Inside Energy August 2022

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EIC Inside Photos © 2003-2022 Shutterstock, Inc

Monthly news for EIC members August 2022

Survive & Thrive VI Guest editorial Global demand for hydrocarbons still exists, so how do we square this with COP26 commitments?

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See the first batch of EIC members’ success stories from this year’s report

Spotlight on technology New industrial high-speed pressure controller from WIKA

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Sector analysis

Thailand – gas is crucial for long-term energy security The role of natural gas is expected to remain important to Thailand’s energy sector. The International Trade Administration (ITA) reported in August 2021 that approximately 60% of electricity in Thailand is generated from local natural gas. ITA also stated that the country’s gas consumption is expected to increase significantly over the next five years as Thailand is diversifying its energy mix. As the world’s energy transition moves forward, Thailand has taken steps to play its part in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), Thailand announced aims to reduce GHG emissions by 20-25% by 2030. The government sees natural gas as one of the solutions to cope with the rising GHG emissions and to transition to cleaner energy. PTT, a state-backed Thai energy company stated in August 2021 that gas and LNG will be highly important to the power sector and as a bridging fuel for Thailand’s energy transition. Thailand is now planning to reduce the use of coal and increase the natural gas consumption for electricity generation. In July 2021, Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT) reported that they will not proceed with the two proposed coalfired projects with a total capacity of 3GW and instead build an estimated US$1.03bn gas-fired complex in Phunphin with a total capacity of 1.4GW. EGAT plans to work together with PTT in developing an LNG terminal near the complex. Historically, Thailand received its gas from domestic production, as well as importing it from countries such as Australia, Qatar and Malaysia. Thailand’s gas needs are also met by pipeline imports from Myanmar. The domestic production of natural gas in Thailand is on a declining trend as the Erawan’s field production has decreased. The Erawan gas field is one of Thailand’s two biggest offshore natural gas fields. The field’s production has been declining due to the dispute between Chevron and PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP). To offset the declining production of Erawan, Thailand has been importing more LNG in recent years. In May 2022, Argus Media reported that Thailand imported 850,086 tonnes of LNG in March, an increase of 23.1% from 690,404 tonnes in February 2022. Actions have been taken to raise the natural gas production rate in support of domestic consumption and national energy security. PTTEP disclosed that the company will invest up to US$31.96bn in the Bongkot and Erawan fields to boost the domestic gas production in Thailand.

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PTTEP is now the new operator for the Erawan gas field starting in April 2022, and the company has been focusing on boosting production from the gas field. PTTEP has laid out plans to accelerate eight wellhead platforms and subsea pipeline installation, a drilling campaign of 183 production wells, and procurement of additional two drilling rigs for another 52 production wells. The company aims to ramp up the production rate to 800MMcf/d by April 2024. Apart from that, PTTEP will also work on boosting the production rates of the Bongkot and Arthit gas fields. These fields are targeted to raise the production output by 200-250MMcf/d. To cater for the rising natural gas demand, Thailand plans to construct new LNG regasification terminals to expand its natural gas import capacity. As of 2021, Thailand had only one LNG terminal facility in Map Ta Phut with a capacity of 11.5mtpa. However, PTT is currently developing the Nong Fab LNG terminal with a capacity of 5mtpa which is targeted to come into operation in 2022. A further expansion of 2.5mtpa is also being planned for the Nong Fab LNG terminal project. EGAT and PTT are currently studying a liquefied natural gas project utilising a floating storage and regasification unit. The mooted FSRU is expected to have a capacity of 5mtpa, and it is expected to mainly deliver feedstock to the proposed 1.4GW gas-fired power plant in Phunphin. When completed, these two projects will have a combined capacity of 12.5mtpa. Thailand’s government, together with PTT is also planning to make Thailand an Asian regional LNG hub. PTT stated that Thailand is strategically located to meet 70% of the global LNG trade. The nation intends to take advantage of the growing LNG demand in Asia by expanding its gas transmission pipeline system and constructing new LNG import facilities. The plan is understood to be in the early stages, however PTT is working closely with the government to enable the regional hub to become reality. In conclusion, immediate actions need to be taken to tackle the gas issues in Thailand. With new projects being planned and under development, as well as investment being made, Thailand is expected to become a market of interest for LNG power and regasification companies in the coming years. As the country diversifies its energy mix, gas will definitely play a critical role in providing Thailand with long-term energy security and to also help the country transition to cleaner energy. Hirzi Iskandar Mhd Rais Senior Energy Analyst (Asia Pacific) hirzi.rais@the-eic.com

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Inside this issue... The EIC is glad to announce the publication of the latest Survive and Thrive report. This is the sixth edition of the series in Leliam de Cas tro which Stuart Broadley, our CEO, interviews several member companies looking at their past year’s success stories. Over 60 supply chain leaders and senior executives from around the world were involved, resulting in extensive insights into the state of the energy industry. To read the full report for free and find out more about how our members continue to thrive, innovate, grow and share their expertise and lessons in a constantly changing market, click here. With Survive and Thrive VI out, we can’t wait to see which case studies will be awarded at the EIC National Awards Dinner 2022, returning as a physical event for the first time since 2019 on 6 October at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London. Booking is now open. For the August edition of Inside Energy, we welcome Hirzi Rais, Senior Energy Analyst for the Asia Pacific region at the EIC. His sector analysis explores the importance of natural gas developments for Thailand’s energy security plans. According to Rais, the country is likely to become a market of interest to LNG companies in the near future. ABB’s subsea technology has been awarded the Frost & Sullivan 2022 best practices award for global oil and gas automation technology innovation leadership. The praise comes for the company’s subsea power conversion and distribution system. Get to know more about it in the members’ services section. As for spotlight on technology, WIKA’s new industrial high-speed pressure controller is the focus. The CPC3050 model can be used in aerospace, aviation, pharma and power generation, being used whenever speed and accuracy are essential. David Clark, CEO of Vysus Group, hosts this month’s EIC guest editorial. Clark’s article dives into what he calls the energy ‘elephant in the room’: the dilemma faced by industry stakeholders between energy security and transition after the war in Ukraine and COP26 commitments. Finally, readers can get updated on office notices and local market updates from our teams in Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific and the MENA region. As usual, you can also read our members’ latest business news worldwide. Léliam de Castro, Head of Marketing and Communications leliam.castro@the-eic.com

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Contents Sector analysis

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Inside this issue...

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EIC databases

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Members’ services

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Spotlight on technology 7 New EIC members Member news

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Social media round up 19 Events calendar

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Guest editorial

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International trade

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UK and Europe news

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Middle East news

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Asia Pacific news

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North America news

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South America news

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Survive and Thrive VI

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@TheEICEnergy

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DataStream AUSTRALIA

Global opportunities BELGIUM

DENMARK

Crux Gas Condensate Field

Antwerp Ethane Cracker Plant

BrintØ – North Sea Hydrogen Island

Operator: Shell Value: US$2.5bn Shell has reached FID for the Crux gas project. The project will cost around US$2.5bn and is expected to produce 1.6Tcf of gas, 60MMbbl of condensate and 40MMbbl of LPG. Construction works for the project is targeted to begin in 2023.

Operator: INEOS Value: US$2.2bn INEOS has awarded Tecnicas Reunidas the project management, engineering, procurement and construction management contract covering the project. It will mobilise up to 450 people to supervise construction at the Antwerp site.

Operator: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Value: US$1bn CIP, with COWI and Arkitema are planning to develop an artificial island in the Danish part of the Dogger Bank. The island will produce 1m tonnes of green hydrogen annually using electrolysers powered by 10GW of offshore wind.

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For more information on these and the 11,000 other current and future projects we are tracking please visit EICDataStream

THAILAND

Arthit Offshore Gas Field – Carbon Capture and Storage Project Operator: PTTEP Value: US$600m Feasibility studies have been completed to develop carbon capture and storage at the offshore field. The project is currently in the Pre-FEED phase with CCS operation expected to commence by 2026.

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VIETNAM

Plaquemines LNG Export Terminal

Offshore Wind Farm Vung Tau (Corio)

Operator: Venture Global Value: US$13.2bn Venture Global has reached a final investment decision (FID) on the Plaquemines LNG export project and associated Gator Express pipeline after securing US$13.2bn in financing for the terminal’s initial phase (13.3 mtpa). An FID on Plaquemines’ second phase is expected by the end of the year.

Operator: Corio Generation Value: US$1bn Corio Generation has sealed a development agreement for a proposed offshore wind project in Vietnam. Fecon will be jointly developing the project with Corio. The fixed-bottom offshore wind farm will have a generation capacity of 500MW.

SupplyMap The only database of UK supply chain companies across all energy sectors Need ayour demonstration of EICDataStream, EICAssetMap, EICSupplyMap? Get in touch Share news and views... Pleasenewsdesk@the-eic.com contact membership@the-eic.com Email Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600


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AssetMap

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Africa Join us

Track all major OPEX assets and facilities in key global markets including

Africa

EICAssetMap, the EIC’s operations and maintenance (O&M) database, now maps all major facilities across all energy sectors in Africa, ASEAN, Asia and ISC, Australasia, Brazil, EMEA, Europe and CIS, GCC, Gulf of Mexico and UK This fully interactive map database is updated daily with information about existing facilities and key contacts at these facilities so you can find out who to do business with and contact them. EICAssetMap is the only O&M database to map major energy assets across all sectors in key markets in Africa, both onshore and offshore.

key energy markets around the world in all energy sectors to find new O&M business opportunities Search for operational assets in

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Members’ services ABB’s subsea technology recognised by independent research for saving power and cutting emissions for energy industries

ABB was commended for the development and commercialisation of its subsea power conversion and distribution system. Its technology gives oil and gas companies access to a reliable subsea energy supply of up to 100MW of power over distances up to 600km into the sea and 3,000m of water depth with little maintenance required despite operating at intense pressures and in extreme conditions. Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Energy Industries, commented: “The convergence of automation and electrification is key to reducing carbon emissions in the oil and gas sector. By powering pumps and compressors on the seabed, close to the reservoir, our technology can significantly reduce energy consumption as well as decrease carbon emissions by using power from shore. It has taken years and the dedication of around 200 scientists and engineers from ABB and our partners to make this a reality, and it is fantastic that Frost & Sullivan has recognised our collective achievement and leading technology through this award.” Assessed by Frost & Sullivan’s global team of growth pipeline experts, the Best Practices Award identifies and assesses companies that consistently develop growth strategies based on a visionary understanding of the future and how to effectively address new challenges and opportunities. Frost & Sullivan also congratulated ABB on securing the US$120m project with Chevron Australia and Aker Solutions to engage in power provision from shore and subsea out to the Jansz-Io field.

The company’s approach to optimising operational efficiency was also commended, with special mention made of its capital projects and execution methodology – Adaptive Execution™. With digitalisation and collaboration at its core, Adaptive Execution was developed to drive greenfield project efficiency. By integrating expert teams, innovative technologies, agile processes, collaborative knowledge and proven methodologies, it can deliver automation-related CAPEX savings between 15 and 40%, reduce start-up work hours by up to 40%, and compress schedules by up to 40%. © 1995-2022 ABB

Leading the way in subsea automation with its underwater control systems and electrification services, ABB received Frost & Sullivan’s 2022 Best Practices Award for Global Oil and Gas Automation Technology Innovation Leadership.

Subsea networks to collect, convert and distribute power

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies that have developed a product with innovative features and functionality that is gaining rapid acceptance in the market. The award recognises the quality of the solution and the customer value enhancements it enables. For more information visit:

www.abb.com

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Spotlight on technology WIKA Instruments Limited © 2022 WIKA Instruments Limited

www.wika.co.uk

NEW INDUSTRIAL HIGH-SPEED PRESSURE CONTROLLER FROM WIKA

The model CPC3050 high-speed pressure controller is the newest device in Mensor’s lineup of precision pressure controllers and can perform end-of-line three-point verification in ten seconds. With an innovative regulator, the CPC3050 is designed for fast pressure control in industrial environments. It can perform at 25% pressure increments in under four seconds with a 0.020% FS accuracy. The CPC3050 maximises throughput in industries such as oil and gas and automotive manufacturing – however, it can be used whenever speed and accuracy are needed, for example: aerospace, aviation, pharma and power generation. It comes in high-pressure and low-pressure versions with customisable ranges, a 10:1 range limit ratio, and auto-ranging so it can fit into most factories for end-of-line testing and sensor verification. As a family-run business acting globally, with over 10,200 highly qualified employees, the WIKA group of companies is a worldwide leader in pressure and temperature measurement.

The company sets the standard in the measurement of level, force and flow, and in calibration technology as well as SF6 gas solutions. Founded in 1946, WIKA is today a strong and reliable partner for all the requirements of industrial measurement technology, thanks to a broad portfolio of high-precision instruments and comprehensive services. With manufacturing locations around the globe, WIKA ensures flexibility and the highest delivery performance. Every year, over 50m quality products are delivered in batches of 1 to over 10,000 units. With numerous wholly owned subsidiaries and partners, WIKA competently and reliably supports its customers worldwide. Its experienced engineers and sales experts are your competent and dependable contacts locally.

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New EIC members NEW GLOBAL MEMBER

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

NEW RENEWABLES MEMBER

COOEC-Fluor Heavy Industries Co Ltd

Gateway Group of Companies

Gemak Gemi Insaat Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS

No 99 Pinggang Road Gaolan Port Economic Zone Zhuhai Guangdong Province PR China/519050

Office 801 Business Center Hamdan Street Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Tersaneler Caddesi No 38 Tuzla 34944 Istanbul Turkey

Contact Nathan Hunt, Partner & CEO

Contact Kaya Yasar, Sales Manager, NB and Special Projects

Contact Hu Chao, Marketing Co-ordinator Telephone +86 75 6696 8185

Telephone +9712 309 1700

Telephone +90 216 581 23 00

Email chao.hu@cooecfluor.com

Email nathan@gatewaytouae.com

Web www.cooecfluor.com

Web www.gatewaytouae.com

Web www.gemak.com

Based in Zhuhai, China, COOECFluor Heavy Industries Co Ltd (CFHI) is a joint venture established by COOEC Zhuhai and Fluor International. Owning more than 2m sq m, CFHI’s fabrication yard is one of the largest in the world, and could reach an annual capacity of 250,000t.

With offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Gateway Group helps international companies get registered to do business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Gemak was established in 1969 in Istanbul, then at the centre of the Turkish shipbuilding industry. By executing pioneering works on the ground with highly-skilled engineers, Gemak is now one of the biggest players in the Mediterranean and Europe acting in its four facilities as a group of companies.

Supply scope of CFHI includes structural steel fabrication, pipe fabrication, fabrication and assembly of onshore modules, offshore fixed platform jackets and topsides, OSW foundations, floaters, FPSO/FLNG modules and subsea equipment.

Founded and headed up by a husband and wife team, Gateway is a family, not a sales team with monthly targets. The company values long term relationships and does what is in its client’s best interests, rather than for Gateway Group’s bottom line. After all, the company is just like its clients – its invested its own money into its businesses, so it fully appreciates what a big investment a commercial license is, and it wants the same results: confidence the business is correctly registered; full control; peace of mind assets are protected; and, to keep its profits. Choose Gateway Group. It is your gateway to the best company registration experience in the UAE.

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Email newsdesk@the-eic.com Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600

Email kyasar@gemak.com

Since 1969, Gemak Group has maintained its position in the region for building sophisticated, high quality projects. Gemak’s standard is well-proven and known to clients and is based on innovation, high technology and engineering capability. Gemak has the vision to be the best in class and preferred partner on a worldwide basis for demanding projects in steel fabrication, marine and offshore building and conversion projects.


New EIC members

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

NEW GLOBAL MEMBER

NEW GLOBAL MEMBER

Hongsing Offshore & Marine Pte Ltd

KIRCHNER ITALIA SpA

Oleochem Project Management Ltd

21 Bukit Batok Crescent WCEGA Tower, #25-84 Singapore 658065 Contact Stone Wang, Managing Director Telephone +65 6316 9709 Email stone@hongsingoffshore.com Web www.hongsingoffshore.com Hongsing Offshore is based in Singapore and provides project management, supervision and inspection services to ship owners and project owners, EPC contractors and oil majors worldwide for their new build projects in the marine, offshore, oil and gas and energy sectors. Hongsing supplies quality products from Germany and Italy which include pipe fittings, flanges, forged parts, line blind valves, butterfly valves and valve mechanical interlocks as well as engines, generators and completed power plant equipment.

Via Amerigo Vespucci, 13 20124 Milan Italy Contact Alessandro Cattaneo, Sales Director

NATIONAL

Contact Iain Aitken, Projects Supervisor

Telephone +39 02 6707 2002 Email kirchner@kirchner.it

Telephone +44 (0)1224 596 000 Email aberdeen@oleochem.com

Web www.kirchner.it

Web https://oleochem.com

Since 1954 KIRCHNER ITALIA SpA is a heater/cracker/reformer/WHRU manufacturer which subcontracts the fabrication depending on project requirements/logistics restrictions/cost effectiveness. The company can carry out design, engineering, fabrication, installation and start up of heat transfer equipment for a wide range of applications in the oil, gas, petrochemical and power industries.

Oleochem specialises in providing a comprehensive and fully integrated range of laboratory services. With its proven track record already established, Oleochem is a recognised global market leader in production chemistry and laboratory services. Oleochem’s approach offers a flexible and practical solution to new development projects, facility upgrades and to ongoing operations in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Its suite of services can be requested as individual elements or combined to provide a complete laboratory start-up solution. Oleochem has vast experience in laboratory training, personnel, modules, furniture, fume cupboards, analytical equipment, consumables and procedure manuals.

Hongsing also develops power, energy and renewables projects with partners and works with them for investment, EPC, commissioning and to commercialise operations.

EIC

Block 3C Deemouth Business Centre South Esplanade East Aberdeen AB11 9PB

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BO NO O W KI N G

DINNER

THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER 2022 DE VERE GRAND CONNAUGHT ROOMS LONDON Sign up for the EICOnline newsletter

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New EIC members

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

NEW PRIMARY MEMBER

Specialist Valve Services Ltd

Spirit Energy

TEMS International

1st Floor 20 Kingston Road Staines-Upon-Thames England TW18 4LG

Union Point, 3rd floor Blaikies Quay Aberdeen AB11 5PW

Silvertrees Drive Westhill Aberdeen AB32 6BH Contact Ryan Mackay, Contracts Focal Point

Telephone +44 (0)1224 415 000

Telephone +44 (0)1224 278 840

Email supplier_info@spirit-energy.com

Email ryan@svservices.com Web www.svservices.com Specialist Valve Services (SVS) Ltd was formed in 1998, initially supplying valves, actuators and ancillary equipment for clients in the oil and gas and petrochemical industries. SVS has grown to become a total valve management company, now also providing test, repair, overhaul and maintenance services globally. SVS’ innovation and success has grown the business, allowing it to diversify into industries including: renewables, refining, LNG, ship building, power generation, pulp and paper and mining. SVS has built up substantial engineering teams with knowledge and expertise, the company has successfully planned, delivered and overseen the supply of high integrity valve and actuator packages.

Get in touch Share your news and views...

Web www.spirit-energy.com Spirit Energy is a truly pioneering energy company with a portfolio and ambitions that span the breadth of the energy transition. The company is continuing to break new ground, collaborating and thinking differently. Its strategy is focused on: safely delivering production from existing assets; meeting and de-risking decommissioning obligations; and exploring strategic energy transition opportunities from the company’s existing assets. Spirit Energy is proud of its heritage. With more than 30 years of production, it is maximising the potential of its existing assets and substantial gas reserves in the UK and Netherlands. Above all, Spirit Energy lives by its commitment to safety in everything it does. Spirit Energy’s portfolio is predominantly gas (96%), providing vital, primary energy to fuel homes and businesses in the UK and Europe. The company is pushing field life out, and pulling net zero forwards, reducing emissions as it goes.

Email newsdesk@the-eic.com Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600

Contact Bill Walkingshaw, Managing Director Telephone +44 (0)1224 047 462 Email b.walkingshaw@ tems-international.com Web www.tems-international.com TEMS International is an independent oil and gas service company focused on delivering environmental management services onboard operator’s assets, onshore and offshore, helping reduce costs, improving drilling performance while reducing carbon footprint and exceeding environmental performance. Operating around the world, its services are delivered across the life cycle of a project, covering environmental rig and vessel audits, drilling performance management, environmental compliance and drilling waste performance management. The firm’s experienced technical environmental specialists work as an integral part of an operator’s team, assisting in reducing drilling costs and waste, improving efficiencies, and ensuring local environmental regulations are adhered to or surpassed.


New EIC members

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Member news ABB’s new digital appraisal service will use data to reveal industrial energy saving opportunities

A new digital service from ABB will enable industrial operators to maximise energy efficiency and boost sustainability by identifying motor-driven equipment in their facilities with the best energy-saving potential. The ABB Ability Digital Powertrain Energy Appraisal service will draw on data measured from fleets of digitally connected electric motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) to show where and how much energy can be saved by upgrading to the latest high-efficiency technologies. Industrial operators can then make data-driven decisions when prioritising investments. Upgrading to energy efficient technology is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to lower energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Across the world’s 300m industrial motor-driven systems, there is potential to cut global electricity demand by up to 10% by switching to high-efficiency systems.

One operator that is reaping the benefits is Waggeryd Cell, a pulp mill in southern Sweden with industryleading energy efficiency. It wanted to further improve the efficiency of its energy-intensive process by building on its ABB Ability Condition Monitoring system. This draws data from digitally-connected motors in refiners, process pumps, fans and conveyor belts. Under the new Digital Powertrain Energy Appraisal service, ABB’s experts used data from the same sources to identify the ten motors with the most potential for improving energy efficiency. Waggeryd has now prioritised replacement of six of these motors to cut energy consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The new digital appraisal service uses a plug and play approach to simplify energy efficiency assessments by pulling operational data remotely from across an entire fleet of digitally connected motors. This provides much deeper insight into the business case and carbon footprint benefits of upgrading to high-efficiency motor-driven systems, while being much safer and faster.

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For more information: www.abb.com

Addleshaw Goddard boosts transport practice with double hire

Addleshaw Goddard (AG) has expanded its renowned global transport practice with the hires of partners Rachel Scott from Womble Bond Dickinson and Simon Gwynne from Norton Rose Fulbright. Rachel is highly regarded as a rail and central-government contracting specialist with many years’ experience advising on rail infrastructure projects, regulated contracts and operating contracts for a range of major infrastructure clients, adding further strength to AG’s transport practice.

Rachel and Simon are really exciting hires, coming at a time of major change across the industry, particularly within the rail sector. Both are renowned specialists in their fields and further cement our position as a leading transport practice in the UK and overseas. Paul Hirst, Head of Transport, Addleshaw Goddard

© 1995-2022 ABB

Simon’s work focuses on international and domestic asset finance, with a particular emphasis on rail, aircraft, shipping and other industrial plant and machinery. He has acted extensively for the Department for Transport as well as many lessors, lenders and operators within these sectors. The firm, which recently launched a new office in Dublin, announced a record number of senior promotions, inviting 20 lawyers to join its partnership, bringing its global partner headcount to over 340 people (from 1 May 2022).

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For more information: www.addleshawgoddard.com

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© AEG Power Solutions

Member news

AEG Power Solutions: new power supply solutions for the energy transition

AEG Power Solutions, the global provider of power supply systems for all kinds of critical and demanding applications, exhibited at EES Europe in Munich, showing the new high voltage variant of the Convert SC Flex storage converter for battery storage with seamless transition between on-grid and off-grid mode and the Thyrobox DC-3 transformer-rectifier unit which provides a DC power supply for the electrolysis process in green hydrogen production. The company also presented its extended service offer for both systems. AEG Power Solutions’ aim is to ensure continuous operation and maximum service life. The new high voltage version of the bi-directional Convert SC Flex storage converter supports even larger battery storage systems of 700 to 1,500 volts. The maximum charging voltage has been increased to 1,450 volts, while the minimum discharge voltage now starts at 700 volts. The system can now provide between 1,000 and 1,300 kVA/kW of power. The maximum inductive and capacitive reactive power is between 400 and 520 kVAR at a nominal AC voltage of 450 to 640 volts. The latest development of the converter ensures a seamless transition between grid-connected and grid-independent operation. This expands its range of uses beyond its core function, as a backup in the event of a power failure. Sign up for the EICOnline newsletter

AEG Power Solutions has also introduced a new transformer-rectifier container-based unit, designed for the DC powering of hydrogen production applications, pictured above. The 40ft container houses a power frame or power block base frame solution consisting of up to eight Thyrobox DC-3 units with a maximum current of 14,400 amps and a transformer. Medium-voltage switchgear, lowvoltage distribution and cooling systems are optionally available. The Thyrobox DC-3 direct current systems were specially developed to meet the needs of the hydrogen electrolysis process and are based on AEG Power Solutions’ years of experience in power supply. Because of their robust build quality, the microprocessor controlled thyristor/IGBT technology and their modular design, they have already been used worldwide for a significant number of hydrogen projects with different electrolyser technologies. AEG Power Solutions has successfully completed a Thyrobox DC-3 installation as part of a forwardthinking project with the Austrian supermarket chain MPreis, powering a 3.2MW pressurised alkaline electrolyser. MPreis is now able to produce its own hydrogen in Völs near Innsbruck. Particularly when surpluses from renewable energies occur in the Austrian power grid, for example on sunny or windy days, the company uses the surplus electricity to produce hydrogen and stores it in pressure tanks for later use.

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AEG Power Solutions supplied eight Thyrobox DC-3 systems to power the hydrogen production. They deliver a high power factor with minimum harmonics, which contribute to the efficiency of the system and the reduction of perturbations in the public power supply network. The high levels of efficiency, even in the partial load range, significantly reduces the overall costs of the electrolysis process.

We are proud to be able to use our expertise to support these and other innovative projects for the future use of hydrogen. Jörg Liedloff, Vice President Business Development and New Markets, AEG Power Solutions

AEG Power Solutions customers can ensure continued operation and an extended service life for the two innovative systems with the Pro Care Safe ETS maintenance contract. Planned, recurring, preventative maintenance by accredited service professionals is the most cost-effective way to maintain full performance. Rapid corrective action is also key to increasing clean energy availability and business continuity for customers.

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For more information: www.aegps.com

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Member news

Ashtead Technology completes first subsea monitoring project using LUMA™ modems Ashtead Technology has successfully completed its first significant subsea monitoring project using Hydromea’s LUMA™ highspeed through-water wireless optical modems since signing their global rental partnership last year.

The project saw Ashtead Technology provide its Autonomous Structure Monitoring Systems, which were each integrated with LUMA™ optical modems, to complete an underwater installation monitoring work scope for subsea and offshore wind contractor, Havfram, in the Norwegian North Sea. The work scope included the provision of ten Autonomous Structure Monitoring Systems, two for each suction anchor template, and an additional four Autonomous Structure Monitoring Systems, which were used to monitor the installation of a range of subsea structures. The Structure Monitoring Systems were configured for autonomous independent operation, communicating data to one of the installation ROVs. Ashtead Technology utilised LUMA™ optical modems to enhance the accuracy of the data collected, ensuring maximum performance. LUMA™ products are the smallest, lightest, lowest power consuming subsea optical modems available that provide high-speed and bandwidth wireless communication at depths of up to 6,000 metres with remarkably low latency, even in the North Sea. Ashtead Technology has rolled out the use of LUMA™ technology in all of its offshore energy global construction and O&M projects and it has become one of the key differentiators of the company’s subsea monitoring and positioning systems.

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For more information: www.ashtead-technology.com

Atmos makes best companies lists for second time

Atmos International (Atmos) has been included in the Best Companies Q2 2022 league tables. The pipeline technology company has been recognised as one of the Top 50 Technology Companies, Top 75 North West Companies and Top 75 Best Mid-Sized Companies to work for in the UK. As a leader in pipeline leak and theft detection and pipeline simulation, Atmos knows that it couldn’t achieve everything it does without its employees. Significant investment is put into engaging employees and looking after their wellness.

GE Power Conversion to help Mexico achieve energy selfsufficiency

GE Power Conversion is proud to announce the supply of 19 electrical motors to power watercooling tower pumps manufactured by leading pump company, Ruhrpumpen. The motors – part of GE’s optimised C7 Series MV induction motors – will support the build of a large refinery located in Dos Bocas, Mexico. The refinery is slated to become the biggest refinery in Mexico, anticipated to produce approximately 340,000 barrels per day.

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Founded in 1995, Atmos provides pipeline leak detection, theft detection and simulation technology to the oil, gas, water and associated industries globally. Driven to implement the best technology for its clients, its in-house R&D team innovate new products each year to overcome challenges specific to different pipeline operators. As one of the world’s leading leak detection providers, Atmos is best placed to help you ensure any leak is detected reliably and located accurately, giving you peace of mind and helping you sleep at night.

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For more information: www.atmosi.com

Construction of the refinery started in June 2019, and the facility is set to commence commercial operation in late 2022. It will play a key role in Mexico’s National Refining Plan in efforts to become more energy self-sufficient. The innovative electro-mechanical design of GE’s C7 Series induction motors promotes high efficiency to support energy savings and low noise levels to help reduce environmental impact. With increased power density and state of the art manufacturing, the C7 motors are optimised to support a refinery of such a large calibre.

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For more information: www.gepowerconversion.com


Photo © 2003-2022 Shutterstock, Inc

Member news

Hitachi Energy and Arteche new JV commences operations

In accordance with the agreement signed in December 2021, Hitachi Energy and Arteche have announced the establishment of a new joint venture (JV), under the name Arteche Hitachi Energy Instrument Transformers SL. Arteche holds a 51% stake in the new joint venture company and Hitachi Energy owns the remaining 49%. Arteche Hitachi Energy Instrument Transformers SL brings together the expertise of two companies which have a proven track record in technology innovation and manufacturing excellence in instrument transformers. The JV governance will take place within the framework of a new independent management board where both companies are equally represented. Products under the JV will be part of the parent companies’ product portfolio, while the promotion and sales activities will be carried out independently by both parties.

MTE wins contract to supply modules to Moray West offshore wind farm Mech-Tool Engineering Ltd (MTE) has been awarded a significant contract to supply 8 No. modular buildings to its client, Barrier Architectural Services for the Moray West offshore wind farm.

The contract award includes the design, engineering, fabrication and delivery of 8 No. modular buildings, including 2 No. x 220kV modules, 2 No. x 66kV Modules, 2 No. x control rooms, and 2 No. x refuge modules. The 860MW offshore wind farm is in the outer Moray Firth, located off the north east coast of Scotland. Sign up for the EICOnline newsletter

With the establishment of the JV, Hitachi Energy expands its gasinsulated instrument transformer portfolio to address the growing gas-insulated switchgear market while strengthening value chain ownership. Arteche Hitachi Energy Instrument Transformers SL will also produce gas-insulated instrument transformers for airinsulated switchgear.

The JV is another step forward in our journey of pioneering technologies. Together we will build on our complementary strengths in gas-insulated instrument transformers to deliver solutions that are advancing a sustainable energy future for all. Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s High Voltage Products business

The JV also propels the development of new eco-efficient technologies that will enhance the EconiQ™ high-voltage portfolio that eliminates sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) with scalable solutions for the lowest carbon footprint. The project will consist of 60-65 turbines, two offshore substations and twin export cable circuits. The Moray West project is being developed by Ocean Winds and is planned to be operational in 2024.

The addition of this large facility to MTE’s portfolio has provided the ability to undertake co-ordinated, build, fit-out and load-out operations from a single site. Kevin Judson, Joint Managing Director, MTE

This contract is MTE’s first major project which is fully fabricated at its new riverside facility, TSB (Tees Supply Base) located in Teesside.

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Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. It serves customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, it pioneers technologies and enables the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. Hitachi Energy is advancing the world’s energy systems to become more sustainable, flexible and secure while balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, the company employs around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generates business volumes of approximately US$10bn.

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For more information: www.hitachienergy.com

MTE’s eight-acre fabrication and office facility will accommodate the company’s and client’s delivery teams – allowing MTE to deliver the project within a single site. The company’s supporting supply chain partners for the project are also positioned in close proximity which further enhances their capabilities. MTE is thrilled to be part of this key project that contributes to reaching the UK government’s target of increasing offshore wind power to 50GW by 2030. MTE strives to use its expertise to provide reliable solutions to protect people and equipment from explosion, heat and fire hazards.

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For more information: www.mechtool.co.uk

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Member news

NRL and Proicere join forces to accelerate business growth Engineering recruiter NRL is partnering with project controls consultancy Proicere to help it super charge its business by attracting new talent to allow it to extend its operations.

Based in Warrington, UK, Proicere has experienced continued growth within its client base in recent years as it develops innovative project control solutions through specialist project planning, BIM and 4D planning consultancy. This enables clients to visually see detailed projections of how a project will look at any given point in time – mitigating risk and identifying opportunities to innovate.

Working with the team at NRL, we know it truly understands our business and what drives it, so it can identify the best talent who share the same desire to continually improve how we do things. Karl Dooner, CEO, Proicere

Specialist energy talent acquisition group, Petroplan, has appointed David Waterfield as Director for North America to support the company’s growth in the US and Canada. With more than 17 years’ experience in the global energy recruitment industry with small, medium and large organisations, David brings extensive knowledge of the North American energy sector and a speciality in liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects to his new position. David will lead both the Canadian and American business units, responsible for driving fast sales growth to support the group’s strategy. His appointment comes at a crucial period for Petroplan as the group continues to accelerate, adapt and sharpen its service offering. Previous experience includes managing recruitment operations through business growth phases in both the UK and the US, with responsibilities across Europe, Africa and the Americas. His proven directorial capability in complex organisations ideally positions him to drive Petroplan’s geographical expansion in North America.

Re-Gen Robotics honoured at Made in NI awards

Re-Gen Robotics is celebrating yet another award success at the Made in Northern Ireland Awards 2022, hosted at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast. The company lifted the Digital Engineering/Technology Award which recognises the best used or developed software, technology or technical processes to solve problems or add value for customers.

What we can offer clients is a truly re-imagined product and service that makes tank cleaning better than anything that has gone before. Fintan Duffy, Managing Director, Re-Gen Robotics

The judges were impressed that Re-Gen Robotics’ innovative tank cleaning service is transforming safety within the tank cleaning industry and is adding value to its clients’ reputations and bottom line. The awards recognised the resilience and fortitude showed by firms operating across the manufacturing industry.

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For more information: www.petroplan.com

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For more information: www.nrl.co.uk

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For more information: www.regenrobotics.com © Re-Gen Robotics

Proicere’s focus on key engineering sectors such as nuclear and defence, in which it has gained substantial expertise since 1990, makes its recruitment partnership with NRL the ideal match. Having provided specialist technical and engineering recruitment and workforce solutions since 1983, the team at NRL will be on hand to manage the day-to-day recruitment for Proicere on a sole supply basis. As well as working with Proicere to develop the right strategy to ensure its resourcing requirements meet its future projected business growth.

Petroplan appoints director for North America

Fintan Duffy, Managing Director of Re-Gen Robotics

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Copyright © 2022 STATS GroupGroup

Member news

Sherwin-Williams: ultra-fast cure makes installation of industrial flooring possible in a day

Leading global paint and coatings manufacturer The Sherwin-Williams Company has launched a new highspeed curing range of decorative flooring coating systems which can be installed in a day with minimum downtime for industrial and commercial projects. The Acrydur™ range, available in the UK and across Europe, offers decorative systems using coloured quartz aggregates and flake chippings which create multi-layer floor systems with full curing in just one hour, even at low temperatures. New flooring in shops and retail areas can now be installed outside of operating hours either at night or weekends, with the floor returned to service the same day, while car park flooring can be installed with minimum downtime. Acrydur Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) based products and systems offer high durability, temperature resistance and UV stability. Sign up for the EICOnline newsletter

The complete product range includes primers, flexible membranes, bodycoats and topcoats which are used together to create flexible multicoloured systems incorporating anti-slip textures. Using MMA technology not only enables rapid installation at low temperatures. The thermoplastic resin type creates strong adhesion onto substrates and between successive coats, creating a chemical bond where layers are fused together, which delivers unrivalled durability. Due to their UV stability and strength post curing, the Acrydur systems are also suitable for external projects including vehicle decks and concourse areas.

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For more information: www.sherwin-williams.com

STATS Group posts 17% revenue increase to £49.7m

Pipeline technology specialist STATS (UK) Ltd increased revenues to just under £50m while EBITDA earnings rose to £7.8m from £6.5m, its latest annual accounts show.

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Revenues increased by £7.2m to £49.7m (up 17% from £42.5m) while earnings rose by £1.3m according to trading results for the year to 31 December 2021. The group’s pre-tax profits rose from £1m to £1.5m. Headquartered in Kintore, near Aberdeen, STATS principal activity is the provision of pressurised pipeline isolation, hot tapping and plugging services to the energy industry. STATS recorded a number of important operational milestones, including its continued expansion in the North American market and development of new client relationships in the US. In Saudi Arabia, the company strengthened its position with the award of a major subsea intervention project, while in Australia the completion of several major intervention projects using STATS’ patented BISEP tools built on the firm’s excellent track record. In Nigeria, STATS completed a long-term isolation project on a FPSO on behalf of a major oil and gas operator, while in the UKCS, the company completed the largest number of simultaneous pipeline isolation projects in its 24 year history.

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For more information: www.statsgroup.com

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Member news

TEXO certified as a carbon neutral business

TEXO has offset its total carbon footprint for the financial year 2020-21 to become certified as a carbon neutral business by Carbon Neutral Britain.

Scope 2 (energy indirect) Emissions being released into the atmosphere associated with the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, steam and cooling. These are indirect emissions that are a consequence of the organisation’s activities – but occur at sources that the business does not own or control. These emissions would be the energy usage by the organisation and staff working at the business, or from home.

Working with Carbon Neutral Britain has given us invaluable insights, and we will continue working with them to offset future emissions and to see how we can change our working practices to reduce them overall. Chris Smith, Group Managing Director, TEXO

This certification shows that TEXO’s approach has been independently assessed and accredited, using calculations that follow the ISO 14064 and GHG protocol emissions standard’s principles of relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency and accuracy. “We are delighted to partner with TEXO to help identify and offset their environmental impact for 2021 and beyond,” said James Poynter, Director at Carbon Neutral Britain, which awards certification for 12 months and makes further recommendations to help organisations reduce their carbon footprint. The assessment covers three types of emissions: Scope 1 (direct emissions) Activities owned or controlled by the organisation that release emissions straight into the atmosphere. For manufacturing businesses these would be emissions from equipment and machinery used in production. Businesses that own or lease vehicles are also included within scope 1.

Scope 3 (other indirect) Emissions that are a consequence of business activity, which occur at sources which are not owned or controlled, which are not classed as scope 2 emissions. Scope 3 emissions can be quite broad, including areas such as waste management, business travel, staff commuting, events, data usage and the emissions produced from delivery to and from the organisation.

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For more information: https://texo.co.uk/

Dr Ralf Geßlein becomes new member of Voith Turbo’s board

Since 1 May 2022, Dr Ralf Geßlein has been in charge of the industry division as a member of the corporate board of management of Voith Turbo. He succeeds Martin Kaufmann, who left the company at his own request to take on a new professional challenge.

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Dr Geßlein studied electrical engineering (specialising in power engineering) at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich and received his doctorate in control engineering. From 2005 he worked for Siemens in various functions, including vice president product management large drives industry, senior vice president drive systems and executive vice president oil & gas and process industries. Most recently, as CEO, he was responsible for Siemens’ global wind generator business, which he integrated into the Flender Group in 2020 and successfully continued. The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport and automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 20,000 employees, sales of €4.3bn and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe. The Group Division Voith Turbo is part of the Voith Group and is a specialist for intelligent drive technology, systems as well as tailormade services. With its innovative and smart products, Voith offers highest efficiency and reliability.

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For more information: www.voith.com


New EIC members Social media Member round news up

© 2022 WIKA Instruments Limited

WIKA: pressure sensor module MTF-1 approved for Ex areas The model MTF-1 pressure sensor module from WIKA is now also available in a version with ATEX and IECEx approval.

The new variant of the compact module supports manufacturers in their development of end products for applications in potentially explosive environments. Having ATEX and IECEx component certificates for the MTF-1 simplifies the Ex approval of the entire system. Designed for pressures up to 1,000 bar, the pressure sensor module has features that enable it to be used in critical and sensitive applications. Its stainless steel measuring cell is welded to the process connection and therefore suitable for aggressive media. In addition, the ‘dry’ and sealfree sensor element minimises the risk of contamination of the medium.

Social media round up 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 @TheEICEnergy

Stay up-to-date with the most prevalent topics in the #energysupplychain and understand how EIC Survive & Thrive VI can help you address your #energyexport needs: http://bit.ly/2Vky7sV

The EIC @TheEICEnergy

Have you booked your ticket to the most anticipated night in the EIC calendar? Thursday 6 October, Grand Connaught Rooms, London. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/3hXYkFW

EIC NATIONAL DINNER T H U R S D AY 6 O C T O B E R 20 2 2

EIC (Energy Industries Council) The June edition of the Breakfast in Rio series was an incredible event with the participation of Equinor and Subsea 7, with more than 150 delegates. Thanks to everyone who attended.

In the version with Ex approval, the model MTF-1 transmits the measured pressure value via an energy-saving I2C signal. The digital protocol also outputs a temperature value for the sensor. This information, in turn, can be used for condition monitoring of the end device.

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For more information: www.wika.co.uk

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EIC (Energy Industries Council)

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August – September 2022

LIVE events

4 August LIVE e-vents

EIC Members – Speedy Networking Webinar

4 August LIVE e-vents

Strategically using EICDataStream Webinar

Events calendar 24 August Management Course

EICDataStream/AssetMap training Online

25 August Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream Online

4 August Business Presentation

29 August Overseas Exhibition

South America EICDataStream

Offshore Northern Seas (ONS)

Online

9 August LIVE e-vents

The Rising Threat of Inflation Webinar

10 August Business Presentation

Breakfast with Trident Energy & 3R Rio de Janeiro

10 August Business Presentation

Meet the Energy Players in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City

10 August Management Course

EICDataStream/AssetMap training Online

11 August Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream Online

17 August Sector Showcase

ETZ Green Hydrogen & End Use Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen

18 August Business Presentation

South America EICDataStream Online

Get in touch Share your news and views...

Email newsdesk@the-eic.com Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600

Stavanger Forum, Norway

31 August Corporate Entertainment

EIC Night with Houston Dynamo PNC Stadium, Houston

1 September Corporate Entertainment

EIC Energy Luncheon The Club, Abu Dhabi

1 September Business Presentation

South America EICDataStream Online

2 September LIVE e-vents

EIC Members – Speedy Networking Webinar

5 September Corporate Entertainment

Perth Races: Networking Day Perth Racecourse, Scotland

5 September Overseas Exhibition

Gastech 2022 Milan, Italy

6 September LIVE e-vents

GCC Energy Market and Project Update GotoWebinar

For more information and to book visit www.the-eic.com


Forthcoming events

14 September 2022 • Houston

CONNECT September 2022

Energy USA 7 September Management Course

13 September LIVE e-vents

EICDataStream/AssetMap training

Africa Market & Project Update

8 September Business Presentation

14 September EIC CONNECT

Online

Diversity in the Energy Sector Abu Dhabi

8 September Business Presentation

North America EICDataStream Online

13 September Business Presentation

Meet the Buyer with Equinor in Brazil Online

13 September Overseas Exhibition

Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) 2022 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

EIC NATIONAL

DINNER

2022

GotoWebinar

EIC CONNECT Energy USA 2022 Houston

15 September LIVE e-vents

How to Stay Ahead of the Pack GotoWebinar

15 September Business Presentation

South America EICDataStream Online

20 September Business Presentation

EIC Breakfast and Members Update Manchester Chamber of Commerce

TO ATTEND OR SPONSOR THE AWARDS PLEASE CLICK HERE

BO NO O W KI N G

THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER 2022 DE VERE GRAND CONNAUGHT ROOMS LONDON

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@TheEICEnergy

EIC (Energy Industries Council)

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EIC guest editorial with David Clark CEO, Vysus Group

With the Ukraine conflict fuelling the desire for energy independence, global demand for hydrocarbons still exists, so how do we square this with COP26 commitments? CEO David Clark examines the dilemma facing all energy stakeholders, from increasing capacity of existing resources, to developing new facilities and pushing harder towards zero carbon technologies.

Shell-shocked: seismic changes Following Shell’s doubts about viability and waning political support, the owner of the Cambo oil field in the Shetlands – Ithaca Energy – has pledged to develop both it and Rosebank, described by CEO Alan Bruce as: “two of the largest undeveloped and most strategically important discoveries” in UK waters. Last year such statements would have faced more backlash, but times have changed. Both Ukraine and Cambo highlight the fragility of energy security. With oil and gas still representing 80% of world energy supply, an entire infrastructure exists around them which can theoretically (with further investment needed to handle multiple new inputs) be upscaled for new market dynamics and sources of production. Energy sustainability hinges around three core components: energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability; balancing these opposing forces being the holy grail of the energy trilemma. Escalating costs of hydrocarbons, combined with limited progress in other countries, (coal exports from China), adds urgency to the need for energy diversification globally. In the UK, imported gas now outstrips domestic supply. Of the 76 billion cubic metres (bcm) consumed last year, 32 bcm was imported from Norway against 29 bcm produced domestically; a trend set to continue.

Increase pace of transition to net-zero, don’t pause it With hydrocarbons remaining part of the mix, how then can we square the circle? XLinks, a British company, argues that within five years, the world’s longest undersea cable will link Devon to a vast territory of solar panels in the Sahara Desert, supplying electricity directly into Britain’s grid at a fraction of today’s prices. Meanwhile, despite debate around sustainability of nuclear waste, small modular reactors could also represent a major share of our energy mix this decade. After solar, wind is the cheapest renewable energy and has been a real success story, but if we are to step up domestic supply, the facilities and infrastructure to support it simply aren’t there at present. While somewhere between three to seven years away from supplying the UK grid, new offshore wind projects like ScotWind could supercharge renewable energy capacity, more than doubling everything currently built, or planned, in Scottish waters. Presently, offshore wind in Scotland generates about 2GW, a small fraction of overall renewables. Meanwhile, oil and gas is likely to remain a failsafe. The challenge will be how the international community can access the resource sustainably in order to aid the transition running in parallel. Clearly, we need to invest, both in infrastructure and the skills base to go with it.

Get in touch Share your news and views...

EIC Phone (Energy+44 Industries Council) Email@TheEICEnergy newsdesk@the-eic.com (0)20 7091 8600

Over the past five years, a staggering 95% of UK talent across the whole supply chain has haemorrhaged towards new markets, including the US and Africa. This reinforces the need to regenerate North Sea operations if we are to maintain production using environmentally sustainable technologies and methodologies, and attract new talent. In this together Environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements are having an increasingly powerful influence, particularly with reporting and regulatory compliance. Perhaps one of the most notable examples is the 2021 UK Government’s North Sea Transition Deal, which will see between £14bn and £16bn invested in new energy technologies by 2030. A year on, there are encouraging signs of decreasing oil and gas emissions. But this is only one strand; companies will still need to draw on operational data to bring the necessary skills to the future energy roundtable. Are we ready? Planit22, our own sustainability information campaign launched at the start of this year, seeks to address the elephant in the room. Our commissioned survey of UK energy company owners revealed more than half of respondents believe the energy transition will negatively impact business operations. Predictably, perhaps, younger respondents feature sustainability and environmental factors explicitly within daily planning and decision-making. The bottom line is that we all need to be pulling in the same direction. www.vysusgroup.com


Guest editorial

Let’s talk about the energy ‘elephant in the room’

Where we go from here With the West seeking to reduce reliance on Russian gas, by two thirds by the end of the year in the EU’s case (and fully independent of all Russian fossil fuels by the end of the decade), the world’s energy sector is transforming. Markets can’t simply be accelerated overnight, but recent events have revealed a genuine impetus to diversify and some of the consequential bureaucratic obstacles ahead. The immediate future remains fraught with uncertainties, prolonging the challenges faced by the energy sector. Looking further ahead, however, the drum for the acceleration of energy transition must still sound as the world wakes up to the need to address climate change. As the clean energy roadmap takes shape, we shouldn’t detract from the measures introduced and the commendable actions of international stakeholders, but we all need to be more agile. Yes, we need to accelerate the use of renewables. Yes, we should place high impetus on energy security. But this cannot happen in isolation. About Vysus Group Vysus Group is an 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), energy transition projects and rail infrastructure. Sign Get inup touch for the Any EICOnline EIC members newsletter who wish to be profiled in this section please contact Léliam de Castro... Visit Emailwww.the-eic.com/Forms/NewsletterSignup leliam.castro@the-eic.com

@TheEICEnergy

EIC (Energy Industries Council)

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International trade

Upcoming events 2022/23 While enjoying the summer holidays the team is, as always, preparing for our next round of events. After a hugely successful Energy Exports Conference we now have lots of exciting exhibitions coming up. In September the team is hosting not one, not two but three UK pavilions at Rio Oil and Gas, Wind Energy Hamburg and Oil and Gas Asia. In October we are thrilled to be hosting the pavilion at a new event – Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe.

This has grown immensely in just its first two years and we are delighted Camilla to be able to host Tew companies at the event. The year as always will end with ADIPEC, where we are looking to have our largest ever pavilion. We still have a few places left at all the exhibitions so get in touch with the team if you want to find out more.

2022 Gastech (Hydrogen)

5 – 8 September

Milan, Italy

Oil and Gas Asia (OGA)

13 – 15 September

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Rio Oil & Gas

26 – 29 September

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Wind Energy Hamburg

27 – 30 September

Hamburg, Germany

Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe

19 – 20 October

Bremen, Germany

ADIPEC

31 October – 3 November

Abu Dhabi, UAE

2023 World Future Energy Summit

16 – 18 January

Abu Dhabi, UAE

EGYPS

13 – 15 February

Cairo, Egypt

Wind Energy Asia

8 – 10 March

Taiwan

Wind Expo Japan

15 – 17 March

Tokyo, Japan

Guyana and Suriname Delegation

March

Guyana and Suriname

Wind Europe Copenhagen

25 – 27 April

Copenhagen, Denmark

Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)

1 – 4 May

Houston, USA

World Utilities Congress

8 – 11 May

Abu Dhabi, UAE

World Hydrogen 2023 Summit & Exhibition

9 – 11 May

Rotterdam, Netherlands

All-Energy

10 – 11 May

Glasgow, UK

American Clean Power (ACP)

22 – 24 May

New Orleans, USA

OMC MED Energy Conference & Exhibition

23 – 25 May

Ravenna, Italy

Global Energy Show (GES) Calgary

13 – 15 June

Calgary, Canada

Hydrogen Technology Expo North America

28 – 29 June

Houston, USA

Energy Exports Conference (EEC)

June

Aberdeen, UK

Gastech (Hydrogen Zone)

September

Singapore

Offshore Europe

5 – 8 September

Aberdeen, UK

Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe

27 – 28 September

Bremen, Germany

ADIPEC

November

Abu Dhabi, UAE

WNE

28 – 30 November

Paris, France

Get in touch For more information contact...

Email internationaltrade@the-eic.com • Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600


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UK and Europe news UK events update July saw our first members update of the year. This member-only webinar was a great opportunity to hear from our EIC analysts as they discussed the opportunities in offshore wind, wave generation, carbon capture and oil and gas. If anyone missed the webinar it will be available on EICTV soon. Due to the destruction of the Ukrainian energy system EIC hosted a webinar this month at the request of DIT. The aim was to assist in sourcing various types of equipment and materials for the maintenance of the electrical grid and aid sustainable supplies to the privately-owned Ukrainian energy company DTEK’s customers. If you would like more information on this email: eventsuk@the-eic.com Our current masterclass series which EIC is delivering on behalf of the Energy Transition Zone continues to be hugely popular attracting over 100 delegates from north east Scotland supply chain companies at each event. The last masterclass focussed on green hydrogen and end use applications, which was the second in this series looking at CCUS and hydrogen and therefore emphasising their importance for Scotland’s energy future. Lastly, but by no means least, we are delighted to announce that the annual EIC National Awards Dinner will return as a physical event for the first time since 2019. The highly anticipated and prestigious industry awards will take place on Thursday 6 October at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London.

EIC NATIONAL

DINNER

2022

Bookings are now open so invite your clients, colleagues and Jo Cam friends to celebrate pbell this fantastic evening of dinner, drinks and networking. What is coming up? After coming out of what could only be described as a whirlwind first half of the year the team is excited to be bringing you an event filled second half of 2022. We have a host of events lined up for the remainder of the year including more regionally focused events, networking opportunities, webinars and much more. Jo Campbell Regional Director, UK & Europe jo.campbell@the-eic.com

Forthcoming events 5 September 2022 Perth Racecourse A Day at the Races (Members only) 15 September 2022 Webinar How to stay ahead of the pack 21 September 2022 Aberdeen Business Breakfast with Vysus Group 27 September 2022 Newcastle Cross Sector Decommissioning 6 October 2022 London EIC National Awards Dinner 2022

TO ATTEND OR SPONSOR THE AWARDS PLEASE CLICK HERE

BO NO O W KI N G

THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER 2022 DE VERE GRAND CONNAUGHT ROOMS LONDON

Get inup touch ForEICOnline more information contact... Sign for the newsletter

Emailwww.the-eic.com/Forms/NewsletterSignup eventsuk@the-eic.com • Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600 Visit

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EIC (Energy Industries Council)


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Middle East news Regional update

With summer now well underway it provides an opportunity for many of us to recharge the batteries ahead of what always proves to be a busy Ryan M cPhers on second half of the year. This is no different for the team here where we look forward to WETEX, Africa Oil Week, ADIPEC and COP27 amongst many events scheduled to take place before the end of the year. During this time our EIC Roundtable series continues, where we recently visited our members in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for an insightful discussion on the impact the energy transition is having in the country. These monthly events continue alongside our Energy Luncheons, the latter of which we plan to combine in September with our first ever Regional Awards Dinner, where companies are shortlisted based on their participation in our recently published ‘Survive & Thrive’ report. There are several further events in the pipeline which I am extremely excited about which should now be available for you to review on our website. I am sure that you will agree September is looking to be a standout month! We also recently witnessed the launch of the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The GCC is an important export market for the UK. Pre-COVID, total trade between the UK and the GCC reached £44.6bn, and in 2019 the GCC was the UK’s third largest export market outside the EU, demonstrating the UK’s exporting appetite into these growing markets. A successful FTA will result in an even stronger trading relationship, unlocking more opportunities for investment in both directions. The Make it in the Emirates Forum which I attended towards the end of the summer in Abu Dhabi was an excellent event which I have followed up on with a LinkedIn post for those of you who are connected to/ follow me. Under this agreement ADNOC has identified Dh70bn (US$19bn) worth of products with local manufacturing potential to be purchased between 2022 and 2030. Local manufacturing opportunities comprise of more than 100 products spread across 11 different categories. More details can be found by visiting www.adnoc.ae/suppliers or by contacting icv@adnoc.ae Interestingly the UAE was recently announced as having recorded the largest increase in renewable energy capacity worldwide over the past decade, reflecting the government’s key focus on enacting initiatives to achieve its net-zero ambitions. This is reflective of the ongoing energy transition in the region which is also seeing an Get in touch Share your news and views...

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increased focus on increasing traditional oil and gas production at the lowest carbon footprint possible. With many technologies now acting as key enablers for this process I look forward to seeing both elements of the energy sector develop in the coming years. In the interim please continue to enjoy your summer and let me or any of the team here know if we can be of assistance to you and we will do our utmost to help. Ryan McPherson Regional Director, Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS ryan.mcpherson@the-eic.com

Regional news

ADNOC identifies US$19bn of products with local manufacturing potential

ADNOC has identified Dh70bn (US$19bn) worth of products in its procurement pipeline with local manufacturing potential and has signed agreements for Dh21bn (US$5.7bn) worth of these manufacturing opportunities. Products with local manufacturing potential will be purchased by ADNOC between 2022 and 2030. The deals will allow companies to set up and expand manufacturing facilities in the UAE, as well as jointly explore with ADNOC the potential for new investments in local manufacturing.

Africa needs US$25bn a year of investment

Annual investment of US$25bn would deliver universal energy access in Africa by the end of the decade, according to the International Energy Agency. Access to electricity in Africa had fallen by 4% between 2019 and 2021. Slowing economic growth, supply chain disruption and rising fuel prices due to a series of overlapping crises had hurt Africa’s energy system, contributing to a sharp increase in extreme poverty. Renewables, including solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power could provide 80% of the new generating capacity required by 2030.

Forthcoming events Please go to page 20 to see upcoming events around the world


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Asia Pacific news Regional update

EIC APAC has had an eventful month with participation in numerous events in the region including the Future Energy Asia 2022 Exhibition Azman and Summit (FEA) that Nasir was held in Bangkok from 20-22 July 2022 and the Thailand Oil & Gas Roadshow which was held in Rayong from 21-22 July 2022. EIC APAC set up an exhibition booth at FEA as part of a collaborative effort with the event organiser in order for us to have better visibility and access to energy companies in Thailand and elsewhere in the region. Officially endorsed by the Ministry of Energy Thailand, and co-hosted by PTT, the event was an influential regional industry event dedicated to energy transition. The exhibition and summit convened leaders across the energy value chain – energy ministers, industry CEOs, and leaders of international organisations from across the region. Our regional analyst also spoke at the event about the opportunities in hydrogen within the APAC region. EIC APAC attended the Thailand Oil & Gas Roadshow which was a specialised oil and gas and petrochemical technology event that brought together both upstream and downstream oil and gas companies and their supporting industries to showcase the latest developments. Attending the event enabled EIC APAC to widen our network and learn more about the latest happenings in the Thai oil and gas scene. EIC APAC also held the Accelerating Sustainability Transformation within the Energy Industry event in Kuala Lumpur where more than 100 delegates from across the region were in attendance. The panel of speakers consisted of EIC member companies and industry leaders from several key countries that are driving the energy transition in the ASEAN region, including PETROS and ESSEM Group from Malaysia, Vietranstimex from Vietnam, SunAsia Energy and Philippines Solar & Storage Alliance from the Philippines, TTCL from Thailand and PT Meindo Elang Indah from Indonesia. This month, EIC APAC will be continuing our Meet The Energy Players series in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on 11 August 2022, co-hosted with DIT Vietnam and the British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam. We will be bringing close to 30 EIC member companies to meet energy players in Vietnam, including state-owned enterprises, key operators and EPC contractors. This event will also provide a platform for our UK-affiliated member companies attending to present their latest solutions and offerings related to sustainability and energy transition.

Regional news

Philippines awards 1.57GW of renewables under its green energy auction programme

The Green Energy Auction Bids Evaluation and Awards Committee (GEA-BEAC) of the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) has published a list of 19 winners of a recent auction to allocate 2GW of renewable energy capacity. The GEA-BEAC launched the auction in January. It had previously pre-selected 24 bidders for the procurement exercises final phase. Overall, it allocated 1,966.4MW of renewables in the procurement exercise. About 119.1MW of the total was hydropower, 1.490.3GW was largescale solar, 374MW was wind power and 3.4MW was biomass.

Chinese oil giant brings forward its key carbon deadlines

China National Offshore Oil Corp has announced an increase in spending on clean energy so that its carbon emissions peak by 2028, while also bringing forward its net-zero deadline to 2050, according to the company’s climate action plan released in late June. The offshore oil and gas giant’s spending on renewable energy will account for 10-15% of its total over 2026-2030, from a range of 5-10% announced last year for the period through to 2025. The emissions counted will only be the company’s own, and will not include those generated by the customers of its fossil fuels.

EIC Newsbriefs membership@the-eic.com Keeping you up to date with energy news from around the world

Azman Nasir, Head of Asia Pacific azman.nasir@the-eic.com Sign up for the EICOnline newsletter

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@TheEICEnergy

EIC (Energy Industries Council)


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North and Central America news Regional update

Summer has finally arrived, and the North and Central America region is happy to inform that in-person regional events will be in full force for the remainder of the year and into 2023, Amand a Duho n along with virtual. With the previous being said, the EIC North and Central America team would like to announce that Connect Energy USA 2022 will take place in Houston at the Westin Memorial City on 14 September. If you would like to learn more information about attendance or the benefits of sponsoring Connect Energy USA, please reach out to luanna.souza@the-eic.com or visit our Connect Energy USA website for further information at: www.the-eic.com/Events/EICConnect/EnergyUSA In June, the North and Central America team attended Downstream USA 2022 at the NRG Center. In addition to attending, I had the pleasure of providing a high-level overview of the US downstream market for the Reuters’ Fireside Chat: Downstream CAPEX 2022 Outlook Panel using EICDataStream. I was joined by Philip Lewis, Chief Technology Officer, Zeep as he discussed hydrogen via the downstream sector, and the viability of at-scale development of green hydrogen. June also welcomed the much-awaited in-person Energy Exports Conference at P&J Live, Aberdeen which I had the pleasure of attending. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our speakers, sponsors and attendees for a fantastic EEC 2022 and extend a special thank you to Margaret A Kidd, Program Director, Supply Chain Director who represented the University of Houston during the Industry Panel: Global Supply Chain Constraints – overcoming the challenges and harnessing the opportunities. Amanda Duhon Regional Director, North & Central America amanda.duhon@the-eic.com

Regional news

US DOE funding hydrogen hubs programme

The US Department of Energy has released a notice of intent (NOI) to fund a US$8bn package, under the country’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for developing four regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs) across the country, comprised especially of green hydrogen initiatives. Since its announcement in February 2022, the future programme has sparked competition between groups of states to win the contest and the investment. H2Hubs is seen as a crucial step towards meeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Consortium to boost US domestic solar supply chain

The US Solar Buyer Consortium, a group of US solar energy project developers, has announced funding of up to US$6bn to invigorate the domestic solar module supply chain. Under the agreement, companies such as AES Corporation, Clearway Energy Group, Cypress Creek Renewables and DE Shaw Renewable Investments will jointly invest said amount to obtain about 7GW of made-in-America solar modules yearly by 2024, which surpasses capacity manufactured domestically in 2021 – just below 5GW. This move is also understood to be a first push towards the industry’s growth, though manufacturing capacity could see an increase to 30GW yearly by 2025 should various legal incentives pass Congress.

Forthcoming event Strategically using EICDataStream Thursday 4 August 2022 Join the North and Central America team and EIC’s Neil Golding, Director of Marketing Intelligence at 9am CST as he discusses how to maximise your usage and gain further value from EICDataStream. In this online session, you will learn how to: • Utilise EICDataStream for your business planning process • Understand the projected pipeline of opportunities by sector • Build awareness of the near & long-term markets of opportunity • Identify who is making the investments and winning the work Get inplease touchvisit Share your news and views... To register, www.the-eic.com/ Email newsdesk@the-eic.com Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600 EventDetail?dateid=3491 or email: adriana.romo@the-eic.com

14 September 2022 • Houston

CONNECT Energy USA


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South America news Regional update

The Rio office is proud to announce that Mariana Messere, our former membership intern has been promoted to a fulltime position as Business Development Co-ordinator. Clariss e Roch a Mariana has been working at the EIC since January. She has been doing a fantastic job and the promotion is very well deserved. We are very happy to continue promoting in-person events and our next one is planned to happen on 10 August at 9am local time, venue to be confirmed. Rio’s hub breakfast events have proved to be a success and on this edition we will have Trident Energy and 3R Petroleum joining us. The Rising Independent Players in Brazil event will hear about the perspectives of independent players in the current scenario and understand the demands and opportunities the market is imposing. At the time of writing, the confirmed speakers are Olivier Jahan, Trident’s Supply Chain and Logistics Manager and Evandro Silva, 3R Petroleum’s Supplier, Procurement and Materials General Manager. The EIC is proud to be organising and managing the UK Pavilion at Rio Oil & Gas (ROG) 2022 taking place at Olympic Boulevard, Rio de Janeiro from 26-29 September 2022. Rio Oil & Gas is the leading industry event in South America. Hosting over 42,000 visitors from nearly 80 countries, this exhibition provides your company with a perfect platform to network with industry professionals and boost your visibility regionally and internationally.

Regional news

Exploration investment of US$650m in 2022

Operators in Brazil will invest close to R$3.4bn (US$650m) in exploration work in 2022, according to projections by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP). This includes up to 30 exploration wells (of which 22 are offshore) in addition to 28,300 sq km of seismic surveys, among other activities. If these figures are confirmed by the end of the year, 2022 will be the best year for oil and gas exploration in Brazil since 2016, when ANP started reporting the data.

The biggest brands in the oil and gas sector are found at Rio Oil & Gas and it will continue to be the stage for major industry discussions and new business developments as well as a networking space with leaders from across the industry. The upcoming edition is particularly important as key projects by Petrobras and IOCs in the country are getting traction. Major contracts are expected to be awarded in the coming months as the Brazilian company forges ahead with its US$84.1bn investment plan for 2019-23. The EIC will be hosting several networking opportunities, if you’re visiting the show please reach out to the Rio team to learn more on how to participate: rio@the-eic.com If you need any assistance or advice in the region or for more information about upcoming events, please contact: rio@the-eic.com Clarisse Rocha Director – Americas clarisse.rocha@the-eic.com

Massive biogas potential in Brazil, concludes BEP

The Brazil Energy Programme (BEP), an initiative funded by the UK-Brazil Prosperity Programme, has identified the potential for the annual production of 11 billion cubic metres of biogas in Brazil from more than 30,000 facilities. According to the BEP study, this can be achieved within the next five years. The segment offering the highest potential is agriculture, followed by the landfills and livestock sectors.

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Keeping you up to date with energy news from around the world @TheEICEnergy EIC (Energy Industries Council)


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Survive and Thrive VI

Get in touch Share your news and views...

Email info@the-eic.com • Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600 • #EICSurviveandThrive


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Success Survive stories and Thrive VI

ABL Group

Building a unified culture to underpin a growing enterprise How is ABL Group thriving? The ABL Group (ABL) is on a journey of relentless growth defined by a series of acquisitions in recent years. With a new CEO on board at the start of 2022, the company is now focused on creating a one company, one culture environment – a strategy which began in October 2021 and is already starting to show some promising early signs. The challenge Any firm whose lion’s share of revenue was derived from consultancy work in the oil and gas segment would have been hit hard by the oil market crash in 2016. For ABL, this prompted an intensified diversification drive into renewables, a shift which saw it make a string of acquisitions in the ensuing years. The purchase of Braemar Technical Services in 2019 saw headcount double to 400, and in December 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm acquired the LOC Group to become the ABL we know today. Add in two further acquisitions (OSD-IMT and EPG) and some organic growth along the way, and the company now employs 1,000 people spread across 300plus offices in 38 countries around the world. With such rapid expansion into new markets and expertise, a key question needed to be answered – how can these once separated entities be integrated into a singular enterprise effectively? The solution The decision was taken in October 2021 to drive an internal one company culture initiative. With ambitious Get in touch Share your news and views...

goals for growth, ABL leadership quickly realised that its 1,000-strong team would need to be fully united in order to deliver against its targets. Leading the way is new CEO Reuben Segal, appointed in January 2022 and set to formally kickstart the new culture drive in April – although work behind the scenes is already well underway. Segal is aware that this begins at the top, and brings with him a determination to build a family culture with shared goals and outcomes, something which was not apparent at his former employer. At ABL, Segal already enjoys an extremely positive experience with the Norway-based Board and Chair, giving him the confidence to drive change in the organisationwide manner needed to produce real results. Creating a more compelling and consistent offering for new and existing employees is viewed as a central pillar of the CEO’s plan. Indeed, he has already appointed a new head of talent acquisition and has committed to scaling up the firm’s graduate scheme from an intake of six to between 30 and 40 per year starting in 2022. In terms of internal training and development, ABL works closely with Ashbridge Business School and will be spending S$1 million with the institution this year, offering a nine-day course for up-and-coming leaders. Meanwhile, retired staff are being engaged as mentors to support promotion from within as opposed to avoiding overreliance on the external talent market.

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Another priority for Segal and the ABL leaderships is to get to know every one of the organisation’s 1,000 employees. Staff continue to be engaged in a series of discussions, with key themes such as the desire to be involved in sustainability and wellbeing aspects of the business starting to emerge. Of course, financial incentives also remain important. Here, a bonus option is being rolled out for all staff, with 325 now part owning the company through a shareholder scheme which has so far been offered to half of all permanent employees. Alongside these schemes, technical tools are being invested in to enhance productivity and make jobs easier for a range of colleagues – these include CRM and talent tracking software as well as a new ERP system. All of this is geared towards improving staff retention, which currently stands at 87%. By boosting this to above 90%, Segal believes financial results will follow, with targets in place to grow bottom line margins from 6% to 15% within three years. Early signs are promising. Some 95% of the original ABL team are still with the firm, while the acquisitions have prompted a surge in staff shareholders who must stay for at least six years as a condition of share ownership. And with optimism in the air around pandemic related travel challenges easing as the year goes on, there is no reason why ABL cannot fully embrace a new chapter of its development. About ABL Group ABL Group is a leading global independent energy and marine consultant working in energy and oceans to derisk and drive the energy transition across the renewables, maritime and oil and gas sectors, offering clients the deepest pool of world-class expertise across marine, engineering and adjusting disciplines across the globe.

2022

Story type #culture (main category) #diversification, #resilience, #transformation Benefits • Upcoming launch of new company strategy, supported by a one-team culture drive Key findings For industry • Look after your staff For government • Engage with the supply chain when drafting policies. Government support? The company has received R&D tax credits. AqualisBraemar LOC at a glance: Key products and services: consultancy services in oil and gas, renewables and shipping Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 52% • Renewables – 27% • Shipping – 21% Headquarters: London, UK Year established: 2013 Number of employees: 980 Revenue: £121m Revenue from exports: 85%

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ACE 54

Taking the pain out of freight forwarding in Africa How is ACE 54 thriving? Drawing on his experience working on the Africa desk at his former employer, Philippe Somers established ACE 54 to help international project forwarders establish footholds and overcome operational challenges in the African market through the provision of vital guidance, information and support. After a few years in operation and many clients already assisting across several countries, the firm’s revenue trajectory is starting to take off. The challenge Working for an international project forwarder, Philippe Somers became quickly engaged and enlightened by the company’s African network. He built up strong relationships in rapid time and soon realised that the demands of some clients could not be fully met within the scope he was currently operating in. These customers were demanding more detailed involvement, something which the firm struggled to fulfil due to a lack of a physical local presence and overreliance on locally based agents. Somers knew there was potential to do and achieve more. The prevailing trend that Africa was always seen as too hard to master, meaning clients conclude it is better to use large freight forwarders and accept compromise, was ripe for disruption. What’s more, industry contacts from Japan and Korea helped convince Somers that he was onto something, and that there was success to be had from solving the complex problems of freight in Africa. The solution In 2019, Somers started ACE 54 after scoping the Get in touch Share your news and views...

potential market through some preliminary discussions. Offering more bespoke, tailored solutions, the aim was to provide an appetite for project forwarders and shippers to participate in tenders across all African countries – an appetite fed by the fact that ACE 54 would be able to help overcome any hurdles along the way. From the heavy lifting and handling of complex materials and oversized cargo to dealing with poor infrastructure, substandard communications and security issues, the company is able to provide more value as situations become more complex. The first step was to raise awareness. At the start of 2020, Somers attended a breakbulk conference in the United States and targeted those forwarders that he knew were lacking a strong Africa network. After following up with European firms in a similar position, inquiries started to land quickly. Somers’ expertise and experience was already well-known – he had spent time living in Gabon, Nigeria and Congo, and had travelled in 24 African countries during this time. By February 2020, he was flooded with work and hired his first employee. A month later, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Given how reliant Somers was on building trust through face-to-face meetings, travel restrictions prompted ACE 54 to fund alternative ways of reputation building, with investment being made in marketing, event sponsorship, and content placements. Somers himself was stranded in Switzerland. Being based in Dubai, he couldn’t return so was forced to stay with family and friends in Belgium and worked 12 hours a day, setting up a Belgian-registered firm in the process.

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Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, ACE 54 has still been able to establish itself as a key problem solver for forwarders doing business on the African continent. Central to this rapid growth has been the delivery of exceptional value to clients, a key example being a contract worth more than €100,000 to a Korean forwarder last year. The client, a prominent Korean EPC, faced a serious problem. Having booked two containers on a shipping line from Pusan, the shipping line made the decision not call at Port Harcourt in Nigeria, where the cargo was destined to support a project for Shell. Somers and ACE 54 were presented with a race against time. Not only did the cargo need removing from the vessel at another African port and forwarding onto Port Harcourt, but all the documentation also had to be reconfigured. With the shipping line seemingly stalling in Korea, Somers took the initiative and personally called the company (against the advice of the client) and arranged for the two containers to be offloaded at Point Noire (Congo). From here, the freight was transported by air to Port Harcourt and reached its final destination on time, helping the EPC to avoid any financial costs and fulfil its obligations to the oil company. This attention to detail, level of bespoke service and ability to overcome complex and unexpected challenges has fuelled the rise of ACE 54 as a go-to problem solver. About ACE 54 ACE 54 is committed to support all International Project Forwarders (IPF) during door-to-door tenders in Africa. Applying more than 25 years of experience, the company’s footprint in 54 African countries allows clients to develop business without major investments in infrastructure or sales force. The company has expertise in the oil & gas (mid-and downstream), renewables, mining, nuclear, hydro power, rail and infrastructure sectors.

2022

Story type #serviceandsolutions (main category) #culture Benefits • €100,000+ contract award • Cost and time savings to clients Key findings For industry • Understand different business cultures For government • Travel subsidies are needed to develop export markets Government support? The company has not received any type of government support ACE 54 at a glance: Key products and services: project forwarding logistics Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 50% • Conventional power – 28% • Renewables – 12% • Infrastructure – 10% Headquarters: Dubai, UAE Year established: 2019 Number of employees: 3 Revenue: £426,000 Revenue from exports: 100%

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AFGlobal

Countering COVID-19 with a solutions-based exporting strategy How is AFGlobal thriving? For any business operating in today’s energy sector, deriving the majority of revenue from a single client carries a large degree of risk. For AFGlobal, an OEM offering FEED subsea connection systems, manifolds, compact flanges and offshore support services, this became all too clear when the pandemic prompted major UK operators to stop placing orders. However, rather than panic, the company accelerated its export strategy which was already in motion before the pandemic arrived in 2020, with new expertise brought in to lead the charge into new markets outside of the UK. Drawing on its innovation and solution-based DNA, AFGlobal has gone on to secure numerous contracts in multiple international markets, its portfolio makeup now looking far healthier with risk spread far and wide. The challenge Before the COVID-19 pandemic brought societies and economies to a standstill in 2020, AFGlobal was generating 80% of its income from the UK market thanks to an order book filled by work for a major operator in the North Sea. While this is a highly successful and profitable relationship which continues to this day, the firm’s leadership, including CEO Martyn Conroy and Technical Director Rob McWilliams, knew the risk associated with being so heavily dependent on one source of revenue. Get in touch Share your news and views...

In 2019, they set about enacting an export strategy and started to look outside of the UK for potential business, a move which has proven vital given the events that have unfolded since. Indeed, the pandemic has served to accelerate that strategy, posing a challenge to spread the company’s risk profile as quickly and effectively as possible. The solution Key to the export acceleration has been the appointment of International Business Development Manager Mark Lamyman who, along with Conroy and Williams, saw an opportunity to grow beyond Aberdeen and into new markets, with Asia being highlighted as a particularly exciting prospect. The trio knew its innovative and solutions-orientated mindset would resonate with stakeholders in the region. AFGlobal operates as a problem solver, designing its products and services to meet client specifications with short lead times – a feat made possible by its inventory of onsite tools and offshore support that outstrips the capacity of its competitors. Indeed, its relationships with customers are built around direct communication and trust which enable it to better understand challenges and develop more relevant answers. One of the most significant breakthroughs came in 2019 (before Lamyman arrived) when the company secured a

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£6 million contract to steer the installation of two pipeline end terminations in Malaysia for Vestigo. AFGlobal devised a cost-effective approach that involved deployment via a Stinger Deployed Diverless connector, this requiring just one vessel as opposed to more conventional building and dropping techniques that would need two, along with divers and a longer turnaround time. In total, this innovative approach provided savings of $30 million while also cutting down on carbon emissions. The project laid the foundation for further exporting wins which have proven vital during the pandemic period which saw AFGlobal’s activity with it UK clients come to a complete standstill in 2021. Since successfully completing the project for Vestigo, the company has gone on to secure contract wins in several new international markets, including Australia, Norway, India and Denmark. In terms of spreading risk across the revenue portfolio, the firm is on track to derive 60% of its income from nonUK sources, representing an enormous shift of the dial since 2019 when just 20% of income came from outside of the UK. Indeed, AFGlobal has qualified with 20 new clients over the past two years, a feat which will only give it more confidence moving forwards as it seeks to apply its innovative problem-solving approach to an even greater spread of projects in the future. About AFGlobal Based in Houston, United States, AFGlobal provides fast, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for advancements in productivity and success. As a trusted partner, AFGlobal brings forth technology, services, and fully integrated manufacturing capabilities to clients worldwide, aligning well-established precision engineering with gamechanging innovation – all under an approach that combines conventional processes with unconventional thinking. Within the oil & gas space, AFGlobal’s technologies and services support the offshore drilling, subsea production, onshore stimulation, petrochemical and refining segments of the sector.

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Story type #export (main category) #innovation Benefits • Savings of $30m • New export opportunities were opened Key findings For industry • Do not rely on one project only, spread your wings widely • A strong customer relationship is key to success For government • Be realistic about the pace of energy transition Government support? The company has not received any type of government support. AFGlobal at a glance: Key products and services: Subsea to surface engineering. O&M offering FEED subsea connection systems, manifolds, compact flanges, offshore support. Main industries served: • Oil & gas – 100% Headquarters: Bromborough, UK Year established: 2005 Number of employees: 40 Revenue: £8m Revenue from exports: 20%

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AIS

Unlocking new opportunities in China and Brazil How is AIS thriving? AIS has innovated at every turn to emerge from the pandemic period as an even stronger force. The company achieved this through successful export-led growth in China and Brazil, the development of local expertise in key markets, new product innovation to help clients dramatically cut costs, and a team that has willingly embraced change to overcome the challenges of COVID-19. The challenge While COVID-19 has presented innumerable challenges to energy companies globally, there has arguably been no greater impact on the industry from an operational standpoint than the subsequent travel restrictions and supply chain disruptions. These are the key hurdles that faced AIS, a leader in the supply of insulation, passive fire protection, buoyancy, and cable protection systems. Almost overnight, the business was plunged into uncertainty as travelling staff were restricted by quarantine and lockdown rulings and raw material supply and delivery issues grew. The UK’s furlough scheme helped to weather the storm initially. However, if AIS was to successfully navigate these strong headwinds, managing both client expectations and staff wellbeing effectively, it would need to adapt. The solution A company that had primarily operated by sending its Get in touch Share your news and views...

employees to projects all over the world, AIS rapidly sought to switch up its approach, building local operations to both better manage COVID-induced mobility difficulties and capitalise on new opportunities. This paid dividends in Brazil where AIS today provisions its entire portfolio of buoyancy, fire, protection, subsea installation, and polyurethane cast products, these having quickly gained traction in the market. Consequently, the company successful enhanced its annual revenue in Brazil alone from £1.6 million in 2018 to £5.9 million in 2021. This spike was not the product of luck. AIS meticulously strategised, considering how to maximise regional opportunities at every turn, extending its facilities and investing in automation as well as the hiring and training of local installers. Furthermore, the company focused on diversifying its local client base, serving a range of firms not just in the energy sector but equally across other industrial segments. At the same time, AIS managed to bolster its export business with a significant focus on amplifying its influence in the Chinese market. This was thanks to the growing recognition of the benefits of modular builds rather than conducting large fit outs on site. Here, the firm refocused its Asia sales team to concentrate on ship and fabrication yards in China, appointing agents who specialised in specific products and sub-regions of the country to support this emphasis. Equally, it also developed a new, lower cost LNG and insulation product for the protection and insulation of decks, known as MS200 – this proved to be critical in enhancing sales.

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Furthermore, the company focused on contracting and training local people and developed new ways in which work could be supervised on site locally. Regarding the latter, a camera-led system was used to allow site operations to be viewed remotely, enabling external specialists to advise and answer questions as needed at all times. Indeed, there were several challenges with AIS’s China ambitions. With no direct flights available from the UK, workarounds had to be found to get people into the country. There were also challenges with visas owing to various legislation applying to different areas of the country. However, AIS’s perseverance paid dividends yet again. Between 2018 and 2021, its Chinese export revenues increased from £0.4 million to £9.1 million – the country overtaking South Korea to become its primary export market – while its total export revenues increased from £22.8 million to £36.6 million. Such achievements are commendable under the circumstances. Indeed, AIS demonstrated extreme resilience and innovation in a period of uncertainty to emerge as an even more successful entity during the pandemic period. About AIS AIS, formerly Advanced Insulation Systems (incorporating Covertherm, Manuplas, and Bardot) is an award-winning global supplier of insulation, passive fire protection, buoyancy, and cable protection systems. From design and build to installation and maintenance, our customers count on us to deliver best-in-class service advanced material products — off-the-shelf and bespoke — that perform in the world’s most challenging environments. The company’s R&D expertise, combined with its global manufacturing and testing capabilities, means the company has an outstanding track record of innovative advanced material solutions for the world’s toughest protection challenges.

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Story type #export (main category) #culture, #innovation, #resilience Benefits • Export revenues increased by £15.9m in two years • Revenues from new MS200 product targeting China grew from zero to £4.3m in 18 months Key findings For industry • Stick to the core values of your business • Allow more time in the early procurement stages to enable better decision-making • A collaborative approach with clients is far better than an adversarial one when problems arise For government • Step-up cooperation with other countries Government support? AIS has received Innovate UK grants, UKEF support as well as R&D tax credits. The company has also benefitted from the Apprenticeship Levy. AIS at a glance: Key products and services: Subsea products, buoyancy insulation, cable management, fire protection and insulation for oil & gas Main industries served: • Oil & Gas – 73% • Energy transition – 27% Headquarters: Gloucester, UK Year established: 1993 Number of employees: 384 Revenue: £47.2m Revenue from exports: 78%

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Alderley

Shifting the mindset of an energy solutions provider to build a reimagined future How is Alderley thriving?

The solution

Previously reliant on large, capital intensive oil and gas projects, Alderley realised it had to adapt its business model and engineer a mindset shift throughout the organisation. Once formed of many regional autonomous business units, the company is now operating under a one-group ethos and seeking to balance its portfolio of work, positioning itself as a solutions provider for clients to maximise the efficiency of their energy assets. With CEO Colin Elcoate on board since 2019, the new strategy has been gathering momentum ever since, not least in the context of the pandemic, which has served as a catalyst to move even faster. Alderley’s new focus extends to the growing low carbon sector, including emerging technologies such as hydrogen and CCUS as well as the oil and gas industry.

The dual-pronged service and cultural transformation kickstarted towards the end of 2019, just before the pandemic struck – an event which served as a catalyst to impart change even faster and deeper.

The challenge If the oil crisis that hamstrung the energy sector during the middle of the last decade has taught us anything, it is that service providers and suppliers need to diversify their project portfolios in order to spread risk. Back then, Alderley was a company heavily reliant on traditional oil and gas projects, developments that were capital intensive. Indeed, the firm was operating on an 80% CAPEX basis, a reality which has been exposed as unsustainable in recent years, not least during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many projects were brought to a standstill. Alderley used to function as a series of autonomous business units spread around the world, each geared up to support their local markets’ large energy projects. CEO Colin Elcoate arrived knowing that these dynamics needed to change. The company needed to develop a more balanced portfolio to build up resilience and, ultimately, better serve the realities of a modern-day energy sector in rapid transition. Get in touch Share your news and views...

In terms of services, Alderley is pivoting towards becoming an end-to-end solutions provider, able to support clients through various stages of their project lifecycles in order to maximise the efficiency of their operations. This is what clients have been demanding. The first step of the transformation was to re-engage clients and take stock of their changing needs. The company also realised that more sustained communication was needed to stay abreast of key developments. Targeted recruitment was prioritised, especially in digital and aftermarket skills. Here, Brian Scorer (hired in February 2020) has already proven an influential addition to the team as the Head of Aftermarket Services, which is on track to make £20 million this year – more than double what it was a couple of years before. Alongside this repositioning, there has been a cultural and structural shift towards a one-group company. Scorer, for example, has a global remit in his role and represents one of many reporting line changes designed to simplify standards across business units, and liberate the talent within the organisation. Indeed, heavy investment has been made in training and rewarding talent, and communications between management and employees has become much more frequent and wide-reaching in scope. Importantly, Alderley now operates with two internal teams (Business Improvement and Culture), which are responsible for boosting collaboration, instilling cultural values and driving internal feedback mechanisms.

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With a new structure and ethos well on its way to being cemented, the company can now look ahead with positivity. This is reflected in its financial targets, which centre around deriving 50% of revenues via aftermarket services, consultancy, and digital solutions by the end of 2023. This year, the firm is on track to achieve a revenue split of 60-40 in terms of CAPEX and solutions-based services, underpinning a profit forecast of more than £1 million. An important part of this will come from Qatar, where Aftermarket Services Country Manager Nithin Jacob has been delivering promising results. Through his focus, the Qatar market has grown from £30,000 in aftermarket services bookings in 2019 to over £800,000 in 2021 and, with his growing relationships in-country, he has also supported recent systems and project (CAPEX) wins as the market re-engages following the pandemic. Bookings in Qatar are forecast to reach £15-20 million this year. Given Alderley was in loss-making territory between 2018 and 2021, this is tremendous step forward and gives cause for optimism for the coming year. Alderley now is matchfit and ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century energy transition. About Alderley Alderley is the end-to-end integrated solutions provider for the global energy industry. The company’s priority is to maximise the value and efficiency of its clients’ energy assets – from concept to operation and beyond. Alderley achieves this through its end-to-end integrated solutions: Advanced Consultancy, Systems and Projects, Digital, Aftermarket Services and Training Solutions to meet the challenges and needs of a global energy system in transition. As an independent solutions provider, it’s Alderley’s people that make the difference. Alderley’s regional teams work closely with its clients to understand their needs and deliver the right solution – with the flexibility, integrity, and customer service you would expect from a family business.

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Story type #transformation (main category) #service & solutions Benefits • Bookings in Qatar predicted to reach £15-20m in 2022 Key findings For industry • Make sure that employees have the freedom to express themselves and be innovative • Better to overcommunicate than not at all; be honest and transparent • Be relentlessly client-focused For government • Oil & gas has much to offer and should not be left behind Government support? The company is supported by the UK Apprenticeship Levy programme. Alderley at a glance: Key products and services: Advanced digital, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, process, metering, consultancy, systems, and aftermarket services to meet the challenges and needs of a global energy system in transition. Main industries served: • Oil & Gas – 95% • Hydrogen – 5% Headquarters: Wickwar, UK Year established: 1989 Number of employees: 330 Revenue: £70m Revenue from exports: 80%

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Ankura

Providing optimal consultancy services through effective collaboration How is Ankura thriving? Global business expert and advisory services specialist Ankura has consolidated its position as a go-to advisor for critical challenges facing firms in the energy sector. With an unwavering focus on finding the optimal outcome for its clients, the firm provides bespoke packages underpinned by its varied expert teams, helping customers to effectively manage their threats, solve complex issues, and maximise opportunities. The challenge Founded in 2014 and backed by private equity, Ankura has enjoyed rapid expansion since its incorporation, driven by both organic and acquisitive growth. A key mandate was clear: to provide strategic, high quality expert advice to clients in the energy sector that were increasingly dealing with growing risks. Through this mission and backing, the firm quickly established a global reputation, opening offices and establishing its footprint in several key markets around the world. As it grew, it became clear that internal collaboration between different practice teams would be crucial to its success long term, such synergies within the business helping to deliver better value to its clients while also unlocking new opportunities. Managing this rapid growth curve and sustaining such synergies to continue to deliver maximum value to customers and sustain key relationships was, therefore, considered vital. The solution Implementing the right strategy and solutions from the top Get in touch Share your news and views...

was critical in maintaining this focus. The messaging was simple – to be an open, transparent, and expert advisor to clients facing volatile market conditions. For many of the firm’s customers this proved to be refreshing. Whilst competitors presented large and complex transformation strategies, comprising various services and add-ons designed to extract value, Ankura focused solely on its clients’ critical issues. This unwavering attention on addressing clients’ critical issues in the most straightforward and effective manner quickly became the company’s primary unique selling point, with Ankura’s investments in local regions also paying dividends in supporting this mission. Each of its regional branches operate in a transparent and cooperative manner, pursuing these same overarching goals and ideals. During this expansion, the firm has equally invested in data analytics to support its existing offerings, strengthened its Turnaround & Restructuring practice to be ready to support businesses with uncertainty and distress, while also investing in a geopolitical advice service to manage in-country risk. In addition, it has established an “Ankura Office of the CFO” service – a hotline enabling CFOs to pick up the phone and speak directly with experts to discuss critical issues that need targeted and objective expert advice. Through such investments, and an overarching commitment to providing exemplary service, Ankura has developed strong ties with its customers globally, each having encouraged the firm to follow them wherever they’ve stationed themselves around the world. Of course, no rapid start-up venture is without its challenges. Yet, the firm has been incredibly successful in the eight short years since its inception, which is evidenced

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by the significant sustainable growth across key sectors and geographies. Indeed, as an example, its work for a major transport infrastructure client epitomises the value it can offer to clients. This client, observing sharply rising energy costs, sought to understand the financial risks it faced in a rapidly changing landscape. Ankura was appointed in 2021 to develop several energy price scenarios to determine financial and other risk exposures – covering both internal operational risks as well as supply chain risks. To offer the best possible analysis, Ankura teamed up with a strategic partner. Together, the alliance identified significant labour and material cost issues as well as problems stemming from the significant local geo-political risks, providing an otherwise unforeseen horizon and perspective that allowed the firm to prepare and optimise accordingly. This is just one example of the insights that the firm can provide to its client base. Many of its assignments involve cross-practice teams as well as strategic partners, the company securing and leveraging the right expertise as needed to deliver targeted and bespoke solutions on a case-by-case basis, ensuring optimal client outcomes in every instance. The importance placed on practice collaboration is clear.

Story type #collaboration (main category) #scale up, #service & solutions Benefits • Ties with international clients reinforced • Successful preparation work for a major transport infrastructure client Key findings For industry • Track your clients’ agenda before defining your service • Don’t underestimate the power of collaboration

It is this attention to detail that has allowed Ankura to firmly place its stamp as a leading consultancy in the energy sector – a reputation that will undoubtedly act as a springboard for further growth in years to come.

For government • Recognise the importance and engage with private financing players to bridge the UK’s energy infrastructure gap

About Ankura

Government support? The company has not received any type of government support.

Founded in 2014, Ankura is a global business advisory and expert services firm. The company helps clients navigate a wide range of corporate performance and risk management challenges, including those pertaining to compliance, disputes, investigations, forensics, technology, turnaround and restructuring, and corporate strategy. Ankura’s unique blend of subject-matter expertise, wealth of cross-disciplinary and cross-industry experience, and proven track record enables the company to deliver tailored, effective solutions and unparalleled service in a broad range of matters.

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Ankura at a glance: Key products and services: global business advisory and expert services firm. Headquarters: New York, USA Year established: 2014 Number of employees: 1,700+ Revenue: N/A Revenue from exports: N/A

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Applica Resourcing Taking a personal approach to recruitment How is Applica Resourcing thriving? Having only started out in 2018, Applica Resourcing was determined to provide a different approach to recruitment for energy projects. Centred around empathy, trust and building personal relationships from the outset, Matthew Halle’s vision is beginning to be realised with the company showing positive signs of growth following the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it brought an unexpected and initially highly concerning challenge to the business, the slowdown period provided the opportunity to build networks with key project decision makers and lay the foundation for relationships that have since propelled it forward. The challenge Leaving employment and tak ing the leap to form your own business is never a mean feat. For Matthew Halle, who had spent years working in larger companies and experiencing first-hand how recruitment processes worked for energy sector projects, a new approach was needed. The solution The company began operating in 2018 and immediately brought a point of difference. Having assembled a small but highly experienced cohort of specialist recruitment professionals, Applica positioned itself as a bespoke solutions business, one which conducted client relations based on high-level discussions based around what customers want to achieve. Crucially, time is invested upfront, free of charge to the client, helping to establish trust and understanding as opposed to selling a dream that inflates expectations. Get in touch Share your news and views...

Early signs were promising. After turning over £0.5 million in its inaugural year, the company has gone on to grow its annual revenues ever since, picking up new clients and building up a reputation based on its personal touch along the way. It has not all been plain sailing. Applica’s journey had only just begun when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This naturally led to concerns related to reduced client activity, logistics and financing of the business. The greatest challenge was Applica suddenly having to adopt a remote working set up. Whilst this was true of almost every business at the time, one of Applica’s greatest strengths is having senior decision-makers set in one place, allowing them to make agile decisions for their clients. Losing that took away Applica’s differentiators when compared to larger competitors. However, while tough, the pandemic period has brought out the positive attitude of Halle and his team, who have always been actively involved in steering the company’s culture and core values. Indeed, rather than panic, they decided to use the COVID downtime to network projects and opportunities more effectively, and found prospects were more available than normal – they were often at home, had time, and were happy to chat. This led to Applica securing its most lucrative contract to date in the form of a project tendered by a major UK energy player just before the pandemic arrived. Involving recruitment for a major LNG import terminal, the client needed personnel for the building of its fourth degasified storage tank. After an 18-month tendering process,

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Applica secured the contract in March 2021 which so far has delivered £4 million in revenue. Its scope includes the supply of indirect labour for the entire LNG site, with teams of workers managed in a scope of work format and on the Applica payroll. Key to securing the was the company’s mix of specialised energy recruitment experience (especially around IR35) and assurance that it would keep a core team on the project’s site as opposed to moving personnel on to kickstart the next Applica contract with a new client. Indeed, Applica has offered flexibility and convenience. It handles the work permits, payroll, safety training and PPE provision, with the client able to ramp up and scale down as and when needed. Such has been the success with this work, Applica’s personal touch approach is starting to pay off, not least in the literal sense with its 2022 income forecast to reach £12.5 million. With a tightknit, motivated team all pulling in the same direction and continuing to build relationships across the sector, that gap in the market appears to have been filled. About Applica Resourcing

Story type #service & solutions (main category) #culture, #scale up Benefits • £4m secured so far from contract with the major UK energy player • Income forecast to reach £12.5m in 2022 Key findings For industry • Give opportunities to niche companies For government • Lead by example – set culture from the top Government support? The company has not received any type of government support.

As a recruitment firm, Applica works across the oil & gas and energy sectors with clients to mitigate both operational and commercial risk and with candidates to ensure they receive the best opportunities to develop their careers. Its head office, based in Manchester, serves both the UK market and acts as a global recruitment hub. Applica has businesses registered in both Houston and Stavanger to support the energy markets of North America and Scandinavia and have solutions in place to support Europe and Asia.

Applica Resourcing at a glance: Key products and services: Resource projects in global locations, contract workers for major initiatives all over the oil & gas and energy sectors.

The Applica team prides itself on developing long term relationships with clients and contractors. This approach combined with in depth technical knowledge of the energy industry ensures that it provides a holistic solution when resourcing an entire project.

Headquarters: Manchester, UK Year established: 2018 Number of employees: 10 Revenue: £7.6m Revenue from exports: 50%

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Main industries served: • Oil & gas – 65% • Chemicals – 20% • Renewables – 10% • Hydrogen, CCUS – 5%

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Aquaterra Energy

A business re-fuelled by embracing energy transition How is Aquaterra Energy thriving? Faced with a perfect storm of challenges caused by the 2016 and 2020 oil price plunges, drive to net zero and COVID-19 pandemic, Aquaterra Energy knew it had to diversify in order to futureproof its business. Having pivoted towards clean power arenas such as offshore wind and green hydrogen, the company is starting to gain traction with various industry stakeholders. Indeed, its latest project – Haldane – could represent a crucial step towards proving the viability of offshore green hydrogen as a reliable fuel source for the UK. The challenge The past few years have presented some serious disruption to firms operating up and down the oil and gas value chain. For Aquaterra Energy, a key supplier of engineering products and services to the offshore industry, oil price crashes in 2016 and 2020 slowed its momentum somewhat. Throw a global pandemic into this mix, and it is easy to see why profits took a hit. Oil and gas operators significantly slashed their hydrocarbon output and capex budgets together with a steeply delcining rig utilisation across the globe. Aquaterra Energy was also operating against an energy sector backdrop that is moving fast towards energy transition and net zero ambitions, a trend reinforced by the UK’s hosting of COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021. The company therefore needed to change course in order to navigate this new set of dynamics that have emerged over the past few years. The solution Fortunately, Aquaterra Energy was at least partially Get in touch Share your news and views...

prepared for the logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. The firm had already kickstarted a more agile approach to working, with refurbished offices and IT changes making it fit for the ‘new normal’ of hybrid and remote work. Indeed, such was the pace in which the transition was made, MD James Larnder confirmed that what was planned have taken 1-2 years was completed in just 6 months. In early 2021, strategic changes became the priority by way of implementing a diversification and collaboration strategy. Here, Aquaterra Energy identified ways in which it could apply its core values of ‘intelligently engineered’ technology led products and innovation to new markets in the net zero and energy transition space. It is already in the process of hiring a Renewables Director to manage interests in the offshore wind arena, and is also engaging in carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS). Meanwhile, the firm is constantly refining and releasing enhanced product solutions, with two riser systems entering the market this year. The most intriguing development, however, appears to be Aquaterra Energy’s interest in developing the UK’s capability to produce green hydrogen offshore. Project Haldane could prove to be a pioneering and significant breakthrough in the offshore green hydrogen sector. Such an undertaking is reflective of the firm’s willingness to operate outside of its comfort zone and take calculated risks – green hydrogen cannot be purchased in the UK market today, and therefore early adopters who get it right could be perfectly positioned to capitalise upon huge opportunities. Haldane currently stands as a three-company project consortium that aims to repurpose oil and gas infrastructure

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into a commercially viable green hydrogen operation powered by offshore wind. The first of Aquaterra Energy’s partners is Borr Drilling, which has the offshore jack-up rigs that can be adapted to house electrolysers, these supplied by a third partner, Lhyfe. The project may require a fourth participant to oversee pipeline infrastructure, with new or adapted pipelines to be used to transport hydrogen onshore. By producing the hydrogen offshore, Haldane can avoid onshore facility planning consent issues and thus offer a faster route to market, which should make the proposition more attractive to investors. Aquaterra Energy has played a key role to date, holding negotiations with wind farm developers for the supply of green electricity as well as talks with potential hydrogen off-takes in the UK. The plans have generated a lot of attention in media and oil and gas industry circles, with the next clear target being to acquire the necessary funding. Currently, the project aims to utilise 300MW of electricity to produce 100Te of green hydrogen a day, which would be the largest offshore product facility of this kind of fuel. However, such is the size of the opportunity ahead if the concept is proven, this would only represent 0.05% of the hydrogen needed to meet the UK’s 2030 targets. Haldane offers tremendous cause for optimism for Aquaterra Energy. With profits already recovering in 2021 to £4.2 million EBITDA, the years ahead can be viewed through a far more positive lens than even a 12 short months ago. About Aquaterra Energy Founded in 2005, Aquaterra Energy helps the offshore oil and gas industry increase efficiencies and reduce costs through a range of products, systems and projects. At the forefront of offshore oil and gas engineering for over a decade, the company specialises in riser systems and the analysis, tools and products needed from the first days of a well’s operation, through to full field development, asset life extension and decommissioning. Aquaterra Energy’s specialist engineers have supported customers in the North Sea, South East Asia, the Caribbean and Australia and completed more than 1,000 projects to date. Some of the world’s biggest brands and leading players rely on Aquaterra Energy’s products and services for their offshore needs. Headquartered in Norwich, the company is also present in other parts of the UK, as well as in Australia, Norway, and Egypt.

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Story type #energytransition (main category) #collaboration, #diversification, #innovation Benefits • Early mover into a key sector for the global energy market Key findings For industry • Business diversification, flexibility and evolution is essential For government • Key projects in the UK should feature local content, but the industry needs to support to become competitive Government support? The company has benefited from the Apprenticeship Levy, R&D tax credits as well as the government’s Furlough scheme. Aquaterra at a glance: Key products and services: oil and gas service company and consultancy Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 100% Headquarters: Norwich, UK Year established: 2005 Number of employees: 105 Revenue: £25m Revenue from exports: 85%

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Arc

Opening up a lucrative line of nuclear waste business How is Arc thriving? Armed with formidable welding engineering expertise, Arc is on the road to futureproofing its business against uncertainty in the oil and gas space by applying its expertise to the nuclear trade. One of the first to be audited under the Fit4Nuclear scheme around a decade ago, the company made a key breakthrough in 2017 when it secured involvement in the UK government’s development of next-generation nuclear intermediate level waste containers. Having proven its worth to the project, which is now on the verge of ramping up in scale, Arc could be in line to open up a huge line of business domestically and abroad in the coming years. The challenge Recent times have highlighted how vulnerable suppliers to operations in the oil and gas sector can be if they are overly reliant on this single revenue stream. Arc was fortunate enough to have some of the impact of the 2014-15 crisis absorbed by its work in the defence sector, as well as its decision to step into the nuclear realm in 2011, the firm being among the first to onboard to the Fit4Nuclear initiative. In 2014, the board approved the development of a nuclear market entry plan as part of becoming a more proactive enterprise that did more than reactively bid on opportunities. Get in touch Share your news and views...

However, through the latter half of the 2010s, the company was finding it slow-going in terms of reapplying its cladding and welding capabilities to industries outside of oil and gas, which in 2015 still accounted for half of the firm’s revenue. A new catalyst was needed. The solution That moment arrived in 2017 in the form of a UK government project to develop a new breed of intermediate level nuclear waste container. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) wanted to evolve the current design which had previously swallowed significant amounts of taxpayer money. Looking for a more economical and efficient answer, it challenged the supply chain to come up with superior design ideas. Having progressed through various stages, Arc was paired with Sheffield-based Eadon Consulting to form a consortium responsible for delivering the project, the next step being to build a working prototype. The design they produced is cheaper, more flexible and performs to NDA requirements, with all parties that have witnessed it giving positive feedback. Indeed, the new solution is 50% more cost efficient and provides a per unit saving of £25,000, which would equate to an annual saving of £25 million. It is also easier to operate and maintain, safer (operable by robots) and bolt-free.

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Now in the third round of funding, Arc is focussed on developing a new set of prototypes which can be produced at scale and fulfil NDA’s demand for 1,000 units a year. Once this sort of magnitude is fulfilled, both the government’s and Arc’s investments will start to deliver a lucrative return. The prospect of delivering this project at scale has also prompted the company to set out ambitious plans to invest in building a new factory, which it aims to have up and running in the final few years of this decade. It is a clear indicator of the huge potential which has been unearthed, with Arc now building up a track record with NDA as a solutions innovator that will undoubtedly appeal to other customers both in the UK and internationally. Indeed, the company has been able to get to this point thanks to a can-do attitude and strong thirst for a challenge, its flexible blue sky thinking approach enabling it to pioneer a solution that looks like becoming a game-changer. The financials also look promising. In 2021, revenue from oil and gas dropped to 40%, with nuclear now accounting for 5% of income alongside defence. Its construction sector activity has also grown strongly, now responsible for 40% of turnover. Without question, the company has found its new catalyst for growth, now on much further footing to progress moving forwards. About Arc Welding specialist Arc Energy Resources was established in 1994 with four staff and sales of just £1,148. Today, Arc Energy has expanded into a multi-million-pound business with 45 staff, regularly trading with some of the largest companies in the world. In contact with the defence, energy, petrochemical and water & wastewater industries, Arc is recognized as an expert in corrosion resistant cladding and specialist fabricator of several products, delivered by a highly qualified, fully-accredited and experienced team.

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Story type #diversification (main category) #collaboration, #innovation, #resilience, #service & solution Benefits • First prototypes would provide savings of £25m • Prospect of opening a new factory • Nuclear now accounting for 5% of the total revenue Key findings For industry • Be optimistic – research and planning are nothing without it For government • Stick to stable policies, even when shocks happen; they allow investment confidence Government support? The company received R&D tax credits and support from the UK’s Fit For Nuclear (F4N) programme. Arc at a glance: Key products and services: Supply of corrosion resistant cladding and manufacturing of specialist fabrications for the energy, petrochemicals, defence, renewables, and water industries. Main industries served: • Oil & Gas – 40% • Construction – 40% • Petrochemicals – 10% • Defence – 5% • Nuclear – 5% Headquarters: Gloucester, UK Year established: 1994 Number of employees: 45 Revenue: £3.6m Revenue from exports: 20%

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Belzona

Finding resilience in ‘make to order’ and ‘right first time’ strategies How is Belzona thriving? Faced with mounting pandemic-induced raw material supply pressures, Belzona was successfully able to demonstrate resilience through a rapid transition from ‘make to stock’ to ‘make to order’, and landmark successes in meeting ‘right first time’ targets of continuous product improvement. The challenge Having successfully consolidated itself as a go-to supplier of critical solutions in the energy industry for the repair and protection of industrial assets, Belzona was impacted heavily by the sudden and volatile implications of the pandemic. Pre-COVID, the protective coatings and repair composite specialist would produce a stockpile of its most popular products, their long shelf life and Belzona’s confidence in its most highly desired range allowing for this. However, when global lockdowns hit, this approach was no longer an option. Having quickly become incredibly difficult for the company to source the raw materials in the quantities it needed to continue to produce at scale, owing to global supply chain disruption, the firm was forced to switch to ‘make to order’ processes in order to make best use of its limited raw materials and meet the needs of its clients on a caseby-case basis. The solution Belzona responded to the challenges it was facing with a combination of planned and reactive actions. Get in touch Share your news and views...

The culture at the company needed to change – here, transparent and candid communication between its purchasing, quality, IT, manufacturing and warehousing teams was imperative to its overall success during a period of significant operational adjustment. Beyond this big picture, each team faced its own individual challenges, having to work proactively and innovatively to find resolutions. The purchasing department was, fortunately, able to rely on the strong relationships it had developed with raw material suppliers over many years. Having built partnerships centred around trust, quality and mutual benefit, Belzona was successful in securing strong support from them in a critical time of need – backing that the firm continues to be grateful for. This was further helped by Belzona’s reputation as a coatings innovator and fastadopter of new technologies, leading to the company being a strategic partner for many raw material suppliers. However, challenges remained. The suppliers themselves were not able to provide forecasts, so the firm had to be responsive to what was available, investing in increased critical raw material stocks when they became available, in order to maintain responsiveness to client’s specific needs. Meanwhile, its manufacturing and warehousing teams faced similar difficulties. With COVID assessments introducing social distancing, strict hygiene measures and isolation protocols, that required new work routines needed to be designed and developed, initially resulted in extended lead times. These spiked from 10 days to 1520 days during the pandemic and were exacerbated by additional delays in shipping to distributors due to freight delays, driver shortages, the implications of Brexit and even the Suez Canal disruption.

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Faced with so many hurdles, Belzona’s ability to continue to process orders was a critical achievement. In no uncertain terms, it was testament to the resilience of its employees, each and every team member ensuring that a seamless transition from make to stock to make to order could be achieved. For Belzona, the period wasn’t wholly defined by the need to stay afloat either, the company did strive to meet its values of delivering premium solutions with the highest possible quality standards. Having implemented a ‘right first time’ strategy pre-COVID that was aimed at minimising impact to the environment by maximising the use of resources and limiting the return or replacement of products wherever possible to ensure customer satisfaction, it was able to ensure that 99.7% of its products were manufactured ‘right first time’ last year – up from 98.5% in 2019.

Story type #culture (main category) #optimisation, #resilience Benefits • Revenues increased by £4m post-COVID as a result of many factors, including changes implemented throughout COVID • Right First Time (RFT) KPI increased from 98.5% in 2019 to 99.7% in 2021 Key findings For industry • Don’t be afraid of changes - evolve with the world.

Such successes have placed Belzona on firm footing. The company is now eyeing significant investment into innovative product development in order to target opportunities in high growth industries such as renewables, petrochemical and mining moving forward.

For government • Allow time for the supply chain to react to policy changes. • Provide more training and support for staff to facilitate export administration

For Belzona, it is now very much a case of building on these improvements to offer even better customer satisfaction as we move through 2022.

Government support? The company has received R&D tax credits.

About Belzona Specialising in the design and manufacture of repair composite materials and protective coatings for machinery, equipment, buildings and structures, Belzona offers solutions to an extensive range of engineering problems and repair situations. From full turnkey systems to simple in-situ repairs, the company’s innovative materials provide the answer to a variety of industrial issues, including erosion, corrosion, chemical attack, abrasion and wear, water and weatherproofing. A company committed to providing bespoke solutions, technical support and on-site assistance tailored to each client’s specific needs, Belzona has a global network of distributors supported by its headquarters in the UK, US, Canada and Thailand. The company’s engineered solutions come with international accreditations and a proven track record in performance.

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Belzona at a glance: Key products and services: design and manufacture of protective coatings and repair composite materials Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 30% • Mining – 15% • Marine – 10% • Steel – 10% • Water treatment – 10% • Conventional power – 6.7% • Nuclear – 6.7% • Renewables – 6.6% • Others – 5% Headquarters: Harrogate, UK Year established: 1952 Number of employees: 174 Revenue: £26m Revenue from exports: 80%

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Success Survive stories and Thrive VI

BMT

Emerging from adversity through cultural and operational transformation How is BMT thriving? From the 2016 oil price crash to the global pandemic, the energy sector has weathered a testing storm. Through shifting from tailored engineering to a standardised, modular approach, BMT has successfully improved commercial viability, increased profit margins and secured contracts direct with O&G operators, showing immense resilience to instil major cultural changes during a difficult period. The challenge BMT is a formidable global player. A market-leading engineering design consultancy, the company employees more than 1,500 professionals in 47 locations across four continents. Integral to BMT’s energy business is its team of energy experts located in a global hub of energy production in Houston, Texas. By 2015, the 40-strong division was bringing in annual revenues of $40 million owing to the team’s focus on marine monitoring and advisory systems that offer proven solutions to meet the needs of customers in this market. The 2016 oil price crash saw the entire energy sector facing exponential challenges, forcing the majority of energy companies to put strict CAPEX and OPEX spending controls in place. In an industry still reeling from the impact of this, the blow that was then brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic carried a significantly detrimental financial impact, alongside challenges with site work, safety and its supply chain. In order to support the energy sector in its recovery from these seismic events, BMT’s Houston division understood it needed to fundamentally change the way in which it Get in touch Share your news and views...

worked with clients, ensuring the company was offering a cost competitive solution representing a move away from competing with standardised, small agile vendors that did not have the same NRE and documentation costs. The solution In response to evolving market conditions, the Houston division pursued a corporate restructuring programme that was spearheaded by its newly appointed CEO. The goal of this transformation was to create more standardised process that would be more cost effective and repeatable for clients, moving away from solely custom solutions that were no longer fit-for-purpose. Configuration management principles were introduced in 2018, which BMT has continued to build on to ensure they are always delivering the best possible value for clients. Through this delivery model, the company has been able to maintain its ability to adapt to client needs for each project, while increasing margins, project profitability, and reliability of service through standardisation. To ensure this process was optimised and with minimal impact to the client, BMT effected this transition gradually, first working on IRMS – a modularised and repeatable unit that had full coverage of sensors through to near-realtime cloud reporting during major hurricane events. Thereafter, incremental innovations were made, enabling BMT to unlock new value propositions for its clients. Building on IRMS, BMT modified its DCU to include a Willow IOT gateway which allows for connection to a standardised sensor suite, as well as new Wireless IOT sensors. Further, it now supports MQTT IOT protocols and can send data in real time to its cloud platform, BMT Deep.

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Reducing time spent on administrative tasks was deemed a priority, key to both labour cost reductions and therefore price reductions which could then be passed on to customers. This was achieved through the introduction of a modular framework that used standard sets of documentation for proposals and operation manuals. At the same time, BMT shifted its focus from solely EPC contracts to operators. Here, a selection of differentiated support teams was established, each with unique skillsets and behaviours that would best meet the needs of different kinds of client. Dedicated points of contact were also deployed, ensuring that meaningful and lasting relationships could be established and sustained, enhancing client retention. Metrics were implemented to measure key indicators such as customer experience, from response times to percentage of standardisation delivered and on-time delivery success rates. The result was a significant change in both business model and culture that advocated a more disciplined process in a difficult period, underpinned by a streamlined quality management system that ensured outcomes were still optimal for the client in each instance. Having recognised the opportunity to adapt to challenging market conditions, the Houston division of BMT is now expecting to achieve a $15 million take home in 2022. Further, its gross margins have improved from 28% to 35%, demonstrating success in its more disciplined approach. Amid a backdrop of exponential challenges for the business and its clients, BMT has now laid the foundation of best practice in the energy sector, and one on which it can build to ensure continued excellence in the future. About BMT Formed in 1985 following the merger of the British Ship Research Association and the National Maritime Institute, BMT is a leading international design, engineering, science and risk management consultancy with a reputation for engineering excellence. From initial concept through to design, construction, operation and eventual decommissioning, the company supports customers at every stage of the project lifecycle. Active in the oil and gas, defence, renewable energy, ports, risk management and maritime transport sectors, BMT has around 1,500 professionals located in 47 offices in the Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

2022

Story type #transformation (main category) #culture, #optimization, #resilience Benefits • Greater autonomy and responsibility for process owners • Revenues to achieve $15m in 2022 after a difficult period • Margins improved from 28% to 35% • New clients and markets being targeted Key findings For industry • Build good relationships with operators Government support? The company has received R&D tax credits and training from the UK’s Fit 4 Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme. BMT at a glance: Key products and services: Engineering design consultancy. Main industries served: • Defence – 70% • Oil and gas – 19% • Maritime – 10% • Renewables – 1% Headquarters: London, UK Year established: 1987 Number of employees: 1,200 Revenue: £160m Revenue from exports: 50% (Energy)

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Success Survive stories and Thrive VI

Bureau Veritas

A new and sustainable strategy with CSR at its core How is Bureau Veritas thriving? Leveraging formidable technical expertise, Bureau Veritas has developed a value proposition and the expertise in helping clients to visualise, assess and act upon their key ESG and sustainability targets. Through its digital platform, Clarity, it provides independent, third-party tool and dashboard for companies to manage and demonstrate their social and environmental responsibilities. Clarity is built on Bureau Veritas’ own objective of contributing to shape a better world. The challenge The origins of Bureau Veritas lie in the world of marine classification – a sector where it remains a leader today. So, for almost 200 years, the Bureau Veritas brand and reputation has been synonomous with trust in the world of testing, inspection and certification (TIC) – assisting risk reduction and providing confidence to stakeholders in supporting innovation. Bureau Veritas is a first-choice partner for clients seeking to ensure their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet the required exacting standards. However, sustainability, the environment, societal demands and governance have become key growth enablers and drivers and where trust is demanded by all economic players. Beyond financial performance and their ability to innovate, companies are now being valued for their positive impact on people and our planet – not just their immediate profitability. Indeed, Bureau Veritas’s own ambition, ‘Shaping a better world’, demonstrates conviction and engagement. This ambition kick-started the journey to become a CSR leader in the TIC market. As an independent, expert third party, Bureau Veritas helps clients to acquire credibility in Get in touch Share your news and views...

their management of CSR ambitions and activities and to both measure and proof commitments of environmental and social impact. The solution Several tools and services have been developed to support clients’ CSR ambitions. In the fourth quarter of 2020, BV’s Green Line was launched. A strategy comprising a range of services and solutions, the company now partners with clients in their efforts to improve performance and demonstrate the transparency and trustworthiness of their actions. In doing so, Bureau Veritas provides the tools to support clients to protect their brand and reputation, with BV Green Line now encompassing around 60% of overall BV group revenues due to reallocation and growth in this area. A major value-add Bureau Veritas is providing is untangling the complex webs that can arise throughout ESG and sustainability roadmaps due to the range of stakeholders and global nature of the data pool. Indeed, the data quality can be an issue, and certain data sets are hard to collect and often self-declared. In response, Bureau Veritas launched the Clarity CSR tool in late 2021 following pilot projects with the likes of two major clients. The tool is designed to manage and steer a company’s sustainability roadmap. On-the-ground data is collected from clients’ assets, subsidiaries and/or suppliers through self-assessment questionnaires which are reviewed by Bureau Veritas or on-site audits conducted by the firm’s 80,000-plus people located around the world. It is then scored by module reflecting the ESG concerns of the industry and displayed on a dashboard to help clients take actions in a timely and efficient way.

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One of these major clients, for example, trialled the solution across all 1,200 of its suppliers. Following the pilot, it is now signed up for two years to benchmark its European supply chain against environmental and biodiversity metrics, with dashboarding, ranking and improvement journeys all part of the package. Importantly, the Clarity solution is accessible to not only corporate giants like this specific customer, but also smaller firms with smaller budgets. Each module costs €600 with an upfront cost of €6,000 to access the Clarity dashboard. And the company is also all too aware of the need to practice what it preaches. It has its own set of ambitious sustainability targets directly linked to the UN Sustainability Development Goals of Good Health and Well-Being (#3), Gender Equality (#5), Climate Action (#13), Decent Work and Economic Growth (#8), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (#16) and Life Below Water (#14). Financially, Bureau Veritas also appears to have recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue and profit margins are back in line with 2019 levels, showing a remarkably robust performance which more than justifies its CSR-driven strategic pivot. Certainly, it now stands on a firm footing in its bid to become the world CSR leader of the TIC market. About Bureau Veritas Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas is a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, delivering high quality services to help clients meet the growing challenges of quality, safety, environmental protection and social responsibility. The company is active in a range of markets, including infrastructure, oil and gas, marine, power, chemicals, commodities and automotive, among others. The Bureau Veritas Group has around 80,000 employees located in more than 1,600 offices and laboratories around the globe.

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Story type #sustainability (main category) #digital Benefits • Significant growth of BV Green Line, which now represents 60% of the overall revenue Key findings For industry • Time for change: the world is ripe for new ways of working towards net zero and sustainability • Don’t tolerate greenwashing. For government • Implement sustainability policies with pace and vigour, with significant deterrents for noncompliance Government support? The company is supported by the Scottish Apprenticeship Scheme. Bureau Veritas at a glance: Key products and services: Classification, laboratory testing, inspection and certification services. Main industries served: • Oil & gas – 12% • Offshore wind – 6% • Solar power – 1% • Others – 81% Headquarters: Neuilly Sur Seine, France Year established: 1828 Number of employees: 90,000 Revenue: £4.2bn Revenue from exports: N/A

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Success Survive stories and Thrive VI

Cellnex

Driving private network growth through market diversification How is Cellnex thriving? Europe’s leading TowerCo Cellnex is growing its portfolio of connectivity solutions by investing in its Private Networks business, taking it from zero to 45 deployments in the space of just three years. By capitalising on the high demand for guaranteed network availability at critical industrial, energy and logistics sites, the improvement in 5G technologies and the need for greater data security and site productivity, Cellnex’s new market potential is undeniable. The challenge Founded in 2015, Cellnex has established itself as a leader in the European telecommunications industry, playing a crucial part in developing and operating the continent’s cell-site and becoming a leading name in neutral host infrastructure. Its expansion has been rapid. In 2019-2020, the firm acquired the telecoms business of Arqiva, making it the largest TowerCo in the UK with 9,000 towers, equating to one in every four towers. More recently, Cellnex UK received the green light to acquire Hutchinson’s assets, which will take its total portfolio to 14,000 towers, equal to one in every four towers across Europe. As there are limitations on the number of assets that one company can acquire in the European market, the company is expanding its range of connectivity solutions. The solution Cellnex has begun to develop a more extensive portfolio, including in-building DAS, smart city technologies, IoT, and Private Networks. The latter of these offered particularly Get in touch Share your news and views...

fertile ground in the energy sector, where cellular networks are used in industrial applications to support 5G devices with high bandwidth requirements, such as video cameras, asset-tracking devices, drones and augmented reality headsets. Indeed, private networks offer several benefits over their public counterparts. From enhanced security and reliability to offering dedicated spectrums that best suit the needs of specific applications, a much higher quality of service can be guaranteed while total control and ownership of the network and equipment are provided to the user. To support its ambitions, Cellnex acquired Edzcom – a specialist private network company in Finland and Europe’s leading independent provider of Private Networks – in 2020, then integrated it into the wider business. Private Networks are complex, and Cellnex now has the in-house expertise to develop, deliver and operate them. The company has, unsurprisingly, encountered several challenges through its expansion, finding that the energy industry appetite is still relatively small owing to knowledge gaps. Yet this also points to significant growth opportunities, while adoption cases have equally already proven to be tremendously successful. BASF Spain stands as a prime example. One of the country’s leading chemicals players, it needed to migrate many mobile assets (including headsets, tablets, phones and assisted augmented workers) onto one singular platform. To achieve this, Cellnex installed a private 5G network at its production centre in Tarragona, completed in 2021. The client has benefited from the installation in multiple ways, including dramatically enhancing its data and

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cybersecurity capabilities while also achieving better availability, with service level agreements guaranteeing network availability 99.99% of the time. Ultimately, Cellnex has provided an array of benefits, including ensuring mobile worker communications, improving safe safety, people- geolocation, better monitoring of downtime of assets, and focusing on the root causes of failures to improve uptime. Boliden Mining is a second such example. Where the firm had been experiencing a decline in productivity (dropping by 28% compared to the previous decade), Cellnex implemented an automated hauling solution that enabled the remote monitoring of 20 autonomous vehicles. This solution was a revelation, allowing vehicles to operate 24/7, dramatically improving productivity. It is estimated that the network has bolstered revenues for the firm by as much as €8.8 million a year. Indeed, the past couple of years have seen major transformation for the company, enabling it to diversify into new markets and land on firmer footing as it expands its offering into the energy market moving forward, providing a critical role in the drive to reduce energy and CO2 emissions. Between its broadening in focus from TowerCo to Private Networks and efforts to ensure its clients have highly connected sites with guaranteed service availability, the benefits of its offering are clear. Having achieved extensive deployments in just three years, the scene is set for Cellnex to thrive. About Cellnex Cellnex is the independent wireless telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructures company that enables operators to access Europe’s most extensive network of advanced telecommunications infrastructures on a shared-use basis, helping to reduce access barriers for new operators and to improve services in the most remote areas. Cellnex manages a portfolio of more than 130,000 sites – including forecast roll-outs up to 2030– in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Poland. Cellnex’s business is structured in four major areas: telecommunications infrastructure services; audiovisual broadcasting networks, mission critical and private networks and solutions for smart urban infrastructure and services management (Smart cities and the “Internet of Things” [IoT]).

2022

Story type #transformation (main category) #digital, #diversification, #scale up, #service & solutions Benefits • Cellnex’s product solutions for the energy industry stronger • Enhancement of clients’ productivity and operational activities successful Key findings For industry • Do not be bound by a traditional approach to technology investment; embrace the service model • Elaborate different solutions for different client use cases For government • Take the reduction of fossil fuels as a serious priority Government support? The company has received R&D tax credits and is involved in a number of projects from the UK’S Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). Cellnex at a glance: Key products and services: Neutral host infrastructure company. Main industries served: • Oil & gas – 5% • Others – 95% Headquarters: Madrid, Spain Year established: 2015 Number of employees: 3,000 Revenue: £2.1bn Revenue from exports: 85%

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