Inside Energy April 2024

Sector analysis

Decommissioning in the US: an overview across energy sectors

As of 2024, decommissioning in the US spans several industries, including nuclear energy, oil and gas and renewables. Each of these sectors has its challenges and regulatory frameworks guiding the decommissioning process. This article delves into the decommissioning across various sectors, from nuclear reactors to the shifts in coal and gas power plant retirements and the ongoing work in offshore California. Each segment reflects an aspect of the broader decommissioning landscape in the US.

Entering 2024, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reports over 23 nuclear reactors undergoing decommissioning in the US, a number that shows the aging infrastructure of the country’s nuclear fleet. A significant number of reactors, including Vallecitos, San Onofre, Crystal River, Vermont Yankee, Indian Point (units 1, 2 and 3), Oyster Creek and Three Mile Island, are undergoing DECON, a process where facilities are decontaminated soon after ceasing operations to allow for immediate site reuse. SAFSTOR, a strategy where sites are maintained and monitored in a safe condition before decommissioning is completed, is applied to Fort Calhoun, Duane Arnold Energy Center, Dresden, Kewaunee, Fermi, Millstone and Peach Bottom. Zion stands out with its standalone ISFSI (independent spent fuel storage installation), focusing on the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel. Notably, Palisades is marked for a restart.

Among these, notable projects such as the decommissioning of Three Mile Island’s unit 2 reactor illustrate the sector’s comprehensive approach. Managed by FirstEnergy Corp and Constellation and involving several EPRD (engineering, preparation, removal and disposal) contractors, this project is on track for completion by 2053. It includes phases such as source term reduction, structural demolition and fuel debris management, aiming for the finalisation of licensing by Q4 2052.

The decommissioning process in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore California, is significantly influenced by regulatory requirements and economic considerations. In 2023, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) released a programmatic environmental impact statement, which detailed various alternatives for decommissioning operations on the Pacific outer continental shelf (OCS).

This initiative marks a step by the BSEE in addressing the environmental and regulatory aspects of decommissioning activities. The agency notes a steady stream of decommissioning activities as offshore platforms reach the end of their service life.

Specifically, eight production platforms in offshore California are being decommissioned. Chevron plays a significant role in this effort; platforms Harvest, Hidalgo and Hermosa have completed the initial decommissioning phase, with all wells abandoned and conductors removed. Platform Grace has seen 28 wells abandoned and 38 conductors removed, while platform Gail’s decommissioning is on-going. Decommissioning for platform Habitat, operated by DCOR LLC, is scheduled to begin in 2024.

Moving on to coal and gas, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports a decrease in coal and natural gas power plant retirements for 2024, dropping to 5.2GW –a 62% decline from the previous year and the lowest since 2008. Coal plant closures are anticipated to be just 2.3GW, or 1.3% of the operational fleet. However, retirements are projected to surge to 10.9GW in 2025. For natural gas, significant retirements include the Mystic generating station in Massachusetts and TVA’s Johnsonville station, accounting for nearly half of this year’s total. Although retirement does not necessarily equate to immediate decommissioning, it’s reasonable to anticipate that a portion of these retirements will evolve into decommissioning projects. This slowdown represents a temporary halt in the move away from fossil fuels, with an expected increase in retirements on the horizon as the current US government targets a coal-free trajectory by approximately 2035.

The renewables sector is also experiencing developments as PacificCorp’s Klamath River hydroelectric dams are being decommissioned. The dismantling of the JC Boyle, Copco 1 and Iron Gate dams is scheduled to begin in the second quarter and is expected to continue throughout 2024.

In conclusion, the decommissioning sector is a key player in the move towards sustainable energy, addressing the challenges of responsibly dismantling obsolete energy infrastructure. This developing area offers opportunities for the conversion of old facilities into sites for renewable energy projects, exemplified by NextEra’s initiative to replace the Duane Arnold nuclear plant with solar and battery storage facilities. As the sector adapts to the varied demands of nuclear, fossil fuel and renewable energy decommissioning, its growth is poised to contribute to environmental sustainability and the economy, setting a global benchmark for best practices in the industry. For more information on decommissioning projects, EICDataStream and EICAssetMap offer insights into existing projects and asset statuses.

Rodrigo Matsuda North America Analyst (OPEX and Decommissioning)

rodrigo.matsuda@the-eic.com

Inside this issue...

This edition of Inside Energy features our last batch of case studies from EIC member companies that participated in the 2023 edition of the annual EIC

Survive & Thrive Insight Report. Thank you to all that joined us last year and we look forward to publishing this year’s success stories from August onwards.

In the meantime, you might be happy to know that registrations are officially open for Energy Exports Conference (EEC) 2024. Our main event of the year, which hosts the biggest players from across the global energy sector, will be back at P&J Live in Aberdeen, Scotland, on 11-12 June. Don’t miss this great opportunity to link with industry peers and stakeholders. If you want to register or find out more visit www.the-eic.com/EEC

This month’s sector analysis has been produced by Rodrigo Matsuda, EIC’s North America Analyst for OPEX and Decommissioning. Rodrigo dives into decommissioning developments across the energy sectors in the US. Since decommissioning projects are vital for the dismantling of obsolete energy infrastructure, this should be a key area of focus in the path to net zero in the US and elsewhere.

In member’s news, we welcome Ellis Patents, a leading manufacturer of cable cleats and cable hangers. In this section, Ellis discloses its growing presence in the Asia Pacific region with the appointment of Tom Rooney as export sales manager.

In spotlight on technology, ICR showcases the contribution that its operation in Carnforth has provided the company: approximately £6m to ICR’s anticipated £50m turnover for 2024. This amount represents an impressive increase of 20% from the previous financial year.

Last but not least, readers can keep up with the latest trends in the international energy industry with regional comments from our directors in Europe, the MENA region, Asia Pacific and the Americas, as well as news from our members.

AUSTRALIA

Swanbank Battery Storage Project

Operator: CleanCo

Value: US$250m

CleanCo has commenced construction on a 250MW/500MWh BESS project in Queensland. CleanCo is partnering with Tesla and Yurika to deliver this project at its Swanbank site. The project is expected to become fully operational by 2025.

iFor more information on these and the 14,000 other current and future projects we are tracking please visit EICDataStream

NAMIBIA

Mangetti-1X Oil Discovery

Operator: TotalEnergies

Value: US$100m

TotalEnergies has made an oil discovery offshore Namibia, but it is too early to say whether the find is commercial. The drillship Tungsten Explorer is drilling the Mangetti-1X probe in Block 2913B and is targeting a prospect at a shallower geological depth than Venus.

Global opportunities

CANADA

Edmonton Cement Plant CCUS Project

Operator: Heidelberg Cement

Value: US$1.04bn

Technip Energies has been selected to conduct the FEED studies for the project. The company will utilise the Shell CANSOLV CO 2 capture system technology as the basis of the study.

FINLAND

Oulu

Green Hydrogen Project

Operator: Oulun Energia

Value: US$150m

Oulun Energia (Oulu Energy) is planning the development of a 100MW green hydrogen project in the Laanila Industrial Area, Oulu, which, alongside carbon capture and further processing units, will be utilised for e-fuels production.

SAUDI ARABIA

Ar Rass 2 Solar PV Plant

Operator: ACWA Power

Value: US$1.43bn

ACWA Power has secured a US$2.3bn debt financing for the Ar Rass 2, Al Kahfah and Saad 2 solar PV plants. The debt financing is being provided by Mizuho Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, Riyad Bank, Saudi National Bank, Saudi Awwal Bank, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank for a period of 27.75 years.

VIETNAM

Thai Binh

LNG Import Terminal

Operator: Thai Binh LNG Power Joint Stock Company (TBLP)

Value: US$500m

Tokyo Gas, TTVN and Kyuden International Corporation have established a JV for the development of an offshore LNG receiving terminal and power plant. TBLP will conduct the economic and technical feasibility studies before selecting an EPC contractor.

THE VOICE OF THE ENERGY SUPPLY CHAIN

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SupplyMap

EICSupplyMap maps the capabilities of supply chain companies that operate in the wider energy industry. These industries cover renewables, upstream, midstream, downstream, power, nuclear, energy storage and the potential and proven capabilities in carbon capture and hydrogen. After successfully mapping the UK market, EICSupplyMap now covers the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Texas/US and Brazil.

• Identify the supply chain local to your region, giving you the opportunity to engage with potential new clients.

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• An in-depth look at profiles of more than 6,000 energy sector supply chain companies.

• Make smarter decisions by targeting your offering to international developers/operators and contractors matching your capability with international energy projects.

RIO DE JANEIRO

HOUSTON

LONDON

DUBAI

KUALA LUMPUR

Ellis Patents welcomes Tom Rooney as Export Sales Manager to drive growth in Asia Pacific

Ellis Patents, a leading manufacturer of cable cleats and cable hangers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Rooney as Export Sales Manager. With an extensive background in industrial offshore electrical engineering and a successful track record in global export sales, Tom brings valuable experience and expertise to the Ellis Patents team.

Tom’s early career was rooted in industrial offshore electrical engineering before transitioning to global export sales with Wiremold. Following this, he established his own business in Dubai, specialising in high-end specification products and supplying major projects throughout the Middle East. His experience further expanded with a focus on switchgear energy-saving products.

Having long been familiar with Ellis’ cable cleats as a market leader with a highly respected reputation for quality products, Tom is enthusiastic about leveraging his knowledge of the culture and business methods of the Asia Pacific region. His primary goal is to contribute to the expansion of Ellis Patents’ distributor base and build on the product and brand awareness in the region.

Ellis Patents’ 60+ years of experience has led to a global reach into over 50 different countries, with exports currently accounting for more than 50% of their overall sales. Key to this growth is the strong relationships with their 55 international distributor partners. Through them, the company designs, manufactures and supplies cable cleats and cable hangers to diverse sectors, including oil and gas, renewable energy, major infrastructure and transportation.

Kelly Brown, Sales Director at Ellis Patents, expressed her excitement about Tom’s appointment, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome Tom to Ellis. His extensive experience and proven track record in global export sales make him an invaluable addition to our team. Tom’s knowledge of the Asia Pacific will be instrumental in expanding our presence in these key markets.”

Tom Rooney added: “I am honoured to join Ellis Patents, a company with a strong reputation for quality and innovation. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the export sales division, strengthening relationships with distributors and elevating the awareness of Ellis Patents in the Asia Pacific.”

Tom Rooney, Export Sales Manager

Ellis Patents

OPERATION’S KEY ROLE IN SUCCESS OF ICR GROUP

ICR’s established technological solutions continue to play a significant part in its growth.

ICR Group’s Carnforth operation is set to contribute around £6m to the company’s anticipated £50m turnover this year, an increase on its 2022-23 year-end figure of £41.7m –which in turn was up 20% on the previous financial year.

ICR – a provider of specialist maintenance, inspection and integrity solutions – has driven growth through activities across several sectors as well as the roll-out of an internationalisation strategy.

The operation is the group’s base for onsite machining, hydraulic bolt tensioning, leak sealing, Quickflange, a mechanical solution for pipeline integrity and Technowrap, a versatile long-term alternative to steel replacement.

www.icr-world.com

Carnforth’s status within ICR has been further underpinned after the group secured a four-year extension to a major contract for specialist onsite machining projects at a large engineering facility in the north-west. Work has also been secured in the oil and gas, nuclear, government and defence sectors, across projects including flange management, controlled bolting, machining, leak sealing and composite repairs.

ICR, which employs 270 people across its operations, also has UK offices in Aberdeen and Hemel Hempstead, alongside international sites in Stavanger, Abu Dhabi, Houston and Perth (Australia), as well as partners in 25 other countries.

The company has invested in new equipment and training at Carnforth, where additional technical and sales staff have been added. The team at the base has risen from 42 to 60 in the past year.

The firm’s drone division, Sky-Futures, has secured UK and further international work supporting clients by delivering inspection reports and data on asset build or inspection programmes. ICR Group

New EIC members

NEW GLOBAL MEMBER

Aramco Overseas Company (AOC)

Prinses Beatrixlaan 35 2595 AK

The Hague Netherlands

Email media.inquiries@aramco.com

Web

https://europe.aramco.com/

Aramco Overseas Company (AOC) is a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco – the state-owned oil company of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a fully integrated global petroleum and chemicals enterprise.

AOC is exclusive solutions and strategic partner of Saudi Aramco for all the work being performed entirely Out of Kingdom and outside the Americas and Asia Pacific.

AOC’s network of experts provides a vital link between Saudi Aramco and AOC’s area of operations and promoting Saudi Aramco’s local content iktva programme

https://iktva.sa/

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Email

NEW GLOBAL MEMBER

ARC Marine Limited

3-4 Vaughan Parade

Torquay

TQ2 5EG UK

Contact Steve Wright, Project Partnership Director

Telephone +44 (0)1803 914 099

Email

steve@arcmarine.co.uk

Web

www.arcmarine.co.uk

ARC Marine is an innovative, award winning, UK ecoengineering company. It designs and manufactures concrete-like structures for scour and cable/ pipeline protection (marine matts) that also enhance marine habitat by embracing nature inclusive design (NID) to deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG). The company also provides structures for coastal defence, aquaculture moorings, ports and harbours etc.

ARC Marine’s products are carbonneutral, marine friendly, non-toxic, plastic free and typically made from 98% recycled materials. They are intended to remain on the seabed forever (with regulator consent) to eliminate decommissioning costs.

ARC Marine also provides engineering and science led consultancy services to develop NID objectives, design structures for specific species and support pre and post deployment monitoring.

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Design & Build

Level 21

600 Bourke Street

Melbourne, VIC, 3000 Australia

Contact

Sam Carew, National Lead Energy & Infrastructure

Telephone +61 3 8535 3100

Email sam@designandbuild.com.au

Web

www.designandbuild.com.au

Design & Build Recruitment has operated within the private and public sectors for 20 years delivering talent solutions to the energy, construction and engineering sectors across APAC.

The company has made more than 10,000 permanent and 7,500 temporary placements, and it runs its business by its core values: focus, care, feedback and honest communication.

Design & Build is Australia based with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Design & Build’s energy team recruits across the full lifecycle and supply chain of projects within the renewables, power, oil and gas and resources markets.

Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

FOX Brasil Project Logistics

R Cuiabá 229

Alto da Mooca

São Paulo - SP

03183-000 Brazil

Contact

Murilo Caldana, Project Director

Telephone +55 (11) 3543 0200

Email murilo@foxbrasil.com

Web https://foxbrasil.com/

FOX Brasil Project Logistics is a freight forwarder covering Brazil/ LATAM in project logistics, heavy lift and engineering and chartering.

The company specialises in overweight and over dimensioned door-to-door shipments; export packing; single out-of-gauge road transports; port handling, storage and FOB deliveries; supervision of loading and discharge; sea freight and air freight; positioning on foundations and assembling works; customs clearance; transport insurance and surveys and customised status reporting.

How FOX works:

Before giving you its proposal, the company explores all possible options for transportation; assesses the risks attached to each option and calculates all related costs for each mode of transportation.

Based on its findings, FOX provides you with the best applicable practice and right mixture of safety, reliability and price.

Talk to FOX Brasil Project Logistics project@foxbrasil.com

NEW RENEWABLES MEMBER

Genista Energy

Units 1&2 Fulhame

Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc Baldovie Road

Dundee DD4 8UQ

Scotland

Contact

John Little, Sales & Marketing Manager

Telephone +44 (0)7746 253 815

Email

john.little@genistaenergy.co.uk

Web https://genistaenergy.co.uk/

Genista Energy is a UK based manufacturer of fixed and mobile energy storage systems and electric vehicle chargers.

It is helping its customers to achieve their net zero emissions targets by optimising their energy use, reducing their carbon footprint, generating new revenue streams and operating more efficiently.

NEW RENEWABLES MEMBER

Huaxing East Electric Power Environmental Protection Technology Co Ltd

20F Yanchuang Mansion

Liyuan Development Zone, No 1

Yinbai Road, Wuxi City

Jiangsu Province China 214072

Contact Sameer Dev, Sales Manager

Telephone +86 510 6858 5858

Email sameer@huaxing-east.com

Web www.huaxing-east.com/en/

Huaxing East Co mainly focuses on FGC systems for waste to energy projects. The company currently has 30% market share in China and taken part in construction of more than 300 WTE projects within China and overseas.

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NEW RENEWABLES MEMBER

InfraRec

Uncommon

1 Long Lane

London SE1 4PG

UK

Contact James Ryan, Managing Director

Telephone +44 (0)7851 473 801

Email

james@infra-rec.com

Web

https://infra-rec.com/

InfraRec has emerged to provide talent solutions to companies worldwide that are involved in clean energy and infrastructure projects. Its management team comes with over a decade of recruitment expertise across worldwide infrastructure markets.

So you’re in safe hands.

The company is partnered with a vast variety of engineering and construction companies in the clean energy sector to provide them with tailored talent management solutions for their most exciting and innovative projects around the world.

InfraRec recognises that the world is demanding an enormous change in the way that humans consume energy, particularly when it comes to climate change and sustainability. That is why InfraRec is dedicating itself to supporting companies, with fresh talent, that are directly involved in projects that will aid a green future.

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Red Rooster Lifting

Nauta House

Oldmeldrum

Aberdeenshire

AB51 0EZ

UK

Contact Graham Milne, Business Development Manager

Telephone +44 (0)1651 872 101

Email gmilne@redroosterlifting.com

Web

www.redroosterlifting.com

For over 35 years Red Rooster Lifting has specialised in the supply, rental and servicing of some of the best powered lifting and load measure solutions in the world.

Red Rooster Lifting is continually improving its designs and quality systems to ensure the products and services it supplies are of the highest quality. The company is investing in technology to streamline production and importantly it is investing in its people to promote awareness, responsibility and customer service.

You can see its distinctive Red Rooster logo on lifting equipment and load links offshore, on assembly lines, in power plants, refineries and shipyards across the world.

Red Rooster Lifting has been involved in many global lifting projects over the last 35 years including the substantial Claire Ridge and Culzean offshore installations, as well as the new Queensferry Crossing in Scotland and St Paul’s Cathedral bell restoration in London.

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Supply Marine Serviços Ltda

Rodovia Amaral Peixoto, Km 160 - 95A Balneário das Garças

Rio das Ostras

RJ, CEP 28.898-000 Brazil

Contact

Heleno Palmieri, Executive Director

Telephone +55 (21) 2596 6262

Email comercial@supplymarine.com.br

Web www.supplymarine.com.br

The company specialises in HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) solutions for the marine and offshore industry, operating as a HVAC-R onestop-shop from engineering to maintenance as follows:

• Engineering and design.

• System and equipment maintenance.

• Air conditioning unit manufacturing.

• PMOC.

• Air conditioning ducts and galley hoods cleaning.

• Compressor overhauling.

• Training.

• Air conditioning rental.

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER TEAM Inc

Furman House

Shap Road

Kendal LA9 6RU

UK

Contact

Jean van der Walt, Sales and Marketing Lead

Telephone +44 (0)1539 729 009

Email

jean.vanderwalt@teaminc.com

Web www.teaminc.co.uk

TEAM Inc is a trusted partner in achieving operational excellence and safety in industries worldwide for over a century.

TEAM Inc offers a comprehensive suite of integrated services; from inspection to heat treatment, innovative hot tapping and line intervention solutions and expert field machining, the company covers every aspect of ensuring your equipment’s reliability and safety. TEAM Inc’s offerings also include composite repair, leak sealing, Trevitest, pipe freezing, SmartShim, laser scanning, valve service and repair, controlled bolting, flange management and efficient manufacturing and turnaround solutions.

With TEAM Inc by your side, you can trust that your assets will operate safely and at optimal performance levels.

Don’t settle for anything less than ‘Safety First’ and ‘Quality Always’ –choose TEAM Inc for unparalleled service and expertise.

NEW GLOBAL MEMBER

Trelleborg Singapore Pte Ltd

4 Jalan Pesawat Singapore

619362

Contact Vincent Tan, Sales Director

Telephone +65 6265 0955

Email

vincent.tan@trelleborg.com

Web www.trelleborg.com/en/ marine-and-infrastructure

With over 100 years of experience, Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions that seal, damp and protect critical applications in demanding environments. Its innovative engineered solutions accelerate performance for customers in a sustainable way.

Trelleborg Singapore focuses on offering its highly-engineered polymer solutions products to the offshore oil and gas and renewables industries.

The company’s products include float-over hardware, boat landing systems, jacket installation aids, corrosion protection and elastomeric bearings applications for FPSOs and FLNGs.

NEW GLOBAL MEMBER

WCM Vision Sdn Bhd

Lot 16, Jalan Teknologi 3/5

Taman Sains Selangor 1

47810 Kota Damansara

Selangor

Malaysia

Contact

Siti Nuraishah Binti Abdul Rahman, Senior Manager Business Development

Telephone +603 6148 3728

Email siti@wcmgroup.my

Web www.wcmgroup.com

WCM Vision serves as an esteemed oil and gas services provider specialising in the Welding Isolation Chamber Habitat (WICH) System®, also known as Pressurised Habitat. This solution allows a secure and safe environment for conducting hot work such as welding, grinding and torching activities in hazardous zones, delivering substantial cost savings to clients in both the offshore and onshore sectors. An automatic shutdown system for hazardous environments and the Flexi Overpressure System, it facilitates uninterrupted onsite operations while maintaining production. As a result, clients are spared costly and unnecessary shutdowns, ensuring operational continuity and efficiency.

This unwavering commitment underscores WCM’s dedication to providing innovative and reliable solutions that meet the stringent safety standards of the oil and gas industry, thereby enhancing overall operational effectiveness and client satisfaction.

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Member news

AAL Shipping joins Maritime AntiCorruption Network

Premium project heavy lift carrier, AAL Shipping (AAL), has joined the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN). The MACN is a global business network dedicated to freeing the maritime industry of corruption and enabling fair trade harmonisation across the world’s jurisdictions. Established in 2011 by a small group of maritime companies, MACN’s membership has grown to over 190 companies worldwide and is one of the pre-eminent examples of collective action to tackle corruption in the shipping industry.

AAL is looking forward to being an active member of this organisation. The MACN is incredibly proactive in raising standards amongst its membership to help fight corruption, but also in harnessing its collective power to lobby for change and fair-trade principles.

Felix Schoeller, Director, AAL

As part of its advocacy for sustainable practices, good corporate governance and in the protection of its global partners, AAL has also taken a strong position on international sanctions adherence and the harmonisation of ethical business conduct across its entire operational network. AAL was also the first multipurpose project heavy lift carrier to calculate and employ measures ahead of the 1 January 2024 launch of the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EUETS).

Alleima releases carbon footprint data to Epiroc

Drilling Tools

Alleima will be one of the first companies to implement Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for rock drill steel products for the mining industry. As a start, Alleima will release carbon footprint data for its rock drill steel products to its customer Epiroc Drilling Tools.

Climate change is an existential threat to the world. With rising carbon dioxide emissions at the heart of this threat, the European Union has committed to creating a climateneutral society by 2050, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

One of the key ways in which industries can support these climate goals is by reducing the levels of carbon they emit. Therefore, Alleima has decided to implement Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and will be one of the first companies to provide product-specific carbon footprint for rock drill steel products for the mining industry. Each product will have a third-party verified carbon footprint.

Alleima has been reusing steel scrap in production for over 100 years.

To use electric arc furnaces is today given and there is a strong focus on reducing the carbon footprint through the whole organisation.

In December 2022, Alleima decided to commit to set science-based net zero targets, consistent with the Paris Agreement. Epiroc Drilling Tools has also committed to the science-based targets initiative (SBTi).

We can all contribute to making greener choices for the industry. The next step for Alleima is to expand this approach across the entire production chain, verifying downstream products in the production flow.

Mattias Eriksson, Global Product Manager, Rock Drill Steel products, Alleima

Alleima is a global manufacturer of high value-added products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys as well as solutions for industrial heating. Based on long-term customer partnerships and leading materials technology, it develops products for the most demanding applications and industries. Its offering includes products like seamless steel tubes for the energy, chemical and aerospace industries, precision strip steel for white goods compressors, air conditioners and knife applications, based on more than 900 active alloy recipes. It also includes ultra-fine wires for medical and micro-electronic devices, industrial electric heating technology and coated strip steel for fuel cell technology for cars, trucks and hydrogen production.

Rock drill steel (RDS) products from Alleima have a low carbon footprint. Alleima has significantly reduced carbon emissions through efficient processes, the use of fossil-free electricity and dedicated investments such as switching to fossil-free fuels for heat treatment. Alleima products have a high scrap content, reducing the need for primary resources.

Alleima’s fully integrated value chain, from R&D to end-product, ensures industry-leading technology, quality, sustainability and circularity. Alleima, with headquarters in Sandviken, Sweden, had approximately 6,500 employees and revenues of about US$2bn in about 80 countries in 2023.

Amarinth supplies platform with dimensionally interchangeable API 610 pumps

Amarinth, a world-leading, net zero designer and manufacturer of low lifecycle cost centrifugal pumps and associated equipment, primarily for the offshore and onshore oil and gas industries; nuclear and renewable energy generation; defence; desalination; process and industrial markets, has completed an order to replace end-of-life Girdlestone pumps with new dimensionally interchangeable API 610 pumps on the Dan Fox platform in the North Sea, Denmark.

The Dan oil field, one of the largest North Sea chalk fields, is situated in shallow waters in the Danish sector, approximately 120 miles west of Esbjerg. Comprising 12 platforms, 38 active oil wells and 33 active water injectors, the field has been developed in several phases to meet the evolving demands of the oil and gas industry.

Three critical Girdlestone 980 API 610 pumps on the platform that form an integral part of the oil and water cyclone separator system had reached their natural end-of-life. With Girdlestone no longer in business and their pumps rendered obsolete, the challenge was to find a seamless replacement without incurring extensive modifications to pipework and fittings. Typically, fitting new pumps involves costly and time-consuming adjustments and changes which can also lead to significant production downtime.

To address this challenge, Amarinth drew upon its extensive expertise in replacing Girdlestone pumps to propose a bespoke version of one of its own centreline pumps. This tailored solution not only fulfilled the required duties but was designed to the API 610 edition that mirrored that of the original Girdlestone pump. Crucially, it was also engineered to be dimensionally interchangeable with the existing pump, minimising the need for modifications to associated pipework, plant infrastructure and equipment.

Manufactured to ATEX requirements with Plan 31 seal arrangements and associated gauges, the bespoke pumps were completed within a short 26 week lead time, aligning with the required maintenance window and ensuring minimal disruption to the continuous operation of the Dan Fox platform.

For more information: www.amarinth.com

AsstrA appoints Daniel Staples as Middle East Regional Head of its Industrial Projects Division

AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG, a leading international logistics and transportation company, has announced the appointment of Daniel Staples as its newest addition to the executive team. With a career spanning over three decades in the logistics sector and more than twenty years in the Middle East and Africa region, Staples brings a wealth of expertise and strategic vision to further enhance AsstrA’s global operations.

In his role, Staples will focus on AsstrA’s growth in regional project logistics and spearhead initiatives to optimise supply chain processes, foster innovation and drive sustainable growth.

His proven track record in successfully navigating complex logistics challenges in the Middle East region aligns seamlessly with AsstrA’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service to clients worldwide.

I am thrilled to join AsstrA, a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here and contributing to the continued success and expansion of AsstrA’s logistics solutions.

Daniel Staples, Middle East Regional Head, Industrial Projects Division

Staples’ extensive experience in the region, combined with AsstrA’s cutting-edge technology and customer-centric approach, positions the company to meet the evolving needs of the global logistics landscape. As AsstrA continues to strengthen its presence on the international stage, Staples’ strategic leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future in the Middle East.

Amarinth pumps for the Dan Fox platform in assembly

Costain awarded landmark new contract with NWG

Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been appointed by Northumbrian Water (NWG) to help shape and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme. The framework will see contracts awarded with the potential value of up to £670m to Costain over the 12 year period and builds on significant recent wins in the water sector for the company.

The framework contract will see Costain work with the water company and its partners to shape, create and deliver solutions to meet the strategic needs of NWG’s business plan during Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8).

DNV launches project to identify barriers to the use of high voltage direct current transmission in the US

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has launched a Joint Industry Project (JIP) with ten offshore wind and transmission developers to identify changes to electrical standards and standardisation needed to enable the connection of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission into the US electric grid. HVDC is an essential component for integrating offshore wind and other sources of clean energy, reliably and cost-effectively onto the power grid over long distances.

Phase one of the JIP will run through early 2024, during which DNV and the JIP participants will undertake an inventory of and prioritise key technical issues that stand in the way of the timely

The contract starts immediately and will run for a seven year initial term with an option for a further five year extension.

The framework is the Living Water Enterprise, the innovative vehicle developed to deliver NWG’s complex long cycle programmes in AMP8, comprising 12 partners and the water company. The work will involve:

• The design and construction of new water and wastewater treatment programmes and projects, including improving existing facilities and assets. Costain will deliver social value by enhancing the natural environment, a key outcome for AMP8, while also ensuring that customers continue to have access to high quality drinking water throughout the region.

and efficient use of HVDC transmission. After ranking the issues based on the participants’ experiences, the group will identify a stakeholder body most responsible for implementing a solution.

To put it simply, there will be no transition without transmission. HVDC transmission is a key part of the solution, and DNV is proud to be working with leading offshore wind and transmission companies to tackle head on the barriers preventing its deployment.

Richard S Barnes, Region President, Energy Systems North America, DNV

This JIP comes at a critical time. Today, HVDC transmission is not widely used within the US, and there are appreciable barriers to its further development that represent a serious risk to the long-term development, growth and economic feasibility of

• Programmes will also cover investigations, solution development and delivery to drive asset improvements. Costain will perform a pivotal role in helping NWG meet commitments including the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) and the government’s storm overflows discharge reduction plan.

AMP8 will see the biggest investment in the water industry for decades. In 2023, Costain extended into AMP8 its Managed Service Provider contract with United Utilities and its consultancy work with Yorkshire Water.

i For more information: www.costain.com

clean energy projects being propelled by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. In fact, DNV’s recently published Energy Transition North America report found that the US will not achieve its clean energy goals without modernising its power grid. Its forecast shows that more than 5,900 miles of HVDC undersea transmission cables are needed to enable efficient offshore wind development by mid-century.

On completion of phase one, DNV and the JIP participants will use the JIP findings to raise awareness of the barriers to the greater use of HVDC transmission and the stakeholder bodies who can help overcome them. DNV and the JIP participants hope to reduce project risks, accelerate deployment timelines and ensure that supply chain constraints are appropriately considered.

i For more information: www.dnv.com

ECITB training helping ‘unlock drone potential’ for industry

In PwC’s latest market research on commercial drones, more than 80% of people said drones can have a significant impact within industry around cost and time savings, carbon reductions, productivity and safety.

However, the Bringing Trust in Commercial Drones report, an assessment of how industry attitudes to drones have changed, revealed only 43% of people feel drones are being used effectively by industry.

The findings followed on from PwC’s Skies Without Limits report a year earlier, which looked at the potential impact of drones on the UK economy.

In that report, the global professional services firm highlighted skills as an area that must be addressed to ‘unlock drone potential’, and this assessment was echoed in the 2023 report, with 56% saying drone use could be increased by introducing industry specific qualifications.

Creating drone training standards for industry

A few months after this report came out and following the success of a pilot programme, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) launched the quality-assured Foundation UAS Training Course. Created in collaboration with the UK Drone Association, ARPAS-UK, alongside a working group made up of industry and drone experts, it develops the knowledge and skills needed to operate drones specifically in industrial environments.

There are two ECITB-approved training providers delivering this course: Global Drone Training and Aviation Systems Group (ASG).

ASG, a multi-disciplinary aviation and professional services consultancy, offers the ECITB course from its base near Salisbury as well as on location.

Foundation UAS training course ‘a meeting of two worlds’

Global Drone Training delivers training from its Swansea and Norwich bases but also provides the course on site, such as for Sellafield in Cumbria.

With no previous training standard for flying drones in industry, Global Drone Training director Elliott Corke says the course has created a ‘benchmark’ that didn’t already exist.

Raising awareness of benefits to industry

Using drones has many advantages, particularly in the engineering construction sectors. Exposure to work-at-height risks and other hazardous environments can be significantly reduced through drone use for asset inspections.

The week-long ECITB course delivers this awareness through its different classroom and practical modules.

As well as carrying out a practical flight competence test, where operatives pilot a drone in a real environment and capture, store and share viable images, the theory side covers all considerations for operating a drone on an industrial site.

These considerations include how to comply with site policies; the weather; type of drone; environment; data protection; emergency and reporting procedures; risk assessments; preflight planning and checks; and human factors. Visit ECITB’s website for more information.

i

For more information: www.ecitb.org.uk

Gateway Group welcomes new General Manager in Abu Dhabi

Gateway Group, a leading company formation specialist in Abu Dhabi, has appointed Awais Chughtai as it’s new General Manager. The addition of Mr Chughtai to Gateway Group’s dynamic business setup team in Abu Dhabi is a pivotal step in the company’s growth.

Mr Chughtai brings over two decades of global trade development and cross-cultural relationship building experience, which perfectly complements Gateway Group’s vision and commitment of fortifying its position in the market.

Awais Chughtai has a results-driven track record in formulating trade and investment strategies. Prior to joining Gateway Group, Mr Chughtai worked with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in the UAE, where he successfully executed commercial initiatives in relation to Dubai Expo 2020, as well as managed numerous trade delegations to the UAE. He was also responsible for overseeing the UAE Cultural & Creative Industries (CCI) portfolio, which extended from the arts through to gaming, AI and technology; he possesses trade and investment expertise in energy as well as other sectors.

Gateway Group looks forward to a successful collaboration with Awais Chughtai and is enthusiastic about the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to the company.

Awais Chughtai, General Manager, Gateway Group

The opening of our new site in Newbridge is a testament to our unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of the Scottish market while actively contributing to a more sustainable future.

Peter Whiting, CEO, Kloeckner Metals UK

Kloeckner Metals UK unveils the largest metal stockholding and processing site in Scotland

Kloeckner Metals UK has announced the official opening of its new stateof-the-art stockholding and processing facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh.

This groundbreaking site, which opened its doors in the new year, has set the stage for a transformative shift in the steel and metal processing landscape throughout the region.

Boasting over 100,000 square feet of internal space, the facility firmly establishes itself as the largest metal stockholding and processing warehouse in Scotland.

This strategic move marks Kloeckner Metals UK’s commitment to serving its valued customers in Scotland with greater efficiency, proximity and sustainable solutions.

The facility’s remarkable stock capacity of 5,000 tonnes, which is made up of carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium, coupled with Kloeckner Metals UK’s extensive processing expertise, enables the delivery of a comprehensive range

of sustainable solutions to a diverse array of industries, including energy, renewables, oil and gas, construction, fabrication and manufacturing.

Kloeckner Metals UK is one of the leading metal stockholders and processing suppliers in the UK.

Kloeckner Metals UK offers a diverse range of ferrous and non-ferrous products, sourced from reputable and accredited mill sources in the UK and across Western Europe.

As a pioneer of digital transformation in the steel and metal industry, Kloeckner Metals UK continuously strives to add value for customers by investing in digital technologies and introducing innovative eProcurement solutions.

The company is passionate about sustainability and aims to transform the industry by playing an active role in building a sustainable future for employees, customers, community and future generations.

Kloeckner Metals UK cares about social, economic and environmental wellbeing and has aligned its policies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For more

information:

www.kloecknermetalsuk.com

KODIAK secures exclusive partnership in groundbreaking energy island initiative

KODIAK, a leading provider of comprehensive project management solutions for the renewable energy sector, has announced its successful selection as the exclusive supplier for quality control (QC) inspection, health, safety and environment (HSE) and client representative services for the civil engineering works of the world’s first Energy Island project, Elia’s artificial Princess Elisabeth Island (MOG2) in the North Sea.

In this collaboration, KODIAK will perform QC Inspection to maintain quality standards and provide HSE services for health and safety compliance during concrete caisson fabrication. KODIAK will furthermore provide client representative services to monitor marine activities such as dredging or rock dumping related to construction of the island which will also integrate future interconnectors with the UK and Denmark.

This partnership reflects KODIAK’s commitment to supporting Elia’s vision for a sustainable and interconnected energy future.

For more information:

www.kodiakprojects.de

© Kloeckner Metals UK

Photos © 2003-2024 Shutterstock, Inc

McDermott and Baker Hughes safely complete subsea infrastructure in northern Australia

McDermott, a premier engineering and construction company and Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, have announced the safe completion of the installation of subsea infrastructure at the Ichthys field in northern Australia.

Awarded to the McDermott and Baker Hughes consortium in 2019 by INPEX Operations Australia P/L, the subsea infrastructure development project included engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of umbilicals, risers and flowlines (URF), a subsea production system comprised of a new 7 inch (approximately 18cm) vertical Christmas tree (VXT) system, all forming a subsea well gathering system (GS4) tied back to the existing Ichthys Explorer central processing facility. The consortium’s scope of work also included an in-fill URF EPCI involving the development of new subsea wells tied in to the existing gathering systems.

McDermott is a premier, fullyintegrated provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. Its customers trust its technology-driven approach engineered to responsibly harness and transform global energy resources into the products the world needs. From concept to commissioning, McDermott’s innovative expertise and capabilities advance the next generation of global energy infrastructure – empowering a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

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Operating in over 54 countries, McDermott’s locally-focused and globally-integrated resources include more than 30,000 employees, a diversified fleet of specialty marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities around the world.

Baker Hughes is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, its innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet.

For more

information: www.mcdermott.com

For more

information: www.bakerhughes.com

Proserv’s US based sister company

Gilmore acquired by Control Devices

Global controls technology leader

Proserv has announced that sister company Gilmore, a Houston based specialist in flow control solutions, has been purchased by Control Devices, headquartered in Fenton, Missouri and a portfolio company of global conglomerate HBM Holdings.

Proserv was acquired by its majority shareholders Oaktree Capital Management and KKR in 2018 and Gilmore, then incorporated within Proserv’s portfolio of brands, was subsequently established as a

Visit www.the-eic.com/Forms/NewsletterSignup

These are positive times for Proserv, both subsea and topside, with market-leading technologies, extensive service abilities and our on-going push into cutting-edge digital tech and offshore wind.

Davis Larssen, CEO, Proserv

separate division in October of the following year, as part of a corporate restructuring to enable Proserv to focus on its core strengths and capabilities. Gilmore has effectively been operating independently since that point.

Gilmore is a long-standing name in the innovation, engineering and supply of high-performance severe service valves (check, relief, regulator, solenoid, control) and other flow control solutions. This acquisition allows Control Devices, itself a major designer and manufacturer of highly engineered flow control products utilised in niche applications across various end markets, to expand its portfolio and widen its reach into oil and gas. The deal also further broadens HBM Holdings’ expertise in the flow control sector.

In anticipation of Proserv and Gilmore continuing to collaborate on future projects, a master purchase agreement has been established to accelerate the smooth and seamless procurement of components and products between both parties.

As part of the acquisition, Gilmore’s team of around 100 employees will move across to Control Devices. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Proserv is an Aberdeen headquartered controls technology company, providing solutions to clients across the energy sector to optimise performance, improve efficiencies and extend the operational life of critical infrastructure. Proserv operates worldwide and has 13 sites located in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

i

For more

information: www.proserv.com

PDE Offshore upgrades its Sonardyne system as it leads Taiwanese exploration

Leading Taiwanese offshore geophysical and geotechnical investigation company PDE Offshore Corporation has upgraded its underwater acoustic positioning system onboard MV Geo Energy to Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 USBL system. Its new geotechnical vessel Geo Power, also equipped with Ranger 2 USBL system is now under conversion work and will join the fleet in mid2024 which will provide both seabed and downhole cone penetration testing services.

Working with most of the world’s leading ORE developers, PDE Offshore wanted to increase its capability. This required a trusted and proven USBL positioning system for its Geo technical vessel to work in greater water depths and challenging water conditions as its operations expanded.

Having already successfully used Sonardyne’s Mini Ranger 2 for several years, investing in the full Ranger 2 system was a logical choice to provide the reliable dynamic positioning references essential for operations, while also giving the capability for operating in greater depths and more challenging conditions.

Incorporating over 30 years of USBL knowledge, Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 system is anything but standard. It can be used to track anything, in any depth, from any vessel. Track a subsea asset, position or communicate with an underwater vehicle, dynamically position your vessel – or do all of this simultaneously. It can be used for both survey and construction phases of ORE and supports complex tracking scenarios such as structures and vehicles with multiple transponders and multiple remote offsets.

STATS: energy security concerns drives up interest in subsea clamps

STATS, a leading provider of pressurised pipeline isolation, hot tapping and plugging services, has responded to client concerns by producing the SureConnect™ standardised range of mechanical connectors and clamps.

The SureConnect range allows operators and contractors to efficiently carry out planned maintenance or quickly respond to emergency scenarios to ensure any interruption to energy supplies is minimised.

Recent projects where SureConnect mechanical connectors have been deployed include a pipeline flange repair in the UK North Sea; an 18” hot tap clamp to enable a pipeline tie-in in the Bass Strait, offshore Australia; and a hot tap clamp to tie-in a new gas lift line to an existing pipeline on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Within the standardised product range, there is flexibility to adapt subsea connectors to suit specific client requirements, including design codes, pressures, materials and flange requirements.

PDE

Trans Global Projects appoints new director to capitalise on project cargo market growth in southeast Asia

Trans Global Projects (TGP) has appointed Dominic Toh as Director, Singapore, as part of its strategy to capitalise on strong growth in the project cargo market of southeast Asia.

Toh, who is the company’s second key hire since the start of January 2024, brings nearly three decades of logistics’ experience, including from several major multinational project logistics organisations.

Dominic’s extensive experience in handling complex global projects is a valuable addition to our team. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as we support our global customers who are keen to capitalise on the strong growth of the project cargo market in the region, particularly for the oil and gas and power industries.

Colin Charnock, CEO, Trans Global Projects

Based out of TGP’s Singapore office, Toh will be focused on strengthening the company’s growing presence and project capability in southeast Asia, with a special emphasis on Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Trans Global Projects (TGP) is an international project logistics management company headquartered in England, with offices on six continents. In addition to project logistics management, TGP’s core activities include ship chartering, logistics consultancy and transport engineering.

Social media round up

AEG Power Solutions introduces IGBT industrial UPS system Protect 8 PLUS

We want to use every opportunity to connect with our members, so please follow us on Twitter (@TheEICEnergy) and connect with us on LinkedIn –EIC (Energy Industries Council)

Below you’ll find a selection of some of the exciting EIC activities and useful industry information we’ve shared through our social media channels.

The EIC

AEG Power Solutions (AEG PS), global provider of power systems and solutions for all types of critical and sustainable applications, has introduced a new range of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, which feature a full IGBT architecture and industrial-grade build quality to provide a safe power backup to protect refining and petrochemical industries, transportation infrastructures, manufacturing and other critical businesses against all power disturbances.

@TheEICEnergy

Dive deep into the opportunities and innovations driving the aviation industry towards a more sustainable future. Don’t miss out! Visit ow.ly/xnWb50QXkfn

The EIC

@TheEICEnergy

Protect 8 PLUS supports a standard threephase input and is available as single-phase or three-phase output from 10 to 40 kVA, with 216 Vdc or 384 Vdc battery voltage. By the end of the year, it will also support 60 to 120 kVA in both configurations.

The Net Zero Jeopardy Report by the EIC delivers a comprehensive insight into the global energy sector’s approach towards achieving net zero emissions. Visit ow.ly/oeRE50QTPr1

EIC (Energy Industries Council)

EIC and organising partners invite you to book your FREE place at this years Energy Exports Conference in Aberdeen, 11-12 June. Register now https://www.the-eic.com/EEC

Thanks to its IGBT rectifier, the system offers a high input power factor of up to 0,99 and very low harmonic current rejection on the input side (THDi) which makes it a perfect fit in situations where the UPS is supplied by a generator set or to avoid harmonic perturbations of loads connected to the upstream busbar.

ENERGY EXPORTS CONFERENCE

This results in substantial savings on the sizing of the upstream network. The bi-directional rectifier also enables several battery capacity tests feeding back into the grid without using the

Events calendar LIVE events

2 April LIVE e-vents

Africa Market & Project Update

Webinar

3 April Business Presentation

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Online

3 April Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream

Online

4 April LIVE e-vents

24 April Business Presentation

Cable Protection Systems

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen

24 May Business Presentation

Cable Accessories – Offshore Wind

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen NEW DATE

24 April Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream

Online

30 April Regional Showcase

EIC Members – Speedy Networking

Webinar

4 April Corporate Entertainment

EIC APAC Connect & Chill

Kuala Lumpur

10 April Business Presentation

South America EICDataStream

Online

16 April Overseas Exhibition

World Future Energy Summit (WFES)

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

16 April Business Presentation

Downstream Market Opportunities

São Paulo, Brazil

17 April Business Presentation

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Online

18 April Business Presentation

Opportunities in the Campos Basin

Edificio RB1, Rio de Janeiro

North Sea Decarbonisation Conference

Cavendish Conference Centre, London

30 April Corporate Entertainment

EIC Hari Raya Open House 2024

Kuala Lumpur

1 May Business Presentation

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Online

1 May Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream

Online

2 May LIVE e-vents

EIC Members – Speedy Networking

Webinar

6 May Overseas Exhibition

Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)

NRG Center, Houston, US

6 May Overseas Exhibition

ACP Cleanpower 2024

Minneapolis Convention Center, US

Tuesday 21 May 2024

7 May LIVE e-vents

May 2024

UAE

Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi

CIS Market & Project Update Webinar

8 May Business Presentation

South America EICDataStream Online

15 May Business Presentation

Meet the Energy Players in Thailand

Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok

15 May Industry Overview

Fundamentals of FPSOs Rio de Janeiro

15 May Business Presentation

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

15 May Overseas Exhibition

All-Energy 2024

Scottish Event Campus Ltd

21 May EIC CONNECT

EIC CONNECT UAE

Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Corniche

21 May Business Presentation

Corrosion Protection – Offshore Wind

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen NEW DATE

22 May Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream Online

28 May Business Presentation

Opportunities in Brazil Renewables

Global Events and Campaigns

EEC UPDATE

Now in its sixth year, Energy Exports Conference (EEC) continues to gather global energy experts, thought leaders and energy professionals to discuss the latest industry trends, showcase how businesses can benefit from international connections and explore projects across the oil and gas, hydrogen, carbon capture, offshore wind, floating offshore wind and nuclear industries.

EEC

Join us to be part of 3000+ delegates, 60+ exhibitors, 100+ speakers and 40+ conference sessions.

We have unveiled the key sessions, markets and invited speakers for EEC 2024. View the agenda below or visit our website www.the-eic.com/EEC

DAY ONE Engage, Share and Network

Keynote Opening Plenary: From Vision to Victory: Leaders Shaping the Energy Industry

View from the Top Interview: Arne Gürtner, Senior Vice President, Upstream, Equinor and Stuart Broadley, CEO, EIC

Carbon Capture: Catch of the Day: Exploring Global Opportunities in Carbon Capture

Contractor Updates

Opportunities in North and Central America: Wind Opportunities in Australia Opportunities in Turkey

Oil and Gas: Barrels of Opportunities in Oil and Gas

Hydrogen: Hydrogen Horizons: Powering our Future

EEC DAY TWO Engage, Share and Network

Offshore Wind: Solid Foundations: Fixed Bottom Wind Expansion Across the Globe Opportunities in South America

Nuclear Energy: Going to Infinity and Beyond Opportunities in Asia Pacific Opportunities in Greece

Contractor Updates

Opportunities in North and Central America: Energy Transition Decommissioning

Floating Offshore Wind: Buoyant Business: Planning your Future in Floating Offshore Wind

Showcase your products and services to the local and global market.

It’s not too late to join us on the show floor, with all-inclusive pods and scalable shell scheme stands still available. Exclusive to exhibitors and sponsors – connect with our speakers in the busy Meet the Buyer zone and engage in one-to-one appointments.

Email newsdesk@the-eic.com

Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600

Book your stand today:

• An enhanced marketing package offering website, email and social media promotion.

• VIP exhibition tours taken by incoming delegations.

• Dedicated EIC Project Manager, group freight partner and travel partner.

• Unlimited exhibitor passes. Contact louise.donald@the-eic.com for information.

The EIC is delighted to be attending and participating at INNOVATION ZERO on 30 April – 1 May 2024. Stuart Broadley, CEO, EIC will be moderating a session focused on the UK’s position in the renewables energy transition. We will also be exhibiting on stand M15, pop along and say hi to the team –Hannah Watson, Louise Donald and Luigi Caggiano will be there. Jo Campbell, Director of Global Events and Campaigns jo.campbell@the-eic.com

Jo Campbell

International trade

International trade update

2024 marks an important year for the International Trade team as we introduce more and more shows across the renewables and clean tech sectors.

Investment in renewable energy and energy transition technologies has been on the rise. In 2023, global renewable CAPEX is estimated to be over US$4604.61bn with around 6,715 global renewable energy projects undertaken. These investments reflect the growing interest in cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, as well as efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy diversification.

The paradigm shift in how we produce, distribute and consume energy is one that is becoming reflective of the level of interest across the international renewable shows.

In February we hosted the UK pavilion at WindEXPO Japan which saw 18 companies exhibit at Japan’s largest trade show, showcasing the latest technology, innovations and solutions across the wind industry.

August marks the return of ONS in Norway on 26-29 of the month as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. We are delighted to bring back the UK pavilion at this important show, as Norway looks to lay the groundwork for future technological advancements in oil and gas that will be critical for the developments of other industries such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and offshore wind.

One of the highlights of ONS is the ONS+ Festival where Stavanger Harbour is transformed into a small urban village offering attendees the opportunity to unwind after a long day at the exhibition. Pavilions placed alongside the harbour offer food, drinks and music as well as being the hosts for debates, discussions and presentations.

Next up is WindEnergy Hamburg happening on 24-27 September which sees over 1,500 exhibitors and 40,000 attendees come together to discuss all things on and offshore wind. It’s no secret that wind energy has become a catalyst for the energy transition landscape across Europe. Wind is one of the leading energy sources for the region, with over 448GW under development – of which around 36GW is expected to be built in Germany. It is evident that there is a multitude of opportunities in Europe’s wind sector for companies to explore, and we urge supply chain companies to join the UK and EIC pavilion at WindEnergy Hamburg to demonstrate their capabilities to the major operators and EPC contractors attending the show.

We return to Hamburg just a month later for Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe, happening on 2324 October. A show that started a mere few years ago has now developed into the world’s largest suppliers trade show for hydrogen technologies, materials, components and engineering solutions. With the European Union placing hydrogen at the core of its net zero strategy, it is no surprise that the UK and EIC pavilion is growing year on year and we expect to have over 20 companies exhibit with us in 2024 as they look to be at the forefront of this emerging sector.

At the time of writing limited space is available at ONS, WindEnergy Hamburg and Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe. For more information or to book your place on the UK and EIC pavilion please contact internationaltrade@the-eic.com

Camilla Tew, Director, International Trade camilla.tew@the-eic.com

Photo © Hamburg Messe und Congress/Michael Zapf Copyright © 2024 Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe

UK events update

We’re kicking off this month’s update with a focus on our Cluster event series taking place across the UK. With a continued drive for more local content nationally, these events explore all the major industrial clusters across the UK, from Grangemouth to Southampton, bringing you the latest project updates, innovations and supply chain opportunities.

In February we saw over 170 delegates gather in Middlesborough, with a sold-out exhibition, to hear about the low carbon projects that are reshaping Teesside.

So this is your warning not to miss out on the next in the series, we are returning to Hull to host Harmony in the Humber: Advancing Decarbonisation for a Sustainable Future on 2 July, and will be looking at the regions’ remarkable achievements in moving towards net zero.

The Humber, once one of the most heavily industrialised regions in the UK, is now leading the way in decarbonisation, quickly becoming one of the first regions in the UK to decarbonise and strive to achieve net zero by 2040. With this ambitious target, the focus on existing skills and infrastructure will continue to play a pivotal role in its success.

Whether you are interested in sponsorship packages available, or would like to exhibit at the event, reach out to find out more eventsuk@the-eic.com

Sticking with the event theme, I’d like to highlight our twice monthly database training sessions run by our membership managers across the UK. These online sessions are free for members to attend, last one hour and provide the perfect refresher and an ideal introduction to new members on how to search for projects and contracts awarded, set up project watches so you receive update notifications directly to your inbox and how to export project data too.

All future dates for these training sessions can be found in our online calendar.

Finally, a big thank you to each member that has applied for Survive & Thrive, the applications for this year’s report have now closed and we have a record number of organisations taking part. Interviews are well underway, and it’s been fantastic to meet so many of our members already and I look forward to meting you all over the coming months and to sharing your strategies for success to the wider energy community.

Kim Stephen Regional Director, UK kim.stephen@the-eic.com

Forthcoming events

Tuesday 2 July, Hull BOOKING NOW

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Wednesday 17 April, Online

Cable Protection Systems

Wednesday 24 April, Aberdeen

North Sea Decarbonisation Conference

30 April-1 May, London

Harmony in the Humber

Kim Stephen

Middle East news

Regional update

As we commence our new financial year I am delighted to announce a record number of EIC members across the region which allows us to build on the networking element of our offering to you.

Following on from the overwhelming success of February’s EIC Connect KSA, we have launched EIC Connect UAE on 21 May in Abu Dhabi and our inaugural EIC Connect Kazakhstan which will take place on 24 September, the latter of which will happen just before KIOGE, the Kazakhstan International Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference in Almaty. We are currently finalising the programmes for both events which will focus on delivering project opportunities, contractor briefings and the ever popular one-to-one meetings with key companies incountry. Further details can be found on our website.

Regional news

To tide you over in the coming weeks we still have several of our Market & Project Update webinars with a focus on Africa (2 April) and CIS (7 May) to follow. These webinars provide some tremendous insight in terms of both market intelligence and from companies working on the ground.

I am delighted to see that our annual Survive & Thrive report has reached a record number of entrants. Having undertaken several interviews already I am amazed to hear of the depth and breadth of talent within our membership as you employ various strategies to continuously improve your business. I look forward to the full publication in June 2024 followed by the National Awards on 17 October 2024 onboard the illustrious QE2.

The 2024 EIC Golf Day proved once again to be a tremendous day out in terms of golf and networking. This was once again a closely contested affair with over 100 golfers taking part. Unger Steel, hosted by Tom Pashley with guests Mark Johnstone and Lucas Roberts, Bechtel and Cameron Bowditch, WSP walked away with the coveted trophy and we all pass on our congratulations.

The Energy Exports Conference 2024 will be returning to Aberdeen from 11-12 June with several high profile inward delegations already confirmed. This event provides companies access to hundreds of contacts and enables businesses to learn about multiple new export opportunities. This free to attend event is not to be missed. With Ramadan fully underway we wish those of you celebrating a happy and blessed Eid when the time arrives later on in the month.

Ryan McPherson

Regional Director, Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS

ryan.mcpherson@the-eic.com

Masdar completes 49% stake in UK offshore wind project

Abu Dhabi’s clean energy company, Masdar, has successfully finalised the acquisition of a 49% stake in the 3GW Dogger Bank South (DBS) project. This project stands as one of the largest planned offshore wind farms globally, underscoring Masdar’s strategic expansion into the renewable energy markets of the UK and beyond. The acquisition is part of an £11bn joint investment initiative in the UK’s renewable energy sector, in partnership with RWE, which retains a majority stake of 51%.

Saudi Arabia announces major new gas discovery

Saudi Arabia has confirmed that a significant amount of additional gas reserves at state oil company Aramco’s giant Jafurah field have been proven, boosting the Kingdom’s energy sector. The additional reserves amount to 15tn standard cubic feet of gas and 2bn barrels of condensate. Resources in the Jafurah field are now estimated at around 229tn cf of gas and 75bn barrels of condensate.

Ryan McPherson

EIC Annual Golf Day contestants at the Els Club, Dubai on 7 March 2024

Asia Pacific news

Regional update

In March 2024, EIC APAC hosted its first-ever Meet the Energy Players at The Westin Jakarta, Indonesia, marking the first networking occasion in the country to engage with prominent figures in the energy sector. This gathering offered an unparalleled chance to establish new connections, explore opportunities for collaboration and spur business expansion within the vibrant Indonesian energy landscape. The event commenced with a networking dinner on 7 March, followed by the main networking event on 8 March. It drew attendance from major organisations such as IAFMI, SKK Migas, PT PLN, PT Pertamina, among others, facilitating an essential platform for dialogue and partnership development in the industry.

Petronas, Sarawak partner on blue ammonia plant

Petronas and the Sarawak state government have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a joint development of a feasibility study for a US$1bn blue ammonia plant in Sarawak. The plans for the plant had been announced in September 2023, after Sarawak premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the shift of plans from building a second methanol plant to an ammonia-based plant.

The team also organised Meet the Energy Players in the Philippines in conjunction with PhilEnergy 2024, the country’s leading energy trade event highlighting the renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric and power, electric vehicle and energy storage sectors. The event, which drew over 10,000 industry professionals and decision-makers, featured more than 300 exhibitors and included high-level conferences and seminars over three days. In response to the growing Philippine energy sector’s need for collaboration and innovation, the team held an exclusive networking event on 21 March. This key gathering connected energy operators, supply chain companies and industry experts, promoting networking, partnership opportunities and business growth.

As Ramadan commenced in March, EIC APAC hosted a special Ramadan Iftar networking event, which was made even more meaningful by including Al Nasuha Orphanage. This home serves as a sanctuary for women and children, providing care for over 70 orphaned, impoverished and abandoned children, along with single mothers.

April 2024 promises to be a lively and eventful month. The AtoZero Asia Summit & Exhibition, happening from 16-17 April, marks the launch of a new event series named Accelerate to Net Zero or AtoZero for short. This initiative aims to bring together influential leaders and innovators to discuss, discover and drive forward the actions needed to expedite the journey towards net zero emissions. Additionally, we are excited to host a Hari Raya open house in Malaysia. This exceptional gathering offers attendees the opportunity to dive into the vibrant traditions of Hari Raya in a beautifully decorated setting, savour a wonderful array of Hari Raya delicacies and create valuable connections with key figures in the energy industry. Please visit our website for more details.

Azman Nasir

Head of Asia Pacific azman.nasir@the-eic.com

Indonesia amends regulations to allow imported CO2

Indonesia has taken a significant step towards mitigating climate change by issuing a new regulation on carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS operators are now allowed to set aside up to 30% of their storage capacity for imported carbon dioxide. The Indonesian government would collect royalties from storage fees charged by the CCS operators. This change positions Indonesia as a potential hub for carbon capture, offering a valuable service to countries seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

LoI signed between Singapore and Indonesian government

Singapore and Indonesia have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on cross border collaboration on carbon capture and storage (CCS) following a recent change in the legislation. A presidential regulation was announced in January 2024 to allow operators to allocate 30% of their storage capacity for imported carbon dioxide. The agreement signed will include cross-border transport and storage of CO2 between the neighbouring countries, allowing Singapore to achieve its goal of zero emissions by 2050.

Azman Nasir

North and Central America

Regional update

The first quarter of the year proved to be a busy time for our region. Our Business Development team attended PowerGen International held in New Orleans, Louisiana from 23-25

January as well as NAPE 2024 held in Houston, Texas from 7-9 February. Both events allowed the team to network with industry professionals across multiple sectors including downstream and renewables.

Moreover, continuing our partnership with ALJ Group, I had the pleasure of representing the EIC at the 5th American LNG Forum and the 4th American Hydrogen Forum here in Houston, Texas during two panel sessions: Updated American LNG Market Outlook – Examining the Evolving Landscape and Challenges for the American LNG Industry and the Financing of Hydrogen Projects – Exploring Diverse Avenues for Financing H2 Ventures panel.

These sessions allowed fellow panellists and I the opportunity to provide and discuss sector specific outlooks, opportunities, challenges and the impact of government policy on both the LNG and hydrogen sectors. I would like to thank fellow panellists for joining me in these two discussions:

Amy Chen Davis, Vice President of LNG, Energy Transfer; Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President, US Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute TBA, S&P Global Commodity Insights; James E Campos, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade/Energy for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Former Assistant Secretary for the US DOE; Vince Morrissette, Senior Vice President Commercial, Alder Midstream; Isaac Shmulewitz, Investment Director – Next Gen Infrastructure, Antin Infrastructure Partners; Yash Anand, Managing Director, Head of Energy Transition & Natural Resources, Natixis; Ken McQueen, Oklahoma Secretary of Energy & Environment; Oleksandr Riepkin, Founder/President, Ukrainian Hydrogen Council and Bob Oesterreich, VP Global Hydrogen Sales, Chart Industries.

As the 2024 year continues to progress, our team will diligently attend events across the North and Central America region – we hope we have the pleasure of meeting as many new and familiar faces across these events. To meet with a member of the Business Development team and learn more about EIC membership, please email houston@the-eic.com

Amanda Duhon

VP & Regional Director, North & Central America amanda.duhon@the-eic.com

Regional news

US DOE awards funding to innovative geothermal proposals

The US Department of Energy has announced a US$60m investment to demonstrate the efficacy and scalability of three pilot projects of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) in western US.

An EGS is a man-made reservoir where there is hot rock but little natural permeability. The initiatives will be developed in California, Utah and Oregon by Chevron New Energies, Fervo Energy and Mazama Energy, respectively.

The funds, which will come from the DOE’s Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), could help slash the costs of EGS by 90% by 2035 to enable it as another clean option towards net zero by 2050.

US finalises wind energy areas in Oregon

The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the designation of two new wind energy areas (WEAs) offshore Oregon. The two WEAs cover approximately 195,012 acres in total. The Coos Bay WEA is 61,204 acres and is located around 51km from shore and the Brookings WEA is located about 29km from shore and covers approximately 133,808 acres.

BOEM estimates that both final WEAs combined could support up to 2.4GW of offshore turbine capacity. The next step for the process includes issuing a 30-day public comment period regarding the scope of the analysis document. Furthermore, provided that BOEM decides to proceed with a lease sale in any of the two wind areas, another public comment period will be held.

Forthcoming events

Please

Amanda Duhon

South America news

Regional update

In February we hosted the Breakfast in Rio: Offshore E&P Project Opportunities with PRIO and Foresea with over 100 attendees. PRIO, a significant player in oil and gas recovery, saw remarkable growth, reaching production of 88,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed), a 117% increase from 2022. PRIO holds key assets in the Campos Basin, solidifying its industry leadership. Foresea, Brazil’s pioneer in offshore drilling, serves Petrobras and PRIO with five rigs and has a contract to operate PRIO’s Hunter Queen semisubmersible rig. Foresea is well positioned for investment opportunities and new contracts in 2024.

In April, EIC is planning to host its first Breakfast in São Paulo, a major business and financial centre of great importance in Brazil and Latin America, attracting professionals and leading companies from the energy sector. By hosting an event there, we are looking to provide a conducive environment for interaction among key players, facilitating strategic partnerships and business negotiations. Focusing on downstream market opportunities, our first confirmed speaker, Toyo Setal, is a prominent Brazilian company specialising in implementing industrial projects, particularly in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC).

Regional news

Fuel of the Future bill soon to reach Brazilian Lower House

Brazil’s Lower House will soon kickstart discussions regarding the Fuel of the Future bill, proposed by the Lula administration in late 2023. The bill aims to set national programmes for sustainable aviation fuel (ProBioQAV) and green diesel (PNDV), to regulate the carbon capture and storage (CCS) and e-fuels sectors, as well as increasing ethanol and biodiesel blending mandates into gasoline and diesel fuel, respectively. Estimates indicate the proposal could help reduce emissions and increase the production of biofuels by unleashing up to US$40bn in investment by 2037.

Notable contracts include the expansion of the Parnaíba III thermal power plant in Maranhão for Eneva and the GasLub Cluster (formerly Comperj gas processing plant) for Petrobras. The event will also have Acelem Energia Renovável as speaker on 16 April 2024.

On 18 April, in Rio de Janeiro, the Breakfast will host Ocyan and EIG to talk about subsea opportunities in the Campos Basin. At the end of 2023, a consortium between Ocyan and Mota-Engil received an EPCI contract from Petrobras to revitalise the gas network at Campos Basin, reconfiguring the subsea layout of the Garoupa and Namorado fields, a campaign forecasted to start in 2025.

Clarisse

Rocha, Director – Americas clarisse.rocha@the-eic.com

Solar power secures 4.4GW in Colombia’s latest auction

In Colombia’s latest Reliability Charge Auction, the government granted new licences for electricity generation projects, aiming to increase capacity by nearly 4.5GW by 2027 and 2028. The country’s Minister of Mines and Energy stated that 99% of this capacity will be for solar plants, totalling 4.4GW, while the remaining will be distributed among biomass plants, repair of gas plants and the expansion of a smaller biogas plant. The auction closed at US$18.20/ MWh and a total of 80 power plants will contribute, in which 27 are under development, six are under construction and 47 are operational.

Clarisse Rocha

Breakfast in Rio: Offshore E&P Project Opportunities with PRIO and Foresea

TÜV SÜD Energietechnik GmbH

Making the most of renewed opportunities in nuclear

Dr. Lars-Thilo Voss, Business Line Manager Nuclear Power & Decommissioning

How is TÜV SÜD Energietechnik GmbH thriving?

Civil nuclear technical safety evaluation services provider TÜV SÜD Energietechnik GmbH (TÜV SÜD ET) has benefitted from the huge spur of interest in the nuclear market that resulted from the recent EU taxonomy changes. With the repositioning of the company and the establishment of a new independent and expert advisory service to support the realization of projects, the company is now maximizing the new opportunities with an improved and diversified business model.

The challenge

With a history dating back to the 1960s, TÜV SÜD ET has a long-established reputation as a formidable player in the civil nuclear market in Germany, backed by a demonstrable track record in assessing and supporting key projects from cradle to grave.

Come 2011, however, the firm’s home market voted to shut down all nuclear reactors by the end of 2022.

The challenge was clear for TÜV SÜD ET: it needed to look towards the export market in order to compensate for the loss of order volume, yet new build nuclear projects around the world had begun to be delayed. At the same time, COVID added additional complications to the mix, making it more difficult for TÜV SÜD ET to look towards export markets.

The solution

Fortunately for TÜV SÜD ET, February 2022 saw the proposed inclusion of specific nuclear and gas energy activities, under certain conditions, in the list of environmentally sustainable economic activities covered by the EU Taxonomy.

This was a game changer, bringing nuclear back to the fore as a key pillar in Europe’s efforts to decarbonise. Further, while the pandemic made it more complex for TÜV SÜD ET to access international markets, the firm found that the decommissioning work available in Germany required much more effort than had originally anticipated so that these projects offering great respite during the uncertainty.

That said, while the domestic market still bigger than originally thought, the company remained behind where it wanted to be internationally. To explore how this could be overcome and a healthier revenue split obtained, it explored several options, looking at how it could offer support and training for other companies, governments and consultants to help them with their nuclear plans.

In this sense, TÜV SÜD ET actively stepped away from exclusively inspecting and assessing things to also advising others.

This was an easy transition. The company already had the expertise in house, and so did not need to build its advisory business from scratch. Instead, its staff were simply able to share their knowledge with external parties, shifting to a mindset of taking an advisory stance on these new contracts on the one hand, and a reviewing and controlling stance on the other.

To supplement this, TÜV SÜD ET also established a

dedicated sales team. While this was initially launched in early 2021 with limited success, the sales team was then re-established with renewed focus in October 2022.

Of course, it has been a process involving several challenges. The firm’s overall mindset had to change, encouraging its professionals talk to people even in scenarios where they did not have clear answers from the outset. Its advisors needed to learn to listen and guide rather than regulate, measure and test as they were used to. It was a new approach that required new skills. Yet this learning opportunity was embraced, enabling TÜV SÜD ET to establish itself in the advisory arena.

Indeed, several key contracts have been secured, the firm having helped to draft a set of requirements for one client that was looking to align with both European Utility Requirements and unique, separate requirements in its domestic market in planning a nuclear power plant project.

Here, TÜV SÜD ET helped specify exactly what was needed in order to align with these specific regulatory demands while also ensuring the project could be as successful as possible.

Through such projects, the firm is finding its feet in the advisory capacity, it now specifically focusing on offering support in three core areas.

First, it is helping companies to bridge the gaps between old and new approaches, regulations, standards and skills as the nuclear energy market continues to change rapidly. Second, for those coming into Europe from outside, it is helping to provide better understanding in dealing with EU special regulations, which can be a huge burden to take on in respect of harmonising codes and standards. And thirdly, it has been successful in advising to help to build up training and education systems, working with universities and using its expertise to short cut learning processes. This includes the establishment of a small nuclear training academy.

Backed by both this new advisory offering alongside an active nuclear market that its traditional expertise can continue to tap into, TÜV SÜD ET is now able to lean on strong drivers in new areas of opportunity – a position that will set it up for success for many years to come.

About TÜV SÜD Energietechnik GmbH

Since 1959, TÜV SÜD Energietechnik is an independent and neutral service provider for assessment, inspection and advisory services in field of technology, which present a high-risk potential, focusing on activities related to the safety of nuclear facilities. A one-stop service provider, TÜV SÜD ET supports clients with assessment and advisory services and a comprehensive range of trainings.

Story type

#culture

Benefits

#service & solutions (main category)

• Offerings expanded to new areas.

• Key contracts secured.

TÜV SÜD Energietechnik at a glance:

Key products and services: Technical safety evaluation services for civil nuclear industry

Main industries served:

• Nuclear power – 100%

Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany

Year established: 1959

Number of employees: 203

Revenue: £29m

Revenue from exports: 10%

UCT Fluid Solutions

Maximising the hydrogen opportunity with a defined automotive market strategy

How is UCT Fluid Solutions thriving?

With more than a half-century of experience supporting process control applications, UCT Fluid Solutions develops, manufactures and distributes high-performance industrial flow control systems-connectors, fittings and valves for gases and liquids.

With a broad portfolio of proven products and decades of extensive experience, UCT Fluid Solutions offers its diverse range of clients a one-stop-shop for hydrogen applications. Having successfully identified new opportunities in the automotive sector, UCT has adapted to serve customers successfully in this segment with an emphasis on collaboration, quality, and providing custom solutions to support a cleaner future.

The challenge

The challenge lay in penetrating new, unknown markets, with UCT ultimately setting its sights on the automotive sector to garner new business opportunities.

UCT Fluid Solutions conducted a strategic portfolio review to see if its existing product line could support hydrogen applications, or if adjustments or innovations would be required to optimise its solutions in accordance with market requirements. Researching several hydrogen applications and analysing its raw materials to see if they

stood up to a variety of regulatory requirements, and quickly found that many of its products were readily compatible with the hydrogen sector.

Given its long-standing reputation, UCT Fluid Solutions doesn’t shy away from opportunities for innovation or adaptation in accordance with market demands. Indeed, with many energy companies under pressure to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt more sustainable practices and solutions, UCT recognises the key role that it can play in supporting enterprises in the use of hydrogen as a cleaner, greener alternative fuel.

In 2021, a renowned automotive enterprise requested that UCT develop specific, custom-made hydrogen solutions, something the company was unable to deliver at that time. However, after a strategic rethink in how to approach the sector, highlighting the potential opportunities available that could be capitalised upon, UCT found a solution.

The solution

Once UCT was sure its products could serve the automotive sector’s needs effectively, it began to cultivate a go-to-market strategy for the industry. Extensive efforts were made to expand awareness of UCT’s products and potential, from identifying opportunities to implement its solutions and aligning with certifications to understanding client operations, approaches and requirements.

Many of these efforts have been spearheaded by a newly recruited business development manager that has focused solely on the hydrogen market. Having located potential prospects, roadshows were initially scheduled. However, these initial efforts proved to be limited in their returns.

UCT recognised it needed to drill down further and

Liat Pasternak, Product Marketing Manager

Yehuda Salhov, Senior Director of Marketing

understand the specific pain points of its prospects. It developed a questionnaire that was sent to customers that opened up collaborative relationships and provided a forum for key prospective voices to be heard. In turn, UCT gained a better understanding and appreciation of its customers’ needs while also building stronger relationships. Customers soon became more forthcoming in sharing details about their specific problems, and through detailed and open discussions, UCT now provides bespoke solutions, overshadowing its competitors in the process.

The company has also continued to attend key hydrogen conferences across the globe, further consolidating its market reputation. UCT has also been able to attract business by deeply collaborating with key existing accounts, partnering with them into the hydrogen arena. These relationships have been vital, supporting UCT with its research efforts and providing valuable feedback that has enabled it to refine and improve its offering.

Key corridors of dialogue don’t just apply to customers and prospects. UCT holds bi-monthly training sessions for its employees, sending out quarterly questionnaires to receive important information and feedback about how these sessions are received resulting in a continuous cycle of improvement can be achieved on all fronts.

And continually improving is what UCT remains focused on. Between a strong and growing reputation that has initially opened doors for several new customers and business opportunities, and an emphasis on building close relationships to develop tailored solutions, the company is already building a renowned reputation in the automotive sector.

Despite being a relatively new entrant to the automotive market, UCT has been able to displace its competitors in several instances as a key hydrogen partner – a positive and proven base on which it can build moving forward as it continues to invest in product development and certification.

About UCT Fluid Solutions

UCT Fluid Solutions addresses the demanding requirements of a broad number of industries: semiconductor, power generation, chemical, oil and gas, petrochemical and more. UCT factories are equipped with the latest manufacturing and inspection technologies enabling precise solutions for industry opportunities, and encouraging innovation for the creation of new, advanced components and systems.

Story type

#energy transition (main category)

#diversification, #service & solutions

Benefits

• Stronger relationship with customers enabled the company to provide bespoke solutions.

• Several new customers and business opportunities.

Key findings

For industry

• Go for it! We need to push to zero emissions. Everyone is there and you also need to be there. Start now!

• Check what you already have, and it may be able to de adapted for other markets.

For government

• If you decide on a regulation, stick with it.

UCT Fluid Solutions at a glance:

Key products and services: Development, manufacturing, and distribution of high-performance industrial flow control systems-connectors, fittings, and valves for gases and liquids.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas - 25%

• Conventional power - 5%

• Renewables – 5%

• Energy Transition - 15%

• Others (non-energy: semiconductor) - 50%

Headquarters: Nof Hagalil, Israel

Year established: 1950

Number of employees: 750

Revenue from exports: 90%

Vahterus

Sustaining quality and service excellence in a period of rapid expansion

Leighton Nicholas, Key Account Manager

How is Vahterus thriving?

In the face of a rapid rise in demand for its products across all core sectors and regions, Vahterus has been successful in overcoming key challenges including skills shortages and supply chain issues to maximize market opportunities. Thanks to savvy investments in facilities expansion, R&D scaleup and US collaboration, the firm has sustained its emphasis on delivering premium solutions to customers while doubling its order intake to €100m in the space of two short years.

The challenge

Plate and shell heat exchanger technology specialist Vahterus entered 2021 in an extremely positive position. The firm had begun to experience exceptional demand for its products, with its sales in all sectors across EMEA, APAC and America having achieved unprecedented growth. The firm’s order book was filling up at a dramatic rate, driven by recent forays into the LNG, heat pumps and hydrogen markets.

This was of course positive. However, such high level of growth needs careful management, and it presented several challenges. Owing to its partnership approach of working with customers to develop bespoke solutions that meet specific needs, the firm was accepting orders that did not immediately have the answers to – particularly as it had begun operating in new markets involving new technologies.

As it experienced higher growth than it had ever

anticipated, it faced difficulties in meeting its customers’ requirements on price and lead times. And while scaling up in such a short period would be incredibly challenging, the task was made greater as a result of the strains that had been placed on critical supply chains by both the pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The solution

Vahterus had to quickly adapt to respond to this rapid and extensive growth and continue to meet customer requirements while maintaining its core values on quality. The main challenges the firm encountered were in expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet the global demands for its product, the company opting to further develop its local manufacturing facilities and assembly capabilities to support its key business regions.

Here, the decision was taken to extend its core facilities in Finland and in mid-2021, the company successfully doubled its plate pack assembly production capacity with a new 3,000m² production facility, Vahterus’ biggest expansion yet. With the building now complete, the manufacturing machinery is expected to be in place by the end of March that will compromise of critical robotics solutions which will serve to improve factory performance.

Alongside this, the firm eyed expansion overseas. Having opened its first assembly facility in China for the Asian market with great success 10 years ago, the decision was taken to replicate that very same model in the US. This process started at the end of 2021 when the company acquired US-based manufacturing entity Harliss Specialties to support its supply chain capabilities in North America and decrease the delivery times in the region. With the newly improved manufacturing headquarters in Finland providing the foundation for the business, Vahterus also

successfully enhanced its regional footprint with its own US-based facilities.

Enhancing its square feet in manufacturing was only part of the puzzle, equally, the company’s headcount also had to be expanded appropriately. This was no easy task. Indeed, the firm needed to quickly acquire many more highly skilled individuals with specific expertise in R&D, welding and manufacturing – a task that was made difficult in current markets with high employment rates. Any new welders also had to be vetted, tested and assured – a process which can take 3-4 months. However, in successfully persuading many overseas experts to relocate and join the company, Vahterus successfully raised its headcount from 350 at the start of 2021 to 450 just two years later.

This rapid expansion has been a taxing process, demanding long hours from its R&D, project and manufacturing teams to meet the demand of new technologies, and requiring the training of 100 new employees over a sustained period of months. However, the firm has ultimately been extremely successful.

Not only has it seen its turnover explode but it has been able to sustain its core values focused on people, quality, service and delivery, whilst continuing to provide a tailored approach to its customers and successfully establishing itself in its new core markets of LNG, heat pumps and hydrogen.

Vahterus has achieved an incredible amount in such a short space of time and is now looking on continuing the growth and development into 2023, better and stronger than before.

About Vahterus

Established in 1990, Vahterus is a Finnish family business focused on sustainable heat exchanger solutions. The main drive was to invent a new type of heat exchanger, combining the benefits of the shell and tube heat exchanger and the plate exchanger, and Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger (PSHE) technology was born. The PSHE heat exchanger is utilised in various demanding processes in the oil and gas, chemical and process, energy and refrigeration industries worldwide. Vahterus currently employs more than 450 people globally, with headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Finland and subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, China and the US, and a global network of more than 50 distributors.

Story type

#scale up (main category)

#collaboration, #diversification

Benefits

• Biggest expansion yet: new 3,000m² production facility.

• Reached €100m barrier in order intake in 2022.

Key findings

For industry

• Follow your dreams – you can start your own business in your garage (as CEO did in Vahterus).

• Don’t rely on your legacy equipment to survive just hiking prices – keep investing through the tough times as well or instead.

For government

• Keep the investment flowing consistently to keep people in employment and investors committed to deliver on net zero.

Vahterus at a glance:

Key products and services: Market leader in custommade plate & shell heat exchanger solutions.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 15%

• Conventional power – 10%

• Energy Transition – 5%

• Others (refrigeration, heat pumps, pharmaceutical, chemicals and process) – 70%

Headquarters: Kalanti, Finland

Year established: 1990

Number of employees: 450

Revenue: £84.9m

Revenue from exports: 95%

Venterra

Building a business to support the growth of offshore wind and its role in energy transition

Rob Jewkes, CEO

How is Venterra thriving?

A new entrant to the renewables market, Venterra is on a mission to build a leading services business to support the offshore wind sector as its influence on the net zero journey grows. Through acquiring and partnering with technology-led companies that are leaders in their fields, and adding its management support and finance to fuel their expansion, the firm is turning itself into a go-to provider of various skills, solutions and services.

And its approach is clearly working. After doubling revenue and headcount in its second year through a ramp up of acquisition activity, Venterra is now on track to repeat this achievement in 2023, and accelerate the much needed consolidation of the offshore wind supply chain.

The challenge

If global targets around the installation of offshore wind capacity are going to be met, numerous shackles need to be removed in order to make progress easier. So far it has taken two decades to install around 55GW worldwide, about one seventh of the 380GW that is needed by 2030 according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

A major hurdle is a highly constrained and fragmented supply chain that the offshore wind sector is reliant upon for projects to be developed and delivered. The offshore wind delivery model is dominated by very large developers,

OEMs and Tier 1 contractors, and the multitude of small enterprises with project-enabling capabilities are often undercapitalised and struggle to hold their own in the contracting chain.

Recognising this problem, Venterra was formed in 2021 to bring together specialist businesses and group them into coherent, joined-up packages that serve market needs across the major phases of offshore wind developments – a cradle to grave partner that can manage and mitigate risk, and not resort to pushing liabilities down the supply chain to smaller contractors. To achieve this, the industry needs strongly capitalised specialists with management support to help them accelerate and meet this urgent demand.

The solution

This is, ultimately, why Venterra was set up by Executive Chairman, Ayman Asfari and CEO Rob Jewkes, with colleagues and a consortium of other stakeholders.

The original analysis and business proposition was carried out in February 2021, with the company officially launching later in the year in October with three member companies on its books.

To date, its strategy has revolved around four major priorities, the first of which being to find companies that fit with each other and can offer something more significant and valuable together than they otherwise would by remaining independent. The second pillar is about matching member companies with the right functional support to maximise their potential, a process which involves corporate Governance, ISO Certification, HR, Marketing and Business Development support as well as –

foremost - working on a common safety culture. The third focus is on creating a board and governance structure that facilities growth at pace by being able to raise capital at the right time and operate as a public company. The final strand concerns positioning Venterra as a provider of both discrete and joined-up services that can help to accelerate offshore wind development by minimising the number of interfaces and streamlining procurement processes.

These strategic priorities have been implemented in parallel since day one. Much has hinged on finding the best capabilities to join the effort, and then onboarding member companies successfully ensuring that each member companies’ unique success factors are protected, and this has required Venterra to take them on their journey in the truest possible sense. For instance, Venterra has established functional working groups, with representation from each member firm, across HSSE and compliance, finance and systems, business development and marketing, building a culture around people and workplace safety.

Five further companies were added in 2022, the cohort of eight now growing strongly thanks to a strong focus on organic growth and revenue synergies between entities. Indeed, 2022 saw overall group revenues double, with headcount increasing to 500. By the end of this year, Venterra’s existing companies are forecast to turn over £120m and expand to over 800 people, with further growth planned from new acquisitions.

Although the start has been impressive, the company’s leadership still have their feet fixed to the ground. Venterra remains a start-up in the nascent stages of its journey, and in the coming period the plan very much is to continue this growth trajectory with the ultimate aim of becoming the premier services and solutions provider to the offshore wind sector.

And with end markets growing at compound rates of up to 20%, the opportunities ahead appear to have no bounds. The large and established developers, while housing huge resources of their own, still require specialist technical expertise, while new entrants such as infrastructure investors with limited in-house capacities require immediate services and solutions to meet their needs. Venterra is placing itself into a position to take advantage of both dynamics.

About Venterra

Venterra helps the world’s energy transition through wind power. As the world decarbonises, demand for renewable energy, especially wind power, is soaring. Venterra is building a best-in-class services company to meet this demand by acquiring and integrating select companies in the sector, adding its management expertise and capital to fuel expansion.

Story type

#culture (main category)

#collaboration, #scale up, #service & solutions

Benefits

• Revenues doubled to £104m in 2022, with company expecting to increase revenues substantially again in 2023.

• Headcount reached 500 (800 expected in 2023).

Key findings

For industry

• Get a training and qualification in engineering –there are so many ways you can contribute to the energy transition.

• Build a partnership between developers and the supply chain. There is no other way for the industry to fulfil its potential.

For government

• Allow shorter permitting and consenting times and a more sustainable auction price which recognises bottom-up costs.

• Develop a more strategic regulatory approach that brings together the skills, capacity and functions of disparate bodies in offshore development (i.e. a more centralised body/regulator).

Venterra at a glance:

Key products and services: Support services across the engineering, construction and operation phases of projects.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 9%

• Renewables/Energy Transition – 89%

• Others – 2%

Headquarters: London, UK

Year established: 2021

Number of employees: 500

Revenue: £104m

Revenue from exports: 70%

Venture Services

Streamlining PRO services to make doing business in the UAE easier

Mohammed Malayampalli, Finance & Compliance Manager

How is Venture Services thriving?

UAE-based Venture Services continues to provide valuable consultancy to homegrown and overseas companies looking to establish themselves in the country.

As well as providing support on business setup, market entry, human resources and corporate sponsorship, the firm offers public relations officers (PRO) management in a way that challenges the status quo and streamlines the traditional model. Thanks to its digital approach, it has been able to solve numerous PRO related challenges for clients, helping them to make key productivity improvements.

Since its foundation in 2009 as a spin-off of parent company Al Yaseah & Khalid Alqubaisi Investment, Venture has advised more than 60 companies in the energy sector on matters spanning market entry, mergers and acquisitions, interim management, and operations. And as word of mouth gathers momentum, the firm’s client base is rapidly expanding, last year increasing by 25%.

The challenge

Whether in the UAE or any other global market, businesses face many challenges as market demands change and new regulations and directives are published by governing authorities.

For Venture Services, the ongoing challenge is to stay abreast of these dynamics so it is best positioned to

ensure its clients remain compliant across a range of areas – this includes public relations, with PRO services among the most important line of business.

PROs are important to doing business in the UAE. As government certified professionals, they are responsible for establishing a channel of communication between businesses and the government and carry a wide remit of duties covering legal compliance, HR, admin and more. Overall, they serve as a crucial management function that establishes and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between the company and the public, on whom its success and failure depend.

The solution

Venture has set about streamlining and digitising PRO services to the benefit of its clients in the energy sector.

Indeed, the company has sought to overcome the one-man show of public relations by introducing D-PRO ERP, an exclusive software for PRO activities. This digital offering, first launched in 2015 and continually enhanced ever since, helps to reduce the communications gap by giving more transparency through multiple points of contact and clearly identifiable steps (features which are not in place with traditional offerings).

Essentially, Venture is making it easier for firms to access essential and highly sought after PRO services in a way that is cost effective and efficient.

The impact this has had can be told through several success stories with clients. For instance, in 2018 Venture supported an oil and gas company as it took over a multinational project. Following continued absence, the PRO eventually resigned and left behind incomplete work

which threatened to derail the development, with Venture stepping in to solve the challenges. Within a couple of weeks, the company provided a fully-digitalised platform that has reduced PRO workload and expense by around 35% per month.

This reflects a similar situation faced in 2015, when a client saw its PRO depart without informing the relevant authorities, a situation which led to the company being confronted with a huge compliance burden due to the multinational makeup of its workforce. Facing heavy fines and delays to important projects, Venture Services stepped in to provide cost-effective answers, including the deployment of a local employment arrangement. Specialist Services remains a regular customer to this day.

In 2019, another oil and gas field company was faced with an emergency when its PRO failed to arrive on site after repeated attempts to make contact. On this occasion, the firm outsourced the physical PRO work to Venture Plus and its dedicated human PRO team. Working in tandem with its digital capabilities, Venture provided services both onsite and within the client organisation, a key step being to reduce the amount a PRO needs to be physically present.

These examples all contribute to a track record that is helping Venture to build a solid reputation as a PRO problem solver. It was ahead of its time in 2015 when it launched D-PRO, and with the UAE government now favouring a more digitised approach to public relations, the company is supremely well positioned to support organisations in the energy sector that seek to do business in the country.

About Venture Services

Venture Services is the centralised management and shared service centre for the AL Yaseah Group of Companies. Currently they are extending these services to outside firms established in the UAE and companies who are keen to open market in UAE. Their objective is to offer an exceptional level of service facilitating company formation in UAE and offering a broad range of legal, financial and business services for business operation and sales outsourcing.

Story type

#digital (main category)

Benefits

• Several success stories with clients.

• Good reputation as a PRO problem solver.

Key findings

For industry

• Implement new technology to improve your business.

Venture Services at a glance:

Key products and services: Corporate sponsorship, business set up, market entry consultancy services, public relations services and human resources services.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 56%

• Renewables – 16%

• Nuclear power – 8%

• Others (Fintech sector, retail sector) – 20%

Year established: 2008

Number of employees: 19

Revenue: £1.4m

VOOVIO

Striving to become a supplier of choice

Ahmed Alaa, Sales Director MENA

How is VOOVIO thriving?

Having entered the energy market little over a half decade ago, VOOVIO is already garnering a reputation for excellence as a provider of market-leading digital support solutions for field operators in the mid and downstream segments. It has already amassed positive client feedback, seen its sales pipeline grow fivefold and its global revenue double – now, the firm is well placed to drive towards its goal of becoming a supplier of choice in the energy industry.

The challenge

Launched in 2008, VOOVIO’s technology (recognised by Gartner) is a 24/7 virtual subject matter expert, using digital replicas and simulators to enable the process industry to onboard operators more efficiently, reduce downtime, increase productivity and ensure competency faster than ever before.

The technology was originally developed for various applications, but a gap in the energy sector was identified, repurposing VOOVIO to create a cost-effective, supportive guiding tool for field operators that is accessible via an easy-to-use web-based platform.

Like any disruptive and innovative technology, the firm’s primary challenge in its infancy has been demonstrating the value of its product to the market and finding early adopters willing to implement the solution.

While it has largely been successful in this regard, building reputations with established and reputable firms at speed, its current challenge is to build upon this. For VOOVIO, the goal is to become the solution of choice for any company that has a challenge with operator skills development in the energy industry.

The solution

Realising the gap in the energy sector for such a solution has been key for VOOVIO, the firm already establishing itself in the market through several different avenues.

Trade shows have proven vital to increasing its exposure. Having identified several key exhibitions, the firm has been able to conduct 10-minute product demos to customers and prospects in real-time, helping to showcase its solution, improve understanding and demonstrate its value.

Much of the company’s focus has been on targeting organisations operating in the mid and downstream, such as refinery and petrochemical manufacturers, and particularly those in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where it launched four years ago. This was deemed to be a low-risk market, the firm seeing value in position itself in the KSA and UAE having already established a strong client base in the US and Europe.

In working with new customers, VOOVIO has served to replace traditional technologies and approaches that have been more manually driven and delivered in the field with its innovative, digital solution that can provide field operators with key learnings and insights prior to entering the field.

The firm has also supported one company which had a new

facility in which risk needed to be minimised across the board from the outset. By adopting VOOVIO’s solution, the client has been able to achieve higher standards of operation underpinned by human error reductions, higher competency levels, and 50% reductions in onboarding time.

For VOOVIO, the plan is to now build on these successes and leverage its increasingly proven track record to expand its customer base both in the MENA region and beyond.

Not only is it already in advanced discussions with several potential new clients, but the company also continues to receive positive feedback, providing significant cost savings to blue chip clients with its technology.

Having cultivated these strong foundations, VOOVIO has seen its sales pipeline grow fivefold in a short period, while its global revenue has also doubled in the last three years after it thrived during the height of the pandemic. Indeed, as a company able to continue delivering significant aspects of its solution remotely, helping its clients to save on costs while providing a more efficient service, the lockdowns and social distancing restrictions that posed problems for many energy firms actually offered a conducive environment for growth for VOOVIO.

With some semblance of normality having returned in the post-Covid era, however, VOOVIO looks well placed to excel as it drives towards its ambition of becoming the first-choice virtual subject matter expert for the energy industry globally.

About VOOVIO

VOOVIO is a digital platform for the operational excellence of field operators. The platform uses Enhanced Reality technology (patented by VOOVIO) to create a Digital Replica of an operating asset and Standard operating procedure simulators.

Story type

#innovation

Benefits

#digital (main category)

• VOOVIO’s global revenue has doubled in the last three years.

• VOOVIO is helping its clients to save on costs while providing a more efficient service.

Key findings

For industry

• Understand very well the size of the opportunity.

• The growth plans laid out by some Countries require attracting and retaining skilled workforce. There will be a big shortage of it so you must think out of the box to tackle this problem.

VOOVIO at a glance:

Key products and services: A guiding tool for the field operator for all his life cycle, from onboarding, qualification, refresher training and field execution.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 80%

• Conventional power – 10%

• Others (utilities) – 10%

Headquarters: Madrid, Spain

Year established: 2008

Number of employees: 56

Revenue from exports: 100%

Vysiion

Futureproofing through a brave investment in diversification

Peter Clapton, CEO

How is Vysiion thriving?

Having made the bold decision to seek private equity investment in 2015, and the ensuing sale of the business to fast paced technology company Exponential-e in 2020, Vysiion has a firm foundation for accelerating their growth.

Today’s revenue is balanced between the delivery of high value project work, and thanks to the advancement and diversification of its expertise, the provision of more sustainable reoccurring support services that include, field maintenance of edge and core smart assets, connectivity, Enterprise IT, and cloud-based solutions. These services are supplied to support operational technology applications within a critical national infrastructure (CNI) customer base.

Thanks to this transformation, which has helped to create a long-term order book, Vysiion is able to be far more proactive, invest in their mid- and long-term strategy, and better serve its clients.

The challenge

As a provider of operational technology and IT solutions, along with installation, integration, and technical support services, the Vysiion of today has a wide and valuable offering, highly relevant and aligned to the needs of clients operating across an array of CNI subsectors, including the energy sector.

However, rewind to the early-mid 2010s and the company was faced with a futureproofing problem. Having started out

in 1996, it was finding it difficult to scale, and whilst it had begun life in the operational technology space, there was a risk that the early day propositions would fall out of fashion.

The early 2010s saw the IT market transitioning away from legacy infrastructure. As Vysiion’s customers sought to accelerate their digital transformation plans to meet operational and regulatory demands, it was faced with several pressing challenges. First, it needed an agile technology team conversant with the latest systems, processes, and applications, as well as an understanding of how they could be applied within their customer based, a reality that would require serious investment. Second, it needed to build a cybersecurity capability, giving it the ability to address the issues of an expanded attack surface brought about by the sectors increased deployment of new smart assets and capabilities. And third, its operating model needed to realign to incorporate OPEX and CAPEX lines of business, as new digital systems require frequent support to ensure high availability.

The solution

In 2015, the company took a risk by bringing private equity investors on board, a move which resulted in the firm’s original owners being diluted, with the view of a longerterm gain. This proved to be a vital turning point.

The investment enabled Vysiion to adopt the radical approach it needed, and build a team capable of embracing emerging technology, as well as understanding the challenges and disciplines of delivering into a regulated sector where system availability and security are paramount. To this end, another crucial step, also made in 2015, was the acquisition of an IT support company and investment in a 24/7 support function.

Success did not follow overnight. The investments

impacted the firm’s margins, while time was needed to develop its offering and build credibility. Meanwhile, access to the depth of knowledge required was not achievable purely through recruitment and upskilling, hence the move down the acquisition route.

However, over time this investment in people and product has produced a platform that will allow Vysiion to scale by tackling the emerging challenges presented by increasingly connected CNI assets.

While the firm was acquired by Exponential-e Group in 2020, it continues to trade independently while enjoying increased access to a range of relevant products and services. Indeed, continued growth and success has defined recent years, the company now typically delivering higher value contracts and working from a more balanced revenue base comprised of 50% new projects and 50% ongoing support. In 2022, Vysiion turned over £28m – double what it generated in 2018.

In terms of its current client roster, the firm trades with all the UK utilities, large systems integrators, and contractors, and has worked on some of the country’s most significant renewable energy assets. This includes the Moray East offshore windfarm. The CAPEX phase involved a £1m build project for a major System Integrator, which included the design, installation, and commissioning, of OT network infrastructure on the offshore and onshore substations, used to connect critical protection and control assets. Today, Vysiion provides a wide reaching and ongoing 24/7 support service, a process which involves the controlled update of customers digital assets, including general operations and maintenance for stakeholder companies involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of power. In addition, the firm has built expertise in the design, build, and maintenance, of increasingly complex DMZ gateway platforms.

These types of CNI projects have been a game-changer for the business and a true test of its new modus operandi and extended offering. Despite being more digitised than ever, Vysiion knows its greatest assets have and always will be its people – looking ahead, transparency between all parts of the business, including senior management and how challenges are approached, will be a key priority.

About Vysiion

Part of the Exponential-e Group, Vysiion provides innovative edge to core IT and telecommunications product and solutions, supported by an agile, proactive, and responsive technical service capability. Customers include system integrators, companies, and organisations within the CNI sector. The solutions supplied include IT on premise, private and public cloud technology, critical network infrastructure often referred to as OT, and IDS and IPS cyber security.

Story type

#diversification (main category)

#culture, #service & solutions, #transformation

Benefits

• Learnt that people are a fundamental piece for scaling up.

• Transparency within the company increased; flat culture built.

Key findings

For industry

• Create space for everyone, success counts on innovation, operational flare, and reliable hardworking people.

• Understand the value of your propositions.

For government

• Be more consistent with standards.

Vysiion at a glance:

Key products and services: OT and IT digital technology product and solutions, their installation, integration, and technical support.

Main industries served:

• Renewables – 20%

• Conventional power – 10%

• T&D – 10%

• Oil and gas – 5%

• Energy Transition – 5%

• Defence, transport, public sector – 50%

Headquarters: Chippenham, UK

Year established: 1996

Number of employees: 160

Revenue: £28m

Revenue from exports: 5%

Vysus Group

Driving forward with diversification and strategic divestments

David Clark, CEO

How is Vysus Group thriving?

Vysys has kicked on with its transformative vision to invest in higher-value technical and regulatory consulting services, underpinned by a major structural overhaul that saw three core business divestments in 2022, alongside continued rapid international growth in business driven by promising renewables and energy transition ambitions.

The challenge

Vysus Group hasn’t been shy of transformation in recent times. Having separated from its former parent company Lloyd’s Register to become an independent business in 2020, the organisation has undergone radical change, launching a five-year vision to position for net zero and implementing a new 30-30-40 vision – where revenue is driven by 30% oil and gas, 30% infrastructure, and 40% renewables.

It has been no small undertaking. Where the old business had been significantly underperforming and suffering in challenging markets, Vysus has turned attentions in a completely new direction, leaving behind a legacy footprint and reliance upon upstream oil and gas revenue generation dating back to the 1930s. And that undertaking didn’t slow in 2022.

To better deliver its core offering as a high value technical

and regulatory consultancy business, the firm most recently underwent a major structural transformation in H2 of 2022, underpinned by the divestment of three key businesses.

The solution

This was by no means an easy decision to make. Indeed, the company’s now divested transportation advisory business had been built organically from three to more than 30 people in three years, while a US business (primarily a field-based service provider) and its Senergy Wells business had improved performance and scaled up in recent times. Yet all three were divested as they did not fit with the longer-term future vision of the company.

Upon becoming independent back in 2020, the firm had outlined a core strategic objective of focusing on investing in higher-value technical and regulatory consulting services, that could be deployed across multiple regions and sectors. If business activities didn’t align, they would be divested – a strategy that came to fruition in 2022.

This was no simple undertaking. Divesting the three businesses while continuing to drive improved profitability across the Group has been a major challenge, yet one that was achieved thanks to the unwavering efforts of the firm’s staff.

An internal team was set up to manage and complete the divestments, doing so in line with the firm’s targets on timings and value and in alignment with board expectations, and allowing the rest of the business to remain focused on improving wider performance.

At the same time, Vysus Group also furthered its diversification journey, evolving its toolkit and capabilities. Business systems and information tools were upgraded, for example, including a new ERP and intranet that enabled the firm to begin making better, faster and smarter commercial decisions. Equally, cultural improvements were also made, focused on enhancing collaboration and communication, as well as efforts to build brand recognition both externally and internally.

As a result, the firm was able to transform its offshore survey and geo business, moving from 90% oil & gas driven to being 55%, well on track to meet the 30% five-year vision, all while continuing to expand activity in core markets along with growth in Asia and the Middle East

The achievements don’t end here. Indeed, the firm is now involved in five key ScotWind projects, this having already played a key part in supporting the development of hydrogen guidance as part of the European workgroup on new safety standards for hydrogen, and also working on several transition energy pilot projects.

Without question, it has been another year of significant change for Vysus.

Having delivered over £100m revenue in 2022, exceeding profit targets, the business starts 2023 with a smaller headcount following the 2022 divestments. However, with over 375 staff deployed across more than 20 countries, the company enters 2023 in a strong position to continue its ongoing transformation to deliver on the business vision and strategy.

About Vysus Group

Vysus Group is a leading engineering and technical consultancy offering specialist asset performance, risk management and project management expertise across complex industrial assets, energy assets (oil and gas, nuclear, renewables) and the energy transition.

Story type

#transformation (main category)

#diversification, #energy transition

Benefits

• All targets achieved for timing and value of divestments.

• Successful diversification and expansion processes.

Key findings

For industry

• Don’t underestimate oil & gas’ role in energy transition.

• On energy transition, connect the entire life cycle, from source, to transport and storage and then consumption.

For government

• Bring cross-energy stakeholders together and get them aligned on deliverables.

Vysus Group at a glance:

Key products and services: Technical and regulatory consultancy across energy, renewables and complex infrastructure.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 50%

• Renewables – 20

• Energy Transition – 5%

• Infrastructure & Process – 25%

Headquarters: Aberdeen, Scotland

Year established: 2020

Number of employees: 375

Revenue: £60m

Revenue from exports: 80%

Waves Group

Leveraging extensive marine knowledge to mitigate challenges in offshore wind

Jeremy Panes, Director

How is Waves Group thriving?

Leading marine consultancy Waves Group is successfully applying its deep expertise in ports and harbours as well as the logistical challenges in offshore construction projects as it seeks to diversify its offering, the firm now also advising offshore wind developers on how best to mitigate lifecycle risks at project inception. Backed by exposure to a huge number of legacy projects, a diverse skillset, an ability to link knowledge to mitigation approaches, an agile culture and focus on smaller developers which potential competitors don’t always consider, the firm’s newly established and fruitful niche is already paying dividends.

The challenge

Founded in 2005, Waves Group is an established organisation specialising in marine consultancy, providing its expertise to the offshore energy and maritime shipping sectors.

Of late, the key challenge facing the company has centred around applying the skills and experience it has in port and harbour development and operation, along with those acquired through marine warranty to offshore wind farm construction projects in order to bring additional value to clients and capitalise on market opportunities.

Key for Waves is delivering its unique expertise in a manner that truly makes a difference. As a marine warranty surveyor, it has exposure to a range of best practices, yet

to date has often come into projects during the latter stages, and therefore has little scope to influence matters or impart positive change.

In an effort to change this and be a more valuable client partner, it is now working to apply its knowledge and offering to customers at an earlier stage in projects to ensure best practice is implemented during a projects’ inception. Its primary goal is to understand the genuine challenges associated with constructing each unique offshore wind farm, to then mitigate these from the outset and impart operational and cost benefits for clients throughout project lifetimes.

The solution

This vision began to come to fruition in 2018 when the firm began engaging selected clients for early-stage projects. Through these engagements, Waves quickly found it would better understand their needs and could in turn help to refine the recipes for success on given projects.

The whole focus is around mitigating challenges by having greater influence upfront. And while the firm is still refining the way in which it markets this specific service, it has already seen both significant demand for and many merits of its approach, with smaller project teams having been notable beneficiaries.

Critically, this renewed approach was all kickstarted by Renewable Infrastructure Development Group (RIDG) – a key client that had been looking to apply for and secure the ScotWind leasing rights to develop the 2GW West of Orkney Windfarm.

Despite its ambitions, RIDG recognised that this was a

particularly tricky location, with limited infrastructure in a harsh environment. And while it had some experience, it was presented with several challenges that weren’t within its typical remit.

Resultantly, Waves was consulted and asked to support the project application by first outlining the full extent of the challenges, and in turn developing a methodology that was robust, workable and feasible for a technical solution.

Valued at around £60,000, Waves delivered on the contract comprehensively, creating a robust methodology that could be clearly presented to RIDG’s investors and the Crown Estate. And the project was subsequently successful in its application, even in the face of an extremely competitive leasing round.

This has been game changing for RIDG and their project partners. The West of Orkney Windfarm, which is expected to start producing renewable power come 2030, represents approximately £4bn of investment. Further, it is anticipated that the windfarm could also deliver renewable power to the Flotta Hydrogen Hub –a key large-scale green hydrogen production facility that has been proposed in Orkney.

Of course, this is just one example among several success stories, the firm now seeking to proactively expand this proven line of business moving forward. And while Waves is still taking its time to productise what is currently an informal and unstructured approach, it has laid the groundwork for success in a major diversified line of business, improving its resilience for years to come.

About Waves Group

Operating as Waves Group, but originally established in 2005 as Mwaves and Cwaves - recognised sources of expertise in the offshore energy and marine sectors, the company provides its clients with a range of bespoke technical advice, assurance, and expert guidance. Waves is focused on improving confidence and certainty, reducing risk for offshore engineering and renewable energy projects, as well as managing casualties, incident response and investigations for P&I Clubs and other shipping clients across the maritime industry. Waves Group is strategically located to serve its clients worldwide, with offices located in the UK, Houston, Rotterdam and Singapore.

Story type

#service & solutions (main category)

Benefits

• Successful solution to client’s needs despite challenges.

• Enabled wind farm’s schedule to set start of operations for 2030.

Key findings

For industry

• Understand your market and the value of what you have.

• It’s easy to become tunnel-visioned and just provide a narrow service, see the wider opportunity.

For government

• Support growth of further new renewable projects and disincentivise fossil fuels.

Waves Group at a glance:

Key products and services: Marine consultancy, providing expertise to offshore energy and maritime shipping sectors.

Main industries served:

• Renewables – 48%

• Others (non-energy: maritime, shipping) – 52%

Headquarters: London, UK

Year established: 2005

Number of employees: 56

Revenue: £7.5m

Revenue from exports: 45%

Weidmüller

Evolving to maximise opportunities in bespoke engineering solutions

How is Weidmüller thriving?

To improve resilience and better align with market needs, Weidmüller has worked to consolidate its new division, Klippon Engineering – an entity designed to support process industry specialists with activities such as extending plant life, increasing production efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety. With in-house engineering hubs around the world, the newly formed division is enabling the delivery of flexible, local, fully engineered, bespoke and compliant solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous areas.

The challenge

Weidmüller is a renowned international company, operating through 31 sales organisations, and over 60 representatives worldwide, positioned today as a leading firm in Smart Industrial Connectivity.

Ongoing strategic innovation has been critical to the evolution of Weidmüller – a core value that the firm once again looked to at the turn of the decade.

The leadership team saw great opportunities to target and expand into the process market (comprising downstream as well as oil and gas). However, for this objective to be realised, a sound strategy and renewed structure were required.

The solution

To maximise opportunity in the process market, Klippon

Engineering was established at the end of 2020 as a new division of Weidmüller.

Creating this new division was a real challenge. Indeed, the company needed to develop a new organisational structure supported by project managers, engineers, and an execution team to ensure that it had the means of delivering in the market effectively for any potential clients. Since new skills were also required, Weidmüller recruited a number of additional engineers with software, mechanical, electrical and automation expertise.

It wasn’t simply a case of establishing a new team (now standing at 40 members strong), however. Equally, the success of the new division was dependent upon new approaches and an overall shift in mindset.

While Weidmüller traditionally sells components offthe-shelf, Klippon Engineering works to take individual solutions (of Weidmüller and/or third parties) and bring these together to deliver bespoke packages that address specific client needs. The idea of this approach is to offer the flexibility to solve unique problems by delivering fully engineered, compliant, bespoke solutions.

For this reason, the team of Klippon Engineering had to be trained to think solutions, not products, this gap being bridged by several initiatives such as internal workshops.

Indeed, Klippon Engineering’s establishment wasn’t a rushed process, but a carefully considered journey. Having been established in 2020, the senior team was then onboarded in 2021 and remaining structures and employees put in place by the end of 2022.

While these efforts have been worthwhile, challenges still remain. Indeed, the firm has had to develop new

Stuart Bell, Vice President Global Sales

positioning strategies, from component to solution. Meanwhile communicating the new solutions approach of Klippon Engineering to achieve effective market positioning is equally an ongoing process. However, the division’s success has already been proven through several successful ventures and partnerships.

While end-user MOUs had never before been signed in Weidmüller history, Klippon Engineering was able to secure them with major oil players ADNOC and a major NOC in Southeast Asia in a period of only three months. This has been possible by the establishment of new manufacturing plants, such as in Saudi Arabia, and proven useful in helping to grow local business.

In the case of Saudi Arabia, the firm recently won contracts doubling its business of the previous 12 months, in the first weeks of 2023. In UAE, meanwhile, the firm has been supporting ADNOC in developing a network of remote I/O cabinets to reduce its infrastructure and running costs.

According to the firm’s renewed engineered solutions model, underpinned by a combination of in-country facilities and industry experts, Klippon Engineering has successfully enabled a major step in both revenue stream and types of contracts. The figures speak for themselves, the division having secured revenues of €118m in 2021 and €135m in 2022.

With its new offering of services that includes the extension of plant life to increasing production efficiency, as well as a proven track record in delivering solutions successfully, the new division is now well positioned to continue expanding its innovative new model moving forward.

About Weidmüller

Weidmüller supports customers and partners around the world with products, solutions, and services for Smart Industrial Connectivity and the Industrial Internet of Things that shape the digital transformation. The company knows the technological challenges of tomorrow, continuously developing innovative, sustainable, and useful solutions for the individual needs of its customers.

Weidmüller owns manufacturing plants, sales companies and representatives in more than 80 countries. In the fiscal year of 2022, the company reached sales of over €1bn with around 6,000 employees.

Story type

#service & solutions (main category)

#diversification, #people & competency

Benefits

• Revenues increased €17m from 2021 to 2022.

• Paramount works secured in the UAE.

Key findings

For industry

• Don’t be afraid to take risks if you have the right people beside you.

• Don’t give up – if clients want it, push on.

For government

• Invest for the future, not for now. Focus on consistent, country-based (not government), longterm policies for the whole UK.

Weidmüller at a glance:

Key products and services: Manufacturing and engineering for the power, signal and data sectors.

Main industries served:

• Oil and gas – 10%

• Conventional power – 10%

• Nuclear power – 10%

• Others (industrial machinery, infrastructure, consumer electronics) – 70%

Headquarters: Detmold, Germany

Year established: 1850

Number of employees: 5,200 (Weidmüller), 47 (Kipplon)

Revenue: £1.05bn (Weidmüller), £118m (Kipplon)

Revenue from exports: 3% (Weidmüller), 10% (Kipplon)