mining companies with the sole

and this will eventually lead to a growth in the industry. The

mandate to represent the interests and needs of those companies.

challenges that we currently face are infrastructure development,

It also has the mandate to influence policy decisions and strategic

skills development and sustainability of the current cycle of the

intents within the government, non-governmental organisations

commodities market.”

and related bodies.”

He went on to elaborate as to the day-to-day business of the Chamber;

This succinct overview of the current troubles being faced by the mining industry shows just why the Chamber is so vital.

By installing one organisation to oversee everything, potential

“The organisation carries out its mandate locally through

shortfalls such as skills gaps and outdated infrastructure can be

engagement with entities within Botswana. We also participate

identified quickly and accounted for. Thanks to a cordial, respectful

in regional matters through Southern African Development

and mutually beneficial relationship with the government, the

Community (SADC) by way of engagement through the Mining

Botswana Chamber of Mines is able to make bold strides forward in

Industry Association of Southern Africa (MIASA). The BCM

its mandate to remain at the cutting edge of industry developments.

participates through the International Council on Mining and

It doesn’t overlook key Chamber staff in the process though:

Metals (ICMM) to assist in formulating policies and strategies for mining related issues at an international level.”

“The Botswana Chamber of Mines has a staffing body of about 30, inclusive of the training unit. It is our belief that the

Mineral exploration and mining is far from just being a regional

staff should be motivated sufficiently to perform their duties. In

interest area, as international policies have a role to play at a more

this light, we commit a certain percentage of our budget to staff

grass-roots level, and the Chamber of Mines is on hand to ensure a

development. We do not necessarily sit in the upper quarter of

seamless understanding and acceptance of them all.

the emolument curve within the country, but believe our staff to

94 | Endeavour Magazine

KHOEMACAU COPPER PROJECT CREATING SHARED VALUE Our vision is to design, build and operate a safe, reliable and highly mechanised mine that provides appropriate returns to our shareholders and creates value for all stakeholders.

By implementing our strategy and managing the project timeline, we intend to achieve better long-term outcomes through:

Optimising the starter project

Strengthening project execution

Enabling the project strategy

The improved, fit-for-purpose and sustainable execution plan will: Provide a safe and healthy work environment with the lowest possible technical and financial risk

Efficiently resource the project and operations based on mechanised mining principles

Nurture the right culture, capabilities and systems, developing a world class team in Botswana

All of which will benefit our stakeholders and contribute to developing a world class, modern underground mining operation in Botswana.

Unlocking the full potential of the Kalahari Copper Belt

BOTSWANA CHAMBER OF MINES be motivated sufficiently to undertake their functions effectively.

approach that makes Charles’ business philosophy of “Sticking to

In our endeavour, career progression will be encouraged from

the basic principles” so understandable and applaudable.

within the organisation and we only import skills we cannot attain from within.”

Refreshing, no? Despite being in place for the benefit of a definitive industry, the staffing body of the Chamber is not

So, what does the future hold for the Botswana Chamber of Mines? With green initiatives and eco-concerns being something of a pandemic in the business world, Charles and his team are already making efforts to get on board with new ideas, as he divulged;

overlooked, with incentives firmly in place to reward those that

“Botswana, through its international engagements, was the

strive for better. This is a direct reflection of Charles’ management

third country in the world, outside Canada, to adopt the Towards

style, which he developed whilst employed by one of the Chamber’s

Sustainable Mining (TSM) principle in 2016, which looks at the

member companies;

Safety and Health of its employees and the environment in which

“I built up my leadership credentials in one of the member

it operates.”

companies, Debswana Diamond Company, where I spent over

A fantastic start, no doubt, but Charles didn’t stop there. Along

a quarter of a century developing my skills. One has to lead by

with TSM principles and reduced commodity prices necessitating

example and ensure that you drive the right principles within the

a look at how to maintain the sustainability of the industry, the

organisation. It has to be what is right, irrespective of going against

Botswana Chamber of Mines has some fantastic innovations

the tide at the time of implementation, provided the long-term

on the horizon;

strategy is achieved.”

“In collaboration with the Government of Botswana, the

Having been in position since the Chamber’s inception in

Chamber is looking at base metals beneficiation within the

2010, Charles was ready for the role, yet consistently attributes

country. Some progress has been made in terms of drawing up

the success of the operation to the members that formed and

plausible strategies for achieving this. In addition, the Chamber is

continued to support it. It’s this open, inclusive and modest

looking at Foreign Direct Investment as a vehicle to diversify the

Driven by your success

+267 392 8343 komatsu.co.bw 96 | Endeavour Magazine

economy through utilising the combined purchasing power of the mining industry. In essence, the industry would like to encourage manufacturing processes within the country to support the mining industry achieve its sustainability efforts.”

Plus, there’s that skills gap to fill as well, which has led to “a tripartite arrangement between the Government of Botswana, GIZ and Botswana Chamber of mines/ Vocational skills are being developed that will be deployed in the industry to ensure the right quality skills are available for mining.”

It’s all very well celebrating current successes, but the truly business-savvy organisations are always looking to the future.

The Botswana Chamber of Mines has a purpose and we know that Charles and his team won’t deviate from it, which is why we look forward to reporting on the inevitable serious upturn in mining profitability in the region in the near future.

Endeavour Magazine | 97

AMAZING WORLD THE WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE

N

ature operates on a delicate balance;

to 31, the wolves transported to the North

becoming available, and these resulted in

when it goes wrong, it goes really

American park from Canada. It was a move

a rising bird population. The 3,500-sq. mile

wrong. Ecosystems and food chains

that had controversial feedback, especially

park now not only boasts healthier bird

are one of our planet’s many such balancing

from local farmers who were concerned

numbers, but has gained several species that

acts - however, much like the Force in

about

previously weren’t protected by it - and the

George Lucas’ universe, breathtaking results

However, the impact on the park itself has

are possible if the balance can be restored.

been celebrated by zoologists and the public

Yellowstone National Park, USA, is a

the

impact

on

their livestock.

alike.

change didn’t stop there.

A particularly surprising development from the introduction of wolves is the

microcosmic demonstration of this. Through

After the wolves were introduced, deer

adding an element that seems destructive,

began to avoid certain areas of the park,

Increased plant-life has resulted in soil that

the park has been able to flourish. Not only

knowing that these areas were no longer

is better equipped to withstand erosion,

has the park’s food-chain benefitted at

safe from the new predators. In the short

which is keeping the park’s rivers on course.

every level, but even the land’s geography

term, a new threat to the deer sounds like

All of this, in turn, benefits the wildlife and

has improved thanks to these helpful, once

a negative – however, areas that the deer

plant life further.

endangered predators.

began avoiding were suddenly protected

The park’s water systems have also been

In 1926, the last wolves of Yellowstone

from their grazing and the trampling of

protected in another way. Beavers had been

were killed, and in 1995, 14 grey wolves

their hooves, meaning more plants were

extinct in the park region, which covers

were finally re-introduced in the National

able to grow. This boom of vegetation, in

land in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, for

Park. Between 1995-96, this number rose

turn, resulted in more berries and insects

many years. The rise in plant-life has finally

98 | Endeavour Magazine

protection

of

the

park’s

riverbanks.

of wolves (with roughly ten wolves to a pack), which experts say represent the 2.2 million-acre park’s full wolf capacity. The creatures have flourished in the protected environment, showing no fear of humans and often viewed by eager tourists. They are also observed by zoologists, who are able to use this rare sample to study the wolves’ behaviour when not affected by captivity or human interference.

However, whilst the parkland itself is protected, the states around it are allowing more hunting in response to wolves who venture beyond Yellowstone to attack nearby livestock. Hopefully, this pattern will teach wolves not to venture beyond park lines and the remaining hassle-free packs will continue to thrive. However, on top of the losses of wolf life, the hunting threatens to impact on their behaviour and therefore disrupt the research being conducted.

Needless to say, there are tensions between the scientists of Yellowstone and local farm owners. Thankfully, though, even with this threat, experts are no longer worried about the grey wolves becoming extinct.

In the movie Amadeus (Forman, 1984), Mozart responds to the critique that his music has “too many notes” with the retort that every note is precisely where it needs to be. Whether this exchange is fact or fiction, the same words could be said about nature; whilst adaption is the key to survival, each aspect of an eco-system brought beavers back to Yellowstone, and

wasn’t

relies on every other, and Yellowstone is a

with them, their dams. Beaver dams raise the

violence-free, of course. Unfortunately,

clear demonstration that adding – or taking

water table, making a better environment

that’s how food chains work: as well as

away – an element can have a monumental

for many plants, birds and amphibians, but

hunting the deer and elk, the wolves

domino effect (or butterfly effect, in fact.)

the lack of trees from too many deer and

fought with their competitors, the coyote.

It is a lesson worth bearing in mind as we

elk had put too much pressure of these

However, this enabled a rise in the coyote’s

try to navigate the protection of our planet,

essential and industrious little creatures.

usual prey and smaller rivals: red foxes,

but it is positive encouragement, perhaps, to

The beaver population is still recovering, but

weasels, badgers, hawks, and even America’s

see that as soon as it regains what it needs,

their return signals a sigh of relief for the

great bald eagles.

nature is quick to restore itself to the way it

park’s biodiversity.

The

rising

wolf

population

The park now supports ten packs

is intended to be.

Endeavour Magazine | 99

COLON IMPORT AND EXPORT WWW.COLIMP.COM // 00507 439 1300

A HISTORY IN PROSPERITY Colón Import & Export’s origins lie in barter between Europe and the indigenous communities of Kuna Yala in the archipelago of San Blas.

What began as the simple trade of European appliances and local coastal resources grew with the opening of the Panama, and has continued to grow since. Now a full-scale operation trading out of the Colón Free Zone, Colón Import and & Export have responded with ambition and initiative to every development they’ve faced along the way. We took a closer look at their history and the shape of operations today.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

COLON IMPORT AND EXPORT Colon Import & Export (CIE) was founded in 1912 on the

Caribbean coast of Panama. In these early days, the main activity for the company was the trade of European goods such as fabrics, threads, lamps, stoves and utensils, in exchange for Kuna Yala goods such as tortoiseshell, balata, Ipecac and coconuts. CIE were already ahead of their times, as the Panama Canal was not yet open to trade traffic – this developed two years later, in 1914. The new route allowed Colón Import & Export to trade in greater amounts and with eased logistics, but beyond this, it made no great change to the way they did business. In fact, they continued in their steady pace until the event of the Second World War, which no trade business could weather unimpacted.

W

ith war-torn waters and the demand for luxury items drying up, the previously content company had to think fast: they responded by opening up a hardware store in

Columbus, which succeeded in being prosperous during the war years – a success that was, in part, due to their work servicing the ships that passed through the Panama Canal. It was the largest store of its kind in the region, meaning it was capable of providing for large military vessels, proving the assertion that for savvy minds, there is always money to be made in wartime.

When the global conflict finally drew to an end, Columbus’ businesses began to look to the future. A group of businessmen from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce approached the president of Panama with a proposal; a “Free Zone” to allow more fruitful trade by sanctioning an area in which goods may land, be handled, manufactured, reconfigured and re-exported without the intervention of customs authorities. Amongst those who approached president Enrique Jimenez was Mr. Herbert Toledano, then the director of CIE. The president agreed, and in 1948 the Colón Free Zone started operations.

The Free Zone was a huge success. It was and is the largest free zone in the Americas and the second largest in the world. Linking the railways, airports, sea ports and the Panama Canal, it was an ideal location that allowed for quicker and more profitable business.

CIE wwere one of the first companies to operate in the area; as well

102 | Endeavour Magazine

COLON IMPORT AND EXPORT as continuing their hardware business, they also diversified and expanded into paints, chemicals and liquor.

Colón Import & Export’s new MIT facilities cover 50,000 square meters of office and storage areas, doubling CIE’s previous

The company’s next transformation came in 1959, when they

capacity. It is a vast operation, serving primarily as a warehouse

became contracted as a dedicated storage and logistics service

for pharmaceuticals, electronics, chemicals, agrochemicals, liquor

for the company Geigy. In 1979, the company then moved to its

and other valuable goods. The facility’s services are designed to

new location in the Free Zone France Field – as with the Colón

provide storage options to customers, mainly electronics and

Free Zone, they were quick off the mark, only the second company

pharmaceutical companies or companies dealing in fast-moving

to settle in this new area. As they continued to grow and global

consumer goods, which use the fiscal and logistics benefits of

markets became increasingly affluent, they expanded further,

the Republic of Panama for the distribution and redistribution of

first to Miami in 1985 and then to Uruguay in 1995, covering the

products to the Caribbean and South America. The platform allows

Caribbean and South American markets respectively.

the concentration of customers’ orders in one central location,

Most recently, the booming company has set up its latest

facilitating and reducing the cost of order handling.

facilities at the MIT Logistics Park, built to the highest American

The facility itself is state of the art, boasting the latest in

standards to serve the growing customer base who wish to utilize

refrigeration and cooling technology, printing, packaging and

the Colón Free Zone afresh. Its strategic position in the American

assemblage technology, and even fire protection systems that are

hemisphere gives it a competitive edge over other Trade Free

designed to meet the highest international standards of quality

Zones – one that is as relevant now as it was when it was founded

and safety. This has become expected for CIE – as their history

decades earlier. Another benefit of working out of this Zone is

had shown, they push ever to adapt and thrive in shifting markets

that it allows CIE to offer customers the service of importing and

and a changing world, and they are as invested to staying ahead

holding their products before export, without this changing their

today as ever. To that end, the company responds to the increasing

ever-important “place of origin” certificate.

speed and competitiveness in the logistics sector by constantly

104 | Endeavour Magazine

innovating their processes, infrastructure, information systems and communication, technology and their trained personnel.

Everything in corrugated cardboard

As just one of their many facilities, this latest addition to Colón’s empire shows just how far they have come from their simple beginnings. With over 500 employees, it is one of the largest employers in the Colón province, which itself only has 250,000 residents. The company is also able to boast one of the highest staff retention rates in Panamas, with staff training and wellbeing a high priority.

Overall, CIE’s history shows that they have risen from success to success by seizing opportunities early, be they getting involved as soon as a Free Zone opens, having the innovation to trade in San Blas before the Panama even took traffic, or the impressive feat of turning their hands to supporting the WW2 effort and somehow making a profit in the process. Speed and initiative are key in the logistics sector, and as their story has shown, CIE have a legacy of owning these qualities in crateloads.

+(507) 204-3500 +(507) 430-1622 www.ecsabox.com Panama

Endeavour Magazine | 105

ADWEA WWW.ADWEA.AE

POWERING PROGRESS Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d need to have been living under a rock to not notice that Abu Dhabi is in the midst of some radical changes. In line with a vision to embrace a new community structure by 2030, everyone has a part to play, so Endeavour Magazine took a look at one of the major contributors to the project; the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

ADWEA

When researching exactly who and what the Abu Dhabi

Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) is, it was impossible to avoid a key phrase that kept cropping up, in connection with this vital Government-owned operation.

A

DWEA is defined by its own determination to ‘shape the future’ and to do so, everybody involved acknowledges the

Established by Dr M H Ali Elsaie in Kuwait 1965 Registered in Abu Dhabi 1970 & in Sultanate of Oman since 1975 Established in Egypt 1983 Over 375 projects. Total Projects Value in hand US$ 26,236,000,000

importance of understanding how Abu Dhabi has progressed

and how much more it can accomplish, “Only 70 years ago, Abu Dhabi was primarily a Bedouin village focused on herding, fishing and pearl diving. The cultural and economic acceleration that we’ve recently witnessed is unparalleled in the world today. As we strive to meet the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision, ADWEA is not only dedicated to providing the water and electricity the Emirate needs, but also the guidance,

SUR Desalination Plant (IWP) Oman

Al Mirfa Power & Desalination Plant, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

collaboration and partnership that’s needed to help Abu Dhabi reach its full potential.”

It should come as no surprise that any community wishing to develop, innovate and move with the times needs to be able to rely on consistent and efficient energy resources and that is the crux of what ADWEA promises. Constantly looking for new ways

Sporting Clubs - Kuwait

Infrastructures - Al Reef Villas, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

www.elsaie-engineering.com UNITED ARAB EMIRATES EGYPT SULTANATE OF OMAN DR. M.H. ALI ELSAIE CONSULTING CONSULTING ENGINEERING UNIVERSAL CONSULTING ENGINEERS (AES) COMPANY (CEC) ENGINEERING (UCE) Abu Dhabi E-mail: elsaiebulkymail@gmail.com E-mail: elsaie@omantel.net.om E-mail: elsaie@emirates.net.ae Tel: +202 22579533 / Tel: +968 24479018 Tel: +971-26272762 22574940

to ensure economic and sustainable ways to produce, distribute and even consume water and electricity, the Authority is far more than a simple utilities operation; it is the lifeblood of a fast-moving and energetic community of people that share a progressive vision. Naturally, the Abu Dhabi Government has recognised the importance of what ADWEA does and as such, owns the Authority, but allows it to be financially and administratively independent.

This has allowed for beneficial private sector partnerships to be forged,

108 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 109

ADWEA “In 1998, we changed the nature of our organisation by establishing our first private public partnership. We partner with foreign companies to implement the most efficient technologies and create jobs throughout the Emirate, all to better serve the people of Abu Dhabi. Our programmes and initiatives focus on sustainability, and plan for growth, while ensuring economic and environmental balance.”

When was the last time that you heard about a high-performance utilities operation genuinely considering the environment to be a major consideration? We know that a lot of institutions and operations will pay lip service to this issue, but the proof of the pudding is very much in the eating and in terms of environmental policies, ADWEA is setting a new standard, while making no bones about why,

Clearly competent in water treatment.

Safeguarding the natural basis of our existence is something which concerns us all. We support our customers in tackling this challenge by providing excellent measuring devices, innovative services and intelligent automation solutions. In this way Endress+Hauser ensures processes which are safe, environmentally sound and cost-effective.

This benefits people and also protects the environment.

“Effective Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policies set a clear direction for ADWEA to follow.

They contribute to all aspects Endress+Hauser POWER PRINCESS TOWER AND ELITE TOWER SHUWEIHAT S1 INDEPENDENT Instruments International AG DUBAI DESALINATION Middle PLANT of business performance as part of a commitmentAND for continuous East Support Center 7WB, Office 2100, DAFZA ABU In DHABI improvement within the Electricity and Water industry. the field P.O. Box 293828 of Health Safety & Environment we seek to achieve the highest standard. We do not pursue this aim simply to achieve compliance with current legislation, but because it is in our best interests.”

Dubai, UAE Phone +971 4 253 5100 Fax +971 4 609 1811 info@ae.endress.com www.mesc.endress.com

170336_Ind_WW_World_ii-MESC_92x138.indd 1

21.09.2017 09:40:09

ACC (ARABIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY) is proud to have contributed to the successful development of ADWEA facilities for almost 20 years. Our projects have included the construction of desalination plants at Al Mirfa, Al Taweelah and Umm Al Nar, plus Shuweihat S1 IWPP, one of the world’s largest combined power and water complexes.

ACC is currently the EPC contractor for ADWEA’s strategic water/recovery project in Liwa – a project to infiltrate and store 27 million m³ of desalinated water in natural underground aquifers to form a strategic reserve that can be used in an emergency.

This is the largest project of its kind in the world.

110 | Endeavour Magazine

ETIHAD TOWERS ABU DHABI

www.accsal.com

PRINCESS TOWER AND ELITE TOWER DUBAI

SHUWEIHAT S1 INDEPENDENT POWER AND DESALINATION PLANT ABU DHABI

ADWEA The team at ADWEA continued to elaborate, “Performance is measured against agreed standards to reveal where and when improvements are needed. Continued active self-monitoring by ADWEA will reveal how effective the HSE management system is working. However, to make long-term improvements we need everyone to accept that good health and safety practices are an investment, not a cost. We cannot make major improvements in HSE if we do not have visible and sustained commitment from people in all areas of work - including top-level management. ADWEA needs to go forward and build on these initiatives. The incentives to improve are clear and everyone has a part to play in making these improvements a reality. The range of initiatives recognised today gives greater hope for the future.”

Speaking of the future, ADWEA is not only looking to the environment as a source of sustainable progress, as community support is offered in wondrously inclusive ways, “We provide educational opportunities to our employees and the people of Abu Dhabi, we award scholarships to students in need and spread energy efficiency throughout the business and homes of Abu Dhabi. Most importantly, we provide everyone with water and electricity.”

A DYNAMIC GRID FOR EFFECTIVE RENEWABLE INTEGRATION The UAE is expanding its focus on renewable energy. Adaptive electricity grids are essential to manage fluctuations in generation due to renewables and increased focus on distributed generation. Energy storage will play a crucial role as renewables penetration increases, in providing stability and security for the grid and support applications like frequency regulation & black start. One such solution is the Siemens modular energy storage system Siestorage, designed to buffer short-term fluctuations in output from renewables. A dynamic and digital grid managed by Siemens software solution maintains the stability of the network in the face of a fluctuating energy supply.

112 | Endeavour Magazine

Energy Management With Ingenuity, we master challenges now and in the future! siemens.com/smartgrid

ADWEA Given the importance of what ADWEA does, it stands to reason

largest solar power plant, in a bid for cleaner energy. The $870

that educating current and future generations is key to continued

million project is a collaborative international effort by ADWEA,

success and it offers existing staff the motivation needed to carry on

a Japanese company Marubeni and a Chinese manufacturer called

working to their full potential. With extensive training programmes

JinkoSolar. The plant should be completed by 2019, well ahead of

in operation, there will never come a point where ADWEA is stuck

2030. In a further show of clean energy faith, ADWEA has also

for the right person to carry out a vital task, which is great news,

pledged to purchase electricity generated by the United Arab

considering the projects that are currently in progress.

Emirates’ Barakah nuclear power plant.

The team at ADWEA have a unique understanding of the

It’s no small mantle to take on; the guaranteeing of reliable,

critical nature of the work they carry out and are always ‘preparing

sustainable and clean energy and water supplies to a thriving

for tomorrow, today’ through extensive research,

community, but ADWEA is making it look exceptionally easy. With

“Today, the average person in Abu Dhabi consumes 550L

a clear end goal in mind and a recognised deadline of 2030 to

of water a day, according to the EAD. All of that water must be

work to, we know that ADWEA will continue making great strides

properly desalinated before it reaches their homes, and we make

forward for the people of Abu Dhabi and their quality of life.

sure that happens. Tomorrow, one thing will remain constant: the people of Abu Dhabi will still need clean water and reliable power.

The development of renewable energy and alternative techniques means ADWEA can offer more efficient and environmentally safe power for you, your business and your family - now and in the future.”

So, what are the projects that will support this future community? Well, Abu Dhabi is in the process of building the world’s

114 | Endeavour Magazine

ELECTROMECHANICAL CONTRACTING.CO.LLC Since 1991

BARBADOS PORTS INC WWW.BARBADOSPORT.COM // 001 (246) 434-6100

A BOOM FOR BRIDGETOWN At the beginning of the year, Endeavour had the pleasure of speaking with Barbados Port Inc., the overseers of Barbados’ impressive Port of Bridgetown. As the group are continually striving to be ‘Best in Class’, we decided to touch base with the port once again to see how their plans for the future were panning out, and to look at the port’s history as a Deep Water Harbour in a little more depth…

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

BARBADOS PORTS INC

The Port of Bridgetown carries a vast weight of

responsibility; through these doors and over these decks pass 90% of the country’s imports and exports.

This includes not only goods but also the arrival of tourists, who feed so much of the country’s economy; not only is Bridgetown a trading hub, it is the only port in Barbados capable of accommodating large cruise liners.

T

his much reliance on one facility may seem like a gamble, but Barbados Port Inc. – the company responsible for the

CIVIL COASTAL STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

maintaining and operating of this vital site – do not fail to

deliver. Staying in stride with technology and dodging curveballs such as hurricanes and the 2008 crash, the Port of Bridgetown has proven that it has resolute sticking power, no matter how the tide turns.

The Deep Water Harbour was opened in May 1961, in a ceremony conducted by contemporary West Indies Prime Minister Sir Grantley Adams. The construction project was the fruit of combined efforts between Barbados and the UK, with British technical experts and consultants working alongside the Barbadian workforce, and much of the funds for the project coming from London or the British government. The result was an uncannily smooth operation, with construction completed without incident – a surprising achievement for the time, for a project of this size and complexity.

As a part of the Deep Water Harbour’s creation, land was artificially built to join what was then known as Pelican Island to Barbados’ mainland. The joining of this island, which used to serve as a quarantine station for passengers and cargo reaching Barbados, added some 90 acres to the mainland in total, the island having originally laid 600 yards out to sea. Amongst the other challenges faced by the construction team was the sheer scale of

118 | Endeavour Magazine

the project: some 30,000 blocks were used to build the structure of the harbour, weighing up to 20 tonnes each. The blocks were so heavy, railway lines were laid specifically to transport them from where a batching machine created them to the shore. However, the biggest and most notable piece of equipment used for the build was a cutter suction dredger, needed for the for cutting and fragmenting of hard soils below water. Named ‘The Barbados’, it was the largest and most expensive piece of equipment that had ever entered the island, valued at a duty-free cost of $1,920,000.

In his speech at the harbour’s opening ceremony, Sir Grantley said, “We are living in a world that is shrinking”, a comment that has seemed only increasingly true since. He continued, throwing a little judgement at some of the 1960s’ other areas of progress; “While others are playing about in searching out new planets, we are ensuring that export to and from this island is made far easier for all.” He was, of course, referring to the Space Race - whilst the construction of the Deep Water Harbour didn’t compare to this race in terms of cost, and wouldn’t quite make the history books, it was a game changer for transport cargo in the area. The build saw around 600 workers re-gain their jobs – a vast boon to the area – and in its first year of operation, the port handled approximately 175,000 tonnes of cargo.

Endeavour Magazine | 119

BARBADOS PORTS INC In its sector and region, the Harbour has continued to make

Port Inc. have plans to cash in on these extra visitors, hoping they

history. Today, its employees handle more than one million tonnes

will contribute further to the economy by slowing down to enjoy

of cargo every year, on top of receiving over 700,000 cruise

the island as they pass through:

passengers. With the space to accommodate five mega cruise ships

“We have a plan to develop home porting. That’s where

at a time, and luxurious facilities for visitors to enjoy (including

passengers, particularly from Europe, fly to Barbados to take a

all-important elements such as duty-free shopping and air

cruise, and then debark in Barbados again. Currently we have

conditioning, as well as popular extras such as live bands and free

seventeen vessels that do partial or full home porting operations

rum samples!), the port is a comfortable and colourful welcome to

in Bridgetown. Our vision is to encourage a portion of those

the island and all it has to offer. After all, a travel terminal may be a

passengers to stay on the island a few days before or after their

hub of logistics, but it is also, for many, that crucial first impression

cruise. We’re therefore planning to build a $250 million cruise

of a new city or country, the importance of which can never be

facility just to the south of the port. The facility is all designed - it’s

underestimated.

now just a matter of having the right financing structure.”

“This is a country with warm, friendly people who are highly

As well as improving their visitor facilities, the port has

educated,” said David Jean-Marie, CEO of Barbados Port Inc.

ambitions in all areas of its operations. Barbados Port Inc. are

“Barbados is one of the safest countries in the world, and we also

working to improve their technology across the board, modernising

have one of the world’s highest literacy rates. We want to have a

as well as making bold efforts to go green. The main focus of these

port that remains in your memory, and leaves a lasting, positive

green advances is the move from diesel power to electrical. They

impact.”

also involve a co-operative effort with RightShip, which will in turn

As well travelling to Barbados as a holiday destination or

invite the vessels docking in the port to participate in the drive by

cruise stop-off, many of the holiday-makers treading the boards at

monitoring their emissions and rewarding efficient energy ratings

Bridgeport are in the area purely as a means from A to B. Barbados

with bonuses such as lowered docking fees.

Shed 2, Deep Water Harbour Bridgetown, ST Michael, Barbados

SAFE AND RELIABLE

TOWAGE EVERY TIME Svitzer helps ports increase berth productivity and ship owners reduce fuel consumption.

Svitzer provides harbour towage services worldwide. With our experience, equipment and training, we can handle every size of vessel, from the smallest bulk ship to the largest VLCC. By maintaining a close working relationship with pilots and port authorities, we are able to continuously develop our operational practices – thus helping to improve the safety and reliability of the port.

At Svitzer, we believe in careful preparation with a strong focus on safety. Customers can rely on us to provide timely marine services along with quick vessel turnround times.

CONTACT: JAMES SIMON FIELDS | CELL: 1(246) 256 3790 | TEL: 1 (246) 434 6100 EX 4309 | EMAIL: JAMES.FIELDS@SVITZER.COM

120 | Endeavour Magazine

Efforts to modernise have also included updated computer systems such as KleinPort, the company’s latest Port Management

to encourage greater trade out of the country – a move that will benefit Barbados as a whole, and in doing so, the port.

Information System, created by Saab Technologies. The software

From optimistic beginnings, backed up by hard work and strong

allows the port to streamline their operations electronically,

investment, the Port of Bridgetown is living up to the dreams of

removing miscommunication between departments and assisting

its founders. Staying ahead means constant transformation, and

in the smooth delivery of cargo processing such as managing

Barbados Port Inc. have spared no effort or expense.

cargo manifestos, dangerous goods handling, errors and omission

As Mr. Jean-Marie observes, “This is a modern facility that is

processing and commodity code mapping, as well as allowing

completely different to what it was. It has been structured to make

customers to track their cargo shipments from their own offices.

sure that it is competitive and that there is maximum operational

The system also allows the smooth processing of other port logistics

efficiency. We are striving to become, and expect to be, the best-

such as vessel scheduling, berth planning, conflict resolution,

in-class port in the region, both from a cargo perspective and a

waypoint and route management, the allocation of staff or ships

cruise perspective; this is a safe, friendly destination with lots to

such as the assigning of pilots and tugs, and even processes such

see and do!”

as billing.

The port’s ambitions are far reaching and all-encompassing,

Finally, the port is modernising in terms of equipment, having

but they have the pieces in place to continue to make them into

recently spent a massive $100 million on the restoration of

realities. As always, Endeavour look forward to seeing what lays

the facility, as well as acquiring five straddle carriers and a new

in store for Bridgetown. If their progress is anything to go by, it

Panamax gantry crane, amongst other pieces. They are also digging

sounds like we’d better start booking our tickets!

and building to expand their capacity yet further, to accommodate bigger cargo vessels alongside their impressive cruise capabilities.

Lastly, the port has made the decision to remove tariffs on exports,

Endeavour Magazine | 121

KUWAIT OIL COMPANY WWW.KOCKW.COM // 00965 23989111

THE SILVER WHEEL On June 30th, 1946, H.H. the late Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah turned a ceremonial wheel to begin the process of Kuwait’s first crude oil export. Today, the Kuwait Oil Company works tirelessly to continue the journey this moment began, exploring, developing and producing Kuwait’s hydrocarbon resources for the good of their country, as well as their vast loyal market overseas.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

KUWAIT OIL COMPANY

It was an early June morning, aboard the tanker ship

‘British Fusilier’. A grand celebration, attended by statesmen and the country’s people alike, marked the first day of what would become a key industry from the country; Mr. Southwell, Director of Kuwait Oil Company Ltd. (KOC), received His Highness, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber A-Sabah, and with the turn of a silver wheel, the future began.

T

he first Kuwaiti crude oil shipment flowing smoothly through

is still yielding crude oil today, suggesting something of the

an off-shore pipeline into the tanker, marked by these words

potency of Kuwait’s supply. In fact, when exploratory drilling in

from the Sheikh; “Every one of my people and my friends will

Cox and Rhoades struck oil and discovered the well, it erupted

rejoice with me in this happy event, which by the Grace of God is

uncontrollably, so much so that it was eventually stoppered with

for our future and welfare. I thank God for such an opportunity as

a 60-foot wooden pole in the town bazaar, thanks to the quick

this which will help us carry on...for the happiness and welfare of

thinking of KOC’s Chief Accountant at the time. With the country’s

the Kuwaiti people.”

recent US$40.45bn into energy projects, first revealed in 2009 and

The occasion was closed with a ceremonial war dance (Al-’Ardha)

put into effect in the years to follow, this potency is not about to

in Kuwait City, and a firework display that night. At night, fireworks

run dry, and KOC are determined to continue to make great strides

ended the activities of the occasion. This level of celebration shows

within its industry. However, it hasn’t always been prosperous, and

the faith and optimism Kuwait had in the crude oil industry – and

certainly hasn’t always been straight-forward.

industry which would FACTS. In that first shipment, 10,567 tons of

On August 2nd, 1990, the Iraqi regime invaded Kuwait, when

crude oil were loaded in 11 hours and 13 minutes, an average of

one hundred thousand Iraqi troops overran the country in a

950 tons per hour. Today, NEW STATS.

matter of hours. The invasion devastated everyday life and, with it,

The events on June 30th 1946 were a significant milestone for

violently disrupted the country’s industrial sectors. The oil sector

KOC, but whilst it was the beginning of Kuwait’s crude oil exports,

was hit the hardest of all, with the damage done to its facilities not

it was not the birth of the company. KOC were founded in 1934,

only the worst out of the country’s enterprises, but unprecedented

originally established by British Petroleum (formerly Anglo-Persian

in the history of the world’s modern oil industry. An estimated 80%

Oil) and the Chevron Corporation (formerly Gulf Oil). Their mission

of KOC’s oil wells had been ignited, and multiple gathering centers

started as exploratory, drilling onshore and offshore to seek out

and gas booster stations suffered heavy damages up and down the

deposits and, later, to develop wells in search of Kuwait’s crude

country, with many completely destroyed. The destruction even

oil future. The company was the brain-child of the Sheikh, who

reached the piers and sea facilities. In the wake of occupation and

wanted to see his country move from the pearl industry towards

such staggering, unexpected loss, it seemed to many that KOC, and

oil, in order to secure their prosperity and global presence in the

the country’s oil sector, had fallen along with its freedom.

future, and maximise on the potential wealth that surveys had suggested lay in wait.

The first well was discovered in 1938, and shockingly, it 124 | Endeavour Magazine

However, KOC’s employees were not all stuck in occupied Kuwait – many were overseas, working in the United States, Europe and the GCC countries. Not content to watch their

Western Shuaiba, P.O. Box 9028, Al-Ahmadi 61001, State of Kuwait Phone: +965 2326 3042, Fax: +965 2326 3043, Email: kiaico@kiaico.com, Web: kiaico.com

Conduits and Sub-Ducts PE Lining Internal corrosion of flow lines is a problem for many oil companies in the Middle East, especially for older wells, where there are high levels of hydrogen sulfide - which contribute massively to corrosion Ý KAI implemented the first KOC pilot project in 2010; Managish Water Injection Project ą Since then, installed over 500 km’s specifically for KOC projects Ý KAI also has extensive know-how when it comes to KOC documentation requirements

KAI is the only company in Kuwait to offer a one-stop comprehensive solution for purchasing a conduit system; Reinforced Ý Cable Conduit (comes in different colors and sizes) Thermoplastic Pipes Ý Sub-Ducts (option of a spiral silicon finish on the inside) KAI offers an innovative solution which caters to the ever growing demand of the Accessories: oil & gas industry. RTP is a relatively new Ý Conduit Coupler: Leak free, and necessary for push-to-fit cost-cutting product which combines the jointing of conduits flexibility of plastics with the sturdiness Ý End Cap: Seals the conduit, while leaving passage for of metals, thus providing end users with the sub-ducts the perfect solution for all their flow-line Ý Spacer: Minimizes movement of side-by-side conduits requirements Ý Sub-Duct Coupler: Screw-to-fit joint keeping sub-ducts Ý No cathodic protection or corrosion in place inhibitors required Ý Gasket: Rubber seal made of high quality EPDM Ý Comes in 600 meter reels Ý End Plug: Seals sub-ducts when necessary Ý Operating pressure up to 150 bar

GOFSCO – AN UNYIELDING PARTNER IN SUCCESS TO OIL & GAS COMPANIES The vigorous expansion of oil exploration and production in the 1960s resulted in Kuwait embarking on a bullish quest to optimize development of infrastructure, equipment, intellectual property and services to oil & gas companies.

To meet the growing demands of upstream oil and gas companies operating in Kuwait and the wider region, Gas & Oil Fields Services Company (GOFSCO) was incepted in 1972 to provide a complete range of oilfield services. The company has ever since grown to be one of the largest and youngest integrated service providers in Kuwait specializing in the upstream oil and gas sector, both onshore and offshore.

Over the course of 45 years, GOFSCO has remained resilient in achieving greater standards of excellence year after year and has etched its name in the industry by continually making strategic decisions to pioneer new technologies and services to meet the needs of the evolving oil industry. This has allowed for the company to cultivate solid relationships thus becoming integral business partners to Kuwait’s Oil & Gas giants namely, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC), and other KPC companies.

Steering the company to greater heights is GOFSCO’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hussam Ali Marafie who has witnessed the robust development and evolution within the industry over the past three decades. “The volatility in the oil industry is often concerning but it has also armed us with the impetus to be game-changers in providing our customers with seamless and reliable solutions. Our key competitive edges in underlining our growth plans have always been our strategic approach in utilizing technology and more importantly, our team,” he elaborates.

To further expand its services to the Oil & Gas sector and building on its Well Services Expertise and customer base, GOFSCO has formed a Special Projects department with KOC as its main customer. The special projects department, based in a dedicated office in Ahmadi manages the projects through a team of highly experienced engineers, project managers and technical experts.

The GOFSCO’s Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) capability is enhanced through collaboration with its local and international partners in the United Arab Emirates and India. All projects are executed

with paramount consideration for the health and safety of all personnel and environmental protection for the well-being of all current and future participants in the company’s operations.

Sharing his vision for GOFSCO’s growth plans, Mr. Marafie said: “While there is still room to grow further and expand within the local market, there are external factors that still poise restrictions to our growth plans. To overcome this, we have maintained persistence in developing our workforce and equipping them with the latest in engineering technologies to shoulder the entire oil manufacturing and discovery procedures. We take pride in our customer-centric strategy, which is part of our DNA, and a culture that we collectively embrace to deliver industry-leading returns.”

KUWAIT OIL COMPANY company fall, they began to plan from the outside, gathering the

Niga. The significance of these discoveries was huge, as they would

teams and contracts they needed to repair and rebuild. The plan

fulfil a long-time ambition of the country to be self-sufficient in

was called ‘The Al Awda Project’ - a.k.a ‘The Return’. Amazingly,

gas - a goal that was part of the dream when the silver wheel first

through pulling together their resources, within months of Kuwait’s

turned.

liberation in February 1991, production began to return to full

Kuwait Oil Company operate under the umbrella of the Kuwait

capacity. This second phrase, ‘Al Tameer’ (‘The Reconstruction’),

Petroleum Corporation (KPC). The corporation has clear plans

focused on the restoration of 18 damaged Gathering Centers, as

for the future laid out in their ‘2030 Strategy’, which focuses on

well as the rebuilding of over 40 storage and process tanks, and

upstream operations. It states its aims as “To achieve a leading

of course rebuilding the country’s demolished oil export facilities.

global position in upstream oil & gas as an integrated, value-driven

Whilst working to achieve all of this, KOC also recovered and

enterprise, by maximizing the strategic value from oil, realizing the

treated around 20 million barrels of weathered crude oil from

potential of gas, growing reserves for a sustainable future, being an

approximately 240 surface oil lakes, helping to bring production

employer of choice, realizing value from technology, strengthening

back up to pre-war capacity.

our commitment to HSSE, striving for excellence in performance,

Today, KOC continues to exhibit the tenacity and determination

and contributing to the enterprise and state.”

it showed during Kuwait’s occupation and the company’s near-

These goals all seek to continue the work envisaged by Sheikh

devastation, continuing its mission with success after success. In

Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah when, in the 1920s, he looked at the

2005, super light crude oil was discovered at the Sabriya Field,

developing economic crisis and set solutions in motion to protect his

representing a huge development in the company’s exploration

country’s future. It is a mission and legacy that KOC are continuing

abilities. Far greater strides were made the final year, when this

with efficiency and pride; with their recent expansion and history of

advanced exploration uncovered a game-changer for the country:

strength, we look forward to seeing what the company will achieve

multiple gas deposits were discovered in extraordinary Jurassic

in the years to come.

reservoirs across the country, including Rahiya, Mutriba and Um

128 | Endeavour Magazine

KUWAIT OIL COMPANY (KOC) HAS THE VISION “TO ACHIEVE A LEADING GLOBAL POSITION IN UPSTREAM OIL & GAS AS AN INTEGRATED, VALUE-DRIVEN ENTERPRISE, BY MAXIMIZING THE STRATEGIC VALUE FROM OIL, REALIZING THE POTENTIAL OF GAS, GROWING RESERVES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, BEING AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE, REALIZING VALUE FROM TECHNOLOGY, STRENGTHENING THE COMMITMENT TO HSSE, STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE, AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE ENTERPRISE AND STATE”.

The Kuwait Integrated Digital Field (KwIDF) The KwIDF system is currently being is KOC’s world-leading initiative to harness enhanced and expanded for all North Kuwait advanced technology for enabling production conventional assets totaling more than 1000 surveillance and optimization across large wells. Halliburton’s Voice of the Oilfield solution fields in an asset. KwIDF consists of advanced extensively leverages the advanced data technologies and techniques, including virtualization, process automation and business sophisticated collaboration centers with analytics functionality as well as an enhanced innovative visualization engines and state-of-the- engineering physics based engine. It extensively art workflows for production monitoring, analysis uses innovative IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and optimization. KwIDF enables engineering architecture to provide advanced integration CAPTURE 100% OF RESERVOIR PRODUCIBILITY WITH THE analysis, business management and decisioncapabilities in order to provide real time ® SYSTEM capabilities AND INGRAIN DIGITAL ROCK making to be conducted moreCOREVAULT efficiently and from the well boreANALYSIS to the office. supports collaboration across Unlike business functions. traditional coring systems that allow 50 to 70% of fluids in KOC intends to leverage the ongoing expansion the core to escape as they depressurize, the Halliburton CoreVault® Halliburton has been a trusted partner of KOC of the North Kuwait KwIDF system to make it system’s sealed containers maintain 100% of the hydrocarbons in in the execution of the KwIDF program, starting capable of handling Heavy Oil operations. All the core. Once the fluids are characterized, our INGRAIN multiscale with the design, implementation and support of relevant knowledge and lessons learned from the analyses helps you understand how they interact within the pore the KwIDF pilot system and Collaboration Center North Kuwait (NK) KwIDF project are to be used space itself. So, when you need the complete picture of your for 49 Sabriyah wells in the North Kuwait Asset. for the development ofready a robust, expandable and unconventional field’s economic potential, we’re to help you KwIDF Sabriyah has been theknow mostasuccessful field-oriented Heavy solution lot more − a lot sooner − about the size Oil of the prize. Contact digital oil field implementationusintothe findMiddle how these services can help lower your cost per BOE. East, awarded as the “Best Oil & Gas Innovation and ingrainrocks.com halliburton.com/corevault and Technology” in the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Engineering Conference (ADIPEC) in 2013. An example of the value realized by KwIDF Sabriyah is the sustained increase of the daily production in ESP wells and the reduction of operational events related with pump failures and tripping (SPE 163696).

Need to Understand Your Reservoir’s Fluid and Rock Properties Quickly?

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Need to Understand Your Reservoir’s Fluid and Rock Properties Quickly?

CAPTURE 100% OF RESERVOIR PRODUCIBILITY WITH THE COREVAULT ® SYSTEM AND INGRAIN DIGITAL ROCK ANALYSIS Unlike traditional coring systems that allow 50 to 70% of fluids in the core to escape as they depressurize, the Halliburton CoreVault® system’s sealed containers maintain 100% of the hydrocarbons in the core. Once the fluids are characterized, our INGRAIN multiscale analyses helps you understand how they interact within the pore space itself. So, when you need the complete picture of your unconventional field’s economic potential, we’re ready to help you know a lot more − a lot sooner − about the size of the prize. Contact us to find how these services can help lower your cost per BOE.

halliburton.com/corevault and ingrainrocks.com