Subsea UK News Sep. 2013

SUBSEA UK NEWS THE MAGAZINE FROM SUBSEA UK WWW.SUBSEAUK.COM SEPTEMBER 2013

UK share of global subsea market in 2013

IN THIS ISSUE Feature on Business Support with Scottish Enterprise Subsea News & Events Highlighting New Technology and Innovation

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FOREWORD

BUSINESS REVIEW Welcome to this edition of Subsea UK News, which focuses on Offshore Europe.

As the offshore community gathers in Aberdeen for the event, it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on just how important the region is - not just to the UK, but on a far wider scale.

In July we published our Business Activity Review and a summary supplement highlighting the key findings is included in this issue.

The Business Activity Review demonstrated that once again UK expertise in the subsea market continues to influence undersea work globally. The research showed that the UK subsea sector now captures 45% of the global market, or £8.9billion. Not only has that figure increased by 51% since we published our last report three years ago, but it has done so in the face of continuing challenging economic conditions, proving that the sector remains in robust health.

While other industries have been adversely affected by near recession-like conditions, the subsea sector has seen a yearon-year increase in expenditure since 2010. Indeed, Douglas Westwood recently forecast a global subsea CAPEX in excess of £223billion for 2013-2017.

The sector is also demonstrating its ability to diversify; companies told us that they are looking at decommissioning activities, Inspection Repair Maintenance and the renewables market. It is this ability to exploit new opportunities by capitalising on decadeslong experience that makes our subsea sector a true world-leader.

I hope you enjoy this edition of our magazine.

Subsea UK Subsea UK News, produced by Subsea UK, reaches over 15,000 subsea-affiliated people each issue.

Subsea UK is the champion for the UK subsea industry. We act for the entire supply chain bringing together operators, contractors, suppliers and people in the industry.

With some 53,000 employees, worth almost £8.9 billion in services and products and with over 750 companies, the UK subsea industry sector leads the world in experience, innovation and technology. The UK will maintain a leading technological edge by sustaining and expanding this important business sector.

Whether you are a company looking to join and reap the benefits or an individual looking to develop your career in the subsea industry, explore our website or contact us to find out how Subsea UK can help you, your business and your industry.

New Members • Asset Development and Improvement • Alco Sub-Tek • Bender UK • Cairnhill Structure • EW Fuel Management • Houlder • Hughes Sub Surface Eng • IMCA • IndiComm Global

• ITF • Maggie Braid Associates • MP Filtri (UK) • NEL • Neptune Subsea Engineering • Noronha Advogados • Subsea Fluid Services • Talisman Sinopec Energy UK • Z-Subsea

To view the full Subsea UK members list, visit the Subsea UK Directory at www.subseauk.com

Forthcoming Events September 2013

November 2013

Subsea UK South East Dinner London, UK 19 September 2013

February 2014

Subsea North East Showcase Event Newcastle, UK 19 September 2013

November 2013

Subsea Focus on Europe and Africa One-Day Conference London, UK 12 November 2013

Subsea UK Networking Dinner – Malmaison Manchester, UK 14 November 2013 Australasian Oil & Gas 2014 – Subsea UK Pavilion Perth, Australia 19-21 February 2014

June 2014

Subsea Asia 2014 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 11-13 June 2014

These are some of Subsea UK’s events but please visit our website for full details of all forthcoming events www.subseauk.com

Neil Gordon Chief Executive, Subsea UK

Subsea UK News | September 2013

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TECHNOLOGY Tritech’s RAMS™ Integrity Monitoring Technology for Quad 204 Following a competitive and detailed bidding process, Tritech has been selected by Single Buoy Moorings Inc. (SBM), designer and supplier of Turret Mooring Systems (TMS), to supply the primary safety tool for real-time mooring line failure detection and riser monitoring for the new build Floating Production Storage and Offloading Unit (FPSO), for the BP Quad 204 development.

161km (100mi) off the West Coast of Shetland, in a water depth of 350-450m. Tritech has contracted Subsea 7 IAS team to design, develop and supply the deployment system.

The RAMS™ technology will provide 24/7 realtime simultaneous monitoring of the presence and precise position of all subsea targets beneath the FPSO. Tritech is to supply a full hardware and software solution to comply with detailed project specification, including DNV high availability and redundancy requirements.

In addition to the software’s ability to assign user-defined alarms for early warning failure detections, data gathered from the RAMS™ system’s continuous real-time monitoring will be analysed for asset fatigue studies.

“This has shown an increased requirement for a real-time monitoring solution which can actively monitor the asset. Tritech’s RAMS™ offers a full life-of-field monitoring capability and we are delighted that BP has the continued confidence in our system to insist it is the real-time monitoring system deployed on the new FPSO for Quad 204.”

The RAMS™ system will be safely deployed through dedicated deployment chutes in the FPSO turret, following its anchoring approximately

Angus Lugsdin, Tritech’s Business Development Manager for RAMS™ comments: “The level of interest and research into FPSO monitoring systems and asset integrity management has heightened amongst operators as the number of FPSOs in operation has grown.”

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TECHNOLOGY

World’s First Subsea CT Scanner Launches For the first time oil and gas operators are offered the opportunity to scan from the outside, any coated pipeline without process intervention for both flow assurance and integrity issues.

Tracerco’s ground breaking technology has resulted in a simple, low risk, rapid solution to gain information on flowlines including pipe-in-pipe and pipe bundle systems.

TRACERCOTM Discovery is the only product of its kind in the world: a CT scanner for flowlines. It scans pipelines from the outside to gain an accurate picture of the condition in the pipe and the flow, with no need to remove the protective coating, and with no interruption to production.

TRACERCOTM Discovery was developed in response to the operational needs of oil companies to detect hydrate restrictions and verify integrity in flowlines. There was a need to develop a high accuracy detection system that could inspect lines from the outside, online and without pipeline modification.

edge technology finally fulfils the long awaited dream of having technology to help solve some of the most intriguing flow assurance challenges.”

Unlike alternative technologies such as ultrasonic and pulsed eddy current, TRACERCOTM Discovery is a more cost-effective way to provide operators assurance of the integrity of unpiggable coated pipelines as it eliminates the risk of corrosion of pipelines on removing and reapplying coating.

For the first time, TRACERCOTM Discovery provides a reliable method of diagnosing wall thinning of both pipes in pipes in pipe-in-pipe systems and flowlines with caissons, from the outside.

TRACERCOTM Discovery provides a 360 degree, high resolution scan of pipeline contents and pipe wall thickness in real time, with defect resolution of 1-2mm.

Lee Robins, Head of Subsea Services at Tracerco, said: “Inspection of subsea pipelines is often a challenge where pigging is not an option or is deemed too risky. Before now, inspecting pipelines from the outside has often been difficult and/or too costly, but TRACERCOTM Discovery is a totally non-intrusive device that provides asset integrity and flow assurance information quickly and accurately.

“We’re very excited about bringing this breakthrough technology to market. As well as exhibiting at other major global events this year, we will be running a series of roadshows across the UK, Brazil, Perth and Stavanger over the next 12 months.”

Tracerco cooperated with Statoil to develop detection technology with the primary goal of use in flow assurance applications; although the applications have since expanded to include integrity issues on a variety of subsea transportation functions.

This new development is the latest in a history of over 10 years’ cooperation between Tracerco and Statoil.

Keijo Kinnari, Statoil Senior Specialist, Technology Excellence at Statoil said: “Tracerco’s cutting-

Subsea UK News | September 2013

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TECHNOLOGY

Saipem Sonsub – Solves Statoil Norne Heidron Deepwater Tie-ins with BRUTUS Saipem Sonsub, with main technology centres in Venice and Aberdeen is presently engaged in upgrading the BRUTUS Tie-in system for an important Statoil Subsea project in Norway for replacing a Norne Gas Export Riser.

The BRUTUS system can perform deepwater connections of “rigid to rigid pipeline” and “riser to subsea structure” in any combination utilising spool pieces or flexibles and implementing standard bolted flanges as the preferred connector.

The tie-in can therefore be utilised for pipeline repair by spoolpiece inclusion. The system provides the means of alignment and connection of a rigid repair spool.

The system is based on a suite of modular tools, each one neutrally buoyant, installed and operated by a work class ROV. The system can operate on line sizes between 8” and 26”, and the system has completed connections on both 16” and 26” pipelines.

The working philosophy centres around the following concept: The flanges to be connected are pulled together and aligned by two spools, each one sitting behind the relevant flange.

The idea is to create a single structure starting from the two tools and use its strength to counteract the required pull-in and alignment loads. These tools are called the Reaction Tool (RT) and the Axial Force Tool (AFT).

In 2003, Saipem were awarded the Kvitebjorn pipeline tie-ins project by Statoil. This project involved a further upgrade of the BRUTUS system to accommodate 26” flanges. The BRUTUS system was mobilised in Summer 2004, and successfully completed the four connections. Pipe handling and spool alignment were performed remotely utilising H-Frames.

A Saipem Sonsub project Team based in Aberdeen was assembled in January 2013, and after six months of intense refurbishment, BRUTUS has been fully re-assembled, tested to be delivered to the West Coast of Norway, off Bergen, to clients Statoil.

“We have a very strong track record in conceiving, designing, engineering and building diverless Pipeline Connection and Pipeline Repair systems,” said Massimo Fontolan, who heads up Saipem’s Sonsub Division.

The Flange Connection Tooling (FCT) carries all the bolts and nuts together with the bolt tensioning equipment, and is provided with functions to perform the connections remotely

by ROV. The BRUTUS system was conceived in 1997 and developed with backing from Saipem, and in 2000 completed the tiein of two 16” rigid steel pipeline systems and a 10” flexible riser to subsea structure for Statoil (a total of seven flanged connections for the Norne-Heidron project in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea).

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

Above: BRUTUS – A diverless horizontal flange connection system Below: Graphic showing AFT positioned on pup piece, RT installed on spool piece and tool deployment basket on left

TECHNOLOGY Half Time for Sonardyne’s AMTs in Long Endurance Data Logging Project Over the last three years, a long endurance wireless sensor network designed and manufactured by Sonardyne International Ltd. has continuously logged almost 90 million sensor readings as part of a major life of field system. In depths of up to 1,200 metres (approximately 3,900 feet), the company’s Autonomous Monitoring Transponders (AMTs) log nine measurements every three hours from a range of sensors built into each unit including pressure, temperature, roll and pitch. In addition each logging event consists of measuring highly repeatable ranges to every other AMT up to four kilometres apart and recording local and remote sound velocities.

The monitoring system in place is halfway through its planned six year operation to meet an oil major’s research and production monitoring requirements. It has been continuously deployed since 2010 following an initial three year prototype trials phase to assess the performance of the new technology.

Over the course of 24 hours, approximately 400 data records are collected resulting in 4KB of accumulated binary data from each transponder on the sea floor. This adds up to a total of 29 million measurements per year producing 2GB of data for analysis.

The time-stamped data logged within each AMT is available for recovery at the surface via the integrated high-speed acoustic telemetry modem. Every six months, a vessel of opportunity is tasked with wirelessly recovering the data using a Sonardyne modem transceiver deployed through the hull of the vessel. At each AMT location it takes approximately 10 minutes to upload the data at 15kbits/second to the vessel, from where it is immediately sent to a client FTP site while the vessel continues to move around the site.

“This project really gave us a chance to showcase our customer engineering services where we designed and manufactured this AMT version to fulfil specific requirements,” said Sonardyne’s Engineering Director, Simon Partridge.

“The client has been impressed with the fact that the Wideband 2 acoustic communications allows reliable collection of high speed data to their chartered vessel in weather conditions and sea states that are normally considered well beyond the cut off point for most survey operations. Not to mention that the project is halfway through and the AMTs are still showing a battery life of more than 50%.”

Sonardyne’s Autonomous Monitoring Transponder is a long-endurance Compatt 6 based transponder that is extensively used for subsea survey tasks and is capable of autonomously acquiring acoustic ranges and sensor data without surface control.

Available with a range of omni and directional transducers, depth ratings and pressure

Sonardyne AMTs are deployed for long life surveys, autonomously acquiring acoustic ranges and sensor data without surface control.

housings dependent on deployment duration and application, additional external sensors can also be easily integrated via the power and communications port.

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

7

TECHNOLOGY

Technip Pushes Flexible Pipe Concepts

By Thomas Epsztein, Polymer Materials Department, Products Engineering Division (PED), Technip For almost 40 years, flexible pipes have been used for oil and gas transportation. One of the main benefits of the flexible pipe concept is that, through a clever assembly of steel and polymer layer, the structural layers of the pipes are not in direct contact with the transported fluid.

This is of great interest, especially for highly demanding applications such as high pressure, deep water or highly corrosive fluid transportation.

However, over a long period of time, active components such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are able to permeate through the polymer pressure sheath and reach the annulus – the space between the pressure sheath and the external sheath – where the structural layers are present.

This permeation phenomenon is taken into account by selecting specific steel grades resistant to hydrogen induced corrosion. Unfortunately, these corrosive resistant steel grades often exhibit lower mechanical performances than the steel grades that could be used in the absence of H2S. Technip, in collaboration with IFP Energies Nouvelles has decided to push the flexible pipe concept further by patenting and developing a new polymer layer which is able to prevent hydrogen sulfide from reaching the annulus, even over a period of time for as long as the flexible pipe operating life. This layer is called the ‘Anti-H2S layer’.

A composite material, made of a thermoplastic matrix compounded with metallic oxide, is constitutive of the Anti-H2S layer. The metallic oxide will be responsible for the neutralisation of the

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corrosive component before it reaches the steel annulus. This scavenger process allows the use of sweet service steel grades with high mechanical performances, even when the hydrogen sulfide is present in the transported fluid.

Extensive testing work has been performed in order to demonstrate the material efficiency and to understand the physical and chemical mechanisms responsible for the neutralisation of hydrogen sulfide. In addition to laboratory tests in diverse conditions of pressure, temperature and gas mixture, two 4.8’’ flexible pipe demonstrative structures with an Anti-H2S layer have been produced at Technip’s flexible pipe manufacturing plant in Le Trait, France.

These structures have been used to perform full scale testing representative of highly demanding operating conditions. The testing gas which contains methane mixed with 1.5% H2S and 5% CO2, was pressurised at 200 bar.

The most obvious advantage of having an Anti-H2S layer in a flexible pipe is the reduction of weight of the final product.

Indeed, as it is now possible to use steel grades with higher mechanical performances, the section of each layer, and consequently the total amount of steel required to sustain a given load is reduced.

Subsea UK News | September 2013

Main Image: Anti-H2S layer extrusion process at Technip Flexi France manufacturing plant Above: Anti-H2S layer production at Technip Flexi France manufacturing plant

Reducing the weight of the flexible pipe can also be an advantage when considering installation of the lines because lighter pipes are easier to install.

The buoyancy needs can also be reduced, again facilitating the installation process and decreasing the installation time.

While the challenges to be tackled by the flexible pipe industry are continuously increasing, Technip is constantly innovating to bring solutions to its clients, demonstrated through a new technology able to neutralise hydrogen sulfide during the entire service life of its product. The new layer, called Anti-H2S, enables a more reliable and more optimised flexible pipe design.

Scotland’s Strengths

in Oil and Gas Drilling Technology

Health & Safety

Supply Chain

Pipeline Services

Research & Development

Education & Skills

Downhole & Well Technology

Subsea

Decommissioning

Production & Process Management

The oil and gas sector in Scotland has a strong record of achievement over the past 40 years.

Many of the skills and services developed in this country can be found in use throughout the world.

Today over 2,000 companies operate in the Scottish oil and gas supply chain with skills and expertise in areas including subsea engineering, drilling, downhole and well technology, production and process management and education and skills. A new industry led strategy is ensuring that the industry continues to thrive and Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International are helping more and more businesses to grow and prosper, both in Scotland and overseas.

Visit us at Offshore Europe stand 2E10.

www.scottish-enterprise.com/energy

www.sdi.co.uk/energy

TECHNOLOGY

Lankofirst Fibre Rope Connector for Quicker Deepwater MODU Mooring Offshore trials of the Lankofirst synthetic fibre rope mooring connector have shown a significant reduction in mooring line deployment times and improvements in health and safety compared with traditional mooring line plate links and thimbles, reports deepwater mooring rope specialist, Offspring International.

The cost and complexity of deploying deepwater moorings is driving the development of new mooring line technologies and deployment methodologies. Lankhorst Ropes Offshore Division worldwide agent, Offspring International and subsea mooring connector specialist First Subsea, have developed the Lankofirst fibre rope connector specifically for deepwater fibre connections. Smaller, lighter, stronger and more efficient than current plate links and thimbles, the Lankofirst is easier to make-up and the rope splice slimmer and lighter for the same MBL. The Lankofirst can be used for all fibre rope mooring connections including rope-rope, ropewire and rope-chain connectors.

The recent trial offshore Norway has shown that the Lankofirst connector can be assembled in 15 minutes, compared with at least 1 hour 15 minutes for a traditional shackle.

In addition only two people are needed to assemble the connector, unlike a shackle which usually requires three people, requiring fewer people on deck during hazardous line make-up operations.

The Lankofirst fibre rope connector is made from forged steel using First Subsea’s world leading research into optimal steel grades for long-term deepwater subsea mooring connectors.

In place of a large spliced soft eye normally used with H-link and shackle connections, the Lankofirst uses a subconnector donut which is integrated into the rope termination during manufacture.

The innovative and smaller donut splice is much easier to handle offshore.

During mooring installation or hookup operations, the mooring line is preloaded to induce permanent elongation in the rope (sometimes called construction stretch or bedding-in) and increase its stiffness. Once all the mooring lines are connected they are pre-tensioned. Traditional approaches to pre-loading synthetic rope mooring lines have been based on 40% MBS (Minimum Breaking Strength).

Given industry concerns about the rising cost of performing deepwater installations, and mooring ropes with MBSs rising to over 2,500T, a new methodology to both rope pre-loading and pretensioning has been developed to reduce the high cost and safety issues surrounding excessive pre-loading.

The traditional approach to pre-loading is based on rope testing at fixed loads and

Lankofirst fibre rope connector

variable length. A better method is to use fixed length ropes that are pre-loaded to 30%, and subsequent storms providing the final line tensioning to 40%. This approach to mooring system deployment enables significant reduction in the size of installation vessels, and time needed to deploy moorings. It is also better suited to the practicalities of deploying stronger synthetic mooring lines needed for ultra-deepwater moorings, which will be beyond the scope of existing installation vessels.

Recently the concept of lower preloading has been taken a stage further by considering the case of an FPSO mooring. In this instance, pre-tensioning is proposed without the need for installation vessels, other than for deployment and hook up, relying instead on deballasting and ballasting the vessel to provide the pre-tensioning needed to install the mooring lines.

WFS Technologies and Stork Technical Services Present the World’s First Subsea Wireless Cathodic Potential (CP) Monitoring System Seatooth® Smart CP monitors the effects of corrosion by measuring anode current (or cathodic potential) and wirelessly transmitting the data in real-time using a Seatooth® S100 device and a wireless enabled ROV, rather than devices being hardwired into place.

For both preventive and diagnostic applications, the system enables wireless recovery of condition data of a sacrificial anode. This data pertains both to its function and its rate of depletion. A CP or Integrity Engineer can extrapolate what weight of anode material is required to optimise levels of protection based on actual conditions on the structure rather than the conditions assumed during the system design. The continuous data collection in “real time” signals a significant advance in asset management.

The nodes are deployable in remote and inaccessible locations and remove the need for wires through the splash zone. Each monitoring

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

node converts the local data to a digital stream. The digital stream is transmitted wirelessly using Seatooth® S100 from WFS, through a networked monitoring system. This data is wirelessly harvested by an ROV as frequently as required, providing the maintenance team with time-stamped data showing the condition of the CP system. This data indicates to the Engineer when to apply the retrofit or plan the maintenance, rather than responding to issues and failures in the field.

Wireless Power transfer technology from WFS can also be used to recharge these CP monitoring systems in situ. To download a white paper on wireless power transfer, please visit the WFS website.

TECHNOLOGY

Easing the Burden of Suspended Well Decommissioning Offshore Installation Services Ltd (OIS), an Acteon company, has introduced a new service designed to help operators fulfil their suspended well decommissioning plans. wellintel is a well data collection and review service that gathers and prepares the information operators require before they start a decommissioning programme. OIS engineers with extensive well abandonment knowledge and detailed understanding of the entire decommissioning process will deliver the service.

Operators having an up-to-date well inventory and regulatory documentation ready for submission to DECC and the HSE can take advantage of commercially efficient opportunities such as multi-client abandonment campaigns that may arise at short notice.

Decommissioning offshore assets is a key challenge for the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry. The UK government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is prompting operators with assets that require permanent abandonment to expedite the process.

For many operators, the main obstacles are lack of time or limited inhouse resources to deal with the critical tasks required to prepare for decommissioning. The wellintel team will help by collating well-specific data, such as end-of-well reports and well status diagrams, and the initial assessment of well categorisation in accordance with O&G UK guidelines, which is required to identify which assets are available and suitable for vessel-based abandonment, thereby easing the burden on operators.

The wellintel service can also support operators with preparing the submissions to DECC and the HSE that are required before starting a decommissioning programme. These submissions include the oil pollution emergency plan, PON 5 (application to abandon a well), PON 15f (permit to use and/or discharge chemicals during well abandonment), the Marine Coastal Access Act licence and the HSE notification.

Since its launch, wellintel has attracted a high degree of interest amongst North Sea operators who recognise the value of this approach. One operating company has already started using the service as part of its decommissioning strategy.

One of the key features of the proposition is that the costs of the wellintel service are deductable from future abandonment work by OIS, as Tom Selwood, OIS vice president commercial and business development, explained:

“Once the wellintel process is complete, OIS can provide well abandonment solutions, including vessel charter, marine management, equipment and personnel, and full offshore project management for any suspended wells that are suitable for vessel-based abandonment. Operators that use OIS for back-of-boat suspended well abandonment work within 18 months of using wellintel can recover the costs incurred against the project management fees associated with the well abandonment project.”

Subsea UK News | September 2013

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TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionary CBT1100 Trencher Delivered SMD are proud to announce that following delivery to Technip Offshore Wind Ltd in February this year and successful sea trials, the CBT 1100 (Cable Burial Tractor) is now operating on its maiden project at the Borkhum Wind Farm in German waters.

SMD supported the vehicle through sea trials which were carried out successfully in April this year following a thorough four week mobilisation period and two day wet test in the North Sea. The product was then loaded out at the Port of Sunderland, and a further seven days of product burial trials were performed at the job site. Following this, the system went into commercial use without any requirement to return to shore for remedial work.

The vehicle has been developed specifically for lay and burial of inter array cables. It is equipped with a pioneering shallow water rapid deployment system which can be used at water depths of up to 100 metres. The umbilical guided lift bullet, developed by SMD, allows the vehicle to be easily deployed and recovered in the strong currents and poor visibility conditions associated with shallow water wind farm operations.

significant increase in trenching progress in variable ground conditions, with better vehicle utilisation and improved return on investment. The on-board tools include a high flow dredge pump capable of transporting 800m³/hr of spoil and cobbles up to 200mm diameter, the spoil being deposited to the side, or to the rear for trench backfill.

The 53 tonne CBT1100 has 1100hp of installed power and is capable of simultaneous lay and burial as well as post lay burial, with or without the onboard cable handling, which can handle product up to 300mm diameter and 4.0 metre MBR. This delivery follows that of an SMD HD3-300 Cable Plough in September last year, as part of the contract to develop and build two trenching solutions to enable TOWL to serve their customers with targeted, flexible trenching solutions in the wind farm market.

The CBT1100 is equipped with a 2.3 metre chain cutter suitable for cutting up to 40 MPa rock, as well as a three metre jet tool for burial in softer ground.

The tractor benefits from SMD’s innovative power management and tool selection capability, which allows for quick reconfiguration of the trenching tools to suit the prevailing soil conditions. This fast reconfiguration means a

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

SMD’s Trenching Manager Paul Davison commented: “Establishing a new client in a new market, even with a reputation as solid as Technip, relies upon establishing a reputation and track record as quickly as possible. Client and contractor project teams worked cooperatively and professionally throughout the build and the result is an asset that performs from day one. The future prospects look bright for TOWL and the CBT1100”.

Ron Cookson, Senior Vice President of Technip Offshore Wind, said:

“We are delighted to announce the start of our first German contract. This milestone signifies Technip’s aspiration and ability to expand its offshore wind installation and project management services across the European renewables industry.”

Image courtesy of Technip Offshore Wind Ltd

TECHNOLOGY

Monitoring to Safeguard Offshore Emergency Systems Offline monitoring of equipment used only in emergencies provides a particular challenge for offshore operations, but it is essential to safeguard people and production as part of Asset Integrity Management, warns Bender UK. On fixed platforms and FPSOs Line Insulation Monitoring (LIMs) in combination with EDS insulation fault location ensures the reliability and safety of electrical supply and control systems for well head control, pumping stations, drilling equipment, and other platform plant and processes.

Bender equipment is already deployed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of major installations in the North Sea. Its systems operate with higher voltage distribution – from as high as 7.2Kv down to zero – and are widely used for insulation monitoring of the high voltage power supply to ROVs.

Monitoring equipment with more intelligent advanced capabilities provides invaluable support to help production managers and maintenance teams to improve plant availability, reduce downtime and increase extraction rates.

Bender UK is also focusing on the adaptability of its sophisticated monitoring and fault location, and extending its partnerships with OEMs to customise Bender’s proven products for the new generation subsea factories, extraction and processing operations in fields now being prepared for production.

Bender UK has developed products designed to monitor the insulation resistance of de-energised systems or loads such as emergency shutdown systems, fire extinguisher pumps, lifeboat winches and standby generators.

Critical fire & gas detection, platform shutdown and process control systems - typically DC 24V - are particularly sensitive areas and the rapid location of insulation faults with EDS systems is a vital aid to safety and avoiding production downtime.

Bender units intelligently adapt themselves to the systems they are monitoring to accurately report the status of power systems. On surface installations that includes taking account of the complex DC current leakage which makes accurate checks more difficult, and occurs due to the TVs, monitors, laptops and electronic devices now routinely found on platform electrical systems.

A frequently used measuring principle for earth faults and insulation degradation is the

superimposition of a DC measuring voltage between the system and ground. This is the standard measuring principle for pure AC ungrounded systems, both single and threephase.

Bender’s Adaptive Measuring Principle (AMP) overcomes the limitations of DC measuring signals by superimposing a clocked, pulsed, measuring voltage onto the system. The signal is microprocessor controlled to automatically adapt itself to prevailing system conditions, such as high leakage capacitances, and is designed for modern power distribution systems that include pure DC systems, systems with a mix of AC and DC (including rectifiers), and systems with variable frequency drives.

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TECHNOLOGY

Bulk Cutter Arrives on Tyneside Subsea vehicle designer and manufacturer SMD were awarded the contract to build the world’s first deep sea mining tools for Nautilus Minerals in 2007.

The contract included three subsea mining machines with the associated control and launch and recovery systems.

July saw the first major milestone in the production of the mining vehicles with the arrival of the chassis of the Bulk Cutter (BC) at SMD’s main production facility in Wallsend.

The chassis, which was fabricated by Davy Markham in Sheffield, was delivered complete with double ended drive tracks which were manufactured by Caterpillar in Italy.

The Bulk Cutter is the heaviest of the three vehicles, weighing 310 Tonnes when fully assembled; the chassis weighs 70 Tonnes.

Nautilus intends to use the vehicles at its first project, known as Solwara 1, off the coast of Papua New Guinea in approximately 1600m of water.

Land based mineral deposits are being depleted at an increasing rate as developing economies grow, creating an

undeniable opportunity for subsea mining. Most of the recent land discoveries of copper deposits yield ore grades of less than 2%, while Nautilus’ Solwara site offers ore grades up to 7%. In addition to the increased ore grade, sea floor resources lie on or very close to the sea bed, unlike land based deposits which require removal of large expanses of overburden.

The excavation and collection has been split into three individual tasks which will each be carried out by a different vehicle. The Auxiliary Cutter is designed as the pioneering machine which prepares the rugged sea bed for the more powerful Bulk Cutter. These two machines gather the excavated material; the third vehicle, the Collection Machine will collect the cut material by drawing it in as seawater slurry with internal pumps and pushing it through a flexible pipe to the production ship via a subsea pump and riser system.

The Bulk Cutter has a large traverse excavating drum with just under one megawatt of electrically driven cutting power. As well as the three vehicles, SMD is providing the large launch and recovery ‘A’ frame and winch systems to allow deployment from the production ship.

After arrival in SMD’s production facility, assembly, commissioning and factory testing of the Bulk Cutter will continue through to November 2013.

w e t t t

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BUSINESS

Analysis Capability for Extending the Life of Offshore Structures In order for operators to safely extend the production life of their platforms and increase the flexibility of future operational decisions, far greater importance is being placed on designing for reliability, integrity and maintenance of both topside and subsea equipment. Corrosion protection is an essential factor when considering the continued safe operation and life extension of any equipment. Frazer-Nash discuss how the systems designed to protect offshore assets from corrosion must be suitable for the changing local environment and explain how modelling and verification can help operators achieve optimum protection for their assets and the confidence to make the right investment decisions.

The Need The high conductivity of seawater provides the perfect medium for galvanic corrosion – but it is also an ever-changing environment. The main environmental factors which affect conductivity are temperature and salinity, both of which change on a seasonal basis. The performance of corrosion protection systems is highly nonlinear, and therefore not simple to accurately predict over the seasons.

As the sacrificial anodes originally installed on offshore structures come to the end of their design lives, there is a question to be answered as to whether the Cathodic Protection (CP) systems should be replaced like-for-like or if alternatives should be considered. Changes to the subsea environment since initial build, including coating degradation, marine growth and new equipment all mean that the cathodic protection requirements will also have changed.

Engineering analysis has moved on significantly in recent years, which presents the industry with opportunities to assess their current systems and look towards future requirements without introducing extensive periods of monitoring and intervention.

Depending on the offshore structure requiring cathodic protection, either active or passive systems can be used. Active Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems are often an attractive alternative for retrofit due to their higher current output, requiring far fewer anodes than traditional sacrificial systems; significantly reducing costs. However, ICCP systems have their drawbacks, which include the risk of over protection and the complexity of installing additional components and cabling.

The overall effectiveness will also depend on what part of the system needs protecting, whether it’s a jacket structure, FPSO, subsea manifold or pipeline; each part will provide its own challenges.

As well as the environmental changes in our oceans, there are also physical differences in today’s subsea infrastructure that must be

taken into account. For example, pipelines may be buried in trenches, rest on the seabed, intersect with other pipelines and with subsea structures. Where complex or detailed geometry exists, such as FPSO turrets, a wide area CP system may not provide the necessary protection fidelity that the structure requires.

The Solution This first stage of any analysis is to understand the current state of the installed CP system and how it is performing. By reviewing the original basis for design and any available survey data, it is possible to highlight any specific areas that might be suffering from under protection.

We build and run boundary element models of the asset and the surrounding subsea infrastructure, accounting for the local sea water conditions, electrochemical behaviour of the particular metals used, effect of local marine growth and actual degradation of coating systems. These results can increase understanding of the current protection levels and remaining life CP system components, identify hotspots, and indicate how the CP systems of the nearby subsea infrastructure interact with those of the platform. This information helps operators to prioritise retrofit requirements and plan budgets and offshore work schedules to identify timely, effective and practical retrofit solutions.

and balanced against operational expense, system effectiveness and the predicted life of the asset. Frazer-Nash facilitate workshops between operators and CP systems providers to identify where this balance point lies and its sensitivity to external influences.

The current task faced by the oil and gas industry in renewing aging assets seems formidable – however, the opportunity to create manageable and cost effective CP systems is readily available.

Modelling and verification of cathodic protection systems is helping the industry to ensure structures, pipelines and vessels will continue to operate safely and reliably throughout their original design lives, and increasingly, is providing the confidence required to invest in ambitious life extension and field development programmes.

Having established the existing levels of protection on a platform and surrounding infrastructure, options for retrofit or remedial CP systems can be developed. These options can include sacrificial anodes, ICCP systems or a hybrid of both. Frazer-Nash work closely with CP system designers and suppliers to ensure that retrofit solutions are practical to design, manufacture and install.

Modelling is a tool used to increase understanding and build confidence in potential solutions; however, its results provide only part of the information required to make an informed decision. The capital costs of hardware must be combined with associated installation costs

Subsea UK News | September 2013

15

BUSINESS

Caley Develops Deepwater Lowering System for Gorgon Project Handling systems specialist, Caley Ocean Systems has been awarded a contract by Subsea 7 to design, manufacture and supply a deepwater lowering system (DLS). The DLS will initially be deployed by Subsea 7 on the Chevron-operated Gorgon project, located off the northwest coast of Western Australia, to lower subsea structures weighing up to 950Te in water depths in excess of 1,300m.

The DLS comprises two double drum traction and storage winches and fully redundant controls, all mounted on an integrated grillage structure for rapid mobilisation onto the pipelay and heavy lift vessel Sapura 3000. The system will connect to a deepwater lowering beam (DLB) and connector. Each set of winches has its own dedicated hydraulic power unit for optimum control.

The range of equipment to be handled by the DLS in the Gorgon and Jansz-Io fields will include subsea structures and foundations and heavy lift spools.

Caley has many years’ experience of offshore and marine winch systems.

“The lifting requirements for oceanographic and offshore are very different,” said Gregor McPherson, sales director, Caley Ocean Systems.

“For oceanographic systems, great depths are involved up to 10,000m but the payload is small – often amounting to only a few tonnes, compared with the offshore industry where the depths are less but the payloads much higher. The dual winch DLS system is designed to provide optimum load handling and speed of deployment. It will also feature our modular control systems methodology to ensure safe operation offshore,” he explained.

The Gorgon Project is operated by an Australian subsidiary of Chevron and is a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3 percent), ExxonMobil (25 percent), Shell (25 percent), Osaka Gas (1.25 percent), Tokyo Gas (1 percent) and Chubu Electric Power (0.417 percent).

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

BUSINESS

Emerging Markets

Fiscal instability - what are the risks and barriers to business?

Greg May is a Partner and Service Sector Specialist in the Oil & Gas team at Brodies LLP Risks arising from fiscal instability are an important consideration when doing business in an emerging market, especially one where the prices of the main commodities, oil and gas, are extremely volatile. As a commercial lawyer, your prime objective when drafting a contract is protecting your client’s interests; and a cornerstone of that objective is protecting profit. Fiscal risk will be uninsured and may cause significant damage to the client’s commercial bottom line if it is not managed by prudent contractual provisions. Fiscal risk will also be more prevalent and acute in an emerging market. It is vital to anticipate how it may arise and understand the circumstances to which it may be attributable; I have provided some examples below by way of illustration.

As a new market emerges, tax revenue (in other words, the ‘government slice’) is an important factor in the equation for calculating profit earned by both operators and the supply chain. During a recession, governments will be looking at ways to reduce sovereign debt and increase public revenue. Highly profitable industries which trade in resources of national interest will always be a focal point for government efforts to put more money in the public purse.

When providing goods or services in an emerging market, the contractor’s key fiscal concerns will be the most basic: • keeping cost structure stable in order to maintain profits • when profits are earned, getting paid, and • when paid, maximising the opportunity to move earned profits out of the emerging market.

Any contract of a longer duration in an emerging market carries the risk that a government may change the fiscal regime – whether in the form of increased taxes on revenue and profit, increased customs charges and duties on goods and materials, as well as any number of other increased costs attributable to establishing and maintaining a business presence in a country, such as owning property, procuring insurance, and increasing the percentage of personnel and property that is sourced locally.

The latter is typically known as “local content requirements” and many emerging markets have adopted detailed legislation that prescribes how much “local content” a business must establish and maintain in order to qualify to do business. In view of this risk, any contract of a longer duration in an emerging market must be carefully drafted to anticipate this risk and, if it should arise, provide for proper allocation between contractor and operator.

Getting the contract right in respect of the risks highlighted above may allow a party to maintain profits; however, the contractor may face an additional challenge when it comes to getting paid. A contract in an

emerging market may require the support of financial instruments in the form of standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or escrow agreements in order to provide for payment security. Performance bonds or guarantees may also be required in order to provide security of supply chain performance (whether imposed by the government or demanded by an operator or prime contractor).

One final concern will be repatriating profits earned abroad, the value of which may be greatly diminished if proceeds are trapped ‘in country’. Many emerging markets in the oil and gas sector are known as “Article 14 countries”, an expression coined by the International Monetary Fund agreement allowing exchange controls for transitional economies.

The exchange controls in an emerging market typically will include restricting the amount of currency that may be imported or exported, banning the use of foreign currency within the country, banning locals from possessing foreign currency, fixing exchange rates, and restricting currency exchange to governmentapproved exchangers. The risk of these types of controls in an emerging market must be carefully considered for any long term and high value contract. If the risk is recognised, a party to a contract must think about the commercial effect and, if possible, make Greg May appropriate provision for risk allocation.

Subsea UK News | September 2013

17

BUSINESS

The 1st Pre-Salt Oil and Gas Bidding Round in Brazil

By Vera H de Moraes Dantas

The Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels – ANP will be holding, next October, the first bidding round for the hiring of activities for the exploration and production of oil and natural gas in the Pre-Salt area, under the production sharing agreement (PSA) regime. For the first time ever, Brazil will hold an oil and gas bidding round under the PSA regime as introduced by Law 12351, in 22 December 2010.

Known as the 1st Production Sharing Bidding Round (and herein referred to as the “1st Bidding Round”) the tender will offer, under the new regulatory PSA regime, the offshore Libra field – located in the Santos Basin, in an area extending over 1,547.76 km2 – which according to ANP has an estimated recoverable volume of between 8 to 12 billion oil barrels.

On 9 July 2013 ANP published a preliminary Invitation to Bid containing the rules, procedures and schedule applying to the 1st Bidding Round as well as the related draft PSA. The winner of the 1st Bidding Round will be required to form a consortium with PPSA (a state company responsible for managing the PSAs) and Petrobras – which under the new regime will always

Bid, the following Local Content indexes apply:

be the operator on blocks contracted under a PSA and will be entitled to a minimum share of 30% in the consortium.

1. Exploration Phase, with a duration of four years: Deep waters/Super deep waters: minimum of 37%

The signature bonus, which is the amount to be paid by the winning bidder to the Government, has been established at R$ 15 billion.

2. Development Stage (Modules with first oil until 2021): Deep waters/ Super deep waters: minimum of 55%

The winner of the 1st Bidding Round will be the bidder who offers the largest profit oil to the Government. Offers shall indicate the percentage of profit oil being offered, which in any circumstance must not be lower than 41.65%.

Under prevailing rules in Brazil, the Contracted party must observe a minimum percentage of participation of Brazilian companies in the supply of equipment and services under the agreement. According to the Invitation to

3. Development Stage (Modules with first oil from 2022): Deep waters/ Super deep waters: minimum of 59%

Hydrasun Secures Shell Integrity Management Contract Hydrasun, a leading specialist provider of integrated fluid transfer, power and control solutions to the global energy market, has secured a five-year contract with two, one year extension options, for the continued supply of Flexible Hose Assembly (FHA) and Small Bore Tubing (SBT) integrity management services together with product supply, to Shell U.K. Limited.

This new award signifies Hydrasun’s commitment to long term customer relationships, as it extends the company’s track record, since 2007, of supporting Shell with the provision of these services under the terms of a formal contract.

North Sea assets and also their Great Yarmouth offices for Southern North Sea assets.

The scope of work, covering all Shell UK assets offshore and onshore, includes the provision of Hose Management services, technical support, inspections and supply and installation of FHA’s. The contract has also been extended to include SBT inspection services and associated product supply.

“The award of this significant contract is further testament to Hydrasun’s expertise, experience and proven track record in providing integrity management and associated support services and solutions. We are very pleased to continue working with Shell in providing these services and in turn to contributing to the integrity assurance and overall performance of their UK assets.”

In line with a commitment to supporting improved levels of safety, Hydrasun will also deliver a series of Flexible Hose & Small Bore Tubing Awareness Training Courses to ensure all personnel working on Shell assets are familiar with the on-board technology and best working practices.

Hydrasun’s team of specialist personnel will support the work through Shell’s main Aberdeen headquarters for Northern North Sea and Central

18

Subsea UK News | September 2013

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Are you missing out on support to grow your business?

David Rennie, Director for Oil & Gas, Scottish Enterprise

Scottish Enterprise provides a range of support to help oil and gas companies realise their growth ambitions but according to its Director for Oil & Gas, David Rennie, many are unaware of what’s on offer.

“Scottish Enterprise (SE) exists to stimulate economic growth in Scotland.

To do this we deliver services that help companies achieve their growth potential,” explained Mr Rennie. “These services are tailored to suit every business but, to make a tangible impact on economic growth, we do have a special focus on ambitious, high-growth firms – many of which can be found in the rapidly-growing subsea sector.”

High-growth companies can be start-ups or small enterprises through to larger companies who are increasing employee numbers or turnover by around 20% year on year. Typically these companies are looking to build long-term relationships with clients, develop new products and services, attract and develop talent and awarded for oil & gas break into new innovation geographic markets.

£2.7m

Case Study

“These are areas where SE can provide real assistance,” said Mr Rennie.

“We want to enter into constructive relationships with ambitious companies where we can tailor support to meet their needs. Our account managers work with firms to develop challenging growth plans and provide the required support towards delivering these. For example we can bring specialist help for innovation and product development, market intelligence, trade missions and on the ground support to getting set up overseas, funding and access to finance and programmes to support people development and recruitment.”

Subsea UK works closely with SE and its international trade and investment arm, SDI, as well as UKTI to promote international opportunities to ensure that the UK continues to lead the world in subsea. For Subsea UK’s Scottish members, SE also offers access to the GlobalScot network dedicated to giving businesses a head start in the global marketplace.

Despite the buoyancy and attractiveness of the subsea sector, access to finance continues to be a major challenge for many firms and Mr Rennie says that SE is well-equipped to break down the barriers facing companies when it comes to securing funding.

“SE account managers and financial specialists work with companies to get them better prepared or ready to attract and access finance either through the banks or private equity investors.”

The Scottish Investment Bank, the investment arm of SE, supports the development of Scotland’s private sector SME funding market to ensure early stage and established business with growth potential have adequate access to growth capital. The bank operates a suite of

Bowtech Products specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of underwater harsh environment vision systems for use in hazardous areas or subsea, at any ocean depth.

Mike Winstanley, sales director, outlines the benefits of working with Scottish Enterprise.

“We began working with Scottish Enterprise four years ago. They help us realise our ambition for sustainable and scalable growth through our account

managed relationship. Their support in terms of challenging and developing our strategy and then assisting in its implementation, has contributed significantly to delivering our growth objectives.”

The recent business activity report undertaken by Subsea UK revealed the phenomenal growth of the sector, particularly in Scotland. investment funds. Three equity funds adopt a highly innovative co-investment and shared risk intervention model to encourage more private investors to invest in fast-rising companies.

Mr Rennie added:

“A variety of specific funding packages are also available through Scottish Enterprise such as support for innovation and R&D activity. Innovation is a key priority in the industry-led oil and gas strategy launched last year, as it is crucial to helping extend the life of existing fields and the development of new and more challenging ones. We want to stimulate the market and help companies with ideas get their technology to market more quickly.”

But innovation also applies to services, new ways of working and business processes and SE helps companies adopt innovative approaches in all areas of their operations.

Mr Rennie explained: “We will work closely with companies to encourage innovation in processes which will increase productivity and market share.

We can evaluate companies’ ideas and help deal with the protection of them.

And we can help businesses find ways of funding high-risk and speculative projects.”

working with over

2,000

oil & gas companies

In recent years there has been a perception that SE is less focused on oil and gas but Mr Rennie is adamant that this is simply not the case.

“Our oil and gas strategy underlines the strategic importance we place on this industry and sets out how we intend to maximise its potential for the benefit of the national economy. Another misconception is that accessing our support is laborious and bureaucratic.

This is largely unfounded. As with any public sector organisations and initiative, there are processes to undertake but we are constantly working to keep the bureaucracy to a minimum and our account managers are there to guide companies through the process, making it simple and effective.”

The recent business activity report undertaken by Subsea UK revealed the phenomenal growth of the sector, particularly in Scotland, and Mr Rennie agrees that generally subsea companies are doing a fantastic job in growing, creating jobs and exporting.

“But they could be doing even better with support from SE. My recommendation to any subsea business is to get in touch with our oil and gas team. An initial conversation could lead to a long-lasting relationship that will provide dedicated, professional support across your business or simply a solution to an immediate challenge you are facing.”

Did you know?

• Scottish Enterprise works with 2,000 companies • The economic development agency has over 250 account managed oil and gas companies and is seeking to work closely with 100 more • Its international trade and development arm, SDI, has 23 overseas offices to help companies establish themselves in key oil and gas markets • Companies can also access valuable, regularly updated market intelligence, reports and industry trends and analysis from Scottish Enterprise • Scottish Enterprise offers a free manufacturing review, which will identify ways to improve the productivity and competitiveness of your business through SMAS (Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Services) • In the previous financial year, Scottish Enterprise awarded £2.7million for oil and gas innovation and is keen to increase this further.

Turnover increase by

“Since working together, our turnover has doubled to £6million, staffing has increased by 50% and exports now represent around 80% of our total turnover. We have been able to accelerate the international growth in our chosen markets, primarily in Asia, Scandinavia and South America.”

“Internally, we have achieved business efficiencies through our work with the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service and are continuing to develop our people through Scottish Enterprise’s development programmes.

“Looking ahead, we are investing £3.5million in a new 20,000sq.ft facility at Aberdeen Business Park which will allow the integration of our two existing facilities and allow further expansion.

100%

“Scottish Enterprise to £6million continues to support us with our strategy, training and mentoring of our people, streamlining our operations and providing opportunities to engage with the market, all of which positions us favorably to capitalise on the rapid growth in our sector.”

BUSINESS European Subsea Capex (%) Operator 2013-2017 Statoil 29% Others 39%

BP 8% EnQuest 4%

Total 6%

Shell 7%

Eni 7%

European Subsea Capex (%)

by Country 2013-2017 Ireland 2% Italy 3% Cyprus 3%

Others 1%

UK 55%

Subsea Market Trends and Opportunities in Europe Infield Systems’ Associate Analyst Marine Richard investigates the current European subsea market.

Norway 55%

Offshore Europe Stand 2A100

Europe in the Global Subsea Market

UK Policy and Developments

The European subsea market displays very positive prospects over the next five years, where investments in the sector are set to double compared to the last five years. Infield Systems forecasts that Europe will capture 10% of the global subsea market, accounting for nearly 650 subsea tree installations and investments topping US$12 billion between 2013 and 2017.

The UK government announced new financial incentives in 2012, namely a field allowance for shallow-water gas fields, as well as a brownfield allowance. The large majority of oil, gas and condensate developments and brownfield re-development projects approved by the Department for Energy and Climate Change since January 2009 have qualified for tax allowances.

Norway and the UK will continue to dominate the European subsea sector as they strive to dampen the effects of naturally declining production rates. Efforts are focused on drilling incremental wells on producing fields and developing marginal fields to maintain production. Technological advances have allowed operators to use subsea infrastructure to costeffectively target reservoirs over a much wider area, tying back wells to fixed platforms in shallow waters and floating platforms in deeper waters. Subsea technology is also used in more remote and emerging areas such as West of Shetland, and the Norwegian and Barents Seas. Subsequently, approximately 300 of the 821 SURF and SURF-Conventional fields being brought into production over the next five years will be located in the NWECS.

The UK is expected to continue to account for over a third of regional subsea Capex in the upcoming five years. The focus is on producing as much oil and gas out of existing fields using enhanced oil recovery methods, as new large discoveries are rare. Upcoming activity in the UK North Sea will be driven by projects such as EnQuest’s Alma and Kraken fields, Total’s Laggan and Tormore fields, BP’s Schiehallion redevelopment, Chevron’s Rosebank, and Dana’s Western Isles cluster.

This mature hydrocarbon area still attracts significant investments and interest, as seen in recent licensing rounds. Generous tax allowances, a stabilising economy and high oil prices have all created a positive investment climate.

The special petroleum tax is set to increase by 1% to 51%, while corporation tax will be reduced from 28% to 27% to enhance the competitiveness of other industries whilst reducing bottlenecks and cost overruns in the oil and gas supply chain.

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

Norwegian Policy and Developments Operators have strongly criticised the government’s decision to reduce from 30% to 22% the investments costs that companies can write down on their investments.

BUSINESS Statoil warned that marginal development and enhanced oil recovery projects risk becoming unprofitable, but Norway’s tax regime remains generous. Moreover Infield Systems’ field sanction point model suggests that while some marginal projects may be delayed in the short-term, the majority of developments NWECS will still be economically viable at oil prices above $90 per barrel, which is at the lower end of Infield Systems’ long-term oil price forecast.

Operators and Manufacturers

In Norway, both subsea tree installations and Capex are expected to approximately double in the next five years, giving the European leader a 55% share of the market.

Additional subsea tree installations are anticipated on the producing Gullfaks and Oseberg developments and the Troll, Visund, and Snorre fields to ensure increased recovery rates.

Key new developments include Eni’s Goliat field and Statoil’s Aasta Hansteen.

FMC and Aker Solutions have recently secured their market positions in Norway by both winning subsea frame agreements with Statoil in February 2013, while Cameron signed a global frame agreement for subsea systems with BP in 2011.

As many as 59 companies are expected to operate developments involving new subsea infrastructure in 20132017. Over the last five years, FMC maintained a dominant position in the subsea tree manufacturing market and obtained 39% of subsea tree awards.

Technological developments

Gas prospects in Cyprus Subsea activity in Cyprus is driven by newly-discovered offshore gas reserves, including Noble’s Aphrodite field.

Whilst the NWECS is expected to remain centred on shallow water prospects, deepwater activity is likely to expand in the underexplored eastern Mediterranean. Given modest Cypriot demand for natural gas, the majority of the output is expected to serve the LNG export market.

Subsea oil boosting, gas compression and separation technologies are expected to grow in importance. This trend is driven by higher tieback distances, whilst lower reservoir pressure and higher water cut decrease oil production on mature fields. Two subsea separation units could be installed on BP’s Foinaven field in the UK and for the possible second phase re-development of the Froy field in Norway. Gas compression units are anticipated on Statoil’s Gullfaks South and Troll fields, while in June 2013 Aker Solutions delivered the steel frame for the world’s first gas compression unit, which is to come on-stream at the Asgard field complex in 2015.

Subsea Services and Technology Products Pipeline & Installation Intervention & Inspection Project Management, Engineering & Operations

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

23

BUSINESS

Innospection’s First Successful Subsea Pipeline Inspection in the Australian Waters Innospection, a specialist solution provider of advanced and innovative inspection services, has successfully completed its first subsea pipeline inspection offshore in western Victoria, Australia.

As a part of the Offshore Inspection Repair Maintenance Project, Innospection was approached by the client to inspect several sections of the offshore gas pipelines suspected of having top-of-line corrosion, predominantly in the section of pipework from the wellhead to a distance of approximately 500m downstream.

Having extensive experience in subsea inspection in the North Sea on pipelines with similar anticipated corrosion at the 10:00 to 2:00 o’clock position, Innospection was able to readily offer an inspection solution.

The inspection objects were the 12” pipelines downstream of each inline tee with and the 6” tie-in spools with wall thicknesses of 18.1mm and 11.0mm respectively. All inspection objects were externally coated with 2.5mm threelayer Polypropylene material. The pipelines were located at a water depth of approximately 70m.

The inspection of the subsea pipelines was performed using the MEC-Combi Crawler. In areas of the pipelines near the tie-in spools unreachable by the MEC-Combi Crawler due to its size, a smaller marinised MEC M-PS150 Scanner was available. Both scanners utilise the advantageous fast scanning technique SLOFECTM for the inspection.

After being deployed by ROV and brought into position at the predetermined circumferential position on the pipelines, the hydraulic drive unit enabled the MEC-Combi Crawler to crawl along the pipelines at an average speed of up to 10m/min while scanning.

Information on internal and external defects in terms of size, severity of wall loss and locations were achieved. Additional absolute wall thickness measurement of the pipelines using the built-in Ultrasonic probe was also performed, which was also targeted for the verification of the SLOFECTM findings.

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

The inspection results show excellent signal to noise ratio which confirmed the high detection capabilities of the MEC-Combi Crawler with limited preparation of the pipes.

Developed by Innospection, the MEC-Combi Crawler supports the inspection and lifetime assessment of subsea structures ranging in size and complexity from small diameter risers through caissons and pipelines, to platform legs and flat surfaces like ship hulls. The capabilities of the MEC-Combi Crawler, already proven in the North Sea, have once again been confirmed with this successful subsea pipeline inspection in the Australian waters.

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GROWTH

etpm Expands International ROV Service with New Office Aberdeen-based subsea and marine recruitment specialist etpm is continuing its company growth by opening a new office in Great Yarmouth, and taking on two new members of staff to meet increasing client demand for experienced ROV staff. etpm Managing Director Jeff Mountain said the expansion was an important part of the company’s future growth plans:

Sally Spaull and Sara Logan, who will be based in the new office, will focus on expanding etpm’s ROV business through the provision of experienced personnel of all levels, ranging from pilot technicians to superintendents and inspectors.

Highly experienced in their field, both Sally and Sara previously worked with UKPS and have particular knowledge of the international ROV market. They join Aberdeen-based Kerry Hadden, who started with etpm in April to set up and develop the ROV recruitment division in the Aberdeen office.

Great Yarmouth is strategically well placed to service oil, gas, marine and renewables activity in the North Sea and in addition to recruiting for the global marketplace, etpm Great Yarmouth will join a range of specialist support services supporting the offshore industry in that region.

“We set up a specialist ROV recruitment line in Aberdeen earlier in the year because of considerable industry demand for that particular skills set.

Continuing to develop and grow our ROV business means that etpm can ensure that we continue to respond to our client requests quickly and efficiently in order to support the requirements of our offshore sector.”

Sally Spaull and Sara Logan

“Expanding that line to open our Great Yarmouth office to support industry requirements in the Central and Southern North Sea is a natural progression for us and an important addition to the services available in that region.”

Earlier this year etpm also established a new Engineering Division, based in Aberdeen, in response to increasing demands for onshore personnel and for a commercial line providing support staff in administration, finance, HR and sales and marketing. etpm doubled its recruitment staff in 2012 and continued expansion across all divisions has seen the number of staff grow from 18 to 25 since the start of the year.

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GROWTH

Ceona Progresses with Construction of New Vessels Ceona, which specialises in offshore construction, engineering and project management in the SURF market, is on schedule with the construction of two new vessels, the Ceona Amazon and the Polar Onyx.

The company has signed a contract with Lloyd Werft for the build of the Ceona Amazon, its high-capacity construction and pipelay vessel. CEO Steve Preston led a signing ceremony in Bremerhaven at which Ceona finalised its agreement with the yard.

Fabrication of the hull is taking place at the Polish yard CRIST S.A., where the first steel has already been cut. The hull will then be delivered to Lloyd Werft for outfitting, before being delivered to Ceona for service in December 2014.

The Ceona Amazon will carry pipelaying equipment from Huisman and boast extensive capacity both below deck, for pipe and umbilicals, and on deck, for pipe and reel storage. Three heavecompensated cranes - two 400t mast heads and one 30t knuckle boom crane - equip the vessel for heavy lift work in

depths of 3,000m. Capable of laying rigid or flexible pipelines and umbilicals, and with a helipad, seven thrusters and two on-board ROVs, the Ceona Amazon is well equipped for operation in the most challenging development projects.

Meanwhile, the hull of Ceona’s new deepwater flexlay vessel, the Polar Onyx, is in Norway for the second phase of construction. The highcapacity vessel, on charter from GC Rieber for up to 10 years, is being outfitted by Ulstein Verft. Built to the highest standard for dynamic positioning, DP-3, and equipped with a 250t AHC crane, the Polar Onyx will lay flexible pipe and umbilicals in harsh conditions and waters of 3,000m in depth. The vessel is set to enter service in the first quarter of 2014.

Ceona CEO, Steve Preston comments:

“Work continues apace on both the Ceona Amazon and the Polar Onyx. With steel cut on the Amazon, our flagship vessel, and outfitting progressing on the Polar Onyx, we’re on track to bring these builds in on schedule and on budget.

Ceona’s focus now is on setting the vessels, and the impressive technologies they employ, to work on the projects they were designed to execute.”

Subsea UK News | September 2013

27

GROWTH

AECC Announces GE Oil & Gas as New Arena Sponsor Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) are delighted to announce that GE Oil & Gas will be the new sponsor of the AECC Aberdeen Arena.

The two parties have entered into a 10-year agreement which will see the Arena being re-named the ‘GE Oil & Gas Arena, Aberdeen’.

With over 600 events, and 300,000 people coming through the Venue each year, this new partnership will further enhance AECC’s position as The National Energy Exhibition Centre and the key conference and exhibition Venue in the North-East of Scotland.

The Arena hosts concerts, comedy and sporting events, large dinner-dances (including the annual Energy Ball), trade and public exhibitions (Offshore Europe, Subsea 2014, Your Wedding Exhibition, The Scottish Home Show) and many large conferences each year.

“GE Oil & Gas are delighted to have concluded an agreement with the AECC to be the Title Sponsor of the Arena ahead of the Offshore Europe event in September,” confirmed Rod Christie CEO of Subsea Systems at GE Oil & Gas. “The Arena is a hugely important venue for Aberdeen, hosting a range of industry and social events that support the local economy and community.

Being just across the road from the Global Headquarters of our Subsea Business, we already had very strong links with the venue and strengthening the relationship seemed a natural thing for us to do.”

Christie went on to explain the key factor for GE Oil & Gas: “Our business is experiencing tremendous growth, we are busy recruiting additional employees and this deal will help us to create awareness of the fantastic opportunities the oil and gas industry offers and promote the GE Oil & Gas brand across the region as an employer of choice.”

Brian Horsburgh, Managing Director of AECC commented:

“We are delighted to have a global brand company such as GE Oil & Gas as a key sponsorship partner. We see many positive benefits from working with them and we are looking forward to developing these with the GE Oil & Gas Team.”

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

GROWTH

MD Andrew Esson with Quick Hydraulics Future Workforce L-R Kyle Grimshaw, Jimmy Brydon, Dale Tansley, Corey Nelson, Roland Wilkinson, Luke Powell, Beth Henderson, MD Andrew Esson

Quick Hydraulics Continues Investment In Future Talent Quick Hydraulics is leading the way in developing future talent within the subsea sector. The firm, a leading hydraulic equipment specialist based in North Tyneside, has recruited five apprentices and two graduate engineers in the last 18 months, as it has expanded its workforce from 14 to 29.

Andrew Esson, Managing Director and Skills & Resource Lead within the Subsea North East Executive Committee, acquired the firm from its former family owners in September 2011, with an aggressive plan for growth.

Esson said: “Quick Hydraulics was a firm which was recognised for its technical capabilities and excellent customer service within its existing customer base, but had concentrated for a number of years on servicing existing customers rather than expansion. There was an obvious opportunity to increase the company’s activities in the subsea sector, but to do this required expansion of the existing team.”

The company has brought a number of experienced staff into its workshop,

design and sales teams, but Esson said: “Recognising the shortage of engineering skills in the subsea sector, we quickly realised that to achieve our growth ambitions we would need to grow our own talent. Last year we started with an apprentice hydraulic technician and a business and administration apprentice, and quickly added a higher apprentice within our engineering team. This year we have recruited a further two apprentices within our workshop, as well as bringing in a graduate engineer and an economics & business graduate to assist with systems development.”

In addition to apprentice and graduate recruitment, Quick Hydraulics also has a strong commitment to promoting engineering within local schools and colleges. The firm is an active supporter

of the Primary Engineer cluster within the North East of England, sponsoring two local schools to bring engineering into primary education, working with local secondary schools through the Engineering Development Trust, and providing work placements to secondary school pupils and students.

Esson concludes:

“We can’t sit back and expect someone else to create a future talent pool. Every company in the subsea sector needs to actively commit to attracting new talent into the industry, and provide the career opportunities to keep hold of that talent.”

Subsea UK News | September 2013

29

GROWTH

UK Subsea Valves Capability Strengthened Severn Glocon Acquires HPHT Company Calidus Engineering

KBA Europe Announces Office Move to Accommodate Growth and Expansion KB Associates Europe (KBAE) is pleased to announce the relocation of the UK branch office to KBA House, Minto Drive, Altens Industrial Estate in the month of July. The recent growth in UK operations has motivated the search for a larger space that will facilitate greater expansion, and future growth in audit consultancy HSE/ diving training so as to better serve the European clienteles.

Having acquired a new building, KBA Europe will now gain a corporate identity that will reflect its strong presence in the UK sector. The move has multiplied the previous office space to 3,000 sq ft that will facilitate both the consultancy and training services offered. There will be a total of three training rooms that can accommodate up to 18 candidates each and an office area that fits up to 11 employees, including accounts and managers. There is a modern and spacious reception area, one meeting room that can accommodate up to eight persons, ample parking spaces right at the doorstep and conveniently located with reputable hotels in the vicinity.

The relocation is driven by the company’s commitment to foster a closer relationship with clients; whereby Altens Industrial Estate has been carefully selected because of its geographical location where it is situated in close proximity to major oil and gas companies. This amounts to an excellent opportunity for both the clients and KBA(E) to work in close partnership.

This is an important milestone for KBA(E) and KBA Group of Companies as it reflects stability, confidence and continuous expansion; allowing the company to continue to provide quality consultancy and training services. KBA(E) has already made plans on its training schedules to roll out more training courses and expects to be busy from August onwards.

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

The UK’s subsea valve capability has received a boost with the acquisition of Subsea UK member company Calidus Engineering by control valve engineering specialist, Severn Glocon Group. Now renamed Severn Subsea Technologies, the company will form the nucleus of the Group’s research and development efforts in subsea valves.

A former subsidiary of Badger Explorer (Norway), Calidus is a multidiscipline engineering firm developing innovative subsea and downhole technologies for harsh HPHT environments. Severn Glocon Group is taking this strategic move in a bid to align its operations to better meet future technical challenges in subsea oil and gas production.

Calidus’ downhole products already developed will provide major sales opportunities with worldwide oil and gas corporations.

Severn Glocon Group Chief Executive Maurice Critchley says the acquisition underlines the firm’s ambitions to be at the forefront of technical developments for the oil and gas industry: “Offshore operating conditions are becoming ever more extreme, so hardware engineers and manufacturers need to invest in developing breakthrough technologies.

As an industry we have a duty to collaborate and innovate. At Severn, we’re using intelligence-led R&D to identify potential technology gaps and focus our engineering expertise in the right places. Calidus brings a valuable new set of skills to our portfolio as we upscale our R&D efforts.”

The acquisition enhances core capabilities to strengthen the Group’s global positioning in the subsea market, and builds on the acquisition of LB Bentley in 2012. It also increases the scope for new subsea systems developments based on LB Bentley’s valve technology.

“With increasing focus on subsea processing, we are able to bring significant engineering knowhow to Severn Glocon’s subsea R&D and systems integration activity, in tandem with small-bore subsea valve firm LB Bentley’s R & D Team and the Severn Unival Brighouse Valve Innovation Centre,” notes Brian Green, Managing Director, Severn Subsea Technologies.

Alongside its subsea valve development work, Severn Subsea Technologies will continue to supply industry-leading, precision engineering services and HPHT downhole tools technologies such as heat shielding, camera and video systems, seismic tools and hydraulic systems.

Severn Glocon Group is headquartered in the UK and employs 800 people worldwide. The firm won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2011 and the Group sales continue to grow at 50% in 2012 and 2013.

GROWTH

Ecosse Subsea Systems Gear Up for Growth with New Office Expansion Subsea technology specialist, Ecosse Subsea Systems (ESS) has moved to larger premises as it prepares for significant business growth.

The move from Aberdeen to Brathens Eco-Business Park in Banchory gives the company the facilities to expand its team, which currently includes 13 office staff and 50 offshore personnel.

A recruitment drive is underway to fill a number of senior management, business development, accounting and administration positions and the total workforce could double in the next three years.

ESS was established in 1996 and has a number of innovative patented technologies, including the SCAR plough and trenching system, which is in demand for specialist projects in the oil and gas and renewables sectors.

The new location is also ideally situated for easy access to many of ESS’s subsea industry clients based at Westhill on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

The relocation represents an investment of £400,000 and includes a research and development manufacturing unit.

The company has just completed its largest contract to date, a multi-million pound boulder removal and cable trenching project on behalf of Siem Offshore Contractors on a wind farm in the Baltic Sea. Ecosse Subsea managing director, Mike Wilson, said: “Our business has taken huge leap forward in terms of growing our revenue and extending our client base in new markets and we are planning for the future.

“Our new office gives up the ability to grow our capability. There has been a marked increase

in the number of tenders we have been invited to bid for and we envisage doubling our workforce in the short to medium term.”

Brathens Eco-Business Park also fits with ESS’s environmental objectives and makes sustainability a core issue, providing office heating from a biomass wood fuel system and renewable solar electricity.

Mr Wilson added:

“The green ethos at Brathens fits well with our philosophy of trying to be carbon neutral and the majority of staff have reduced their individual carbon footprints by cutting down on mileage and travelling time.”

Ecosse Subsea Systems’ new home at Brathens Eco-Business Park, Banchory

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ACHIEVEMENT Mike Hawkins (left) and Graham Wilson (right) lead Jee’s London office.

Jee Ltd Celebrates 25 Years This year, Jee Ltd celebrates its 25th anniversary. From beginnings as a one-person consultancy, the company has grown to become a leading independent multi-discipline subsea engineering and training firm, with a team of 90 and three offices located around the UK. Jee was founded by Trevor Jee in 1988 and Mike Hawkins joined as the first full-time staff member soon after. He has been with Jee for more than 20 years and has witnessed the company’s incredible growth first-hand. He now works as the company’s Technical Director.

Mike said:

“Within Jee, we have transformed from a small consultancy to a full-service company fulfilling large project contracts for international clients. Not only has the company added a range of additional services and capabilities during my time here, but I have seen our client list grow phenomenally as Jee became recognised for its technical excellence and commitment to service.”

Jee’s initial focus was pipeline technology. With a team of engineers dedicated to a niché market, the company carried out highly technical studies or pieces of work, but being so specialised inevitably limited the size of the company. The decision to move from being purely a pipeline company to an integrated service company enabled Jee to expand and fulfil customer needs by providing whole life-of-field engineering to their projects. One of the first areas targeted for development was integrity management, which enabled Jee to take on larger scopes of work and begin to forge relationships with operators that, 25 years on, are still maintained.

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

Mike notes that Jee has achieved many milestones during his time with the company. One of the accomplishments of which he is most proud is a joint industry project (JIP) on pipeline trenching in connection with the British government.

Jee managed this project, which involved collaboration from more than 20 companies within the industry to develop design methodologies and data to enable operators to install pipelines without trenching.

While the company expanded its influence and capabilities, another significant milestone was the introduction of its first training course in 1995. This followed a customer request to train its engineers to Jee standards, and the courses have become a benchmark for the industry, with more than 25 available globally through public, in-house classroom and online platforms.

Jee has seen steady growth since its beginnings, particularly in recent years. In 2006, the company expanded into Aberdeen to meet customer demand and is planning a move to larger premises this summer. Earlier this year, Jee opened its first office in central London to attract new staff as well as offer a localised service to clients in the area. The London team has already outgrown the office and is in the process of relocating to larger premises.

As Jee’s workforce continues to expand, so do its capabilities.

The company’s engineers and staff keep a close eye on industry advancements to remain at the forefront of technology and ensure the delivery of optimal results. Mike said he anticipates lifetime extension (LTE) of ageing assets to be a large focus for the future, and the company has already contributed to the authorship of ISO 12747, an internationally recognised code addressing LTE for rigid metallic pipelines.

ACHIEVEMENT

Saab Seaeye Wins Two Top Awards Saab Seaeye has won two awards: Business of the Year and Excellence Through Innovation against 185 top companies in the South of Britain.

Commenting on the Excellence Through Innovation Award, the judges declared that Saab Seaeye was a deserving winner, scoring very highly on the judging criteria and demonstrated excellence in its forward thinking and use of technology in business, where continued innovation benefits the customer in what is a “truly world class business”.

Saab Seaeye’s Managing Director, Jon Robertson says that the awards are great recognition for all the hard work the team puts in:

“We have ambitious growth and development plans,” he said. “And it’s going to take a lot of hard work to make it happen, but we will with the team we have.”

The Business of the Year award comes as the company recently doubled the size of its operations by expanding into a second 24,000 sq ft facility.

Jon Robertson says the extra space means they can expand the engineering team, and with total recruitment already up 23%, this makes the company an important employer of highly qualified engineers. The expansion will enable the company to invest in new products and offer bespoke engineering solutions.

With exports accounting for 80% of turnover and represented in 28 countries around the globe, the company has also just opened an office in the USA. The entry against which the Excellence Through Innovation Award was judged centred on Saab Seaeye’s innovative design approach called “Technology Toolbox”.

Receiving the awards were Jon Robertson, together with sales director Matt Bates, and operations director Mark Exeter.

Total recruitment up by

23%

CELEBRATING

10 YEARS

Europe’s largest annual Subsea Exhibition and Conference Aberdeen AECC | 05-07 February 2014

Formerly Subsea 2014

SPONSORED BY

ORGANISED BY

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PRINCIPAL MEDIA SPONSOR

ACHIEVEMENT

Ocean Installer Celebrates One Year Anniversary in Aberdeen Ocean Installer has recently celebrated its one year anniversary by donating 10 paddle boats to Duthie Park as part of the restoration project to bring the park back to its original splendor.

The 10 paddle boats are named after Ocean Installer’s fleet, the Normand Mermaid, Normand Clipper and Normand Vision and were launched at the re-opening fun day held by Aberdeen City Council on Sunday 30th June 2013.

“We decided to support Duthie Park and donate the paddle boats to celebrate our first year in Aberdeen, the restoration will bring the park back to its former glory and will benefit the local community and we are delighted to be involved. I am very pleased with the progress for Ocean Installer in the UK over the last year and look forward to more success,” said Martin Sisley, Managing Director of Ocean Installer UK. Ocean Installer first opened its Aberdeen office in late May 2012 and has grown from two employees to 66 in the first year.

The UK office has many achievements to celebrate from the last year, including a number of contract awards which include work on the Shell Bittern field and the Talisman Arkwright field.

KBA Europe brings DMT/R and OGP Training to UK after successful delivery of these two popular courses in Asia and USA!

KBA Training Centre Pte Ltd KB Associates (Europe) Ltd KBA Marine Services Pte Ltd KBA Engineering Pte Ltd KB Access Pte Ltd

ACHIEVEMENT

FASTEST Veteran Team

EPC Offshore Raise Over £16K for Alzheimer Scotland Staff at Aberdeen-based EPC Offshore raised a staggering £16,800 for charity after taking part in the gruelling Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge.

The event saw 20 staff members conquer 55 miles of Scottish countryside by bike and on foot to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland. Starting out at Drymen, near Loch Lomond, they completed 16 miles through the Trossachs to Callander on foot before switching to bikes for a gruelling 39 mile cycle to the banks of Loch Tay. Led by company Chief Executive Officer Keith Wallace, the team also grabbed the top spot for the Fastest Veteran Team.

EPC Offshore was selected to feature in a mini-documentary about the challenge with world record-breaking cyclist, international

(L-R) Sam Briones, Keith Wallace and Susan Patterson

adventurer and broadcaster Mark Beaumont.

“No amount of training prepares you for a 55-mile challenge whilst battling torrential rain, swarms of midges and lots of blisters, but we rallied together and kept our spirits high all the way to the finishing line,” said Mr Wallace.

“The Rob Roy Challenge is a real test to your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie, but knowing you’re doing it all for a very worthwhile cause, gives you the power and encouragement to carry on to the end.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has shown their support and sponsored us.

“We never expected to have raised so much, but we have well and truly far surpassed our initial target.”

EPC Offshore employees are no strangers to taking part in fundraising challenges to benefit local and national causes, with this being the second time the company has taken part in the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge. The team also raised a staggering £22,500 for Macmillan Cancer Research by cycling from London to Paris in summer 2012.

ACHIEVEMENT

Hannah Miley

Gold Medallist on Top of the World at the National Hyperbaric Centre Gold Medallist Swimmer Hannah Miley took part in an altitude training trial at the National Hyperbaric Centre in the hope to maximise her performance for upcoming races.

The Aberdeenshire-based championship swimmer finished first place in the 400m Individual Medley at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This achievement was added to her long list of successes including medals at the British, European and World Championships. Miley narrowly missed out on a medal at The London 2012 Olympics, finishing 5th in the final race, making her more aware than ever that during a race, every second counts.

Miley has a strict and focused training routine which is supported by her father, Patrick Miley, who has always tried to include varied and experimental training methods, for which he was recognised as the British Swimming Association’s Coach of the Year in 2010.

In preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014, Miley, along with other elite athletes, has been taking part in altitude trials as part of a study into the benefits of hypobaric and hyperbaric exposure. Training at pressure, or decreased pressure such as at altitude, involves exercising or living in oxygen reduced atmospheres up to 6,400m, which increases the red blood cell count delivering more oxygen to the muscles. Athletes, including Miley, have been taken to sites around the world to reach the necessary heights, where they live and train, acclimatising their body to the conditions.

Being based in Aberdeen, Miley has the benefit of having the National Hyperbaric Centre close by, where she can be taken to high altitude levels within a controlled environment just a few miles from her home.

The chambers at the National Hyperbaric Centre are capable of simulating depths of 8000m below sea level for which they are famous for their subsea testing and training, but the chambers can also simulate heights of 20,000 metres. The Centre has experience with various trials and tests at high altitude levels from testing aircraft components, trialling the effect of medical equipment for people who live in high altitude areas and the effects of long haul flights.

Mike McDonald, Business Development Manager at NHC said:

“We were very excited to have Hannah Miley contact us regarding the altitude trials; we were delighted to accommodate a local superstar and are always keen to consider new and innovative ways of using the facilities we have.�

The Centre has been the site of many research and scientific projects as well as testing some of the biggest advances in technology; it benefits from its ability to be precisely controlled and monitored by our highly trained and experienced technicians.

Subsea UK News | September 2013

37

PEOPLE

Bibby Offshore’s Management Restructure to Support Impressive Growth Plans Two new chief operating officers and an offshore support services director have been appointed at Bibby Offshore to support the company’s significant future development plans.

Current managing director Fraser Moonie, who has been in the role for three years, becomes responsible for eastern regions including Norway, S.E. Asia (including Singapore) and Australia. He has 16 years’ experience in the subsea and offshore industry and has been with Bibby Offshore since 2003.

been appointed as offshore support services director where he will be responsible for the entire Bibby Offshore fleet of vessels.

In May 2013, the subsea installation contractor relocated to new multimillion pound, purpose built headquarters at Atmosphere One, Westhill. It is currently on track to achieve a turnover of £220million by the end of 2013, with plans to increase this to £650million by 2017, creating more than 100 onshore jobs in the north east.

In addition to his role as director of Bibby Remote Intervention Limited (BRIL), Mike Arnold has now assumed responsibility for all western regions including West Africa, North America - including Trinidad, Canada, Alaska and South America. Mike has headed up the BRIL division since late 2011 and prior has almost 30 years’ industry experience.

The UK North Sea region will remain split between Mr Moonie and Mr Arnold, with Fraser retaining all Bibby Offshore projects and Mike all BRIL projects.

With almost 30 years of oil and gas experience, Graeme Wood has

Mike Arnold, Graeme Wood and Fraser Moonie

Tim Sheeham, Commercial Director, Ashtead Technology

Ashtead Technology Appoints Tim Sheehan as Commercial Director Ashtead Technology strengthens its management team with the appointment of Tim Sheehan as Commercial Director.

The appointment comes as part of the company’s strategy to expand its global service offering, which includes rental equipment, calibration, repair and maintenance, offshore personnel and bespoke engineered solutions.

Chief Executive Allan Pirie said:

“Tim is hugely experienced and will bring the knowledge and drive that will keep Ashtead Technology at the forefront of our sector.”

With more than 30 years of subsea industry experience, Mr Sheehan takes up his new role following two years as Executive Vice President Commercial at Reef Subsea, having also previously held senior management positions with Technip, Bibby Offshore, Acergy and Rotech. He is also an active board member of Subsea UK.

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Subsea UK News | September 2013

Sandy Harper and David Smith of the NHC

New Associate Director at the National Hyperbaric Centre Sandy Harper has been promoted to Associate Director of the National Hyperbaric Centre with responsibility to provide senior management level input for business development of all aspects of the company as well as technical input for safe and efficient operational activities where required.

David Smith, Managing Director of the NHC, said: “The role will ensure that the Centre operates at the highest levels of technical compliance on client projects and with its internal systems. With further growth also forecast for the NHC in consulting and training, together with Sandy’s participation in writing OGP’s and IMCA’s Diving Assurance documents he is confirmed as a key member of the NHC’s senior management team and a new-generation contributor to the development of the subsea industry.”

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