Energy, Oil & Gas Issue 138 November 2016

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issue 138 NOVEMBER

Carrying the power

How cable technology can help wind farm developers ensure turbines are operating as efficiently as possible

Delivering change Taking a look at the oil industry in Nigeria Ideas catalyst The ADIPEC exhibition brings the industry together

Also in this issue - Human Rights litigation, condition monitoring, COSHH

Editor Editors Chairman Andrew Schofield Editor Libbie Hammond libbie@schofieldpublishing.co.uk Staff Writers Jo Cooper Joshua Younespour Andrew Dann Editorial Administrator Emma Crane

I have to admit it barely seems possible I need to get thinking about the New Year and yet here I am planning the content

Art Editor Gérard Roadley-Battin Production Manager Fleur Daniels Sales Director Joe Woolsgrove Operations Director Philip Monument Business Development Manager Mark Cawston Sales Tim Eakins Richard Saunders William Ramanauskas Darren Jolliffe Jonas Junca Dave King Theresa McDonald Research Managers Ben Richell Natalie Griffiths Kieran Shukri Editorial Researchers Jeff Johnson Wendy Russell ­Office Manager/Advertisement Administrator Tracy Chynoweth Digital Subscriptions Iain Kidd digital @schofieldpublishing.co.uk

Are you

attending ADIPEC (or indeed, already there while reading this?) The show promises to offer ‘stakeholders access to real on-the-ground intelligence and information on the latest industry developments’ and so I will be keeping a close eye on news from exhibitors and topics discussed at the conference, as I am sure these areas will be featured in the pages of Energy, Oil & Gas in 2017.

I have to admit it barely seems possible I need to get thinking about the New Year and yet here I am planning the content and looking into what trends and hot topics as well as interesting and successful companies will be the ones to feature over the next 12 months.

Innovation, efficiency and technology are sure to be near or at the top of the agenda, along with Brexit and its effects, which must be felt around the world.

These are just a few examples – of course, if you have something you would like to include in the pages of EOG in 2017, please do get in touch!

editor LIBBIE HAMMOND

© 2016 Schofield Publishing Limited all rights reserved 10 Cringleford Business Centre Intwood Road Cringleford Norwich NR4 6AU T: +44 (0) 1603 274130 F: +44 (0) 1603 274131

@EOG_magazine please note: The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers within this publication do not necessarily coincide with those of the editor and publisher. Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the information published is accurate, and correct at time of writing, but no legal responsibility for loss occasioned by the use of such information can be accepted by the publisher. All rights reserved. The contents of the magazine are strictly copyright, the property of Schofield Publishing, and may not be copied, stored in a retrieval system, or reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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DESIGN BUILD CONNECT Jan De Nul Group is a leading expert in dredging and marine construction activities, and provides services related to the installation of offshore wind farms and related subsea export cables and umbilicals.

The combination of design and detailed engineering and all aspects of civil works, dredging and rock and marine installation enable Jan De Nul Group to offer a total package on an EPC basis.

www.jandenul.com

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Contents

Regulars

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Delivering change

Dr Amy Jadesimi takes a look at the oil industry in Nigeria, and highlights why now is the time to make country more competitive

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Energy companies beware!

Home country courts are demonstrating a willingness to entertain claims against parent companies and their subsidiaries for human rights or environmental harm inflicted overseas

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Ideas catalyst

Profiles

Standing as one of the world’s top energy events, and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa, ADIPEC is preparing to welcome world energy leaders, government officials, decision makers

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13,15 News

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Managing COSHH

How one system can help users identify, assess and manage hazardous substances in the work place and walks them through COSHH risk assessment process

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CBM: Cost vs reliability

For many decades the oil and gas industry has adopted condition monitoring in many forms and has lead the way in proactive maintenance strategies

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Carrying the power

25 Benteler Distribution 28 V-Seal 30 Verwater 33 RS Clare 33 35 Schneider Electric 39 Claxton Engineering Services 43 SOCAR Georgia Gas 45 Harpers Environmental 48 Saint-Gobain

Some of the recent developments within the oil and gas industry

Cabling is a key feature in the success of wind farms – this article looks at the three main innovations in cabling

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change Delivering

Dr Amy Jadesimi takes a look at Nigeria’s oil industry and highlights why now is the time to make the country a more competitive business environment

Below Dr Amy Jadesimi, Managing Director, LADOL

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member of OPEC and among the world’s most prolific oil producing states, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is in many ways well developed, producing around two million barrels per day. However, supply outages and low oil prices have plagued the country’s most valuable sector this year with stress on the industry further exacerbated by what the Financial Times recently called, ‘a perfect storm’ of security issues in the Niger Delta region and in the north; rising inflation; a struggling currency; and a new wave of allegations that billions are missing from the government’s coffers due to undeclared exports.

The mix of external and internal pressures has shifted growth forecasts such that the International Monetary Fund expects Nigeria to record a recession in 2016 for the first

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time in 20 years. It is a challenging state of affairs. Nigeria, however, has the necessary legal framework in place to change the trajectory of the petroleum industry and return value to the economy in a manner that decreases Nigeria’s dependence on foreign oil to keep things ticking over.

Ramping up Nigeria’s refining capacity is crucial to delivering this change. The knock-on effect of doing so will drastically enhance the range and quality of services – both related to oil and gas and beyond - available in country. The private sector is best positioned to lead, driving forward a revamped approach that builds on the successes and setbacks of the industry to date.

Currently Nigeria exports 80 per cent to 90 per cent of its crude and imports refined products like petrol and petrochemicals because the country’s refineries cannot

Focus on Nigeria

low, such as high project costs, bureaucracy, feedstock disruptions etc. Only one company, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR), has brought a refinery on stream as a result of the 2002 initiative.

In an effort to address the slow take up of the 2002 licences, the NNPC established the Greenfield Refinery Projects Division (GRPD) in 2005 with the aim of building three refineries in the Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi States with a combined capacity of 400,000 b/d, according to NNPC materials. In July 2015, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) under President Buhari issued an additional 25 indigenous companies licences that granted approval to establish private refineries. As of this summer, only six companies had received confirmation from the government to advance to the next stage of development.

The approval process for modular and conventional refineries is divided into three phases: 1) Licence to Establish (LTE); 2) Approval to Consult (ATC); and 3) Licence to Operate (LTO). Six of the total 25 approved in the most recent round are in the ATC stage and if seen to completion will have a combined capacity to produce nearly 700,000 b/d of various products from petrochemicals, electricity and a range of transportation fuels.

Concentrated in the southern part of the country, the following companies have advanced to the ATC level: SS Amakpe International Refineries Inc (Akwa Ibom State) SS Resources Petroleum and Petrochemicals International Inc (Akwa Ibom State) SS Hi Rev Oil Limited (Akwa Ibom State) SS Azikel Petorleum Limited (Bayelsa State) SS Kainji Resources Limited (Imo State) SS Dangote Oil Refinery Company (Lagos State) Four of the six projects will be modular refineries; only Dangote and Amakpe are slated to undertake conventional operations. The Dangote site has been the most widely covered because of its anticipated production volume of 650,000 b/d. If achieved, it will more than double the country’s currently available refining capacity. reliably meet demand. The lack of local capacity (and therefore the absence of an integrated domestic supply chain for oil production) means that vital resources like electricity, petrol and diesel are perpetually in short supply.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, or NNPC, operates four major refineries – two in Port Harcourt, one in Warri as well as one in Kaduna – which have an installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but in actuality process around 125,000 b/d, a meagre 25 per cent to 30 per cent of total capacity. Aging equipment, poor upkeep and fraud largely keep production figures well below the established capacity.

However, in recent years the government has moved to fill the refining gap. In 2002, 18 licences were awarded to private companies to build refineries. But the initiative floundered for many of the same reasons in-country production remains

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Nevertheless, barriers to progress still exist. The high costs associated with these projects alongside land acquisition, bureaucracy and feedstock difficulties continue to guarantee that the refineries in the pipeline will take years to complete.

But with Nigeria’s economy reliant on revenues from oil and gas for the short to medium term, it’s imperative that the industry supply chain continue to develop sustainably to ensure these projects, and any future iterations, are impactful.

A diverse, flexible and innovative approach to building capacity is needed. Nigeria’s strategy must consider its current challenges and how new facilities - whether modular or conventional - can be valuable over the long

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term. Auxiliary services that support the production process must also be encouraged in tandem – private sector partnerships provide a useful method of executing this – to ensure the supply chain is linked from upstream to downstream.

Now is the time to capitalise on the opportunity and make Nigeria a more competitive business environment.

Diversifying the oil and gas industry – bringing more refineries on stream and developing services that support the supply chain – will have a knock-on effect that reaches the wider economy. With more resources available – power, fuels, petrochemical products – Nigeria’s markets can become

Focus on Nigeria

ladol more diverse as a whole. Ultimately, market diversity will spread the country’s vast wealth through to more of the population and create more skills based jobs.

The current oil price environment has already generated more business for local oil and gas services companies. The IOCs are cutting operating costs and there are indigenous companies in Nigeria that are able to provide cheaper services without sacrifices to the quality of work or expertise.

This momentum must continue for the domestic market to break through this difficult period and building vital infrastructure – refineries, roads etc. - is the key to delivering lasting change.

Dr Amy Jadesimi is Managing Director, LADOL. LADOL is a high value industrial Free Zone built around a specialised port and strategically located on an island at the point of entry into Lagos harbour. The largest ship yard in West Africa began operating in LADOL last year, and the Egina FPSO will be integrated at the Free Zone next year. The base offers a wide range of maritime, oil and gas, manufacturing and general industrial services from deep offshore drilling and production support to pipe coating.

LADOL was created to help make Nigeria the hub for West African maritime and oil and gas activities through long-term investment in world-class facilities and services.

For further information please visit: ladol.com

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beware!

Energy companies

Home country courts are demonstrating a newfound willingness to entertain claims against parent companies and their subsidiaries for human rights or environmental harm in relation to overseas operations. By Suzanne Spears

Below Suzanne Spears, Partner at Volterra Fietta

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ver the years, foreign claimants have tried and tried again to bring lawsuits against multinational energy corporations in their home country courts for human rights or environmental harm inflicted overseas. Most of these cases have failed on jurisdictional grounds or settled for sums that, while occasionally large, usually reflected the likelihood that the claimants’ litigation ultimately would fail. Recent developments in a number of home country courts, including England and Wales, Canada and the Netherlands, however, may persuade claimants that they have a greater likelihood of success, more leverage in settlement talks and increased incentives for pursuing their claims all the way through litigation than ever before.

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New risk in the courts of England and Wales Perhaps the most significant development to date took place in the High Court of England and Wales in May 2016. Justice Coulson ruled that a lawsuit against UK-based Vedanta Resources and its Zambian subsidiary Konkola Copper Mines could proceed in the English courts. The case was filed in 2015 by nearly 2000 Zambian villagers alleging environmental damage and personal injury. The claim against Vedanta was brought principally in negligence, on the ground that Vedanta breached a duty of care allegedly owed to the claimants.

Vedanta and KCM argued that the English courts lacked jurisdiction over the claims. The claims should be tried in Zambia instead they asserted, because the claimants are Zambian

Human Rights

and the damage occurred in Zambia. They pointed to the doctrine of ‘forum non conveniens’, which historically meant that an English court could stay a case against any defendant if there was another competent and more suitable forum.

The judge rejected both defendants’ submissions challenging jurisdiction. In response to Vedanta, the judge found that he no longer had discretion to stay the claim on forum non conveniens grounds as a result of developments under EU law. In response to KCM, the judge ruled that, because of the claims against Vedanta, the UK was the appropriate place to try the claims against KCM. Conducting separate proceedings in Zambia and the UK on the same facts would be ‘unthinkable’.

The judge’s opinion with regard to the duty of care allegedly

owed by Vedanta also was noteworthy. The judge found that a claim in negligence against a parent company arising out of the subsidiary’s operations might give rise to liability.

Risk emerging elsewhere Courts elsewhere, whilst relying on different grounds, have reached similar conclusions. In a recent case in the courts of The Hague, an environmental NGO and Nigerian nationals filed a suit against Shell Nigeria and its parent, Royal Dutch Shell. They argued that the companies were liable for three oil spills that resulted in environmental damage and harm to their villages. Even though the subsidiary was not covered by EU law, The Hague District Court applied Dutch procedural law to assert jurisdiction over the subsidiary, stressing that in

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general, the forum non conveniens doctrine no longer plays any role in today’s private international law.

Moreover, whilst the District Court rejected the claims against Royal Dutch Shell, holding that a duty of care did not exist in this circumstance based on the facts, the Court of Appeal kept open the possibility that under different circumstances, a parent company may owe a duty of care to third parties.

In Canada, in a recent case against the mining company Nevsun Resources, the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled that forum non conveniens could not be used to dismiss the claim as the Eritrean claimants would not receive a fair trial in Eritrea. Canadian courts also have found that, in certain circumstance, a parent company might owe a duty of care to foreign claimants affected by its subsidiary’s operations.

Practical implications These judgments are of considerable commercial significance. They demonstrate that courts may have limited scope to decline jurisdiction over parent companies. They also demonstrate that the courts remain open to submissions

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that a parent company owes a direct duty to persons affected by the actions of its foreign subsidiaries.

Despite the chilling spectre raised by these cases, companies may take some comfort from other developments.

First, in the UK, given that the High Court’s jurisdictional decision relied primarily on EU law, the UK’s decision to leave the EU may revive the long-standing common law doctrine of forum non conveniens. Second, while the courts have shown willing to hear the argument, no judgment on the merits has been rendered to date in the three jurisdictions mentioned holding that a parent company owes a direct duty of care to communities affected by its overseas subsidiary’s operations.

Nonetheless, as mentioned above, some companies have paid significant settlements in transnational tort cases, in addition to high legal fees and extreme costs to their reputations. The possibility of large settlements coupled with the increasingly likelihood of prevailing through litigation mean that transnational tort litigation is likely to continue rising.

Ways to minimise risk There are, however, steps a company can take to minimise its chances of becoming the target of a transnational tort

Human Rights

There is good news here for energy companies.

Companies that take preventive measures and think critically about corporate compliance and responsibility with respect to human rights and the environment are much more likely to avoid transnational tort litigation in their home country courts

lawsuit even while its subsidiaries operate in challenging overseas environments. As a preliminary matter, companies can implement codes of conduct and incorporate them into contracts; rigorously observe the due diligence and compliance procedures recommended by multi-stakeholder initiatives; provide training for employees, contractors and security forces; initiate prompt investigations (internally or through outside counsel) when abuses do occur; and establish grievance mechanisms capable of providing effective remedies.

In the area of human rights, companies that use security forces to protect their operations also may limit exposure to liability by agreeing to contractual language that expressly places conditions on the behaviour of the security providers and limitations on the company’s liability, and, where appropriate, states that the company otherwise has no authority to control security forces’ actions.

With respect to the environment, companies may structure agreements to mitigate liability through risk transfer mechanisms, such as warranties, indemnities and insurance. Companies also may investigate possible failings in their own, their subsidiaries’, their

contractors’ and host governments’ human rights and environmental management techniques and take steps to rectify these failings.

There is good news here for energy companies.

Companies that take preventive measures and think critically about corporate compliance and responsibility with respect to human rights and the environment are much more likely to avoid transnational tort litigation in their home country courts.

volterra fietta Suzanne Spears is a Partner at Volterra Fietta. Volterra Fietta is the only dedicated public international law firm in the world. It is preeminent in the fields of international dispute resolution and international business and human rights. Its clients include sovereign states, international organisations, global corporations and individuals.

For further information please visit: volterrafietta.com

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ADIPEC

catalyst Ideas

More than 2000 exhibitors and 8500 delegates are set to attend world’s most influential oil and gas exhibition and conference

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he 19th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2016) takes place from 7-10 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Held under the patronage of the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and organised by the Global Energy division of dmg events, ADIPEC places itself as the global meeting point for oil and gas professionals. Standing as one of the world’s top energy events, and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa, ADIPEC is preparing to welcome world energy leaders, government officials, decision makers, and more than 100,000 oil and gas trade professionals from 125 countries. The event offers the opportunity for these visitors to address the imminent challenges and opportunities facing the petroleum sector, including the vital need to drive operational efficiency in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

“As the energy sector witnesses a transformation, businesses must adapt their strategies not only to survive today’s challenges, but also to create a resilient foundation for what tomorrow brings,” said Mr. Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Al Yasat Petroleum Operations Company and ADIPEC 2016 Chairman.

The distinguished ADIPEC Conference Programme, organised in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), will commence with a prestigious Opening Ceremony, including keynote presentations and three Global Business Leader sessions, which will invite CEOs of the world’s oil giants to the stage to shed light on critical industry topics, including a world outlook for the oil industry, the developing role of gas and LNG, and effective leadership strategies.

The 2016 edition of the ADIPEC Conference Programme will also feature two global ministerial dialogues, eight panel sessions, three breakfast sessions, and three luncheon sessions, and 106 technical sessions.

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The exclusive VIP Programme is also back stronger than ever, as well as the dedicated Offshore, Marine, and Heavy Equipment Zone. Meanwhile, eight Offshore & Marine conference sessions will look at industry-specific topics ranging from developing offshore oil and gas fields to new technologies and enhancing safety.

Demonstrating its commitment to meeting emerging industry requirements, ADIPEC 2016 will launch the inaugural edition of the ‘Security in Energy’ exhibition and conference, while returning to ADIPEC 2016 will be the ADIPEC Awards, which celebrate innovation, best practice, and excellence in energy for people, companies, projects and initiatives in the oil and gas industry.

Challenging the perception that the oil and gas industry is a male-dominated environment, the official ADIPEC Women in Energy series will give attendees the opportunity of meeting with peers and discussing the future role of women in the energy arena, with a full day gathering on Wednesday, 9 November.

Young ADIPEC, the hugely successful programme designed to engage the younger generation in the oil and gas industry, is back for its third year.

ADIPEC has a longstanding track record of bringing together globally celebrated luminaries and experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. The landmark event is anchored on the international presence of some of the world’s leading petroleum producing countries, as well as emerging markets, underlining its position as the global meeting place for industry professionals.

ADIPEC 2016 For further information please visit: adipec.com

News

In Brief Mexican projects Cubico Sustainable Investments, a global leader in renewable energy, has been awarded power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Mexico’s second long-term electricity auction for the 250 MW Mezquite wind project and the 290 MW Solem solar PV project, representing a total investment of around $700 million.

As Osvaldo Rance, Head of Mexico at Cubico, noted: “This is the beginning of a new era for Cubico in Mexico that sets solid foundations to move forward with our growth plan and long-term investment strategy in the country.”

Work on largest ever offshore facility Trelleborg’s engineered products operation has supplied a selection of bearing solutions for the world’s first floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project – Shell’s Prelude FLNG. Trelleborg has manufactured and delivered 52 vertical elastomeric bearings and 156 horizontal bearings for use on the 13 modules onboard the facility, as well as 40 turret bogey bearings to enable natural movements of the turret. Responsible for procuring bearings for the topside modules, Byoung-Gark Park, Topside Structural Engineer for Samsung Heavy Industries, said: “Many of Prelude’s topside modules weigh as much as a single typical offshore platform. In fact, along with its contents, Prelude is expected to weigh a total of 600,000 tons. So, optimum quality and performance of the bearings used to secure each module is vital. We have worked closely with Trelleborg previously and are very confident in their ability to manufacture first class bearings. We were keen to involve their expertise on this prestigious project too.”

Trelleborg’s elastomeric bearings are steel plate laminated and installed between the hull of the facility and its modules. They accommodate axial, shear and rotational movement to keep the modules safe from impact, damage and deformation. Similarly, they prevent the concentration of excessive strains and stresses around the mounting points of the modules and the hull caused by adverse sea and weather conditions.

150 million euro investment

Major nuclear contract Atkins has been selected by the US Department of Energy (DOE), along with joint venture partners Westinghouse and Fluor, to operate the depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF6) conversion facilities at DOE’s Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, Kentucky, and the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio. The contract to the Mid-America Conversion Services, LLC (MCS) joint venture is valued at $318 million over a five-year period of performance beginning this year.

Wind power in Vietnam

Linde Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of The Linde Group, has established a joint venture company with PETRONAS Gas Berhad (PGB) to build a state-of-the-art industrial air gas facility that will produce gaseous oxygen and nitrogen to supply the needs of PETRONAS’ world-scale Refinery and Petrochemicals Integrated Complex (RAPID), within the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC) in southern Malaysia.

Linde and PETRONAS’ joint venture company, Pengerang Gas Solution Sdn Bhd (PGS), has also secured long-term agreements for the supply of oxygen and nitrogen to the world-scale refinery and petrochemical complex, which includes an ethylene oxide/ethylene glycol plant. PGS will build two large air separation units and associated gas facilities resulting in a total investment of 150 million euros.

Dr Wolfgang Buechele, Chief Executive Officer of Linde AG, said: “This major on-site project enables us to leverage the technical and execution expertise of our Engineering Division and the operational know-how of our Gases Division in very close co-operation. It further strengthens our market position as the leading air gases supplier to the oil and gas and petrochemicals sector.”

Sanjiv Lamba, Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific and Member of the Executive Board of Linde AG, said: “This is Linde’s second joint venture with PETRONAS Gas Berhad and it underscores our long-standing and successful partnership. We are proud to continue to create value for our customers through our world-class technologies and innovative solutions.”

Mainstream Renewable Power and GE Energy Financial Services, a GE Capital business unit, has signed a term sheet to develop, build and operate large-scale wind power plants in Vietnam. The projects are expected to comprise both greenfield and partially developed sites, are intended to include co-operation with local and international developers, and will receive financing through a Mainstream and GE Energy Financial Services joint development agreement. The aim of the agreement is to compliment the 1GW initiative that GE and Ministry of Industry and Trade signed in May 2016 to accelerate large-scale Vietnamese wind project build out.

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News Wind farm charter

Myanmar project IMI Critical Engineering has made a key contribution to a deep-sea oil extraction project in the Gulf of Martaban on behalf of PTTEP, a Thai petroleum and exploration company, and China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (COOEC).

Following a competitive tender process, IMI Critical Engineering’s Chinese-based IMI CCI business was awarded the $multi-million contract to supply 72 choke valves to the Zawtika project located 300 kilometres south of Yangon, Myanmar. The major development is the largest overseas offshore project operated by PTTEP, and has seen IMI CCI provide valves installed across each of its four platforms.

Due to the severe nature of the application, which must withstand intensive shocks due to high pressure and sand content from natural gas, the project required a supplier who could provide a reliable valve solution able to withstand severe applications. In addition to its reputation as a valve specialist, IMI CCI was appointed based on the inner cage design of its choke valve plug, which comprises Tungsten Carbide on the inside and Inconel 718 on the outside, helping protect the valve from intensive flush and vibration damage.

New £5.5m turbine A new steam turbine, which has been hailed as one of the most efficient in the UK, is now officially open. Owned and operated by Tata Chemicals Europe, the new £5.5m turbine is housed at its Winnington CHP plant in Northwich, which is now one of the most efficient plants in the country capable of providing energy for 200,000 households – an area the size of Liverpool.

The project - backed by a £2.5m European Regional Growth Fund grant from the UK government - has taken two years to complete. It will help to provide energy for Tata Chemicals Europe’s sites across Cheshire, local businesses in the area, and also for the National Grid. The steam used to generate electricity is a by-product of industrial procedures at the Tata Chemical plant, effectively recapturing spent energy and reducing overall energy demands.

Generating this electricity means that this volume of electricity doesn’t have to be generated elsewhere on the grid - saving 71,000 tonnes of CO2 in the UK, and going a long way to help the Government meet decarbonisation requirements of a 75 per cent reduction by 2030. The Government is seeking to achieve nearly 60 per cent reductions in carbon emissions by 2030 - this type of initiative is a crucial part of making this happen.

Additionally, the project will improve Tata Chemicals’ Combined Heat & Power Quality Assurance (CHPQA), and the plant’s overall efficiency scores will rise.

Aberdeen-headquartered Attollo Offshore has worked in collaboration with Teras Offshore to secure a 16-month charter contract to provide its jack-up accommodation rig, the ‘Atlantic Amsterdam’ (AAM) to DONG Energy UK to support its Race Bank offshore wind farm construction activities in the UK sector of the North Sea. AAM was mobilised to Race Bank from the port of Hirtshals in northern Denmark and has been in operation on location since 27th Aug 2016. The mobilisation operation was completed to schedule, safely and in accordance with the charterer’s requirements.

The jack-up is providing accommodation, construction support and personnel safe transfer services to an offshore structure and wider windfarm area for the charterer.

Ben Moore, MD of Attollo Offshore, which specialises in the management and operation of offshore assets, said: “This charter is delivering a significant step change in safety and operational efficiency in support of one of the UK’s largest offshore wind developments. Our approach demonstrates how value can be created through collaboration.”

Jason Ledden, senior construction project manager of Race Bank Offshore Windfarm, said: “DONG Energy have always been a pioneer in developing offshore wind farms including implementing new installation procedures, trying new types of foundations and applying new logistic concepts. Deploying an accommodation jack-up next to the Offshore Substation (OSS) enables safe and easy access to wind farm and the OSS in particular. The cooperation between Attollo Offshore, Teras and DONG Energy has been professional and stress free, and we are looking forward to harvesting the benefits of having an accommodation jack up in field.”

REAL COPY

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Managing

COSHH Managing the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) in the supply chain presents some significant challenges, but thankfully developments in technology are making these easier to overcome, says Tim Watson

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OSHH requires employers to prevent or reduce worker, contractor or other people’s exposure to hazardous substances through risk assessment and the implementation of suitable and sufficient control measures. When it comes to managing the effective control of hazardous substances in the supply chain this can be complex, particularly concerning the need to ensure contractors have the necessary skills and knowledge to COSHH risk assess a job correctly and consider how different substances interact, cumulative exposure to multiple products and the complexities of specifying controls such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Combine this with the fact that contractors often struggle to produce task-specific COSHH assessments and you don’t have to look far to find examples of companies not meeting their obligations under the COSHH Regulations.

The consequences of non-compliance This is of significant concern as the cost of not complying with the COSHH Regulations is on the rise. Aside from the moral obligation companies have to protect their staff and the environment, changes to health & safety sentencing

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guidelines introduced in February 2016 mean that businesses can now face unlimited fines and prison sentences, not just for causing actual harm but also for causing risk of harm.

In addition there is evidence that health & safety inspectors are increasingly identifying incidents where companies have created inadequate risk assessments and readily raising improvement and prohibition notices.

It is therefore essential that oil & gas sites ensure that their contractors have suitable and sufficient COSHH risk assessments in place. Thankfully the engagement of management software systems can simplify this process significantly and, as software systems continue to improve in terms of usability and affordability, they are becoming ever more accessible.

Ease-of-use The 'Alcumus COSHH' Management System (CMS), for example, helps users identify, assess and manage hazardous substances in the workplace, and walks them through the process of completing and delivering fully compliant, taskbased COSHH risk assessments. Through the simple CMS interface which is available to companies of all sizes - from a small contractor in need of 10 COSHH assessments to a

IT

larger company requiring 5000 - an employer or employee can easily obtain a COSHH assessment. These assessments are provided in an easy-to-follow format with pictograms led by international standards that ensure the document is simple to interpret and ensures ownership. The CMS system also features bespoke symbols which have been specially created for areas where it is felt people would benefit from additional information, for example there is a symbol to make people aware when specific elements of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulations apply to a scenario.

Body of knowledge The Alcumus CMS is managed from the Alcumus office in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, where the great breadth of experience and insight of the Alcumus team is harnessed through a central knowledge base. Over a 30 year period the Alcumus CMS team has written more than 1,000,000 COSHH risk assessments for over 150,000 products and substances, offering an ever increasing library for clients to use, and it is believed to be the most comprehensive database available. Clients receive access to this database of commonly used materials so that they can easily login and download relevant documents. If they can’t find what they’re looking for, or require something more tailored, the team of CMS experts will write any COSHH assessments that cannot be found on the database.

Future proof Alcumus works closely with authority bodies and its clients to make sure that its services meet the requirements of industry in the future as well as today. This is particularly relevant in the oil & gas industry where markets fluctuate greatly, so it’s essential to ensure that services are future proof. Alcumus CMS customers can also be assured that they will be kept up to date with any changes to standards and guidelines that may affect them. As there is still uncertainty around the impact that Brexit will have on health & safety standards and guidelines in the UK, Alcumus continues to track any future developments but is not expecting any major changes, with the most likely outcome being that Britain will adopt European legislation and adapt it for the British market.

Key areas of COSHH compliance fulfilled through Alcumus CMS: SS

COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended)

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he Alcumus CMS COSHH risk assessment T complies with the COSHH Regulations

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Step-by-step consideration of the Hierarchy of Control and Principles of Good Practice

SS

Indicating where workplace exposure monitoring, engineering controls & health surveillance are appropriate to demonstrate adequate control of exposure

SS

Fully Classification, Labelling and Packing (CLP) Regulations 2008 (as amended) compliant

SS

REACH: Identifying where it applies to controlled and regulated substances

Affordable access to experts Interpreting the COSHH Regulations can require expensive expertise and prove incredibly time consuming. This is another area where online systems can provide significant value for money. Alcumus can work as a competent body on behalf of employers and contractors to make sure suitable and sufficient COSHH risk assessments are in place for any anticipated workplace exposure to hazardous substances.

The CMS offers access to an experienced team of chemists, toxicologists, occupational hygienists and health & safety consultants providing competent helpdesk support seven days a week.

Continual improvement As the Alcumus CMS is a dynamic system it can be used to drive continual improvement as well as keeping users up-to-date with any changes to legislation and guidance.

The Alcumus CMS can be used to monitor improvements in areas such as air monitoring survey results where data can be fed back into the system to track progress. Meanwhile if there are updates to documents such as the HSE’s EH40/2005, the list of approved Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) or to hazard classifications they are automatically updated on the COSHH assessment and the user informed via the online system.

ALCUMUS Tim Watson is Alcumus Technical Account Manager. Alcumus is a market-leading provider of technology-enabled compliance risk management, certification and accreditation services, supporting both UK and International companies with a wide range of risk management services, including web based information management solutions, UKAS accredited certification services, contractor accreditation, health & safety inspection and consultancy, workplace monitoring services, training and HR consultancy.

For further information please visit: alcumusgroup.com

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CBM:

cost vs reliability Lee McFarlane looks at why more operators are being prompted to implement a technology-based approach with an integrated Condition Based Monitoring programme

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he choices made when it comes to maintenance and inspection strategies for both rotating equipment and structural integrity monitoring can have major consequences on equipment reliability and costs. But structural integrity and rotating equipment monitoring are often viewed by offshore operators as separate and distinct areas; with different management structures, systems and personnel driven by different KPI’s and regulatory requirements. However, with advances in condition monitoring technology, one of the key opportunities is integration of both compliance and maintenance driven monitoring.

It is now widely accepted by oil and gas companies that Condition Monitoring (CM) is an excellent maintenance strategy that provides asset operators a proactive means to reduce non value added PM activity and gain insight into both rotating and static equipment condition. This technique allows a two-pronged approach by firstly allowing streamlining historic maintenance

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resource requirements to fulfil these PM strategies on both safety critical and production critical systems.

Secondly, it enables allocation of these limited resources to the areas where value can be added and ultimately have a direct impact on system availability and lower operational expenditure.

For many decades, the oil and gas industry has adopted CM in many forms and have been at the forefront of leading proactive maintenance strategies. However, more recently, during these tougher times, specifically with low oil prices, operators are questioning the value and typically high cost of traditional methods for CM.

Cost vs reliability relationship We will assume for the purpose of this article, that readers will be well aware of Condition Based Maintenance & Risk Based Inspection strategies and CM techniques. The graph overleaf demonstrates a typical cost & reliability relationship over time, for an operator with sub-optimal CBM strategy moving to an optimised approach.

Condition Based Monitoring

Typical challenges Many offshore operators have been running successful CBM programs for a long time. The table below is a summary of the challenges we have seen over the years and solutions that have been successfully deployed.

Observation

Risk

Opportunity

CBM strategy has been compliance driven. Benefits of improved control and improved reliability have not been turned in to reductions in planned maintenance or risk based inspections frequency.

CBM justification rests on meeting compliance KPIs. If CBM data and maintenance KPIs do not enable holistic strategic decisions, including reducing inspection/planned maintenance for example, then the focus will be on reducing CBM costs (extending frequencies for example).

High risk of long-term maintenance strategy failure due to short-term approach.

We know time may be of the essence right now. There is probably no time or resource to carry out or review FMECAs, review/set KPIs and the focus is on costs.

Keep it practical; what can be done smarter and faster within the current strategy without just cutting corners.

Technology exists, as introduced later in this article, to probably add significant CBM value, reduce CM costs and provide more meaningful data/ reports than you get now. Introducing a much more positive approach to improving efficiency.

Focus on CM equipment alone, not as part of the maintenance strategy or change management.

The ‘quick-fix’ to get CM onsite may be to buy equipment; vibration analyser, IR camera, ultrasound equipment etc.

Equipment is used to check condition on a reactive basis, usually when the machine has failed already and/or the site experienced resource leaves or becomes busy elsewhere. Or the equipment does not detect failure modes on critical equipment.

This is a regular occurrence, even for mature organisations.

Valuable condition data available is not integrated into a CBM strategy.

Expensive online systems are not optimised.

Don’t be convinced to buy expensive equipment until you are sure it will save you time and money and is adopted within your maintenance strategy as a proactive tool (not reactive).

Have an integrated approach (not just VA or IR or Oil Analysis etc) and go out for proposals from a wide range.

Maintenance personnel enjoy and are rewarded for solving problems and feel secure when they do so. There is little focus on avoiding them in the first place.

Procurement may not be concerned with the long-term cost implications, focusing only on saving money today because that is how they are measured.

Establish the right maintenance KPIs (relating to avoiding breakdowns, reducing long-term costs, adopting CBM) and align reward mechanisms and communications to these KPIs. Focus on changing behaviours; recognise maintenance teams for sticking to schedules and avoiding breakdowns. Get people thinking about avoiding failures rather than being ready for them.

Online Systems information is not integrated into the maintenance strategy.

The expensive equipment bought to detect/avoid failures on critical machinery is used retrospectively or for project scopes (commissioning for example).

The ‘wrong’ behaviours are rewarded.

Technicians are praised for working hard to fix breakdowns. Cutting costs without considering the value of why we are buying/maintaining in a certain way.

Build-in data review and analysis and systems ownership into your maintenance programme if not already done so. Ensure that online systems data is integrated into the overall CM system for asset-wide health assessment and maintenance planning.

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It is the development of new technologies that are enabling operators in the oil and gas sector to run successful CBM programmes. Being able to visualise this data, often via a live feed, means that decisions can be made in achieving the optimum performance from a specific piece of equipment.

In most instances, we are able to create a typical five-year forecast for each machine showing maintenance costs over time. Operators can then use this information for strategic decision making, for instance, capital budgeting process.

This focus on technology has been a central part of our activity and since we developed Machine Sentry® in 2006 there has been over five million readings logged on over 240 client sites in the UK alone. That success – it is the most

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widely used CM system in onshore industry - has come from a previously unsatisfied demand for easy to use CM tools, automatic report generation, integration of all CM techniques (VA, Oil Analysis, IR, watch-keeping data etc). However, the key factor that lowered the barriers for such a cost-conscious sector as the oil and gas sector was the significantly lower cost to implement a technology based CBM compared to traditional CM tools, Machine Sentry® being a good example of this.

The low price of oil also prompted firms to focus more closely on the cost of production and ‘think outside the box’ when it comes to how they use equipment capital budgets. For example, they may have used traditional CM

Condition Based Monitoring

when maintenance costs have reached a point where asset replacement becomes the best option, a useful insight when putting together capital budgets.

Conclusion In the last 18 months and probably due to oil and gas operators having to focus on cost of production as a result of oil price shifts, and thinking outside the box, the use of this kind of technology is growing rapidly in this key sector.

For instance, we have just completed the implementation of Machine Sentry® on four mature North Sea UKCS assets. The contract provides the operator with two of our consultant engineers deployed across the offshore assets, to carry out integrated CBM and reliability services. They are already seeing improvements from having a single holistic CBM and reliability-focused approach.

Paul Stamper, Maintenance & Reliability at Enquest, managed the process from RFQ to operation and said: “I am really impressed with the speed at which the AVT team have integrated with both our offshore and onshore teams, they have identified some high level areas of asset availability risk on both safety and production systems. This has allowed us to direct our resources to enable maximum focus, which ultimately affects our bottom line. Their Machine Sentry system is what gives AVT the edge.”

Machine Sentry® was used on Bluewater for two of their FPSOs 18 months ago. The operators were looking for a more cost-effective and powerful system, especially one where they didn’t have to buy a data collector (Machine Sentry® works with almost any PDA and plugs in to Bentley Nevada panels and easily incorporates the data).

Since then, there has been interest from Shell, who are now implementing it on their Corrib asset in Ireland, where it will demonstrate better ways of working, especially the fact that using the tri-axial capabilities makes data collection five times faster than the current system.

Condition Monitoring (CM) is an excellent maintenance strategy to enable asset operators a proactive means to reduce non value added PM activity and gain insight into both rotating and static equipment condition.

techniques (such as set maintenance intervals, dismantling and inspection of equipment – which is time consuming and prone to error in itself). Unsurprisingly, operators have been quick to embrace technology-based, integrated CBM solutions, which includes vibration analysis, lubrication analysis, thermal imaging and ultrasound, plus others. This approach is quicker, more accurate and does not require asset downtime. As shown in the graph above, it also allows operators to accurately predict the maintenance costs and life expectancy of each asset. Accurate management decision can be made using this data, such as knowing

AVT Reliabilities Lee McFarlane is AVT Reliabilities General Manager Energy and Infrastructure. AVT Reliability has been at the forefront of rotating equipment condition monitoring and structural integrity monitoring in the offshore sector since 1976. Over the years the company has established itself as a leading provider of asset management and reliability solutions to industry.

For further information please visit: avtreliability.com

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Carrying the power

Thibaut Zumsteeg asks: how are cables powering us to a renewable future?

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t is clear that there is an increasing global demand for energy. The population is only set to increase; meaning the amount of energy available also needs to follow this trend. The more the growing demand is met with renewable energy, the better, as carbon emissions will be reduced. Hence, pressure is mounting on power supply companies to increase the number of wind farms and the amount of power generated on each site. One way to do this is by creating higher capacity wind farms in more extreme environments and at a lower cost.

National grid data shows that 2015 was a record-breaking year for the British wind industry, with 11 per cent of all the UK’s energy generated by wind. Due to wind energy becoming more prevalent, developers are looking for ways to develop wind farm technology, ensuring turbines are operating as efficiently as possible.

Looking into different cabling innovations can be a good place to start. Cabling is a key feature in the success of wind farms. It is used within turbines, between turbines, and between the wind farm and grid. Between 50 and 100 different cables make up the nacelle, tower and base. Much like a variety of different neurons make up a nervous system, a variety of different cables make up a wind turbine. It is vital that cables work together (like neurons do) to create a functioning system, as without this operational system, wind farms would cease to work. This reinforces why it is so important that cables are of the highest quality.

The cables found in wind farms consist of a variety of medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) power cables,

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and control cables. There are many developments in cable technologies, which are allowing higher capacity wind farms to be built in more extreme environments, and at lower costs.

Three main types of cabling innovations will be focused on in this article: lighter aluminum cables (which make installing cables in wind farms easier), higher voltage intraarray cables (that carry extra capacity) and pre-assembled wind turbine sections (which are easily constructed on site).

The advantages of Aluminium cables Aluminium cables are a recent development in loop cables and allow the nacelle to turn freely in the wind. At 40 per cent lighter than traditional copper cables, they are cheaper and easier to install within wind turbines.

To ensure that these cables function properly they are tested before being installed, guaranteeing that they are resilient and flexible enough to resist torsional effects. Wind turbines are expected to last up to and maybe more than 20 years so it is really important that these tests are carried out.

Under torsional tests, the chosen aluminium cables are able to withstand a torsion of Âą100 degrees/meter during at least 2000 cycles.

High voltage helps harness wind power Higher voltage intra-array cables are also helping to meet the growing demand for renewable energy. They are allowing for higher capacity wind farms to be built using higher capacity turbines, in comparison to the more expensive option of building wind farms with more turbines. For example, if a typical 500 MW wind farm was built using 3.6 MW turbines,

Renewables

138 would be needed. However, if 5 MW turbines were used, only 100 would be needed and if 10 MW turbines were used only 50 turbines would be needed.

These higher voltage intra-array cables are helping to transform wind energy production by allowing for greater power capacity with a smaller cross section and lower current. Normally, 33 kV intra-array cables are used to connect wind turbines to each other. However, if these cables were used to connect higher capacity wind turbines, a larger cable cross-section would be needed to carry the extra current. This in turn would need more metal, making the cables more expensive. Increased current would also lead to greater losses due to electrical resistance. However, by doubling the voltage to 66 kV a smaller cross section can be used resulting in cheaper cables, with an increased efficiency.

Offshore wind farms located in deep, rough seas can really benefit from 66 kV cables as a new ring configuration can be used, rather than the traditional radial one, to increase redundancy. As a result, opportunities for renewable energy production are expanding.

Powering on with pre-assembly Pre-assembled wind turbine sections can be supplied with cables already wired inside. Split into four or five sections, up to 25 m in length, they can be used for the tower to make construction easier. The average wind turbine stands at 140m high so building them on site is an immense challenge. To make this easier, many OEMs are offering cable kits to further simplify the process. Cable kits have cables, which are cut to the correct lengths in the tower and are

already pre-stripped. They also include relevant connectors thus making construction at site significantly easier.

In summary, the way wind farms are being built and developed is being revolutionised by innovative cable technologies. Cables are now lighter and cost effective, able to cope with higher voltages and available in pre-assembled sections. This is allowing wind farms to generate more power by contending with harsher environments, opening up a wider range of opportunities for wind energy. Therefore, as wind farms move further and further from the shore, the need for reliable cabling to carry energy to the grid is only going to keep increasing.

nexans Thibaut Zumsteeg, Global Marketing Manager for Wind Energy, Nexans. Nexans brings energy to life through an extensive range of cables and cabling solutions that deliver increased performance for customers worldwide. Nexans’ teams are committed to a partnership approach that supports customers in four main business areas: Power transmission and distribution, Energy resources, Transportation, and Building.

For further information please visit: nexans.com

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PROFILE

growth Structured

Benteler Distribution

organisation; this has provided benefits such as the integrated expertise of each firm as well as the long-term tradition of having a progressive approach to the market sectors it serves.

Since joining the global division of Benteler Distribution International in 1994, Benteler Distribution Ltd has become truly international.

The BENTELER group is over 140 years old and in its fourth generation of family ownership. It includes three business divisions: Benteler Automotive and Benteler Steel/Tube as well as Benteler Distribution. Within these three divisions, the group is able to combine comprehensive competences in the areas of the production of steel and steel tubes, the engineering and manufacture of components for the automotive industry and the processing and worldwide distribution of its products.

During the past two years the company has taken part in a group wide European Network Study (ENS) to ensure its offering was aligned with the expected requirements of customers today, through 2020 and beyond. “From these findings we closed two of our warehouses in Falkirk and West Bromwich but are retaining the experienced staff in local sales offices. Scottish customers have since benefitted from improved

Having more than

BEWO Intelligent solutions for tube processing.

The biggest challenge for cutting tubes with smaller diameters is not the cutting itself, but separating the tubes from the bundle. Until now, this often had to be done manually.

However, Bewo Cutting Systems have managed to solve this issue with the help of special separation devices, which enable the separation of all tubes out of the complete bundle without operator assistance. This new development makes it possible to automatically run six mm diameter tubes with a starting length of six metres throughout the complete line.

The new system has been developed in such a way that all existing bundle loaders in the SCF-series can be modified to accept this new separation device.

6000 tonnes of carbon and stainless steel tubes in stock; an extensive range of cutting, washing and end processing machines; and a customer base that includes some of the largest manufacturers in the UK, Benteler Distribution Ltd is one of the country’s leading carbon and stainless steel tube and bar stockholders.

With a history dating as far back as 90 years, Bolton headquartered Benteler Distribution’s origins began with the foundation of Lancashire Tube Stockholders, Pipe & Tube Supplies, British & General Tube, Harbour Tubes and more recently Perchcourt Stainless. Today these companies operate within this one single

lead times direct from the large Bolton and Basingstoke sites through our new distribution network. In fact this has been a positive for all regions in the UK. With the relocation of our West Bromwich site, which was fast out growing its size, we have been able to expand the Basingstoke warehouse into over 100,000 square feet, which is now our centre for cold-finished tubes, stainless steel tubes and welded precision, as well as creating an integrated production unit for our precision cutting and processing equipment,” says Colin Knox, Group Sales Manager at Benteler Distribution Ltd. “The Basingstoke expansion was further boosted by a capex investment of £1.2 million for new and additional circular saws, tube washing and measurement systems, which has seen a generation of new business in the ENERGY,oil&gas

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Benteler Distribution

automotive market. This investment means we can follow market trends and existing customers, for example, into the application of fluid technology, and enhance our general capability in serving the automotive and general stainless steel market,” explains Phil DalePearson, Automotive Sales Manager.

With a competent and experienced local team in place across each site, Benteler Distribution’s focus on providing the best possible customer service to companies in the automotive, engineering, hydraulic and pneumatic, construction, energy and process plants, healthcare and shipbuilding sectors, has cemented its reputation as a leader in a number of markets. “We are already leading the way in hydraulic feed lines, cold finished,

and welded precision tubes in the UK and are also at the forefront in the mechanical engineering side of the business; this includes hot finished seamless mechanical tubing, hollow bar. We therefore see key areas for expansion and growth in the future being in the sectors of automotive, general stainless steel and energy,” Colin notes.

As a recognised second tier supplier to the UK automotive industry, for which it provides carbon, stainless steel and aluminium tubular components for fluid, seating, structural and safety applications, Benteler Distribution is in an enviable position as this booming industry continues to grow. “For our customers in this sector we provide a Just-In-Time (JIT) service where we work alongside clients to perfect bespoke solutions with electronic data transfer (EDI) as well as client specific service requirements,” says Phil. “For the latter, this could be technical solutions for a special steel, cutting, end processing or packing and stocking to a client’s needs.”

“This is a great point as to the direction we

see Benteler Distribution going in,” adds Colin.

“It isn’t about merely selling steel tubes, but about satisfying customer requirements. Every customer is different, and we have the flexibility to offer these services and meet their needs.”

Key to providing this service is the company’s experienced team, commitment to R&D and close proximity to technical resources, strengths which will also play an integral role in its increased progression into the energy sector.

“With these capabilities we can develop our product range in line with market developments.

For example, over the last ten years we have been expanding more into the pipeline and power generation market, and recently extended our stock range of boiler and pipeline products with a range of Western European manufactured G15/ X52 seamless steel pipes with 3.2 certification. These will be particularly suitable for our expansion into the offshore fabrication market,” highlights John Hutchison, Energy Sales Manager.

Alongside its focus on the automotive and energy markets, Colin says the company will also be seeking to develop the stainless steel side of the business further: “Benteler Group holds approximately 6000 tonnes of stainless steel tubes, combine that with our stocks of carbon tubes, aided by the latest processing technologies in our new Basingstoke facility, and our strong transport network, we have a unique product and service offering to achieve this goal.”

In these challenging times, Benteler Distribution is in a strong position for further growth as it not only benefits from leaner operations and state-of-the-art equipment, but also a solid reputation for the traditional values of reliability, honesty and superior customer service.

Pudsey Test & Inspection Ltd Pudsey Test & Inspection Ltd. are pleased to have been associated with Benteler Distribution Ltd over the past 18 years, and wish them all the success for the future. We have developed a strong working partnership to provide a high quality product to meet their customer requirements.

Pudsey Test & Inspection were established in 1980. We provide non-destructive inspection services both on-site and at our 8000sq ft. workshop in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Our services include: level 3 services, ultrasonic immersion testing of tube and bar, radiography, positive material identification, magnetic and liquid penetrant inspection and visual.

Rattunde & Co GmbH Designed and built in Germany, the Rattunde ACS Production System is the preferred machine for tube cutting, solid bar sawing and machining.

Rattunde sets the world standard for reliability, productivity and quality.

Whether you are looking to simply recut mill length tube and bar, recut and brush, recut and end finish or recut and machine complex features, including threading, there is a Rattunde ACS Production System suited to your needs.

Benteler Distribution Ltd benteler-distribution.co.uk

Services Carbon and stainless steel tubes

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In

demand V-Seal Ltd’s history

Stainless Band Stainless Band is a leading supplier of stainless coil processed products, with a growing reputation for providing consistent, high-quality products and an outstanding level of client service.

It produces a wide range of products including bobbin wound/oscillating stainless steel coil in a range of grades and thicknesses. Services include; edge dressings, coatings, stainless steel polishing, slit blanks and more.

The company holds the advantage of having edge rounding, edge dressing, flattening and rolling, polishing and testing facilities all under one roof – allowing it to maintain complete control over the quality of its products.

Call its multi-lingual team to find out more.

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dates back to 1996, when Founder and Managing Director Mark Birks moved into the sales market for the gasket industry and became frustrated at the length of lead times he could offer customers for quick breakdown services. In response to this, he opened Vesseal Gaskets and Rubber Products and started operations with a lathe, ring cutter and a spiral wound gasket machine; from there, he began servicing the fast turnaround industry in the market.

Having created an instant success, Mark was so in demand he opened two more units to meet the needs of his clients. Following further growth, he opened a clad gasket and die formed ring department in 2000 and relocated to Boothtown, Halifax, in 2002 to have the capacity for serving customers growing further. It was during this period of relocation to the Reflecting Roadstuds building that the company changed its name to V-Seal Ltd. In 2015 V-Seal moved once again to its current premises in Elland, West Yorkshire, where it uses long-term expertise to manufacture a broad variety of gaskets for customers in a manner that not only provides each customer with a high quality product, but also a quick turnaround. Still committed to the delivery of optimum customer service, V-Seal has cemented itself as a leading manufacturer of gaskets that are supplied directly or indirectly to the petrochemical and oil refineries across the globe.

Wholly aware of the pressure there is to keep production lines open within the oil & gas industry, the company ensures short lead times and even manufactures and dispatches many of its products the same day.

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With unrivalled commitment to service and quality, V-Seal’s skilled engineers are able to produce components to the customers’ exact requirements while also providing unequalled turnaround thanks to modern factory processes that focus on efficiency and precision. As such, V-Seal has become a leader of metallic and non-metallic gaskets and seals for industrial requirements for a number of industries that stringently adhere to superior levels or quality and legislative standards. These industries include petrochemical, oil & gas, aerospace, automotive, construction, water supply, electric and general utility services.

Included in the company’s product range are spiral wound gaskets, soft cut gaskets, clad gaskets, die formed rings, PTFE materials and valve and stem packings and machined components. Well-known for its spiral wound gaskets, which are often manufactured and dispatched the same day, V-Seal used a V shaped metallic winding strip continually wound and incorporating an inner wound soft filler material such as graphite or PTFE to create this product. By manufacturing in this way, the company maintains an effective seal at high fluctuating temperatures and pressures for the customer; as such, this product is suitable for applications in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and nuclear energy industries.

Also well known for its heat exchanger gaskets, which comprise of a metallic outer shell and metallic or non metallic filler, these hand made clad gaskets are produced to each customer’s exact specifications. Offered in a variety of metals and configurations, these

PROFILE

product can be fabricated in one piece or, should the gasket have bar configurations, securely welded into the ring by one of V-Seal’s expert engineers. Fabricated from a single sheet of metal, clad gaskets are suitable for applications such as heat exchangers, valve bonnet gaskets, narrow flanges and exhaust gases.

In addition to gaskets, valve and stem packings and die formed rings, the company also supplies customers with PTFE (polyetrafluoroethylene) materials, which boast superior properties and offer a wide range of usage within the sealing industry.

Effective from -200 degrees to 260 degrees Celsius, PTFE is resistant to virtually all corrosive chemicals; other benefits of using PTFE include the fact it is non-stick, nonflammable and offers resistance to moisture and UV as well as fatigue for applications involving flexing or vibrations.

Despite developing a leading reputation and accumulating a solid customer base from a diverse range of industries, V-Seal has

proven it is not a company to rest on its laurels following the announcement that is has agreed a combined £250,000 invoice finance facility with Aldermore, the specialist lender and savings bank. Currently employing 21 members of staff, this extended funding, in addition to earlier funds provided by Aldermore, will enable V-Seal to relocate and install a new laser cutting machines; the results of these developments will provide the company with opportunities to expand on a global scale and also aid in meeting the increasing demand for seals and gaskets of all sizes. Viewed as a significant milestone in V-Seal’s history, the investment will enable the company to upscale operations, which thus leads to more customers being served, particularly on the growing export side of the business.

With the additional funding in place to assist the company in growing its business over the coming years, the future looks positive for V-Seal as it seeks to expand in new geographical areas while also continuing to serve its established customer base.

V-Seal

With unrivalled commitment to service and quality, V-Seal’s skilled engineers are able to produce components to the customers’ exact requirements while also providing unequalled turnaround thanks to modern factory processes that focus on efficiency and precision V-Seal Ltd vseal.co.uk

Services Manufactures gaskets, rubber and PTFE materials

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Skilled

services With more than 90 years

of experience working with all types of tanks and industrial installations, Verwater has become a specialist in tank maintenance and construction and a trusted global contractor in industrial petrochemical installations. Experienced in project management, Verwater supports its clients in maintenance and construction works and can execute multidisciplinary projects as well as total maintenance trajectories. Known for its focus on quality, long-term experience and self-developed technology, the company today boasts large international organisations as

customers; these oil majors are served by its 600 plus employees across the globe in Verwater’s offices based in The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Turkey, Singapore and the US. Looking back on how Verwater has progressed over the years, Filip de Wilde, Chief Executive Officer at Verwater, begins: “Verwater was founded by the Verwater family in 1922 and began operations performing civil works in the Rotterdam port area for oil and

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gas companies. The work involved digging for the installation of wiring or piping as well as the repair of foundations for the construction of storage tanks, for example. From there we started to develop a technique to help companies find a solution for differential settings that holding tanks were showing; we came up with a checking technique for the holding tank that has resulted in us becoming a worldwide market leader that can check large tanks. We can also go underneath the tanks with diggers and excavators for repair work or to develop a new foundation and so on.

“By the 1970s Verwater was operating in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Belgium and Singapore as a provider of maintenance programmes for storage tanks. Today we are one of the leading contractors for all activities related to maintenance for storage tank installations.

However, not a company to rest on our laurels, we made the decision to diversify over recent years and developed our civil works outside tank farms; this has led to us not only providing deck and mechanical maintenance, but also maintenance of piping. We decided to switch from operating as a pure contractor to a service provider as we have gained a lot of experience in advising our main clients during a maintenance programme of specific installations. Increasingly we have been more involved in the planning process of a project and become part of our customer’s team, taking into account regulation, maintenance engineering and budgeting limits.”

Having made the decision to become a service provider to its customers, Verwater felt it necessary to strengthen its position in the market

PROFILE

by adding more complementary services to its repetoire. Aware that the Intex company was in the throes of business difficulties, Verwater took over the firm’s industrial services, which means it can now perform activities for the ELI instrumentation and electrical engineering and automation as well as valve reconditioning and repair works. “With the strengths of Intex added to our capabilities, we can now work on the piping and take out the valves and repair them during production shut downs or projects involving pipes; we can also dismount and connect everything electrical. With this takeover we can either broaden our scope of activities with existing clients or add activities on the side for former Intex clients; there is also a large, well defined area for potential synergy between the two companies,” highlights Filip.

With a solid reputation in the market for tank construction and maintenance and advanced capabilities thanks to the acquisition of Intex, Verwater experienced strong and turbulent growth over recent years; however, following a number of large projects that weren’t focused on its core strengths, the company became financially distressed. In July 2014 a majority stake of Verwater was acquired by Netherlands based independent investment firm Infestos, which has gone onto refinance the company, raise additional capital and thus secure the company’s future. In line with these developments, the board of Directors at Verwater was changed with the appointment of Filip as CEO and Peter de Koster as COO. The acquisition proved fruitful, with the company registering profits in 2015.

“With a new board installed, a programme change was introduced with a choice made for us not to strech too far from our strengths and instead stick with familiar competences with a focus on maintenance,” says Filip. “The strategy is to stick with what we are good at but evolve as a service provider; this decision has proven successful, with many customers returning to us for maintenance contracts.”

Following this milestone in the company’s history, a majority stake in Verwater was acquired

by Bregal Freshstream, a Dutch private equity company that focuses on the turnaround of Netherlands-based firms, in September 2016. With this transaction complete, Bregal Freshstream is now the majority owner, alongside Infestos, Verwater’s management team, the Verwater family and company executives. Bregal Freshstream

is also taking over as controlling shareholder as Verwater progresses with plans to expand its product portfolio and develop a presence in markets that complement its capabilities.

Currently working on projects that include the building of six new storage tanks for a refinery in Rotterdam-Botlek as part of an expansion project for a major oil company, the future looks positive for Verwater as it continues to work through a number of three to six year maintenance projects that were secured during the last two years.

“In the near future our focus will be on operational excellence so we secure our place in the market and secure our customers with extended contracts. We have demonstrated our safety processes and our operational excellence and seek to continue improving in these areas in the longer term to ensure our organisation is fit to support our strategy for further growth in the future.”

Verwater

Verwater verwater.com

Services Global contractor in industrial and petrochemical installations

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PROFILE

RS Clare

Innovation since1748 Founded at the dawn

RLM PACKAGING LTD RLM Packaging manufactures a wide range of tinplate containers for the oils and lubrication industries both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

It has been doing this successfully for over 25 years and has developed a great deal of expertise and experience in this sector. The company is also able to accommodate both large and small production runs to its customers’ specific needs and offers a high level of flexibility in its production process.

In addition its tinplate containers tick all the boxes with regard renewables and sustainability, as they are totally recyclable. Contact RLM for advice tailored to your needs.

of the Industrial Revolution, RS Clare is a family owned business that has been based in Liverpool since 1748. The company represents

the longest established business dedicated to the manufacture of lubricants in the United Kingdom and despite its age, RS Clare is both innovative and dynamic in the development of new ways to further improve its products and services. “Our company’s long history instils a sense of identity and purpose within our workforce, which helps to inspire us to overcome challenges and achieve new goals. This heritage also helps enormously in terms of our reputation and credibility with our company’s customers,” elaborates Head of Marketing & Customer Service, David

Meadows. “People are interested in our past and appreciate that a company still thriving after nearly 270 years in business is one which has solid foundations, but must also be innovative and agile enough to have prospered for so long.”

Being a family owned business gives the company several advantages in terms of its financial and leadership stability at Board level, allowing it to make critical decisions quickly and to stay ahead of competing firms. The unbroken history of RS Clare also gives the business a sophisticated understanding of the market for lubricating products, which represents a powerful tool in shaping the company and developing new products. “To help drive the business forward RS Clare has recently made a significant investment in a purpose built factory and office suite, which is integrated into our existing head office in Liverpool,” David says. “The new facilities not only enable our continued growth and expansion for years to come, they are also a symbol of our commitment to the environment, encompassing 78 Solar PV panels, ground source heating and a rainwater harvesting system. These new facilities are consistent with our strategic approach to environmentally sustainable lubrication practices.”

During the course of its history, RS Clare has developed an extensive customer base across several market sectors, including the oil and gas, rail, marine, industrial and anti-skid surfacing industries in both domestic and international markets. “RS Clare operates in multiple ENERGY,oil&gas

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PROFILE

RS Clare

industries and is a truly global enterprise. Our Lubricants Division has built on the company’s long experience in grease making by serving niche markets for speciality products in the oil and gas, rail, steel, marine and automotive industries throughout the world. We operate a Surface Coatings Division that manufactures and applies anti-skid surfaces and road markings.

We also continue to manufacture lubricants under our customer’s own brands as part of our Industrial Division,” David reveals. “Both domestic and international business is critical to our long-term success. Domestically we continue to perform strongly in the markets in which we participate, and we are seeing continued growth in our exports around the globe. We export to over 60 countries and the company now generates more than half of its turnover from overseas sales.”

RS Clare was founded on innovation and has been able to thrive for more than 260 years because of its continued focus on radical, disruptive products for new industries and applications. “Innovation is in our DNA and all of our people are consciously looking for new ways to add value to our product portfolio.

Many of our customers come to us as the first port of call for product development in lubrication and coatings. An innovation example is the invention of thermoplastic road markings in 1933 by our Chemist ‘Doc Myles’, which are today used around the world. Furthermore, our oil and gas lubricants are exclusively aimed at extending valve life and reducing costs, which is something that is especially important given today’s oil price,” David explains. “Today we maintain a technical team far in excess of what would be typical for our size and comprising not only top academics but also significant field experience to ensure that our developments are fully customer focused. One of our most exciting recent developments is a valve lubricant specifically designed for hydraulic fracking operations. We have incorporated radical technology never before seen in valve lubricants to take a significant step forward in protecting these heavily abused valves and keep out damaging sand. As always we are conducting extensive field trials and early indications are that it delivers significant cost benefits.”

As a result of its continued product development and research and development operations, RS Clare has established a strong portfolio of industrial lubricating products.

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These range from its market leading ‘Valve Lubricant 601’ to its new ‘EcoCurve’ Rail lubricant range and beyond. “Our signature product is most definitely Valve Lubricant 601, which is primarily used in gate valves in the oil and gas industry around the world. We have seen huge growth in this product in the last decade, as energy producers see the long-term benefits and value in using a lubricant designed for exceptional performance in the widest range of operating conditions,” David details.

“The product’s resistance to hydrocarbons and aggressive chemicals means that it stays in the valve cavity longer, meaning fewer unplanned maintenance intervals and increased component life. Our new range of ‘EcoCurve’ rail greases are biodegradable, reduce noise and wear on the tracks and enable one grease to be used all year round due its wide temperature range.”

Over the coming years RS Clare will continually develop new solutions in its chosen market sectors, further adding value to the products that is supplies to its customers. “We focus on markets where we believe we have or can develop a position of technical leadership.

In order to do this we invest in close working relationships, which are in effect ‘partnerships’ that ensure that we truly understand our customers’ and their requirements. Innovation is key and not an accident, it has been a long term objective that 25 per cent of our business returns each year should be derived from sales of recent product developments,” David concludes. “We are embarking on a new phase of international growth for several of our divisions with continued increase in exports and another Queen’s Award for Industry is in our sights. We have had considerable success in recent years by building great relationships, understanding customer’s issues and developing intricate specialist lubricants to solve those problems.

That has been our strategy for the past few years and it continues to be today.”

Vapor-Tek Ltd Vapor-Tek Ltd specialises in the manufacture of high quality corrosion preventives, for the protection of metal parts, machinery and equipment during storage, transportation and export. It is an approved supplier to the Ministry of Defence DEF STAN 68-10 (PX-24, NATO Code C-634).

In addition to solvent and oil-based coatings the company produces a range of vapour-phase (Volatile) corrosion preventives for the protection of internal areas.

Vapor-Tek has developed a unique grease (Cablegard) for the protection of overhead power lines (conductors).

The company’s philosophy is to provide products, which afford the highest possible level of protection and never to compromise on quality.

RS Clare & Co Ltd rsclare.com

Services Lubricant manufacturer

PROFILE

Uninterruptible

Hadimec AG / BRITZE Elektronik und Gerätebau GmbH As end-to-end E2MS providers, Hadimec and its subsidiary BRITZE offer a comprehensive range of design, engineering, manufacturing and testing services for electronic systems to international customers in high-tech industries. They specialise in low volume/high mix electronic manufacturing and provide responsive and customised solutions along the entire electronic product lifecycle – keeping in mind the total cost of ownership. With locations in Switzerland, Germany and Hungary, the companies combine local expertise with a European footprint to ensure global competitiveness while maintaining direct and personal relationships to customers.

Schneider Electric

The focus of

quality

Schneider Electric’s attention with their Gutor AC & DC UPS Systems is to secure the continuous and conditioned electric power supply for critical industrial and commercial applications. It specialises in designing complete UPS system solutions, which are mainly used in the global oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical and nuclear, as well as conventional power generation industries. There are clear costs to the risks of an interruption of power in many areas of the energy industry, and the increasing pressures on running an efficient cost-effective process makes the need for a reliable UPS system all the more important. With its market leading Gutor UPS Systems, Schneider Electric has built a reputation on helping its global energy customers avoid the impact of any unpredicted power issues.

Gutor is a well-known UPS brand in the industry as there are few others that can call upon the same standard of quality or track record of reliability that it can, and that is one of the factors that make Schneider Electric’s Gutor UPS systems unique. Its commitment to achieving the highest standard possible for its products is something that stems from the company’s base in Switzerland, and was perfectly extended to its factory in Malaysia that is following the same processes and standards, and is sharing its Quality Management System with

the plant in Switzerland. The name Switzerland, and the companies and products that come from there are synonymous with ‘quality.’ Therefore, to know that Schneider Electric’s Gutor UPS systems are Swiss is to know that when it matters most they will do their job.

Continuing on the topic of the quality of its UPS systems sales directors Ravinderan Bagabaldass and Mohan Madalimuthu added: “Our UPS is designed to last customers for 20 years, providing continuous uninterrupted power supply for all the critical loads that they have at their install base. The clients we work with are looking for very high end industrialised UPS, and it is clearly very positive for them that many of ours will go for four or five years maintenance free.”

Indeed, Schneider Electric offers a standard of service that has meant its Gutor UPS systems are in use across the world, which Ravinderan and Mohan offered an insight into: “Our Gutor UPS systems are supplied to backup critical load anywhere clients are located, such as in refineries and other highly important areas of infrastructure. We also provide our UPS services for almost every major oil and gas company around the globe.”

As a result of its extensive and diverse customer range Schneider Electric understands that there is rarely a one-fits-all in terms of ENERGY,oil&gas

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UPS, and it provides systems that are designed with the customers’ needs in mind, something that Ravinderan highlighted: “The products are very high-end and tailor-made, and we are very flexible in the design of the systems in order to fulfill all the client’s requirements.”

The importance placed upon providing its customers with an always reliable and exceptional standard of product and service was something that both Mohan and Ravinderan expanded upon: “One of the fundamental strengths that we have as a company and we are exceptionally proud of, is that we always have a continuous belief and focus on the importance of quality. For all of us in Schneider Electric our quality is our number one priority. Quality is compulsory, and we pride ourselves on producing UPS of the highest standard, and this is a part of the DNA of every Gutor expert in Schneider Electric.”

One of the major developments for the former Gutor Electronic in the past decade that has assisted in its services to customers has been

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it becoming a part of Schneider Electric, and this offers an array of benefits that Ravinderan addressed: “Through being a part of a big organisation, it portrays to the customer that we are a stable and financially sound business.

Also, by being part of Schneider Electric it gives us a lot of opportunities to access more global possibilities because it has presence in almost every country across the world.” He then discussed some of the other ways in which it supports their work: “Today we are providing different services to the oil and gas market.

This means that we are able to establish a lot of synergy between the two areas, and it helps us offer a package solution that tends to all the needs of a customer - an example of this is the provision of an E-house solution. Through being part of a big organisation it helps us to supply UPS as a part of a prefabrication – something that Schneider Electric specialises in.”

The E-house solution is a complete power distribution substation that is designed, engineered and factory integrated, tested,

PROFILE

validated and delivered on site. The E-house helps to reduce the construction lead times, optimise the cost of transportation, installation and commissioning, and enhance uptime due to a qualified and reliable design. Infrastructure customers that need a quick scalable solution to accompany construction of new buildings or industrial facilities can benefit from this new approach of engineering that minimises project times and on-site presence. This option improves safety for both the personnel and the equipment, and it means that there is only one partner that is required through the complete distribution.

Schneider Electric’s E-house solution is just one of the services it provides its customers, another newly launched offer is the Gutor PXC, a standardised, fully industrial uninterruptible power supply for harsh environments. It is ideal for rugged and outdoor settings such as oil and gas exploration and production sites, marine and offshore environments and climates with extreme temperatures. The Gutor PXC protects critical equipment and industrial applications from damage due to power outages, surges, and spikes while providing short-term battery power during an outage. Due to the solution’s standardised and flexible design, users including facility managers, engineers and contractors, now have the ability to deploy a reliable and turnkey solution in a dramatically shorter time frame and at a lower cost: “The Gutor PXC provides the best reliability, safety and efficiency to protect critical equipment in remote and rugged conditions, where downtime is not acceptable and where other UPS systems fail to deliver,” director of industrial UPS engineering and offer management Bernhard Kiechl said.

Due to the expertise, systems and services that Schneider Electric has to offer, it should no doubt remain the first choice for all of those in the oil and gas, and energy industry.

Schneider Electric’s clients who invest in Gutor UPS systems rest assured in the knowledge that they are purchasing Swiss technology that has been specifically designed with their needs in mind. When a company needs a UPS system, it needs to have the best, and that is what Gutor technology stands for.

Schneider Electric schneider-electric.com/gutor

Services Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems ENERGY,oil&gas

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Schneider Electric

PROFILE

Claxton Engineering Services

Services in

demand Claxton Engineering

brings together the best elements of a traditional familyrun business with the energy and progressive thinking of an industry innovator. Providing offshore engineering services for clients around the world, the company prides itself on offering tailored services that rival those of much larger competitors.

The company’s values were set out by founder

Below Laura Claxton, managing director Claxton Enginnering

Bob Claxton 30 years ago and while the business may have grown and evolved, these beliefs are still crucial to the business today, as managing director Laura Claxton explained: “Today we have offices in Norway, and the UAE as well as the UK – but we’ve retained Bob’s original ethic: Bob had a steadfast belief that service and delivery is everything to our customers.

We always remember that the pace and quality of our delivery can make a massive difference to their projects. So, because great service and delivery are important to our clients, they are essential to us too.”

Thanks to Claxton’s continued business philosophy, the company has established a

reputation in the market for reliability, flexibility and superior technology. It takes great pride in its ability to meet the needs of its clients no matter how challenging the requirements are, and one of the major contributing factors of this success is the skill of its team. Claxton can rely on a wealth of experienced and talented engineers, all of whom are able to bring their knowledge of the industry to support clients’ needs. The fast-track in-house design-analysebuild engineering service capability, means also that Claxton can adjust specifications to suit bespoke requirements. This combination of factors is what makes Claxton the smart choice for customers.

Claxton describes its capabilities as ‘engineering and services across the life of field’ and in reality this translates to a wide spectrum of services, across three broad categories – Risers, Decommissioning and Structures. When we spoke to Laura she was extremely proud of how the portfolio had grown over three decades of operation and she pointed out that the extensive span of items available is now unrivalled in the market: “We have riser and adaptor rental inventory that extends to over a 1000m of riser, 4000 ancillary tooling items and a variety of different connection types, including full-bore API/NACE compliant subsea systems up to 12,200 psi swp,” she stated. “No other company can offer this breadth of riser inventory.”

She continued by highlighting the benefits of one of the company’s state-of-the-art systems: “The Claxton HP Drilling Riser System is an assembly of pressure containing drilling spools with flanged end connections, which are used to connect a jack up rig’s surface BOP to the ENERGY,oil&gas

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PROFILE

wellhead,” she explained. “It allows full-bore, unrestricted access to the well for the deployment of tools and as conduit for fluids, whilst being able to contain maximum reservoir pressure and acting as an environmental barrier, for the purposes of drilling, completing or working over a well in addition to well abandonment.”

Claxton also has a long-standing record working on decommissioning projects around the world. An integral part of the offshore industry over the past few years, Decommissioning is an area where the company demonstrates many of its market leading strengths. Laura expanded on this: “Claxton are very experienced in platform, subsea, rigless and vessel based campaigns, and support well decommissioning projects by providing risers, wellhead removal, conductor severance, and solutions to overcome integrity issues with platforms or ageing well infrastructure. We have continually invested in our team and proprietary tooling with the result that today the company has completed over 280 cutting and recovery projects, over 85 wells cut and over 130 suspended wells abandoned.”

Finally, the business has also worked together with its clients to install over 5000 conductor guide centralizers and over 55 major pre-drilling developments have benefited from Claxton’s designed – and installed – drilling templates.

Laura stated: “Our experience with structures means we can ‘take the pain away’ when it comes to your structural and well conductor asset life extension issues. All of our products have been built using significant analysis of the platform structure and well conductor interface. This innate understanding of the well conductor environment, complemented by proprietary tooling and fieldproven procedures, enables Claxton to add significant value at all stages of the process.”

As Laura mentioned, Claxton has a dedicated in-house design and research development team, which is continually looking to make improvements to existing products as well as launch new ones. The team also responds to what the market and customers are demanding, as well as looking at what they might need in the future. A prime example of Claxton’s approach to product development is the latest evolution of its conductor recovery tower and SABRE™ cutting system. SABRE™ was first developed in 1999, and has proven to be an invaluable tool for the company when working on some of the world’s most significant abandonment

Claxton Engineering Services

campaigns. Its abrasive jet exits the tool at transonic speeds - making light work of even composite materials such as cemented casings.

However, the upgraded option of this will offer even more benefits. Laura gave more details: “The latest version is fully NORSOK Z-015 compliant, has a reduced system footprint and is modular in design, making it adaptable to a wider range of applications and deck layouts and thus minimising complexity. Its cutting manipulators suit all standard casing sizes down to 6-5/8 inches; it can operate at pressures of up to 20,000 psi and includes a packer system to improve cutting performance.”

She continued: “The modular approach and philosophy for SABRE™ also influenced new developments for the Claxton conductor recovery tower. The tower can handle and recover tubulars from production tubing to 30” casing during well abandonment. Designed for operational speed and reduced rig-up complexity, the system increases efficiency offshore. By having a small, lightweight yet powerful system, Claxton can also extend the operational window of the unit and move from well to well more quickly and effectively.”

The SABRE™ development reinforces the commitment that Claxton has towards providing new innovation to drive efficiency to its customers. The same philosophy that went into creating SABRE™ is the same approach that goes into all of Claxton’s products and services, finding the right solution to meet the needs of its clients within the industry. Having had a successful 30 years’ in business, and an increasingly positive period under the current managing director, resulted in Laura Claxton being shortlisted for the Business Woman of the Year Award 2015. The future of the company looks set to continue on its encouraging trajectory and as more and more operators within the industry look to reduce operating costs, Claxton’s world leading services will no doubt be in heavy demand.

SSCS LIFTING SSCS Lifting operates as a Division of Seabed Scour Control Systems Limited and combines expertise with many years experience as manufacturers and suppliers of lifting products in addition to providing a proven problem solving capability for all lifting and lashing requirements.

Testing and Certification work is supported by a fully computerised certification management system, which maintains a comprehensive client database with records of each individual item of equipment provided or tested, all of which is available to the client direct from the SSCS website.

SSCS is proud to have supported Claxton Engineering in the provision of their substantial lifting equipment requirements and in ensuring that the service provided meets all of their specific demands regarding delivery and promotion of the service required for an effective and reliable operation.

SSCS Lifting looks forward to continuing the support of Claxton Engineering in the future and to ensure all equipment is delivered on time, every time and in helping Claxton to ‘MAKE IT HAPPEN’.

Claxton Engineering Services Ltd claxtonengineering.com

Services Bespoke offshore engineering and products

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PROFILE

SOCAR Gas Georgia

innovation Vision of

In 1994, SOCAR Energy Georgia Ltd was founded with the goal of gaining profit through a range of activities. These included but were not limited to the purchase and development of Kulevi (Georgia) Port and Terminal, the production, process and sale of oil products, the import and export of oil products and attracting local as well as foreign funds for the investment of important projects.

In 2007 the firm established a subsidiary company, SOCAR Georgia Gas, with a vision of implementing a gasification programme in the territory of Georgia. In support of this vision, the Government of Georgia signed the investment agreement with SOCAR in 2008 and transferred 29 state-owned regional gas distribution companies to SOCAR Georgia Gas in exchange to invest in gasification of a minimum of 150,000 new customers. Following this development, in 2014 the agreement was amended, with gasification commitments increasing from 150,000 to 250,000 new customers; the amount of total investment commitments for gasification projects increased to $250 million; these investment and gasification commitments are due to be fulfilled by the final quarter of 2017.

Discussing the company’s background and operations further is Azer Mammadov, Director of SOCAR Georgia Gas: “Until 2007 there was only one gas supply source for Georgia – Russian Federation; gas was supplied through short-term (one-year) contracts, where gas prices would

increase drastically every year. Before 2007 Azerbaijan itself was an importer of natural gas, but after implementation of Shah-Deniz and South Caucasus Pipeline projects, Azerbaijan started exporting natural gas to the European market. Georgia, due to its geographical location, participated in SCP projects and benefited from the establishment of a new source of gas imports that limited dependence of Georgia on Russian gas imports.

“Currently, we think SOCAR Georgia Gas offers the best competitive stance in the country, with top quality services and product.

We believe our solutions are cost-effective for the population of Georgia as well as the commercial subscriber, and we are ready to compete with other suppliers and strengthen our market in the future. Gas pipeline networks operated by SOCAR Georgia Gas are used to supply natural gas to both types of customers, social (households), and commercial (B2B).

We presently supply natural gas to 515,500 customers, out of which 500,700 are households and 14,800 are commercial. Although there is a significant difference between numbers of social and commercial customers, it should be underlined that the commercial segment is very important for the overall supply of natural gas provided by our company.”

As a gas distribution company, SOCAR Georgia Gas is a license holder for the operation of a low and medium pressure pipeline network; the Georgian natural gas grid also includes ENERGY,oil&gas

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PROFILE

SOCAR Gas Georgia

high-pressure transmission pipeline, which is operated by the state-owned Georgian Gas Transportation Company. The current scope of work for the company includes the import, supply and distribution of natural gas, as well as the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of the gas network. For its 515,500 customers, the company offers these services through 40 service centres in the regions of Georgia and its headquarters in Tbilisi.

With distribution companies in the regions merged into one unified structure by 2014, SOCAR Georgia Gas further strengthened business processes in 2015 through the introduction of a number of solutions in the field of information systems. These include GIS, CRM, Electronic Docflow, a 1C ERP system and a new billing system; in addition to this investment, a number of technical standards in construction and maintenance of the network have been developed.

Having made these investments, the company faced a fresh challenge caused by the increased consumption of natural gas in the country. With the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Micheil Janelidze affirming that the Government of Georgia’s goal is to ensure the stable and uninterrupted supply of natural gas in early 2016, the Government went onto conduct long and open negotiations, which have led to successful results. “On average, more than 50,000 new customers are connected to the distribution network of SOCAR Georgia Gas every year; the trend will remain until the end of 2018, when the total number of active customers is expected to reach more than 600,000,” says Azer.

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He continues: “In March 2016 the Government of Georgia and State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic reinstated their commitments to co-operate with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted and secure gas supply of the Georgian social sector (households and thermal power plants) for the next 15 years. Before 2016, SOCAR annually supplied around 1300 million cubic metres of gas to Georgia, based on the signed agreements previously mentioned and, considering the long-term forecast made by the Government of Georgia, SOCAR has increased its annual supply volume of gas by 400 million cubic metres for the upcoming years. We are in a strong position to meet this increased gas demand and import gas sufficient to cover gas consumption volumes in both social and commercial sectors.”

Moving forward, the company has issued a five-year strategic plan for 2016 to 2020, which outlines the company’s goals to be achieved in technical, commercial, financial, innovations and institutional development directions. Looking at the work that lays ahead for SOCAR Gas Georgia, Azer concludes: “Generally, the company has the following strategic objectives: to increase profitability and efficiency, improve operational efficiency, implement the investment plan and prepare for the implementation of the requirements of the Third Energy Package. Our vision is to be a nationwide leading, highly innovative natural gas company with social responsibility towards community, employees and environment.”

On average, more than 50,000 new customers are connected to the distribution network of SOCAR Georgia Gas every year; the trend will remain until the end of 2018, when the total number of active customers is expected to reach more than 600,000

SOCAR Georgia Gas socargas.ge

Services Gas distribution company

PROFILE

Harpers Environmental

service First-class

An award-winning

and UKAS ISO accredited business, Harpers Environmental has developed a solid reputation as a leader in the field of industrial services and waste management over the last 65 years. Offering a first-class service, the company focuses on delivering safe, innovative and value adding solutions to its diverse customer base. With patent pending equipment and known for the level of quality it provides throughout each project, Harpers’ team regularly works with many blue chip and high profile organisations in industries such as construction, food, utilities, water, oil and gas and demolition.

Delivering often high risk and complex projects involving industrial services, waste removal and waste disposal, Harpers delivers world-class environmental services while also creating efficiencies that reduces cost in a safe environment. Harpers also strives to provide solutions in a manner that respects people and safety in a hard working and enterprising environment, which thus ensures excellence in reputation for both Harpers and its customers.

Thanks to long-term expertise and an evergrowing comprehensive vehicle fleet and high performance equipment, the company is able to provide a tailored approach to business. Able to source the most appropriate cleaning and decontamination methods for each job, the company also produces comprehensive method statements and risk assessments, complete tests for contaminants and obtains work permits.

Moreover, the environmentally friendly Harpers

ensures waste is reduced, re-used and recycled whenever possible.

Within the company’s broad vehicle fleet are high pressure jetting units, rigid vacuum tankers, articulated tankers, jetting tankers, DISAB vacuum units, jet-vac tankers, recycling tankers, KSA dewatering tankers; CCTV units, skip vehicles and rapid response vehicles. These are used for specific services including dewatering and sludge treatment, DISAB vacuum services, UHP water jetting, NORM (naturally occurring radioactive material), tank cleaning and waste management to name but a few.

“We have got the largest fleet of working DISABS in the UK; a DISAB is a specialist piece of equipment that we use to suck out everything from contaminated diesel and contaminated NORM liquids and sludges from ships and oil rigs when they are floated to shore. These DISABs use fast moving air flow via very powerful fans that bring up the liquid; in fact they can suck heavy material such as thick sludge well over 100 metres and over significant depth up a six inch pipe, so it has a huge amount of power. There aren’t hundreds of them in the country, however they are an exceptional piece of kit and Harpers have the expertise and largest fleet in the UK to offer this service. It is about having the reach and ability to scale up and take on the requests from these major companies; we have high performance tankers with liquid rings, vacuum pumps, DISABs and expert crews that are confined space and breathing apparatus trained and able to go all ENERGY,oil&gas

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Operating nationally for clients in the, Construction, Demolition, Utility, Oil & Gas, Chemical & Heavy Industry Sectors OUR SERVICES Industrial Tank Cleaning ---------------------------------------------------------------------2 Dewatering & Sludge Treatment ---------------------------------------------------------------------3 DISAB Vacuum Services for heavy sludge removal over extended vertical and horizontal distances ---------------------------------------------------------------------4 Decommission Cleaning & Waste Removal 1

UHP Water Jetting ---------------------------------------------------------------------6 Bulk Tankering ---------------------------------------------------------------------7 Interceptors ---------------------------------------------------------------------8 Confined Space Cleaning ---------------------------------------------------------------------9 Hazardous Waste Management ---------------------------------------------------------------------10 Plant Decontamination 5

www.harpersenvironmental.co.uk York 01347 810677 - Teeside 01642 563129

PROFILE

over the country to take on complex projects,” explains Chris Perry, Managing Director at Harpers Environmental.

“Complementing our range of equipment further is the addition of seven new tankers that we have added to our portfolio over recent months. These include specialist ADR, lightweight stainless steel and aluminum tankers.”

Headquartered in York, the company also has a large presence in Teesside where it provides services to customers throughout the UK and further afield. “When working with customers in the petrochem industry we are able to offer confidence to customers thanks to our high standards and level of accreditation; we are not only UKAS ISO 9001, 14001, 18001 accredited, but also have CHAS, Safe Contractor, SSIP, Achilles, Builders Profile, UK Spill Members, Safety Council and the Water Jetting Association under our belts. We also have the O license for more than 60 vehicles with an international license, so we are able to go abroad with our specialist vehicles if required,” says Chris.

“Key to our success are the standards, processes and procedures we have in place; the waste industry is hugely legislature driven and there are a lot of standards and laws in place to comply with. Harpers can do this and has a very good record for health and safety as well as with the EA (Environmental Agency); it is clear that customers appreciate this as when we put forward tenders we can easily demonstrate how we have previously met standards and how we can look after their reputation and meet their requirements. Having been in the business for more than 65 years we have proven experience on the projects we have worked on before and when it comes to high risk contracts, this is important,” he adds.

Recent projects for the company include supporting the decommissioning process of the

Harpers Environmental

Maersk North Sea Producer, which was moored in Middlesbrough. Other oil and gas related projects that Harpers has recently been involved in include NORM, tank cleaning and ultra-high 40,000 psi jetting. “Harpers is one of the first businesses in the UK to develop a full NORM capability and supervisory team; it can be potentially dangerous, but from a regulatory perspective it is complex, which means training and processes are more involved. NORM is a new area for us for which we have got approximately 100 employees. For the range of projects we are involved in, we have the UHP jetting, which we can do in confined spaces; we are also involved in high risk processes and procedures in complex places for well-known companies that have reputations they want to protect. When you work with Harpers you are working with a company that can not only protect a PLC’s reputation through the high standards we have obtained, but also wants to maintain its own high standards,” comments Chris.

Having grown by 25 per cent over the last three years, Harpers Environmental has become stronger and leaner since the challenging recession and anticipates stronger growth over the coming years. Although it is possible that there may be less waste to take away as companies continue to design facilities to not create waste it is clearly noted that the legislation for waste disposal has significantly increased. Harpers Environmental can rely on its impeccable reputation as customers seek out partners with proven skills, a focus on H&S and extensive knowledge of legislation to move materials safely and dispose of it in a compliant, efficient and cost-effective fashion.

“With the HSE issuing record fines, the implications of adhering to legislation is huge and reputations need to be maintained. Because of this, I anticipate continued growth as the market consolidates and we continue to become a bigger player in the market,” Chris concludes.

Harpers Environmental harpersenvironmental.co.uk

Services Industrial services and waste management

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future Investing in its

Saint-Gobain PPL Kontich is an industrial leader in designing and manufacturing custom seals and polymer components. With over six decades experience in materials and product innovation Saint-Gobain Seals is recognised as a comprehensive solutions provider for the most extreme applications.

One of the key strengths of Saint-Gobain comes from the reputation it has built within the industry as being a market leader in the design and manufacture of seals and polymer components, which satisfy various requirements within the energy, oil and gas sectors. As a global leader in the energy sector, Saint-Gobain aims to provide its clients with a tailored and customdesigned solution to any and all polymer and sealing needs. This means that Saint-Gobain is able to work with its customers on a projectby-project basis, and using its expertise and experience will get the best outcome for every project that it supports. Due to the customer focused approach that Saint-Gobain has taken it has meant that it has built strong relationships

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with its customers based on the standard of engineering skills, materials understanding, and by prioritising its clients needs.

There are numerous products that SaintGobain offers its customers in order to achieve these results, and it is centred upon providing highly innovative-engineered solutions that will meet the growth in global energy demand.

With a rich, pioneering tradition, Saint-Gobain is dedicated to delivering the most technological advanced products and solutions in photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, low fugitive emission valves, subsea and topside valves, loading and transfer equipment, subsea equipment, floating production, and E&P equipment. To meet these areas’ needs Saint-Gobain has a range of unique product lines, which include OmniSeal, OmniLip, Dynalip, OmniFlex, Meldin, Rulon, Marathon, and Transband, all of which offer a specalist benefit to those working in all areas within the energy, oil and gas industries.

Another key feature of Saint-Gobain is its willingness to invest in its future, and this is often through supporting improvements of its facilities, and one of the most recent examples of this has been the expansion of its headquarters.

Saint-Gobain recently hosted two open houses to celebrate the opening of the business’ new headquarters in Solon, Ohio. The new facilities are located on a park-like setting and its size is 54,000-square-foot, and will contain everything that a modern headquarters could want, which includes a training room and fitness centre. The new Solon office will provide both function and design, which creates a working environment that will benefit its employees and the business as a whole.

There are countless other examples of Saint-Gobain making investments across its international locations, and some highlights within recent years have been its new production plants in China and Brazil and these continue to be successful additions to the company’s portfolio of facilities, and both of which significantly aided the expansion of its presence within the regions.

In addition to this, it has also opened a new large diameter OmniSeal seal production facility in Kontich, Belgium. This once again displays the presence that Saint-Gobain has across the world, which has strengthened its position within all major markets. The new site will offer further improvement to quality and help reduce lead-times significantly for large diameter, polymer OmniSeal seals. With this

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new production facility, Saint-Gobain aims to strengthen the service to the energy sector for applications such as FPSO turret swivels, large engineered valves, wind turbines, compressors and turbines. The dedicated area includes a new compression-molding press, sintering ovens, a large diameter CNC lathe, bespoke flexible forming and welding technology for Meldin 5301 PEEK based components, special transportation racks and a large table for assembly and inspection. The state-of-the-art equipment operates in a climatised environment to guarantee optimal dimension consistency throughout the manufacturing process until final shipping. The addition of the Kontich production facility follows Saint-Gobain’s strategic plan to offer global support to meet emerging oil and gas market requirements and technology demands.

The company once again demonstrated its commitment to the oil and gas industry in September 2015, when the world’s first subsea gas compression station became operational

in the Asgard field offshore Norway using Saint-Gobain OmniSeal seals, which were certified for the axial control valves portion of the gas compression systems that will go on stream at a water depth of 3000 metres. The compression station is a major move forward in powering processing technologies on the seafloor and creating new possibilities to extract hydrocarbons in deeper, harsher waters, and further from shore.

Saint-Gobain has continued its tradition of improvement and investment, and has ensured that it will go on providing market leading products and services to its clients across the energy, oil and gas industries. It will continue expanding its capabilities and production not just across Europe, but also within its bases around the world, demonstrating its determination to retain and expand its global reputation within the industry. Saint-Gobain has got the products, the facilities, and the customer relationships in place to indicate it will have many more years of increasing success.

Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain plastics.saint-gobain.com

Services Designs and manufactures high performance seals and polymer components

ENERGY,oil&gas

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Schofield Publishing Ltd 10 Cringleford Business Centre Intwood Road Cringleford Norwich NR4 6AU T: +44 (0) 1603 274130 F: +44 (0) 1603 274131 Editor Libbie Hammond libbie@schofieldpublishing.co.uk Sales Director Joe Woolsgrove jwoolsgrove@schofieldpublishing.co.uk

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