Subsea & Offshore Magazine January 2017

January 2017 Issue

Fire Saftey Industry Focus | Diving & Underwater Services Connectors, Cables & Umbilicals | Training & Development Lifting Equipment, Deck Machinery & Winches

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MAKING & MAINTAINING THE RIGHT CONNECTION Destec Engineering has specialised in the manufacture of high pressure Flanges, Seals & Connections for the Oil, Gas & Renewable Energy industries for over 45 years.

Services we deliver: Destec compact flanges Destec boiler inspection caps G-Range 4 bolt connectors Compatible seals GSB subsea single bolt clamps

We also specialise in On-site machining to many industries.

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Services we offer: On-site machining Bolt tensioning On-line leak sealing Overlay welding NDT services Regenerator & vessel head removal

HYDRAULIC CUTTERS

FOR DECOMMISSIONING IN THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRIES FOR USE TOPSIDE & SUB-SEA As an approved supplier to the sub-sea industry for over ten years, CIS Ltd are committed to the safe and efficient decommissioning of onshore & offshore rigs and other support equipment. We design & supply a wide variety of hydraulic cold cutting equipment for use in various topside and sub-sea environments. Our tools are used by numerous major offshore companies, and numerous other sub-contract support companies.

Providing Solutions

• No vibration • Lightweight & durable • Cutting force up to 105 tonnes, blade opening of up to 210 mm • Standard or modified for specific applications • For use topside or sub-sea applications • Used with standard hydraulic oil or water glycols • Robotic handling & ROV equipment compatible • For cutting armoured cable, angle iron, wire rope and scaffold poles • Umbilical & jumper cables, tension wires • Scrap size reduction for better storage & handling • No dust or swarf is generated

Major suppliers & hire of hydraulic cutters, pumps and jacking & lifting equipment, as well as skidding systems and synchronized lifting systems.

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january 2017

edi to r s l et t er

Contents

Happy New Year and welcome to the January issue of Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine, the monthly trade journal delivering extensive coverage of the offshore Industries worldwide.

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

4

i nd u stry ne w s

6

ne w s i n b r i e f

8

f i re saf e ty i nd ustry f oc u s

22

d i vi ng & u nd e rwat e r se rvi c e s

24

c o nne c tor s, c ab le s & um b i li c als

28

t r ai ni ng & d e ve lo pm e nt

32

li f ti ng e qu i pm e nt, d e c k m ac hi ne ry & w i nc he s

36

hazard ou s are a

40

T e c h SPOTLIGHT

45

We open with Paul Cantwell (Knowledge Exchange Fellow Oil & Gas with AFRC) who explains how innovation will be key in accelerating the anticipated upswing in 2017 (p6).

Alan Hanratty, Business Development Director of Phusion IM discusses how smart devices can provide the efficiency needed in Hazardous Areas (p40).

Coming up in the February issue, we take an in-depth look at each of the following market sectors: Decommissioning & Abandonment; Subsea Equipment/ Underwater Inspection; ROVs, AUVs, Cameras & Lights; Hose & Couplings and Welding & Fabrication. If you would like your company to company to be noticed within either one of these features, please get in contact with me to discuss your editorial requirements editor@sosmagazine.biz. Our Publication Manager, Jon McIntosh is on hand to help out with your advertising requirements for 2017 - jon@sosmagazine.biz.

Again, we wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.

David Sullivan - Editor Editor: David Sullivan

Publication Manager: Jon McIntosh

Account Manager: Alex Wetton

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Publisher: Robert Robinson

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January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p5

Innovation key to accelerate the anticipated upswing in 2017 Paul Cantwell is a Knowledge Exchange Fellow Oil & Gas, with the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) There’s no doubt the oil and gas industry has undergone another turbulent and trying year, as the backlash of the oil price crash in 2014 has resulted in unprecedented job losses, project delays and cancellations, and a rather pessimistic outlook for 2017. However, the findings of a recent survey predict the sector has now hit its lowest point and that there are cautious signs of a much yearned for but measured upswing.

The survey, conducted by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, shared the views of 130 businesses, employing more than 308,000 UK staff in total. It reported that two out of three respondents believed the sector had already reached the bottom of the current cycle, or will do so in the next year.

A further 25% felt the low point would take hold within two years.

Its sentiment mirrors that of September’s Oil & Gas UK economic report which stated that revenue in the supply chain is forecast to fall by more than a fifth this year – taking it to the lowest level since 2010.

The AFRC’s automation and control services are

The AFRC is a globally recognised centre

systems to enable quality and productivity

manufacturing technologies and

focused on developing integrated manufacturing improvements in manufacturing operations.

innovation in the energy sector, the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming and Research Centre (AFRC) is leading the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult’s Oil & Gas Consortium which comprises of four of the UK HVM Catapult centres. It works closely with SMEs and technology developers to accelerate and de-risk the journey from desktop to marketplace for new technologies, materials and processes.

However, light at the end of the tunnel came from the report’s revelation that production rose by more than 10% last year, the first increase in 15 years, because of cost savings at least partly due to improved technological efficiency and an increased focus on innovation.

This echoes the findings from November’s KPMG mergers and acquisitions (M&A) seminar in Aberdeen which said that technology and solutions will drive short to medium-term deal activity.

The organisation understands the importance of innovation and the tangible opportunities that diversification can bring. It supports companies in the adoption and adaptation of solutions from other sectors as well as challenging the status quo in the supply chain.

This is achieved through the investigation and demonstration of the economic potential of improved processes, procedures and best practices.

Unlocking the capabilities of new or alternative technologies will secure short-term wins and pave the way for longer-term investment to sustain a competitive edge.

A streamlined supply chain To reinforce its support of manufacturing

A change of character?

Though a particular technology or piece

p6 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

of excellence in metal forming research, innovation.

of equipment may be a potentially cheaper alternative to current methods and reap greater production results and financial rewards, operators are naturally nervous about the safety or financial risks associated with its trial, especially in a live production environment. A stepchange in attitude and perception to new technology is essential to push the boundaries of innovation and not simply rely on tried and tested methods for simplicity’s sake.

Oil and gas is a very fast-moving industry that had become comfortable with high yields, leading to high revenue, with the focus mainly on speed of flow and production. It is only in recent times with revenue being drastically cut that there is a requirement to better understand the opportunities for innovative technologies that will lead to increased efficiencies and cost optimisation.

A perceived positive outcome of the downturn is that the traditionally riskaverse stalwarts are tentatively embracing new and alternative technologies and this cautious acceptance of the benefits of innovation through collaboration can only be healthy. All eyes will now be on BP and

Industry viewpoint Paul Cantwell is a Knowledge Exchange Fellow Oil & Gas, with the University of

Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC).

The AFRC is a collaborative venture between

The AFRC is part of the UK High Value

Hydraulically operated machine used to study

the UK Government and leading multinational

heat, shape, finish, measure, test and

under compression, tensile and cyclic loading

the University of Strathclyde, Scottish Enterprise, engineering firms.

its newly-acquired interest in two North Sea exploration projects with operators Statoil and Nexen to see if this shift in mindset rings true.

The industry is also confidently broadening its horizons to discover how transferrable technologies and standardised practices from other sectors, such as aerospace and automotive, can be adopted and adapted to keep the apparent uptick continuing on a slow but steady rise. It is clear that the creation and commercialisation of new and enhancing technology has already helped the economics of sizeable developments in the North Sea, such as BP’s Clair Ridge project, Maersk Culzean and Statoil’s Mariner project.

The ultimate aim is to fast-track new technology, which can take more than a decade to come to the marketplace, and encourage further investment and opportunities from industry leaders, operators and service companies.

The AFRC is the only HVM Catapult centre within Scotland and provides open access to pioneering R&D across

Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult and can analyse metal parts and components.

a full range of manufacturing technology capabilities, from metals to composites, additive manufacturing to metal forming, design and process stimulation, to full-scale prototype production and assembly. It supports a wide range of sectors, including energy, aerospace and automotive.

Global exportation of skills, products and services It is encouraging to see the industry is striving towards cutting the cost of extraction of average barrel of oil, down from $29 to $16 by the end of the year, as outlined in September’s Oil & Gas UK report. But we need to ensure that focus goes towards process efficiencies and not just more stringent cost cutting-exercises in 2017.

The message is starting to be accepted by the industry that there is still business to be had at $50 per barrel, and it is good to see drivers towards supporting such a market.

It was also interesting to see that threequarters of respondents to the Chamber survey report also expected to be involved in decommissioning in the next three to

the mechanical behaviour of metallic materials conditions.

five years, whilst just over half thought they would be involved in renewables.

However, the fate of oil and gas has not yet been plugged and abandoned.

The Oil & Gas UK economic report stated that, by 2020, half of the UK’s required oil and gas supply is projected to come from new developments. This is a clear sign that the UK Continental Shelf still holds value to our economy. Contrary to the gloomy outlook, this is a favourable time to seize this opportunity and establish Aberdeen, Scotland and the UK as a centre of excellence once again for oil and gas technologies - strengthening our ingenuity, design capabilities, product and services and hopefully, in time, converting our innovative prowess as a future export opportunity.

The message is that the AFRC and the HVM Catapult’s Oil & Gas consortium are open for business, working with the industry to drive the growth of manufacturing in companies of all sizes by supporting them to develop innovation and thereby bring new technologies to commercial reality.

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p7

Ecosse Subsea Systems Triumphs in Engineering Excellence Innovation Rewarded In Scottish Green Energy Awards

A subsea engineering company which originally focused on the oil and gas industry has won a major accolade at the Scottish Green Energy Awards hosted by Scottish Renewables.

Aberdeenshire-based Ecosse Subsea Systems (ESS) collected the Engineering Excellence Award for outstanding design at the awards in Edinburgh.

Bibby Offshore wins significant North Sea contract with Shell Bibby Offshore, a leading subsea services provider to the oil and gas industry, today announced that it has secured a significant contract with Shell.

The campaign, due to commence in Q1 2017, will see Bibby Offshore provide engineering and subsea construction activities in the Gannet G field in the Central North Sea. Under the agreement, Bibby Offshore will utilise its multipurpose dive support and offshore construction vessel - Bibby Polaris - and its integral 1000 tonne basket carousel to lay flexible pipe systems in water depths of approximately 95m.

The company has also collaborated with a third party operator who will carry out trenching operations after the initial workscope is complete.

In early 2016, Bibby Offshore provided construction and inspection services for Shell on assets in the Corrib Natural Gas field in the North Atlantic Ocean, successfully completing two significant contracts.

Howard Woodcock, Chief Executive of Bibby Offshore said: “Securing this project was a direct result of our established and successful track record with Shell. This contract will further strengthen our relationship, and highlights Bibby Offshore’s ability to consistently and successfully deliver on complex and challenging projects.”

Below: Howard Woodcock, Chief Executive of Bibby Offshore.

ESS has designed and patented a number of tools which are used in seabed clearance, route preparation, trenching and cable laying operations in the renewables, interconnector and oil and gas sectors.

The SCAR Seabed System has been deployed on a number of UK and European renewables projects, including Westermost Rough, Race Bank and Wikinger offshore wind farms and on cable trenching operations on a major interconnector programme in the Moray Firth. In addition, the system is attracting global interest from further afield in China, Japan and the USA. Award judges were impressed with SCAR’s capacity to limit disruption to the marine and subsea environment. Its flexibility means it can be launched from a vessel at any time of the year, avoiding sensitive spawning and breeding seasons for marine wildlife.

Other benefits include a higher operational speed which reduces the duration of any potential disruption to wildlife from the presence of vessels, limits the creation of berms which are a snag risk to fishermen, and it can be used across a range of seabed types and soil strengths, which means operators can modify cable or pipeline routes to avoid sensitive habitats or areas of archaeological interest.

In 2017, ESS will utilise all of SCAR’s specialist capabilities when the company undertakes route clearance, pre-cut trenching and backfilling operations for a large-scale Interconnector Link, north of Scotland.

ESS continues to invest in engineering Research and Development, including the £3 million design and build of a new SCARJet tool which has the potential to double subsea trench production rates and will introduce additional environmental and performance benefits for clients.

Right: Ecosse Subsea Systems Technical Director Michael Cowie, left, with Managing Director Mike Wilson at the Scottish Green Energy Awards.

p8 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

New Business Manager set to continue HTL Group growth As part of HTL Group’s continued growth, HTL Group Scotland are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Business Manager, Marc Gerrard.

Marc joins HTL with a very strong 22 years’ background in rentals, sales, maintenance and management within the oil and gas arena.

After serving his apprenticeship as a Plant and Equipment Engineer, he progressed through various Supervisory and Managerial roles before joining EnerMech in 2008.

Marc’s time at EnerMech began with the role of Equipment Rental Manager; which then lead to being appointed as General Manager for the Equipment, Lifting, Wire Rope and Inspection Services Business Unit.

As Business Manager, Marc will take full responsibility of all HTL group activity in Scotland, including raising awareness of the Group portfolio locally. Traditionally, the company’s presence in Scotland was under Hire Torque Ltd, but following a recent premises relocation the company is now trading as HTL Group Scotland. Growing the entire Group offering in Aberdeen allows HTL Group to have a greater presence in Scotland, and ensures that they are able to serve the market place with their vast and continuously expanding product and service portfolio.

This is yet another new and exciting appointment for HTL Group and a further sign of their commitment to meet the demands placed on them as a world class service provider.

An upcoming customer event early in the New Year will officially launch HTL Group Scotland and allow customers to visit the new premises in Dyce, Aberdeen. To register your interest and to receive further updates please contact: aberdeen@htlgroup.com Below: Marc Gerrard, Business Manager, HTL Group Scotland.

Launch of Global CP Company In September 2016 the privately owned Norwegian EPC Contractor Imenco AS launched a new division Imenco Corrosion Technology to concentrate on the promotion of its field proven anode systems globally to the offshore renewable energy sector and into late life assets in the oil and gas industry.

L&N Scotland demonstrates continued commitment to weld quality L&N Scotland, an independent supplier of specialised subsea manufacturing and engineering services, has successfully achieved a 98% weld pass rate following a 12 month (November 2015-November 2016) strategic quality review.

The Aberdeen based company has been assessing its existing engineering procedures, operations and associated documentation against current quality policies and objectives; including the business objective to achieve a sustained minimum weld pass rate of 92%, and best in class welding practices and process controls.

Utilising in-house engineers, L&N Scotland have developed and qualified project specific procedures and processes for weld overlay, butt welds and orbital autogenous welds.

These processes were created to ensure that the most demanding customer applications, stringent welding requirements and client specifications are achieved.

L&N Scotland has also adopted a proactive approach to quality, through weld monitoring and weld failure analysis, using results and feedback to directly influence the development of weld quality inspection processes and training given to welding personnel.

These extensive investigations coupled with a quality management system, tailored to suit welding operations, has provided L&N Scotland with a robust means of monitoring quality levels and delivery performance, in turn allowing L&N Scotland to identify and resolve weld failures and achieve a 98% weld pass rate.

In addition, L&N Scotland’s commitment to weld quality has been further demonstrated through their recent accreditation of ISO: 3834-2 (comprehensive quality standard).

The unique welding accreditation, awarded this year by Lloyd’s Register, provides certification of L&N Scotland’s quality management system in relation to best practises of all welding and related activities.

Above image: L&N Scotland technician welding onsite.

Imenco Corrosion Technology deliver ROV installable solutions that are cost effective as they have short installation time, are technically sound, both mechanically strong and maintain a long term electrical continuity, and are simple to install.

The clamps can be installed by ROV pilots or divers without any specialist training.

With offices in Norway, Aberdeen in UK, Lafayette in USA and in Singapore, Imenco Corrosion Technology will aim to provide all the major offshore wind, tidal energy, marine energy along with oil and gas companies’ sacrificial anode equipment to protect their subsea structures at new build stages or as a retrofit solution.

Imenco Corrosion Technology have several preferred manufacturers that make parts for the various anode solutions. The parts are Quality Assured, Quality Checked and assembled in their workshop in Norway.

The range of products includes clamps to fit on to a wide range of construction detail like plates, into holes, over flanges, onto studs or bolts and around pipework or tubulars as well as to existing anode inserts. In addition to the clamps Imenco Corrosion Technology can provide brackets, skids, earthing cables and the anode mass to suit the structure dynamics.

Through an agreement with Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd, Imenco Corrosion Technology can offer modelling and analysis of structures to establish the amount of cathodic protection required and where that protection should be positioned. Other agreements allow Imenco Corrosion Technology to offer Impressed Current (ICCP) solutions as required.

Imenco’s corrosion protection solutions have been used in the Norwegian offshore oil and gas sector for more than a decade. Recent business activities have included expansion of the geographical markets served as well as venturing into new sectors where the company has been providing the Veja Mate and Galloper offshore wind farms with various anode systems solutions.

Paradigm Flow Services Announces Breakthrough in Caspian Market Leading oil and gas services provider Paradigm Flow Services has announced that it has secured its first ever contract in the Caspian region.

The pipeline project involved the use of the company’s non-intrusive ‘Find-Block’ technology which was used to locate a number of blockages and restrictions in both liquid and gas systems.

This field-proven technology was developed from Paradigm’s unique pressure wave ‘PipePulse’ technology which has successfully enabled operators to restore flow from blocked risers and pipelines. ‘Find Block’ is a very low operational footprint and can be mobilised globally with a field engineer in support. It has been deployed to accurately locate the position of asphaltenes, sand, paraffin wax, hydrates and stuck pig obstructions.

‘Find Block’ provides valuable diagnostic information on pipeline conditions that allows swift decision making to determine and implement the best solution to restore flow.

Paradigm has proposed its Flexi-Coil system to remove the blockage and clean the internal pipe bore back to bare metal. Flexi-Coil uses an ultralightweight and flexible pipe to allow it to pass through complex bends over long distances from the host facility without the requirement for diving vessels or other more costly subsea intervention.

Commenting on the company’s successful step into the Caspian market, Paradigm Flow Services’ Commercial Director Donald Ballantyne said: “As a company, we are committed to strategically expanding our reach in key overseas markets, and we are actively seeking opportunities such as this recent project as part of our international growth plans”.

“Thanks to the forward-thinking and innovative attitude of the operator involved, we have been able to show the benefits of our revolutionary new technology over traditional, standard methods.

We hope that this successful project completion will herald the beginning of a new chapter for Paradigm Flow Services in an exciting emerging market.”

New NSRI report identifies O&M as key area for subsea companies to break into offshore wind market A new report from NSRI (National Subsea Research Initiative) has identified Operations & maintenance (O&M) – particularly inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) activities – as the highest potential area for subsea companies to diversify into offshore wind.

Titled ‘Subsea Technological Challenges in Offshore Wind’, the report highlights opportunities the offshore wind industry holds for UK subsea companies, with a technology roadmap outlining the way ahead with industry-driven objectives.

With global offshore wind expenditure forecast to reach £210billion over the next ten years, NSRI and Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult joined forces in a bid to encourage diversification. The two organisations hosted an event in October to provide advice and support on market entry requirements, diversification strategies and the associated challenges.

The event also welcomed companies with experience in the offshore wind industry to provide an insight into the market challenges and barriers.

These included a need to prove cost competitiveness or reduction and a proactive, innovative approach that does not dictate other industry methods.

Around 40 percent of the typical lifecycle costs of offshore wind farm developments come from O&M requirements. Based on UK Government projections for offshore wind deployment, the O&M costs for more than 5,500 turbines could be worth £2billion per annum by 2025.

Given the UK industry’s existing IRM capability, companies could break into the offshore wind market by offering individual services such as automated inspection, cable scour inspection, condition monitoring, remote monitoring, increased turbine access and risk based p10 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

inspection. In time, these services could be bundled to deliver a full life-of-field offering. It’s also believed that diverless solutions will be of growing interest as offshore wind developments move further offshore into deeper waters.

The ideas generated from the workshop have allowed NSRI to create a technology roadmap. These ideas have been grouped using an adopt, adapt, develop and collaborate principle, setting out the short, medium and long term activities that will help progress the development of subsea technology for widespread use in the offshore wind sector. The report also highlights opportunities for operators, developers, academia and the wider industry to work together to break down barriers and bring about positive change.

Commenting on the report, Dr Gordon Drummond, Project Director of NSRI said:

Offshore renewables is a growing market which presents exciting new business opportunities for the UK supply chain. While fossil fuels are expected to continue dominating the global energy supply mix, renewables are taking off at an incredible rate. There are some natural synergies between the sectors, which provide a real advantage for subsea companies looking to expand their presence in multiple energy markets.

“The offshore wind industry is focused on innovating to reduce costs, giving subsea companies the chance to introduce new technology and products to the industry.

Diversifying into renewables provides greater resilience for companies and those who take an early lead will reap the benefits.

“The return on investment for renewable projects can be achieved significantly quicker than those in the oil and gas sector, representing a natural, highly

profitable diversification strategy.

We hope this report, along with the technology roadmaps will help guide companies through the steps required to break into the offshore wind industry, highlighting the entry routes and the opportunities most accessible to the UK supply chain.”

Jamie McCallum, Project Engineer at NSRI, has been heavily involved in exploring the opportunities in offshore renewables for UK supply chain companies.

He said:

Companies experienced in ROV operations, subsea construction and IRM need to jump into action and adapt their offerings now if they are to meet the needs of the sector and drive long-term growth.

The largest opportunity for the UK subsea supply chain is operations and maintenance. Europe is most definitely leading the way in offshore wind. However, China, Japan and the USA are growing markets, which present a host of opportunities for UK firms over the next five to 10 years.

Picture above: Dr Gordon Drummond, Project Director of NSRI.

Industry news

Teesside Business Secures its Largest Value Contract to Date One of the UK’s leading product designers, manufacturers and global suppliers of fire, blast and heat hazard protection solutions has been awarded a £37m contract to deliver a field operations office module and twenty remote instrument enclosure modules.

Mech-Tool Engineering Ltd – which has offices in the UK, Houston and the Middle East as well as manufacturing facilities in Korea – has been appointed by Wood Group, to provide a full turnkey service including design, manufacture and pre-commission of the modular units.

The delivery of Mech-Tool Engineering’s modules will take place over a phased period from now until 2019. The project involves multiple disciplines with the system being integrated and designed to function at optimum performance in the extreme environmental conditions.

Mech-Tool Engineering has recently secured a world leading quality standard – ISO 9001:2015 – only four months after the accreditation was first launched.

Speaking about the contract win Steve Oliver, Business Development Director at Mech-Tool Engineering said: “We are delighted to have excelled against international competition to secure this major contract - and as a result provide additional job opportunities for the local community.

“We are also extremely proud of our world class, highly skilled workforce that have proven capabilities to ensure this project will be delivered to the highest possible standards.”

Established in 1969, Mech-Tool Engineering offers a complete end to end solution for fire, blast and radiant heat protection from initial design and consultation through to manufacture and assistance with on-site installation.

Recently the company was listed 26th on the The overall combined weight of the contracted prestigious Sunday Times Profit Track 100 modules is currently estimated to be circa 1760 – a league table of high performing private tonne. All modules will be purpose built by companies published every year by the Sunday Mech-Tool Engineering to the client’s exacting Times - and which lists Britain’s top 100 private Already the new project has led to the company specified explosion, seismic, thermal, fire and companies with the fastest growing profits. creating an additional 20 new jobs ranging from acoustic performance criteria. All components The listing comes on the back of successful design engineers to welders and platers and will be fully tested in-house using the most up international contract wins in South Korea and the business estimates the contract will lead to to date equipment and testing procedures prior Kazakhstan. The company boasts an extensive further subcontract positions. With a keen to deployment to ensure the highest standards client portfolio working with the likes of BP, focus on investment and improvement, met. 1 Conoco Philips, Centrica and Talisman.

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Industry news

N-Sea and University of Strathclyde Collaborate for Innovative Subsea Project

Integrated subsea service provider, N-Sea, and the University of Strathclyde’s Institute of Sensors Signals and Communications at the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, have secured substantial funding from the Data Lab Innovation Centre for an innovative research project to automate subsea pipeline inspection.

The collaboration combines N-Sea’s state-of-the-art inspection expertise and the University of Strathclyde’s innovative data analytics research.

David Murray, Survey and Inspection Data Centre Manager at N-Sea, said:

We’re enjoying working with the University of Strathclyde on this innovative project and grateful to the Data Lab for supporting this partnership.

Our joint collaboration is pivotal to the success of the project which we hope will transform pipeline inspection operations.

As a world-leader in subsea pipeline inspection, we have seen ROV technology evolve significantly over the years.

However, inspection operations still require ROV pilots and inspection engineers who annotate the data acquired.

By working closely together, we aim to automate the inspection process and operate ROVs at previously impossible speeds. p12 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

In the last 10 years, the subsea inspection landscape has come a long way in terms of sensors and high definition cameras, however the annotation process remains a largely manual process.

The approaches and techniques adopted by the University and N-Sea have never before been attempted in the subsea environment and promise to transform the inspection industry.

Commenting on the University’s partnership with N-Sea, Dr Christos Tachtatzis, Academic Principal Investigator, Lecturer and Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, said: “Our research group is excited to partner with N-Sea in this innovative project for the hostile and extreme subsea environment. Deep learning approaches have great potential to speed up the inspection processes which remain manual and labour intensive.

“We have a long tradition of conducting industrially relevant research with high economic, environmental and societal impacts and this is a prime example of the challenges we seek to provide solutions for. Owing to the support of the Data Lab, we are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with N-Sea.”

Above: N-Sea’s vessels will utilise this innovative technology, including the Siem Barracuda.

Duncan Hart, Business Development Executive at the Data Lab, said:

We’re very excited to support this project, using state of the art data science to help N-Sea create an innovative solution, which will have a significant positive impact on the oil and gas industry during these tough economic times and will continue to advance academic research in this field.

N-Sea is known for its innovative work as an independent offshore subsea contractor, specialising in IMR services for the oil and gas, renewable and telecom/utility industries, as well as for civil contracting communities.

N-Sea provides near shore, offshore and survey services to major operators and service companies alike.

Industry news

Digital Edge Subsea Digital Video Recording and Inspection Systems Diving Workclass & Inspection ROV Platform & Pipeline Inspections Construction and Decommissioning www.digitaledgesubsea.com

Advanced Technology The ‘Subsea Graphical Datalogger’ (SGD) builds on the successful capabilities of existing Jupiter Subsea Displays.

With many advanced features, the battery powered SGD is designed to capture (via 32GB internal datalogger) & display ‘real time information’ of both analogue, & digital I/Ps from a multitude of sensors, from Subsea Tools, modules & installations without the need for complex control systems or datalink.

Typical applications include Torque & Turn, Volume & Flow, with user configurable parameters.

• 4000m rated rugged ‘lightweight’ titanium housing • Logs torque/ turn, volume / flow, temp, shock & vibration, digital & analogue sensor I/P • Infra-red (IR) uploadable data logs, via IrDA • Light & Proximity sensor activation • Incredible battery life (5 days to 24 months+) • Plus many more advanced features

For further information, please download the SGD datasheet at www.zetechtics.com or call the sales team on +44 (0) 1653 602020

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

Industry news

ADIPEC 2016 Consolidates Position as Global Knowledge Meeting Place for the Oil and Gas Industry

World Energy Giants Highlight Event’s Continuing International Appeal.

including ADNOC, ExxonMobil, Total, BP, Gazprom, Oxy, Qatar Petroleum, ENI, and Wintershall.

The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) posted continued global success, celebrating a milestone year in its 19th edition, and realising ongoing industry acclaim from world oil and gas leaders.

Speaking at the event, global CEOs and industry leaders emphasised ADIPEC’s valuable role as a global knowledgesharing platform for the oil and gas community.

More than 8,500 delegates, 2,000 exhibiting companies, 700 speakers, and over 95,000 visitors from 135 countries gathered in the UAE capital for ADIPEC 2016, breaking the event’s previous records in international participation, and bringing the world’s decision makers, industry leaders, and experts under one roof to address the most critical issues surrounding the evolving energy landscape.

The event surpassed last year’s numbers in both size and content, spanning 135,000 gross square metres of floor space, and featuring more than 160 engaging conference sessions covering both technical and non-technical functions in the industry – from the high-level Ministerial and Global Business Leader sessions, to the dedicated Offshore and Marine and Women in Energy sessions.

Headlining speakers in ADIPEC’s distinguished Conference Programme this year included C-suite executives from national and international oil giants, p14 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, said:

The theme of ADIPEC 2016 ‘Strategy for the New Energy Landscape’ is appropriately timed given the challenges and opportunities the energy industry must manage now and in the years to come.

“It is great to be here at ADIPEC. This is a wonderful gathering of our industry, and it is great to be in this city of Abu Dhabi,” said Bob Dudley, Group Chief Executive of BP. “ADIPEC 2016 has given us an international global platform,” said Mohammed Barkindo, OPEC Secretary General, who also headlined the event this year, officially launching the 2016 edition of OPEC’s World Oil Outlook report, and offering an industry briefing as part of ADIPEC’s prestigious VIP Programme.

“I’m fascinated by the way this conference is growing each and every year,” said

Mario Mehren, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at Wintershall.

The ADIPEC Technical Conference Programme attracted a record-breaking 2,775 abstract submissions, which, after meticulous selection, paved the way to 106 technical sessions on topics ranging from Exploration and Production to Operational Efficiency – marking more than a 30 percent increase in the number of technical sessions from the previous year.

The event also celebrated the inaugural edition of the ‘Security in Energy’ exhibition and conference, bringing the best and brightest minds in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure under one roof to address the ever-growing challenges in today’s increasingly interconnected energy landscape, as well as the launch of the annual Young ADIPEC Forum, a series of TED-style talks designed to inspire the next generation of energy professionals.

Above: ADIPEC 2016 Opening Ceremony - Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Industry news

Major expansion gets go ahead at Aberdeen Harbour

The Board of Aberdeen Harbour has announced that its plans to expand facilities into Nigg Bay, to the south of the existing harbour, are to become a reality.

Commencement of the £350 million project, which was recently granted planning consent in the form of Marine Licenses and a Harbour Revision Order by the Scottish Government, was sanctioned by the Board yesterday. The construction contract with its preferred bidder, Dragados UK is due to be formalised at a signing ceremony today.

“We are delighted that, after six years of detailed planning and extensive consultation with our many stakeholders and the regulatory authorities, we are now in a position to approve commencement of construction”, stated Colin Parker, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board.

“Following a detailed engagement process, Aberdeen Harbour Board, in partnership with Dragados UK, a main contractor, will develop facilities over the next three years that will represent a step change in the marine support capabilities in Scotland. These will transform the port’s ability to accommodate the trend for larger vessels we are witnessing across a whole range of industries.

“The expansion will afford existing customers the opportunity to diversify and expand their interests, whilst attracting new customers and markets to the port, including up-scaled decommissioning activity, a more significant share of the available cruise vessel fleet and larger more cost-effective commercial vessels.”

Alistair Mackenzie, Chairman of Aberdeen

Harbour Board added: “Aberdeen Harbour has been in existence for almost 900 years. Its longevity can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing trading requirements and being forward-thinking in delivering new and improved facilities to support its customers, while at the same time attracting new business.

“This major new chapter in the port’s history continues this approach and underpins the Trust Port ethos of viewing future generations as key stakeholders.

We believe that the infrastructure developed in Nigg Bay will encourage and support the continued prosperity of the city and region that the harbour serves and make a significant national economic contribution”.

The development, which is a Scottish Government National Planning Framework (3) Project and is scheduled to be completed by 2020, was welcomed by the Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf, who said: “This is excellent news for Aberdeen and the Scottish maritime industry, as the signing of the construction contract means this nationally significant project can now get underway in earnest.

“The significant investment will bring jobs and business to Aberdeen, supporting the local and national economy. The historic harbour will be transformed to accommodate larger vessels, opening up potential new revenue streams and offering customers world-class marine support facilities.

“These are exciting times for Aberdeen Harbour. I wish everyone involved in the

project every success and I very much look forward to following the expansion as it progresses.”

Dragados UK were named as the Board’s preferred bidder in September this year, and the company announced that they plan to commence construction on site in early 2017.

The new facilities will include 1,400 metres of new quay, with a water depth of up to 10.5 metres and will create an additional 125,000 square metres of lay-down area. An independent study, commissioned by Scottish Enterprise, estimates that the development will generate an additional £1 billion per annum to the economy by 2035, and will create an additional 7,000 equivalent jobs.

Funding arrangements for the project incorporated commercial borrowing from the European Investment Bank, and funding from the Aberdeen City & Region Deal. Support for the project’s feasibility study was also received Scottish Enterprise and from the 2013 Annual Programme Call of the European Commission’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Programme.

Jonathan Taylor, Vice President of the European Investment Bank also commented: “Continued investment at Europe’s leading ports is essential to improve infrastructure and to cater for ever-changing shipping needs.

The European Investment Bank is pleased to support the transformational Nigg Bay development that will significantly increase quayside space, allow deepwater access for larger vessels and ensure Aberdeen’s continued strong contribution to the Scottish economy.”

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p15

Industry news

Seatronics Ink Partnership Frame Agreement with Bibby OffshorE Seatronics Ltd, an Acteon company and global leaders in the rental and sale of marine electronic equipment, has secured a contract with Bibby Offshore to be their preferred supplier of subsea rental equipment.

The agreement is structured on the provision of marine electronic equipment to Bibby Offshore including ROV, NDT and survey equipment from Seatronics’ rental pool, consisting of more than 9,000 assets. Bibby Offshore will also benefit from Seatronics’ integrated services such as calibration, asset management and personnel support. The contract has been established for an initial 12 month period with the opportunity for extension.

Seatronics and Bibby Offshore have upheld a strong working relationship for a number of years, collaborating on an extensive variety of survey and diving projects, in particular the use of the RTS Gen 5 Mux solution, exclusively available from Seatronics, which has formed an integral part of Bibby’s ROV systems.

Scott Gray, Operations Manager UK, Seatronics, stated:

We are delighted to have secured preferred supplier status with Bibby Offshore.

Working with a company such as Bibby Offshore reinforces Seatronics’ status as the market leader in Marine Technology, delivering the latest products and services whilst ensuring our customers receive

the best service possible. In order to continually improve our service, we promoted consignment stock of standard spares and cables and connectors, allowing equipment to remain onboard vessels between projects reducing the costs of mobilisations, our ability to provide new technology, our place within Acteon and our ability to bring other operating companies to the table if required, competitive pricing and our track record in support and service.

Penspen forms an alliance with Crestech Engineering Ltd Penspen, a leading provider of engineering and project management services to the energy industry, has signed a strategic alliance agreement with Nigerian engineering firm Crestech.

Africa Gas System project for ECOWAS.

The partnership will enable the two businesses to provide engineering, project management and asset integrity services and operation and maintenance services for oil, gas and energy assets in Nigeria. This project will combine Penspen’s global expertise with Crestech’s strong domestic reputation.

Penspen’s Vice President Europe & Africa, Neale Carter, said: “We are very pleased to be joining forces with Crestech to bring new opportunities to the Nigerian market.

We see this alliance as the ideal way to further build on our presence in Nigeria.

Penspen has been active in Sub-Saharan Africa since 1972 and carried out a number of strategic projects in Nigeria including the Escravos – Lagos Gas Transmission System and Nigeria’s National Petroleum Products Pipelines and Depots. Over the past 12 months, Penspen has been working on a number of vital regional projects including the West p16 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

Crestech currently offers engineering and project management services to oil & gas companies and other energy assets across Nigeria and West Africa.

“The skill sets of the two companies are very complimentary; Penspen can offer services across an entire project lifecycle, from engineering design to asset management and integrity, and covering the full range of offshore production facilities, from subsea production systems to oil and gas transportation networks, as well as expertise in offshore engineering for floating production units, platforms and subsea structures.

Crestech, meanwhile, have excellent local market knowledge and experience.

We look forward to exploring many new possibilities together”.

The Managing Director of Crestech, Peter Tabiowo, adds:

Crestech is delighted with this joint alliance with Penspen to further enhance and consolidate our expertise in the network of crude oil, multi-products, gas pipeline, depots/terminals as well as the onshore, offshore and deep water platforms in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

This alliance will undoubtedly bring the requisite technical skills gaps locally and eventually reduce costs of engineering projects in the industry in the very near future.

Industry news

Seawell Charts Future Course Following Multi-million Pound Refit One of the most distinctive vessels operating in the North Sea has undergone a multi-million pound refit and upgrade to ensure it remains at the forefront of the oil and gas industry for many years to come.

The light well intervention and dive support vessel MSV Seawell has returned to service after a £60million investment by its owners, Aberdeen based Helix Well Ops (U.K.) Limited, a UK subsidiary of international offshore energy service company Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. It marks the beginning of the next chapter in the history of the pioneering monohull vessel.

Launched 30 years ago at the Pallion yard in Sunderland by North East Shipbuilders, MSV Seawell was described as the world’s most sophisticated offshore support vessel when it entered service in 1987. The 114 metre (374ft) long vessel was the first in a series of vessels to feature electrical propulsion and set a benchmark for multifunctional offshore support vessels, certified as a stand-by and rescue ship, and equipped as an anchor-handler.

MSV Seawell has been at the forefront of the light well intervention market since it undertook its first such project in the Magnus field, north-east of Shetland, in July 1987.

In November 1995, it carried out the first subsea tree replacement from a monohull vessel anywhere in the world. The North Sea’s Arkwright Field was the location of another historic first for the vessel in October 1998, when the world’s first wireline intervention on a horizontal subsea tree was completed.

The range of projects that MSV Seawell has undertaken has been diverse.

Alongside intervention, well maintenance, production enhancement, diving and abandonment work, it has also recovered a ditched Harrier jet from the Bristol Channel.

This diversity reflects the vessel’s specification which includes a 7m x 5m moon pool, a twin bell saturation diving system rated to 300m with a capacity for up to an 18-man dive team and work and observation class ROVs. The vessel’s multi-million pound upgrade was carried out at the Damen yard in Vlissingen in the Netherlands, taking around eight and a half months, and was followed by extensive sea trials. Improving the efficiency and capability of MSV Seawell were set as key outcomes of the project.

Six new Rolls Royce Bergen C25:33L8ACD

generator sets have replaced obsolete Hedemora generators, which had powered the vessel since it was built. The dynamic positioning (DP) thrusters and azimuths have been upgraded to DP3 class. This improves the station keeping performance of the popular vessel and the safety of wells being worked on, particularly in challenging weather.

Electrically the vessel is completely new, as all electrical systems and cabling have been replaced and upgraded.

Onboard accommodation has been improved, enhancing the work and living spaces for MSV Seawell’s 122 crew members.

The vessel’s dive system and bells have been refurbished, while its lifeboats have also been upgraded to comply with new North Sea performance standards.

The modifications have changed the distinctive silhouette of MSV Seawell. A new 50-tonne crane with active heave compensation and a multi-purpose tower have replaced the existing twin 65-tonne cranes aft and separate derrick that provided its characteristic profile.

Designed by Royal IHC, the new tower allows the vessel to deploy Helix Well Ops’ 73/8in SIL (subsea intervention lubricator) in addition to its 51/8in SIL. It can also stack the complete SIL and deploy it to the seabed in a single run.

The ability to deploy the 73/8in SIL brings it into line with its sister vessels, Well Enhancer and Skandi Constructor.

Steve Nairn, Helix Well Ops (U.K.) Vice President, said: “MSV Seawell has provided an important and invaluable contribution to the North Sea oil and gas industry over the past three decades. It was the first vessel of its kind and has delivered many firsts throughout its career.

“The light well intervention sector has evolved in line with this reliable and popular vessel.

Its specification and capabilities have helped

the vessel become respected in the North Sea, and more recently further afield. Time and again, MSV Seawell has demonstrated the costeffectiveness of utilising a vessel to deliver light well intervention services compared to a rig.

“Refitting MSV Seawell has been a major undertaking and one that underlines Helix Well Ops’ commitment to the North Sea marketplace, and having a robust and capable fleet of vessels, which includes Well Enhancer and Skandi Constructor, to service it.

The investment ensures this iconic vessel will continue to pioneer a market it has helped shape.”

Having already entered more than 650 wells, decommissioned over 150 live and suspended wells, including 15 subsea fields, this refit extends the lifespan of MSV Seawell and ensures it remains at the forefront of the light well intervention market for a further 15 or more years.

Aberdeen based Helix Well Ops (U.K.) Limited provides a range of well operations and decommissioning services using specialist vessels and innovative equipment.

Launched in 1986, MSV Seawell was a pioneer of the light well intervention market and completed its first wireline subsea well intervention project in 1987. In 2009, Helix Well Ops (U.K.) expanded its fleet with the launch of Well Enhancer, a 132-metre (433ft) long DP3 well intervention and saturation diving vessel. Helix Well Ops (U.K.) increased its deepwater capabilities in 2013 when the 120-metre (393ft) long DP3 well intervention vessel Skandi Constructor joined the fleet as a charter. The company employs around 400 people between its onshore and offshore operations. More about Helix Well Ops (U.K.) can be found at: January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p17

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industry news

Abu Dhabi Acquisition Expands Ashtead Technology’s Middle East Capabilities Ashtead Technology has announced the acquisition of Abu Dhabi based TES Survey Equipment Services LLC for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition will enable the leading independent provider of subsea equipment and services to the offshore oil and gas industry to significantly increase its customer service offering in the Middle East, a region which has strong growth potential for Ashtead.

Established in 2007 by Susan Murray, TES Survey Equipment Services sells and rents a range of environmental, geophysical, survey and ROV equipment.

Susan will continue to lead the business, cementing its footprint in the Middle East.

Allan Pirie, chief executive of Ashtead Technology said: “TES is a quality business with a strong client service ethos which is a great fit for Ashtead.

Having been our agent in the Middle East for the past five years, we know and respect the team. As a result of this

deal, we will be able to roll-out our full service offering to clients in the region.”

“The acquisition represents a significant step forward in the execution of our strategy to expand both our services and geographical reach. This step will enhance our ability to serve our clients following new investment in our business by Buckthorn Partners and the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP) earlier this year.”

With offices in the Aberdeen, Houston and Singapore, Ashtead is focused on delivering cost savings and valueadded services to its clients.

Mr Pirie added: “At the heart of our approach is helping clients reduce project cost and risk so they can focus on their core competences. With our rich subsea heritage, strong technical capabilities and expanded geographical footprint, we are very well-placed to help our clients achieve their objectives.”

TES serves a wide client base throughout the Middle East region, maintains a comprehensive subsea equipment rental fleet and holds a number of distributor agreements with leading equipment manufacturers all backed by local technical support capability.

Susan Murray added:

The combination of TES’s regional knowledge and support combined with Ashtead’s resources will provide clients across the Middle East region with unrivalled access to market leading technologies and technical knowledge. This is an exciting new chapter for our business which will enable our clients to deliver on increasingly challenging work scopes with the confidence of enhanced local support.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p19

Industry news

AISUS Offshore Wins Raft of Overseas Contracts Aberdeen based AISUS Offshore has made significant progress in growing its global footprint following the award of 15 contracts and work scopes over the past three months.

The company has reported that 20% of its revenues are now generated by business secured overseas.

Most recently, AISUS completed four J-Tube inspections on a platform located in the Mediterranean Sea for a world leading oil services firm. More than 750m of inspection data was gathered using AISUS’ bespoke crawler-driven inspection system.

AISUS has also completed internal caisson inspection projects in Norway and Denmark, utilising its custom engineered Aquarius system to perform corrosion mapping over the entire internal surface of the caisson.

Prior to the launch of this technology, there was no way to perform full length corrosion mapping on subsea and topside structures in the same deployment.

Stuart Lawson, Managing Director of AISUS Offshore, commented:

Collectively, these contracts represent an exciting new phase for AISUS as we look to cement our position as one of the industry’s

leading inspection specialists, both in the UK sector and overseas.

Over the past four years, we have worked hard to create a step-change in both technology and application mind-set to deliver precise inspection solutions, whilst reducing costs, without sacrificing the quality of our products or personnel.

“The requirements for installations to be costeffective and environmentally secure are ever increasing and monitoring their condition is essential to ensure integrity. Deterioration can be significant, with serious consequences for installation integrity if not managed properly.

By challenging conventional and established techniques, and working in collaboration with carefully selected partners, we believe enhancements can always be found.”

“We understand the need to develop technology that maximises data accuracy and minimises the duration of offshore inspections to satisfy the rigorous demands of the oil and gas sector, drive down costs and, ultimately, increase production.”

Specialising in the inspection of caissons and risers at all stages of the asset lifecycle, from commissioning, through operations, to decommissioning, AISUS has developed market leading technology, including a diverse range of visual and ultrasonic scanning systems.

Looking ahead, the north-east firm aims to establish strategic local partnerships and operating bases in key international locations over the next three years so it can continue to expand, increase its service offerings and develop the technologies which will help sustain long-term growth.

“Reliable and meaningful inspection data must be acquired in order to make comprehensive integrity assessments of offshore pipework and structures. Asset integrity continues to be a major priority for North Sea operators, and through our wide range of bespoke inspection services we will continue to support the industry to ensure safe and cost-effective operations across the UKCS and beyond,” added Mr Lawson.

Established in 2013, AISUS Offshore is an innovative, technology driven company delivering remotely deployed visual and ultrasonic inspection solutions to the global oil and gas industry.

‘Adapt to the New Norm’ Says Subsea UK as 2017 Subsea Expo Programme is Revealed With a growing realisation that lower oil and gas prices are here to stay, Subsea UK today urged the industry to embrace the ‘new norm’ to safeguard the future of the UK’s £9billion subsea sector.

The call was issued as Subsea UK announced the final speaker line-up and programme for its 12th annual conference and exhibition, Subsea Expo. Europe’s largest annual subsea event takes place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre from 1-3 February 2017.

This year’s theme ‘Adapting to The New Norm’ will look at the behavioural changes the industry must make to deliver the cost savings and efficiencies needed to sustain the sector for decades to come. p20 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

More than 5000 people from the subsea supply chain are expected to attend the event, including dignitaries and senior industry figures from Africa, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria and the US. With around 150 exhibitors expected, Subsea Expo is an opportunity for those in the industry to showcase new technology and services. The 2017 programme is packed with high profile industry speakers from a number of companies including Aker Solutions, Xodus, Wood Group and Shell UK. Their presentations will cover global opportunities, fields of the future, diversification, integrity management, life extension and unlocking marginal fields.

The event’s plenary session, chaired by Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, will set the scene for the week and stimulate debate

with presentations from a number of high profile industry figures.

David Lamont of Proserv will discuss adapting to the current market and make a case for using innovative approaches, technologies and methodologies to help drive efficiency and productivity in the offshore sector.

Mark Richardson of Apache will also give an operator’s perspective on the current industry situation and Andrew Reid from Douglas Westwood will be looking the market outlook for the subsea industry. The session will also welcome Phil Simons from Subsea 7 who will shine a light on the current market from a SURF contractor’s view point.

www.subseaexpo.com

Rovco Awarded Innovate UK Funding ROV services company, Rovco, has secured Innovate UK funding which will enable the firm to carry out extensive research and development activity and perform a full feasibility study into the advancement of underwater 3D modelling technology.

Once developed into a real-time inspection system this technology has the potential to revolutionise the way energy companies manage and inspect their subsea assets, potentially saving hundreds of millions of pounds in subsea inspection costs each year.

The project will be 70% supported by Innovate UK and the remaining 30% will be funded by Rovco. The newly-formed company will be seeking further equity investment in the 2nd quarter 2017 as it looks to engage with subsea companies, software developers and universities across the country to become collaborative partners in the firm’s latest venture.

Innovate UK is the UK Government’s innovation agency. It works with people,

companies and partner organisations to identify and drive forward the technology that will help grow the UK economy.

Rovco Chief Executive and Founder, Brian Allen said: “Innovate UK’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems competition has allowed us to overcome some of the barriers that many start-ups face when trying to get their technology off the ground.

“The feasibility study will allow us to begin the process of further developing real-time underwater modelling systems which can be deployed by ROVs or AUVs. High resolution 3D models of subsea assets and environments can then be generated, from which accurate measurements can be instantaneously captured “As the subsea industry enters this new norm of a lower, for longer oil price, the need for innovative, cost reducing solutions that provide more meaningful data increases. By investing in this technology and getting it to market, we will be able to capture a true visual

representation of the underwater world from which clients will be able to accurately estimate the remaining life of their subsea infrastructure and assess the integrity of their assets. At the same time vessel size and staff numbers can be reduced thereby saving costs and lowering associated risks.”

Launched in September, Rovco aims to become a leading ROV and inspection company within the next three years, with expertise and capacity to carry out underwater inspection projects across the globe.

For further information about Rovco visit:

www.rovco.com

OPOL announces executive team appointments The body responsible for the offshore oil and gas industry’s voluntary pollution compensation scheme has announced two appointments to its executive team.

should they arise from offshore oil pollution incidents from exploration and production facilities. OPOL limits of liability have been increased over the intervening years to the current US$250 million per incident.

The Offshore Pollution Liability Association Limited (OPOL) has appointed a new Managing Director, Jacquelynn Craw, with effect from 1 December. OPOL also confirmed the reappointment of its current Chairman, Colin Wannell, with effect from 1 January 2017.

Ms Craw has previously served on OPOL’s board and is a consultant to international law firm CMS Cameron McKenna. She was formerly general counsel of Fairfield Energy Limited, an independent UK oil and gas exploration and production company based in Aberdeen and London. She has 25 years of experience working with major oil and gas companies including Shell and Talisman Energy.

She is Vice Chair and a Non-Executive Director of Scottish Ballet, Chair and Trustee of Aberdeen University Pension Scheme and a Director of LOGIC.

Ms Craw succeeds Niall Scott as Managing Director, who has held the post since 2011.

Mr Scott will step down at the end of December after completing his handover.

All offshore operators currently active in exploration and production on the UKCS are party to the voluntary oil pollution compensation scheme known as OPOL, which came into effect in 1975. It is accepted as part of the committed response of the oil industry in dealing with compensation claims

Mr Wannell spent the first part of his career as an insurance professional holding senior positions in BP’s insurance department.

He was called to the Bar in 2001 (Inner Temple) and practised as an employed barrister

working in BP’s legal department where he specialised in international trade law.

He retired from his position in BP’s legal department as Managing Counsel Oil Trading and Regulation (Europe) in January 2016.

Mr Wannell was BP’s nominated Director of OPOL for more than 20 years. He was elected to serve as chairman in 2008, a position he held until his retirement from BP. Since then, he has continued to serve OPOL in the capacity of an independent chair at the invitation of the board. Mr Wannell continues to practise law as a consultant providing legal services to commodity trading houses. He is also a Director of a Guernsey based risk management services provider (Thorndon Holdings Limited).

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p21

fire saftey industry focus

Blocked Nozzles and Deluge Failure: how Tyco OmniPass adaptors could save your installation

By Simon Rooks, operations director, oil and gas, Tyco

Following the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 which killed 167 people, the importance of fully-functional firefighting systems is abundantly clear to the UK oil and gas industry.

However, despite regulations and pledges such as Step Change in Safety, the Safety Integrity Level programme and KP4 for asset life extension, which dictate risk to onboard staff should be ‘as low as reasonably practicable’, many older rigs still have wide spread issues with blockages caused by system corrosion and debris, whilst new systems have blockages caused by marine environment and growth.

As little as five grams of debris can cause system nozzles to block, rendering them useless in the face of a fire.

an essential quality for offshore safety equipment.

In a marine environment, deluge operation introduces sea life, salt crystallisation and oxidising corrosion. This debris furs up pipes and gathers in nozzle outlets, blocking water flow. Clearly, this cannot go on. It only takes one non-functional nozzle for a fire to get out of control.

If duty holders don’t improve their deluge systems, they risk condemning not only their assets, but their staff as well.

Tyco is the only company in a position to provide the industry with an effective and achievable solution to this pressing issue. Only OmniPass can efficiently and cost-effectively transform your deluge system from a dangerous liability into a fully operational life-saving asset.

The OmniPass adaptor gets water to the fire, first time, every time.

The Answer: Tyco OmniPass Adaptor Industry leader Tyco recognised this danger, and as a result is pleased to introduce a reliable and easy-toimplement innovation which will eliminate the threat of blocked nozzles allowing fires to take hold. The OmniPass adaptor is a simple and cost-effective, which when fitted between the pipe and nozzle catches debris and increases the area passing space for water, thus effectively eliminating the chance of a blockage. This adaptor has also been certified by independent safety science firm UL as safe for use in a salt water environment. UL’s rigorous testing regime found the OmniPass adaptor capable of withstanding extreme marine conditions,

p22 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

UL found that OmniPass adaptors: • Have friction loss equivalent as low as 1.0 ft (0.3 m) of DN25 pipe • Only impact nozzle K-factor up to 10% of their nominal K-factor • Have been laboratory-tested and proven to withstand extreme conditions including salt corrosion testing, elevated temperature moist air testing, and stress corrosion testing for brass parts. The stress corrosion test specifically targets brass alloys to test them for galvanic corrosion resistance, and the brass OmniPass adaptor passed this testing.

• Are UL listed for deluge nozzle sizes up to 5.5 K (K79)

Nozzle Blockage: the invisible killer Nozzle blockage is particularly hazardous because under current testing regimes it is difficult to detect. Debris build-up takes place inside opaque piping and the system is switched off for the majority of its life. As such, a blocked pipe will only become apparent after a fire has already taken hold. Frequent inspection can help reduce this risk, but regulations do not require ‘surprise’ readiness - if a blockage is detected during a test, a second or third attempt to run the system will be counted as a pass.

But test procedures cannot be treated as an opportunity for maintenance.

The entire system must be operational at all times. The OmniPass adaptor

provides this desperately needed always -on capability by ensuring that debris build-up does not have to be cleared out for a nozzle to work - the system remains at full operational capacity for much longer.

Testing Part of the problem here is that regulators’ designation of the safe operational state for deluge nozzles is a long way from the realities of operating with seawater.

Currently, fire prevention regulations don’t consider the impact of salt water’s unique properties, including saline crystallization, corrosion and marine debris. A single simulation test, in which the pipe network is flooded with seawater, will introduce marine detritus into the system. Salt deposits and metal corrosion will also result, reducing the diameter through which water can pass.

Together these factors increase the chance that nozzles will be blocked and incapable of containing a fire.

In conjunction with OmniPass, Tyco provides a broader package of measures to help operators both maintain their systems and prevent against saltwater damage during routine maintenance. Tyco engineers can provide inexpensive dry testing onboard to reduce the corrosive impact of seawater testing, and implement deep inspection of pipes via camera. This will help maintenance teams spot corrosion, remove debris and discover blockages early.

This approach also has a twin benefit of being inexpensive and fast, able to be conducted with greater regularity.

Smaller and higher-definition cameras can also improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

Don’t let blocked nozzles condemn your employees and assets Regulators must reassess their response to the impact of seawater on deluge systems. It is unacceptable for lives to be endangered by an administrative

fire safety industry focus

oversight of differences in water types.

Freshwater and saltwater systems must be regulated separately. In the meantime, rig operators must consider how they can efficiently safeguard their deluge systems against blockage as they look to balance their economic and safety obligations.

The industry cannot afford another Piper Alpha or Deepwater Horizon. Enough lives

have been lost to procedural and technical inadequacy. Only Tyco OmniPass adaptors can quickly, simply and economically address these concerns. Now is the time to consider: would you rather head off a fire now, or wait until it’s too late?

the technology at Rig Deluge Limited.

Tyco is proud to offer this innovative solution to a global issue, invented locally in Aberdeen, that enables oil and gas organisations to get water to the fire - first time, every time.

This technology is globally provided to the market via Tyco and is licensed exclusively to Tyco from the inventor of

www.tycoifs.com 0800 389 3195

Right: Typical example of debris at nozzle.

Below: Typical debris found in delivery lines (Delivery line < 2 years old).

Below: Nozzle blocked foreign bodies.

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p23

RELOCATION OF COMMERCIAL DIVER TRAINING CENTRE TO TOLL OFFSHORE SUPPLY BASE KBA Training Centre (KBAT) has now re-located their commercial diver training centre to TOLL Offshore Supply Base in Loyang from SAF Yacht Club Changi, originally the centre was officially opened by Mr. Wong Weng Sun, President & CEO of Sembcorp Marine Ltd, in February 2015.

The move was essential as the government has claimed back to develop the Changi land area, nevertheless the new location at this Loyang base jetty will prove to be a better training venue as it is in the marine/offshore working environment.

With the move-in and set-up all completed, it is ready for operation and KBAT will be re-commencing the national approved commercial diver training course from January 2017.

KBAT had previously conducted 4 full courses between Year 2014 to 2016 with the graduates gaining employment with the local commercial diving contractors within weeks of completing their training.

Being the FIRST Nationally Accredited p24 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

Commercial Diver Training Centre in Singapore and Asia that is certified under the ISO 29990 Learning Service Providers accreditation scheme and approved by MOM Singapore, the training centre has been established to provide formal commercial diver training in Singapore and for the region, and to raise the operational safety standards within the inland / inshore commercial diving industry.

Moreover, KBAT has collaborated with Professional Diving Academy (PDA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Commercial Diving School in UK, whereby KBAT has aligned the training programme to meet the prior learning requirements so that the graduates have the option to apply to PDA to attend the HSE Surface Supplied Top-up course which will certify them with a UK HSE Part 1 offshore commercial diving qualification.

The next training has been scheduled and confirmed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Level 1, CSCUBA Diver course (09 January to 03 February 2017) and Level 2, SSDE Diver (06 February to 03 March 2017) with courses scheduled throughout 2017.

Course

Dates

Course Fee

Level 1 -Inland/Inshore CSUBA Diver

9 Jan-3 Feb 3 Apr-28 Apr 3 Jul-28 Jul 11 Sept- 6 Oct

$3,500

Level 2 - Inland/Inshore SSDE Diver

6 Feb-3 Mar 1 May-26 May 31 Jul-25 Aug 9 Oct-3 Nov

$4,000

Level 3 - Inland/Inshore 6 Mar-10 Mar CSCUBA Diving Supervisor 6 Nov-10 Nov

$2,100

Level 4 - Inland/Inshore SSDE Diving Supervisor

6 Mar-10 Mar 6 Nov-10 Nov

$2,200

APTITUDE DAY

Half-day trial session $150 before Level 1 training starts: 13 Mar, 29 May or 28 Aug

For further information regarding course fees, scheduled dates and in-company package, please contact KBAT at: Tel: +65 6542 4984 pebbles.tan@kbassociates.org or visit our website at:

www.kbatraining.org

diving & underwater services

RTsys Launches New Sonar System French company RTsys, a specialist in underwater sound systems, has introduced SonaDive, a new nonmagnetic sonar to be used by divers to locate submerged objects.

The new sonar was developed in order to help divers detect and locate targets on the seabed in coastal or port areas, including submerged explosives,

shipwrecks, bodies, etc.

SonaDive enables operations to be programmed and saved. Its navigation system is equipped with a GPS, as well as a Doppler Velocity Log, RTsys noted.

The system is equipped with a 12-inch screen and the communication system, which can be used either between two devices or with a touchscreen tablet for a user on the surface.

The first SonaDive systems have been delivered to the French Navy.

JW Fishers Develop New Underwater Metal Detector JW Fishers Mfg., a company specializing in the design and manufacture of underwater search equipment for almost 50 years, is introducing a new underwater metal detector for 2017.

The SAR-1 Search and Recovery metal detector was developed as a result of significant customer feedback and extensive product testing. This new detector was specially designed for use by public safety dive teams, law enforcement agencies and military units that need to locate metal objects in poor visibility underwater environments. The SAR-1 alterts the operator to the presence of metal by vibration which is transmitted through the handle.

Even in zero visibility, the user can feel the intense vibration conducted through the detector’s handle and into the diver’s arm. In addition to vibration, the detector also has a high intensity LED display which is directly in front of the diver’s face and easy to see in all but the worst conditions.

Other key features of the SAR-1 are it’s “snareless” design with no external wires or

cables, rugged construction, streamlined configuration, and bright yellow search coil which helps guide the operator to the target in low viz environments. The 8 inch search coil has excellent detection capability on a range of targets from small shell casings to weapons and explosive devices. Larger targets can be detected at more than 5 feet. The material between the search coil and the metal object does not affect the detector’s range. Whether detecting through air water, silt, sand, sand, mud, or rock, the detection range remains the same.

The SAR-1 was first introduced at the 2016 DEMA Show, the largest diving exhibition in the US, and a show attended by thousands of industry professionals including those working as law enforcement and public safety divers.

Many teams expressed great interest in acquiring one of the new detectors as well as several FBI dive units. The new detector has identical performance characteristics to Fishers popular Pulse 8X detector, which was rated #1 by US Homeland Security in a comparison test of the top 8 underwater detectors on the market.

The SAR-1 not only appealed to the police and public safety divers at the show, a number of marine archaeologists and commercial diving companies were also excited about the

possibility of using this new detector in their search operations.

The SAR-1 has rechargeable batteries which power the detector for up to 12 hours. Use the detector all day long, recharge overnight, and you’re ready for another full day of detecting.

Unlike some manufacturer’s that void the warranty on their detectors if the housing is ever opened, Fishers allows batteries to be field replaceable by the customer should it ever be required. The SAR-1 comes with 120 volt AC and 12 volt DC battery chargers, and a heavy duty Cordura nylon carry bag.

Fishers is now accepting orders for this incredible detector, and will be shipping the new model in January. To receive a technical data sheet on the SAR-1 or more information on JW Fishers complete line of underwater search equipment go to: www.jwfishers.com The new SAR-1 search equipment metal detector.

Advertise with us Tel: +44 (0)1634 568925 / 568929

www.sosmagazine.biz

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p25

diving & underwater services

Submarine Manufacturing and Products Ltd wins contract with Norwegian Company Alf Lea

Submarine Manufacturing and Products Ltd (SMP) continue their success in the subsea industry after winning a contract with Norwegian company Alf Lea to supply a complete Wet Bell System to Bergen University.

Alf Lea approached SMP to design and manufacture a Wet Bell Launch and Recovery System with supporting 20ft DNV containerised machinery and dive control.

All aspects of the project are to be designed, manufactured and tested by the company’s skilled workforce at the workshop site located in Preston, Lancashire.

The Wet Bell Launch and Recovery System has been designed to operate within a compact footprint to minimise the required operational deck space on board a vessel or barge. Emphasis has been placed on ease of mobilisation and demobilisation, so that costs are kept to a minimum. The Wet Bell LARS is IMCA D023 and D018 compliant and has Third Party Design approval by Lloyds Register.

When fully retracted by the hydraulic cylinders, with the Wet Bell and Clump Weight stowed on the base skid, the size and dimensions of the Wet Bell System is the same size as an ISO 20’ container.

p26 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

The Wet Bell was a bespoke design incorporating many features specifically requested by the client including diver monitoring and remote control operations of the hydraulic winches.

(Mark Peloe Sales Executive at SMP) “SMP were delighted to have the opportunity to work with Alf Lea on such a prestigious project. It was apparent from the outset that this was going to be a bespoke design to allow compliance with the clients list of requirements. The in-house design team at SMP worked closely with Alf Lea and Bergen University to produce a design and supporting visual presentations to enable the client to “see” the system before manufacturing. Our years of experience working with commercial clients and other dive schools meant SMP were the obvious choice to see this project from concept to conclusion.”

The Dive Control Container is outfitted with a steel floor and divided into two sections designated as the Dive Control Area and the Machinery Area.

Sections can be accessed via the container main double doors and a further separate personnel door.

Additionally the container is fitted with a large observation window and penetrator plates for hydraulic/pneumatic services and the container is finished with a zinc

based marine grade painting system.

The Dive Control Area is fully insulated throughout and fitted with an Air Conditioner. Heating is also fitted via a flat heater panel fixed to the wall.

A 3 Diver Air Panel and Wet Bell Panel is wall mounted with an access hatch to the rear for maintenance ease. All incoming and outgoing air supplies are hard piped in Tungum or Stainless Steel and a diver monitoring system providing digital video and audio recording of all diving activities has also been installed.

The Machinery Area is fitted with two Hot Water Machines. The first machine acts as a primary supply to the diver, the feed of which is from a submersible sea water pump.

The secondary machine is a fresh water vessel, providing an emergency stored source of hot water should a fault arise.

To further enhance the company’s capabilities, SMP joined forces with engineering and fabrication company WEC Group earlier this year as a way of combining each other’s engineering expertise and strengthening operations.

WEC Group specialise in the manufacture of a wide range of metal structures and welded assemblies including pressure vessels, rail gantries, armoured vehicle hulls and more.

Expert ACFM® Solutions for Subsea Crack Detection & Measurement.

Visit us on Stand 30

Contact TSC: Milton Keynes Aberdeen Singapore

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

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. www.tscis.com

Keeping the Clever Bits Dry Roy Phillips, MD of Intelliconnect (Europe), considers the evolution of waterproof connectors Some time ago a manufacturer of Locator Beacons, approached us and requested we design a range of special connectors. Despite the small quantities involved, we were happy to oblige.

“They need to be waterproof (unmated ).”

OK that’s fine, a piece of hermetic glass in the rear end will work!

They told us that was too expensive.

They wanted to pay the same as a standard connector And - “We need it to be highly reliable....with no NRE charge.”

So, we had to design, develop, sample, machine, plate, assemble and deliver a range of four connectors with a completely new feature, in seven weeks!!

The connectors themselves were relatively simple jacks and cable plugs.

The problem, was how to make them waterproof.

p28 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

After much deliberation, a solution was arrived at and like most great ideas it was ultimately a very simple one.

We used O rings and other solutions and with much help from our vendors, materials were sourced which conformed to our requirements.

Initial prototypes were made and products were tested using air at a pressure of 2 bar for 8 hours (twice the pressure and time that the customer required) without failures.

Samples were despatched to the Customer and soon news came back that they were happy!

Seven weeks after the original enquiry, we delivered the first production quantity.

The Pisces range was born and that Customer is still using our products without a single failure.

Intelliconnect has since developed a wide range of waterproof interconnect solutions for Customers with applications ranging from safety and detection equipment to hearing implants;

All components are sourced and assembled in the UK in Corby.

Pisces is now Intelliconnect’s fastest growing brand.

The point of this article is to demonstrate that by putting a lot of engineering effort into a small project to support a Customer, a business can reap huge rewards by taking that idea just a little further.

“From tiny acorns.......”

Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5 Beehive Business Centre, Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, CM2 9TE

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

www.intelliconnect.co.uk

connectors, cables & umbilicals

JDR TO SUPPLY CABLES FOR EUROPEAN OFFSHORE WIND DEPLOYMENT CENTRE Project will see the first implementation of JDR’s 66kV cable technology JDR, a leading supplier of subsea power cables and umbilicals to the global offshore energy industry, has been awarded a contract by offshore cable installation specialist VBMS, part of Boskalis, to supply 66kV inter-array and export cables for Vattenfall’s European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).

Located in Aberdeen Bay, the innovative 92.4MW, 11-turbine development is Scotland’s largest offshore wind test and demonstration facility. JDR will supply more than 20 kilometres of inter-array and export cables, including the first deployment of its 66kV technology, as well as associated accessories.

The windfarm will be a centre for developing next generation offshore technologies to boost the industry’s drive towards competitive, clean power.

First power generation is planned for 2018 with the scheme operating for 20 years.

“This contract demonstrates JDR’s leadership

Tel: +44

in offshore technology development.

Our pioneering inter-array cable designs are contributing to cost reduction targets for European offshore wind. As the industry demands greater power requirements, 66kV technology will enable our customers to transmit more power than ever before,” says JDR CTO, James Young.

Adam Ezzamel, Project Director for the EOWDC at Vattenfall, said: “We are pleased that one of the UK’s leading wind energy players has been awarded the cabling work and that the EOWDC will be at the centre of another industry first.

“The scheme will also feature the world’s most powerful turbines, which are being supplied by MHI Vestas and through being paired with game-changing suction bucket foundations, represent a pioneering industry approach. We look forward to building on the EOWDC’s track record of testing the next generation of innovative technologies designed to make offshore wind even more affordable.”

(0) 1730 895785 sales@ceep.co.uk www.ceep.co.uk

JDR’s 66kV cable and accessories were fully qualified and type tested in early 2016. The qualification programme included cable development, highvoltage and full-scale wet-age testing, cable splicing, joints and connectors.

Young continues: “We are incredibly grateful to all of our 66kV development and type test partners and the efforts of our talented teams, who have worked hard to deliver technologies that will improve the economics of offshore wind developments by transmitting more power back to shore.

We’re extremely proud to be supporting VBMS on this industryleading project.”

JDR’s 66kV cable development was originally supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (previously known as the Department of Energy and Climate Change) and more recently by the Carbon Trust Offshore Wind Accelerator.

connectors, cables & umbilicals

Petrofac builds on its subsea cable track record with Lincs windfarm project Petrofac has successfully completed its first offshore engineering support scope for Transmission Capital’s Lincs Ofto.

The project, which centred on the provision of risk assessment and engineering support on the two 48km subsea cables connecting the Lincs offshore windfarm with the onshore transmission system, builds on Petrofac’s recent success on subsea cable projects across Europe.

Following a full assessment of the impact of external risks to the cable, such as fishing and anchor damage in areas where the seabed is mobile and comprises a mixture of sands and exposed rock, Petrofac was able to provide Lincs with a number of potential protection and repair scenarios.

Mike Lee, Head of Asset Management for Transmission Capital said: “Petrofac’s offshore experience and pragmatic approach

helped us turn statistical risks into practical protection solutions for our cables.”

John McGregor Scott, Development Director at Petrofac said “We’re very pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Transmission Capital. The project further demonstrates the technical capability of our subsea consultancy team and our unique expertise in addressing challenging seabed conditions.”

For more information visit: www.petrofac.com

DONG chooses Nexans subsea cable to link Hornsea Project One offshore wind farm Order for 139 km of three-phase 34 kV subsea cable for the array cabling of the first construction phase of the 1.2 gigawatt wind farm.

Danish company DONG Energy Wind Power A/S has contracted Nexans to supply and terminate a total of 139 km of three-phase subsea cable for the first of three construction phases of the Hornsea Project One wind farm, located off the Yorkshire coast. The 34 kV cables of latest generation will be used for inter-linking a total of 58 wind turbines and connecting them to the offshore transformer station. This first stage of the wind farm, on which construction began

in January, is expected to be operational within approximately three years and to produce 406 MW (1.2 GW for all three construction stages).

The supply and termination of the Nexans cable will begin in spring 2018 and should be completed around a year later.

It will be the largest offshore windfarm in the world, capable of meeting the annual electricity needs of well over one million homes and the farm is approximately 120 km from the English coast.

DONG has already used cable supplied by Nexans for several

other offshore wind farms. Subsea cables from the Nexans plant in Hanover are already in operation at the Anholt wind farm (Denmark), West of Duddon Sands and Westermost Rough (Great Britain) and many more. The longterm business relationship was consolidated in autumn 2014 with the signing of a new framework agreement for offshore array cabling. The supply of cable and accessories, as well as installation, for Hornsea Project One is a call-off from that framework agreement.

In addition, the teams from Nexans will install the internal cabling of all three transformer stations for Hornsea Project One in their building yards.

Rampart Products develops next generation HPHT electrical connector Rampart Products has specified VICTREX HT polymer for a new HPHT KTK (Kintec) electrical connector for the efficient and safe transmission of power and data during the drilling process.

Used in oilfield equipment, the reliability of the multi-pin connector helps reduce costly downtime.

The new connector had to be rated for temperatures beyond 400°F (200°C) and pressures at 20,000 psi (1380 bar) providing also a reliable electrical connection while protecting expensive sensors and electronics. Additional requirements included compatibility with industrystandard pin patterns, extended mating cycles and assembly efficiencies. To prove the reliability of the multi-pin connector p30 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

made with the Victrex material, Rampart gained data from using a new test vessel. It allows real-world operational settings to test the performance at both high temperature and high pressure simultaneously in a precise manner.

Alternative evaluation strategies might typically be to test the connector at an appropriate temperature, but at minimal pressure, or at high pressure and room temperature.

Going beyond standard testing protocols, such as NORSOK and ISO, is familiar to Victrex. In doing so the company is supporting the industry to better understand how VICTREX PAEK materials operate in harsh environments.

“Victrex typically tests polymers for longer, that is for more hours, and in real-world condition simulations such as

higher temperatures and more aggressive chemical environments than those prescribed by the test protocols,” says Dr. Geoff Small, energy market Technology Manager at Victrex.

“This provides a better prediction of how the polymer will perform in various conditions to contribute to the development of reliable applications.”

Rampart Products’ HPHT KTK electrical connector. Image: Rampart Products.

connectors, cables & umbilicals

Hydro Group Celebrates Significant Asian Growth Aberdeen headquartered Hydro Group Plc, has reported record growth since financial year 2014/15 within its Asian division, due to impressive demand from domestic markets.

The subsea cable and connector specialist announced significant growth in Hydro Group Asia’s market activity, with a 300% increase in turnover from $700,000 SGD to more than $2million SGD over the past two financial years to 31 March 2016.

Particular highlights have included exploring and targeting new regions, resulting in strategic contact wins within the Korean market. The contracts mean Hydro Group Asia is on course to meet its turnover target of $2.5million SGD for 2017.

Doug Whyte, Hydro Group Managing Drector, said: “The industry has been facing unpredicted challenges, with operators and service companies alike adjusting to a new, lower oil price.

Our Singapore base has been influential in identifying new opportunities, which have

not only supported in expanding our service offering to new clients, but led to our most successful financial year to date.

“Our 2017 target turnover is in-line with these competitive market conditions and will be met through aggressive marketing in China and Korea.”

In recognition of its growth, Hydro Group Asia will meet with key members from Aberdeen City Council’s Scottish delegation on the 1st December, during Offshore South East Asia (OSEA) 2016. Part of the Council’s trade mission, the delegates are gathering market intelligence and establishing connections within the market to establish the potential level of opportunity for local companies in building trade links with Singapore.

“We are increasingly being asked for complex designs, and have had the chance to successfully complete a number of key projects, increasing our global portfolio.

Having been in business now for 34 years, our engineer’s extensive knowledge and expertise, along with our position in the market, are a perfect fit for further international expansion and company growth.”

Hydro Group employs more than 100 full time staff worldwide and operates on a global platform providing total solutions to a portfolio of prime contractors, major operators, OEM’s, defence agencies, defence organisations and the UK MOD. Below: Doug Whyte, Hydro Group Managing Director.

Continuing, Mr Whyte said: “OSEA has grown significantly over 40 years, and with an Asian subsidiary, the show provides the perfect platform for us to engage with new and old customers, identify and develop relationships with new suppliers and technologies, and access the market condition for future growth.

CMP Products Targets Russian Growth with Moscow Office Leading cable gland and cable cleat manufacturer, CMP Products is cementing its presence in the Russian market, with the launch of a Moscow based company, alongside a new Russian website and suite of Russian literature.

Yuri Savushkin has also recruited a new local team to spearhead the drive, with knowledge of the local market.

CMP Products LLC in Moscow is set to strengthen the manufacturer’s 10 year-position within Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with direct distribution to customers, allowing CMP to adapt more flexibly to the needs and demands of the market.

With increasing demand from the region, the new office will allow CMP Products to provide a more flexible service to the market, and the ability to respond to customer needs quicker than ever.

By recruiting a local CMP Products team, building a website in Russian and taking on both new offices and warehousing we show that we are 100% committed to the market.

Opening in early 2017, the Russian office will initially stock a range of hazardous area cable glands, such as the world-renowned Triton T3CDS, E1F-series and A2F-series; the location will also hold CMP’s full range of cable cleats.

A new website has been developed in Russian to support the expansion into the market, including an advanced product finder. Director General of the new office,

General Director for CMP Products LLC, Yuri Savushkin, said:

Vince Patterson, CEO of CMP Products, added:

We continue to identify growth opportunities across the world, ensuring that our products are

readily available for projects and customers spanning six continents.

Our years of experience in Russia, combined with a stronger ‘on the ground’ presence, promise exciting growth opportunities for CMP’s Russian team over the coming months and years.

The expansion comes as part of CMP’s ongoing drive to identify market growth opportunities across the globe, which has most recently been seen in the opening of a new stock location in Alberta Canada earlier this year.

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p31

training & development Oil & Gas Industry Calls for New Skills Tax to be Ring-fenced to Deliver Improvements to Apprenticeships, Skills and Training The oil and gas industry, led by its skill organisation, OPITO, is calling for immediate clarity on how the money from the new tax, raised through the Apprenticeship Levy, will be redistributed.

OPITO is concerned that no decision has been made by the Scottish Government on this, despite the UK Government confirming the amount the Scottish Government will receive and clarifying how the money will be spent in England.

John McDonald, UK Managing Director of OPITO, said: “The apprenticeship levy will be introduced on 1st of April 2017.

This is essentially a new skills tax to be collected from employers and we are seeking assurance that the money raised will be ring-fenced for new learning and training infrastructure and initiatives and not off-set to fund existing programmes or other Government supported schemes which are already in place.

“Around £230million will be raised annually in Scotland by the A-pprenticeship Levy.

This must be funnelled into programmes that are going to add legitimate value to skills development in the oil and gas workforce.

“Equally, we need a simple, straightforward system for employers to access the funds so they can invest them in the right programmes that will get the results both industry and Government want to see.”

From April next year, all employers in the UK with an annual pay bill of over £3million will have to contribute to the apprenticeship levy at a rate of 0.5% of their annual pay bill as a commitment to increasing apprenticeships.

The UK Government estimates that the levy will raise £3billion annually over the first five years. It will be collected by HMRC and then redistributed to the Scottish Government. As the policy is devolved, the oil and gas industry has been in discussions with the Scottish Government over clarity on how companies will be p32 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

allowed to invest the revenues, the type of training which will be included and whether they will be able to transfer the entirety of their own levy funds to other companies.

Subsea UK represents the country’s £9billion subsea industry which employs around 50,000 people within 750 companies, many of whom will be liable for the new tax.

A delegation of oil and gas industry bodies met with Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Employability and Training and Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy to discuss the levy at Holyrood in September and OPITO has been engaged in further discussions to seek clarity and assurances on the matter.

Chief Executive, Neil Gordon, said:

Mr McDonald added: “With less than 2% of companies across the UK liable for this levy, the size of companies in oil and gas means that our industry is likely to be disproportionately affected by its introduction.

“In the current and very challenging climate for the oil and gas industry, we have always maintained that this is the wrong tax, coming at the wrong time.

However, it will come into force next Spring and employers rightly need to know what’s happening.

Right: OPITO MD John McDonald.

Due to the lack of information from the Scottish Government, this is being seen by many as an additional tax on bottom line costs to our industry which could lead to companies looking at cutting costs in areas of their business to find the cash for the levy. At a time when the lower oil price has resulted in thousands of job losses, this could put more jobs at risk, thereby negating the whole objective of the scheme which is to create jobs and opportunities.

We really need to hold the Scottish Government to account on this. They’ve had plenty of time to consider this issue and they can’t just fall back on blaming Westminster. They need to tell employers how this will be managed so that companies can plan their budgets accordingly.

Our members, some of whom are among the largest subsea engineering companies in the North Sea, are frustrated and very concerned about the impact this new levy will have on their business. Subsea UK, along with other industry bodies, must make the Scottish Government fully aware of the urgency of the situation and the

consequences

of it not being resolved quickly.

training & development

Petrofed and RGU join forces to support India’s oil and gas skills ambition Robert Gordon University (RGU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Petroleum Federation of India (Petrofed) to enhance the sharing of industry knowledge and best practice between the regions and promote joint training programmes and study visits.

The MoU has come on the back of Robert Gordon University receiving funding from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office to develop a training framework for the Indian energy sector and a visit from the Indian Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan, to Robert Gordon University in September 2016.

The main objective of the MoU is to enhance the relationship between RGU and the member companies of PetroFed for development of technical and managerial skills for the hydrocarbon sector in India.

as stated by our Hon’ble Prime Minister.

With a view to providing a sustainable workforce and delivering the planned growth in hydrocarbon exploration and production, we have joined hands with RGU to assess the need for oil and gas sector related skills.

Under this MoU, we may subsequently develop tailor-made training programmes with RGU to cater to specific skill needs of Indian hydrocarbon sector. We would also develop opportunities to jointly promote and deliver training programmes, seminars or conferences and research collaboration and consultancy between RGU and PetroFed members.”

Dr Malhotra, Director General of PetroFed, said:

Professor Paul de Leeuw, Director of Robert Gordon University’s Oil and Gas Institute (OGI), added: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with India. Our collaboration with Petrofed will lay the foundation for exchanging expertise between the Indian oil and gas industry and Robert Gordon University.

“India has ambitions to increase its share of hydrocarbon production domestically and reducing its energy import by 10% by 2022 and becoming energy self-sufficient,

“Through our relationship, Petrofed members will be able to draw on our expertise, particularly in the areas of deep-water drilling and subsea.

“The MoU will also help to accelerate skills development in support of the Government’s vision to increase domestic production and to reduce the country’s dependence on hydrocarbon imports.”

The OGI provides access to world-class expertise in the critical areas of drilling and wells, operations, decommissioning, operations, subsea and business excellence.

Led by industry experts and academics, the Institute works closely with the sector on the research and education required to maximise recovery of the world’s hydrocarbon resources and to address the key challenges in the oil and gas industry.

Atlas partner with OPITO on Digital Standards Integration Leading digital learning technologies company Atlas Knowledge Group is partnering with global oil and gas industry skills and workforce development organisation OPITO on a dynamic transformation to the way the energy workers undertake safety critical emergency response training.

The first stage in a long-term, global industry initiative to create a change in training to OPITO Standards through technology driven innovation, the Digital Standards Integration addresses the sector’s call for regulated, consistent online learning with world class credibility and compliance.

Atlas is partnering on the digital development of OPITO’s primary emergency response standards and leading on the creation of an access portal to house them which will be accessible by industry via the OPITO website.

The Basic Offshore Safety Induction and

Emergency Training (BOSIET) and Tropical BOSIET will be the first course launched and made available through the digital offering.

At present, the BOSIET/TBOSIET course is divided into 40% of classroom learning and 60% practical training. The digital course will provide an interactive, online alternative to the classroom based element and additional knowledge content.

Delivered in US English, it will be for new entrants and others returning to the industry.

The digital course will be kept refreshed and updated yearly. It will include regional specific legislative content, ensuring the training is relevant and specific, no matter where individuals are working.

Available to learners at any time and from any location where they can access the internet, it will include an ongoing assessment component to better measure an individual’s understanding of the Standard’s learning

content and competency in being prepared to travel and work in the oil and gas industry.

The ongoing assessment will require a 100% pass mark in order for learners to progress to the practical session; and the digital Standard will also include short safety oriented videos to help better prepare individuals for what they can expect during the practical sessions.

The digital BOSIET and TBOSIET will be available from Summer 2017.

Above: OPITO Group CEO David Doig and Atlas chairman, Robert Morgan.

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p33

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 IRCAregistered 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 IRCA- registered 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

OLDMACHAR ACADEMY TRIUMPHS AT FINAL OF TECHFEST’S STEM IN THE PIPELINE OIL AND GAS CHALLENGE Pupils from North-East schools have triumphed in this year’s STEM in the Pipeline competition, which tasked them with finding a solution to an oil and gas challenge.

Sedimentary, my dear Watson from Oldmachar Academy took first prize, 6-ess from St Margaret’s School for Girls was awarded second prize and Wildcat Explorations from Robert Gordon’s College took third at the final at BP’s North Sea headquarters in Dyce.

An additional prize for innovation was awarded to Elite Solutions from Aboyne Academy for the use of 3D printing.

RGB, one of two teams from Robert Gordon’s College, was also awarded the MER UK accolade for Maximising Economy Recovery.

Run by TechFest, STEM in the Pipeline began in August, when 12 teams of senior pupils from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire schools were set an oil field challenge designed to test their skills in physics, maths, chemistry and geology.

STEM in the Pipeline is supported by BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Oil and Gas Authority p34 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

(OGA), Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain, Energy Institute and the University of Aberdeen.

Each organisation provided volunteer mentors who gave up their time to offer guidance and support to the pupils throughout the project.

The teams took part in a series of challenges to produce a Field Development Plan for the fictional STEM oil field.

The tasks included subsurface work, production profiling, separator design, safety and the calculation of CO2 emissions, with the aim of engaging the young people in science, technology, engineering and maths work.

The teams were asked to submit a report to TechFest and each group gave a presentation to a panel of assessors, who also provided written feedback on the individual projects.

Oldmachar Academy was praised by the judges for a “very well written report, great presentation and fabulous stand.”

The team of 6 pupils was made up of Kieran Mann, James Low, Joseph Brown, Chloe Gibb, Likhit Macharla and Steven Simpson.

Above: The winning team from Oldmachar Academy, from left to right: Kieran Mann, Likhit Macharla, Chloe Gibb, James Low and Joseph Brown.

This was the first time Oldmachar Academy had entered STEM in the Pipeline and Project Manager Likhit said the team had all hugely benefited from taking part.

For the energy companies which support the initiative, STEM in the Pipeline plays a key role in inspiring young people’s interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

All the pupils who take part in STEM in the Pipeline will also be eligible for the Silver CREST Award, Britain’s national award scheme for work in the STEM subjects.

Now in its 10th year, STEM in the Pipeline was extended to the Central Belt and Shetland for the first time this year, thanks to funding from the OGA, part of a UK Government package of measures to support the oil and gas industry.

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

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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

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p35

LIFTING EQUIPMENT, DECK MACHINERY &WINCHES Winding up the new-builds MDL electric winches

set flowlines in motion offshore Brazil As Seven Cruzeiro readies to begin its maiden project offshore South America, the onboard flexlay equipment is all set for its first deployment - among it, Maritime Developments’ electric range.

The pipelay support vessel is one of four Subsea 7 new-builds commissioned for deep-water flexible lay offshore Brazil; it was preceded by its sisters: Seven Waves, Seven Rio and Seven Sun each equipped with a set of MDL winches and an Overbender Tensioner (OBT).

The 44 systems in total had been flowing through the MDL electric workshop since the original order in 2012, and were all completed ahead of schedule. Ranging between 5 - 40 tonne working load, all of the winches feature electrical drives to maximise operability and minimise maintenance costs.

Preference for electric over hydraulic solutions is on the rise, and no wonder: the customisable interface results in greater ease of use and increased safety in offshore operations. MDL gained this understanding through years of hands-on innovation, by working closely with the key industries of the north-east of Scotland: marine engineering and fishing.

Although today it delivers flex-lay equipment and offshore services to major energy contractors across the globe, MDL originated as a hydraulic company specialising in building fishing deck equipment: day-in, day-out confronting the rough North Sea waters. The integrity of all systems on board - particularly winches used for handling the nets - was imperative to the trawler men’s businesses, and therefore their livelihoods.

“To remain viable, a fishing boat needs to catch a certain amount of fish over a period of time. On top of that, the quality of the catch is also crucial in determining the likelihood of good trade as a result,” said Derek Smith, CEO and Founder of MDL. p36 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

“But if the fisherman returns home with no fish, or with a catch that has begun to spoil due to problems or delays with onboard machinery while at sea, that’s when the business becomes uneconomical - every such trip costs the fisherman more in fuel than the returns he gains from that trip.

“In our quest to address the challenge of introducing more precise equipment for a hands-on crew, we began installing electrical controls for the traditional equipment on board. Seeing the improvement in the systems’ handling made us quickly realise the benefits of electric systems over hydraulic ones.

“Over the years of working with this industry, we learnt that the value of functional equipment is worth more than the price it costs to build or buy. If you consider the losses a fisherman’s business can sustain on a single blotched trip to sea, the respective effects are even more detrimental for the oil industry.

“That’s why today we have more electricians on our team than any other in-house specialist technicians, and implement increasingly more electric controls and drives into our own range of pipelay equipment, as well as that of our clients.”

MDL electric winches can be operated in either manual, constant tension or render mode, using bespoke operator interface.

They have a standalone operation capacity, but can also integrate with other deck machinery and with the vessel’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), allowing safe operation and monitoring of multiple pieces of machinery at once.

All of the winch functions can be operated at the Local Control Panel (LCP) and can be handed through safe process to a wireless Walk-About Box (WAB), designed to operate the complete package of winches on board the vessel by selecting and confirming the winch required to be operated. To ensure no unsafe actions are taken during operation, the control systems feature built-in interlocks, and all control functions take priority during equipment design and system reviews.

Additionally, selected winches feature a load cell to provide an accurate reading of the tension on the product, whether operational or in idle mode.

Alongside the 10 winches, each of the four PLSVs is equipped with MDL OTL 2/60 Series Tensioner on a Ramp - a 10 tonne 2-track tensioner on an inclined frame,

lifting equipment, deck machinery & winches facilitating the movement of the product from an under-deck carousel onto a VLS, and vice-versa.

The integrated system features a fixed entry chute and a movable departure chute, as well as an integrated EPU/ HPU with an electric control panel within the base of the structure.

The tensioner’s top track is mounted on kingpins so it can pivot to open or close, as required by the operator, through two hydraulic cylinders; the bottom track is fixed onto the inclined frame with load cell pins and secured with rubber mounts to absorb vibration and allow accurate load monitoring on the system.

which limits the risk of damage to the winch or the product, while increasing the flexibility of operation through remote controls and integration with other systems on board.

“On top of the high reliability and ease of use of the winches and the rest of our portfolio of flexlay equipment, the in-house support that our clients receive across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and software makes us their preferred equipment supplier for all their pipelay needs.”

During operation, both the top and bottom tracks are synchronised to deliver the same amount of torque from their respective electric motors.

“Simplicity is the cleverness of the MDL design and build,” said George Mackintosh, MDL Operations Director.

“Our clients recognise the smart engineering behind the systems,

Tradition in Dynamic Innovation

RUD Chains Ltd

WBPG Heavy Duty Lifting Capacity 85- 250 Tonnes • WBPG Hoist Ring offers a working load limit of 85-250 Tonnes & rotates 360° • Loadable from any side in direction of pivot making it ideal for lifting heavy loads • Ball bearing mounted can be bolted on plate; on a flat surface, a flange or cone • Comes with detachable suspension ring for attachment of lifting means • Used across offshore, construction, engineering, heavy lifting & handling • WBPG 85-250 tonne hoist ring offers the ultimate solution for heavy duty lifting

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p37

lifting equipment, deck machinery & winches

MacGregor makes further inroads into renewable energy sector MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has won davit orders for two lowemission 81m service operation vessels (SOVs) designed to act as ‘mother-ships’ for wind turbine technicians. The contracts have been placed by Spanish shipyard GONDAN, responsible for the construction of the SOVs. The order was booked in Cargotec’s 2016 third quarter order intake.

The SOVs have been ordered by Norwegian operator Østensjø Rederi.

They will serve UK-headquartered DONG Energy’s Race Bank and Project One offshore wind farms in the North Sea. Each vessel will be fitted with a MacGregor HMD G110 davit designed for launching and recovery of personnelcarrying ‘daughter’ craft and a MacGregor HMD A34 davit designed for launching and recovery of rescue boats.

“Even though the offshore market is experiencing low investment levels, there is a need for this kind of equipment, and customers trust us by ordering MacGregor davit systems,” says Esko Karvonen, Head of Smart Ocean Technology division, MacGregor.

“This is mainly because our systems are at the high end of the quality scale with a strong focus on performance and reliability.”

The MacGregor G110 davit has an 11-tonne lifting capacity. The delivery includes a high-speed winch system, anti-pendulum docking head and an automatic parking cradle for the craft.

The anti-pendulum docking head, together with a painter line boom, ensure the safe launch and recovery of the craft even in rough sea conditions.

The MacGregor A34 Davit has a 3.4 tonne lifting capacity. It includes a high-speed winch system, constant tension mode and a shock-dampening system.

“MacGregor has a long and successful reputation for delivering advanced launch-and-recovery systems and this order confirms MacGregor’s position as a manufacturer of advanced davit systems,” says Bjørnar Bakke, MacGregor Sales Manager.

“MacGregor’s G-type davits have a well-proven design with high

performance solutions and trusted reliability,” continues Mr Bakke.

“We have delivered over a thousand davit systems and constantly adapt these systems to meet our customers’ needs.

We have worked closely with Østensjø at the early stages of the project to ensure that the davit systems are the perfect fit for the vessels and their operational criteria.

“We are pleased to be able to continue our cooperation with Gondán Shipyard and Østensjø with the delivery of these advanced davit systems to a growing and interesting market,” he adds.

Davit systems for the first vessel (Gondán C470) will be delivered in June 2017, while davit systems for the second vessel (Gondán C471) will be delivered in December 2017. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2018.

For more information please contact: Esko Karvonen, Head of Smart Ocean Technology division, MacGregor, Tel: +65 9839 2425 Email: esko.karvonen@macgregor.com or Heli Malkavaara, Senior Communications Manager, MacGregor Group, Tel: +358 20 777 4500 Email: heli.malkavaara@macgregor.com

www.macgregor.com

Above: The MacGregor G110 davit is especially designed for the offshore wind market and will be used for launch and recovery of a daughter craft.

p38 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

Above: The MacGregor HMD A34 davit is designed for launch and recovery of MOB/rescue boats in rough weather conditions.

lifting equipment, deck machinery & winches

Gaylin Opens Facility in South Korea Singapore headquartered Gaylin, a specialist supplier of lifting, rigging and marine equipment primarily to the oil and gas industry, has opened a new facility in Busan, South Korea.

Gaylin will co-locate at a purpose built, 3,967 square metre site with Phoenix Offshore Co. Ltd, a Gaylin owned ship chandler supply business. The new facility will stock a full range of equipment, including a vast range of lifting equipment, marine mooring systems, winch packages and associated services.

The site, strategically positioned within close proximity of a number of major seaports, comprises a three storey office and a sprawling workshop over two levels.

It is the cornerstone of a multi-million pound expansion investment plan.

Desmond Teo, CEO of the Gaylin Group, said: “We intend to invest further into the local economy and build an industry competent national workforce with the aid of Rigmarine’s [another business in the Gaylin Group] development programmes.

These programmes have a global track record of building world class workforces in the oil and gas sector, capable of

delivering the highest standards of quality in addition to health and safety compliance.”

Teo added: “The opening of the Busan facility marks another significant milestone for the Gaylin Group of companies. We have grown significantly over the past three years despite the industry downturn. This underlines the focus and drive of our management team and our passion to become a global force in our sector. We remain in a phase of growth, but already cover a larger footprint and offer greater diversity of product lines than any other business of our kind.”

The facility is Gaylin’s sixth global hub—others are in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and China, but, inclusive of Rigmarine sites, it is a landmark 10th in the group.

A commonality is the core customer base in offshore oil and gas, renewables, construction, break bulk, shipping and marine industries.

which also boasts a 2,000t horizontal test machine and a smaller 600t unit.

Eventually, Gaylin will use the location to supply more specialist offerings, such as crane examination, light engineering and spooling services.

Teo concluded: “The facility is in the heart of the southeast economic zone and on the doorstep of the machinery, steel, shipbuilding and marine industries.

The oil and gas sector has been hit hard in Korea, similarly to other global hotbeds, but it will bounce back and when it does we’ll be ready.”

Below: Gantry cranes offer material handling coverage across Gaylin’s new facility in Busan, South Korea.

Gaylin will manufacture wire rope slings up to 128mm diameter in Busan, where overhead cranes offer complete material handling coverage across the site,

PLANT SHIFTERS MERGE WITH SISTER COMPANY - SURELIFT (UK) LTD Following the acquisition of Plant Shifters (Scotland) Ltd in February 2013 and Surelift (UK) Ltd in April 2014 they have continued to focus on growing and developing the business during these challenging but opportunistic times. As part of their on-going commitment to improve their service offering to their customers they have decided this year to merge their Plant Shifters business with their sister company Surelift (UK) Ltd to create a unique service offering to their customers specialising in lifting, testing, inspection, NDT and equipment movement services.

Steve McDonald & Graeme Morrison, Directors and owners of the business say “the efficiency of merging administrative functions makes financial sense whilst they concentrate longer term on offering an expanded range of services from their

Peterhead and Aberdeen locations.”

They currently provide services to customers in a variety of operating sectors from Oil and Gas, Engineering & Fabrication, Decommissioning, Maritime, to Pharmaceutical, Food & Drinks Industries.

The merger will provide the opportunity to offer all of their services to their customers under the one entity.

Above: Merging the businesses provides a stronger offering to their customers.

Their Plant Shifters division will continue to focus on specialist machinery and equipment movement, factory relocations, equipment installation and dismantling, whilst their Surelift (UK) Ltd business specialises in lifting equipment manufacture, supply, testing, and inspection including a wide range of non-destructive testing (NDT).

Michael Sim, NDT Level III Inspection Manager to their team. Michael joins with significant NDT experience both on and offshore, and will aim to expand the level of NDT services we offer to their customers.

In November 2016, they welcomed

www.surelift.co.uk

For further details, please visit:

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p39

HAZARDOUS AREA SMART DEVICES PROVIDE THE EFFICIENCY NEEDED IN HAZARDOUS AREAS

By Alan Hanratty, Business Development Director, Phusion IM Manufacturers obligated to conduct routine hazardous area inspections are reaping huge benefits by shifting away from paper systems and embracing emerging mobile technologies.

In doing so they’re able to create slicker workflows, are saving considerable time on internal processes, creating audit trails to meet their compliance obligations, and operating more efficiently with fewer errors.

As a business which is dedicated to putting information at the heart of the engineering community through the provision of software and services, we are witnessing more and more companies adopting mobile systems.

This is seen not only as a preferable way to create efficiencies, but imperative for any asset intensive industry to keep pace with technological change in order to survive in a competitive market.

The availability of ATEX certified mobile devices for use in up to Zone 1 areas opens up a whole new world of productivity for teams carrying out inspections and maintenance. To this end, we have added a mobile solution to our suite of software so operators can keep ahead of the game in hazardous areas, equipped with configurable data collection, image capture and data storage to create a complete management tool, There is still an old fashioned belief that there is nothing wrong with tried and tested paper methods. However, with the continual need to find efficiencies, more robust methods and improved safety practices, operators are

increasingly inclined to turn to mobility and digitisation.

The first move some companies make when replacing paper systems with smart devices has been to simply build an electronic version of their existing forms.

Although this should be applauded as it yields benefits in terms of productivity and accuracy of data collected, it still falls way short of exploiting the full benefits the technology will afford.

Pre-populating or feeding forward legacy data to the smart device, with accurate and validated asset information ensures that data can be used routinely and repeatedly by inspection teams.

Primarily it reduces errors during inspections thereby making it more accurate, reliable and safer but also saves valuable time as the inspector is able to conduct more inspections per working day.

In practical terms, this means that information relating to equipment such as nameplates, cables, glands and isolation barriers etc., can all be fed forward for verification and re-used, and data, inspection forms and documents can be uploaded to a central portal.

In areas with inadequate data coverage, activities can still be carried out and then be uploaded once in Wi-Fi enabled locations.

This complete management tool utilises other mobility functions that help deliver benefits. Accurate location drawings, GPS mapping, tagging, image, video

Right: Alan Hanratty, Business Development Director, Phusion IM.

p40 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

and sound capture can all be used and integrated into an inspection report.

The reports can be recorded and stored to form an audit trail for Health and Safety governance and to support compliance.

GPS mapping means the exact location of all equipment can be determined, supporting any return visit to the equipment for any purpose.

This rapidly advancing technological area will see further developments in the near future, which will allow three dimensional mapping of multi-level platforms and other areas where GPS tracking doesn’t give the whole picture.

The use of low-energy Bluetooth beacons could also speed up inspection and provide insights in harder to reach areas.

Taking full advantage of all these functionalities built into smart devices can maximise your returns on information gathering processes, thereby creating more in-depth analysis and awareness of any identified defects and errors.

Image capture of newly installed assets provides that additional richness of information on its condition over time for all assets across an operator’s site.

Smart mobile devices coupled with software, possessing all the functionalities to meet industry needs around data collection are here and now, and can be easily deployed as a wider, low cost management tool.

The only roadblocks to enhancing efficiency for non-adopters are the paper form and a fear of the unknown.

hazardous area

ATEX/IECEx approved high output portable floodlight for hazardous area use Lumenox has announced its new LPX6 explosion proof ATEX/IECEx approved high output LED portable floodlight, lumenox.co.uk/lpx6, suitable for providing temporary portable lighting in Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 gas and dust environments in oil and gas, petrochemical, aviation, marine, utility and other hazardous areas.

Powered from either 115 or 230VAC, the light output, generated from an array of 16 high efficiency LED light engines, is 5800 lumens at a colour temperature of 5000°K. LPX6 is IP66 sealed against the ingress of water or dust, allowing it to be used in harsh environments.

Operating lifetime is in excess of 75,000 hours, and the colour temperature of the light is stable throughout the lifetime of the unit.

A single unit is powered directly from the mains supply though an integral 0.5m cable, terminated in a standard ATEX plug. An ATEX approved power supply and extension cable assembly enables up to four units to be powered from a single mains socket located inside the hazardous area. The marine grade corrosion resistant aluminium housing is contained within a stainless steel frame, which allows the unit to be vertically adjusted through a wide angle to give optimum illumination as required.

Right: LPX6 ATEX/IECEx portable floodlight.

Mobile solution to reduce time and cost of collection of engineering data North-East based engineering software and services provider Phusion IM has pushed ahead of its competitors with the launch of a revolutionary mobile solution, which is fully integrated with its existing suite of Engineering Data Management (EDM) solutions.

Phusion Onsite is a powerful mobile and web-based tool for data collection, inspection and management of asset information.

It can be used on Apple, Android and Windows devices, and, works seamlessly with the company’s established suite of software tools and other third party enterprise systems and databases. Certified mobile and tablet devices can be supplied for data collection and ATEX inspections in hazardous areas up to zone 1 classification.

The combination of Phusion Onsite’s integration with other software and data sources, its cutting edge use of RFID and QR scanners, ability to feed-forward data, capture

in-field imagery of defects, client tailoring and its configurable architecture put it ahead of comparable products. It has already been rolled out to a number of clients across various sectors, covering Facilities Management, Process Industries and Utilities sectors.

The benefits being realised are image capture, reporting, creation of audit trails for internal and external use, ease of adoption, condensed and sped up work flows and compatibility with existing enterprise systems such as SAP. Phusion, which has offices in the UK and Australia, provides its suite of engineering information software, mobile solutions and consultancy services to support its customers with systems implementation and optimisation, compatibility with legacy systems, strategic consultancy, IM handover, materials management, engineering information management and compliance.It has delivered off-the-shelf and bespoke solutions for a wide range of global, industry-leading clients, including Chevron, BP, INPEX and Total.

Phusion Onsite in action.

Steve Pearson, Executive Chairman at Phusion, said: “Phusion Onsite will revolutionise asset management throughout the lifecycle of large and small scale engineering projects, from construction and commissioning, to maintenance and even decommissioning.

Many companies are still collecting information on paper, which is both time consuming and causes data entry errors.

“Onsite allows field operators and office teams to work together to ensure that information is up-to-date and accessible. This correct and connected information increases operational efficiency, and reduces errors and costs. It is an extremely versatile application; it works as a stand-alone application, or can integrate with the full Phusion software suite or other leading software systems.”

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p41

hazardous area

How companies with hazardous areas benefit from digital solutions Real-time integration of people, processes and systems will shape the industries of the future, enabling higher operational efficiencies at reduced cost. Even today, the use of digital tools such as smartphones and tablets are improving safety, productivity and security in hazardous areas.

Companies who deploy these digital tools benefit from more efficient workflows, effective maintenance and streamlined decision-making processes as well as higher profit margins. As the Industrial Internet of Things gathers pace, wirelessly connected data loggers, portable gas detectors, and personal health monitors are becoming available. ecom’s Mobile Worker platform wirelessly integrates these devices with the digital tools, delivering a step change in flexibility and future-proofing. It provides a solid foundation to build on, with an unmatched choice of products proven to work wirelessly together to maximize workforce productivity and protection – essential elements for the prolonged future sustainability of companies with hazardous areas.

Transparent, complex processes and high data accuracy requires digital solutions Many industrial companies today continue to use yesterday’s technologies to plan, execute, manage and control their business processes. Due to a lack of alternatives or purely out of habit (“we’ve always done it this way”), many tasks are still performed with clipboard and paper. These archaic methods bring increased risk and inflexibility to the business, being error‐prone and inefficient.

They also lead to mobile workers carrying more than they should when walking around the site, creating a potential safety issue. ecom instruments was the first manufacturer to develop an ex-certified mobile phone, and has launched numerous innovations for mobile communication in hazardous areas over the last 30 years. The latest devices, the world’s first and only 4G / LTE Android Tablet Tab-Ex 01 and the 4G / LTE Android Smartphone Smart-Ex 01 for use in Zone 1/21 and Division 1, open up the advantages of the Internet of Things. They modernize data capture and simplify voice/video collaboration between the mobile workforce

p42 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

and the experts at the control centre.

The devices also enable real-time access to digital work order documents, permits and drawings whilst supporting a range of wirelessly connected devices – reducing what the mobile worker has to carry and reducing the overall investment cost. The weight, performance and battery life of the digital tools is also optimised – a major benefit for the mobile worker when out on the job.

Benefits of professional applications and innovative hardware For the first time, digital tools have the performance necessary to run a variety of professional software applications, providing the platform to create new solutions to meet the increasing challenges in hazardous areas (Zone 1/21 and Division 1).

One such application is ecom’s CamScan Keyboard app. This app allows – even offline – barcodes (1D, 2D and QR codes) to be scanned and processed by simply using the camera of a smartphone or tablet. By minimizing the use of free-hand text, operators begin to record more consistent data, enabling easier manual or even automated analysis and reducing the risk of human error. Thus, incorrect input and poorly transcribed records can be avoided entirely.

Apps such as CamScan only need to run when required, however other apps, such as “ManDown-Alarm” apps need to run all the time, even when other apps are running, without overloading the digital tool. This is when high performance digital tools are essential.

Having the flexibility to add wireless devices to complement the existing capabilities of the digital tool are also essential. When scanning barcodes, some use cases require repetitive scanning (200+ scans per hour), long range scanning (up to 15 meters), or need to scan challenging barcodes. For these use cases,

ecom offers innovative hardware based solutions like the Ident-Ex 01 and i.roc Ci70Ex. Ident- Ex 01 is a powerful, intrinsically safe Bluetooth “All-in-One” barcode scanner and RFID reader. i.roc Ci70-Ex is the first intrinsically safe PDA with WWAN, each with changeable head modules (RFID, 1D / 2D barcode or combined head modules) for customer specific configuration.

Overcoming challenges with mobile devices Many challenges in hazardous areas can be solved with the use of these digital tools.

Accurate and timely information regarding the position and condition of mobile workers, equipment and material are critical for all companies, enabling predictive maintenance, the safe storage and transport of sensitive goods, and better visibility and control to prevent unplanned downtime and safety incidents.

In conjunction with a smartphone, tablet or handheld computer designed for use in hazardous areas, the mobile worker can retrieve current information about the status of machines or their parts on the screen of their device. He communicates in real time with the specialist staff located at the control centre, reports any damage, retrieves information on demand and receives guidance. Any data updates made in the field are transferred directly into the company systems, allowing quicker decision making and reduced unplanned downtime. Furthermore, the technicians are much better protected on site by the permanent connection to the control centre.

Lone worker protection systems can warn the control centre automatically when a worker has an accident or can notify and warn the worker of any hazards as they move into an area.

hazardous area

ROTRONIC ATEX Certified Humidity and Temperature Sensors The ROTRONIC Intrinsically Safe HygroFlex5-EX series of humidity/moisture and temperature sensors was developed for easy installation in areas where there is a risk of explosion due to dust or gas in the environment.

They were designed to meet the demanding requirements of the oil & gas industry as well as the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries, and will be suitable for hazardous applications elsewhere.

ATEX certified probes are available for all applications.

The intrinsically safe transmitters have two channel 4…20 mA outputs selected from temperature, humidity or a moisture value such as dew point or ‘absolute humidity’ (for example Mixing Ratio g/kg). These can be freely scaled exactly as required, using Rotronic HW4 software, for the process being monitored or controlled.

The Rotronic HygroFlex5-EX measurement transmitter conforms to the latest international standards. The transmitter is intrinsically safe (secondary side); 2-channel outputs.

Main features: • Stainless steel probes certified for ATEX Zone 0/20 • Standard & cable mount probes with a screw-in probe for pressure applications • HygroFlex5-EX measurement

transmitter certified for Zone 1/21 • The transmitter is intrinsically safe (secondary side) • Wall and duct versions available An LC display is an option • 2-wire supply, 2-analogue outputs (option of dew point, absolute

humidity (g/kg) or another moisture value • Robust aluminium transmitter housing; high IP66 protection • Range of calibration accessories for use in the Safe Area A technical datasheet is available, visit:

www.rotronic.co.uk

ROTRONIC Instruments (UK) Ltd T: 01293 571000

New paths through innovation and flexibility With Pad-Ex-01, the new Windows10 tablet PC with Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the desktop becomes mobile for field workers and their managers within hazardous areas.

It complements or even substitutes desktop PCs, laptops and wall mounted displays, maximizing the efficiency & productivity of mobile workers whilst improving ease of use and minimizing costs. And, for sites with no wireless access, Pad-Ex 01 provides the flexibility to work offline, preventing costly infrastructure updates.

to operations and asset information based on exact locations, such as log-in data, average dwell times, number of engagements, temperature measurement and other metrics.

By recognizing a user´s device and user data, they not only provide a secure physical access and guard control system, but also give mobile workers piece of mind if any accident were to occur - they can be located and rescued in the fastest way possible via Lone Worker Protection (App Solution). This significantly reduces the workers exposure to risks, improving the overall safety of operations.

Opening up new fields of innovation, ecom has introduced Bluetooth beacon technology (as seen in the consumer sector) for hazardous areas. The Loc-Ex 01 BLE beacons are small radio beacons that use Bluetooth Low Energy signals at periodic intervals to provide proximity awareness. In combination with mobile digital tools (smartphone or tablet) they bring the ability to augment digital and physical data into a single, unified business intelligence unit - providing a low cost, basically maintenance free way to roll out and connect custom data to backend systems.

Partner network with global market leaders In collaboration with a long-standing partner network of manufacturing and development partners including global-leading companies such as Airbus, Honeywell, Samsung and Sonim, ecom is driving the digital transformation in hazardous areas.

A key component is the ecom Mobile Worker platform, a flexible and integrated wireless ecosystem built around rugged and explosion-proof mobile computers (tablets, smart phones, PDAs), wireless peripheral

The beacons are all about gaining insights

devices (headsets, scanning and measuring devices, docking stations) and smart software applications – complemented by specialised service offerings and support.

For more information, please visit ecom’s website:

www.ecom-ex.com

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p43

hazardous area

Crowcon’s Laser Methane mini (LMm) portable methane detector goes green for improved visibility in ATEX-rated environments Key Facts: • Combines ATEX approval with a green laser guide-light for improved visibility • Enhances safety with remote monitoring from up to 30 or 100 metres • 0.1 second response time and monitoring through glass minimise risk to operators • IR laser absorption spectroscop technology eliminates the risk of false alarms Crowcon – a specialist manufacturer of gas detection equipment - announces that the next generation of its Laser Methane mini (LMm) gas detector combines full ATEX approval with a new green laser guide-light for improved visibility across a range of conditions, including in strong sunlight.

The use of infrared laser absorption spectroscopy enhances safety by allowing operators to remain at a safe distance from potentially dangerous leaks and provides an almost instantaneous response in the presence of methane gas.

Unlike conventional methane detection methods, which must be in direct contact with the gas in order to detect it, LMm enables remote detection of gas leaks.

With a range of 30 metres in standard mode, or 100 metres with a reflector, LMm enables operators to detect methane gas from a safe distance. As the laser beam can penetrate some transparent surfaces, such as glass, LMm also detects methane through a window allowing closed premises and confined spaces to be checked faster and more safely.

LMm is ATEX approved for use in explosive environments, including remote-monitoring applications such as closed or confined spaces, above-ground riser pipes, and pressure-regulating stations.

The typical response time of LMm is just 0.1 seconds, making it ideal for quickly scanning an area for a suspected leak and further minimising the time that operators are exposed to a potentially hazardous environment.

p44 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

LMm uses infrared laser absorption spectroscopy which measures the specific wavelength of infrared light that is absorbed by methane gas. This provides superior accuracy and specificity for operators by making LMm immune to other gases and eliminating the risk of false alerts.

LMm performs a shelf check and an internal calibration at start up. This requires no training and ensures readings are always accurate and reliable. As LMm doesn’t need regular recalibration, it doesn’t require the routine 6-monthly maintenance that other detectors need.

LMm is a compact and lightweight unit, which enhances operator comfort and ease of use. All measurements are displayed in both numerical and graphical formats to simplify operation.

LMm is widely used in gas distribution companies by teams responding to reports of leaks, as it enables them to respond rapidly and stay safe.

About Crowcon Crowcon Detection Instruments specialises in developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, reliable and costeffective flammable and toxic gas detection equipment. The company was formed

in 1970 and has constantly led the field with products designed for safety and environmental monitoring.

Based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire in the UK and with branch offices in Holland, the USA, Singapore, India, the Middle East and China, Crowcon’s products are sold throughout the world, serving oil, gas and petrochemical companies, public utilities, clean water and sewage treatment companies, fire brigades, construction companies and other organisations where accidental leakage of gas or vapour can become a toxic or explosive danger.

Visit the Crowcon website at:

www.crowcon.com Crowcon is a Halma Company.

Halma makes products for hazard detection and life protection and is a market leader in specialist electronic, safety and environmental technologies.

Visit the Halma web site at:

www.halma.com

tech spotlight

tech spotlight Amarinth delivers complex “plug-and-play” API 610 pump skid package for the Mariner Platform in the North Sea Amarinth, a leading company specialising in the design, application and manufacture of centrifugal pumps and associated equipment to the Oil & Gas, petrochemical, chemical, industrial and power markets, has delivered a complex skid package with an API 610 OH2 pump for a water treatment package for a de-sanding application to be used on the Mariner platform in the North Sea. The Mariner field is located 140km southeast of the United Kingdom Shetland Islands in a water depth of 110m and is ranked as one of UK’s largest undeveloped oil finds.

The required skid package for the platform was constrained by an existing project which was already well underway. The specification was for a 3.6m x 1.5m skid to house the pump, seal support system and all associated pipework, monitoring and ancillary equipment.

This all had to be contained within the skid footprint with hook-up and piping termination points to the platform already determined.

Furthermore delivery was required in just 38 weeks.

The short lead-time led to an evolving scope to fit the specified duty and space constraints with Amarinth advising on the pump selection, packaging and design considerations to fit with the existing infrastructure. This involved complex pipework to stay within the footprint without generating excessive losses, ensuring no loads or movement was projected to the existing pipework on the platform and maintaining serviceability around the skid package.

Finite element analysis was used to evaluate the fixed pipe loads, ensure their structural integrity and make sure no loading would be passed through to the platform’s pipework.

To prevent any movement being transmitted to the connecting pipework during start-up, operation and shutdown of the pump, a sliding baseplate was engineered using a PTFE layer in the baseplate, isolating the

movement of equipment on the skid from the platform.

To protect the pump during low flow situations, a flow meter and low flow bypass control valve were incorporated and heat tracing was installed for frost protection.

With all of the ancillary components such as terminal boxes, switches, flow meters and control valves that are usually placed off the skid having to be contained within the footprint, Amarinth used human factor software to position cable trays, gratings and walkways and simulate human movements to ensure operators and maintenance engineers could complete their tasks unhindered in and around the skid.

The final “plug-and-play” skid package, which also incorporated a unique lifting frame carefully designed for the stresses involved in correctly positioning the skid in the water treatment package on the platform, has just been delivered on-time.

Oliver Brigginshaw, Managing Director of Amarinth, commented: “Our willingness to look at the most demanding of problems, combined with our engineering agility to design bespoke skid packages on short lead times, ensured that we were able to deliver a pumping solution that met all of the challenging criteria for this water treatment package within the timescales required enabling the overall project schedule to be maintained for the end-user.”

C-Kore Monitoring Tools for PTTEP C-Kore Systems has been awarded another contract by PTTEP Australasia to supply them with four C-Kore subsea monitoring tools for an offshore operation in Australian waters.

PTTEP has used the C-Kore devices on multiple deployments. The C-Kore units confirm the health or find faults in all electrical assets, including umbilicals, EFLs, SCMs and distribution units, both on the surface and seabed.

Tim Overfield, Managing Director of C-Kore, said:

We are closing out a very good year with customers coming back with repeat orders.

It is nice to be seen as a value added partner by saving our customers time and money on their operations.

Below: C-Kore Monitoring Tools for PTTEP.

Right: Amarinth Skid Package for Mariner Platform.

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p45

tech spotlight

LEOPARD RULES THE WAVES In a bid to master mountainous seas the Saab Seaeye Leopard ROV system recently delivered to Japan’s Kaiyo Engineering has added an active heave compensator (AHC) to its launch and recovery system.

Kaiyo Engineering, a specialist marine science company, is undertaking seabed research for Tokyo University and is using the Leopard to explore the feasibility of seabed mining.

upgraded on board the vessel

by Hydramec and Scantrol in only three days.

In Japan the system was tested to record winch response and winch speed, by simulating 3m vessel displacement down to the Leopard’s 3000 metre rated depth.

The 3000m rated Leopard is the most powerful electric underwater

Adding AHC means Kaiyo can work offshore more easily in high sea states, as the AHC system will accurately maintain the exact relative depth of the tether management system from which the Leopard is deployed by compensating for wave movement and effectively creating a motionless state between them.

This significantly increases the ease of ROV operations in high sea states.

With the knowledge from simulations and tests performed prior to the commissioning, the LARS system was

Green Pin® Heavy Duty Fixed Nut Shackles Avoid the risk of accidentally releasing a load when it is under dynamic load or when it is exposed to extreme vibrations: use the Green Pin® Heavy Duty Fixed Nut Shackles. The range now extends until 150t WLL making this type of shackle suitable for heavy lifting.

Green Pin® Sling Shackles and Green Pin® Wide Mouth Shackles are now also available in a fixed nut version.

The fixed nut consists of an extra AISI 316 securing bolt which is drilled through both the nut and shackle pin. This securing bolt is fastened with two sets of Nord-Lock® washers and a securing nut. These washers lock when subjected to movement and keep the nut safely in position. p46 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

All Green Pin® Fixed Nut Shackles are available on request: please contact:

sales@vanbeest.com

robotic work system in the world, making it ideal for complex and demanding tasks.

Saab Seaeye is the world’s leading underwater e-robotics company with the most advanced range of tethered, autonomous and hybrid robotic systems engineered to address the diverse range of tasks found across commercial, defence and scientific markets.

tech spotlight

RUD Manufacture & Supply Heavy Duty Lifting Equipment 0.6- 250 Tonnes RUD Chains Ltd is a leading manufacturer of lifting and lashing applications that guarantee ultimate safety when lifting and moving heavy loads.

Their diverse product range offers over 600 tested and certified lifting and lashing points for bolting and welding.

RUD lifting equipment is used across a wide range of working environments from offshore, heavy duty engineering & handling, rail, military, manufacturing and construction. Their products have been increasingly popular across the heavy duty lifting sector due to their impressive working load limits starting from 0.6- 250 Tonnes.

The WBPG hoist ring offers their highest lifting capability of 85-250 tonnes which makes it an ideal choice for many heavy engineering, handling and offshore projects.

The WBPG is loadable from any side in the direction of the pivot meaning it is suitable for lifting and turning of heavy loads.

It has the ability to rotate 360° and swivel 180°. The WBPG comes with a detachable suspension ring in the shape of a shackle for

the attachment of common lifting means.

RUD’s heavy duty lifting products offer numerous safety factors and advantages to the operator and equipment being lifted.

The RUD VRBG load ring on plate for bolting can be supplied with 4 bolts offering a working load capacity of 10-16 tonnes or it can be supplied with 6/8 bolts which offers a higher working load capacity of 31.5-50 tonnes.

in heavy lifting of fabrication. They can be used for Lifting the fabrication during the manufacturing process, lifting the fabrication onto transport and doubling up as lashing points for the transportation.

RUD offer both standard and bespoke heavy lifting solutions to suit some of the most demanding working environments.

Top quality products and fast paced product innovations and developments make RUD a top choice for all your lifting requirements.

It can be loaded at 90° to the vertical with a full working load limit, the suspension ring pivots 180° and offers a safety factor of 4:1 in all load directions. The VRBG is typically used across heavy engineering, shipbuilding, turbine lifting, steel structure assemblies and in lifting and final positioning of new machinery.

The RUD VRBS and VRBS Fix is part of their lifting point for welding product range.

The VRBS load ring on plate for welding offers a load capacity of 50 tonne and the VRBS Fix offers a higher load capacity of up to100 tonne.

The VRBS and VRBS Fix are typically used

For more information call: 01227 276 611 Email: katie.crane@rud.co.uk or visit us at: www.rud.co.uk

Simplifying environmental microbiology research with Rainin Pos-D™ pipettes Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are using a METTLER TOLEDO Rainin Pos-D™ positive-displacement pipette to investigate the role of chemical dispersants in the biodegradation of oil in Arctic marine environments.

Taylor Gofstein, a PhD student, explained: “Little is known about the fate of oil or oil spill response chemicals – like dispersants – in Arctic waters, since most studies regarding dispersants are performed in temperate regions. There is currently a pretty hot debate in the environmental microbiology community about the role dispersants play in the biodegradation of oil; one hypothesis suggests that they increase bioavailability to microorganisms – speeding up the process – while a few researchers suggest they are degraded in preference to petroleum contaminants,

slowing the process. This is a key question we are interested in answering, and we recently performed a major incubation experiment using Arctic seawater.”

ergonomically designed and has a very smooth mechanism, making it quick and easy to use.”

“Starting with 250 liters of water from just off Barrow – the northern-most point of the USA – this investigation included 180 one liter bottles and 165 stirrer plates. Our target was to achieve an oil-in-water concentration of around 50 ppm, requiring just 47 μl of crude oil per bottle. Pipetting oil accurately with a traditional air displacement pipette would be an exercise in futility, so we were lucky to have a Rainin Pos-D pipette available for this work. Unlike with some other positive displacement pipettes, the Rainin tips come pre-assembled, meaning we can autoclave them and just use them as we would for a standard pipette, without worrying about sterility and contamination. The pipette is also January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p47

tech spotlight

Shell Invests in Rocsole Pipe Deposition Monitoring Tech Rocsole, a Finnish company which specialises in real-time tomography, has successfully completed an additional funding round which was led by Shell Technology Ventures (STV).

The Finnish company, with offices in Kuopio, Finland and Houston, Texas, provides electrical and ultrasound tomographic industrial process monitoring systems.

Rocsole’s current products include a pipe sensor for both topside and subsea pipes, providing real-time information on the flow and, in particular, deposition buildup in a pipe through probe sensor technology which can be used in separators when extracting oil and water.

The additional funding injection from STV allows Rocsole to expand its product portfolio with a smart deposition pig sensor that enables efficient deposition monitoring of a customer’s entire pipe network from the inside.

Once the deposition has been located, a measuring device for monitoring and identifying deposits from the current product family may be permanently installed in the areas discovered during the inspection. With detailed information on pipe deposits, operators can prevent pipes clogging that can lead to lost production costing millions of dollars in down time and from the use of chemicals to clean the blocked pipe.

Efficient deposition monitoring can also significantly reduce the number of pigging runs thereby reducing the overall cost of remediation.

Roscole’s smart pig sensor could change the way we inspect subsea pipelines by allowing us to quickly obtain flow and deposition insights using their non-invasive and accurate analytics Their tomographic imaging techniques mean that

p48 | www.sosmagazine.biz | January 2017

Seatools Upgrades Subsea Compensator Rangeeployment Centre Seatools, a Dutch subsea technology company, has introduced a new subsea hydraulic compensator range.

Above: Shell Invests in Rocsole Pipe Deposition Monitoring Tech.

measurements can be conducted from inside the actual pipe without damaging or disturbing it.

Technology that can reduce down time and optimize production is critical for Shell operations, both for on- and offshore.

Geert van de Wouw, Managing Director, STV.

We are excited to work with a strategic investor who understands the business value and competitive advantage of a tomographic approach in industrial imaging.

STV recognizes the need of preventive maintenance enabled by accurate pipe deposition monitoring and identification that Rocsole offers through its solutions based on a patented electrical tomography platform.

Anssi Lehikoinen, Rocsole Chairman.

This is the second investment by an international oil and gas company in Rocsole this year. The Spanish oil company Repsol led a fund raising round in early 2016. Rocsole aims to have the service concept in global distribution by 2018.

The new subsea compensator range: the Advanced series, is based on the preceding Hyco range and features a strongly improved mechanical design, the company explained.

The range’s revised design, largely based on stainless steel, facilitates higher pre-pressures, which reduces the risk of water and air ingress and increases subsea hydraulic system reliability.

The Advanced compensator range underwent extensive durability tests under a variety of conditions, such as extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C.

Below: Seatools Upgrades Subsea Compensator Range

tech spotlight

Companies Present New Subsea Mapping Solution in Fort William DOF Subsea together with subsea technology companies Sonardyne, 2G Robotics, and Seatronics demonstrated a new underwater surveying technique that could reportedly have an impact on the time needed to map underwater structures and offshore sites.

acoustically-aided inertial navigation sensor, and DOF Subsea’s Metro software.

The capabilities of the so-called ‘Dynamic Mobile Mapping’ were showcased at The Underwater Centre in Fort William on December 07, 2016.

Colin Cameron, DOF Subsea said: “The development of this solution is hugely important for the energy sector, and we were delighted with the data that we were able to gather in Fort William.

We have proven that the technologies work together in this application and that the method can generate the quality and

This new solution brings together three independent systems, 2G Robotics ULS 500 Pro Laser, Sonardyne’s SPRINT

The solution is ROV-mounted and mapping operations are conducted while the vehicle is in motion in order to simultaneously survey multiple horizontal or vertical flanges.

Above: Companies Present New Subsea Mapping Solution in Fort William.

complexity of data required. We believe that using this combination of technology to provide a full metrology solution is an industry first – we can save days on traditional metrology work, and provide much higher quality data.”

Ecosscope Deploys Subsea Glider to Collect Data Off PNG In conjunction with geophysical and geochemical surveys currently being acquired by its sister company Searcher Seismic, Ecosscope is acquiring environmental baseline data in the Gulf of Papua.

urvey vessel and onshore personnel.

While principally targeting subsea seeps, the glider is collecting water column data on hydrocarbon content, chlorophyll, dissolved organic matter, turbidity, conductivity, temperature, water depth and currents.

Ecosscope and project partners Blue Ocean Monitoring and Gardline Marine Sciences deployed an autonomous subsea glider to collect information on the environmental and oceanographic conditions in the Gulf.

The data is being analysed and interpreted by specialist scientists in Perth.

The glider is conducting a dive campaign, relaying data in near real-time to the s

The approach taken during the current surveys is to collect important background environmental data concurrently with earlyphase exploration. Coupled with proprietary bathymetric, oceanographic and sediment

Above: Ecosscope Deploys Subsea Glider to Collect Data Off PNG information acquired previously, this new environmental baseline data should assist companies working in the Gulf of Papua to plan their activities, obtain regulatory approvals and monitor compliance, Ecosscope explained.

Hydrasun Builds Specialist Subsea Intervention Line Aberdeen-based Hydrasun has developed a load bearing flexible hose solution for subsea applications.

A 2-inch lightweight flexible service intervention line, called the ‘Interventor’ was designed to both deploy the subsea chemical dispersant manifold to depth, and to deliver the dispersants from the surface to the manifold.

The Interventor can be used for well intervention, pipeline commissioning and emergency response.

The company recently announced the first loadout of this in-house designed product, destined for Houston to be used for emergency response.

Ben Coutts, who heads up Hydrasun’s engineering team, said: “The concept,

design and manufacture of Interventor has been a very detailed task and we are now delighted to see it being packaged up in our workshop and shipped out to a client for the very first time. We continue to work with many other oil & gas operators in providing Interventor as a surface to seabed conduit for well intervention, pipeline commissioning and emergency response.”

January 2017 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p49

tech spotlight

Seatrec Taps Ocean’s Clean Thermal Energy to Power Robotic Underwater Vehicles Seatrec, Inc., a clean energy startup based in Southern California, has completed its seed round of financing to further develop the TREC Thermal RECharging Battery, a power supply that generates electricity from temperature differences in the ocean.

The green energy TREC Battery is designed to power a wide range of underwater systems.

The patented technology, researched, prototyped and field tested by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and licensed to Seatrec by Caltech, employs a non-toxic material with the capacity to dramatically expand and contract with changes in temperature. These changes in volume are used to generate electrical power.

During an 18 month sea trial in deep waters off the coast of Hawaii, a TREC Battery-powered underwater unmanned

vehicle (UUV) completed more than 1000 dives, each to a depth of 500 meters (1640 feet) while recording depth, ocean temperature, and salinity.

At the end of each dive, its oceanographic data and GPS location were uploaded via satellite link to a ground station.

When the autonomous test vehicle had completed its mission, it signaled its location with a GPS beacon for a successful recovery by ship.

Covering more than seventy percent of our planet’s surface, our ocean remains largely unexplored, holding enormous potential for scientific discovery within its depths. Sustained deep-water research with its need for expensive support infrastructure and maintenance is beyond the capability of most scientific programs.

Even the best funded endeavors are limited to site-specific operations.

The seed round funding for continued research, development and

commercialization of the TREC Battery ended in December 2016, including funds from angel investors, and grants from the U.S. Office of Naval Research, Breakout Labs, and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners. Seatrec continues to vigorously pursue revenue growth with a focus on research and development for its next generation of commercial products, including a high-endurance underwater free-drifting UUV scheduled for sea trials in 2017, an underwater glider in 2018/19, and an underwater charging station for long-range propeller driven UUVs in 2020/21.

Coming up in the FEBRUARY 2017 issue of Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine...

Subsea Expo 2017 Prevew,

Decommissioning & Abandonment,

Subsea Equipment/Underwater Inspection, ROVs, AUVs, Cameras & Lights, Hose & Couplings,

Welding & Fabrication 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.

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