Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine April'17

April 2017 Issue

Strategic choices in a changing world

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edi to r s l et t er Welcome to the April issue of Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine, the monthly trade journal delivering extensive coverage of the offshore Industries worldwide.

Contents W ithin this i s s u e i nd ustry vi e w po i nt

6

ne w s i n b r i e f

8

i nd u stry ne w s

12

d i vi ng & und e rwate r se rvi c e s

22

C o nne c tor s, C ab le s & U m b i li c als

26

OSVs & C ab le I nstallat i o ns

30

pu m ps, valve s & ac t uator s

32

c r ane s, li f t i ng e qu i pm e nt & d e c k m ac hi ne ry

38

T r ai ni ng & D e ve lo pm e nt

42

T e c h SPOTLIGHT

44

We open this edition with DNV GL’s indepth study on how oil and gas companies are having to make strategic choices in order to survive the changing marketplace.

Elisabeth Tørstad, CEO of DNV GL explains: “The number of companies we now see pursuing opportunities beyond oil and gas signals a step change in the reshaping of the sector and demonstrates its ability to adapt and build a more robust, diverse and sustainable future” – (p6) Ian Todd, VP of Professional Services at Restrata gives a detailed analysis on all of the issues behind cyber security and its role in protecting the modern oil and gas industry - (p10).

Coming up in the next issue, we will be taking an in-depth look at each of the following market sectors: ROVs/AUVs/ Cameras & Lights, Subsea Equipment, Underwater Inspection, Welding & Fabrication, Decommissioning & Abandonment, Pipe & Tubular: Products & Services. If you would like your company to be noticed within any one of these features, please send me your latest news articles to editor@sosmagazine.biz. Our Publication Manager, Jon McIntosh is here to help out with your advertising requirements. jon@sosmagazine.biz.

Thanks for reading!

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April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p5

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT STRATEGIC CHOICES IN A CHANGING WORLD Companies in the oil and gas sector are seeking to rebalance business portfolios and reorganize for a new era, according to research of senior industry professionals on the outlook for 2017.

This picture emerges from Short-term agility, long-term resilience, DNV GL’s seventh annual benchmark study capturing industry priorities, concerns and confidence levels.

It indicates deep, strategic changes for sustainable growth beyond cyclical patterns.

Amid a drawn-out recovery, nearly half (49%) of 723 senior professionals surveyed expect their organizations to diversify into or increase investment in opportunities beyond oil and gas this year, though investments are still planned in the sector.

Every player in the industry is looking at diversification, suggests Eirik Wærness, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Statoil, in one of 15 in-depth interviews conducted for the report: “Whether it is to diversify across the value chain or into other energy sources, companies are trying to make future cash flow less dependent on variations in the oil and gas price.”

“The number of companies we now see pursuing opportunities beyond oil and gas signals a step change in the reshaping of the sector and demonstrates its ability to adapt and build a more robust, diverse and sustainable energy future,” adds Elisabeth Tørstad, CEO, DNV GL – Oil & Gas. Companies target renewables for diversification Energy sources with lower carbon footprints are a clear target, particularly as prices have fallen to the extent that, in most cases, subsidies are no longer necessary for renewable energy to be profitable. A quarter (26%) of respondents expect their business to invest or increase investments in renewables in 2017, and 59% regard this as a shift in long-term business strategy. In the research, 41% say their organizations have good understanding of how to assess renewable energy investments.

Total, for example, has significantly increased focus on solar power and batteries. p6 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

“Companies across the spectrum are redesigning themselves as energy companies, not just as oil and gas companies,” says World Energy Council Secretary General and CEO Christoph Frei for DNV GL’s research.

“Many have started talking about their ‘energy blend’ – increasing the importance of renewables and electricity.”

Some are looking to leave the energy sector entirely. Malaysia’s export development agency MATRADE, for example, says companies in Malaysia are diversifying into aerospace because of reduced opportunities in oil and gas.1 The intention to invest outside of oil and gas is most common in the manufacturing sub-sector (61%).

A future for gas Of respondents, 77% see gas becoming more important in the global energy mix by 2027: half view it as an increasingly attractive prospect for their business.

This aligns with gas’s significant potential as a ‘cleaner’ fossil fuel than oil and coal.

“We view gas not only as a fuel that has an important role to play in the energy transition as the cleanest of all traditional fuels, but also as a fuel with a firm place in the destination energy mix,” says Maarten Wetselaar, Integrated Gas and New Energies Director for Shell in an interview for the research.

The company completed the acquisition of BG Group in 2016 to form the world’s largest liquefied natural gas business.

Right: Elisabeth Tørstad, CEO, DNV GL – Oil & Gas. Below: Nearly half of respondents (49%) say the downturn is helping to reduce complexity in projects and operations.

Indeed, more companies look set to pursue M&As in general in 2017 to advance their strategies: 33% compared with 23% a year previously. In addition, 78% foresee increased industry consolidation this year.

This should boost demand for due diligence expertise beyond the purely financial.

Ongoing cost control in a year of muted investment DNV GL’s survey respondents forecast an average oil price around USD58 per barrel at the end of 2017, more than double the low of USD27 in January 2016, but little ahead of levels in early 2017.

Like oil prices, industry confidence has stabilized, but it remains dramatically lower than in 2014 and last year (32% versus 30%

“There will be all kinds of pockets of demand that simply need the energy density of a hydrocarbon, from heavy transport to producing steel, as well as chemical applications in glass, plastics, fertilizers and many others,” he added.

Liv Hovem, Senior Vice President, DNV GL – Oil & Gas, comments: “We are seeing divided strategies on gas. Some companies are clearly divesting, especially in upstream gas production, while others are investing and show strong optimism for the future of gas.”

Falling oil prices have made gas more attractive for 28% of respondents: 31% are scouting for new gas projects, with 27% seeking merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities in gas.

Above: Short-term agility, long-term resilience is DNV GL’s seventh annual benchmark study capturing industry priorities, concerns and confidence levels.

industry viewpoint in January 2016). Rather than remaining ‘lower for longer’, oil prices could well be “lower forever”, warns Graham Bennett, Vice President, DNV GL - Oil & Gas. “In the meantime, oil and gas companies need to start plans for developing new fields in 2018 and 2019 and beyond in order to retain shareholder value,” he adds.

Collaboration and standardization gaining popularity

Improved focus on collaboration, standardization and digitalization will play a key role in enabling the industry to transform to meet the demands of the new era and become profitable in volatile markets, says DNV GL’s Elisabeth Tørstad.

Investments are still being planned across the oil and gas value chain, though at a lower level than last year. The percentage of industry leaders expecting to maintain or increase capital expenditure in the sector has dropped from 43% in 2016 to 39%.

More than half (52%) say their organization will favour more agile projects that are more adaptable within shorter timeframes.

Many company leaders agree: 66% say cost pressures are driving more industry collaboration. The leading drivers in 2017 are to make new projects financially viable (51%), reduce risk/downside exposure (42%), and to access new skills (33%).

In In this climate, companies are maintaining a sharp focus on cost control, despite 76% of their leaders saying their organization was highly or somewhat successful at meeting cost-efficiency targets during intense, industry-wide, short-term cost cuts in 2016. In the research, 85% still see cost management as a top or high priority for 2017.

Organizational restructuring (37%), reducing operating expenditure (35%), and improving efficiency from existing assets (29%) are the top three priorities for controlling costs.

Encouragingly though, DNV GL’s survey hints at a longer-term, strategic approach to costefficiency; 63% see their current measures as marking a permanent shift towards a leaner way of working.

“After this period of volatility, our management is very aware that we must always be careful to invest cautiously, optimize costs, and improve efficiency,” says Ye Hua Huang, Deputy Director-general, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Bohai Oilfield Bureau in an interview for the survey. “We cannot abandon this cautious strategy when prices are high.”

Collaboration through processes such as joint industry projects is boosting standardization efforts. “The sector is talking in an unprecedented way about working with competitors to use standardization to support joint efficiencies,” says the World Energy Council’s Christoph Frei.

For example, a cross-industry project led by DNV GL to halt the boom in unnecessary subsea documentation shows that implementing a standardized approach can significantly reduce engineering hours.

Nearly half of respondents (49%) say the downturn is helping to reduce complexity in projects and operations. Standardization efforts are increasing as it helps to remove remaining complexities: 66% say their organization will seek greater standardization of tools and processes in 2017 (59% in 2016).

Digitalization on the rise Digitalization involving technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, predictive analytics and machine-to-machine communication is seen increasingly as another means to enhance operational and cost efficiencies in oil and gas. Among the 15 emerging technologies investigated in DNV GL’s survey, digitalization is the area in which

companies are most likely to invest in 2017 – across R&D, trials and full-scale implementations.

DNV GL estimates that the industry could become at least 20% more efficient by making full use of digitalization. It is the emerging technology area in which companies are most likely to invest in 2017, indicating that the industry recognizes it as a path to improved profitability and reduced risk. Nearly half (49%) of respondents say their organization will embrace digitalization to increase profitability.

In addition, 39% expect their organization’s spend in this area to increase in 2017.

The same proportion report that lower oil and gas prices have increased their focus on digitalization, while for 45% it has remained the same. Only six per cent have decreased this focus following the downturn.

“There’s general acceptance of the idea that big data, in particular, is important to the future of oil and gas,” says Paul Doucette, global leader, public policy and external funding, GE Oil & Gas, in an interview for DNV GL’s research. “Many operators are working on how to go about harnessing it.

The struggle is to make data meaningful and actionable fast enough to make a difference.”

Download a complimentary copy of Short-term agility, long-term resilience at: dnvgl.com/industryoutlook2017

References 1 ‘A tricky time for oil producers’, www.economist.com, 26 November 2016 This article was first published in PERSPECTIVES, a digital publication from DNV GL – Oil & Gas.

Left: DNV GL’s survey hints at a longer-term, strategic approach to cost-efficiency.

Above: DNV GL’s 2017 industry outlook report outlined an improved focus on collaboration, standardization and digitalization and confidence levels.

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p7

Aleron Ltd broadens horizons with North Africa contracts announcement Aberdeenshire based ROV solutions provider, Aleron Ltd has boosted its international credentials, with the announcement of two contract wins in the North Africa region for its group companies, Aleron Subsea Ltd and ROVQUIP Ltd. Supplying turnkey ROV solutions via Aleron Subsea (specialising in service, repair and upgrade of Work Class ROV systems) and ROVQUIP (producing specialist subsea tools), the group has recently completed the first of two projects for client, Oceana Subsea.

Energy in east sets example to rest of UK The UK energy industry could learn a lot from the “forward thinking” east of England, industry leaders told the biggest energy event to be staged in the region.

Forward thinking, innovation and collaboration of different technologies – offshore and onshore oil & gas, renewables and nuclear - to speak with one over-arching energy voice was already happening in the east, setting an example to the often-polarised national industries, an audience of supply chain companies was told.

Different technologies denigrating others to promote themselves and served just to obstruct progress, the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) SNS2017 was told.

National leaders representing offshore oil & gas, nuclear, renewables and onshore oil & gas from all corners of the UK shared the same stage to discuss Energy Transition in the East and beyond at the Norfolk Showground.

Ken Cronin, Chief Executive of UK Onshore Oil & Gas (UKOOG), congratulated EEEGR for gathering all national leaders on one stage – “something none of us have managed to achieve.”

More than 1100 delegates from across the UK and Europe attended the two-day event at the Norfolk Showground reinforcing the east of England’s position as an international centre of importance in the oil & gas, offshore wind, nuclear and the developing market for decommissioning.

p8 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

Utilising an Aleron Subsea Triton XL, supplied together with ROVQUIP’s new decommissioning multi-mode Cutting Tool, the Aleron Subsea ROV system is continuing to operate with Oceana on a subsea intervention project and will remain available for additional work in the Mediterranean.

Aleron Ltd Managing Director, Mike Bisset, commented, “Aleron Ltd’s business model is a perfect fit for Oceana Subsea, who are making great progress as an ROV operator.

We have rented them highly capable assets, allowing them to add to their capability without deploying the level of resource required to acquire and maintain a wider range of ROV systems and tooling.

The ROVQUIP 30” TCT saw was re-designed to allow the option of a Diamond Wire to be installed, thus ensuring the successful cut of a composite of steel and concrete. Built and tested in just three weeks, the tool demonstrates the depth of engineering capability within ROVQUIP. With ten overhauled Work Class ROV Systems currently available for sale or rental, Aleron Limited is successfully gaining global traction, with recentcontract wins in South East Asia, Norway, France and North Africa.

It’s time for action to stimulate SNS gas industry Gas industry supply chain companies across the East of England are invited to show interest in opportunities on the biggest new gas discovery in the southern North Sea (SNS) for almost 20 years.

Confirmation of the £435 million first phase of the Tolmount project – with a 20-year lifespan – is expected in the next two weeks with announcements of agreements.

Premier Oil is about to start front end engineering design (FEED) work, with first gas expected at the end of 2020.

Stuart Wheaton, Premier Oil’s Director & UK Business Unit Head, chose the stage of the East of England Energy Group’s (EEEGR) SNS2017 conference to announce how imminent the project is with the final investment decision (FID) expected early next year.

Tolmount, off the Yorkshire coast, is an “exciting” and major project for the region that could open up other discoveries in the southern North Sea. He invited supply chain companies to contact the project to register their interest.

Believed to hold more than 500 billion cubic feet of gas, there is potential to take it to twice that size, Mr Wheaton told the conference at the Norfolk Showground.

Tolmount will be served by an unmanned platform with four initial wells and a new pipeline transporting gas to shore.

The first phase of Tolmount will cost £435 million. Premier bought its 50% stake in Tolmount from E.ON last year; Dana Petroleum holds the other 50%.

OEM Group appoints new financial director Specialist oil and gas & marine services firm OEM Group has welcomed Mike Macleod on board as its new Finance Director as part of the company’s growth strategy which aims to see its turnover increase by 25% to £3 million in the next 12 months.

With more than six years’ experience working at director level, Mr Macleod has joined the Aberdeen headquartered firm following 10 years at Uniconn Group. Mr Macleod, who has an Honours Degree in Law and Management from the Robert Gordon University, helped to grow the oilfield services company from a small rental company into a global organisation with four divisions and 30 personnel.

Add Energy’s Well Control celebrates three year Framework Agreement with Statoil Add Energy’s Well Control & Blowout Support group has secured a framework agreement with Statoil Petroleum AS for Well Planning, Blowout and Kill Simulations.

This framework agreement will provide specialist services to Statoil over the next three years with an agreed optional extension of two periods of one-year extension.

Under the agreement, Add Energy will be responsible for the provision of blowout simulations, kill simulations, emergency response, risk evaluations and general studies related to special well operations, completion work and production related engineering.

The contract will apply to any license on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) where Statoil is the operator as well as any operations out with Norway; if required.

Morten H. Emilsen, Senior Vice President of Add Energy commented: “We are pleased to be awarded this contract allowing us to continue supporting Statoil with specialist services related to well control and blowout support.

“Over the past few years, we have strategically developed our well control services in line with industry and company specific requirements; enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that are focused on safety, efficiency and cost effective drilling operations. We are extremely grateful that Statoil value our competence and specialist services.”

In addition to Mr Macleod’s appointment, OEM Group has also bolstered its team in the UK by taking on five engineers as well as employing Craig Stephen as UK Sales Manager. Mr Stephen has more than 10 years’ experience in his field, formerly working at Turners Engine Power Services.

OEM has also increased its office space in Aberdeen to accommodate its additional personnel and has further invested in tooling equipment and workshop equipment.

Mr Macleod, who will be resonsible for all areas of the company’s financials said: “This is an exciting time to be joining OEM Group. The company has already enjoyed significant growth during the past couple of years where many companies have struggled because of the downturn affecting the entire global industry.

“I’m looking forward to helping shape the growth of the business as it moves towards its strategic aspirations and further strengthen its position in the global marketplace. I’m also excited to be part of an energetic team which has a reputation for its strong work ethic and can-do culture.”

PETERSON AWARDED MAJOR FIVE YEAR CONTRACT TO SUPPORT BP IN TRINIDAD Leading international energy logistics provider Peterson has been awarded a five year contract, with options for further extension, with BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC (“BPTT”) to provide integrated logistics services for its operations in Trinidad & Tobago. The scope of work includes integrated supply base operations management, logistics control planning and pipe yard operations.

This contract will significantly expand Peterson’s footprint in the Caribbean region and builds on the company’s existing long-term relationship with BP, which includes supporting some of its UKCS North Sea operations from Peterson’s Shetland supply base. Peterson will implement its full suite of eLogistics applications and, together with BPTT, will develop and establish collaboration initiatives between BPTT and other operators in the region.

Commenting on the award Erwin Kooij, CEO, Peterson Offshore Group, said: “This is a significant award for our business and marks a major development in our growth and long term commitment to this region.

“Our strong track record of delivering safe and efficient operations is built on 50 years’ experience supporting oil & gas logistics which, together with our vision and experience of collaboration were key factors in BP’s decision to award us this work.

“We will work in close partnership with BP to deliver an innovative service that drives efficiency and facilitates resource sharing, whilst ensuring a continued focus on safe execution and delivery.”

Maarten Spiljard, Regional Manager Americas, added: “We are committed to creating local employment opportunities in the areas where we work. This is reinforced by our contract, which will focus on the recruitment and development of the local workforce whose skills and experience are key to ensuring successful delivery.”

Peterson has been active in Trinidad since 2012, setting up a formal operation in 2014 to support local operators and service companies and has supported several large projects in the region.

Industry viewpoint

Cyber safety and its role in protecting the modern oil and gas industry New technology has improved efficiency across the oil and gas industry: improving safety and increasing productivity to secure the future of the sector however, the introduction of connected systems has also introduced potential weaknesses which could compromise security.

Compared to the old ‘manual’ days, today’s automated industry is vastly different, with digital information platforms, including spreadsheets; databases; and handheld technology increasingly important as tools of the trade.

As assets – including vessels, installations and process plants, are connected to the internet in some form, protecting their digital infrastructure against cyber-attack is vital in ensuring safe operations and protecting production.

Managing a physical threat is not new, however many of these assets are decades old and were installed at a time when the online threats faced by today’s operators could not be foreseen.

Taking infrastructure from another era and giving it security fit for the 21st century poses challenges.

Combining the way we handle the cyber threat along with traditional physical security allows us to build a resilient all-encompassing plan to combat issues.

Engaging a command and control room as a single platform for handling the IT security information, event management (SIEM) and the physical security information management (PSIM) provides a holistic approach where all elements of the security programme are monitored and managed. This cohesion is crucial in building a full picture that covers all aspects of the security package.

p10 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

Cyber security vulnerabilities can be addressed through a risk-based approach, using the same bow-tie model implemented across the wider safety and security picture, to establish both risk management and emergency response plans. Following this methodology allows companies to identify threats to and vulnerabilities within existing assets and operations.

Pinpointing the threats allow businesses to then plan barriers to prevent incidents and mitigate the consequences of cyber risks. Practically this means a vulnerability assessment and penetration test should be carried out.

Without appropriate safety functions, the software used to improve efficiencies

and provide smooth working procedures can also become a weakness for an operator.

The top cyber security vulnerabilities include: 1. Lack of cyber security awareness and training among employees e.g. access to a system via social engineering 2. Not managing use of IT products where there are known vulnerabilities e.g. hard coded user credentials 3. A limited cyber security culture among supply chain: vendors, suppliers and contractors e.g. lack of focus on logical security 4. Insufficient separation of data networks e.g. lack of centralised IT coordination 5. The use of mobile devices and storage units including smartphones 6. Insufficient physical security of data rooms, cabinets, etc.

7. Outdated and ageing control systems in facilities

industry viewpoint

written by Ian Todd, vice president of professional services, Restrata

Educating security teams and facility managers on the important of regular self-assessment as a means to improving preparedness is especially important, particularly in high risk regions or where there is a dynamic threat profile.

Bespoke security risk assessment tools can be designed to cover the specific needs of individual operators with training provided to their teams to support proactive risk management.

Each region and the countries therein are different and it pays to focus on the challenges posed by the location.

Identification of trends and underlying risks differ from place to place and infrastructure, such as pipelines, which may span an entire country can be vulnerable to malicious damage or theft. This is especially true in the case of remote assets.

In terms of detecting physical issues, the latest technologies aid the identification of potential attacks

better than ever before. As an example, long-range thermal imaging is effective for wide area surveillance and intruder monitoring whilst unmanned aerial vehicles are effective for surveillance and investigating on remote assets.

These can also play a role in detecting emerging threats, such as airborne contamination.

The increasing capability of smart phones lends itself to protecting security through integrated personal credentials.

It is likely that phones will eventually replace traditional access tokens or cards, providing access control details and e-wallet capabilities.

Finance plays a major role in what we can or can’t do however, cyber security protection costs haven’t changed greatly in recent years. As expectation increases into what a system should be able to do so does the fee, but this has been

balanced by the proliferation of consumer technology such as smart phones that have allowed us to do more.

Empowering oil and gas companies to utilise appropriate risk assessment methodologies and act on their recommendations will go a long way to ensuring the security of operations onshore and offshore. Just as our systems improve, so do the capabilities of those who may be planning cyber-attacks.

Key to stopping this and securing the safety of our assets is a fully rounded security approach which ties in all cyber and physical aspects. Knowing where the vulnerabilities may lie and understanding what is required to address them allows us to deliver a package that will keep the oil and gas industry safe.

www.restrata.com

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p11

INDUSTRY NEWS CONFIDENCE RETURNING TO OIL AND GAS RECRUITMENT AS OIL PRICE STABLISES, ACCORDING TO NEW PETROPLAN SURVEY A review of the employment environment in the energy sector by Petroplan has found that, despite a major contraction in the value of the energy employment market over the past two years, global oil prices are now around the level where demand for talent looks set to pick up again.

Respondents from thirty-five organisations from across the major global oil and gas hubs participated in the survey, the aim of which was to gain insight from the industry’s employers on the prospects for recovery, and how this would impact on hiring in the near future.

Contract staff are likely to be in the vanguard of any recovery, with over twothirds of respondents expecting greater use of contractors, bringing with them the flexibility and cost control which are critical in the current business environment.

The use of Western expat contractors long seen as a mainstay of the oil and gas industry - looks set to decline however as lower-cost local talent upskills and nationalisation targets take effect.

Activity is expected to pick up on onshore rigs first (in the US, then Middle East, Asia and Africa), followed by shallow water projects. Experienced technical talent, as well as those with a combination of technical and financial skills, look set to be most in demand in any recovery.

Mechanical and chemical engineers, project managers and IT experts were among the shortage roles cited in the survey.

If anything, the oil price downturn since mid-2014 has increased the demographic challenge the industry faces, with experienced middle managers laid off and millennials put off entering the industry. While two thirds of respondents recognise the challenge as a major obstacle to growth, there was a feeling that multi-skilling and up-skilling the existing workforce will help to address it. p12 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

Ashtead Strengthens Senior Management Team Ashtead Technology has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of a Business Development Director.

With a career spanning more than 20 years in the oil and gas industry, David Mair joins Ashtead from Hoover Ferguson Group where he held the position of Global Business Development Director. Prior to this, Mr Mair worked at Subsea 7 where he held a number of senior management roles, including Group Vice President of Business Development.

Based in Aberdeen, Mr Mair will be responsible for Ashtead’s global business development activities as the firm looks to further broaden its range of services and increase its geographical reach to provide its customers with the most efficient, cost-effective technological solutions.

Mr Mair’s appointment is the latest move in

Ashtead’s growth strategy and follows the company’s recent expansion in the Middle East following the acquisition of Abu Dhabi based TES Survey Equipment Services LLC. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Mair said: “With more than 30 years’ experience in delivering equipment and service solutions to the subsea industry, Ashtead is well positioned to build on this long heritage with innovative thinking, cutting-edge technology and services.

“I am delighted to be joining such a high calibre team and look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the business.”

Sparrows Group secures three year Ichthys contract Sparrows Group has secured a three year contract to deliver fixed crane maintenance and lifting and rigging services for the INPEX-operated Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Australia.

The agreement is the latest in a series of significant business wins for Sparrows and will see the company’s teams in Perth and Darwin, Australia, support activities across the state of the art Ichthys onshore LNG facility at Bladin Point, the offshore central processing facility Ichthys Explorer and the Ichthys Venturer FPSO. The scope encompasses maintenance, servicing and inspection of lifting equipment and cranes, the supply of lifting equipment, spare parts and materials; and technical and engineering support.

Located approximately 220 kilometres offshore Western Australia, the Ichthys Field represents the largest discovery of hydrocarbon liquids in Australia

in more than 40 years. The Ichthys LNG Project is currently in construction and is ranked among the most significant oil and gas projects in the world.

Ichthys is expected to produce 8.9 million tonnes of LNG and 1.6 million tonnes of LPG per annum, in addition to more than 100,000 barrels of condensate per day at peak.

Sparrows announced last month that it had secured a five-year deal with Maersk Oil UK for the supply of hydraulic, lifting and rigging services. Since the start of the year the Group has also won the contract to provide services for ScottishPower Renewables’s East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm, announced a three-year deal to provide crane management services at the Kraken field, East of Sheltand; and renewed a mechanical handling and crane management pact with BP for an initial five years.

The value of the Ichthys contract, which is for three years plus two one year options, was not disclosed.

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Zetechtics Ltd April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p13

Industry news

NEW CEO DRIVES FAR EAST GROWTH FOR ENGINEERING GROUP CMR Group, the international control instrumentation and electrical engineering company, has appointed a new head of Asia operations.

Alvin Sim joins as the new CEO for CMR Far East, with a brief to drive the development and sales of the firm’s pan-regional products and services.

Based at the Singapore office, he will oversee all areas of a business that is seeing demand for precision engineering services from industrial and manufacturing sectors, and recently opened a new Thailand office in Bangkok.

He brings more than 25 years’ experience and expertise in management, operations, sales and engineering to the role and will focus on developing CMR’s electrical equipment and services for the offshore, power and petrochemical sectors.

This will include promoting system capabilities and bespoke product solutions to end-users as well as engineering contractors in different markets and countries, while looking to grow the value of existing work.

Alvin Sim: “I’m delighted to be part of a highly professional and skilled team.

We have capable sales, project management, engineering and productions teams that can and do deliver the highest standards of quality and service.

electronics, alarm monitoring and safety systems, industrial sensors, and software, the company is an engineering partner for many leading manufacturers. More at: Below: Alvin Sim, the new CEO who will drive growth for CMR Far East.

“We will continue to grow our market share, boost margins, widen the scope of our engineers and our order book.”

The CMR Group supplies instrumentation and controls for offshore platforms and vessels, marine, engines and industrial applications world-wide. With core product groups including rugged cable systems, controls, custom products,

New Appointments for Controlled Bolting Specialists HTL Group As part of HTL Group’s continued growth plans, the controlled bolting OEM are pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Bendel, Business Development Manager and David Rainford, OEM Business Development Director.

Wendy joins HTL Group Scotland with a strong background in business development and key account management for the Oil and Gas sector across Scotland. Following Wendy’s time at Enermech as Business Development Manager within the Rigging and Equipment Department, Wendy’s main focus is to deliver HTL Group’s customer tailored OEM solutions on time and in budget across Scotland.

Wendy comments: “I am delighted to be a part of the HTL Group Scotland Team under the management and guidance of HTL Group Scotland’s Business Manager Marc Gerrard. We have a very strong portfolio of unrivalled products and services which I have complete confidence in sharing with the marketplace.”

HTL Group are also delighted to welcome p14 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

David Rainford to the team as OEM Business Development Director.

David joins HTL Group from the Hydraulics Industry, with over 15 year’s business development experience.

With a hands-on approach, David has spent a lot of time on-site within Refineries, Mines, and Shipyards and working directly with larger international companies to effectively manage and develop comprehensive global distributor networks.

The focus of David’s role at HTL Group is to concentrate on the global business development in key countries whilst assisting natural growth in areas that HTL already have presence.

David comments: “I am looking forward to be a key part of such a well-established team and representing a world class innovative product portfolio. The full scope of what HTL can bring to the market coupled with the second to none customer service HTL are already known for ensures I can further enhance HTL’s global presence, whilst supporting and growing the work we are doing in already established areas.”

Above: Wendy Bendel, Business Development Manager.

David Rainford, OEM Business Development Director.

www.htlgroup.com

Industry news ®

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The Nelweld N800i The N800i inverter stud welder from Nelson weighs only 19kg but has enough power to weld up to M12 studs. The N800i is capable of welding in Drawn Arc, Gas Arc and Short Cycle processes. With the latest innovations, a two year warranty and one man portability... Why consider anything else?

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April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p15

Industry news

Brexit impact on the oil and gas industry in the UK Paul de Leeuw, Director of Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Oil and Gas Institute (OGI) Few could have predicted the sequence of events triggered by former Prime Minister David Cameron, when in February 2016 he made his announcement on the steps of Downing Street that the Brexit referendum would indeed take place. Irrespective of the way people then voted on June 23rd 2016, very few would have wagered that the FTSE 100 index of leading shares would now be at a record high and that the UK would be one of the fastest growing economies in the developed world.

The government is expected to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon in the next few days to formally commence the Brexit process. This will also signal the start of the process to establish new trade arrangements with countries and trade blocs around the world. After Article 50 is triggered, the UK will be leaving the European Union (EU) and the Customs Union within a two year period, although it is currently still unclear what will happen after this two year time window runs out and what transition arrangements should be put in place to ensure business continuity.

If the UK is not able to negotiate new trade agreements within the two year windowor is not able to extend the timeframe, then one of the likely fallback options will be for the UK to apply the rules set out by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The WTO rules provide a common framework for the

overall trade in goods and services between WTO members.

So what does this all mean for the UK oil and gas industry? Unfortunately the road ahead is far from clear as no country has ever withdrawn from the EU before and the process for doing so is likely to be complex and time-consuming. However there a few areas where there will be an impact for the UK oil and gas industry.

Although the UKCS will remain an important hydrocarbon producing basin, the UK will become increasingly dependent on imports to meet demand for oil and gas. By 2030 it is anticipated that over 60% of oil and gas demand will be met by imports. It is expected that the majority of new gas imports will come from outside the EU, with Norway and Liquefied Natural Gas tankers accounting for the lion’s share.

The existing interconnectors between the UK and the EU will provide the remaining balance. In terms of oil, it is likely that the majority of crude for the UK market will also originate outside the EU. The impact of Brexit on oil and gas imports to the UK is likely to be relatively modest.

Where there is likely to be a more material Brexit impact is in the supply chain and particularly in relation to those companies who export goods and services from the UK to other oil and gas basins around the world. In the absence of any clear and/or new trade agreements, the supply chain could be

Below: Author of article - Professor Paul de Leeuw, Director, Oil & Gas INstitute, Robert Gordon University.

exposed to additional tariffs. Comparing the relevant sections of the current EU and WTO trade agreements, RGU’s Oil and Gas Institute estimates that moving to the WTO framework could result in up to £200 million extra cost per year for the UK’s oil and gas supply chain (based on 2015 oil and gas exports of c. £14 billion in terms of goods and services).

In terms of regulation and policy for the upstream oil and gas industry, much of the EU legislation and directives were either based on established UK customs and practices or are already enshrined in UK law. Although it will take some considerable time to untangle the complex regulatory and policy frameworks, the impact for the oil and gas industry is likely to be modest. In terms of the UK oil and gas tax system, little is expected to change as a result of Brexit as the EU has no remit over the UK’s fiscal regime for the industry.

In relation to the freedom of movement in the labour market, Prime Minister Theresa May made it clear in January 2017 that the UK will withdraw from both the Single Market and from the Customs Union and will secure full control over the UK borders and therefore immigration.

This will have a direct impact on the movement of people. With the oil and gas industry relying heavily on access to international skills and capabilities, this may be one of the more challenging areas to be addressed.

It is clear that Brexit will have a profound impact on the UK as a whole, but it will likely affect different industry sectors in very different ways. The oil and gas industry has gone through a number of very tough cycles recently and has successfully managed to weather the storms. Brexit will inevitably bring new challenges, but we can be confident that the industry’s determination and resilience will ultimately overcome whatever comes its way.

p16 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

SPE Offshore Europe 2017’s OE & Me led by Sir Ian Wood Industry doyen Sir Ian Wood has kicked-off a new campaign ahead of SPE Offshore Europe 2017 to encourage previous and future visitors, exhibitors and speakers to share their experiences of the event and what they are looking forward to seeing at September’s conference and exhibition.

OE & Me is a new online hub which invites people to send their stories of SPE Offshore Europe and organisers are looking for contributions from both within and outside the oil and gas industry.

Short-style video footage from phones or tablets is the recommended format to upload to the hub. Full details are available at: www.offshore-europe.co.uk/en/OE--Me/ Sir Ian is a strong supporter of SPE Offshore Europe and provided the first video for the campaign.

Companies such as DNV GL, ITF, OPITO and Xodus Group have also uploaded contributions. Sir Ian is renowned for his work in the international oil and gas industry with the Wood Group, serving as Chief Executive from 1967 to 2006 and as chairman until 2012. He is currently chairman of ONE (Opportunity North East) and is the author of the influential Wood Report and signatory of the City Region Deal that gave birth to the recentlyformed Oil & Gas Technology Centre (of which he is the initial chairman).

Talking about his experiences of the event, he said: “I’ve always used SPE Offshore Europe as an occasion for a significant reappraisal where I brought the Wood Group senior team together to discuss what we’ve learned and what the key differences are from two years previous, in terms of the market and the competition. It is an impressive window for the industry with significant international participation, and the conference is of very high quality.

It enables access to the changing home market and to an international market.

Aberdeen must maintain its position as the offshore oil and gas capital of Europe

and SPE Offshore Europe is a key part of that.”

Vasyl Zhygalo, Portfolio Director, Offshore Europe Partnership added: “We want to hear personal stories and experiences from across the globe as well as close to home. We hope for a range of local insights on the event it is an important week for Aberdeen commercially, bringing tens of thousands of industry specialists to the city from more than 100 countries.”

Embracing New Realities: Reinventing our Industry is the central theme for SPE Offshore Europe 2017 which will be held at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Aberdeen, Scotland from 5-8 September 2017. The OE & Me campaign will run from now until the beginning of the event.

SPE Offshore Europe has been held biennially in Aberdeen since 1973.

It is the largest and technically foremost offshore E&P conference and exhibition outside North America. In 2015 the event attracted over 1,500 international exhibitors and 56,000 attendees from more than 100 countries.

Visit:

www.offshore-europe.co.uk

for further information.

Industry news

Statoil CEO Warns of globalization ‘In Reverse,’ Effects on Oil Market After the surprise election of Donald Trump, the head of Norway’s biggest oil company headed to Washington D.C. last month looking for reassurance. He came away as worried as ever.

“I was looking for clarity, also some guidance, good advice, and also some people to talk to - new relationships within the administration,” Statoil ASA CEO Eldar Saetre told a conference in Oslo on Thursday.

“I have to be honest with you - I didn’t get much of any of it.”

Saetre, whose company has stakes in three U.S. onshore areas and in the Gulf of Mexico, was concerned about the protectionist bent of the new president’s rhetoric. Combined with last year’s Brexit vote and looming elections in Europe, where nationalists are gaining influence, he sees Trump’s victory as a threat to global free trade.

“From Brexit to Trump, we see warning signs that globalization could be going in reverse,” Saetre said at the annual Swedbank Energy Summit. “For our industry, I believe that would be very negative.”

Trump’s energy policies could benefit oil producers in the U.S. by loosening regulations and freeing up more areas for drilling.

However, his protectionist agenda could affect economic growth and trading relations with countries from neighboring Mexico to Asia.

Global collaboration “Global collaboration and integrated markets have been and will remain key to make our industry prosper,” Saetre said. “Fair, open access to markets are keys to enable investments, value creation and jobs in our industry.”

Cross-border cooperation is also essential to solve climate change, making it “more important than ever,” Saetre said. Trump signaled during his campaign he could pull the U.S. out of the Paris agreement to limit global warming, which he has called a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese.

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p17

Industry news

Pemex Delves Deep into UK Subsea Sector Subsea UK Shares Knowledge and Expertise with Mexico’s National Oil Company Senior figures from Mexico’s national oil company, Pemex, have been discovering the secrets of the UK subsea sector’s success and how it has revolutionised the way in which hydrocarbons have been extracted from beneath the seabed during a fact-finding visit to Aberdeen.

complex environments in order to recover the world’s oil and gas reserves.

Organised in partnership with the Department of International Trade (DIT), the five-day subsea learning event included site visits to some of the sector’s most innovative companies, including GE Oil & Gas, Aker Solutions, Hydrasun, Wood Group, BP and ROVOP. The delegation experienced what it’s like to operate a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), learnt about diving operations and toured a number of subsea manufacturing plants.

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, said: “Welcoming the Pemex team to Aberdeen to see first-hand some of the ground breaking technologies and innovations that created the subsea sector centre of excellence was an important development opportunity for the sector.

The mission provided a broad but indepth overview of the sector, covering how technology has evolved over the years to meet the demands of exploration and production companies as they move to harsher and more

They also gained an insight into the subsea industry from a UK perspective and as a global sector, looking at how subsea fields are developed, and how subsea systems are designed, installed, operated and decommissioned around the world.

“The Energy Reform in 2013 saw Mexico’s oil and gas industry undergo some big changes as it opened its doors to international companies for the first time.

This fact-finding mission has allowed us to showcase the UK’s subsea industry and demonstrate why the UK leads the way around the world in subsea technology and expertise. “

Each year, Subsea UK works with DIT to organise trade missions to Mexico in a bid to increase business and trade opportunities in this very promising energy hub.

“Mexico has the potential to be one of the fastest-growing oil and gas provinces in the world and this visit to Aberdeen builds on the already close ties between our two countries. With Mexico’s energy ambitions and the UK’s wealth of experience, there are huge opportunities for collaboration.We hope the delegates found the visits to the various companies involved to be highly valuable,” added Mr Gordon.

First workers complete oil and gas industry’s new onshore safety training standard with Wild Geese Group The first downstream oil and gas workers have successfully completed safety-critical training under a new industry standard which has been developed using the same high criteria used to train offshore workers safearound the world.

Wild Geese Group (WGG) in Malaysia is the first company to achieve OPITO’s approval to deliver training as part of OPITO’s Onshore Petroleum Processing & Refining Facilities Standards which were launched in November 2016.

The training provider is the first in the world to be approved to deliver plant manager and incident commander initial response training and assessment training after meeting the strict criteria set out by the industry safety, standards and workforce development body.

Personnel from NUSAPETRO Sdn. p18 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

Bhd onshore plant have been the first to undertake the training and assessment.

plant managers, incident commanders and fire/emergency response team leaders.

OPITO’s emergency response framework for onshore personnel encompasses key specialist roles whose function is to manage any emergency, coordinate the response and respond to instructions around controlling an incident.

These include control room operators,

The industry organisation’s globally recognised upstream standards are delivered to workers in 45 countries and last year saw a record number of new approvals awarded to training provider companies, demonstrating the value the sector places on using OPITO standards.

Industry news

Aker Solutions Lands $118 Mln Njord A Deal Next Geosolutions Aker Solutions will provide design engineering for the upgrading of the semi-submersible Njord A platform in Norway.

costs on this project and we are now focused on keeping up the momentum,” said Knut Sandvik, Head of Projects at Aker Solutions.

The company will, as a subcontractor of Kvaerner, take part in upgrading the platform after operator Statoil exercised an option in an agreement awarded in April 2016. The option is for work in the engineering, procurement and construction phase of the project.

The Njord field, located in the Norwegian Sea, had its first production in 1997.

The Njord A platform will be upgraded at Kvaerner’s yard in Stord.

Aker Solutions’ share of the work is valued at about NOK 1 billion (close to $118 billion) and will be booked in the company’s first-quarter orders.

Aker Solutions’ office in Bergen will execute the engineering work with support from the company’s division in Oslo, working as part of an integrated team with Kvaerner. The work has already started, and will at its peak involve about 330 Aker Solutions’ employees.

Delivery is scheduled for spring 2020.

Aker Solutions has previously delivered concept and feasibility studies as well as front-end engineering and design (FEED) work for the Njord upgrade. The subcontractor agreement with Kvaerner includes an option for prefabrication work.

The two week workscope will involve cable inspections for the Skagerrak electricity transmission system and NorNed power cable interconnectors. The interconnectors will link the electricity transmission systems of different countries, with subsea cables utilised for the NSL, passing through Norwegian and British waters.

Subsea 7 Clinches Mad Dog 2 Deal from BP Subsea 7 has been awarded a large contract by BP as part of the deepwater Mad Dog 2 development, located approximately 190 miles south of New Orleans.

The Oslo-listed SURF specialist defines a large contract as being between USD 300 million and USD 500 million.

Subsea 7 collaborated with OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company, and its Subsea Integration Alliance partner to identify additional areas of cost improvement to provide greater cost certainty and reduced risk. This has enabled the original cost of the Mad Dog 2 development to be substantially reduced, Subsea 7 noted.

In addition, the contract represents the first substantial project in the US to use Subsea 7’s Swagelining polymer lining technology.

Next Geosolutions, an independent geoscience and engineering service provider, has been awarded two major survey contracts, which together represent a multimillion euro figure, for the North Sea Link (NSL) project, the first electricity link between UK and Norway.

The first contract, due to commence in April 2017, will see Next Geosolutions provide Below: cable protection survey work for Statnett, the Norwegian transmission system operator.

Aker Solutions Lands $118 Mln Njord A Deal.

“We have together with Kvaerner and Statoil succeeded in significantly lowering

The contract scope covers engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) and associated subsea architecture.

Awarded Multimillion Euro Contracts to Survey the World’s Longest Interconnector

Project management and engineering will take place in Houston, Texas with support from Subsea 7’s Global Project Centre in London, UK. Offshore installation activities are scheduled for 2019 and 2020.

Craig Broussard, Subsea 7 Vice President for the Gulf of Mexico, said: “The Mad Dog 2 project is a significant award for Subsea 7.

It combines Subsea 7’s capability with our Subsea Integration Alliance value offering to reduce risk and provide lower cost solutions for BP. This project serves as a step-change of how we work in the region and in Subsea 7’s ability to deliver superior value to the industry.”

The second contract is due to commence in May for a period of three months.

It will involve Next Geosolutions carrying out offshore cable route survey, unexploded ordnance (UXO) survey and route preparation techniques.

Each survey will be performed with the same mobilisation and demobilisation delivered

by Next Geosolutions’ brand new dynamic positioning (DP) Class 2 multi-purpose supply (MPSV) vessel - the Ievoli Cobalt.

The vessel is currently fitted with a Schilling-Ultra Heavy Duty (UHD) WorkClass Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and McArtney Focus 3 Remotely Operated Towed Vehicle (ROTV).

The first in the market, the Focus 3 ROTV shall deliver high-resolution datasets for route design and engineering, as well as subsea asset inspections utilising its unrivalled, simultaneous sensor package.

Above: Subsea 7 Clinches Mad Dog 2 Deal from BP. April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p19

Industry news

Sonomatic and TSC Inspection Systems announce Expert ACFM® Solutions for Subsea Crack Detection & Measurement. strategic working partnership in Southeast Asia Spanning the Southeast Asian region, the partnership will range from subsea projects to refineries, with an emphasis on high temperature work in Singapore.

Sonomatic’s in depth knowledge of nondestructive testing, along with how it is applied in the integrity management process, is supported by a strong internal capability for the development of ultrasonic systems, software, scanners and associated equipment. Sonomatic is the world’s leading provider of automated subsea ultrasonic inspection services.

The technology is designed and developed by an in-house team of experts for use by Sonomatic service teams. This closely-knit process ensures that delivery is fit-forpurpose and equipment has the highest level of reliability in order to ensure availability at all times.

Sonomatic is committed to providing inspection solutions that best meet our client’s needs and we are pleased to be working with TSC in order to extend our offerings.

We understand that effective integrity decision making depends on reliable information on asset condition.

Zach McCann, Regional Manager of Australasia, Zach McCann, Sonomatic.

Sonomatic’s high temperature capability for refinery applications is the result of an intensive R&D programme in which effective methods of high temperature coupling and probe cooling have been developed. The techniques are deployed by a range of in-house developed scanners.

Sonomatic’s high temperature inspection capability allows process equipment operators to perform inspections without the need to shut down plant. This delivers significant economic benefits through uninterrupted production and at the same time ensures the risks of operation of pressure equipment are managed more effectively.

ACFM®, is an electromagnetic inspection technique that has been developed

by TSC and is widely used across high integrity industries such as oil and gas, defence, nuclear, transport and mining. The ability to inspect at elevated temperatures can provide significant cost savings by avoiding plant shut downs; but, importantly, also eliminates the problems caused by cracks closing up when the structure is cooled down. ACFM is routinely used for high temperature inspection in applications such as the inspection of hot pipework in petrochemical plants, on-going monitoring of defect prone sites under lagging using permanently installed high temperature array probes, interpass inspection during welding is also possible removing the need for bead to cool and then be reheated. TSC can build and design

ACFM® probes to inspect at temperatures of 500°C (930°F), or more, for long periods of time.

This partnership brings together the strengths of TSC and Sonomatic to provide customers with a comprehensive and advanced NDT inspection solution. We look forward to working closely with Sonomatic in delivering high quality inspection services to customers in the South East Asia region.

Nickson Khoo, Business Development Manager of TSC Inspection Systems Singapore.

www.tscis.com

Sonomatic Opens New Multi-Disciplined NDT Facility In Aberdeen Minister for Business Paul Wheelhouse Unveils Plaque for Grand Opening.

Sonomatic, market leader Visit us aon Stand 30in the provision of advanced automated ultrasonic inspection services, has created a centre of excellence for NDT and integrity services at its brand new, multi-disciplined facility at The Core business park in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse joined Sonomatic with the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the grand opening.

Contact TSC: Milton Keynes Aberdeen Singapore

+44 1908 317444 +44 1224 725136 +65 6543 9728

The facility1 brings together a team of Subsea UK Ad Jannew 2017.indd

highly skilled technicians, inspectors, engineers and Rope Access NDT Inspectors in order to p20 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

Remote subsea ACFM inspection.

Diver deployed ACFM inspection.

Scanner, Crawler & ROV deployment.

Inspecting up investment, to 2000m deep.

Sonomatic maintained more than 50campaigns. jobs within the construction industry UWILD inspection to build our new base over the past year.

ACFM inspection services.

Since opening, Sonomatic have created nearly 15 ACFM systemsnew rentals. full-time positions, with a long-term view

offer clients the highest quality inspections and provide the best client support available.

The facility enhances the company’s local integrity capability and presence, enabling Sonomatic to better deliver their unique inspection planning and analysis methods that address the critical need for efficiencies in integrity management practices.

The new facility will also support Sonomatic’s provision of core contract inspection services, covering everything required for both offshore and onshore facilities.

of creating anything from 20 to 70 full time jobs, depending on the success of our initiatives and successful bids via our Rope Access Division.

www.tscis.com

Sonomatic’s direct investment has been in the excess of ?4 million, including the land, building and fit-out costs. In terms of employment, provided by the overall

Above: Sonomatic Aberdeen is honoured to have

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister of Business, Innovation20/12/2016 and 14:34 Energy announce the official grand opening of the new state of the art facility with a plaque unveiling.

Expert ACFM® Solutions for Subsea Crack Detection & Measurement.

Remote subsea ACFM inspection.

Diver deployed ACFM inspection.

Scanner, Crawler & ROV deployment.

Inspecting up to 2000m deep.

UWILD inspection campaigns.

ACFM inspection services.

ACFM systems rentals.

Contact TSC: Milton Keynes Aberdeen Singapore www.tscis.com

+44 1908 317444 +44 1224 725136 +65 6543 9728

DIVING & UNDERWATER SERVICES DiveSource & PaleBlue collaborate to launch Dive Control Simulator International diving consultancy DiveSource, have partnered with Norwegian simulator developer PaleBlue to bring their Dive Control Simulator to Aberdeen.

Already recognised for providing highly competent diving personnel, industry leading training coursed and dive audit services, DiveSource have further committed to strengthening their diving teams available by being the first to invest in the simulator technology.

PaleBlue is a Norwegian simulator development company based in Stavanger, Norway. PaleBlue develops advanced simulation and visualisation solutions with industrial application within oil & gas, subsea, maritime and renewables.

The simulator benefits from the best-in-class touch panel simulation engine by PaleBlue, Icon™.

Running on screens with multi- touch interaction, the simulator can be switched from traditional valve-based to modern computer monitor-based within seconds.

Dive Control Simulator supports a range of scenarios from normal daily operations to ‘what if’s’ to emergency situations.

Sarah Hutcheon, Managing Director of DiveSource commented: “Our core emphasis is on quality and competence.

Even in times of difficulty we must continue to improve and evolve in order to succeed.

By providing Dive Supervisors with real life operating conditions we are able to test the competency of the employees before they reach our clients. We can also use the system to verify the competency of not only Dive Supervisors but also the

p22 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

For more information on DiveSource and the training facilities available visit:

www.dive-source.com and www.paleblue.no

behavioural attitudes of our Client Reps using the emergency scenario’s within the system. This type of training will not only be able to enhance safety for dive supervisors, but it will also streamline processes which will save time and money for our clients.”

The Launch of the VR Diver will follow later this year providing a full virtual reality training solution to be used both for planning phase of subsea operations, and for familiarisation of controls in chambers and diving bells.

Above: DiveSource Managing Director Sarah Hutcheon with PaleBlue Managing Director Felix Gorbatsevich.

diving & underwater services

Atlas Boosts ROV, Diving and Inspection Team in UK

SubseaPartner Boosts Diving Capacity

Atlas Professionals has appointed Spencer Trouten as the new business manager for the ROV, diving and inspection team in Banbury, UK.

Norwegian diving specialist SubseaPartner has expanded its fleet with a newly-built light diving craft (LDC).

With his extensive background in the industry spanning over 12 years, focusing on the subsea inspection sector, working for companies such as DOF Subsea, Oceaneering and Subsea 7, Spencer will bring his experience, understanding and drive to Atlas, the company noted.

According to the company, the vessel represents a culmination of lessons learned from 10 years of offshore LDC operations.

Spencer Trouten said: “With my experience from both the client and professionals perspectives, as well as understanding the needs and expectations of the clients combined with a greater empathy for the professionals, I believe I will be able to refine further the quality of personnel. I am looking forward to working with the Atlas team, and also developing business with all existing and potential clients.”

Andrew Blears, Director responsible for Atlas Professionals Survey, ROV and Exploration Divisions added: “We have got to know Spencer since working for us offshore over the last couple of years, always performing well and getting on with people at all levels that convinced us he was the right man for the job.

Spencer’s depth of understanding, and vision for the future markets will add real value to professionals and clients alike, and we wish him the best of luck in his new role.”

The LDC, delivered by Hukkeberg, should set a new industry standard and provide added capabilities to operators on the Norwegian continental shelf as well as for international operations, SubseaPartner noted.

Along with the recent verification of compliance with the corporate NORSOK U-100 standard, the vessel is also said to be in compliance with requirements in the IMCA and NORSOK industry standards.

SubseaPartner AS was established in 2013 by personnel previously employed by Fugro RUE AS in Haugesund.

In addition to the new LDC, SubseaPartner owns and operates the dive support vessel Risøy.

Submarine Manufacturing and Products Ltd wins contract with Azerbaijan Company Baku Skipyard LLC Submarine Manufacturing and Products Ltd continue their success in the subsea industry after winning a contract to supply a Hyperbaric Life Support Package (LSP) for Baku Shipyard LLC in Azerbaijan.

skilled workforce in Preston, Lancashire.

Baku Shipyard approached SMP upon a recommendation to design and manufacture an LSP to be used on a vessel in the Caspian Sea.

Ikhtiyar Mammadov, LSP Project Manager at

Made up of a variety of components, the life support package contains a control area, machinery area, twin heating units, twin chilling units, chiller ventilation louvre and 400VAC 3 phase incoming electrical.

BAKU Shipyard said: “The main reasons for BAKU or BAKU Shipyard selecting SMP as the supplier is their compliance to technical specs, the best price quoted and also the correct delivery lead time given for the project.

“We were also very impressed with the knowledge and experience of their workforce when dealing with IMCA regulations which is vital for the LSP being provided.”

The product is a fully transportable self-contained unit, suitable for use in remote locations as a basic shore based reception facility. It is equipped with the essential services required to support a Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat or Hyperbaric Rescue Chamber following emergency evacuation from the mother vessel saturation diving complex.

All aspects of the project were designed, manufactured and tested in-house to IMCA D018, D024 and D052 as standard by our April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p23

diving & underwater services

Sonar Systems Help Search Teams, Scientists and Salvors A variety of sonar systems are now being used by law enforcement and public safety dive teams, universities and salvage companies for recovery operations, subsea surveys, and marine research. Sonars produce almost photographic images of the underwater environment regardless of water clarity. Side scan sonar can sweep several hundred feet of ocean, lake, or river bottom in one pass of the boat allowing large areas to be searched or surveyed quickly. Scanning sonar, which operates in water similar to the way radar operates in air, can image a 200 foot circle on the bottom in less than a minute. Sub bottom profilers transmit a sound wave that penetrates soft bottom and reflects off the harder substrate below showing what lies buried in the bottom. These sonar systems help save time and money, increase diver safety, and allow more extensive study of the marine environment.

China’s Yangtze River, known locally as the Chang Jiang, is the country’s longest river and the third longest in the world. It originates in the mountains of the Qinghai Province and runs from west to east, terminating in Shanghai where is pours into the East China Sea. It is an economically important route for ships carrying freight from inland regions to the coast. The waters of the Yangtze are notoriously difficult to navigate with unseen submerged obstructions, treacherous crosscurrents and whirlpools. Many ships have been sunk and many others have lost precious cargo after being tossed about in the raging river. It is not unusual for

large containers to be thrown overboard where they are quickly engulfed in the river’s muddy bottom. With new improvements in underwater imaging technology, a concerted effort is now being launched to locate the many containers littering the bottom of the Yangtze. One of the tools being employed in these salvage operations is JW Fishers SBP-1 sub bottom profiler. This low frequency sonar system can easily locate these cargo containers buried in the soft bottom.

Chong Zhao is an Assistant Professor at Dalian Ocean University’s Key Laboratory of Mari Culture and Stock Enhancement.

His research includes work on how changes in the ocean environment affect marine life in the East China Sea. This area is an important food source for the Chinese people. Two of the tools Zhao and his team use to gather data are JW Fishers SSS-100K/600K side scan sonar and the SeaLion-2 ROV. The side scan provides high resolution images of the sea floor allowing scientists to clearly see the varying bottom conditions in different areas.

The remote controlled underwater camera system then allows researchers to view and document the variety of marine life that inhabit these unique benthic environments.

Williamson Marine Service has been doing commercial diving and underwater engineering work in Hong Kong since its founding in 1968. The company utilizes an extensive list of high tech equipment in its operations. Video systems are used for inspections of underwater structures and ships. Sonar systems help locate shipwrecks, survey archaeological sites, find lost anchors and propellers, examine pipelines and sewer outfalls, and much more. Williamson

recently acquired a JW Fishers SCAN-650 scanning sonar which can serve a variety of functions. Mounting it on an ROV aids in navigating the vehicle to underwater sites beyond the visual range of the onboard camera. The sonar can be deployed from a boat letting its sonar beam sweep a wide arc around the boat showing the topside operator what lies on the bottom. It can even be affixed to a diver’s helmet providing topside personnel a clear picture in a low visibility environment, letting them guide the diver directly to the job site.

When two recreational scuba divers went missing off Gonio, a coastal town on the Black Sea, Domenti Apakidze was working on a research project with the State Hydrographic Service in the Republic of Georgia. Domenti and his team offered to assist in the search using their JW Fishers SSS-100K/600K side scan. This sonar is a tool commonly used in hydrographic surveys. It creates a detailed map of the underwater terrain and any obstructions on the bottom that could pose a hazard to navigation. The side scan is also routinely used by law enforcement agencies and public safety dive teams to find sunken vessels, submerged vehicles, and drowning victims.

www.jwfishers.com

Bibby Offshore Appoints Director of Diving Bibby Offshore, a leading subsea services provider to the oil and gas industry, announces the promotion of Allan Nairn to Director of Diving.

excited by the opportunities my new role will create.

To date, I have worked on operations throughout the company’s South East Asia and Houston bases, as well as its headquarters in Aberdeen.

Allan joined Bibby Diving Services in 2010 as Offshore Project Manager with over 30 years’ experience in the subsea sector. In his new role, Allan will be responsible for leading all diving related activity within the business. He will ensure day to day diving operations are executed safely, efficiently and continue to meet the high standards Bibby Offshore is known for.

“I look forward to using my experience and industry relationships to enhance Bibby Offshore’s diving operations, while playing a key role in delivering strategic results for long-term success.”

Commenting on his new position, Allan said: “I am p24 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

Howard Woodcock, Chief Executive at Bibby Offshore, (pictured right) said: “We are delighted to promote Allanto the position of Director of Diving, Allan’s commitment to the Group and many years of experience

makes him ideally suited for the role.

“The creation of this position was part of our management restructure, designed to ensure we are well placed to continue to succeed in this competitive marketplace and meet our long term strategic objectives.”

diving & underwater services

Offshore service company launches cylinder testing facility in Great Yarmouth An offshore company has set up a cylinder pressure testing centre in Great Yarmouth to expand the scope of its services.

The staff at EPIC International Limited have more than 10 years’ experience of servicing and testing of cylinders for the diving industry.

Managing director Dave Rowan has converted part of the company’s Vanguard Road building into a three-room test centre for cylinders used in the diving industry and general offshore industry.

Mr Rowan, who has long campaigned to retain and build new energy industry services in Great Yarmouth to preserve its status as England’s oil & gas centre, is also planning to test other compressed gas cylinders with the £15,000 worth of equipment he has installed.

Since receiving certification, the company is already in negotiation with a major national company to provide testing and certification, he said.

“This would be a fantastic launch for the new facility.

“Creating this centre is another way to expand our services to existing clients and also find opportunities with new.”

The new centre has all the equipment needed to service and test a wide range of cylinders and is aimed to service both industrial and leisure industries.

It is a requirement that all cylinders carrying compressed gas between 0.5 litres and 150 litres have hydrostatic pressure tests for pressure integrity and internal and external corrosion using the hydrostatic test chamber.

According to The Inspectorate for Diving Equipment Servicing and Testing regulations, a full hydrostatic test and certificate is needed every five years and a visual inspection certificate every two and a half years.

All the equipment for hydrostatic- testing, valve servicing, shot blasting,

cleaning and repainting is installed in EPIC International’s new centre “As well as the offshore cylinder business, we will be looking to build up the business outside the offshore industry with breathing apparatus and, hopefully, take on an apprentice.“

In these pictures: EPIC International staff Tony Lewis (right) and Mark Payne testing cylinders in the company’s new testing centre fitted with £15,000 worth of equipment.

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p25

CONNECTORS, CABLES & UMBILICALS Rovtech Solutions designs Bender monitoring technology into underwater vehicles A new generation of remotely operated underwater vehicles developed for the nuclear sector by one of Europe’s leading ROV specialists are equipped with residual current monitors from Bender UK for advance warning of potentially damaging water ingress.

Rovtech Solutions based in Barrow-in-Furness has designed the new Nano Seaker remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to work in arduous environments including highly radioactive storage ‘ponds’ at Sellafield and on other nuclear sites. They are also commissioned for use in lakes and reservoirs to help with underwater search tasks and surveying of underwater structures and containment tanks.

Weighing in at just 15 kilograms Nano Seaker is primarily designed as an ‘eyeball’ giving a live camera feed back to the operator. It can also be equipped with a grab, and with sonar to enhance its underwater search capabilities.

Bender’s Linetraxx® RCM420 residual current

monitor (RCM) notifies immediately if there is water ingress into the umbilical control tether or the ROV unit itself. The early warning of developing electrical faults is vital to ensure that the vehicle can be recovered under power before critical failure.

Rovtech Solutions Technical Manager Barry Vernon explains: “Our ROVs operate in a range of hostile environments and the Bender equipment monitors the status of the electronics which power and control the units. It prevents a simple leak developing into something potentially more serious, or presenting a safety risk to operators.

Protection of the asset is vital, and continuous monitoring of the ROV allows optimum operational time for users of the Nano Seaker.”

Rovtech Solutions also aims to include Bender Linetraxx® RCM technology in an upgrade of the larger Adaptable Seaker ROVs which have seen decades of service on the Sellafield site.

Ulverston-based Bender UK works with a range of original equipment manufacturers in subsea and offshore oil and gas sectors to protect personnel, systems and production.

The collaboration with Rovtech Solutions demonstrates how deploying Bender technology can avoid costly equipment damage and ensure plant availability for vital field operations.

Bender UK Industrial Business Manager Phil Robinson comments: “As a company developing its own range of advanced products, the team at Rovtech Solutions appreciate the capability of our technology and how it protects not only their

Above: Rovtech Solutions Technical Manager Barry Vernon is pictured with Bender UK Industrial Business Manager Phil Robinson and the new Nano Seaker ROV equipped with Bender residual current monitors to give advance warning of potentially damaging water ingress. assets but their reputation as one of Europe’s leading ROV specialists. Collaborations of this sort play to our strengths producing innovative products which are then complemented by Bender UK’s excellent applications engineering.

“Bender’s range of electrical safety and intelligent monitoring and measurement systems are designed to monitor and protect assets which work in some of the harshest operating conditions. We understand the critical importance of plant availability and resilience, and we welcome opportunities to work with original equipment manufacturers to deliver tailored solutions that safeguard their equipment.

www.bender-uk.com

Hydro Group boosts global presence with Australian partnership Aberdeen headquartered subsea cable and connector specialist Hydro Group plc has partnered with MacTaggart Scott Australia as the firm increases its positioning in the region.

The partnership is focused on consolidating Hydro Group’s current work on the Royal Australian Navy Collins Class Submarines and to extend its services to aid the Australian capability for Future Submarine and Future Frigate. Additionally, the company will offer its expertise in specific marine cabling systems.

Graham Wilkie, Head of Global Development at Hydro Group said: “Entering into this new agreement allows us to improve our network across Australia. We have seen demand increase for our high reliability interconnection products for submerged fibre and electrical systems, and the Future submarine programme will require closer working relationships to be established.

This partnership will enable us to further improve our existing customer service and provide local support and manufacturing capability.

Complementing the work Hydro Group undertakes, MacTaggart Scott provides solutions from analysis of initial requirements through to commission and life support, operating in the naval defence and marine industries, globally.

As part of the company’s international expansion strategy, Chris Westren has been appointed as Hydro Group business development manager. Based in Adelaide, Chris will provide on the ground support for Hydro Group’s customers, whilst being

p26 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities.

Mr Wilkie continued: “With over 20 years’ experience in the defence sector, Chris brings a wealth of invaluable industry experience to Hydro Group. His appointment will allow us to increase efficiency and ensure regular interaction with customers across the region.

I have no doubt he will be an asset to our team.”

Peter Richings, MacTaggart Scott Australia general manager commented: “We take pride in supporting innovative and forward thinking companies, and we are pleased to support Hydro Group’s operations throughout Australia. We look forward to identifying new opportunities for the company and in turn support its international growth plans.”

CONNECTORS, CABLES & UMBILICALS

New Corrosion Resistant Waterproof RF Connectors from Intelliconnect

Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd,

the UK based specialist manufacturer of RF and waterproof connectors and cable assemblies announces the availability of their market leading range of Pisces waterproof connectors in a nickel aluminium bronze alloy, suitable for use in harsh environments including marine, naval, chemical, oil and gas industries.

Conventional RF connectors are manufactured from brass and finished with nickel plating or passivated stainless steel. Such finishes are subject to minor degrading in harsh environments and can lead to reducing the connector’s performance over time.

Intelliconnect can now offer their highly successful Pisces waterproof connector range manufactured in nickel aluminium bronze, a high strength alloy with superior corrosion resistance which does not require plating for environmental protection.

This material has a highly-durable nonreflective surface, provides a high level of corrosion resistance, is inherently resistant to erosion in desert type environments and provides high resistance to sand and dust as there is no plated surface to degrade.

Typical applications for the new corrosion resistant RF connectors include, video and communications systems,

industrial control (SCADA) systems, military radar systems, nuclear and chemical systems, marine and naval systems.

Roy Phillips, Managing Director of Intelliconnect (Europe), comments, “Manufacturing our Pisces range of connectors in nickel aluminium bronze alloy has already proved successful in a very harsh a salt-laden sea spray environment and we expect customers to find them invaluable for a wide number of control and monitoring application in extreme industrial and marine applications where reliability is essential and maintenance difficult and costly.”

Intelliconnect is the largest UK based manufacturer of RF and waterproof connectors suitable for applications including wearable technology, medical, telecoms, satcoms, military, aerospace, space, general microwave communications, rail traction, oil and gas and marine.

Intelliconnect also manufactures field replaceable SMA connectors, coaxial adaptors to facilitate inter-series connection and gender change etc. dust-caps and offers value added services.

Intelliconnect’s cable division are specialist manufacturers of affordable, high quality, high frequency microwave cables including triaxial assemblies, semi-rigid, semi-flexible and cryogenic

cables as well as standard RG/LMR type products. Cables can be waterproofed to IP68 and include special features including phase matching and ruggedised assemblies for use in harsh environments.

+44(0)1245 347145 sales@intelliconnect.co.uk

www.intelliconnect.co.uk

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p27

OSVS & CABLE INSTALLATIONS Bibby Marine Services’ new vessel, Bibby WaveMaster 1, is launched in Romania 90m Service Operations Vessel with Walk-2-Work capability for the offshore renewables market Bibby WaveMaster 1 was launched today, at the shipbuilder’s yard in Romania. This marks a significant step forward in the delivery of the purpose-built Service Operations Vessel, which will support offshore farm wind construction and operations and maintenance work. The vessel will be delivered to Bibby in mid August 2017.

In these pictures: Bibby WaveMaster 1 is launched.

Bibby Marine Services Ltd, part of the Bibby Line Group’s portfolio of companies, commissioned the vessel from Damen Group in January 2016. The first steel was cut in February 2016 and the launch comes just less than one year from the keel laying which took place at the end of March 2016.

This is an important key milestone in the 18 month construction programme.

We have worked closely with potential clients and with the shipbuilder to ensure that the vessel meets the needs of its users. Fuel efficiency and clever personnel and logistics workflows are specifically designed to help drive efficiencies and reduce costs.

Stephen Blaikie, Chief Executive of Bibby Marine Services.

The next step is the completion of the internal fit-out. The Comfort Class 2 standard accommodation comprises 60 ensuite berths capable of accommodating up to 90 persons on board; all are equipped with TV ,Wi-Fi, and are

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complemented by comprehensive leisure facilities and office facilities.

The vessel hull has been designed to ensure exceptional seakeeping abilities and reduce the risk of motion sickness.

The Bibby Marine Services crew will be joining the vessel and will participate in the upcoming sea trials.

Innovative design lies at the heart of the development – by providing a six stop elevator with access to the height adjustable W2W gangway there is a 100% step-less approach to the wind turbine, meaning that technicians can directly access the gangway from the warehouse areas. A helideck, daughter craft and CTV landings (with refuelling) complement the vessel’s versatility so that is suited to meet the needs of many sectors with the capability of accommodating up to 90 persons on board.

Peter Robert, Director Business Development & Market Intelligence at Damen says, “I am honestly convinced that Damen has designed and built the best vessel for the tasks envisaged.

The combination of Damen and Bibby brings together a significant amount of knowledge, which has resulted in some impressive innovation.

Taking into account the trend for wind farms to go farther from the shore in more challenging seas, the customised design provides fast, safe and comfortable access to turbines, and at a lower cost, including in worst case scenario, severe Central North Sea conditions.

This results in a vessel capable of providing turbine access up to 3.1 metre Hs. Bibby WaveMaster 1 is able to remain at sea for periods of up to one month at a time.”

www.bibbymarineservices.com

OSVs & cable installations

Global Marine Expands Its Fleet CS Recorder will Support Telecoms Customers with Installation Projects Across the Globe.

Trenching Vehicle (ROV) to ensure it is fully prepared to undertake the full range of telecoms cable installation projects.

Global Marine Systems Limited, the world leader in subsea cable systems design, installation and maintenance, announced today the addition of the 6,200 ton cable deadweight CS Recorder to its existing fleet of vessels. Built in 2000, the vessel formerly known as the Maersk Recorder, has previously been chartered by Global Marine for numerous cable installation projects and has since successfully completed work in the oil and gas and renewables sectors. The newly named CS Recorder is intended to support the telecoms installation business growth over the next 5-10 years, with a number of critical projects scheduled during 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The addition of this latest vessel to our fleet demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensuring the appropriate assets are available to meet our customers’ needs across the globe, and to our core business of telecoms cable installation, even in a market where the current trend is for assets to be relinquished, rather than added.

CS Recorder will be equipped with a plough system and Remotely Operated

three installation vessels, (CS Recorder, C.S. Sovereign, Networker); and 18 CWind Crew Transfer Vessels.

She replaces the Cable Innovator following her reassignment in the fourth quarter of 2016 to become a dedicated maintenance vessel for the North America Maintenance Zone (NAZ) submarine cable contract; a contract running through to the end of 2024. The CS Recorder is expected to be available for use in the fleet for installation projects at the end of the first quarter 2017.

Bruce Neilson-Watts, Managing Director, Telecoms at Global Marine.

The CS Recorder joins Global Marine’s current fleet of 25 vessels, which now consists of four maintenance vessels, (Cable Retriever, Pacific Guardian, Wave Sentinel, Cable Innovator);

UK Budget seen as positive for offshore oil and gas sector The UK Budget announced last month is seen as positive for the offshore industry oil and gas industry in the North Sea. The Budget saw a number of measures designed to support the sector which has been hard hit by the slump in the oil price since the second half of 2014.

“Improvements to the oil and gas regime, meanwhile, include an extension to investment and cluster area allowances, and tax for late-life oil and gas assets. These are aimed at improving the attractiveness of the North Sea as an area for investment,” commented Sue Bill, tax partner at Moore Stephens.

Maritime union Nautilus also welcomed the plans to support the North Sea oil and gas, but also called for the protection of seafarer jobs and working conditions in the sector.

“The downturn in the offshore energy sector has hit British seafarers really hard, with hundreds of job losses and many more being forced to accept radical cuts in their pay and conditions,” said Mark Dickinson, General Secretary of Nautilus.

“It is encouraging to see support for the offshore oil and gas industry in the Budget, however we must ensure the government is comprehensive in its approach. Nautilus and our members are calling on the plans to be bolstered with no-cost measures to ensure the assistance actually benefits British seafarers and British offshore support vessel operators, rather than helping to prop up foreign-crewed and foreign-flagged operations.”

Offshore supply vessel demand to remain stable in the Middle East, says analyst The Middle East is the only region to buck the downward trend in offshore supply vessels (OSV) over the last two years, according to new analysis from IHS Markit.

Demand in the region has remained steadfast since the oil price decline began in 2014 and outpaced Southeast Asia, the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea. Demand for OSV in the Middle East was 2.6% higher in December 2016 than in January 2016, according to Petrodata, part of IHS Markit. That is an increase from an average of 270 vessels secured on term charters at the start of the year to almost 278 during the final month.

West Africa saw a 30% reduction, the US side of the Gulf declined 31%, and Mexico lost 53% of term work during last year, according to Petrodata.

The opportunities for OSV in the Middle East have attracted idle tonnage from other markets affected by reduced exploration and production spending. The influx of vessels from other regions has resulted in a 14% increase in the number of OSV in the Middle East last year and brought utilization rates down to just 45%, according to Petrodata.

The Middle East is now the second biggest global OSV market with 17% of the global fleet, behind Asia/Pacific. The shallowwater territory of the Middle East has overtaken OSV tonnage in the mature, deepwater markets of the Gulf of Mexico, northwest Europe, Latin America, and West Africa.

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p29

osvs & cable installations

MPI Discovery starts installation of wind turbines at Rampion MPI is pleased to announce that wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) MPI Discovery has commenced installation of the MHI Vestas V112-3.45 offshore wind turbines at the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm off the south coast of England.

MPI Discovery started foundation installation on the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm in January 2016. By November 2016, all 116 monopiles and transition pieces were installed by MPI Discovery and Pacific Orca. Following successful completion of the foundation installation campaign, MPI Discovery has now been mobilised for the turbine installation campaign.

Prior to this, MPI Discovery was utilised for a bolt tensioning campaign in order to finalise the foundation installation works.

In addition, MPI has also been contracted to provide sister vessel MPI Adventure, including all project management and engineering services, to install the turbines in parallel with MPI Discovery.

MPI Adventure is scheduled to join MPI Discovery during the summer of 2017.

MPI Discovery and MPI Adventure are state-of-the-art offshore installation vessels. Designed to transport, lift, install and decommission components such as foundations, wind turbines, met masts and transformer stations, they are among the world’s most wellproven installation vessels in terms of jacking speed, deck space, lifting capacity, accommodation facilities and positioning capabilities (DP2).

being built 13 kilometres off the coast of Sussex and a joint venture between E.ON, the UK Green Investment Bank and Canadian energy company, Enbridge.

Once completed, the wind farm will produce enough energy each year to supply almost 350,000 households.

The wind farm is scheduled to be finished and ready for operation in 2018.

Rampion OWF is a 400 megawatt project

Oceanteam reports revenues of US$ 11.2 million in fourth quarter 2016 Oceanteam ASA has recorded US$11.2 million revenues from operations and an EBITDA of US$ 2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Although faced with a nett loss of US$ 3.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, the DutchNorwegian offshore service provider is fully on track for future growth, says CEO Haico Halbesma who reached an agreement on new terms with its bondholders after 2016 year ending.

As a result, Oceanteam ASA, will have a significantly improved free cash flow and structural lower interest costs as from January 1st 2017, creating a healthy foundation for further growth.

In the fourth quarter 2016 (hereafter indicated as Q4), the Company’s operations met performance forecasts under very challenging market conditions. The company also made solid progress in terms of increasing the share of revenues from its Solutions division, which came in at 40% in Q4 underlining the success of its market diversification strategy.

For Oceanteam, Q4 was a combination of business as usual and preparing the company for a future of high performance and returns.

“The management and the teams of our p30 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

operating companies were very much focused on their day-to-day market opportunities and challenges. These included securing our vessel charter rates and current backlog and tendering for new contracts, especially in the field of equipment and engineering solutions. Additionally, they were exploring new opportunities in areas such as renewable energy and civil engineering.

In late October 2016, the Executive Board and management initiated proactive and constructive talks with our bondholders and banks to discuss a new capital foundation for the company.

Wilhelm Bohn, recently appointed as CFO of Oceanteam ASA, comments: “We expect to announce the new terms we have since agreed with our bondholders shortly after the publication of the Q4 press release and Q4 report. We believe the new agreement reflects the firm belief all the stakeholders involved have in the future direction and proven track record of our company.

Thanks to the agreement with its bondholders and including the sale of the North Ocean 105 (expected effective no later than 1 May 2017), Oceanteam ASA has secured the financing it needs and

safeguarded its continuity as a going concern.”

Business areas The current state of the Oil & Gas market is expected to remain challenging for the coming period, according to the Company.

“However, our early focus on Offshore Renewables, Engineering & Logistic Solutions, plus our expansion in certain geographical areas, will help the company to safely navigate the current market low, as well as the structural changes in the Oil & Gas market”, comments CEO Halbesma. “We are also in the process of creating new revenue sources in the field of civil engineering, offshore-related logistic solutions, while using the same core capabilities that have made Oceanteam the distinguished niche player it is known as today.

Market outlook The main factor in the market outlook is the turmoil in the oil price. The volatile environment for oil and gas prices and activity has created significant market challenges for our industry, but also opportunities.

With the Company’s expertise in combining engineering, shipping and equipment, the Company is ready to add more value for our clients.

PUMPS, VALVES & ACTUATORS Overhaul operations Samuel Eccles, SPX FLOW, UK, describes the overhaul of a pump for a critical diethyl amine pumping process, exploring the technology developments that helped to ensure a successful project outcome.

the BB3 designation in 1954.

Although non-standardised across vendors before the first edition of API 610 appeared in the mid-1950s, this type of design had been in existence since the turn of the century.

This article will outline a brief history of the BB3 pump for the refining industry, before examining some of the key issues end users face with common failures on multi-stage equipment, as well as potential solutions. These will be examined in the context of a pump overhaul case study, carried out in order to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of the amine pumping process within an operator’s desulfurisation unit.

The introduction of API provided standard design criteria and guidance for customers.

This has led to a safer more reliable industry, but in some cases an over conservative approach to new innovation.

Pump developments and standards The initial development of SPX FLOW’s BB3 pump began in Penistone, near Sheffield – located at the industrial heart of the UK. In the 1960s, Penistone was transformed from an old foundry into a pump manufacturing facility that, for many years, has produced pump engineering solutions.

As the world has become increasingly globalised and lower end technologies have moved to lower cost regions, Penistone’s manufacturing focus has shifted to higher end, higher energy multi-stage horizontal pumps for critical applications.

The BB3 is an axially split multi-stage pump that operates in a variety of areas, from reverse osmosis plants through water injection, boiler feed and high pressure refinery applications.

The pumps are used when sufficient pressure cannot be attained by using a one or two stage machine, as they operate at significantly higher pressures.

The units have existed since 1954, when classified by API, but multi-stage pumps were first patented in the nineteenth century. The pump design ensures ease of maintenance for the user, but it requires high end manufacturing skills to provide higher quality and efficiencies.

The first units were supplied during the very early 1960s, after API had approved p32 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

A variety of changes have occurred during the past 50 years that have all focused on providing better value to the end user, whilst making the product easier to manufacture. The typical issues that cause downtime for multi-stage pumps are overhaul times, seal failure and bearing failures. Each issue poses a particular engineering challenge to overcome, which have, through time, been addressed and improved upon.

Overhaul times As with any type of rotating equipment, wear is unavoidable within a centrifugal pump. The timescale required between overhauls will vary drastically depending on the application and quality of the installed solution. Whilst a clean liquid running at constant speed is ideal for the pump, these are rarely the requirements of a refinery. As such, overhauls may consist of anything from routine replacement of common wear parts through to an internal re-design due to excessive corrosion on an aggressive service, or a change in operator requirements.

There are several updates to API that have been designed to prolong operating life, such as moving from stainless to nickel alloy bronze through to duplex and super duplex materials.

SPX FLOW’s ClydeUnion Pumps and, specifically, Mather & Platt, were pioneers in this field through the Mather & Platt’s foundry’s development of Zeron 25, which became a standard within the industry. Several updates have been made to the BB3 range to reduce overhaul time.

These have ranged from minor changes, such as adding case lifting lugs for quick disassembly and integral bosses to help prevent stub pipework becoming damaged during commissioning, through to a unique cartridge bearing that enabled a 25% reduction in overhaul time.

Seal failure The seals are one of most important components in the package as the last line of product containment. As the clearances are tightest at the rotating seal faces, a very small contamination can cause rapid wear, resulting in the seal beginning to leak and impacting safety and performance. As such, the seal lifespan is normally the limiting factor when a pumpset requires an overhaul.

Whilst seal failures happen for a varied and complex array of reasons, ClydeUnion Pumps has worked to reduce failures and provide an optimum environment for the seal to operate through adding 360˚ bearings. These are fitted to all BB3 designs to ensure vibration performance, as well as tasks designs that enable a better performance than is required by international standards. It also further reducesthe vibration levels. These factors are crucial, as vibration standards lower following more demanding API requirements.

At present, to reduce costs for suppliers (but which increase costs for end users), a number of pump manufacturers use only 180˚mounts on these units.

Bearing failure Secondary to seals, bearing issues are the next most common issues limiting overhaul duration. Pumps will often experience excessive bearing vibration

PUMPS, VALVES & ACTUATORS and temperatures as a result of either poor design or a pump operating a long way away from its design duty. This results in a drastically shorter bearing life, and the potential for a complete failure if not identified previously.

Whilst the improved bearing mounting further helps with bearing life, the main savings come from job specific thrust optimisation to ensure that bearings are optimally loaded at rated duty conditions.

Many suppliers will fit the closest matched throttle and centre sleeve to obtain a close to balanced pump.

requested that ClydeUnion Pumps repair the spare pump in a very short time span, and reinstall it on the process as soon as possible.

The project proved to be a challenge, as DEA processes are extremely aggressive towards steel materials – only a few metallurgies are able to resist (more or less) corrosion induced through DEA pumping. The pump was sent back to the factory without the rotor, as all the rotor parts displayed too much damage for repair. The pump casing showed high erosion/corrosion marks, leading to loss of material, particularly on the grooves for casing wear rings and volute tongues.

to a fall in routine maintenance cost.

Conclusion There are many detailed ways in which the running of multi-stage centrifugal pumps can be extended, and even existing equipment modified, to meet new performance requirements.

The most important factor is ensuring that the end user and pump supplier cooperate to make sure a fit for purpose design is offered, and the end user can take advantage of the supplier’s experience with similar applications.

The solution was to carry out weld repair on all the damaged parts of the pump casing, and supply a new rotor. The difficulties were the accessibility of certain parts and the perfect control of intensity and temperature during the welding. A non-controlled welding can lead to a change in metal properties, and stress and strain on the casing.

Case study: diethyl amine pumping process overhaul The ClydeUnion Pumps Aftermarket Technical Services team has experience across a range of services on critical rotating and reciprocating equipment to improve operational safety, reliability and efficiency. The team recently carried out an overhaul of a DVMX pump for a diethyl amine pumping process.

An operator possessed two DVMX pumps for a diethyl amine (DEA) pumping process.

The pump currently in operation showed worrying signs of wear, including collapse of characteristics and efficiency, while the other spare pump was already damaged.

After several failed attempts at an overhaul carried out by another company, the operator

The project involved: the cleaning of all parts; a strip down and full dimensional inspection of parts; machining of eroded parts (Figure 3); the refurbishment of parts by weld deposition, heat treatment and the re-machining of the pump casing (Figures 4 and 5); the addition of grounding plates; the re-assembly with a new rotor, and hydrostatic and performance tests; and a clean down and paint.

Following the repair, the pump has regained its original characteristics and maintains very low vibration levels. The project was completed in 20 weeks and is operating well.

In terms of investment, the cost of parts supplied amounted to 170 000 for the pump casing repair, complete rotor, and various parts and tests. The operator was able to avoid the losses in productivity linked to a total shutdown of the desulfurisation unit, as well as the unemployment of personnel working on the unit. The increase in efficiency will result in electrical consumption savings, and the decrease in vibration levels will lead

www.spxflow.com Originally published by Hydrocarbon Engineering.

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p33

pumps, valves & ACTUATORS

Hughes Pumps offshore units take water jetting to new depths Leading UK manufacturer Hughes Pumps, has recently supplied three of its HPS2200 highpressure jetting units to a UK rental company for sub-sea water jetting maintenance on oil rigs working in the UK’s North Sea. The Hughes Pumps units are predominantly being used for subsea cleaning and cutting using hand-held zero-thrust jetting guns, however they will also used at extreme water depths for automated cleaning in conjunction with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

The HPS2200 units’ performance is impressive, delivering 83lpm at 1000bar

(22gpm at 15,000psi) that’s convertible to 30lpm at 3000bar (8gpm at 43,500psi). The units, fitted with Rigsafe Volvo engines with spark arresting exhaust silencers and Chalwyn valves, are mounted in DNV 2.7-1 certified offshore containers.

The company is one of the sectors leading suppliers of pumps for seawater pumping at high pressure, for which the pump heads and wetted components are manufactured in 316 or Duplex stainless steel to provide corrosion resistance.

UK based manufacturer Hughes Pumps has 45 years experience in the design and manufacture of high pressure, positive displacement pumps and water jetting equipment used in some of the World’s harshest environments in industries as diverse as Offshore Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Ship Maintenance and Contracting.

INTERVENTEK AGREES EXCLUSIVE GULF OF MEXICO SUPPLY DEAL WITH PRT FOR ITS 15K IN-RISER REVOLUTION VALVE Interventek Subsea Engineering has signed a two year exclusive deal with Louisiana based Professional Rental Tools LLC (PRT) to supply its innovative in-riser Revolution valve for well intervention operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

Interventek will supply its 6.375” 15,000psi valves to PRT this summer.

Interventek’s Revolution shear and seal valve will be used to enhance PRT’s existing subsea systems offering. The PRT Subsea Spanner Joint System interfaces with the rig BOPs, subsea tree vendor tubing hanger running tool (THRT) and downhole functions during installation, workover or removal of subsea completions.

The system is designed for deep water and high working pressure applications.

The addition of the Revolution valve enables the user to cut wire or coiled tubing introduced into the well and provides a seal from below after the cut. The valve also offers pump through capability to facilitate well kill operations.

Interventek’s next generation, awardwinning, Revolution valve has multiple well control applications. In a single compact device the valve uniquely provides the capability to quickly and reliably cut all types of intervention media p34 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

whilst protecting the integrity of its seal.

The technology uses separate cutting and sealing components so that the seal is never compromised. Resilient seals avoid the use of vulnerable elastomer components for fluid containment, enabling use in HPHT and large bore applications. External rotary actuators provide a superior cutting force for the very strongest of intervention media and hydraulics are kept separate from the wellbore. This simple, reliable design can be scaled to meet all well bore sizes and operating pressures including 20k.

It is quick to manufacture and provides easy access to components, dramatically reducing the cost of ownership. No other safety valve on the market offers this unique combination of benefits.

Commenting on the new partnership, Stuart Ferguson, Chairman of Interventek said: “We are delighted that PRT has recognised the significant operational and safety benefits of our unique, nextgeneration Revolution valve design.

Deploying our valves in the Gulf of Mexico will allow us to gather additional subsea experience and an operational track record on the back of our already extensive technology trials, testing and application development. This is the first step towards broader subsea market adoption and we look forward to working with PRT and helping them deliver

enhanced services to their customers over the next two years and beyond.”

PRT Chief Operating Officer and President, Patrick Placer commented: “The design advantage of the Interventek Revolution Valve has allowed it to be easily integrated into the PRT existing Spanner Joint System and offers our customers the additional benefit of being able to cut wireline or coiled tubing and then seal. Through this exclusive partnership, PRT brings to market an enhanced Spanner Joint System giving our clientele more choices and operational benefits.”

For more information on the Revolution Valve and its applications please visit

www.interventek.com

Above: Example illustration of Interventek’s in-riser Revolution Valve.

High Flow Volume/Filter Booster – 500% Highest Flow Reduces Costs Bifolds patented unique volume and filter booster range in 316L stainless steel provides up to 500% higher flow than the market equivalents.

By removing all elements from the main flow line, including, regulators and filters, the effective CV of the patented filter booster is multiplied, resulting in significantly reduced tubing sizes.

Where safety is critical, Bifolds range of volume and filter boosters are SIL 3 third party certified to IEC 61508 Parts 1 & 2.

In applications where a fast response time on modulating service, in combination with a fast shutdown time (ESD), is required, the VBP also eliminates the need for an additional poppet or Quick Exhaust Valve to achieve the required closing speeds. This results in reduced material and labour costs and simplifies positioned set up and control.

EFFICIENCY

with maximum inlet pressure of 20 bar g and operates at a working temperature of -55ºC to +180ºC. The common design format offers a choice of four main sizes with port threads of 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”, 1”, 11/2” and 2” NPT which allow for installation flexibility and easy hookup. .

The EQUAL internal porting and balanced forces allow identical fill and exhaust flow, making setup extremely simple and controllable.

THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

and upstream pressure variations allowing for improved control along with the block before bleed function.

Captive Venting, ideally suited to arctic service applications and has been tested to -60°C.

Amplification of any control logic can be achieved by incorporating the volume booster with our ‘AXIS’ and modular system solutions.

The pneumatically balanced design minimises the impact of both downstream

The range functions with a working pressure range of 2 to 10 bar g,

PNEUMATIC Volume Booster & Filter Booster

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500% Higher flow, reducing cost

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SIL certified

 Configurable patented design

 Maximise flow of any circuit

up to 2''

 Circuit simplification through

balanced design

Bifold Fluidpower Ltd, Bifold Group, Broadgate, Oldham Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Greater Manchester, OL9 9XA. UK. Tel: +44 (0) 161 345 4777 Email: marketing@bifold.co.uk

bifold.co.uk

pumps, valves & ACTUATORS

Weir Flow Control announces major Safety and Control valve project for Culzean Field development Weir’s engineering facilities in France and the UK to supply valves for Maersk Oil. Weir Flow Control has announced a major valve order of strategic importance for Maersk Oil. The multimillion Euro deal comprises 132 Sarasin-RSBD™ special service Pressure Relief Valves, together with 130 purpose-designed Blakeborough® Control and Choke valves.

The project was awarded by SMOP in Singapore, the EPC for Culzean Field, and will benefit from the combined engineering expertise of Weir’s dedicated valve facilities in France and the UK. The pump and valve specialist was awarded the project as part of Maersk Oil’s Culzean Gas Field development; an ultra-high pressure high temperature (UHP/HT) gas condensate facility located some 145 miles East of Aberdeen in the UK sector of the Central North Sea. The valves will be integral assets associated with numerous processes on site. Many of the valves will fulfil critical service applications, utilising Weir’s X-Stream™ Control valve trim, and a combination of Pilot Operated Safety Valves constructed from a selection of

high integrity duplex and austenitic steels.

All components have been produced within the EU, fully compliant with strict project material control specifications.

Weir’s valve range are custom-designed to offer reduced installation and maintenance costs, minimised downtime, increased productivity, as well as remedying specific challenges involved in difficult application processes where environmental and failure risks are significant. Weir’s team leads the market in terms of Control, Choke and Safety valve sizing and specification, and this contract marks a strategic milestone for the company, which has continued to deliver growth and increased profitability despite the Oil & Gas market downturn.

The valves will be manufactured in Weir Flow Control’s Elland (UK) and Vendin-leVieil (France) plants, during which they will be subjected to extensive levels of non-destructive testing. The project involves teams from the UK and France applying extensive knowledge gained from supporting an installed base of totalling almost a million valves globally.

Ali Atmani, Sales Director for Weir Flow

Control France, commented: “ This contract is a great opportunity for us to deliver a major project for another market leader such as Maersk Oil. We’ve invested in our technology, people, and approach to valve sizing and manufacturing to offer highly competitive solutions aligned to project requirements. I’d like to applaud the efforts of our UK and French teams for demonstrating the best Weir can offer.

Control, Choke and Safety valves are crucial assets for ensuring Oil & Gas applications run cost effectively, safely, and without unplanned interruption.

We understand the demands of the environment and are looking forward to installing and supporting these valves through their operational lifetime.”

Simon Tattersall, Sales Director for Weir Valves & Controls UK, added: “We have been working on this project for a long time and the sales teams in the U.K and Singapore have worked closely with the customer to give the optimal technical and commercial solution.

This project includes our standard and severe service Control and Choke valves, and is an important milestone as we extend our Oil & Gas footprint.”

Unwritten Creative champions North East England subsea sector for ground breaking research & testing centre Unwritten Creative, the North East England-based digital and branding agency, is supporting the region’s subsea sector with a project for a major new research and testing facility.

The agency has been retained by Tyne Subsea, a joint initiative between BEL Valves and Newcastle University, to support the facility’s ambitions to become the primary resource for companies developing technologies to operate in deep subsea environments.

Utilising its expertise in the engineering and offshore sectors, Unwritten is providing a range of branding and digital services including the creation of a new website and the development of targeted messaging to highlight the benefits of p36 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

the facility to the subsea industry.

Unwritten Creative is developing a growing practice in engineering-based industry sectors having secured assignments from a number of companies including British Engines, BEL Valves and Phusion IM. Tyne Subsea is driven by more than 20 years of hyperbaric test experience from BEL Valves and Newcastle University, the facility is based across two sites, delivering hyperbaric research, test and certification.

the subsea sector. Currently five chambers are in operation across the two sites with a fifth is due to be commissioned later this year.

It features two distinct services, which cater to commercial, research and skills requirements. Working in collaboration, BEL Valves and Newcastle University have developed a multi-chamber hyperbaric testing operation to increase the availability of deep water and environmental testing to

Alison Ennis, Marketing Manager, BEL Valves, said: “We have worked with Unwritten Creative on previous projects and the understanding they have of our sector was a real benefit.

The creative that they came up with was spot on, and from initial concepts to launch, we always felt we were in safe hands.”

PUMPS, VALVES & ACTUATORS

EDF ENERGY ENTERS INTO FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT WITH SIMMONS EDECO SIMMONS EDECO, a leading supplier of wellhead and valve maintenance, asset integrity solutions and onshore drilling services to the global oil and gas industry, announced that it has entered into a framework agreement with EDF Energy to maintain its Gas Storage facilities in Cheshire, England.

SIMMONS EDECO is providing a range of wellhead maintenance services, both routine and custom, to maximise facility operations. The programme involves installing and removing wellheads and Christmas trees, workover support, and making certain that valves are properly maintained and refurbished.

In addition, SIMMONS EDECO will carry out annulus testing, and Echometering and data analysis to assess liquid levels in the well.

To achieve this, SIMMONS EDECO is using a full complement of its state-ofthe-art wellhead and valve maintenance equipment, and specialist treatment

products. For example, the maintenance team cleans production and wellhead valves with custom-designed “flush and grease” pumps using Fully Synthetic Liquid Valve Flush. They are then protected for the long-term by applying Fully Synthetic Valve Lubricant. “Unlike traditional clay lubricants that tend to harden in critical areas of the valve that cause it to seize up, our synthetic lubricant never hardens or washes away with production flow,” said Mark Hunt, Operations Manager for SIMMONS EDECO. “This means that valves function properly for a much longer period, saving time and money otherwise invested in expensive replacement valves.”

A significant “first” Although SIMMONS EDECO has worked on behalf of EDF Energy, this agreement represents the first time that the company will have provided an ongoing programme of maintenance support to the French utility company. “By carrying out these specialist services, and customising a work programme for each individual EDF wellhead, we provide a high degree of technical support that will help them

achieve top operational performance at this key facility,” said Hunt.

“With our deep experience in wellhead and valve maintenance, and knowledge of the facilities, we are confident that it will operate effectively for many years to come.”

The one-year framework agreement with EDF Energy features an option to extend for an additional 12 months, as required.

Already, SIMMONS EDECO has executed three re-completions and one wellhead maintenance campaign, which required a survey to be carried out with an Echometer Well Analyser utilising acoustic technology to determine the well’s liquid level depth.

Before entering into this agreement, SIMMONS EDECO conducted several successful ad hoc wellhead maintenance programmes at EDF Energy Gas Storage, and refurbished several Christmas trees.

SIMMONS EDECO staff is servicing EDF Energy Gas Storage from its recently expanded European headquarters in Great Yarmouth, England.

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p37

CRANES, LIFTING EQUIPMENT & DECK MACHINERY Nautilus Hook – The New Safety Standard NAUTILUS Rigging (UK) Ltd are the leading innovators of safe lifting equipment, the patented “Nautilus Hook” design incorporates unique safety features which significantly enhance personal safety for all general lifting hook applications.

Setting a new workplace standard.

Nautilus Hooks are widely recognised as the “next generation” of general lifting hooks, the unique design takes the evolution of lifting hooks to a peak level of development and sets a new standard for personal safety in lifting hooks. The integrated safety handle and side mounted locking mechanism eliminate the risk of, potentially serious, pinch and trap hand or finger injuries while providing the user a simple, easier, and ergonomic one handed operation.

These patented safety features were the deciding factors in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers awarding the Nautilus

Hook design as worthy winners of their prestigious, Best Mechanical Engineering Award at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.

Managing Director, Bill Toon advised “We are delighted at the response and positive feedback that we constantly receive from organizations who have adopted Nautilus Hooks as the absolute safest type of lifting hook. Users of Nautilus Hooks recognize the immediate operational and safety benefits of the patented design features, in particular the combination of a separate safety handle and unobstructed handle space together with the side mounted, thumb operated, lock actuator provides a unique operating mode “in the plane of the hook main face” which changes the fundamental operating method of the hook, from the forward wrist bending motion of traditional hooks, to an ergonomic rotational wrist motion.

In practical terms this makes the Nautilus Hook very easy to operate, giving the hook a “light” feel which is particularly beneficial in the larger size/rated hooks which, although a heavy piece of kit, remain an easy one handed operation to open the hook. Users comment how easy and quick it is to discharge the master link or sling from the Nautilus Hook, this is due to the unique internal profile of the load bearing portion which self-discharges the link or sling

as the hook is fully opened thereby eliminating any need to “jump” the link out of the hook which is a known contributing factor to the wrist strain associated with the use of the outdated “latch lock” style traditional hooks.

The company has produced excellent short videos detailing the unique operational and safety benefits of the innovative Nautilus Hooks which can be viewed from the home page at: www.nautilusrigging.com Nautilus Hooks are available with SWL from 4t to 22t, with swivel, eye, or clevis tops to suit all applications. Nautilus Hooks are manufactured to international standards and the company provides fully certified chain or wire assemblies customized to your requirement or bare hooks to retro-fit existing equipment.

For quotes or enquiries email: sales@nautilusrigging.com Nautilus Hooks are the cost efficient solution to eliminating risks associated with the use of traditional hooks, proven to significantly improve operational safety the Nautilus Hook is the new safety standard in general lifting hooks. By adopting Nautilus Hooks organizations can align best practice with the stated objectives of their corporate safety policies, and meet the regulatory requirements of PUWER 98 to provide the safest possible equipment that reduces risk, with the common goal of reducing risk and improving workplace safety.

Safety!, It’s in your Hands!

Top rght: Nautilus Hook, Ergonomic rotational wrist action to open the hook.

Bottom right: Traditional Hook, forward wrist bending action to open.

p38 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

NautilusHooks

TM

OFFSHORE

MINING

CONSTRUCTION

SHIPPING

Across industry and around the globe Award winning Nautilus Hooks© are setting the new safety standard for lifting operations • Winner 2010 ASME Best Mechanical Engineering Award - technically advanced • CE Certified and DNV type approved - safer operation • Eliminates pinch and trap hand injuries - reduces risks • Range of hooks from 4 to 20 tonne W.L.L. - cost effective

Safety, it’s in your hands.

NautilusRigging Manufacturers of NautilusHooks

TM

Forfind salesorand enquiries, contact: sales@nautilusrigging.com To become a distributor contact:

www.nautilusrigging.com Tel +44 1224 772323

Type Approved

cranes, lifting equipment & deck machinery

Brimmond Group Grow and Develop Rental Fleet and Services targeting Subsea and Decom Market Aberdeenshire based engineering firm, Brimmond Group, have recently enjoyed a successful three days exhibiting at Subsea Expo at the AECC in Aberdeen.

The show was used as a platform to promote Brimmond Groups growing rental fleet and overall service provisions including:

p40 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

• Umbilical Reelers and Spooling Winches • Hydraulic Power Units, both Diesel and Electric driven • Marine Cranes • Control Systems & Panels • In-house design team • Bespoke and standard design & manufacture • Accumulator Banks & Systems • Refurbishment of a wide range including LARS Systems, ROV winches and HPU’s to name some.

• Testing facilities • Flushing and Filtration equipment • Pump Packages

The above services and manufacturing capabilities have developed greatly with a purpose built facility situated on 2.5 acres and including 40te overhead workshop crane capability, dedicated work bay area’s and a large capacity external test bay.

Brimmond Group sees the Subsea and Decommissioning market as vital for the future growth of the company and has developed their rental fleet, as example, to help achieve this. Recent fleet inclusions include: • Large capacity Umbilical Reelers • 35Te , 75te & Traction Hydraulic spooling Winches • 156kw – 400kW Large Diesel and Electric HPU’s in which to provide for the Decom tooling and subsea dredging and excavation market to name only a few.

• Marine Cranes ranging from 1te @ 3 metres to 5.5Te @ 21.5 metres

cranes, lifting equipment & deck techmachinery spotlight Brimmond Groups Marine Crane division, Preffered Marine Cranes, has also seen an increase in its services backed by being official Effer Marine Crane Agents covering the UK and Ireland marketplace.

share the facilities with Brimmond Group to conduct various services including large scale refurbishment projects, modifications & repairs and load-testing on a purpose built test bay.

The market has reacted over the last 12-18 months with demand ranging from small lighter capacity cranes for the Fishing Industry through to multi-cat utility usage cranes and larger capacity marine cranes for work scopes such as removal and recovery.

For project orientated jobs, Preffered have invested heavily in developing a rental fleet to meet these wide scope of demand including a recent purchase of 175000 6S Effer capable of 5.35Te @ 21.47 metres.

Steven Simpson, Business Development Manager for the Group comments,

Along with new fleet assets, Preffered Marine

These investments in our fleet, facilities and services are what we need to continue growth and meet the market demands headon. We have a dedicated team who strive to improve and develop our offering and services from our Directors to our Engineers and technicians.

Straightpoint Load Cells Integral to Onboard Crane Load Tests Anchor Industries used water bags in addition to a variety of force measurement and rigging equipment to complete load tests on a Liebherr crane aboard a vessel in Cape Town Harbour, South Africa recently.

The 500t capacity Liebherr, model BOS 14000500D, is the main crane on the deck of Van Oord’s pipe-laying vessel, DLB Stingray.

The prime focus for Stingray is S-lay pipelay work; when performing S-lay pipeline installation, joints of pipe are welded into a pipe string aboard the vessel. The crane required five-yearly testing.

Anchor accepted a scope of work from Dormac Marine & Engineering to complete an overload test of the crane, constituting a 550t load being applied to the main hoist.

Additionally, Anchor was required to complete a 55t load test of the auxiliary hoist as well as a 50t calibration test of the main hoist after the 550t overload test was complete.

Four 75t capacity Radiolink plus wireless load cells and four 30t capacity wireless low headroom links, all manufactured by Straightpoint and sourced from Anchor stock, provided data to handheld devices throughout the project. Another four 120t load cells from a different manufacturer completed the force measurement fleet for the job.

Tyrone Tilley, National Services Manager at Anchor, said: “With a test this large there is always a certain level of stress and to have the Straightpoint products involved gave the team added assurances that the equipment was

going to deliver in a pressurised environment.

The 120t load cells were from old stock; we are in the process of phasing out those units and replacing them with Straightpoint equipment.”

For the main overload test, a dozen water bags were used in a near-40m, three-tier cascading rig. At the top and middle were two 100t and two 40t bags, while three 20t and a 30t bag combined at the bottom. Supporting rigging equipment was allocated to each lifting point; for example, Point 2 for two 40t bags in Tier 1 included a 100t x 7m roundsling, two 55t safety bow shackles (above and below the 75t load cell), followed by the water bag.

Tilley said: “The additional capacity in the water bags was to account for water displacement owing to the fact that they were pushing against each other. Of the 650t capacity we had I estimate that we lost approximately 50t to 70t.”

The Radiolink plus is Straightpoint’s most popular product. The range of low headroom links, meanwhile, is designed to provide accurate measurement of loads in the most challenging applications where headroom restrictions are a major factor. In this case, Anchor wanted to limit the height of rigging in-between water bags. Constructed from high strength alloy steel and exposed to an array of testing during development, the tension load cells are designed to work with industry standard shackles. Further, said Tilley, they are lightweight and user-friendly.

Anchor was aboard the vessel over a three-day period. Tilley explained that the first day was used for transportation of the equipment in two

flatbed truckloads, then rigging up the water bags. Day two saw completion of the 550t load test, while the two additional tests, rigging down and offloading took place on the final day.

Tilley concluded: “The job was well planned and executed within the timeframe without any significant challenges other than the short lead time; we received confirmation of the job on the 17th of the month and delivered from the 20th to 23rd. We used handheld devices for this project but have recently acquired Straighpoint’s multi-load cell reading software [SW-MWLC] and look forward to applying it on future applications of this nature.”

The Liebherr boasts the Litronic crane management system, a one-level interface between crane and driver. Various analysis tools provide relevant information on the operation and the system empowers the driver to efficiently control the crane and optimise turnover. Stingray, meanwhile, has a design draft of 5m and dimensions of 120m by 40m.

www.straightpoint.com April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p41

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT IRCA Certified ISO 9001:2015 Auditor Transition Training Course Description

This course is for auditors and quality professionals who need or wish to upgrade their audit knowledge and skills in order to conduct audits or manage systems effectively against ISO 9001:2015. It is a specific requirement for those who are currently IRCA-registered auditors.

Recognising the expectations of participants, the training involves a blend of workshops, discussions and exercises to maximise learning and enjoyment. It covers key differences between ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9001:2008 and focuses on what we must do additionally and differently as well as providing a comprehensive understanding of Annex SL Appendix 2.

Who should attend?

• Individuals who are currently IRCA-registered auditors at any grade who wish to maintain their registration.

• Individuals who are responsible for quality management systems and their transition to 2015 • Individuals who have completed an IRCA-

registered QMS Auditor/Lead Auditor Course and may wish to apply for IRCA registration.

• Individuals who have completed an IRCAregistered Internal QMS Auditor Course and may wish to apply for IRCA registration.

Benefits • For registered auditors - meeting IRCA’s requirements for maintaining current auditor registration.

• For trained, but non-registered auditors meeting IRCA’s training requirements should they decide to apply for registration in the future.

• For all participants - the ability to perform audits or manage systems against ISO 9001:2015 criteria, including those which demand an upgrade of audit approach and skills.

Key Topics • Purpose and use of Annex SL • The framework for a generic management system standard as applied to ISO 9001:2015 • New and revised terminology

• Relationship between internal and external

issues, risks and opportunities

• Defining the context of an organisation

• Requirements for leadership and how to audit

top management

• Planning, support and operation requirements

and how to audit them

• New and modified requirements in ISO

9001:2015 and how to audit them

• Where and how the audit approach needs to

be modified to audit certain elements

• Impact of ISO 9001:2015 on organisations,

auditors and certification

Structure This is a 2-day course comprising of a series of interactive workshops and discussions culminating in a short test exercise. A full set of student notes will be provided and a Certificate of Successful Completion will be awarded to students achieving the course assessment criteria.

www.qmi-scotland.co.uk

Bureau Veritas reaffirms commitment to the future of the oil and gas industry with scholarship support Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification (TIC) services, has confirmed its commitment to the North Sea oil and gas sector with the support of the scholarship program at Robert Gordon University (RGU).

Despite the challenging trading environment, which has seen others unable to continue their sponsorship of scholarship students, Bureau Veritas has supported the program for the past five years and has reaffirmed its commitment to the industry by continuing this year.

The scholarship is an opportunity for mechanical or electrical engineering students in second or third year at RGU to gain practical industry experience. Students are given a three month work placement over summer, during which time they will be working on real projects across different parts of the business. p42 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

Paul Shrieve, Bureau Veritas Regional CEO North Sea Offshore Operations, said: “While the industry as a whole is experiencing challenges, it has always been important to Bureau Veritas to ensure that we continue to nurture talent and bring the right skills in to the sector.”

Charlie Stewart is one such student to have turned the Student Scholarship into a long term career opportunity. After impressing the Bureau Veritas team during his Scholarship placements, Charlie was last year offered a permanent role as a Graduate Design Verification Engineer.

“I found the Bureau Veritas (RGU) Scholarship to be a very rewarding experience. It has it given me a direct pathway to full-time employment and the ability to put my education into practice with the benefit of a paid summer placement.

As a result of RGU’s course structure it also enabled me to reduce the length of my course as placements can be counted as modules.

I would strongly recommend the scheme to all.

It gives you an early introduction to the industry,

great work experience and the prospect of securing a full-time role.”

Professor John Steel, Head of RGU’s School of Engineering, added: “Scholarships are a mutually beneficial collaboration which often result in the students being rewarded for their hard work with a job after graduation, as has been the case with Bureau Veritas.

“Scholarship students graduating from our Fast Track MEng courses are able to deliver productive work immediately on starting their job with Bureau Veritas.”

Lively, informative and locally based Quality Auditor training from

QMI Scotland Limited

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CQI / IRCA APPROVED ISO 9001:2015

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(5 Days) ISO 9001:2015 QMS Auditor/Lead Auditor (IRCA Certified) £1195 +VAT

Aberdeen:

(2 Days) ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor Course (IRCA Certified) £555 +VAT

Aberdeen:

(1 Day) ISO 9001:2015 QMS Foundation (IRCA Certified) £335+VAT

Aberdeen: Edinburgh:

April 10th May 8th April 3rd

(2 Days) BS OHSAS 18001:2015 Internal Auditor Course (IRCA Certified)

Aberdeen:

July 20th - 21st

(1 Day) BS OHSAS 18001:2007 Foundation Course (IRCA Certified) £555 +VAT

Aberdeen:

July 19th

(2 Days) ISO 14001:2015 Environmenal Foundation Course (IRCA Certified)

Aberdeen:

May 11th - 12th

(1 Day) ISO 14001:2015 Environmenal Foundation Course (IRCA Certified)

Aberdeen:

June 22nd

(2 Day) ISO 9001:2015 Transition Course (IRCA Certified)

Aberdeen: Glasgow:

May 30th - 31st April 6th - 7th

Glasgow:

Edinburgh:

April 24th - 28th May 22nd - 26th May 15th - 19th April 11th - 12th May 9th-10th April 4th - 5th

If you would like to talk to us about your training needs or would like further details about our courses, please call us on: 01224 626290 or visit our website at: www.qmi-scotland.co.uk

Training & Consultancy Environmental

Quality

Health & Safety

April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p43

tech spotlight Using Non-Sparking tools?

Here’s some sound advice from Bahco Bahco hand tools and specialist equipment have been synonymous with safety for almost 130 years; the global brand’s design and manufacturing teams are passionate about user safety.

The latest range of Bahco Non-Sparking (NS) tools has been designed for use in potentially explosive environments, where ‘traditional’ steel tools might create sparks in the presence of combustible or easily ignitable vapours, liquids and dust.

Because NS tools cannot reach the hardness of conventional tools their use has to be carried out with special care.

Mark Haywood, who leads the Bahco team in the UK, offers the following recommendations to users of NS tools: • Avoid overstraining and heating; make frequent visual checks of each NS tool during use; • Don’t use both a steel tool and an NS tool at the same time; • Don’t use high copper content tools, such as Al-Br and Cu-Be tools, in direct contact with acetylene; • Always take considerable care when reworking copper-beryllium (Cu-Be) tools as beryllium (Be) dust or vapour is toxic; • Cu-Be tools should be ground only when wet; • Do not inhale any dust and be sure to wear a face mask; • Make sure all NS tools are kept clean and free from ferrous or other contaminants which may hamper the properties of a non-sparking tool; • The tool’s surface temperature must not be higher than the present gases temperature; • Ensure that no objects which could cause a spark fall or are dropped within the working environment.

Reducing risk: Non-ferrous, softer materials such as brass, bronze, copperaluminum alloys (aluminum bronze), p44 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

NS range certified by the independent German laboratory BAM, the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing.

The Bahco range of NS tools includes hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, grattoirs and other striking and construction tools.

or copper-beryllium alloys (beryllium bronze) greatly reduce the risk of producing ignitable sparks.

Bahco NS tools are manufactured in aluminum-bronze (Al-Br) or copperberyllium (Cu-Be), making them both safe and suitable for use in hazardous environments.

All NS tools in the range are produced according to the international DIN and ISO standards in terms of dimensions, cutting capacity, and strength, with hardness being adapted to the purpose of the tool.

Tools used for striking applications, like slogging wrenches and hammers, are manufactured in aluminum-bronze (Al-Br), while tools that require a higher torque and precision performance, such as pliers, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches, are manufactured in copperberyllium (Cu-Be).

Hand tools are not within the scope of the 94/9/EC directive but Bahco take safety so seriously that they have their

In these pictures: Bahco non-sparking tools are designed for safe use in hazardous workplaces.

Its non-sparking adjustable wrenches, manufactured in copper beryllium, are die-forged, anti-magnetic and offer high resistance to corrosion. They are produced according to ISO 6787.

Combination wrenches, also die-forged, are produced using aluminium bronze, according to DIN 3113, while double open end wrenches, made from the same material, meet DIN 895.

Slogging open end wrenches, used with a hammer to tighten large bolts and nuts, also meet DIN 133.

NS screwdrivers for use with slotted head, Phillips® or Posidriv® screws have been developed by Bahco using its scientific ERGO® process. Made from copper beryllium they are cold rolled, anti-magnetic and corrosion resistant.

Their handles are produced using antistatic plastics.

tech spotlight The range also includes NS pliers in several types, including combination, diagonal cutting, long nose and slip joint.

German-type stoning hammers, with a two component handle, are available with either fibreglass or hickory handle. These are made in aluminium bronze and meet standard UNE 16590. Ball pein, machinist and sledge hammers are also in the range.

Other striking tools include a die-forged non-sparking wedge, for lifting or separating objects or for holding them in place. An NS wrecking bar is curved at the forked end to provide more leverage.

Grattoirs include a cross cutting chisel for creating grooves and slots, a centre punch and flat, angled, three square, triangular,

long blade and flexible scrapers, all with beech handles.

When working offshore the secure, organised and stable storage of hand tools can be an issue. Bahco offers the ideal solution with its ergonomic Tool Management System which enables engineers to know where to find every tool they need without delay. Bahco’s Configurator software enables customers to choose the size, style, colour and format of lockable tool trolleys and decide how many drawers they will need for each tool group.

Foam inlays in each drawer are then customised to provide the logical storage and layout of tools and equipment which engineers require.

Colour coding shows when a tool has been removed from its designated storage space, guarding against the risk of foreign object damage.

For more information on non-sparking tools or managed tool storage visit:

www.bahco.com

Corrosive Protection in Marine Environments Industrial fans used in marine and offshore applications need to be designed to withstand extremely harsh and corrosive surroundings.

Marine environments are classified according to their grade of environmental corrosivity and the corrosivity affects the components used in those environments. ISO 129445:2007, describes the types of paint and paint system commonly used for corrosion protection of steel structures such as industrial fans.

It also provides guidance for the selection of paint systems available for different environments and different surface preparation grades, and the durability grade to be expected. The durability of paint systems is classified in terms of low, medium and high. Stainless steel or marine grade finishes such as C3 for urban and industrial atmospheres, C4 for industrial and coastal areas and C5M for marine, offshore and coastal environments.

Moisture, oxygen, temperature, air pollution and marine atmospheres containing chlorides and dirt etc.

affect the rate of atmospheric corrosive state of steel. Corrosion and the degeneration of stainless steel structures such as industrial fans can be limited through correct material selection, organic coating paint, good surface preparation and a regards to the corrosivity category. The main reason to paint a structure is to protect it.

Pre-treating is essential as it removes the surface contamination and also protects against contaminants such as salt, oil, grease, dusts and rust.

This then extends the corrosion protection.

Motor and fan options available include marine motor classifications, stainless steel and/or ATEX construction, CE, NEMA, UL, CSA motors. Centrifugal and axial fans including roof units manufactured from stainless steel providing a robust, corrosive resistant construction are the recommended choice in marine projects.

Many of the industrial fans used within the marine industry use a class F motor and have an IP55 rating against dust and hosed water. In most cases where the finish is C3 and C4, C5M are also available upon request. All motors may not need to be compliant with naval classifications, but can be upon request, including Bureau Verita (BV), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Lloyd’s Register of Shipping (LR) and many others. Contact Axair for more details.

www.axair-fans.co.uk April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p45

tech spotlight

NEW TESTING RIG AS ENGINEERING FIRM INVESTS TO BOOST CAPABILITIES ENHANCED qualification testing of industrial technologies in simulated environmental conditions will be provided following investment by a North East engineering company in new test equipment designed to boost services and capabilities.

The upgraded TR-630 automated test rig will significantly improve tensioner pad testing as part of an investment programme in specialist equipment by Red Marine, which is set to become Red Engineering this week as part of a new brand identity.

Featuring two and four track modes that can generate crush loads of up 75 tonnes per pad (i.e.>200t/m/track), the rig provides accurate analysis and rapid results. A thermal enclosure, giving a temperature range of -10°C to +60°C, together with an automated water spray, allows a wide range of operating environments to be simulated.

The rig, together with a range of bespoke test equipment located at the company’s test facility, provides customers with failure mode and qualification testing in compliance with industry standards as well as their own specific requirements.

This and other investments come in parallel with a rebranding initiative that will see a change of identity, and the company renamed Red Engineering.

However, while this reflects a widening sector reach for the business, existing engineering competencies will remain, ensuring that the company continues to offer consultancy and expertise in the design and build of special purpose equipment in addition to testing services.

The move will support growth for Red Engineering in new markets such as nuclear decommissioning alongside existing core sectors in offshore oil and gas, and renewables.

Operating an advanced testing facility at Hexham, Northumberland site, the company has completed more than 250 projects over the last nine years.

p46 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

This includes work as a key engineering partner in a £3.6m contract to develop and demonstrate a waste heat recovery system that could not only reduce emissions on ships, but also generate 8% fuel efficiency savings.

Red Engineering’s expertise will ensure that equipment complies with appropriate marine regulations and assist in installing a demonstration unit on to a vessel in 2018.

Joe Orrell, Managing Director, said the new investment will boost customer services and enhance the capacity to provide a wider range of testing on a national and international basis.

He added that the new identity, which includes a new logo and website, will provide a fresh look and feel, while the commitment to engineering excellence and customer service will remain fundamental to growth and the company’s mission.

“I’m very excited about taking the new brand forward, building on our successful track record and seeing the company grow and flourish,” said Joe Orrell.

www.redengineers.co.uk Left to right: Directors (left to right) Toby Bailey, Joe Orrell and Richard Kent with the upgraded test rig that will boost the firm’s services and capabilities.

Red Engineering’s upgraded TR-630 automated test rig.

Directors Joe Orrell (left) and Richard Kent reveal Red Engineering’s new look and name change.

tech spotlight

Tachometers simplify speed measurement in hazardous and safe areas BEKA associates extensive new range of Tachometers simplify speed measurement and display in both hazardous and nonhazardous areas. Featuring panel and field mounting models which can be configured to function with most sensors, they have bold easy to read displays simultaneously showing speed and total time that the monitored machinery has been operating. All models can be supplied with an internally powered display backlight, dual isolated alarms, a synchronous isolated pulse output and a 4/20mA isolated output.

Two sizes of panel mounting enclosure and display are available. All have IP66 front of panel protection and the range includes a model with a rugged 316 stainless steel enclosure and a toughened glass window for applications in severe or marine environments.

The field mounting Tachometers have an IP66 impact resistant GRP case with stainless steel fittings suitable for use in harsh industrial environments, including off-shore applications. Accessories include an internally powered backlight, dual alarms, pipe and panel mounting kits and a stainless steel legend plate that can be supplied laser engraved with customer specified information.

In addition to general purpose Tachometers, intrinsically safe models have ATEX, IECEx, US and Canadian certification allowing worldwide installation in gas and dust hazardous areas. For applications in Zone 2 or 22, Ex nA and Ex tc approval permits installation without the need for Zener barriers or galvanic isolators which significantly reduces the installation cost.

units of measurement and instrument identification for no additional charge.

BEKA instruments are supported by a three year guarantee and for customers wishing to evaluate an instrument on-site, a free three month sale or return evaluation service is available.

For further information including datasheets, certificates and application guides please visit:

www.beka.co.uk/tachometers or phone the BEKA sales office on: 01462 438301

Although well documented and easy to configure on-site, all models can be supplied configured to customer’s requirements with a slide-in scale card showing user specified

Rivertrace presents new product at the OTC Exhibition UK based Rivertrace will be show casing its new Smart PFM 107 Oilin-Water Monitor, at booth 501 of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) from 1-4 May 2017 in Houston, Texas.

Currently undergoing sea trials in the Norwegian North Sea Sector, the monitor measures particulates in the sample stream on a continuous basis by passing the process fluid through a proprietary photo optical measuring cell, developed by Rivertrace Technologies.

Using a combination of optical recognition algorithms and light intensity it is possible to differentiate between oil particles, gas/air bubbles and solid particulates in the range 0-500 microns. Unlike conventional monitors using light scatter or UV fluorescence, the PFM 107 requires no re-calibration if the oil varies from the standard calibration fluid making it an ideal monitor for offshore platforms, drill ships and FPSO’s. Flow and particulate characteristics can also be visualised live via remote access and via optional dedicated

software on any Windows PC. Oil concentration, pressure, temperature and oil alarm status are displayed on an easy to read LCD touch screen display.

Oil concentrations, alarms and any faults are logged and stored within the system to comply with the reporting requirements of IMO resolution MEPC 107(49) and can be accessed remotely or downloaded onto a pc via LAN or USB for further analysis.

When connected to the internet it is possible for remote diagnostics to be performed by the manufacturer or an approved service centre.

“The Smart PFM 107 Oil-in-Water Monitor is the only PFM on the market that comes with a choice of cleaning options as standard, preventing fouling, the most common f ailure of any PFM. We are committed to ongoing development to ensure that these products remain at the forefront of available technology, and consistently push the boundaries for oil-in-water analysis.

The Smart PFM offers a choice of auto cleaning methods to ensure the accuracy is maintained at all times. Dependant of the utilities available you can choose from an air driven solenoid, electronic actuator or high power ultrasonic cleaning method.

The cleaning is fully automatic and operates whenever the system senses contamination of the optical windows.

Further information and technical data can be found by visiting:

Mike Coomber, Managing Director of Rivertrace comments: -

www.rivertrace.com/en-gb/marine/smartpfm-107-oil-in-water-monitor/ April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p47

tech spotlight

Proserv launches new subsea sampling innovation Global energy services company Proserv has launched a new subsea sampling cylinder that can improve the quality of results and reduce risks normally associated with sample transfer.

Based on existing technology, the Proserv Subsea Sampling Cylinder (SSC) is the world’s first fully qualified and certified ‘for shipping’ sample cylinder to be deployed in a subsea environment. The system accurately captures well properties throughout the lifetime of a field.

Subsea cylinders allow operators to take representative production samples from a subsea system for direct transfer to a laboratory. Proserv’s SSC eliminates the risks associated with handling and transferring samples on the surface, reducing the risk of containment loss and exposure to H2s / CO2 which can present a danger to people and the environment.

Andrew Anderson, Senior Vice President for Production Equipment Services (PES) at Proserv, said: “With operators facing increased challenges in maximising production from geologically complex, high pressure and temperature and often remote and

inhospitable fields, being able to generate accurate and reliable information from wells is critical in establishing its status and prospects.

“Proserv has an established track record spanning over 40 years in the sampling services and subsea sectors and we consistently deliver robust technology systems and services for customers on time and to the highest standards and technical specifications.

“Our teams have developed a system to eliminate many of the issues that traditionally affect subsea samples. With the increasing demand for flow assurance and reservoir analysis, Proserv fully intends to set the pace as the leading global player in the subsea sampling field.”

The Proserv SSC is suitable for severe service applications and has a large two-litre sample

volume. Cylinders are available for sale or rental for use with existing systems. They can also be integrated with the firm’s bespoke subsea sampling systems (SSS) which have been manufactured and delivered to clients around the world.

Proserv is a technology-driven company providing products, services and bespoke solutions to clients across the drilling, production and decommissioning market sectors. Operating worldwide through 22 operating centres based in 12 countries, the company has won a string of industry awards over the years in recognition of its achievements For more information about Proserv, visit:

www.proserve.com

Above: Proserv’s subsea sampling cylinder eliminates risks associated with handling and transferring samples to the surface.

Impact Subsea Launch the ISM3D Impact Subsea is excited to announce the launch of a ground breaking underwater Attitude & Heading Reference System - the ISM3D. The ISM3D utilises high grade MEMS* based Accelerometers, Angular Rate Gyroscopes and Magnetometers all of which feed into an advanced fusion engine driven by a dual core micro-processor.

The unit provides Heading to ±0.5° of local Magnetic North with Pitch and Roll to ±0.05° accuracy.

For optimal performance, a hard and soft iron calibration can be performed on the unit once installed on the ROV, AUV or other underwater platform. This ensures that a consistently accurate heading is provided at all times.

In areas where a large amount of steel of p48 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

other magnetic disturber is present, the unit can be switched to operate using the Angular Rate Gyroscopes and Accelerometers, without input from the Magnetometer. The low drift rate of the advanced MEMS based Gyroscopes enables navigation to be conducted in areas where previously only a fibre or ring laser diode based heading sensor would suffice.

the creation of a high accuracy underwater sensor in a very compact housing. The ISM3D greatly compliments Impact Subsea’s existing range of Proserv launches new subsea sampling innovation advanced Altitude, Depth & Temperature sensing solutions.

Provided in a Titanium housing, depth rated to 6,000 meters, with a length of 65mm - the ISM3D sets a new standard in size, durability and capability.

The ISM3D will be on display at Ocean Business, Southampton, 4-6th April 2017, Stand A29. For further information, please visit:

Ben Grant, Managing Director of Impact Subsea, commented:

www.impactsubsea.com

With the ISM3D we have built on the AHRS capability packaged within our other products.

Utilising extremely high grade MEMS sensors has enabled

*MEMS: Micro-ElectroMechanical-Systems

tech spotlight

Ashtead Boosts Rental Fleet with State-of-the-Art Inspection Technology Ashtead Technology has expanded its equipment rental pool following a significant investment in the latest Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) technology to deliver faster, more accurate asset integrity inspections.

A global leader in marine technology, non-destructive testing and subsea services, Ashtead will now supply the Eddyfi Lyft™, an inspection tool for identifying corrosion under insulation (CUI), a major asset integrity issue for the oil and gas, and petrochemical sectors.

CUI is a type of corrosion that occurs as a result of a moisture build-up on the external surface of insulated equipment.

The corrosion is most commonly galvanic, chloride, acidic, or alkaline, and if undetected, the consequences can lead to the shutdown of a process unit or an entire facility.

acquisition (up to 15 readings per second).

Allan Pirie, Chief Executive of Ashtead Technology said: “This investment underlines our commitment to the subsea and nondestructive testing markets, by offering the latest, cost-effective technologies ensures our customers are getting the most efficient, reliable solution available.

“CUI is one of the most difficult processes to prevent. No matter the precautions taken, water invariably seeps into the insulation and corrosion occurs.

“With traditional methods it was near on impossible to identify and measure the severity of corrosion without physically removing the insulation, however Eddyfi Lyft™ provides a fast, reliable and flexible solution.”

Lyft™ can be used to accurately measure corrosion and wall thickness on insulated pipes without the need to remove insulation, significantly reducing time and costs.

It’s suitable for use on a number of materials including metal, aluminium, stainless steel and galvanised steel weather jackets, to provide real-time C-scan imaging, wall thickness measurements and fast data

Headquartered in Québec, Canada, with offices in France, USA, and the UAE, Eddyfi focuses on offering high-performance eddy current and electromagnetic solutions for the inspection of critical components and assets.

Jim Costain, Vice President of sales for Eddyfi, said:

We are thrilled that Ashtead Technology has added the Lyft to its range of Eddyfi inspection tools. This provides Ashtead’s large customer base with access to this unique, cost-effective technology, alongside its highly skilled technical support team.

Further information and a brief explanatory video is available from:

www.ashtead-technology.com

CyanoFluorTM Handheld HAB Indicator: Early Warning of HAB conditions Early identification of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) is key to mitigating their effects and protecting public health. Turner Designs’ CyanoFluor is a new handheld fluorometer equipped with optics for detecting chlorophyll (CHL) and phycocyanin (PC) responses from natural water samples. CyanoFluor uses these responses to calculate and report a PC to CHL ratio for estimating the relative abundance of cyanobacteria within a phytoplankton population.

By monitoring PC to CHL ratios over time, users can tell whether environmental conditions are changing, favoring cyanobacterial production which typically leads to the formation of HABs. CyanoFluor also provides raw fluorescence readings, which can

be used to estimate chlorophyll concentrations.

CyanoFluor is factory-calibrated; no calibration standards or tools are required. Solid state optoelectronics ensure long term instrument stability. Results are displayed in less than 30 seconds and logged for future downloading.

CyanoFluor is a perfect field instrument for HAB monitoring efforts – small, lightweight, battery-powered, waterproof and easy to use.

handheld, laboratory, and in-line fluorometers and turbidimeters, varying in functionality, size, and price. We provide pre-sales support to identify instrument requirements and postsales support to assist with implementation.

Company Information: Turner Designs provides innovative opticalbased solutions for basic research, water quality analysis, pollution control analysis, and industrial applications. Our focus has been optics for over 40 years and we have worldwide distribution of optical instrumentation. Turner Designs is known for rugged, reliable and stable submersible, field, April 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p49

tech spotlight

L&N Scotland introduces new Synthesis system to the subsea market Specialist subsea manufacturer, L&N Scotland has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of its named Synthesis system.

In accordance with the company’s review and development programme, L&N Scotland has introduced its latest product and service offering to combat the current constraints faced by subsea operators during product integration stages.

By definition Synthesis is the combination of components or elements to form a connected whole. The new system, designed and developed by L&N Scotland, showcases a significant advancement in the application of small-bored tubing (SBT) packages, by offering a fully commissioned package complete with a pre-manufactured and “ready-to-fit” kit of parts, through a single purchase order.

Whilst conventional methods for obtaining a complete subsea system, have commonly required operators to procure all component parts through multiple suppliers and numerous purchase orders, Synthesis provides an alternative solution that eliminates the complexity associated with these traditional methods.

Synthesis compromises of a full turnkey support package complete with all small-bored tubing lines staged in reverse fitment order, along with all line and assembly sequence documentation, for ease of installation.

Utilising L&N Scotland’s diverse service offering, coupled with its subsea design engineering experience and robust supply chain, the company has the unique ability to group all of its services to deliver an intelligent purchasing model for subsea operators.

By implementing these services, such as early design engineering engagement, Synthesis ensures that product design and execution models are optimised and routed bespoke to any subsea structure. As a result, Synthesis can be deployed across a full breadth of subsea applications ranging from Manifolds, X-trees, SCMBs, UTAs and SDUs.

p50 | www.sosmagazine.biz | April 2017

This extensive experience and innate product knowledge, held by L&N Scotland’s engineering team in the field of subsea applications, has been essential in the development of Synthesis and having successfully delivered and installed this package for major subsea operators, L&N Scotland predicts a much wider market potential for this new offering.

Commenting on the launch of Synthesis, L&N Scotland’s Managing Director, Craig Finnie said: “L&N Scotland is continuously looking at ways in which we can evolve our product and service range to address the difficulties which our clients face during product integration. Through our investment into the research and development of Synthesis, we have managed to significantly improve project integration processes, whilst allowing our clients to procure a fully executed system ready for operation, through the placement of one purchase order.

“This bespoke solution not only provides the necessary project cost and timescale reductions requested by the industry, but also facilitates a more efficient and streamlined manufacturing process, whilst maintaining the quality and integrity of the client product. We are delighted to bring Synthesis to the global subsea market, in which we can deliver a substantial solution for operators in the form of a rationalised supply chain.”

L&N Scotland has grown to become a market leader in the provision of subsea engineering and manufacturing solutions to customers worldwide.

The company, which holds 20 years’ of professional subsea experience, delivers an array of services worldwide including specialised welding, design engineering and manufacture services, as well as innovative product integration capabilities for the oil and gas industry.

www.lnscotland.com

Below: A 3D model of Synthesis being implemented on a SDU.

Saab Seaeye selects Sonardyne acoustics for Sabertooth hybrid vehicle Subsea technology company, Sonardyne International Ltd, has delivered its latest consignment of AvTrak 6 acoustic communications and navigation hardware to defence and security company Saab’s subsidiary Saab Seaeye.

Offered as an optional-fit sensor on the Sabertooth hybrid AUV/ROV, AvTrak 6 forms part of the vehicle’s integrated navigation and communications system.

It allows mission updates, status checking and navigation aiding to be wirelessly sent to and from the vehicle, eliminating the need for the vehicle to re-surface or dock with an underwater garage.

The unique design of Saab’s Sabertooth vehicle allows it to be configured as a conventional tethered ROV or freeflying AUV depending on the operational requirements of the user. It is depth rated to 3,000 metres, has a long excursion range and is equipped with a control system that affords it six degrees of freedom. This level of manoeuvrability makes the vehicle suitable for a wide range of subsea tasks including light intervention and inspection duties within the offshore oil and gas sector.

AvTrak 6 adds to the versatility of the Saberbooth vehicle by combining the functions of an acoustic tracking transponder, transceiver and wireless modem link in a package that consumes only a small amount of payload space and power. It is available in a variety of configurations including depth ratings to 7,000 metres, electronics-only (OEM) for customer integration and a customisable command language that offers features such as mission abort and ballast jettison.

During missions, Sabertooth pilots use AvTrak 6 for AUV-to-Vessel and AUVto-AUV communications. This enables mission and status updates on operational vehicle parameters to be sent and received. Often when navigating across the seabed, AvTrak 6 is used to update the vehicle’s inertial navigation system with precise range data gathered from nearby transponders deployed on the seabed in support of oilfield survey and construction activities.

AUVs are generally operated from survey vessels equipped with Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) tracking technology.

These systems allow the position of the vehicle relative to the vessel to be precisely tracked via a transponder

attached to the vehicle. AvTrak 6’s USBL mode replaces the need for a separate transponder saving valuable space and is compatible with both Sonardyne and third-party systems including Kongsberg’s HiPAP®. An internal battery provides power and supports an emergency transponder mode for vehicle relocation.

Speaking about Saab’s decision to supply Sabertooth vehicles equipped with AvTrak 6s straight out of the factory, Alan MacDonald, Sales Manager for Sonardyne in Aberdeen said the announcement was, “Recognition of the versatility and unrivalled performance this multi-functional acoustic technology provides”. He added, “We are delighted to report this latest order and look forward to supporting Saab and their clients during vehicle delivery and operational commissioning.”

Coming up in the may’s 2017 issue of Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine...

Decommissioning & Abandonment ROVs, AUVs, Cameras & Lights

Subsea Equipment/Underwter Inspection Welding & Fabrication

Pipe & Tubular: Products & Services If you have any news, insights or product launches that you would like to share with our readers, please email them to:

editor@sosmagazine.biz for consideration in our future issues.

4 – 6 April 2017 Southampton UK

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