EDITOR Joe Forshaw
joe@energy-focus.net
PROJECT MANAGER Chris Bolderstone chris@energy-focus.net
PROJECT MANAGER David Hill david@energy-focus.net
LEAD DESIGNER Aaron Protheroe aaron@energy-focus.net
CONTRIBUTOR Manelesi Dumasi
CONTRIBUTOR Karl Pietersen
CONTRIBUTOR David Napier
CONTRIBUTOR Timothy Reeder
CONTRIBUTOR Benjamin Southwold
CONTRIBUTOR William Denstone
The New Year brings… well, the same as the last, much hope, positivity, and potential. Hydrogen is here, renewables are the backbone, and the desire for cleaner and more sustainable energy systems comes not only because it is the right thing to do but also because it is now possible to yield significant financial results. This is important as many business cases for new technologies and new concepts have not fallen into place the way they should have (CCUS is the perfect example).
In America, despite the confusion and back-and-forth in government, wind energy is a growing market. Empire Wind was given the go ahead (finally) and will help to transform the northeast energy system. In the meantime, work is underway with the Revolution Wind offshore windfarm, the first commercial scale project in the region, which will supply 704MW to Rhode Island and Connecticut. An Orsted project, the hope here is to highlight exactly what is possible in terms of localisation, job creation, and energy production from green resources before further developments begin.
In the UK, major efforts to decarbonise continue at pace. Leading ship repair and marine infrastructure business, A&P Group is working hard at its Falmouth facility to build new shore power connections for vessels to charge and for green electricity to supply the busy site instead of fossil fuels. At HydroVolve in Aberdeen, new innovations are being developed and deployed regularly to ensure that when drilling for oil and gas, or geothermal wells, efficiency is the absolute highest priority for operators. Stronger, more effective, and faster drill head technology is making the process more sustainable.
At Cargo Handling Corporation in Mauritius, the business responsible for port operations, driving the economy of the island nation through import and export activity, is busy investigating how its future can be more sustainable. Battery equipment, low-emission vehicles, and eco-conscious strategies are all ready to be rolled out, as soon as the government confirms the longer-term roadmap.
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Our cover story comes from J&S Subsea, a relatively young business in the subsea engineering space. Created after a management buyout in 2020, J&S is now a global leader in subsea technology, extending the life of assets through repurposing and revitalisation. Fiercely committed to the net zero mission, this is a company that perfectly demonstrates the new normal – success in legacy oil and gas but long-term booming in the low emission energy space.
Get in touch and tell us how you’ve started the year and if your alternative energy journey remains on track. We’re always online at LinkedIn.
Joe Forshaw EDITOR
Emerging Subsea Engineering Expert Flourishing Globally
Aberdeen-based J&S Subsea is quickly becoming an industry leader in design, manufacture, and engineering of underwater solutions for the energy sector. By helping assets last longer, or repurposing obsolete infrastructure, the company is also contributing to the circular economy. MD Phil Reid tells Energy Focus about a “phenomenal” four years.
Radical Revolution Ramping up off Rhode Island
Ørsted is driving the trailblazing Revolution Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut in the U.S. Northeast. When complete, this offshore windfarm will create 1200 jobs, drive millions of dollars of investment, and supply green energy to 350,000 homes.
Rough Ready to Bolster Resilience and Reduce Bills
An essential part of the infrastructure area of the Centrica family, Centrica Energy Storage (CES+) operates the Rough gas storage facility in the Southern North Sea and the Easington onshore gas processing terminal in East Yorkshire, with the former, having reopened in 2022, capable of providing half of the UK’s total gas storage capacity and furnishing critical support in fulfilling energy demand.
Shore Power Project to Bolster
A vital new framework agreement with a longstanding customer, and an innovative shore power initiative that will be a first for the UK are underway at A&P Falmouth. The largest ship repair and marine infrastructure business in the country, this is an organisation is buoyant and ambitious.
Transforming
In every corner of the glove, operators are, with increasing rapidity, deploying HydroVolve’s energy saving technologies across decommissioning, conventional and geothermal well operations, applying its wealth of experience from the North Sea oil and gas sector to solve contemporary conundrums.
Hydrogen
As interest in hydrogen as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels continues to increase, Maximator Hydrogen is developing innovative technologies to assist in its rollout across the transportation industry. High profile awards and a number of exciting contract wins demonstrate that this industry leader is successfully paving the way for a more sustainable sector.
At the busy Port Louis on the XX coast of Mauritius, Cargo Handling Corporation is beginning a journey to green operation and build on sustainability credentials as it addresses the needs of tomorrow alongside its partners.
PRODUCTION: David Hill
Aberdeen-based J&S Subsea is quickly becoming an industry leader in design, manufacture, and engineering of underwater solutions for the energy sector. By helping assets last longer, or repurposing obsolete infrastructure, the company is also contributing to the circular economy. MD Phil Reid tells Energy Focus about a “phenomenal” four years.
//The unseen, unheard, unnoticed activity that silently and invisibly powers energy production infrastructure from the seabed is increasingly becoming a talking point for project developers. The subsea sector plays a critical role in efficiency, sustainability, and
modernisation of the oil and gas industry, and is essential for the innovation of the renewables sector.
Recognised as a centre of excellence for subsea engineering, the UK’s northeast - with its vast network of locally manufactured and maintained undersea technology
– is brimming with opportunity. Production controls must be smaller, less intrusive, and more powerful. Mechanical and hydraulic systems must be sustainable and remotely serviceable. Electrical equipment must be, above all, safe and streamlined. Traditional
Phil Reid, Managing Director
energies need better, and new energies need pioneering.
J&S Subsea, the Aberdeen-based specialist in subsea engineering and field life extension, is riding the waves in the industry, and realising significant success on its journey into the industry’s elite portfolio of organisations.
Established in 2020 following a management buyout, the new company quickly set about its mission: providing proactive, responsive and
cost-effective solutions for design, engineering, operational support, and maintenance of subsea equipment across subsea energy sectors.
“The past few years have been phenomenal,” smiles MD Phil Reid. “Financial growth and company growth has been fantastic.”
Showing true ambition, the J&S team has established a business with extremely strong foundations. From day one, the goal was to provide
an alternative to Tier 1 industry suppliers. From human capital to financial security, the company is positioned to take on any scope of work, and this has been demonstrated by a swathe of recent successes.
In March 2024, J&S Subsea was lauded as Company of the Year (under 50 employees) at the Subsea Expo Awards. Environmental and Sustainability Adviser Kairvee Tyagi was also named as the winner of the Rising Star category. These awards came after the company was also a finalist at the Centre for Engineering, Education & Development (CeeD) Awards 2024 across three different categories as well as a finalist position at the Offshore Achievement Awards in the category of Exceptional SME/Founder. In 2023, J&S Subsea also claimed the Sustainability Award at the Decom Mission awards.
In the field, the company was recently in action in Canada on a prestigious project, undertaken in collaboration with an expert team
of partners. Supplying three subsea battery powered control systems, J&S Subsea helped the client to maintain integrity of the subsea electrical infrastructure when topside electrical power is unavailable. A complicated and pioneering project, the company was responsible for design, engineering, manufacture, marinisation and testing of subseadeployed systems. When the FPSO on the contract was down for scheduled maintenance – 350km offshore – a patented electrical passivation signal maintains the electrical integrity of the field and satellite extensions.
“Our supply chain is broad and we work with local and international partners. We want to work with other SMEs to answer industry problems that are not being fixed by big-name players.
The collaborative approach in Canada was something very special,” says Reid.
The result of four years of success is J&S Subsea doubling in size, outgrowing its former home in Kintore and moving into a specialist site in Dyce, allowing for growth in the team and achievement of the company’s £10 million turnover target.
“We are a credible option for our clients against Tier 1 competitors and we want to show that,” Reid says of the impressive new site. “We have dedicated engineering areas and dedicated workshops, we have overhead cranes, we have an R&D lab, and we did not have this in our old space. We have double the office space and double the yard space, and this all ties into our Legacy Locker offering and our journey to Net Zero that we like to shout about.”
Part of the genesis of J&S Subsea is a desire to be at the forefront of the push for Net Zero across the industry and the wider economy. Core in this idea is the company’s Legacy Locker. A catalogue of infrastructure assets, the Legacy Locker helps to push circularity and sustainability in the industry by focusing on reuse and recycling rather than new manufacturing. Over the years, the Legacy Locker has grown in size and importance, and today allows for faster reaction to client needs.
“Anything related to subsea controls, from new equipment to refurbished and repurposed, we have it all,” says Reid.
“The Legacy Locker is a fantastic initiative where we hold thousands of components, from small electrical
connectors to small couplings to full control systems or electrical distribution units, and we are repurposing and reusing that equipment. Kairvee Tyagi works out the carbon savings we get by reusing this material rather than manufacturing new and it is remarkable.
“Some equipment that was applied to a previous client project was a 2.3 tonne carbon saving versus manufacturing new. We also have a good grasp of the supply chain that is so broken at the moment. Some components are on a 66-week lead time but we have that equipment in the Legacy Locker today,” he adds.
After facing these problems first hand as the Subsea Controls and Umbilical Technical Authority for Spirit Energy (previously Centrica Energy)
for nearly a decade , Reid saw the opportunity to innovate and improve.
“I was working in a space where I had to deal directly with Tier 1 providers and I wasn’t getting good lead times, or sometimes not even a response on projects that needed it. I felt the pain, and that is why I want to address that problem.
“We can always deliver and we are very reactive, and our Legacy Locker feeds that reactiveness. We get production going, we reduce lead times, and we contribute to the circular economy,” he adds.
As the company sails its way closer to the top of the industry with each project, focus will be split between requirements in its core – oil and
MH Engineering (fife) Ltd is a privately owned business based in Glenrothes, Fife. It was established in 1995 by the current managing director, Mark Hoskisson. Since then, the company has remained family-owned and expanded, and now employs 10 personnel, including 8 engineers with many years of experience in machining services.
We pride ourselves on delivering machined precision components, general engineering, and bespoke parts for a multitude of industries.
Our CNC machining plant, which includes multi-axis CNC machining equipment, allows us to machine complex parts.
Our complete services include CNC milling, CNC turning, surface grinding, tool making, fabrication, and welding.
We can offer a ‘quick’ turnaround on urgent jobs/ breakdowns, and one-offs.
We offer our clients a one-stop shop for one-off precision machine prototypes through small to medium-volume production, and we know we can deliver a first-class machining service driven by quality, competitive price, and delivery.
We have extensive experience in machining various materials, including, all grades of Stainless Steel, Steels, super duplex, Nitronic, Inconel, Hastelloy, Monel k500, Phosphor Bronze, Aluminium, Plastic, Titanium, and Nickel Bronze.
gas in the UK North Sea – and international developments in the renewables industry. In July 2024, J&S Subsea was granted Fit for Offshore Renewable (F4OR) status by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult following implementation of key management systems and competencies required for success in the sector.
Business Development Director Lucinda Craig said: “The immersive, 18-month process of participating in F4OR has empowered us to sharpen our focus on what we are working to achieve, and how. We are confident that our F4OR granted status will underpin those efforts to succeed in this important market.”
“We are looking for international growth,” details Reid, “but, like everyone
MH Engineering has been ISO-approved since 2009; and is approved to 9001:2015.
Quality checks are carried out in our fully equipped inspection department, which also houses a CMM coordinate measuring machine.
MH Engineering prides itself on building and maintaining close relationships with all its customers and suppliers, ensuring the continued growth of our business. Our professionalism, along with a continued interest in the advances in machining technology, ensures this.
MH Engineering liaise with other companies to provide additional services such as:
• Heat Treatment
• Fabrication
• Welding
• Plating
• Painting
• Wire & Spark Erosion
Specialising in high end precision components, providing bespoke parts for a multitude of industries, working in partnership with many industrial businesses
else, we are also looking to diversify into other sectors. The original J&S company had a renewables offering, including some world-firsts which are still in use on the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney and Biscay Marine Energy Platform (BiMEP) in Spain. Investment was stopped in 2014, but the new J&S is picking up renewable projects again as we believe this is an area where we can really contribute. We have historic innovations that go back to 2009 and 2010 and we want to capitalise on the equipment that is out there already.”
Helping to drive further growth in the business, J&S Subsea gained investment from Foresight Group, a leading regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager. The investment is aimed at boosting J&S Subsea’s international growth aspirations and helping to build the
team. Already, two senior hires have been made and Foresight, which has invested more than £58 million in companies across Scotland, is keen to help J&S expand into new markets.
“Of course, we will be capitalising on the areas where we are strong, and take our business model from the North Sea into other regions where there are ageing assets that are no longer supported or obsolete. We extend the life of field by managing obsolescence with our Legacy Locker as well as our engineering expertise,” explains Reid.
Providing this expertise consistently, and proving its ability to extend life of equipment, therefore making production more sustainable, J&S Subsea is no longer a quiet alternative.
“My vision when we started through the management buyout was to challenge Tier 1 players, and
offer a reactive solution,” Reid states.
“We are not a massive corporate machine, but we recently won a £1 million contact in competitive tender against bigger players. We won that because we are more reactive, and that is exactly where we want to be. We want ageing assets jobs but we also want to be at the forefront of mind for new work.”
The company is loud and proud about its ability to deliver on the most complex projects, in the most difficult environments, alongside the most pioneering partners. From its home in Aberdeen, J&S is becoming a valuable industry player in an environmentally significant subsea sector.
PRODUCTION: PM Name
James Redwell
Ørsted is driving the trailblazing Revolution Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut in the U.S. Northeast. When complete, this offshore windfarm will create 1200 jobs, drive millions of dollars of investment, and supply green energy to 350,000 homes.
//The tumultuous and turbulent offshore wind energy market in the U.S. continues, despite the recent election results. In California, floating offshore wind is on the cusp of a boom. Off the East Coast, major wind farms are in planning and construction stages. The industry has immense opportunity. There is significant job creation, investment opportunity, and energy security potential. Onshore wind is already a proven, reliable contributor to the US energy mix.
Around New England in the US Northeast – made up of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont – where the sea is shallow and the wind blows strongly and steadily, the offshore wind market is already taking off.
The first real offshore wind power came from Block Island Wind Farm in 2016, a five-turbine installation off
Rhode Island, where the community replaced diesel generators with wind turbines to power 17,000 homes while exporting extra capacity to the mainland. Earlier this year, the 132 MW South Fork wind farm was completed – the first significant offshore project, providing green power to New York from 12 Siemens Gamesa turbines spread across a 13,700-acre site. Also producing power is the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Pilot Project in Virginia. Since 2020, this two-turbine test site has successfully demonstrated capability off the coast of Cape Henry.
These projects are all quite different, but they do have one major parallel – Ørsted. This global clean energy major is a premier producer of offshore wind power with an impressive portfolio of projects around the world. In 2024, the company built more offshore capacity than ever before,
and it has big plans for the US market. Ørsted has a significant footprint and is committed to the provision of a new American industry with 15 GW offshore wind capacity by 2030.
One of the first projects to help achieve this vision will be Revolution Wind. Located 15 miles south of the Rhode Island coast, in shallow North Atlantic waters, this 704 MW project will supply enough green power for 350,000 homes when completed and commissioned in 2026.
“As the offshore wind industry continues to grow in the U.S., we have been buoyed by the broad support,” says Ørsted’s Project Development Director, Kellen Ingalls. “Offshore wind is a win-win for our environment and our economy, and projects like Revolution Wind are demonstrating the transformational potential of this industry for
businesses and families nationwide.”
Revolution Wind is an Ørsted project in collaboration with Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables. Both organisations are excited about the future of clean energy in the country. Confusing and conflicting political messages about the long-term focus for energy policy have cast doubt over the future for offshore wind and other renewables in the USA, but those working in the sector remain positive.
“We are at a critical juncture for the future of American clean energy, and we’re proud to be leading the country into this next phase,” says Ingalls. “From the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm with South Fork Wind, to the nation’s largest offshore wind farm with Sunrise Wind, to the nation’s first multi-state offshore wind farm with Revolution Wind, our
projects are demonstrating what’s possible and laying the foundation for the continued growth of this industry in the years and decades to come.”
In November 2023, Revolution Wind was officially granted approval for its Construction and Operations Plan (COP) by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). In May 2024, the first major offshore milestone was achieved with the first turbine foundation planted, known as “steel in the water”. Government officials lined
up to congratulate the offshore team.
“Harnessing one of our state’s most abundant natural resources will be a game-changer for our clean energy future and increasing good-paying jobs in this key economic sector,” said Rhode Island Governor, Dan McKee.
Connecticut Governor, Ned Lamont, was equally proud: “Offshore wind is a key player in Connecticut’s clean energy transition and future, as we work towards achieving a zero-carbon electric grid while delivering local investment and jobs at the same time. Now, with Revolution Wind gearing
“THIS PROJECT IS CATAPULTING NEW ENGLAND INTO A NEW ERA IN OFFSHORE WIND AND PROVIDING A BOOST TO LOCAL BUSINESSES AND WORKERS”
up, we will see even more local jobs on the ground at State Pier and soon have more clean energy powering our state’s homes and businesses.”
Senator Jack Reed highlighted employment opportunities that come with major projects as a real boon for the local region, sentiment echoed by U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner. “Clean energy infrastructure projects like this bring good-paying jobs and environmental benefits and will help to reduce long-term energy costs for Rhode Islanders,” said Reed.
“Workers at ProvPort and Quonset played a significant role in getting Revolution Wind to this major milestone, and the next construction phase will bring more well-paying Blue Economy jobs to Rhode Island,” added Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
“Getting this foundation in the water is a huge milestone in our
yearslong effort to make offshore wind a reality in Connecticut,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.
U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo Joe Courtney, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, also backed the project, emphasizing job creation and energy security as tangible benefits to the local and national economy.
“By installing this first turbine foundation in the water, we are getting closer to delivering more affordable clean energy to Rhode Islanders, as well as good-paying jobs to our Ocean State,” said Amo.
“As we confront the climate crisis, the need for clean energy has never been more urgent,” added Blumenthal.
Steel in the water marked the start of a dynamic offshore construction period for Ørsted and its partners. Hundreds of union workers are active across onshore and offshore sites,
working from three Northeast ports and vessels, including the first-ever American-built, owned, and crewed offshore wind service operations vessel, the ECO EDISON, built by more than 600 workers at shipyards in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, and with components sourced from 34 states.
“It’s exciting,” says Ingalls of the atmosphere. He explains that components are being constructed, assembled, and marshalled across multiple sites in the two states, as many foundations, two offshore substations, inter-array and export cables, and wind turbines are installed.
“This project is catapulting New England into a new era in offshore wind and providing a boost to local businesses and workers, and there is a palpable enthusiasm
on site and in these communities as it moves forward,” he says.
With so much planning and building of partnerships required in the run up to major projects, to see action on site is very helpful to keep teams on track. Seeing material progress is extremely important and Ingalls says that seeing cross-sector collaboration come together in reality drives further excitement.
In September 2024, the first turbine was placed atop the foundation in another milestone for the project and industry. Standing 873 feet in total, these towering behemoths will soon take up significant area alongside the South Fork site. Eventually, 65 Siemens Gamesa turbines will turn continuously, generating 400 MW for Rhode Island and 304 MW for Connecticut - all from the seaborne winds.
Rhode Island Secretary of
Commerce Liz Tanner said: “Our progress on the Revolution Wind project not only highlights the dedication of partners, stakeholders, and skilled workers – but also what can be accomplished through collaboration.”
Through September, October, and November, contractors have continued work onshore, particularly conduit installation work and backfilling, and electrical work at the interconnection facility in Rhode Island.
Revolution Wind will create 1200 jobs directly. For many, this is the major highlight for having an offshore windfarm in their marine landscape.
WORKING FOR GREATER GOOD Revolution Wind will be a beacon of hope for the green energy rollout in the USA. Like South Fork before it and Sunrise Wind to come (which broke ground in July 2024), if the true
potential of wind can be demonstrated in New England, more and more projects will gain attention of investors and officials. Onshore and offshore wind already contributes around 151 GW to the grid, powering the equivalent of 46 million America homes – the fourth largest source of electricity generation capacity.
In 2023, the use of wind energy helped avoid 348 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. There should be no doubt about the industry’s positives. For Ingalls, motivating others to investigate and invest in wind is critical.
“Early projects like Revolution Wind help to mature the U.S. offshore wind supply chain, laying the groundwork for successful projects to come,” he says. “Revolution Wind is the first offshore wind project to supply clean energy to multiple states, and we are already seeing additional efforts to build
regional clean energy infrastructure, including the recent joint procurement effort in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. We hope this project inspires many others like it as the industry continues to grow.”
Currently, the industry employs around 125,000 people in all 50 states, with $10 billion invested in new projects in 2023 alone. The job creation and economic development opportunities are very clear and have been promoted by government
Ørsted projects around the world have proven successful, including the Hornsea 2 project in the UK North Sea – currently the world’s largest offshore windfarm - soon to be overtaken by Hornsea 3 which will create 5000 jobs during construction and 1200 permanent jobs across the operational life of the project.
“Offshore wind offers good-paying, long-term job opportunities in a
growing field, and we are supporting educational and job training initiatives at all levels to build a pipeline of talented workers for decades to come,” details Ingalls. “From students getting hands-on offshore wind learning experiences through North Kingstown’s WindWinRI program and Groton’s Project Oceanology program, to the increasing opportunities for blue economy jobs at the growing offshore wind cluster at the Cambridge Innovation Center in Providence, to new skills and certification programs in partnership with the Building Trades, Rhode Island Commerce, and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, to a first-ofits-kind Global Wind Organization (GWO) safety training program at the Community College of Rhode Island, Revolution Wind is providing local training and career pathways to people of all backgrounds.”
An offshore supply chain can be adapted from existing energy and maritime skills, and New England is home to both in abundance.
“America’s offshore wind industry was born in Rhode Island, and with Revolution Wind, we’re committed to ensuring this region remains a national blue economy hub,” says Ingalls adding that the project will see investment into port infrastructure, workforce development, and local communities.
To date, without a single MW of power generated, a big impact has been felt. More than $100 million has been invested into the State Pier redevelopment project in the Port of New London, transforming the site into a state-of-the-art, heavy-lift marine terminal where Revolution Wind turbines are being staged and assembled. ProvPort is receiving investment, developing a regional
offshore wind foundation component manufacturing facility. Local shipyards have been engaged to build five new crew transfer vessels (CTVs). At Quonset State Airport, $1.8 million has been allocated as part of a developing helicopter package where the first-ever U.S. offshore wind helicopter agreement for new crew helicopters has already been signed. Protection of sea life, and investment into maritime and ocean research, has been achieved through partnership with Mystic Aquarium and ThayerMahan. Many other initiatives are underway, representing a significant spend in the Rhode Island and Connecticut area, advancing industries and providing opportunities for people.
In August, it was announced that commissioning of Revolution Wind would be pushed back to 2026, with Ørsted citing a delay in construction
“AMERICA’S OFFSHORE WIND INDUSTRY WAS BORN IN RHODE ISLAND, AND WITH REVOLUTION WIND, WE’RE COMMITTED TO ENSURING THIS REGION REMAINS A NATIONAL BLUE ECONOMY HUB”
of the onshore substation. However, the momentum from the South Fork project and the collaboration behind the scenes leave Ingalls with much to be excited about.
“Rhode Island and Connecticut are filled with forward-thinking leaders committed to growing their states’ clean energy footprints, and our partnerships with local and state leaders have been critical to making this project a reality,” he says. “We are grateful to Governors Lamont and McKee as well as all the members of Congress, state agency leaders, and local elected officials who have joined us to celebrate milestones and collaborated with us to build an inclusive and widereaching industry across the region.”
Longer-term, renewable energy projects will be key in developing true energy security, both in the U.S. and other global geographies. Homegrown projects allow countries
like the UK, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Norway, Uruguay, Morocco, and Kenya to be energy independent, while remaining home to an energy mix that supports jobs and skills across various industry sub-sectors.
Ørsted says that nine out of ten people now live in countries that are net importers of fossil fuels, leaving them exposed to price fluctuations and supply challenges. But 99 out of 100 live in countries with enormous potential for green energy rollout. This industry is vital for the now and for the future. Ørsted wants to contribute to a world that runs entirely on green energy, and to do so the USA will need to be a part of the change. Revolution Wind is just the start.
PRODUCTION: David Hill
An essential part of the infrastructure area of the Centrica family, Centrica Energy Storage (CES+) operates the Rough gas storage facility in the Southern North Sea and the Easington onshore gas processing terminal in East Yorkshire, with the former, having reopened in 2022, capable of providing half of the UK’s total gas storage capacity and furnishing critical support in fulfilling energy demand.
//As recently as last July, in the UK a potential scenario of running out of the gas required to power the country has been a very real possibility. Appearing on Sky News, Centrica’s Chief Executive Chris O’Shea laid bare the risks the country faced when it came to ensuring sufficient gas-fired generation to produce the requisite electricity. “We need a lot
of technologies to have a resilient electricity system,” O’Shea added.
O’Shea’s message was compounded as the National Grid Electricity Systems Operator (ESO) confirmed it would have no coal-fired power as back-up, if needed, compared to the five contingency units to call on over the course of the previous winter. Gas storage in the UK is “materially
// ROUGH IS A KEY PIECE OF THE UK’S ENERGY RESILIENCE AND WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE IT CAN BE THERE FOR CONSUMERS IN THE YEARS AHEAD //
behind” Europe, O’Shea commented: while Germany possesses 90 days’ worth of storage, France 123 days and the Netherlands 110, at the time the UK could provide for just 12 days.
This figure did represent, however, a doubling of that of the year before, and served to highlight the critical importance of the resumption of operations at the Centrica-owned and operated Rough natural gas storage facility in the Southern North Sea, capable of storing 100 billion cubic feet of gas. “We restarted storage operations at Rough in 2022 to bolster the UK’s energy security and help
reduce consumer bills,” Centrica Energy Storage+ (CES+) outlines, following a period of non-operation from 2017.
“Today, Rough provides half of the UK’s gas storage, able to store and provide the equivalent volume of gas to heat 2.4 million homes over winter.” This equates to 54 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas storage, CES+ details, with its long-term aim to turn Rough into the largest long duration energy storage facility in Europe, capable of storing both natural gas and hydrogen.
“Rough can help our energy
system by storing natural gas when there is a surplus and producing this gas when the country needs it during cold snaps and peak demand,” O’Shea further explained, keeping prices down for consumers by balancing the UK’s gas market, injecting gas into the facility when there is excess supply and putting that gas back into the UK’s gas network when customers need it most.
“The resilience of the UK’s energy system needs to be substantially
improved,” O’Shea declared. “We are delighted to play our part by further expanding the UK’s gas storage capacity. Rough is not a silver bullet for energy security, but it plays a critical role in increasing capacity and supply confidence over the winter months.
“We stand ready to invest £2 billion to repurpose the Rough field into the world’s biggest methane and hydrogen storage facility, bolstering the UK’s energy security, delivering a net zero
electricity system by 2035, creating 5,000 skilled jobs and decarbonising the UK’s industrial clusters by 2040.
“This world class North Sea asset has the potential to help the UK economy return to a position of being a net exporter of energy once again.
November’s severe weather and sudden cold snap saw Rough pump its first gas of the winter into the UK transmission system to help manage the resultant energy demand. 4.35 bcf powered up to 3.8m homes on some days, with Centrica also confirming that the fifth of the month saw the site
at its fullest since re-opening in 2022.
Analysis by Centrica indicated that the UK’s gas storage this winter is expected to be lower than historically, and with the UK currently going through a period of low renewable generation, Rough will likely have an even bigger impact, particularly given the long storage duration at the site. “I’m proud that Rough was able to provide energy for millions of homes during November,” O’Shea commented of this initial injection.
“There will always be a need to dial up our energy supply when the weather is poor and unpredictable. That’s why it’s so important we get a model that allows
us to redevelop and expand Rough into the world’s largest hydrogen storage facility. Rough is a key piece of the UK’s
// WE STAND READY TO INVEST £2 BILLION TO REPURPOSE
THE ROUGH FIELD INTO THE WORLD’S BIGGEST METHANE AND HYDROGEN STORAGE FACILITY //
energy resilience, a national safety net, and we have to make sure it can be there for consumers in the years ahead.”
While its recent name change is designed to reflect CES+’s larger ambitions - including onshore and offshore hydrogen production and fuel-switching existing operations to hydrogen - storage remains at the heart of what it does now and its plans well into the future, and a landmark report by Centrica and FTI Consulting, again in November, confirmed the vital role that hydrogen can play in delivering a secure, decarbonised electricity system. It found that a future energy system without an established
hydrogen market would leave the UK at risk of huge swings in electricity generation from renewables, with no way of addressing the shortfalls and the surplus making it incredibly difficult to balance the grid.
By providing a means of storing energy over a longer period of time, and transporting energy over a greater distance, hydrogen can address the major intermittency and curtailment issues entitled by renewable generation, in turn helping the UK to continue its great progress towards a 2050 nether target.
“At Centrica we believe wholeheartedly that the UK can
reach net zero, but we’re realistic about the challenges the transition will pose,” O’Shea concludes. “What this report clearly demonstrates is the vital importance of hydrogen in decarbonising the UK’s energy system. By providing a way to store excess electricity, hydrogen will be crucial to managing more intermittency.”
PRODUCTION: Sam Hendricks
A vital new framework agreement with a longstanding customer, and an innovative shore power initiative that will be a first for the UK are underway at A&P Falmouth. The largest ship repair and marine infrastructure business in the country, this is an organisation is buoyant and ambitious.
//British history on the sea is unrivalled. The nation has long-established itself as a leader in everything ocean. Whether sailing and navigating the waves, or engineering solutions for the water, the island nation has ensured that its expertise continues to grow. Historically, as the need for more
offshore activity has expanded – with security, energy, trade, tourism, and environmental safety all drivers –Britain’s sea experts are called on like never before to step up.
The country is home to many highly efficient and modern ports, and a skills base unmatched by any other. The result is billions contributed to GDP
annually, and the ability to trade with and travel to all corners of the world. Today, one of the industry’s leaders in ship repair, conversion and marine specialist services is A&P Group. A booming skillset is put to work across two large sites of infrastructural importance. A&P Falmouth and A&P Tyne sit at opposite ends of the country,
but work closely together to achieve major success for clients in defence and international maritime sectors.
A&P Falmouth is the core site for the business and is a buoyant and bustling community of seafaring experts, engineering professionals, and business support specialists who develop and nurture an innovative and pioneering supply chain.
Working on marine assets is heavy industry. Welding, lifting, painting, repairing – the work requires space, time, skill, and energy. If the business is to continue attracting shipowners and fleet managers from around the world, it has to stay apace with change.
A&P Falmouth has proven itself more than capable throughout its history
of innovating and adapting to new environments. Recently, the company was celebrated for an exciting new shore power project which will see a reduction in emissions as part of a wider UK scheme. One of the world’s largest natural deep-water harbours, with large graving docks and extensive alongside deepwater berthing, this project is complex and comes in at more than £12 million.
When complete, A&P Falmouth will host the UK’s first multi-vessel flexible shore power connection as one of 10 flagship projects that will highlight the possibility of clean maritime solutions. Upgrades to HV substations, replacement of ageing assets, relocation of current assets, HV cable overlay installation and, eventually, HV connection point installation across
the facility makes for a busy work schedule. Thankfully, A&P Falmouth (part of the APCL Group) has strong partners in Innovate UK, Marine Zero, and Integrum all under the banner of the Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition.
“Sustainable shore power plays a vital role in global and national efforts to reduce the impact of the maritime industry on the environment. Our strategy at A&P Falmouth is to achieve net zero across our operations by 2030, so this hugely exciting project will be a significant milestone on that journey,” said Mike Spicer, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth. “It is testament to the strength of our bid and our reputation in the industry that we were
Continues on page 30
OUR Manufacturing facilities are located in Southampton, Chatham and Peterlee.
We are SCCS registered for the ‘Design, Manufacture (including welding) and installation of structural steelwork in steel up to and including execution class 4’ in accordance with BS EN ISO 3834-2:2005
SCCS certified for ‘Load bearing and welded structural steel components up to and including Execution Class 4’ in accordance with BS EN 1090-2:2018’
Hold Lloyds approved WPQR’s for Mild and Stainless Steel.
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Utilising latest design packages, we can offer bespoke solutions to solve our clients most challenging projects.
NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR
Petar Lovric is an experienced management consultant and maritime professional, bringing nearly two decades of expertise in engineering management, business development, and strategic project delivery. With an MBA in International Business from the MIB School of Management, he has a proven ability to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth in global markets.
Based in Chatham, Petar now takes on the role of Managing Director at European Active Projects, building on his success in transforming some of the company’s largest contracts since 2020.
In addition to his hands-on expertise, Petar has published research on floating structures and spoken at international conferences, solidifying his reputation as a trusted go-to partner in marine and engineering sectors.
EAPL has a wealth of experience in engineering projects across the UK and EU with a Global Workforce.
Our core business is that of fixed price project work, undertaken to meet the budget of individual customers, we are able to source and provide skilled labour, tools and materials to complete an array of project work, from ship building, ship repairs, facility projects, land-based engineering to component manufacturing, thus providing a full project management package.
The company has extensive facilities around the UK and EU with the ability to undertake projects globally in support of an array of clients and by merging services in our established locations our profile is designed for clients looking for a one stop shop.
OUR SERVICES
MARINE FABRICATION
STEEL FABRICATION
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
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MOBILE PLANT REPAIR
OUR LOCATIONS
CHATHAM
Continued from page 28
chosen by UK Government to be one of the recipients of this funding.”
As the largest ship repair complex in the UK, A&P Falmouth is the perfect choice for investment which will reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution.
Drystan Jones, Port Development Director at A&P Falmouth, said in April 2024 that the company was thrilled to be awarded the funding:
// THIS SHORE POWER PROJECT WILL FURTHER THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE’S COMMITMENT TO REDUCING THE IMPACT OF VESSELS ON THE ENVIRONMENT //
“This is a key milestone in the Zevi project and an exciting step towards delivering the installation of the new shore power system in Falmouth.
“Sustainable shore power plays a vital role in global and national efforts to reduce the impact of the maritime industry on the environment. Our strategy at A&P Falmouth is to achieve net zero across our operations by 2030.
“It was fantastic to invite the project teams, contractors, installation and delivery teams together to celebrate the beginning of such an important project.”
Andy Hurley, Marine Zero director, said: “There is no doubt that shore power will play a critical role in reducing emissions for vessels at berth. We are delighted to be partnering with A&P Falmouth as they take this major step towards their net zero future.”
The UK Department of Transport allocated £206 million to the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) in March 2022 with the goal of decarbonising the maritime sector.
APCL Group CEO, David McGinley, was delighted when spades hit the ground in October 2024. “A&P Falmouth and the wider APCL Group sustains 100% of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and also provides vital ship repair services to the Royal Navy. This shore power project will further the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to reducing the impact of vessels on the environment and it is testament to the vital services we deliver and our reputation in the industry that we were chosen by UK Government to be one of the recipients of this funding.”
In November 2024, A&P Falmouth was bolstering its project portfolio as it entered into a fresh agreement with Red Funnel Ferries (RFF). RFF operates ferry services between Southampton and the Isle of Wight on the UK south coast and annual ship repair services will now take place at Falmouth with five vessels docking each year. RFF’s Raptor Class
vehicle ferries, including Red Falcon, Red Eagle, Red Osprey and Red Kestrel, are well-known to A&P Falmouth and the APCL Group with APCL company Cammell Laird responsible for construction of the Red Kestrel which launched in 2019.
The framework agreements are designed for maximum efficiency and minimum downtime, and involve a lengthy assessment before a vessel arrives to dock.
“The ongoing success of our business is based on collaboration with all our customers and working in partnership with them,” said McGinley.
“APCL’s commercial framework agreements have a proven track record of completing projects on time and to budget and eliminating down time for our customers,” he added.
Spicer was also upbeat, saying: “Our commercial partnership agreement scheme is proving very successful and is now being rolled out across the wider APCL Group. These agreements enable
APCL to plan ahead and ensure our customers are getting the best possible service as efficiently as possible.”
From the customer perspective, Fran Collins, Chief Executive Officer at RFF, agreed that the agreement was a major positive: “We are delighted to be extending our framework agreements with A&P Falmouth,” she said. “We have an excellent relationship with A&P Falmouth and indeed the wider APCL Group and they continue to provide us with an exceptional level of service for our four Raptor Class ferries - Red Falcon, Red Eagle, Red Osprey and Red Kestrel.
“As a long-standing ferry company, that runs 365 days a year, in all weather conditions, the maintenance carried out on our ferries are crucial to the operation of our business to ensure their longevity, reliability and safe service for our customers.”
In the same month, A&P Tyne completed the fabrication of four new Type 26 Royal Navy
frigate units for HMS Belfast further proving the organisation’s excellence and adaptability in tough economic conditions.
“Our skilled workforce, along with our valued apprentices, have been working with their customary professionalism and dedication to ensure this work has been completed to the very highest standards,” said McGinley.
With these new initiatives paving the way for a bright and sustainable future, A&P Group continues to prove that navigating energy transition and economic challenges is achievable, with the correct planning and leadership, and that British innovation on the water will continue to shape the marine sector globally long into the future.
PRODUCTION: Sam Hendricks
In every corner of the glove, operators are, with increasing rapidity, deploying HydroVolve’s energy saving technologies across decommissioning, conventional and geothermal well operations, applying its wealth of experience from the North Sea oil and gas sector to solve contemporary conundrums.
//”At HydroVolve we are all about energy technology innovation,” opens the Dyce, Aberdeen-based pioneer, setting out in 2011 with a clear vision to innovate and develop technology for the wells of the future. 10 years of intensive research and development later, HydroVolve is truly delivering on this vision across 12 countries and five continents.
“Our technology suite is truly transforming what’s possible for well operations,” the company declares. “We’re taking time, cost and carbon savings to new heights by fully
optimising downhole performance.
“Our ever-expanding technology and patent portfolio reflects the innovation, creativity and drive of our team and our cutting-edge research and development facilities, enabling us to go from concept to production in just days or weeks to meet industry and customer demands.”
HydroVolve furnishes an integrated range of pioneering technology products and services across the well lifecycle, all designed, engineered and manufactured in-house by a dedicated and highly skilled team, to make geothermal function to its optimum in the here and now.
“We’ve supercharged conventional drilling rigs to slash geothermal drilling cost and risk, enabling global
scalability of endless, clean carbonfree energy,” HydroVolve states.
“In notoriously difficult-to-drill geothermal wells, we’re powering high performance, reducing technical risk and driving down project costs.” Geothermal has the opportunity to deliver all of our global carbon free energy needs forever, the company goes on, and yet despite its transformational potential for the sector, it has historically been hampered by the technical challenges it faces such as high drilling costs and extremely difficult, hot well environments.
The GeoVolve HYPERDRIVE, developed by HydroVolve, embodies the company’s bid to deliver unprecedented field results, using the principle of percussive-enhanced drilling to reduce geothermal drilling costs and supercharge performance.
Reduction of drilling costs, whether through abbreviating drilling operations or extending drill bit lifetime, remains one of the high-impact frontiers for improving the economics of geothermal projects. To this end, innovations that can help reduce drilling costs are of great interest to geothermal developers and potentially hold the key to unlocking deeper and hotter reservoirs, as epitomised by the development of the GeoVolve HYPERDRIVE system, expertly engineered to radically enhance the rate of penetration (ROP) and extend bit life whilst drilling in hard, ductile or interbedded rock in geothermal and conventional wells.
“GeoVolve HYPERDRIVE uses the field proven and trusted INFINITY engine to power a percussion impulse generator,” HydroVolve unpacks, “and is designed as a hostile
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service tool; as such, it is designed for use without elastomeric seals in ultra-hot well environments –particularly geothermal wells.
“In notoriously difficult-to-drill geothermal wells, we’re powering high performance, reducing technical risk and driving down project costs.”
“Our geothermal drilling technologies are delivering record-breaking field results that slash drilling costs and reduce risk, making geothermal an affordable reality today. We’re proud and excited to be removing all barriers that have previously prevented global proliferation of geothermal.” While exploring new ways to provide endless, clean, affordable energy for everyone everywhere, HydroVolve is, simultaneously, unlocking unprecedented efficiencies and improving practises for responsible and reliable wells decommissioning.
“By simplifying decommissioning operations and reducing time, cost, risk and carbon intensity,” HydroVolve says, “we’re delivering confidence in responsibly abandoning wells and helping to eliminate their environmental impact to restore our planet to its former glory for future generations.” The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) recently hailed the “relentless innovation,” deployed by oil and gas firms in the North Sea over the last year, which it said shows the industry “still has the thirst to
// WE’RE PROUD AND EXCITED TO BE REMOVING ALL BARRIERS THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY PREVENTED GLOBAL PROLIFERATION OF GEOTHERMAL//
develop new solutions to accelerate the energy transition, support energy production and cut emissions”.
The HydroVolve HAMMER was specifically highlighted by NSTA one such key technology, the world’s most powerful, most controllable and most versatile stuck-object extraction system again powered by the HydroVolve INFINITY engine to generate and deliver intense vibration and rapid impact force to liberate stuck objects.
“HydroVolve HAMMER is simple, rapid and robust and is operated and affords reduced operational time, increased operational success and unimaginable extraction power,” the company beams. “It provides the ultimate control, flexibility and raw power required to ensure the highest chance of success.
“Our technology suite helps
mitigate both environmental and cost impact by simplifying decommissioning operations and reducing project time. We’re unlocking incredible efficiencies and improving practises for responsible and reliable wells decommissioning.
“Powered by our people and their expertise, we are transforming industry performance,” HydroVolve wraps up. “We are exploring new ways to provide endless, clean, affordable energy for everyone everywhere, to promote energy security for all and to restore integrity through responsible decommissioning.”
PRODUCTION: James Redwell
As interest in hydrogen as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels continues to increase, Maximator Hydrogen is developing innovative technologies to assist in its rollout across the transportation industry. High profile awards and a number of exciting contract wins demonstrate that this industry leader is successfully paving the way for a more sustainable sector.
//From horse and manpower to steam power, through coal, oil, natural gas, and now modern technologies like hydro, wind, and solar, energy generation has changed and adapted as requirements have become colossal. Many agree, although there is not yet certainty,
// OUR ENTIRE TEAM HAS DONE A FANTASTIC JOB TO GET US CLOSER TO OUR GOAL
OF 4,000 COMPRESSOR SYSTEMS BY 2030 //
that hydrogen will be the next jump in the history of power, and innovation and technology will again be forefront of the drive to globalise this clean, efficient, and versatile carrier.
In 2023, the World Economic Forum stated that hydrogen – the most abundant element in the universe, producing almost no pollution when burnt – would likely play a major role in supporting sustainable energy systems of the future.
“It can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity and heat, making it a potential energy source for buildings and electric vehicles. It can also be used to store renewable energy, helping to balance the supply and demand on the power grid,” WEF found.
But currently, the process of producing hydrogen, especially
green hydrogen, is expensive and not achievable for widespread adoption by mainstream governments. In the private sector, however, hydrogen is very much on the agenda for the here and now.
Many companies have made big leaps in the sustainable and affordable production of hydrogen, and the technology that now exists is capable of rolling out at scale. In the early stages of industry development, there are a few big-name players that are making a real difference and advancing a hydrogen industry while demonstrating what is possible.
In Germany, in the Thuringia city of Nordhausen, Maximator Hydrogen is the catalyst behind a German revolution in clean transportation. The company is pioneering the development of hydrogen refuelling
for the trucking industry. An expert in high pressure technology, the company was established in 2019 and grew out of the Schmidt Kranz Group, which traces roots back to 1885. Today, the company can deliver across the value chain, from design and development of components to specialist engineering, and across distribution of hydrogen to clients and end users.
2024 was a milestone year for Maximator, winning multiple awards and working on a number of highprofile projects that continue to draw interest from around the world.
January 2024 saw a continuation of success from 2023 when Maximator was awarded the Innovation and Material category award by the Thuringian
Ministry of Economics. The accolade was claimed after Maximator saw off stiff competition from 49 other applicants. The judging panel of 18 experts recognised the brilliance of the highly efficient and fast hydrogen refuelling technology developed in Nordhausen by Maximator. The MAX Compression
2.0 incorporates an Automatic Seal Exchange (ASX), a patented solution for automatically changing the compressor seals, which endure significant stresses from high pressures. Maximator Hydrogen systems can be modularly adapted to different filling stations, from small filling stations to those for heavy commercial vehicles and the scalability of the concept was lauded.
Wolfgang Tiefensee, Minister for Economy, Science and Digital Society of Thuringia, said: “The Innovation
Award once again demonstrates the attention paid to the major challenges of our time - be it the labour shortage or digitalisation, or the mega task of decarbonisation. In addition, the traditional strengths of Thuringian companies - precision, lighting technology and healthcare - are once again evident in the field of applicants. This diversity is what makes the Thuringia Innovation Award so special and demonstrates the technological capabilities of our state.”
In May, the company claimed the VORSPRUNG award from Minister of State Carsten Schneider following a review across a group of East German companies as part of the East German Business Forum. ‘An outstanding example of innovation and sustainability’, is
how the company was described.
Awarded annually for unrivalled innovation, this accolade is hotly contested and Maximator CEO Mathias Kurras was thrilled to accept the award in Berlin alongside his team.
// WE ARE GRATEFUL TO BE ABLE TO USE OUR TECHNOLOGY IN EASTERN GERMANY AND TO HELP SHAPE THE ECONOMIC ASPIRATIONS AND TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES OF A REGION //
“We are incredibly grateful and happy about this award,” he said. “Our entire team has done a fantastic job to get us closer to our goal of 4,000 compressor systems by 2030. My special thanks go to them in particular.”
April was a very busy month for Maximator, with three major announcements coming from HQ. First, a new subsidiary company was launched in the Netherlands, south of the Hague, with the goal of advancing hydrogen refuelling technology adoption across the BeNeLux region.
Already present in the USA and France, this exciting development sees Maximator join a growing community of hydrogen innovators that are attracted by appealing funding options. There is also a large number of projects underway around production, storage,
and distribution of hydrogen making a refuelling network more of a reality in the short- to medium-term.
“We are highly motivated to further expand our expertise in technology and service, which we were able to gather as Maximator in the high-pressure sector, in a new business area related to hydrogen mobility and bring it into the field,” said Mark de Wilde, Managing Director of Maximator Hydrogen BeNeLux and Maximator Benelux.
Also in April 2024, Maximator took to Austria for a growth initiative that sees the company supply hydrogen refuelling stations with integrated trailer filling systems for high availability to Wiener Wasserstoff GmbH in Vienna.
High-performance technology from Maximator combined with Wiener Wasserstoff GmbH and other Vienna organisations driving the city’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
refuel light, heavy, and commercial vehicles, and can fill trailers simultaneously. Many corporate clients are already using hydrogen in the region, and this new offering will provide an alternative to the existing infrastructure at Leopoldau.
“We are delighted that our technologies are being put into practice and see Wiener Wasserstoff GmbH as an important pioneer for the Wiener Stadtwerke Group, which is tackling the implementation of climate targets with a hands-on mentality. We need concrete projects like this,” said René Himmelstein, CSO and COFounder of Maximator Hydrogen.
In Germany’s east, in the bustling city of Cottbus, a new project has been announced involving the construction of a new hydrogen
capacity for green hydrogen to promote emission-free mobility in public transport across the region.
A collaboration between Maximator, MoviaTec, Cottbusverkehr, and LEAG, the project will allow buses to be refuelled at 350 bar or 700 bar using the latest MAX Dispenser 1.5 technology for a fleet of, initially, 11 vehicles. Storage and compression on site combined with a remote control monitoring and service desk allows for high levels of efficiency, and Maximator’s ASX will effectively address the system’s most stressed components, the hydrogen seals.
“We are grateful to be able to use our technology in eastern Germany and to help shape the economic aspirations and transformation processes of a region. This requires
between all parties involved in order to achieve the common goal of zero emissions,” reiterated Kurras.
Longer-term, the goal is to promote the sustainable and emission-free transportation industry across the Lusatia region and the State of Brandenburg.
Few organisations in Europe are as proactive as Maximator in showing how the private sector, in collaboration with motivated public-sector partners, can achieve on-the-ground success that directly feeds into the goal that the whole continent shares – emissionfree transportation for a better climate and more sustainable future.
PRODUCTION: PM Name
David Hill
At the busy Port Louis on the XX coast of Mauritius, Cargo Handling Corporation is beginning a journey to green operation and build on sustainability credentials as it addresses the needs of tomorrow alongside its partners.
//On the island nation of Mauritius, the energy industry is pioneering and forwardthinking. Traditionally an importer of liquid fuels to power the nation, Mauritius is taking a new direction as this burgeoning economy looks to make its mark as an economic success story of Africa and the Indian Ocean.
The International Energy Agency reports the country’s mix as of 2022 at 26% coal, 63% oil, and a balance made up of biofuels, waste-to-energy, hydro, and geothermal. But, in the 2021-22 budget, the government
announced that it would drive up the targets for renewable electricity generation to 60%, phasing out coal power by 2030. The Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030 – initially published in 2019 – shows how Mauritius can move to a more sustainable system through the use of wind, solar, biomass, wave, and waste projects. A major sugarcane exporter, the use of bagasse already helps the Central Electricity Board (the agency responsible for transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity) to generate 13% of all renewables on the island.
Like many countries, the energy transition in Mauritius starts at the port. The gateway for all trade, whether liquid fuels or energy infrastructure, the port is the cornerstone of change. In Mauritius, the main terminal is Port Louis. The company trusted with managing bulk cargo, all containers, and general port-handling operations is Cargo Handling Corporation (CHC). Established in 1983, the state-owned private company is a regional leader in port operations and is helping Mauritius to modernise and green while keeping trade flowing. At the same time, the
// ALL SHIP TO SHORE (STS) CRANES ARE ELECTRIC, THE RUBBER TYRED GANTRY (RTG) CRANES ARE DIESELDRIVEN AND WE ARE LOOKING TO CHANGE TO ELECTRIC PREFERABLY //
company is planning a strategy to bring sustainability to its own activities.
Head of Engineering at CHC, Harikesh Singh, tells Energy Focus that the company and the port is at the start of a journey that will require time and money to complete, but he remains confident that the ambition is there for a sustainable long-term operation that serves the entire country.
“We don’t have plans to expand our footprint, but we do have plans to replace old equipment with new,” he
says of the site that covers around 300 hectares in Mauritius’ capital. More than 1300 people work across three divisions to ensure trade flows freely through the harbour, strategically located between Africa and Asia, on the shipping route connecting West and East.
The company is clear in its drive for improvement, stating: “Throughout our history, we have set out to achieve excellence by focusing not only on our client’s needs but also by investing in innovative and sustainable technologies and solutions which will help not only us grow but provide opportunities
to our partners to grow with us.”
With more than 520 container vessels calling at Port Louis in 2023, and 90% of all trade going through the port, the significance of CHC is clear. Singh explains that the company is busy investigating improvements across its fleet of equipment to prepare it for modern demands of clients.
“All Ship to Shore (STS) cranes are electric, the rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes are diesel-driven and we are looking to change to electric preferably. However, the infrastructure is not currently in place and we would need to invest in transformers and electrification of the yard. Only then could we invest further in electric equipment. We are looking at the possibility of hybrid equipment. In the next four to five years, it will be difficult to implement a fully electric fleet of equipment with the infrastructure we have.”
The challenge here is the business case. As a state-owned company, delivering the upfront capital is not easy. Big costs, technical challenges, regulatory barriers, and general public acceptance are all hurdles for greening of ports. Even with the tangible results of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy security, reduced operating costings, and improved branding, there are few ports around the world that have managed to transition to fully green operations swiftly.
CNC has the scale and process to pioneer the way forward for the port industry. As a leading national operator, and a company that is internationally relevant, building a port supply chain and a cargo handling industry that is both sustainable and effective is in the global interest. Singh explains that CNC will work closely with the
Mauritian government to source the best products and services at the most competitive prices.
“All of our procurement is handled through a tender process,” he explains, “and through that process, whoever can supply to our technical specifications and other requirements will win the contract – as long as they are the lowest bidder. We do not deal directly with suppliers and everything must go through the tender process. Every project that is above MUR5 million is floated internationally for tender.”
The country expects to grow by around 4% for the next five years, and with a bigger economy comes bigger demand for port services and therefore greater greenhouse gas emissions from the port. This, says Singh, is the reason for CHC placing emphasis on modern infrastructure.
“Considering the world is looking for less carbon-emitting equipment,
// CONSIDERING THE WORLD IS LOOKING FOR LESS CARBONEMITTING EQUIPMENT, WE ALWAYS SPECIFY THAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR LOW CH3 OR CH4 ENGINES WITH LOW EMISSIONS//
we always specify that we will be looking for low CH3 or CH4 engines with low emissions,” he says.
However, any new equipment must be efficient and serviceable in the long-term. The CHC team has a lot of experience with various brands, and has
a strong local engineering team to keep the port moving. So when it comes to new projects, it is important for cost, efficiency, and usability to match.
“Whenever we buy anything new, the two important things are existing performance of the equipment, and where breakdowns are happening. When we find recurring issues, we are using new technology and automation. Components are limited and often come from just a few brands, especially with electrical parts and brakes. The availability of spare parts for the next 10-15 years is incredibly important. That is why we prepare a robust report and data-led specifications,” explains Singh.
As the country’s renewable energy drive continues, the port will be the point of entry for solar panels, wind turbine components, and other associated hardware. As the export of
Mauritius’ riches also booms, Port Louis and CHC will be required to do more than ever before. As an energy platform – perfectly located for refuelling and energy generation – Port Louis has a major role to play in the energy industry of the region. CHC will be inextricably twinned with the port and is a significant player in the power of Mauritius going forward. Operational improvements, transformative projects, and electrification and integration of key services will allow this beacon of hope that connects the world to show exactly what is possible when the ambition is there.
IMPORTANT EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS TAKING PLACE ACROSS THE ENERGY SECTOR, GIVING BRANDS A PLATFORM TO TELL THEIR STORY.
JAN 22 JAN 28 FEB 19
SENSORS & INSTRUMENTATION LIVE
JAN 22 | BIRMINGHAM, UK
Instrumentation Live is a platform dedicated to showcasing the latest technology in the fields of test, measurement and control, the free-to-attend event attracts influencers and key decision makers that are looking to source the latest products and solutions and stay up to date with the latest developments. Visitors benefit from the unique opportunity to see all of the market leaders under one roof, while exhibitors enjoy an incredible ROI from the highly-targeted and relevant crowd that the show attracts in the brand new table top format.
WWT WASTEWATER 2025
JAN 28-29 | BIRMINGHAM, UK
Featuring representation from ten of the UK’s Water and Sewerage Companies (WASCs), this event offers a comprehensive display of case studies and thought leadership, addressing AMP8 delivery challenges, reducing stormwater overflows, mainstreaming catchment and nature-based solutions, reducing process emissions and investing in smart networks and low-carbon treatment. By attending you’ll hear how industry experts have navigated DWMPs, how government plans to protect the environment for future generations, and how the UK’s WASCs and their partners are tackling p-removal, bioresource recovery and net zero.
SUBMARINE NETWORKS - EMEA
FEB 18-19 | LONDON, UK
Submarine Networks EMEA is the largest annual subsea connectivity event, bringing together 1,000 senior leaders from the global subsea market for two jam-packed days of learning, collaboration and networking. In addition to offering plenty of networking opportunities, attendees will be able to enjoy thought-leading panels, technical presentations, workshops and cable project and connectivity hub updates.
JAN 18 LIBYA ENERGY & ECONOMIC SUMMIT TRIPOLI | JAN 18-19
J+S Subsea provides proactive, responsive and cost-effective solutions for design, engineering, operational support and maintenance of subsea equipment, primarily related to the Subsea Production Control market.
J+S Subsea can provide a range of solutions to fulfil all your Subsea Energy Controls needs. We can provide service and support whether you need to refurbish your existing equipment, deliver critical components or design, assemble and test a new system.
Our vision is to enhance subsea operations by delivering cutting-edge technology that is efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable. Our team of skilled engineers and technicians are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of Subsea Engineering. From concept design to installation, J+S Subsea delivers tailor-made solutions that meet the unique challenges of each individual project.
Dive into a new era of subsea excellence with us, where sustainability is more than a principle - it’s a commitment. We’re reshaping the subsea landscape by integrating sustainable practices and innovation. From efficient subsea equipment to responsible waste handling, our approach minimises our impact on the environment. Join our journey to redefine subsea operations with a focus on a greener future.
At the heart of the company’s commitment to achieving net zero, is the pioneering Legacy Locker initiative. This forwardthinking initiative embraces the principles of the circular economy, offering a portal for the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of subsea equipment. Beyond unlocking capital tied up surplus equipment, the Legacy Locker users, enhance their environmental footprint by identifying opportunities to minimise waste and promote sustainability.