EIC Inside Photos © 2003-2024 Shutterstock, Inc
Monthly news for EIC members THE VOICE OF THE ENERGY SUPPLY CHAIN January 2024
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Member’s news
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Guest editorial
Proserv: technology helps accelerate Woodside’s Shenzi North first oil
Arup: what’s next for Malaysia’s energy transition?
Spotlight on technology Halliburton: SureTherm™ thermal cleaning service generates heat where it is needed in the pipeline
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Sector analysis Germany accelerates its offshore wind It is approaching one year since Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) published its most recent site development plan (SDP) for the development of offshore wind. In January 2023, the plan outlined locations for future wind farms (zones), that if realised would equate to a capacity of 60GW by 2038. The SDP also included tendering timelines, grid connections and commissioning targets. At the time of its introduction, Germany had an installed capacity of approximately 8GW, according to EICAssetMap. The SDP incorporated the December 2022 Wind Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG) capacity targets of at least 30GW by 2030 and 70GW by 2040. The plan separated the wind farm areas into two auction models: centrally and non-centrally pre-examined. The 7GW of non-centrally pre-examined sites were a new model to the country’s tender process, aimed at speeding up the delivery of capacity additions for the sector. The auction model utilised an existing market premium mechanism, which allowed for a competitive ‘dynamic bidding’ process, if several €0 bids were received from developers. Successful bidders were those that were willing to pay the highest amount for each site. The results of the non-centrally pre-examined auction were released in July 2023. The auction awarded three 2GW zones located in the North Sea (N-11.1, N-12.1, N-12.2) and one site of 1GW located in the Baltic Sea (O-2.2). When seventeen developers all put forward zero-subsidy bids, dynamic bidding was enacted. This allowed for record prices to be reached, with BP and TotalEnergies purchasing the 7GW of areas for €12.6bn. Commissioning of the wind energy installations and associated grid connections for all sites is planned for H2 2030 as per the SDP. The volume of capacity awarded is on one hand indicative of an invigorated sector. Despite this, reservations do remain regarding dynamic bidding, with the results creating a wave of debates relating to the potential consequences of the outcome. Some examples of the industry’s concerns included the influence of major oil and gas players with larger balance sheets on the sector’s future landscape, and the additional costs that are likely to be passed down to the consumer and the supply chain to help balance the larger investments. The auction results were shortly followed by the tender process for centrally pre-examined sites. Here, the operator’s willingness to pay formed 60% of the bid, with the remaining 40% being based on qualitative criteria involving decarbonisation, power purchase agreements, turbine noise, seabed disturbance and skilled worker actions.
Alexan der
McCab e
In line with the SDP, the four pre-examined sites totalling 1.8GW were auctioned in June 2023, with results announced in August 2023. RWE secured Nordseecluster B (zones N-3.5 and N-3.6), with a capacity amounting to 900MW. RWE initially won the N-6.6 zone, however Vattenfall exercised its step-in right with the Nordlicht II offshore wind farm on 14 September. Waterkant Energy was also awarded the contract for the N-6.7 zone. Bids for all four zones totalled to €784m, with commissioning set for 2028. Once again, the auction could be deemed a success, as the industry clearly displayed a healthy appetite for applications and substantial revenue was raised. The BNetzA allocated this revenue to reducing energy prices and marine protection. However, the qualitative criteria aspect of the tender did receive some scrutiny. It was argued that a lack of delineation regarding the criteria left room for uncertainty, as it was not clear where the BNetzA’s priorities would lie. Moving into 2024, the SPD will offer five more sites to tender, and it is assumed that numerous bids and high prices will persist. An additional auction is expected to take place for the SEN-1 zone, designated for an offshore wind powered electrolyser with a capacity of 1GW, the first auction of its kind in Europe. While 2024 will bring more concrete capacity plans for the country’s long-term development, a number of key projects are currently in the procurement/construction phase for short term delivery. According to EICDataStream, four offshore wind projects amounting to 2.43GW are under construction with startup expected in 2024/25. These will be followed by several projects including the 927MW Gennaker offshore wind farm. Operated by Skyborn Renewables, the development is expected to start operations in 2026. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has been awarded a turbine supply and servicing contract and EEW has been chosen as the preferred bidder for monopile foundations. Another future project set for commissioning in 2027 is the Windanker development. This wind farm was successful in the 2021 O.1-3 development auction. Iberdrola Renewables has awarded contracts for the foundation design (Ramboll) and manufacturing of transition pieces (Windar Renovables). Again, it is expected that more EPC contracts will be made available for bidding in the coming months. Moreover, contracts will be offered as the Nordlicht 1 and Nordseecluster projects (awarded in 2023) are likely to start looking into their upcoming procurement tenders. Alexander McCabe, Energy Researcher alex.mccabe@the-eic.com
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Inside this issue... After such a special 2023, it’s great to break into the new year with this new issue of Inside Energy. Before we dive into what this Leliam de Cast ro edition has in store, please make yourself aware that applications are currently open for the next instalment in the EIC Survive & Thrive Insight Report series. This year, our CEO Stuart Broadley and the senior team at the EIC will be conducting interviews with members for the eighth consecutive year in order to find out their success stories and figure out the state of the energy industry. Similar to what we’ve done in the past, participant companies in the report are automatically registered into the EIC’s 2024 awards programme which will be rebranded as the World Energy Supply Chain Awards (WESCAs). Don’t miss the chance to have your company’s efforts recognised by industry leaders. Some of the highlights in this month’s issue of Inside Energy include a glimpse into offshore wind developments, as well as its challenges and opportunities, in Germany. This sector analysis article has been produced by Alexander McCabe, energy researcher at the EIC and, according to him, although some offshore wind projects in the country are in the construction phase, 2024 might be the year when this market will have more concrete capacity in the long-term. For the EIC guest editorial, we welcome Azril Zainal, Malaysia Energy Leader at Arup. He explores the future of energy transition markets in Malaysia, a country which has established firm commitments to decarbonisation through the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). In member’s news, we present Proserv’s unique high integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS), jointly developed with Trendsetter Engineering. The technology has recently been applied at Woodside Energy’s Shenzi North and contributed to the achievement of first oil ahead of schedule. In spotlight on technology, we include Halliburton’s SureTherm, a thermal cleaning service that generates heat where it is needed in a pipeline. SureTherm is a solution from Halliburton for operators to avoid large-volume solvent treatments, long treatment times and high costs associated with this process when dealing with pipeline blockage. As always, thanks to regional comments from our directors in Europe, the MENA region, Asia Pacific and the Americas, as well as member news, readers can also keep up with the latest industry updates from around the world. Lets make 2024 a year of opportunities for all as we continue to work closely with members and industry peers. Léliam de Castro Head of Marketing and Communications leliam.castro@the-eic.com Sign uptouch for the EICOnline newsletter Get in Share your news and views...
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Contents Sector analysis
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Inside this issue...
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Guest editorial
4
EIC databases
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Member’s news
10
Spotlight on technology 11 New EIC members
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Member news
14
Social media round up
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Events calendar
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International trade
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UK and Europe news
25
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 VII
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@TheEICEnergy
EIC (Energy Industries Council)
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www.arup.com
EIC guest editorial by Azril Zainal
Malaysia Energy Leader,
Arup
What’s next for Malaysia’s energy transition? Energy is one of the most exciting global industries to work in at present, as energy decarbonisation is the essential first step for any nation, city, or organisation striving to reach net zero goals. This is especially true in Malaysia where our firm commitments to decarbonisation and achieving a net zero future are well recognised on the world stage. Major indications of this include the recently launched National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) which outlines the path for transitioning to a sustainable and inclusive energy system, and the Clean Growth Handbook Malaysia which highlights opportunities to introduce and scale clean growth in our country. Decommissioning of coal-fired power plants The NETR outlines a robust strategy for Malaysia’s transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a green economy. It’s critical that we apply a holistic approach to the energy transition and that means capitalising on the economic potential of retired coal and gas-fired power plants.
Australia have become focal points for the energy transition discussion as plants are decommissioned at an accelerating rate. Understandably, businesses and residents around these stations have stressed the importance of planning ahead for the decommissioning of power stations, which have served as the economic centres of regional communities for decades. Seeing opportunity in complexity So, what can we learn from this experience? One lesson is to seek out the opportunities that lie in complexity. The precincts that surround power stations are diverse, so it’s important that we investigate the unique characteristics of each site to ensure that solutions for repurposing the site are tailored and efficient. Site owners should consider what is already in place; power stations share a legacy of excellent industrial infrastructure and community ecosystems. Harnessing these assets enables the development of thriving economic centres.
While the integration of alternative energy carriers like hydrogen remains essential, it is equally imperative to ensure retired old thermal plants are repurposed, preventing the wastage of their valuable existing infrastructure.
A compelling example of a repurposed power station from further afield is Battersea Power Station in London. After almost 40 years since it was decommissioned, the site was reborn in 2022, transformed into an iconic vibrant precinct at the heart of one of the largest regeneration projects in the city.
One of Malaysia’s opportunities lies in looking outward at the experience of other jurisdictions and applying lessons learned to our own journey. Looking to our neighbours in the south, power station precincts in
The key to revamping this former industrial brownfield into a lively and connected new city quarter with over 19 acres of public space for people to live, work and relax has been a clear holistic vision for the future of the site.
For more information visit Arup’s website... www.arup.com
Forming unconventional partnerships The scale and pace of change of the energy transition puts us in uncharted territory for site owners and communities. To transform these sites into neighbourhoods with thriving communities and economies, we could look into collaborating with all tiers of government, becoming trusted partners with traditional custodians and community groups, and creating a shared vision for the precinct’s future. Strengthening our energy mix As our nation progresses through the intricate landscape of its energy transition, we firmly acknowledge the centrality of the energy trilemma as a pivotal consideration. In the years ahead, as we systematically phase out coal-fired power plants, the responsibility for supplying baseload power generation will ultimately rest solely on gas-fired power plants. We recognise the complexity involved in the energy trilemma and the challenges of relying exclusively on a single energy source for baseload power, particularly within the energy sector. Therefore, it is very important for us to diversify our energy mix to ensure sustainability and resilience. It is reassuring to note from recent news that the government has not ruled out the possibility of utilising nuclear technology as an additional alternative source in the generation mix to address the energy trilemma in Malaysia. This marks a positive beginning for a sustainable and resilient energy mix in Malaysia, although it is crucial to address the considerable security and safety concerns that might be raised by the public.
Photos © 2003-2024 Shutterstock, Inc
Guest editorial
Kuala Lumpur
The current state of the sector is positive for establishing Malaysia as a strong source of renewable energy. Due to our climate and resources, the opportunities for hydroelectricity and solar are well known. While the maturity of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Malaysia presents significant prospects for investors, contractors, developers and other stakeholders, it is fair to acknowledge that, due to the intermittencies in its generating profile, it will have an impact on the grid stability. This impact necessitates upgrades and augmentations, which could potentially serve as a roadblock to its growth. Ensuring the seamless integration and distribution of solar generated power into the green infrastructure is crucial to addressing this challenge. Solar PV plus battery storage systems have the potential to simultaneously answer the need for energy resilience during a grid disruption while also decarbonising the community by providing renewable energy storage and generation.
Photo © Arup 2024
Battersea Power Station, London
Furthermore, Malaysia is blessed with an abundance of renewable natural resources that have the potential to play an enhanced role in our energy mix. While their contribution may not be overwhelmingly significant, the utmost priority lies in optimising the economic value derived from these readily available resources in-country. Ultimately, hydrogen is destined to play a significant role as a storage vector in the energy system, in its pure form or in the form of biofuels, as oil and gas players look at decarbonising their businesses. Now that carbon reduction is sufficiently valued, the benefits of using hydrogen could outweigh the inherent costs and energy loss incurred during its production. While still in its early stages, a growing consideration globally that can be explored is the blending of hydrogen on hydrogen-rich fuels to reduce carbon emissions. If local authorities band together to plan – across combined authority areas, for example – the potential to accelerate decarbonised energy is even bigger and the process
could be more efficient and costeffective. Sarawak has already started seeing benefits of embracing emerging technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture in the state. It’s clear that Malaysia will be a key player in the global energy transition in coming years, so it’s critical that we take the right steps now, and learn from case studies around the world as we plan for a more sustainable future. Established in Malaysia in 1964, Arup is proud to have shaped some of the country’s early landmarks and continues to deliver an impressive portfolio of iconic and award-winning developments in the evolving urban landscapes of Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other states. Its team of more than 300 people delivers engineering and advisory services for every stage of a project, from inception to completion and after; from vision, strategy and business case through planning, engineering and project implementation to operational readiness and asset management.
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DataStream AUSTRALIA
Global opportunities COLOMBIA
INDONESIA
Murchison Renewable Hydrogen Project
Grande Fuerte Exploration Area
Plaju Green Aviation Fuel Plant
Operator: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Value: US$3bn ThyssenKrupp Uhde, along with DL E&C and its affiliate Carbonco, have been chosen to conduct the pre-FEED work for the project. This will focus on refining the technical concept and kick-starting key engineering activities.
Operator: Shell Value: US$1bn Shell and Ecopetrol have discovered gas after drilling the Glaucus-1 exploration well offshore Colombia, in Block COL-5. The well reached a total depth of 4,284 metres and natural gas was found at water depths of 2,340 metres.
Operator: Pertamina Value: US$100m The operator plans to build a new standalone facility to produce green aviation fuel. The project will be located at its RU III refinery and it will produce around 393,000 tpa of green aviation fuel. The project is targeted to complete in 2028.
i
For more information on these and the 14,000 other current and future projects we are tracking please visit EICDataStream
SAUDI ARABIA
UK
US
Al Sadawi Solar PV IPP – NTP Round 5
Protos InBECCs Project (HyNet)
Texas LNG Export Terminal
Operator: REPDO Value: US$2bn The RfQ for the NTP Round 5 projects has been released with the deadline for bidders to respond being 5 December 2023. The largest of the projects announced is the Al Sadawi solar PV plant which will have a proposed capacity of 2GW.
Operator: Evero Value: US$100m Evero is partnering with MHI to deliver the project. This means the carbon capture plant will utilise MHI’s amine solvent technology – the Advanced KM CDR Process. The project is now aimed to become operational in 2029.
Operator: Texas LNG Value: US$1.3bn Texas LNG has selected Baker Hughes to supply gas compression technology equipment, including electric motor drives, for the project. The developer expects to close the project’s financing in 2024, when construction is expected to begin.
AssetMap
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SupplyMap EICSupplyMap maps the capabilities of supply chain companies that operate in the wider energy industry.
These industries cover renewables, upstream, midstream, downstream, power, nuclear, energy storage and the potential and proven capabilities in carbon capture and hydrogen. After successfully mapping the UK market, EICSupplyMap now covers the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Texas/US and Brazil. • Identify the supply chain local to your region, giving you the opportunity to engage with potential new clients. • Find the supply chain capability in five regions, now covering the UK, UAE, Malaysia, Texas/US and Brazil. • An in-depth look at profiles of more than 6,000 energy sector supply chain companies. • Make smarter decisions by targeting your offering to international developers/operators and contractors matching your capability with international energy projects.
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Member’s news
www.proserv.com
Proserv technology helps accelerate Woodside’s Shenzi North first oil Proserv’s sister company Gilmore, the Houston based flow control solutions specialist, supplied high reliability quick exhaust valves to its HIPPS technology innovation alongside Trendsetter.
Global controls technology company Proserv and Trendsetter Engineering, a provider of specialised subsea solutions for the oil and gas sector, have engaged their respective expertise to successfully deliver their unique high integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) to accelerate initial production at Woodside Energy’s Shenzi extension months ahead of targeted first oil in Q1 2024.
More widely, Proserv’s relationship with the Shenzi field first commenced several years ago as part of the ongoing subsea upgrade work with its augmented controls technology, widely known as ACT, being engaged through numerous key phases to help drive production efficiencies. Davis Larssen, Proserv’s CEO, said:
Proserv and Trendsetter first penned a Memorandum of Understanding in late 2021 which has seen the former combine its cutting-edge energy production control systems and related services, alongside Trendsetter’s state-of-the-art pressure protection systems, connection systems and manifolds, to engineer their BSEE approved offering.
The HIPPS innovation has been designed to adapt to greenfield, brownfield and infrastructure-led exploration, entirely able to co-exist with already installed networks. By delivering the required protection safeguards to prevent the need for time-intensive and cost prohibitive new high pressure rated infrastructure to be installed to tie in a new well, the HIPPS technology can be integrated as a ‘plug and play’ concept. Woodside’s Shenzi North expansion project saw a final investment decision taken in July 2021, with first oil achieved from this deepwater asset only 26 months later. Start-up was achieved five months ahead of the original target of Q1 2024.
© 2024 Proserv UK Ltd
Their technology brings together Trendsetter’s HIPPS module and Proserv’s field proven HIPPS subsea controls into a SIL 3 rated solution, enabling an operator to tie a new high pressure well, safely and flexibly, into existing lower pressure infrastructure, effectively addressing varying pressure regimes by supplying a high reliability, localised safety system that will shut in automatically in the event of a pressure spike.
This is a landmark moment in our tie-up with Trendsetter as we seek to deliver best-in-class quality and advantage for customers. It has been hugely satisfying to work with Woodside and to play our part in its successful, and swift, journey to first production. Our HIPPS technology offers a highly reliable means of maximising and unlocking assets in deep waters, while taking advantage of the many gains and efficiencies from using existing infrastructure.
Proserv and Trendsetter’s HIPPS technology
Get in touch Any ShareEIC your news and views... members who wish to be profiled in this section please contact Léliam de Castro... Email newsdesk@the-eic.com Phone +44 (0)20 7091 8600 leliam.castro@the-eic.com
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Spotlight on technology Halliburton
www.halliburton.com
© Halliburton 2024
SURETHERM™ THERMAL CLEANING SERVICE GENERATES HEAT WHERE IT IS NEEDED IN THE PIPELINE
When paraffin wax builds up in oil and condensate pipelines, operators have several options to remove the blockage. One of the options to clear the blockage is using solventbased paraffin treatments which are typically most effective when applied at elevated temperatures. In low temperature environments like subsea, however, the ability of solvents to remove significant quantities of paraffin is reduced. As a result, operators typically experience large-volume solvent treatments, long treatment times and ultimately high costs associated with solvent handling, disposal, transportation and injection methods. To help address this challenge, Halliburton has developed the SureTherm™ thermal cleaning service which offers targeted heat placement treatment. SureTherm™ is a time-delayed exothermic process that enables precise control over the reaction time so that heat is generated when and where it will be most effective. Recently, this technology has undergone extensive development to achieve better temperature top-out control to ensure the maximum operating temperature of the pipeline is not exceeded. In addition, a new formulation allows for a low-temperature activation treatment to be successfully deployed at subsea temperatures as low as 4°C. The service treatment’s post-reaction products are sodium chloride, water, heat and nitrogen gas. When compared to traditional paraffin solvents and dispersants, the reactant and the resulting products associated with the treatment pose a lower risk to personnel and the environment.
As heat is released, the temperature of the production medium and pipe-wall are elevated and the paraffin gradually starts to melt and dissolve. In most cases, the service can be delivered while the pipeline is in operation with minimal disruption to normal production. The thermal treatment service can be applied in conjunction with a paraffin solvent such as Halliburton’s SureDsolv™ organic removal chemicals. This combination ensures the most appropriate solvent is being applied at elevated temperatures, resulting in the delivery of a customised and effective solution for removing undesired paraffin in a fully controlled manner. Knowledge of the deposit’s distribution profile along the pipeline as well as how severely the diameter is reduced, is critical to the treatment design. Survey methods, such as InnerVue™ non-intrusive diagnostics, are the first step towards a successful remediation plan. Non-intrusive diagnostics excel in low-risk, fast and accurate measurements of debris profiles. The survey information is critical to determine the amount of chemicals, method of accurate placement and potential mechanical interventions that could be needed. Comparative surveys provide invaluable insight into the efficacy of the treatment during cleaning operations and post-treatment success validation. To improve the integrity and performance of your midstream assets, a carefully deployed combination of diagnostic and chemical solutions is the key to executing a successful remediation campaign.
Get in touch Any EIC members who wish to be profiled in this section please contact Léliam de Castro... Email leliam.castro@the-eic.com
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New EIC members NEW PRIMARY MEMBER
NEW PRIMARY MEMBER
NEW PRIMARY MEMBER
Informa Markets Malaysia
Jamieson Management (Scotland) Ltd
Marine Creation Sdn Bhd
Suite 5-01, Level 5 Sunway Visio Tower, Lingkaran SV Sunway Velocity, 55100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Suite 17 20 Davidson Drive Morrich House Invergordon IV18 0LG
Suite 7-02, Level 7 Menara Centara 360 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman 50100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Contact Derrick Yeow, Senior Event Manager
Contact Campbell Jamieson, Director
Contact Hazrina Binti Johari, General Manager
Telephone +603 9771 2688
Telephone +44 (0)1349 852 609
Telephone +603 9212 7354
Email derrick.yeow@informa.com
Email campbell@jmsl.info
Web www.informamarkets.com
Web https://jamiesonmanagement.co.uk/
Email hazrina@marinecreation.com.my
Informa Markets creates platforms to connect buyers and sellers, supporting businesses and trade in over a dozen specialist markets, enabling businesses to trade, innovate and grow.
Jamieson Management provides quality driven management solutions to various industry sectors.
The company’s portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, construction and real estate, fashion and apparel, hospitality, food and beverage, and health and nutrition, among others. Informa Markets Malaysia is based in Kuala Lumpur and is responsible for organising and managing trade exhibitions, conferences and events in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
The company is an ISO:9001 accredited, long-established (2003) services provider, supporting clients to deliver major projects successfully for over 20 years. Its senior management team has a combined 95+ years experience operating in the onshore/offshore energy industry. Jamieson Management offers an extended range of services which include project services, fabrication/ construction management consultancy, skilled manpower and more. It covers various industry sectors such as traditional oil and gas, renewables, nuclear and the wider energy sector, having supported clients from the UK, to Europe and West Africa.
Web www.marinecreation.com.my Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, MCSB is registered with the Ministry of Finance, Petronas, Shell, TNB, Sime Darby and Felda. MCSB specialises in two core businesses: Chemical Tankers and Offshore Support Vessels. MCSB engages in transportation of chemical cargoes, clean petroleum products, vegetable oils and dry bulk cargoes such as coal, urea and many others. Offshore, MCSB owns and operates offshore support vessels for major oil companies such as Petronas and Exxon in Malaysia waters. Furthermore, MCSB is the Manager for Consortium of Owners, operating a pool of product and chemical tankers servicing South East Asia, China, Korea and Japan as well as domestically in Malaysia. Being an ambitious, competitive and healthy company, MCSB also ventures into harbour tugs, ship chartering and broking, sale and purchase and cargo trading. MCSB is a wholly-owned Bumiputera company with almost a decade of experience in providing the above services in the chemical and oil and gas industries. Professional staff are well trained to achieve the highest standards required by clients.
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New EIC members
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Priner Serviços Industriais SA
TUBACEX
Vortexen Dynamics Industrial Solutions – Sole Proprietorship LLC
Avenida Geremário Dantas 1400, 2º piso, Freguesia Rio de Janeiro Brazil Contact Danilo Peluso de Oliveira Costa, Commercial Manager Telephone +55 21 3544 3129
Tres Cruces 8 PO Box 22 Llodio, Araba Spain
202 Tesco Corporate Tower Electra Street Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Contact Julio Alonso, Marketing Manager
Contact Saifuddin Aboobacker, Chairman
Telephone +34 946 719 300
Email danilo.costa@priner.com.br
Email jalonso@tubacex.es
Web www.priner.com.br
Web www.tubacex.com
The Priner Group operates through the companies Priner Serviços Industriais, Priner Locação de Equipamentos, Smartcoat Serviços em Revestimentos, R&R Isolafácil, Poliend, Brito & Kerche, Tresca, Labteste, Semar, Construtora Gmaia and Soegeo, in the areas of petrochemical, pulp and paper, steel, offshore, naval, mining and infrastructure.
TUBACEX is a multinational leader in the supply of tubular seamless stainless steel, high-nickel alloy and nickel superalloy tubular products.
The Priner Group specialises in access, industrial painting and surface treatment, thermal insulation and PFP, pressurised cabin – habitat, integrity engineering and inspection, and structural recovery. The company seeks innovative solutions that offer practicality, combining productivity and environmental conservation.
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Telephone +9712 491 9050 Email office@vortexen.com Web www.vortexen.com
The company has its own industrial facilities in Spain, Austria, the US, Italy, India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Norway and UAE, a global distribution network (TSS) as well as sales offices located around the world. The main demand segments for the tubes manufactured by TUBACEX are the oil and gas, powergen and petrochemical industries, among other industries.
Vortexen Dynamics Industrial Solutions is a pioneering firm dedicated to revolutionising industrial operations through innovative solutions. With a commitment to excellence, it specialises in providing cuttingedge industrial services tailored to enhance productivity, efficiency and safety across various sectors. Vortexen Dynamics’ expertise encompasses a wide spectrum, from engineering and technology solutions to streamlined operational strategies. The company aims to be the catalyst for transformative change in the industrial landscape, ensuring clients achieve unparalleled success in their operations.
@TheEICEnergy
EIC (Energy Industries Council)
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© 2024 Resonates
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Member news AAL wins Ship Operator of the Year for second year
ABB applies electrical expertise at major green hydrogen site
AAL transported 2.6m tonnes of cargo for more than 400 customers in 2022, carried on over 140 voyages to 819 ports.
ABB has been contracted by Danish company H2 Energy Esbjerg ApS to provide basic electrical engineering for the power distribution from a grid point of connection to electrolysers, and for other process equipment at its 1GW hydrogen production facility in Esbjerg and hydrogen distribution hub in Fredericia, Denmark.
The judges highlighted AAL for its unique parcelling of diverse MPP cargoes, engineering complex solutions for more than 30 shippers simultaneously to transport over 50 cargoes on a single sailing.
To have been recognised for the second consecutive year speaks of the commitment and ingenuity of our teams globally. Kyriacos Panayides, CEO, AAL Shipping
The last 12 months have also seen the steel cutting of the first of AAL’s fleet of six 32,000 dwt dual-fuelready newbuild vessels, which break new ground in MPV ship design to optimise cargo intake and security.
The plant, among the largest hydrogen developments in Europe, will produce up to 90,000 tons of hydrogen per year – the equivalent of about 1.9m barrels of oil per year. With this project, booked in Q3 2023, ABB will build on its expertise in the Powerto-X sector (PtX) for the development of green hydrogen, which already includes collaborations in Sweden, Norway and elsewhere in Denmark. The PtX facility in Esbjerg, scheduled to start operating by 2027, will convert renewable electricity from offshore wind into green hydrogen to support the decarbonisation of heavy industry and road transportation. © 2024 AAL
The achievement marks the second year in a row that the project heavy lift carrier has taken home the Ship Operator of the Year award, and its third win in the same category since the inaugural HLPFI Awards in 2019.
The Super B Class, the first of which will be in the water by June 2024, will feature AAL’s revolutionary extendable stowage system, the ECO-DECK, capable of accommodating an additional 720 sq m of cargo on each sailing. AAL is further driving sustainability through its leading role in an ongoing green fuel study with the European Union, which aims to develop a method to store and transport high volumes of ammonia as fuel onboard ships.
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For more information: https://aalshipping.com/
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AAL Shipping A-Class vessel
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The hydrogen may also be used for the production of green e-fuels like methanol and ammonia. The project by H2 Energy Esbjerg ApS is expected to create up to 60 permanent jobs and supply enough green hydrogen to meet the annual fuel consumption demands of more than 10,000 trucks, around half of all trucks in Denmark, and for heavy industry. The International Energy Agency’s Global Hydrogen Review said the pipeline of projects for the production of low-emission hydrogen is growing at an impressive speed and it could reach up to 24Mt per year by 2030, if all projects are realised.
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For more information: www.abb.com
AIS wins significant subsea production system contract In July last year, AIS was awarded a significant subsea production system contract for the insulation of 47-off Christmas Trees as part of a development in the Norwegian North Sea. This was quickly followed in September by an award for the insulation of eight off-flow control modules. In addition to this, up to 35 structures were also expected in FY2023. Despite the field location, the work will be executed in Curitiba, Brazil, using ContraTherm® C25 and supported by the company’s local team. The success of this contract is due to several key factors: • A strong commercial relationship with the customer, both locally in Brazil and globally. • Significant support in insulation design from the AIS CAD/ engineering team. • The excellent performance of the Brazil operations team in Curitiba.
AIS is delighted to receive this important award, built on a long-standing relationship with the customer and our extensive track record in delivering for them to the highest quality. Vicky James, Head of Subsea Sales, AIS
This contract continues to solidify AIS’s relationship with this customer. Work will be completed throughout several campaigns and will run from February 2024 to early 2026. ContraTherm® C25 is AIS’s flexible subsea insulation solution. If you have a flow assurance requirement for complex subsea equipment such as jumpers, tie-in spools, risers, goosenecks, PLETs, PLEMs, XTs and manifold structures, contact the expert team at AIS today.
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For more information: www.aisltd.com
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Amarinth delivers first order to Siemens Energy of API 610 OH5 vertical in-line pumps
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© Copyright Amarinth 2003-2024
Member news
Amarinth, a world-leading, net zero designer and manufacturer of low lifecycle cost centrifugal pumps and associated equipment, primarily for the offshore and onshore oil and gas industries, nuclear and renewable energy generation, defence, desalination, process and industrial markets, has delivered its first pump order to Siemens Energy of four API 610 OH5 vertical in-line pumps to be used by YPF at the Luján de Cuyo refinery, Mendoza, Argentina. Siemens Energy required four API 610 12th edition OH5 vertical in-line pumps on an extremely tight deadline of 28 working weeks to meet its project schedule with YPF, Argentina. YPF is the main oil and natural gas producer in Argentina and the cooling water pumps will be installed in the Luján de Cuyo crude oil refinery, which is currently undergoing expansion and modernisation. Although Siemens Energy had not worked with Amarinth previously, based on Amarinth’s global reputation for delivering high-quality API 610 pumps on short lead times, Siemens Energy selected Amarinth for this challenging order. Amarinth designed and manufactured the four pumps and carried out a full suite of hydrodynamic performance and mechanical witness testing before finally air-freighting the pumps to successfully meet the deadline. In addition to the four pumps, Amarinth also manufactured a comprehensive operating spares package, including impellers, shafts, seals, wear rings and gaskets to accompany the pumps to Argentina. Amarinth is a carbon net zero organisation delivering world-leading expertise in the design, application and manufacture of centrifugal pumps and associated equipment for critical applications in many of the most hostile environments around the globe.
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Amarinth API 610 OH5 vertical in-line pump undergoing testing
Founded in 2002, Amarinth has harnessed the skills, creativity and passion of people who have worked in the pump industry for decades, delivering bespoke API and ISO pumps primarily to the offshore and onshore oil and gas industries, nuclear and renewable energy generation, defence, desalination, process and industrial markets.
We are delighted to have successfully completed our first order from Siemens Energy for this important YPF project in Argentina, underlining once again our ability to produce pumps on short lead times for projects anywhere in the world. Oliver Brigginshaw, Managing Director, Amarinth
The company’s innovative approach, business agility and use of sophisticated computer applications enables it to deliver robust, reliable and sustainable pumping solutions on the shortest lead times in the industry.
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For more information: www.amarinth.com
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Costain upgrades cooling towers ahead of schedule Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has successfully completed packing upgrades on the cooling towers at Uniper’s Connah’s Quay power station, in Flintshire, North Wales. Connah’s Quay power station’s cooling towers are constructed in concrete cubes which made the upgrade a particular challenge; it involved works on ten cell units, making the largest volume of cells repacked in a single site visit. The particularly complex work was delivered ahead of schedule by Costain’s Industrial Cooling team; the project’s complexity was heightened by the need to replace a total of ten individual cooling cells within 33 days.
The complexity of this project meant that there are only very few companies equipped to undertake it; I am very pleased that Costain was able to work diligently and safely and deliver ahead of schedule. Laura Hughes, Energy Sector Director, Costain
Costain, in collaboration with its client Uniper, dedicated extensive time and effort to meticulous planning and organising of the works. Its dedication and expertise led to the successful execution of the onsite project, which was completed ahead of schedule. Costain’s scope of work involved the total removal of heavily contaminated PVC packing material from the cooling towers. To ensure the safety of personnel involved in the removal of PVC waste, Costain implemented an innovative approach – using remote control bobcat diggers in areas where there was a potential collapse of structural supports, reducing or eliminating safety risks to personnel.
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Hitachi Energy acquires eks Energy Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has acquired a controlling stake of eks Energy, a leading supplier of power electronics and energy management solutions for storage and renewables integration, based in Seville, Spain, from Powin LLC (Powin), a global energy storage system provider. The investment also marks the establishment of a strategic partnership with Powin, who maintain a significant ownership stake in eks Energy. As the world transitions to more renewable energy sources, the global demand for battery energy storage systems (BESS) continues to surge and is expected to grow more than 20% per year through to 2030. By combining eks Energy’s power electronics and advanced control capabilities with its own highly complementary automation, software and system integration offerings, Hitachi Energy fortifies its position as a leading-edge technology provider to the renewables and BESS market. With this strategic partnership, Hitachi Energy and Powin aim to apply the strength of the two firms to develop power conversion products specifically designed for the next generation of energy storage systems. The addition of eks Energy to the Hitachi Energy portfolio demonstrates accelerated traction on the company’s 2030 strategic growth plan. Hitachi Energy is continuously strengthening its power grids core business while advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure. This acquisition increases Hitachi Energy’s core capabilities at the edge of the grid including digital, power electronics and services, towards the larger goal of advancing a sustainable energy future for all.
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For more information: www.hitachienergy.com
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© Hitachi Energy Ltd
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With this significant addition to our portfolio, Hitachi Energy is ready to address the demands of the fast-growing global BESS market with speed and scale. Massimo Danieli, Managing Director, Grid Automation Business Unit, Hitachi Energy
Kent awarded PMC contract by RAKGAS for new gas pipeline Signed at ADIPEC and as a part of its strategic development for a new gas pipeline, RAKGAS has appointed Kent as the project management consultant (PMC) for a new pipeline in the Northern Emirates. The pipeline will stretch from the Taweelah Fujairah pipeline to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), with a connection to the Sajaa gas storage facility in Sharjah. Kent will be responsible for co-ordinating efforts between RAKGAS and the front end engineering and design (FEED) study contractor, ensuring that the project’s progression remains on target and aligned with its planned objectives. This new partnership highlights Kent’s and RAKGAS’s proactive approach to addressing the region’s energy needs, re-affirming its commitment to sustainable energy solutions for the future.
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Kongsberg Digital introduces Vessel Performance Merchant application
Kongsberg Digital is launching the Vessel Performance Merchant application. This application is specially tailored for long, globalspanning merchant voyages in the maritime merchant segment.
To meet a merchant fleet’s need for optimised voyage decision-making, Kongsberg Digital has just launched Vessel Performance Merchant. The application is a tailored application designed for the merchant fleet to enhance fuel efficiency and optimise the overall performance of both the vessel and its crew. By collecting and contextualising data from the vessel’s onboard sensors, automation systems and manually reported data through the vesselto-cloud cloud infrastructure Vessel Insight, the Vessel Performance application has been providing shipowners and crew members with valuable insights and analytics since its launch in 2020.
Kent is a privately-owned international integrated energy services partner backed by Bluewater. Founded in 1919 as a small family business in Ireland, Kent is now a 13,000-strong client-centric global business. It delivers sustainable and innovative and digital engineering services and project delivery solutions for the oil and gas, industrial, renewables and low carbon industries.
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To address the differences in operations and underlying decisionmaking for the two segments,
© 2024 Kongsberg Digital
For more information: https://kentplc.com/
Offshore and merchant segments have distinct differences in terms of operational profiles and optimisation requirements. As offshore vessels operate on shorter, dynamic voyages and often need to be at a standstill in a single position over time – also known as dynamic positioning – merchant vessels undertake long and stable voyages. Also, a key difference is the planning phase of the voyage; where offshore operations objectives can change within a very short period of time, merchant voyages are normally planned several weeks ahead.
The application will provide merchant vessel’s operators with customisable dashboards that seamlessly integrate with other specialised performance and analytics tools, such as CII and Maritime Digital Twin Trim Optimization, as well as the Application Work Surface. Through this, Vessel Performance Merchant enables crew members and onshore management to make wellinformed decisions regarding energy drivers, conduct voyage comparisons and optimise fuel consumption.
The offshore segment supports the offshore oil and gas industry with vessels that go out to platforms and perform specific, advanced operations. These different operational profiles drive different needs, again creating different requirements for performance applications. Sigrid Johansen, Product Manager, Kongsberg Digital
Vessel Performance Merchant will be built on the same interface and functionality as the original Vessel Performance application. The application will be available through the marketplace.
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For more information: www.kongsbergdigital.com
Kongsberg Digital recognises these requirements and is therefore addressing them by launching the Vessel Performance Merchant application. Sigrid Johansen, Product Manager, Kongsberg Digital
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Member news
Proserv and SMS launch joint sampling service centre in Malaysia
© 2024 Proserv UK Ltd
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Global controls technology company Proserv and Aberdeen based sand and erosion monitoring, analytics and management experts SMS have announced the rollout of a new Sampling Service Centre, strategically located at SMS’s facility in Kemaman Supply Base (KSB), Terengganu, Malaysia. The collaboration between Proserv, a leader in sampling and injection equipment for the energy sector, and SMS, with its cutting-edge sand monitoring technologies, accelerates the optimisation of production performance and brings greater operational efficiencies. With the launch of the Sampling Service Centre in KSB, Malaysian clients can now access and procure Proserv’s solutions locally, bringing substantial time savings and significantly alleviating logistical complexities and costs typically associated with sourcing such essential sampling equipment from overseas. As the authorised representative of Proserv in Malaysia, SMS also stands as the exclusive, trusted party for servicing and maintaining Proserv’s sampling fleet with its extensive range of rental equipment including sampling cylinders, mini separators and sand injection calibration packages. The joint service centre supports various areas of expertise including production chemistry, flow assurance, metering, reservoir and subsea operations. This wide-ranging, joinedup approach delivers specialised and integrated solutions to address requirements at every stage of the production process. The joint Sampling Service Centre, with its broad servicing and rental possibilities, leads on from the successful template in operation at Proserv’s main Sampling Centre of Excellence in Aberdeen and at its global sites in the US, Norway, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Get in touch Share your news and views...
Sean Andersson, General Manager, Proserv (left) and Andrew Kinsler, Operations Director, SMS
Sean Andersson and Andrew Kinsler said that the new Proserv and SMS Sampling Service Centre in KSB not only maximises growing synergies between the two parties in the Malaysian segment but also builds closer ties as they look towards the global market.
At Proserv, one of our core values is delivering, and prioritising, excellent service and with this new sampling centre in Malaysia, additionally harnessing SMS’s specific expertise and sand monitoring technologies, that is exactly what we are jointly providing. Sean Andersson, General Manager, Proserv
Proserv is an Aberdeen headquartered controls technology company, providing solutions to clients across the energy sector to optimise performance, improve efficiencies and extend the operational life of critical infrastructure. Proserv operates worldwide and has 13 sites located in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
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For more information: www.proserv.com
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Safety seal manufacturer Roxtec grows team Leading cable and pipe seal manufacturer Roxtec UK is ramping up its growth plans with the appointment of Nigel Pinhorne to its infrastructure and industry team. Nigel joins Greater Manchester headquartered Roxtec as market manager for ports, airports and heavy vehicles having previously worked for Sheffield Insulation Group. He said he aims to use knowledge acquired by the wider Roxtec global group to help generate business within the UK’s airports and ports. Nigel said immediate targets include working on maintenance projects and ongoing work, with an eye to winning new major infrastructure work. Nigel, whose role also includes oversight of Roxtec’s work with heavy vehicle suppliers, including military vehicles, will be part of a small team within the wider infrastructure group at Roxtec. He is delighted to team up with former colleagues, with whom he has a track record of success. While the expansion into ports and airports is new, Roxtec UK is already firmly established in the UK.
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The Swedish-owned company’s cable and pipe seals are found widely in a range of infrastructure and manufacturing industries, including civil construction, rolling stock, datacentres, water management, robotics and more. Its cable and pipe seals are used to protect people and assets from multiple hazards including fire, flooding, the risk of explosion and electromagnetic disturbances. Key benefits include durability, reliability and flexibility. Meanwhile, Roxtec cable entry seals are ideal for field-based terminal boxes, electric heat trace cabinets, remote I/O cabinets, DCS/PLC cabinets and other high cable density applications in harsh environments. Roxtec entered the marketplace in 1990 and is now active in more than 80 markets worldwide. The British subsidiary of the £198m Swedish group has a turnover of more than £6m and a team of 24 based at its Waterfold Business Park head office in Bury, Greater Manchester.
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The load out of the two offshore transformer modules (OTM®) marks the completion of the latest Ocean Winds contract for the Smulders yard on the Tyne at Wallsend. The OTMs have been delivered under a consortium of Siemens Energy and Iemants. Iemants is a subsidiary of Smulders, alongside Smulders Projects UK. Both OTMs have been fabricated at the yard with Siemens Energy managing the fit out of its equipment onto the OTMs from its Manchester base. The load out onto transport barges has been safely completed and one barge has departed for Scotland and the installation site at the Moray West offshore wind farm. The second OTM is alongside the quay ready to be transported north, pictured below. The successful delivery of the Moray West OTMs marks the second major offshore wind farm where Ocean Winds has successfully worked with Siemens Energy and Smulders to support UK content, following earlier contracts for the 950MW Moray East project.
Those contracts included foundations fabrication work by Smulders at the Smulders Projects UK Wallsend yard and the delivery of the onshore substation by Siemens Energy.
The long-term collaboration with Siemens Energy has created proven products and is expected to continue in the future. I am very proud to be part of a team of passionate and skilled local craftsmen that have made this project a success. Marinus van de Lagemaat, Senior Project Manager, Smulders
Moray West is part of the 6GW portfolio being developed by Ocean Winds, a 50/50 joint venture owned by EDPR and ENGIE, dedicated to offshore wind. Located in the Moray Firth in the north east of Scotland, the nearly 900MW offshore wind farm is currently under construction and set to begin generating power from 2024.
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For more information: www.smulders.com
Copyright 2024 Smulders Group
For more information: www.roxtec.co.uk
Smulders Projects UK: load out completed of offshore transmission topsides
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Capturing and storing carbon is essential to helping these industries on the path to net zero, enabling them to remain productive and supporting the thousands of jobs reliant on these sectors.
© Spirit Energy Limited 2024
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Neil McCulloch, CEO, Spirit Energy
Sonardyne appoints Aquatic Sensors as resellers in expanding US market
Spirit Energy signs MoU to explore carbon storage solution
Sonardyne has announced the appointment of Aquatic Sensors as resellers as part of its growth in the US marine technology market.
The Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ) cluster, a planned carbon dioxide storage facility off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore storage opportunities for carbon dioxide (CO2) captured by the Peak Cluster. Together, MNZ and Peak Cluster will accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero.
Having worked with Sonardyne sister company Chelsea Technologies for over 20 years, Aquatic Sensors brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience of the environmental water monitoring community across the US and Canada. Its initial focus will be on the Origin 600 and providing the latest intelligent ADCP technology to the North American market. Sonardyne is recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of underwater acoustic positioning, inertial navigation, wireless communications and sonar technologies and services for the offshore energy, defence and science sectors.
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Peak Cluster is a collaboration, decarbonising the heart of the UK’s cement and lime industry. Located in Derbyshire and Staffordshire along with neighbouring industries in Cheshire, Peak Cluster is made up of four of the UK’s leading cement and lime producers – Tarmac, Breedon, Lhoist and Aggregate Industries, alongside the Lostock sustainable energy plant in Cheshire, working together with Progressive Energy, a low carbon energy project developer. Spirit Energy, the company leading the consortium to deliver the MNZ Cluster, will transform the depleted North and South Morecambe gas fields into a world-leading carbon storage facility.
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This facility has the potential to be one of the biggest in Europe, and thanks to its natural geological capacity, the fields have the potential to store up to one gigatonne (one billion tonnes) of CO2 in its lifetime. The plants within Peak Cluster are responsible for 40% of cement and lime production in the UK, employing well over 1000 people but emit more than 3m tonnes of CO2 per year. Through the MoU, MNZ and Peak Cluster will explore together how these organisations could access the MNZ Cluster’s permanent and safe storage solution. Connecting Peak Cluster to the MNZ Cluster via pipeline will help vital industries continue operating within the UK, retaining jobs in their local communities and supporting them on the pathway to net zero. The MNZ Cluster also has the potential to create thousands of new and innovative green jobs in the north west of England, in addition to supporting existing jobs in carbon-intensive industries as they decarbonise.
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For more information: www.spirit-energy.com
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Worley awarded FEED contract for hydrogen project Statera Energy has awarded a front end engineering and design (FEED) contract for the first phase of its ground-breaking 3GW Kintore hydrogen project in Aberdeenshire, Scotland to Worley, the professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts. Worley’s work will be led from its Aberdeen office. Once operational it will be the largest green hydrogen project in Europe, securing Aberdeenshire’s position at the heart of the innovative green hydrogen economy while providing flexible capacity and energy security to the wider UK. Kintore Hydrogen was a successful applicant in the UK Government’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF) Strand 1 competition in March 2023, receiving funding for the FEED, planning and consenting work for the initial 500MW phase.
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AEG Power Solutions introduces IGBT industrial UPS system Protect 8 PLUS
AEG Power Solutions (AEG PS), global provider of power systems and solutions for all types of critical and sustainable applications, has introduced a new range of We want to use every opportunity connect uninterruptible to power supply with (UPS) our members, so pleasesystems, followwhich us onfeature Twitter a full IGBT (@TheEICEnergy) and connect with on LinkedIn – architecture and us industrial-grade build to provide a safe power backup EIC (Energy Industries quality Council) to protect refining and petrochemical Below you’ll find a selection of some of the exciting industries, transportation EIC activities and useful industry information we’ve infrastructures, manufacturing and shared through our social media other criticalchannels. businesses against all power disturbances. Protect 8 PLUS supports a standard
The EIC three-phase input and is available as @TheEICEnergy single-phase or three-phase output
Join EIC’s VP & Regional Director, from 10 to 40 kVA, with 216 Vdc or Amanda Duhon at Americas Energy Summit & 384 Vdc battery voltage. By the end of Exhibition 2024. https://x.com/TheEICEnergy/ s t at u s / 1 7 2 7 6 2 8 2 0 6 8the 2 6 5year, 1 6 9it1will 2 ? salso = 2 0support 60 to 120 kVA in both configurations. Thanks to its IGBT rectifier, the system offers a high input power The EIC factor of up to 0,99 and very low @TheEICEnergy harmonic current rejection on the Industry News: ECITB’s new Labour input side (THDi) which makes it a Forecasting Tool predicts 40,000 extra workers perfect fit in situations needed by 2028. Visit https://www.the-eic. where the UPS is supplied by a generator set or to com/MediaCentre/Detail?articleId=1536 avoid harmonic perturbations of loads connected to the upstream busbar. This results in substantial savings on the sizing of the upstream network. CONNECT EIC (Energy Industries Council) KSA The bi-directional rectifier also enables Join us and explore boundless severalthe battery capacity tests feeding opportunities in the thrivingback energy sector at EIC into the grid without using the Connect KSA. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ bypass line, requiring additional load update/urn:li:activity:7140611734741975040/ banks or affecting the load. 27 February 2024 • Dammam
The project aims to harness surplus electricity generated by Scotland’s offshore wind resources to produce green hydrogen. This will play a critical role in decarbonising power generation facilities and carbon intensive industrial clusters across the country.
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With the Protect 8 PLUS, AEG Power Solutions brings a new pre-charge system (patent filed) to the market, generates a very low inrush current of below two times the nominal current to optimise the upstream protection. Protect 8 PLUS offers best in class performance with the built-in static bypass switch, offering a short-circuit capability of up to 1000% for 50ms, which is important for petroleum applications. On the inverter side it provides outstanding output short-
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January – February 2024
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2024
ENERGY EXPORTS CONFERENCE
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Energy Exports Conference 2024 P&J Live, Aberdeen | 11th - 12th June 2024
Attend Energy Exports Conference 2024, the #1 event to identify global energy opportunities and meet key decision makers
energy project opportunities around the world, EEC provides companies access to hundreds of contacts and to learn about multiple new export opportunities. Listen, engage and connect with international operators, developers, contractors, government and export advisors, ambassadors and trade experts from across the globe.
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UK and Europe news UK events update Let me take this opportunity to wish all of our members a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year. As we look ahead, 2024 will be an exciting and busy year for the EIC UK events team. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in the UK events team: Nicola McGeown, Caitlin Henderson, Rachel Cottiss and Hannah Watson who supported and worked extremely hard to deliver another packed year of webinars, physical and hybrid events. Together last year we also hosted two of our larger scale events in London: the North Sea Decarbonisation Conference and the National Awards Dinner, which attracted over 650 attendees.
Going into 2024 we hope to provide even more events for our members, Jo Cam bring the most up pbell to date business and sector news, host networking opportunities and allow a platform that members can promote their brand and stay connected and updated with the latest industry news.
We are kicking off 2024 by hosting The Future of Power Generation in the UK on Thursday 1 February in London. The UK’s future energy system needs to be made up of a diverse range of low-carbon and renewable energy technologies, all coming together to meet our targets. Join us as we take a look at the challenges, opportunities and future plans for power generation here in the UK. Overall, in 2023 the UK and Europe events team have hosted 24 events, multiple third-party event management services under EIC’s Event Solutions brand, a National Awards Dinner, supported the Energy Exports Conference and to date have attracted over 1,900 attendees.
There will also be a new year networking reception taking place after the sessions to continue the discussions with other EIC members and energy professionals.
TUESDAY 11 JUNE WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE
P&J LIVE ABERDEEN
2024
ENERGY EXPORTS CONFERENCE
Going into the new year the UK team has had a few internal changes. I (Jo Campbell) have transitioned to the Global Events and Campaigns team. This newly formed department will be responsible for EIC’s flagship event the Energy Exports Conference (EEC), EIC’s campaigns, standardisation processes and global large-scale conferences and exhibitions. We are also excited to announce that Kim Stephen joined us on 18 December as the newly appointed regional director for the UK. Kim has a wealth of experience and we are delighted to have her lead the UK team. Welcome Kim!
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We look forward to seeing more of our EIC members face to face this year. Jo Campbell Director Global Events and Campaigns jo.campbell@the-eic.com
Forthcoming events 2024 The Future of Power Generation in the UK Thursday 1 February, London A Clean Energy Revolution in Teesside Thursday 22 February, Middlesbrough FC
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Middle East news Regional update On behalf of everyone here in the office, we extend warm wishes to you, your families and businesses for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2024. As we embark on this new Ryan M cPhers on year, we reflect on the positive momentum witnessed in project activity across the energy sector in the past year, and we are eager to build on these achievements in the year ahead. In 2023, we were thrilled to deliver over 40 impactful events, including three Connect events in Oman, Azerbaijan and the UAE, our prestigious black-tie Regional Awards hosted onboard the QE2, two golf days, enlightening Roundtables, insightful Contractor Briefings and even a meaningful beach clean-up. All of this unfolded against the backdrop of a record-breaking ADIPEC, where the UK pavilion continues to flourish. None of these successes would have been possible without your unwavering support, and for that, we express our heartfelt gratitude. We assure you of our commitment to achieving even greater milestones in the coming year. This year holds special significance for the team as our Middle East office celebrates its 20th anniversary. It remains a privilege to collaborate with such a talented group of individuals across the organisation. The team is already hard at work planning for EIC Connect events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), UAE and Kazakhstan with further details available on our website. Our quarterly GCC, CIS and Africa Market and Project Update webinars will also continue, providing you with a high level of market intelligence to help bolster your business. We will be amplifying these with several contractor briefings throughout the year in each region. In the wake of COP28, our Net Zero Jeopardy Report will be published this month, offering valuable industry insights into the challenges and successes in the net zero space. This unique report is essential reading for anyone in the energy sector.
Regional news
Abu Dhabi opens one of the world’s largest solar projects Abu Dhabi has inaugurated the 2GW Al Dhafra solar power plant, one of the world’s largest solar projects, as it moves ahead with plans to expand its renewable energy capacity and achieve its net zero targets. The project has been developed by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, better known as TAQA, in partnership with clean energy company Masdar, France’s EDF Renewables and China’s JinkoPower. It will power 200,000 homes and is expected to reduce Abu Dhabi’s CO2 emissions by more than 2.4m tonnes a year. The project, said to be the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, will raise Abu Dhabi’s solar power production capacity to 3.2GW.
Aramco discovers two natural gas fields in the Empty Quarter Saudi Aramco has discovered two substantial natural gas fields in the Empty Quarter, solidifying the Kingdoms’ status as a global energy powerhouse. The first, Al-Hiran, showcased promising results with the Al-Hiran-1 well exhibiting a remarkable gas flow rate of approximately 848,712 cubic metres per day and yielding about 26,971 barrels of condensates daily. The Al‘Arab-C reservoir in the same field added to its potential. The second field, Al-Mahakik, demonstrated a gas flow rate of around 24,036 cubic metres per day. Additionally, significant strides were made in enhancing natural gas reserves across five reservoirs in previously explored fields, underscoring Saudi Aramco’s commitment to expanding energy reserves and maintaining a key role in the global energy market.
Applications are now open for the eighth edition of our EIC Survive & Thrive Insight Report. Recognised as a critical tool to voice the energy sector globally, this opportunity is open for companies to share their experiences. Hopefully you are entering into the year as energised as we are, where we wish you all the best and look forward to supporting your organisation and hopefully seeing you at some of our events over the course of the year. Ryan McPherson Regional Director, Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS ryan.mcpherson@the-eic.com Get in touch Share your news and views...
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Asia Pacific news Regional update On 15 December EIC APAC hosted the 80th anniversary beach clean-up at Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. The event, which started Azman with a beach cleaning Nasir initiative, welcomed 30 participants from member companies and industry friends. It provided an opportunity for environmental stewardship and networking. Following the clean-up, attendees enjoyed a barbecue, fostering informal interactions and strengthening industry relationships. This event marked a significant milestone for EIC APAC, highlighting a commitment to both the environment and the community within the industry.
In addition, EIC APAC will initiate the Meet The Energy Players series in Singapore. This event will offer participants a chance to engage in stimulating discussions and exchange insights into the evolving Asian energy landscape. It will serve as an essential platform for energy professionals to expand their network and make a lasting impact in Singapore’s dynamic energy hub. In February 2024, get set for an adrenaline-packed EIC-Rev Energy Sports, to be hosted by EIC APAC. This event is all about friendly competition and team spirit. Participants can look forward to a day filled with thrilling challenges, team bonding and discovering hidden talents in a spirited atmosphere. From 6-9 February 2024, EIC APAC will be organising the India Energy Week (IEW). This event will coincide with an exclusive networking opportunity arranged by EIC APAC. It will serve as an ideal platform for rejuvenating professional relationships, exchanging innovative ideas and creating strategic partnerships that are vital for progress in the energy sector. Azman Nasir Head of Asia Pacific azman.nasir@the-eic.com Sign up for the EICOnline newsletter
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Pertamina Geothermal Energy plans to expand capacity with US$550m growth budget PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGEO) plans to invest US$550m in capital expenditure for 2024 to expand its geothermal capacity to 1GW in two years and possibly 1.2GW in five years. To support the growth, PGEO has intensified its fundraising activities, securing US$597m through an IPO in early 2023 and an additional US$400m from green bond issuance in mid-2023. Photo © 2003-2023 Shutterstock, Inc
On 16 January EIC APAC will host its flagship networking event, the EIC APAC Annual Breakfast, at the Parkroyal Hotel. This prestigious event is set to convene a distinguished gathering of senior executives and industry leaders. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in invigorating discussions over a refreshing spread of breakfast options, sharing their companies’ aspirations for the coming year. The event is scheduled to begin with a welcome address from the British High Commission, followed by insightful presentations from our co-hosts, the Malaysian Petrochemical Association and the Malaysian Gas Association. Khairun Suffia, the market intelligence manager (APAC), will provide a comprehensive market overview of the evolving energy landscape in the Asia Pacific region.
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Gentari and AM Green agree to collaborate on green hydrogen developments Gentari has partnered with AM Green BV to funnel investments into a green ammonia venture in India, under the banner of AM Green Ammonia Holding BV (AMG Ammonia). The ambition of AMG Ammonia is to harness 100% renewable energy for the generation of an impressive 5mtpa of green ammonia by 2030. This targeted production volume translates to nearly 1mtpa of green hydrogen, fulfilling a substantial 20% of India’s green hydrogen production objectives set for 2030. AMG Ammonia is establishing production units across multiple locations within India, with plans to commence the sale to international markets by 2025.
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North and Central America news Regional update The new year is here. Prior to reflecting on the last few months of 2023, the North and Central America region would like to take this opportunity to thank our community of EIC Amand a Duho n members, non-members, sponsors and speakers for attending, engaging and over all sharing valuable time with the EIC throughout 2023. We hope we may welcome new and familiar faces to the EIC in 2024. In October 2023 we continued hosting our 2023-2024 Market Update series with the second event in the threepart instalment – North and Central America Market Update: Oil & Gas. The 2023-2024 Market Update series is a virtual series, open to EIC members and non-members which will end in 2024 and covers topics presented by our team of analysts ranging from the Mexico Market to Renewables and Energy Transition. During our second event in the series, we had the pleasure of welcoming EIC’s very own Lucas Ramos, energy analyst, oil and gas, for a discussion covering major operators and contracts, project highlights and nearterm opportunities in the sector. To register onto the last event in the three-part series, North and Central America Market Update: Renewables and Energy Transition, please visit www.the-eic.com/EventDetail?dateid=3947 or email adriana.romo@the-eic.com During November our region also moved forward with our in-person 2023-2024 Business Briefing series and had the pleasure of working with EIC member Petrofac to deliver the North and Central America Business Briefing: Petrofac. Generously hosted at the Petrofac offices, this event welcomed both EIC members and non-members to an event including networking and valuable information around the decommissioning market and key messages to vendors such as the ongoing vendor performance management, vendor onboarding qualification, processes and ISNetworld expectations and transparent reporting and innovation. Our region would like to take this opportunity to thank the Petrofac team: lain Murray, Vice President, Americas; Natalia Lawson, Digital & Project Controls; Craig Grabein, Project Management Advisor and Kathy Mueller, Procurement Lead for their time, participation and facilities for this regional event. We look forward to working with Petrofac again in 2024.
Upcoming events EIC & Trees for Houston: The Oak Jubilee Planting event 2024 Wednesday 28 February 2024 EIC’s Women’s International Day: Women in Energy Thursday 7 March 2024 Market Update: Renewables and Energy Transition Thursday 14 March 2024
Regional news
US to launch new offshore wind auction in Gulf of Mexico The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced a new auction of four wind energy areas in the Gulf of Mexico, following the first auction organised in August 2023. The first GoM offshore wind lease brought a high bid of US$5.6m from RWE Offshore for the Lake Charles area, which has a capacity of approximately 1.24GW. For this next auction, three of the wind energy areas announced are located off the coast of Texas and one is located off the coast of Louisiana, together the four areas cover approximately 763,300 acres.
New York awards PPAs for 6.4GW of renewable projects The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded power purchase agreements (PPAs) for a total of 6.4GW on renewable energy projects, including three offshore wind and 22 land-based projects. The three offshore wind projects awarded include Attentive Energy One, developed by TotalEnergies, Rise Light & Power and Corio Generation; Community Offshore Wind, developed by RWE Offshore Renewables and National Grid Ventures; and Excelsior Wind, developed by Vineyard Offshore. The three projects will deliver approximately 4.032MW of energy when completed.
From everyone at the EIC North and Central America region, we wish all a prosperous and joyful 2024. Amanda Duhon VP & Regional Director, North & Central America amanda.duhon@the-eic.com Get in touch Share your news and views...
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South America news Regional update Happy new year to all from the EIC Rio office. 2024 is already providing many opportunities to visit the region. Looking ahead to this year’s projects, we have an agenda for you to plan Clariss e Roch a your visits on top of the regular breakfasts and workshops. Trade Delegation to Guyana, 18-22 March 2024 Join the EIC and AIA for a comprehensive business experience in Guyana. The programme includes organised meetings, briefings and networking with key local players in this emerging South American oil producer. Guyana’s expanding project portfolio offers opportunities in FPSOs, pipelines and gas processing plants, presenting an attractive prospect for the energy supply chain. Daily pre-arranged meetings will involve engagement with confirmed companies like ExxonMobil, Subsea7, Halliburton, Baker Hughes and more, alongside governmental bodies such as the Guyana Ministry of Natural Resources. Trade Delegation to Brazil, 3-6 June 2024 The Trade Delegation to Rio aims to tap into the country’s crucial role in the energy sector. The mission will coincide with Hydrogen Expo South America.
Regional news
Besides hydrogen and offshore wind potential, Brazil is a major producer and exporter of oil and gas, with substantial reserves, particularly in the pre-salt basin, attracting significant investment. Petrobras leads in offshore exploration and emerging sectors like natural gas and renewable energy offer additional opportunities. Join the delegation to meet key players, potential clients and partners.
The EIC Rio team at the beach clean-up in celebration of our 80th anniversary
To conclude 2023 positively, in November the Rio team engaged in a social initiative focused on environmental causes – a mangrove clean-up in celebration of our 80th anniversary. Chief Financial Officer, Ian Molloy, contributed with 20 volunteers for about an hour, resulting in the collection of approximately 635kg of waste – a consequence of improper disposal practices by the local population. Clarisse Rocha, Director – Americas clarisse.rocha@the-eic.com
Javier Milei becomes President of Argentina
Suriname launches 2024 round for shallow water blocks
Javier Milei was elected President of Argentina in late November with 55.95% of the vote against Sergio Massa. An economist espousing far-right ideas, Milei has advocated for the dollarisation of the Argentine economy and privatisation of state-run entities including the national oil company YPF. However, the country remains greatly polarised and Milei is likely to encounter difficulties in his administration. His party, which heads the La Libertad Avanza coalition, is a minority in both the Chamber and the Senate, while the Peronist coalition, which opposes the new government, won more than 40% of seats in the Argentine Congress.
Staatsolie, Suriname’s state-run energy company, has initiated a bidding round for exploration rights in 11 shallow water offshore blocks. The auction covers areas with water depths up to 150 metres, situated closer to the coastline and south of existing deep-water discoveries. Staatsolie aims to announce successful bidders in June 2024. The blocks, totalling 34,520 sq km, are believed to hold 90bn barrels of oil in place. The auction will be open until 31 May 2024.
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MaxGrip Changing course to emerge stronger from the Covid downturn
Martijn van den Broecke, CEO
How is MaxGrip thriving? With its traditional lines of business drying up due to a reluctance of stakeholders in the Malaysian energy market to make capital investments, MaxGrip arrived at a critical crossroads at the end of 2020. Faced with difficult decisions, the company chose to realign its offering and present an asset management formula to clients which involves less risk and reduced upfront spend. Not only has this incremental offering proven popular, but also saved MaxGrip Malaysia in the process. Today, the global company stands in a more robust position than at any time since it started out in Malaysia in 2012. The challenge For more than a decade, MaxGrip Malaysia has been a helping hand for players in the energy sector, specialising in asset performance management. With a cohort of highly experienced and capable people on its books, the company soon expanded into a sizeable enterprise and built up an esteemed reputation among industry peers. However, during the covid pandemic it was hit by a drying up of energy-focused investments in Malaysia and the broader APAC region. Indeed, it took the region considerably longer than Europe and the US to emerge out of the economic downturn (MaxGrip also has offices in Europe and US), the western hemisphere generally being more optimistic about leaving the pandemic behind it.
Unfortunately, MaxGrip APAC had to reduce its headcount by 40% at the end of 2020 due to the lack of business, a decision which was not taken lightly due to the fact that its USP is centred around the expertise of its people. Amid a difficult backdrop, MaxGrip needed to adapt its offering to remain relevant and get the most out of the experts that remained. The solution A crucial pivot was made when the company decided to develop a new offering that would require substantially less initial investment from clients. Launched in 2021 and named the Asset Improvement Program (AIP), the solution is all about helping clients optimise the performance of their assets, on a technical and operational level. It centers around improving equipment reliability and asset integrity, maintenance & inspection efficiency, and providing insights and control. The AIP typically optimizes production output, reduces Total Cost of Ownership and overcomes compliance restraints. The program has a 3-step approach: Asset Improvement Mapping (AIM), followed by the Asset Improvement Deployment (AID), and finally the Asset Improvement Rollout (AIR). The first step (AIM) is an assessment, not an audit, of the asset performance improvement potential by evaluating and describing the current way of operating and how to improve. This includes developing a roadmap with shortterm wins and longer-term improvements. The second step (AID) is to select, together with the client, one or two improvement initiatives that MaxGrip helps deploy on a limited scale. This is a proof of concept to show it delivers the value MaxGrip claims.
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Finally, once a client is convinced of the value delivered in the PoC, the third and last step (AIR) is to scale up the program to a site-wide or multi-site level. The scale depends on a client’s expectations and ambitions. This incremental approach has proven to customers that MaxGrip can realize results. This alleviated the hesitancy of customers to spend capital, and thus unlocked new opportunities for the company just when it looked as though revenue streams were being closed off. Alongside this more flexible approach, MaxGrip has also turned to a more agile strategy towards resourcing, working around a core group of engineers with a pool of resources hired for specific projects only, as and when the business comes online. This has allowed it to grow and shrink as and when new projects take off or complete, at the same time enabling the firm to identify and permanently hire new talented people who add the most value. Although some resistance to the new approach of identifying and implementing performance improvements has been met along the way, due to concerns among some client contacts that it would expose shortcomings of their own performance, the AIP has proven itself as a businesssaving strategy. In fact, MaxGrip has completed 158 AIMs which were done at sites in eighteen countries on four different continents. Many clients have taken well to the programme, including a business operating in the food and beverage sector which has turned to MaxGrip to install a condition-based maintenance approach on its key equipment. Another key feature of the project has been the implementation of activity-based budgeting, as well as a split between reliability and maintenance engineering (which require different competencies). Results have already been positive, with an improvement being seen in the ration of preventive and corrective maintenance work being carried out. As more and more successful implementations of AIP are added to MaxGrip’s portfolio, momentum will continue to build. Indeed, the company finds itself in a highly competitive position and on the path to growth once again, a situation that did not look plausible during the height of the pandemic when its conventional lines of business began to close off. About Maxgrip MaxGrip is a consultancy firm specialized in Asset Performance Management (APM). The results of MaxGrip’s approach are increased asset availability, enhanced reliability, higher efficiency, improved productivity, and significant cost reductions. MaxGrip was founded in 1997 and has offices in the Netherlands (HQ), US and Malaysia.
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Story type #transformation (main category) #optimisation Benefits • Their agile way of resourcing. • AIP’s success in creating a more flexible gated approach which has proven itself as a businesssaving strategy. Key findings For industry • Believe and invest in your USPs: why would a client choose you over another company? Focus on that. • Be creative when times are tough. Reimagine and repackage your value propositions to fit the circumstances of that time. Maxgrip at a glance: Key products and services: Engineering services and strategic consulting for asset performance management. Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 80% • Conventional power – 10% • Others (non-energy: pharmaceutical) – 10% Headquarters: Utrecht, Netherlands Year established: 2012 (Malaysia) (1997: Netherlands) Number of employees: 30 (globally: 120+) Revenue: £1.6m (in Malaysia) Revenue from exports: 50%
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MHB Year of tremendous growth for MHB with net profit surging to RM68m, the first NPAT since 2017 short, it had to demonstrate ‘adaptation’ and ‘prudence’ to reverse four straight years of losses and return to profitability. Pandai Othman, CEO and Managing Director
How is MHB thriving? Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad (MHB) has embarked on a series of strategic shifts and transformations over the past two years, where these realignments have facilitated it to return to profitability at a far greater magnitude than previously expected. Now, with a healthy pipeline of projects awarded and currently being developed by both business divisions i.e., heavy engineering and marine, momentum is clearly gathering pace.
The solution Having conducted a thorough strategic risks and opportunities assessment, MHB enacted several transformations through 2022 that have driven its turnaround. The first focus was on capability development. Here, the company developed three functional core teams in the disciplines of Design Engineering, Transportation & Installation (T&I), and Hook-up & Commissioning (HUC). Alongside this, it also expanded the scope of its in-house work to strengthen self-reliance for critical processes, as well as upskilled numerous employees through external courses and on-the-job training.
The challenge The past decade has felt like an unrelenting conveyor belt of challenges. Year after year, companies operating in the energy space have been hit hard by the low oil price scenario from 2014/15, economic downturn and ongoing geopolitical tensions in various parts of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic in particular has caused disruptions, for instance, forced shutdowns of activities, new safety procedures, and a crunch in the supply of labour which often relies on seamless cross-border travel. MHB is no stranger to these dynamics. Faced with such a mix of challenges, its leadership embarked on a detailed reassessment of risks, challenges and opportunities. Indeed, if it was to emerge from this period of difficulty stronger, the company needed to realign its key strategic priorities to ensure sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness. In
Another key transformation executed was in the form of digitalisation. Named the PANTHERA initiative, the strategy centres around optimising and digitalising end-to-end Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation & Commissioning (EPCIC) supply chain management processes, from bid preparation through to end of warranty. Work processes will be documented, and data altered and used with transparency, reliability and traceability to establish a single source of truth for any particular project at any one time. Although this digitalising effort is still being implemented phase by phase, the company is already reaping its commercial benefits. The third key focus concerns culture, especially in regard to the way MHB approaches risk management. Over the last two years, the company has totally revamped its risk-related processes, setting up a host of standard procedures that made risk management compulsory, clear and transparent
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for prudent decision making. To this end, MHB has averted financially onerous projects and risky investments. Finally, the company has been ironing out critical issues that have led to project delivery challenges across every department of heavy engineering. This has involved identifying gaps in personnel and process, leading to the creation of 30 mitigation plans which were executed and tracked progressively. Most of these gaps have been closed, notably in areas around the bidding process as well as activities in the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) verification. Implementing such root-and-branch changes has not been without its obstacles. It has required a mindset shift for all employees, moving away from a focus on individual roles into holding a sense of accountability and understanding on how they contribute to the overall business. Employees have also had to be reassured during periods of financial losses, with communication of turnaround strategies and successes being critical to keeping people motivated, optimistic and on board. All these initiatives have fuelled a remarkable financial recovery through 2022. Headline figures for the year include a total order book of RM6.6bn, which was among the highest in MHB’s 50-year history, and a profit of RM68m, first net profit after tax (NPAT) since 2017. Both the heavy engineering and marine divisions have played their part. The former, for example, was awarded the Kasawari Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) project, the first of its kind in Malaysia and the world’s largest offshore CCS project by volume of CO2 captured. Meanwhile, the marine division secured 53 projects from 41 new clients, 31 of these being international customers. This paints a much more optimistic picture than what MHB was faced with at the start of 2022. Having remained measured and taken the time to evaluate the areas in need of transformation, the company is now very much on an upward trajectory and once again firing on all cylinders. About MHB MHB is a globally trusted energy and marine solutions provider for a wide range of offshore and onshore facilities and vessels. It has 50 years of track record in delivering integrated and complex solutions to international oil & gas clients. Owns and operates the largest fabrication yard in Malaysia and Southeast Asia that is equipped with world-class facilities, MHB is recognised for its expertise in offshore deepwater fabrication, offshore conversion services and ship repair which include LNG carrier repair and dry docking. MHB also owns three dry docks which are amongst the largest dry docks in Southeast Asia. MHB is also commonly known as Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Sdn Bhd or simply MMHE, its wholly owned subsidiary and main operating entity.
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Story type #transformation (main category) Benefits • Headline figures for the year include a total order book of RM6.6bn, which was among the highest in MHB’s 50-year history, and a profit of RM68m, first net profit after tax (NPAT) since 2017. Key findings For industry • Be meticulous and precise when considering the risk of any venture. Always ensure that you are able to deliver on your promise in order to maintain your client’s trust. • Your people are your biggest asset. Take care of them through tough times, guide them to perform their duties with sincerity and integrity. For government • Implement easy and clear tax facilities for export products via specific export schemes, as well as tax exemption on import duties and sales tax on material purchased or imported for construction/ production of the products for export. MHB at a glance: Key products and services: full EPCIC services for the offshore energy industry; and comprehensive marine services (repair, maintenance, conversion, refurbishment, etc) for all types of marine facilities Main industries served: • Heavy Engineering – 79.6% – Oil & Gas – Energy Transition • Marine Repair and Maintenance - 20.4% Headquarters: Menara Dayabumi, Malaysia Year established: 1973 Number of employees: 3,933 Revenue: £278m Revenue from exports: 20%
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Mott MacDonald Helping to put hydrogen on the European clean energy map
Prem Mahi, Technical Excellence Director – Energy
How is Mott MacDonald thriving? Having already proven itself as an early backer of new technologies when it picked up a significant market share in carbon capture more than a decade ago, Mott MacDonald continues to place its faith in solutions designed to advance the journey to net zero by 2050. Of particular note is its current involvement in developing hydrogen (H2) production capabilities in Northern Europe, the company taking on the role as a technical and commercial partner in a project to develop a network of offshore wind farms in the North Sea that will power onshore green H2 production. Given the project is backed by a consortium of industry heavyweights, the contract award is another major feather in Mott MacDonald’s extensive cap. The challenge A longstanding, multi-sector engineering and management consultancy service provider, Mott MacDonald has witnessed first-hand the peaks, troughs, breakthroughs and challenges facing the energy sector over recent decades. Today’s challenge very much centres around how to transition to a net zero society in a way that is feasible by 2050. The UK, along with many other nations, has made strong commitments that continue to be solidified at successive COP conferences, and time is getting away
if targets such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement are to be met. Mott MacDonald can approach this challenge from a privileged position. Thanks to its formidable experience, it is able to help set industry thinking and passionately cares about meeting 2050 deadlines. The key question facing the company, therefore, lies in what projects to back and to ensure that its skills and knowledge are both futureproofed and invested in the right areas. The solution The company has been a proactive exponent of its partnership with EIC. Leveraging its contacts and information hub, it has been able to identify energy transition trends early and therefore invest in the relevant people and capabilities ahead of the curve, a formula which has won over clients time after time. This was undoubtedly the case with carbon capture, a technology it placed huge faith in and resultantly gained a significant market share in the early UK market. This included the installation of carbon capture and storage at Longannet power station in Scotland, a UK first at the time (2009). Today, it is actively positioning itself in the thermal energy transition market, as well as various applications of green hydrogen and associated products such as ammonia, ethanol and e-fuels. Indeed, hydrogen has been on the company’s radar for at least six years, with activity in this space snowballing since the turn of the decade. In 2021, Mott MacDonald secured involvement as the principle technical and commercial partner for NortH2,
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an international consortium that is jointly investigating the feasibility of large-scale production, storage and transmission of green hydrogen in north-western Europe. Made up of Groningen Seaports, Eneco, RWE, Equinor and Shell, the group is investigating how a large-scale supply of hydrogen fuel can be achieved by working together on all aspects of the supply chain – from wind energy and electrolysis to transmission and storage. Ultimately, its aim is to supply industry with 4GW of green hydrogen by 2030 and 10GW per year by 2040, at which time it will be producing 1,000,000 metric tons on an annual basis. With its multifaced expertise and track record for backing technologies in their early days of development, Mott MacDonald is perfectly positioned to support NortH2. The work entails a technical scope, as well as consultancy on health and safety, commercial, permitting, and environmental and social issues. Phase one involved calculating potential costs to produce the hydrogen, with phase two currently looking deeply into various engineering and technology solutions to make the project viable. Once these studies have been completed, positioning for phase three and the introduction of architect engineers will begin. Although still at a relatively early stage, Mott MacDonald’s involvement to date is testament to how the company is viewed by some of Europe’s most prolific developers. The company has form in making the right call on emerging energy technologies, a track record that has paved the way for the opening of yet another door into energy transition and Europe’s net zero journey.
Story type #energy transition (main category) #people & competency, #service & solutions Benefits • Efforts towards energy transition and net-zero goals. • The company’s good reputation among some of Europe’s most prolific developers. Key findings For industry • Energy transition will happen, don’t be afraid of it. Have a flexible mind. • Identify the key players. It’s difficult to get action with too many players involved. For government • Mandate carbon capture on all thermal power plants before moving to other policies. Mott MacDonald at a glance: Key products and services: Multi-sector engineering and management consultancy service. The sectors covered are transport, energy, water and buildings and cities. Also, international development sector.
About Mott MacDonald
Main industries served: • Conventional fuels – 10% • Conventional power – 25% • Nuclear power – 35% • Renewables – 15% • Energy Transition – 15%
Mott MacDonald has a uniquely diverse range of consultants delivering extremely high profile projects across the world. Their purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming clients’ businesses, communities and employee opportunities.
Headquarters: Croydon, UK Year established: 1989 Number of employees: 18,000 (Global), 8,000 (UK) Revenue: £2bn (Mott MacDonald turnover), £300m (Energy turnover) Revenue from exports: 70%
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MSTS Asia A fresh approach to HR to overcome talent retention and development challenges
Syed Muzakir, Managing Director
Covid-19, therefore, hit the company hard. A tough decision had to be made to balance human capital and the company’s survival – during that period, many employees had to be put under a mandatory separation scheme, and others that stayed on were unable to travel to client sites and forced to work from home.
How is MSTS Asia thriving? Forced to change its service delivering model almost overnight due to the impact of Covid-19, Malaysia’s MSTS faced an acute employee morale and retention problem after switching to a remote working model. However, thanks to a newly shaped HR function, skills gaps are being better identified and acted upon, and staff are genuinely having their voices heard. And although the process has not been entirely plain sailing, the company has been willing to adapt and change as situations evolve, with communication being key to keeping colleagues on board and engaged.
MSTS turned to digitisation. The theory section of its training offering was converted to an e-learning platform, its trainers now delivering content using cameras and online facilities from home. The company also upgraded its servers, switching to SharePoint and cloud-based software to enable it to conduct seamless and standardised lessons without compromising the quality of teaching. However, post Covid MSTS saw large numbers of resignations due to changes in the workplace environment. A major hurdle to overcome, the situation demanded a fresh approach to talent retention and staff development. The solution
Today, MSTS stands far better positioned to provide value to its clients. Revenues and profits have also recovered to the sort of levels seen prior to 2020. The challenge
In response, MSTS introduced a new style of HR. Rebranded as a People and Culture department, the function is now viewed as a genuine business partner as opposed to a body that just oversees hiring.
As a company which specialises in the delivery of safety training and consultancy services to critical industries such as the energy sector, MSTS relies heavily on face-toface interaction to offer a best-in-kind service and value for clients.
A first key step has been keeping the head of HR informed of operational happenings on a weekly basis, allowing them to better understand the company’s competency gaps while also connecting with employees and catering to their development needs. In tandem, MSTS has created
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a new culture of responsibility and accountability in every aspect of the process, defined by open discussion where suggestions are welcome at every level of the business. Meanwhile, new KPIs and more balanced scorecards which focus on measurable targets have been introduced. And alongside identifying and plugging gaps in technical knowledge, the company has conducted soft skills training sessions across all teams and locations to help bring team members closer together. The key to the success of this transition has been removing any element of a top-down approach. Employees are routinely consulted, and the company is now a much better listener thanks to its repurposed HR team. Indeed, it has been open to a trial-and-error approach, testing new strategies and replanning as situations change. This has required careful and constant communication with staff, an effective method being quarterly town halls whereby all employees are invited to participate in two-way discussions. Feedback on everything from e-learning content to facilities upkeep is also gathered regularly, providing important analysis that informs updates on an ongoing basis. Today, the company very much feels like a unified force once again. Morale has improved, while revenues and profits are recovering to levels seen before the pandemic. Looking ahead, MSTS aims to continue providing industryleading value for money, offering the most up to date learning modules which are continually reviewed and developed to meet ever-changing industry requirements. With its own operations back onto a firm footing, its remotivated team are well-positioned to drive forward in the future.
Story type #transformation (main category) #culture Benefits • Transformation in work environment. • Revenues and profits are recovering to levels seen before the pandemic. Key findings For industry • Be resilient in ever-changing economic circumstances. Strategies are not cast in stone. • A good leadership style is needed in the world we live in today. No longer a top-to-bottom approach. The younger generation needs to feel that their voices and concerns are heard. For government • More tax cut for companies that spend money on developing staff. MSTS Asia at a glance: Key products and services: Safety training, digital solutions, e-learning, LMS, managed services, applications, simulations and control of work. Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 60% • Renewables – 20% • Others (maritime, construction, safety courses) – 20%
About MSTS Asia MSTS Asia is a highly reputable organization that provides internationally accredited safety training and consultancy services to safety-critical industries and the public sectors in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
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Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Year established: 2000 Number of employees: 100 Revenue: £8.1m
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MYRCAT R Marine & Cargo Solutions
Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions Excelling as a fledgling enterprise through a focus on quality and integrity
Cris Partridge, Managing Director
How is Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions thriving? Despite being founded during the height of the pandemic and facing several challenges during its inception, Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions has successfully established itself as a leading industry consultancy. Driven by its core values of integrity and quality, the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional services has enabled to retain its core client base and quickly amass annual revenues exceeding USD$250,000. The challenge Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions is a client-tailored marine consultancy providing specialised inspections, project cargo supervision and expert witness services to organisations operating across the energy sector. Established in 2020, CEO Cris Partridge had a clear vision for what he wanted to company to be. Bringing his extensive experience to the table, the desire centred around providing agile, market-leading services, avoiding any engagement in the race to the bottom and an erosion of standards in favour of integrity and quality. Unfortunately, the company didn’t enjoy the easiest of beginnings. Founded during the height of the pandemic, it was launched into a tough operating and economic climate.
While Covid-19 was embraced as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, several additional challenges equally emerged, Partridge facing significant obstacles in even setting up the company and dealing with the extensive bureaucracy involved. Further, the firm immediately faced and continues to attempt to navigate issues surrounding vessel charter rates placed upon vessel operators. However, despite the odds being stacked against it, Myrcator has emerged as a successful enterprise now entering its third year of operation. The solution From the outset, Myrcator was focused on establishing a reputation for delivering quality work on time while helping its clients to find solutions to problems rather than causing more. As a result, the firm’s growth strategy has centred around evolving capabilities in response to client demands, Partridge keen to ensure that the company never wavers from its intended path. As its clients’ needs have become clearer, Myrcator has honed on in catering to these specific requirements, developing and mastering a specialised set of services that it has continued to perform well with over time, consolidating its trusted reputation. While its launch in 2020 was by no means easy, the recency of the company has provided it with a key competitive advantage, its agility enabling it to react and response to market needs in this way at speed.
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Indeed, from day one the firm embraced modern and novel ways of working. In adopting technologies and embracing solutions such as the use of tablets for surveys, live video feeds to owners who are remote from their vessels, and online groups to provide real time updates to clients, it has become renowned as an innovator in its specific market segment. This doesn’t mean that Myrcator is always the cheapest, yet the firm is fundamentally focused on quality, integrity and attention to detail, refusing to cut critical corners in an attempt to compromise on price. Indeed, the value of its work is evident in several completed projects. In working with one offshore construction company, for example, Myrcator was commissioned to deliver a comprehensive package of services spanning SMS, ISPS and MLC to Mooring Analyses, a SAR plan and Evacuation Plan for two offshore construction barges. Despite the large scope of work, the entire package was delivered within five months, with the barges subsequently being approved for operation in India, enabling the client to commence a key contract. Indeed, the company’s success is reflected in its revenues, these having grown year over year with the organisation now established as a quarter of a million-dollar revenue entity, as of 2022. Further, the firm has consistently expanded and retained its client base, with a quarter of its new business actually stemming from external recommendations, referrals and word of mouth.
Story type #people & competency (main category) #culture Benefits • Several successful completed projects. • Company’s success is reflected in its revenues, £205,000 as of 2022.
Since day one, Myrcator has focused on the ethical, professional, and responsible provision of services. And almost three years on, despite having evolved dramatically as it has overcome several early challenges, these core values remain at the very centre of the organisation’s operational mandate.
Key findings For industry • Research the market, be confident in your abilities and deliver on promises. • Be master of a few, not jack of all trades. Don’t try to offer everything if you won’t be good at it. • You are only as good as your last deliverable, integrity is everything.
In sticking to its basic principles of quality and accountability as a sound benchmark of performance, the firm looks well placed to enhance its reputation and further establish itself in the market moving forward.
Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions at a glance: Key products and services: Client tailored marine consultancy, specialized marine inspections, project cargo supervision and expert witness services.
About Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions
Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 50% • Others (logistics, project cargo carriers, S&P brokers…) – 50%
Myrcator Marine & Cargo Solutions FZE, established in 2020 and based in the UAE, is a reputable global provider of marine and project cargo related consultancy and inspection services to many international clients. By valuing honesty and integrity above all else, they are proud that 80% of their business consists of repeat customers who continue to trust them with delivering exceptional professional solutions no matter the location.
2023
Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE Year established: 2020 Number of employees: 1 Revenue: £205,000 Revenue from exports: 80%
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NMT Facing up to a series of challenges to remain a competitive supplier in the Nigerian oil and gas sector
Obehi Ojeaga, General Manager Business Development
More recent years have required NMT to demonstrate resilience to maintain its esteemed reputation across the country – the challenges it has faced have been multifaceted and, in many cases, complex due to ongoing events.
How is NMT thriving?
The solution
Nigeria Machine Tools (NMT), some 40 years in the making, has had to overcome a series of challenges of late. Today, the OEM is a leading integrated engineering and manufacturing company offering engineering solutions for piping packages and anti-corrosion protection within the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, a status which it has worked hard to maintain.
Despite the challenges, NMT has shown an ability to adapt, graft and innovate to stay on top of its game.
Indeed, the company has come up against several obstacles relating to technology, inflation, talent and world’s socio-political instability in recent times, not forgetting the enormously disruptive period caused by the pandemic. Fast forward to 2023, and the firm now looks set to continue thriving as a heritage brand within Nigeria and a key supporter of various national industries. The challenge The 2010s was a landmark decade for NMT. The company, which produces a range of stud bolts and nuts, industrial and municipal castings, flanges and customised industrial spares, as well as providing technical training services, secured its ISO certification in 2014. A year later, it achieved its first OEM approval status with Shell Nigeria, the firm now also an in-country OEM for Chevron, Total Energies and ExxonMobil.
For example, the current inflation rate in Nigeria is 21%, a reality which has made it extremely difficult to be competitive in the local market, especially when up against competitors from China and other Asian suppliers for contracts. Energy bills have risen by more than 50%, while freight and transportation costs have soared by over 85% in a short space of time. While there is not a huge amount NMT can do to alter the bigger inflationary picture, the company is working closely with Nigerian governing authorities, regulatory bodies and other key stakeholders in an attempt to find resolutions. It has also implemented cost saving strategies, including a careful, price forecast-driven approach to purchasing raw materials. Another major challenge centres around attracting and retaining engineering talent. Many technically qualified and young engineers leave the country to pursue opportunities in Europe and other developed markets, leaving a sizeable skills gap that NMT has to try and fill. To do so, the company invests heavily in training programmes, giving trainees exposure to real life experiences on the shop floor so they can learn first-hand about industrial processes. In addition, the firm is savvy when it comes to communicating to the younger workforce, making use
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of social media platforms and video reels to highlight the opportunities to be had by staying local and making a career in the sector. This approach has helped to keep the talent pipeline intact. Meanwhile, one of the key longer-term challenges involves staying up to date with technological advances. Access to technology specific to manufacturing and other areas of the business has been testing from the very early days. In addition, when technology has been installed, certification and approvals processes often take a long time to come through – often, by the time this had happened, the solution in question was already outdated. Despite this, NMT continues to commit to sustained investment in its workshops, machines, front end engineering, reverse engineering, and up and coming technology such as 3D printing. Key to this has been working with the right partners who invest in their clients by sending engineers across the world to provide face-to-face service. The Covid pandemic also hit NMT hard. And while the practical difficulties caused by curfews and restrictions of movements quickly became a key point of difficulty, the company was able to turn the situation into a positive, securing contracts over competition from abroad owing to its ability to supply products locally within a few weeks. Today, although many of these challenges continue to rear their heads, NMT still stands strong as a proud local supplier to Nigerian industries. A vital manufacturing hub with 110 hectares of space at its disposal, the company will be a go-to partner for many industrial players in the country for years to come.
Story type #optimisation (main category) #resilience Benefits • Company reputation maintained through difficult times. • Local production and supply sustained. Key findings For industry • Employ lean manufacturing strategies as much as possible as a means of improving cost effectiveness. • Aim to sustain quality drive in your operations. For government • Encourage in-country manufacturers of goods by instituting policies that mandate patronage for in-country manufacturing commodities in place of imported equivalent. • Review import tariff on steel raw materials considering the unavailability of raw materials incountry.
About NMT NMT is the leading manufacturer of machine tools machine accessories, mechanical spares and after sales support provider in West Africa. Its assembly, production capabilities and plant facilities make NMT the preferred provider of some of the most complex machinery tools and varied equipment. The company is further engaged in the manufacture and production of industrial spare parts and fittings for energy and power, defense, and iron and steel industries; manpower training in various engineering and technological fields; and provision of after-sales and consultancy services.
2023
NMT at a glance: Key products and services: Manufacture of machine tools and accessories. Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 60% • Others (defence, telecoms, construction, agrobusiness) – 40% Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria Year established: 1980 Number of employees: 101
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Oceanica Serving the market with Divers of the Future The solution Marcia Cristina Dias, Commercial Coordinator
How is Oceanica thriving? Faced with a difficult situation where its main client was seeking to withdraw human diving from its operations, Oceanica made an important pivot to enter the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and diving support vessel space. A decade on, and that decision appears to have paid dividends with a series of contract wins and asset investments helping the company to stand taller than ever before on its own two feet. The challenge Specialist diving company Oceanica, until 2013, was primarily providing services to Brazil’s state-owned national oil company Petrobras. The business was delivering solid revenues, the work completed by its highly experienced team of divers providing the firm with stable footing for many years, with some personnel having been on the books for more than three decades. However, despite zero fatal incidents occurring involving divers during this time, Petrobras started to signal safety concerns, and in turn sought to avoid diving. The client asked third-party companies such as Oceanica to seek replacements for divers abroad – indeed, it soon became clear that the diving service would be discontinued.
Rather than stand still and watch the business slowly but inevitably dwindle, Oceanica was determined to find another way to serve Petrobras and the broader oil and gas market. In conducting several studies, the company found that the market was chartering vessels and concluded that it could provide support vessels for diving. With financial backing from Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Oceanica began to construct two vessels and acquire remote operated vehicles observation ROVs capable of going up to 1000 m. Petrobras then launched tenders in the market, a sign that Oceanica had pivoted in the right direction. That said, the diving market did not contract as much as the firm feared. In response, it created a programme entitled ‘Divers of the Future’, that provide training for their divers interested in ROV operations. This has enabled most of the workforce to remain, with 68% choosing to participate in the new, more flexible setup which has also seen a large upskilling exercise take place to bring traditional divers up to speed with new ROV technologies. By 2014, the company was operational in the ROV space with two vessels and working again on multiple contracts, including for Petrobras, covering both service provision and vessel chartering. Over the next few years, the company not only fulfilled these contract scopes, but also deepened its focus on ROVs and acquired a further two vessels to bring its fleet to four units. A fresh round of contract bidding took place in 2018/2019,
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with four more contracts being secured for service and vessel chartering – this has allowed the company to equip its ROVs with new vessels, such as SDSV shallow diving support vessels, which are lighter, more robust and consume less fuel. Come 2022, with these contracts reaching expiration, Oceanica decided to finance its own investments into acquiring the resources needed to secure more work. To this end, the firm has hired more ROV support vessels (RSVs) and anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels, and in 2023 has committed to investing in seven vessels, five of which they already own. This will enable Oceanica to fulfil the scope of the contracts it has secured – this year alone, it has won 14 contracts, half of which relate to vessels. A further sign of how far the company has come is its growth in headcount. In 2018, it had 622 employees on its books, a workforce which has swarmed to more than 2,000 people who work out of three operational bases – one in Rio das Ostras, and two in Macaé. The future certainly looks bright following the decision made a decade ago to adapt with the times. Indeed, as the company continues to gather momentum through 2023, it now has the all-important financial independence it needs to chart its own course. About Oceanica With more than 45 years of existence, Oceanica develops subsea solutions for the offshore energy industry. The Brazilian company acts in prevention, contingency and engineering, seeking to mitigate the risk of possible environmental impacts in clients’ activities and increasing the useful life of their assets. They offer inspection, repair, intervention, and monitoring services for underwater and underwater structures. The company also develops complete solutions for customers, creating and optimizing engineering resources.
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Story type #resilience (main category) Benefits • Significant contracts win. • Financial independence. Key findings For industry • Be resilient and well-grounded. • Surround yourself with good partners and reliable information. Oceanica at a glance: Key products and services: Services and technological solutions for companies with underwater activities. Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 100% Headquarters: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Year established: 1978 Number of employees: +2,000
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Oilfield Offshore Turning the challenges of Covid-19 into a springboard for success
Muhamad Paizal Othman, MD
unable to meet either its customers or its new strategic international partner that it had become dependent upon for technical support. With business also dropping, the firm had to resort to non-oil and gas opportunities in order to stay afloat, all while tapping into its internal cash reserves and new funding to survive.
How is Oilfield Offshore thriving? Oilfield Offshore, a Malaysian provider of specialised pipeline inspection services, has overcome the uncertainty of pandemic period with incredible resilience. With extensive investments into its product development and backed by highly strategic, supportive partnerships, the firm has achieved accreditation with Petronas – an endorsement that it is tapping into as it now eyes overseas markets for expansion. The challenge Oilfield Offshore’s challenges began before the outbreak of Covid-19. Following an internal dispute among its shareholders, the original business was split into two separate entities, this having been an extremely challenging and taxing process.
However, in spite of these challenges, work was taking place behind the scenes that would enable the firm to excel once the worst of the pandemic had passed. The solution Faced with lockdowns and the resultant mass disruption, Oilfield Offshores redirected efforts into research and product development to enhance cost-effectiveness for its customers. Critically, this period saw the company successfully convince its new overseas partner to transfer some of its technology – a partnership which soon became vital.
During this time, the company found a new, strong overseas partner and funding from a new shareholder – partnerships that provided a renewed sense of optimism alongside the organisation’s confidence in its product. Unfortunately, the pandemic complicated matters considerably thereafter.
Indeed, winning over the overseas partner in this way needed to happen for the firm to move forward with its product improvement strategy and in turn begin to approach Petronas as the local NOC. With the overseas partner’s blessings and partnership, a newly improved MTM-G (magnetic gradient tomography method) inspection technology is developed and Oilfield Offshore started to make approaches to Petronas. After several demonstrations and meetings, Petronas agreed to adopt its product as part of its official guidelines in inspection activities.
Lockdowns left Oilfield Offshore in a position where it was
Not only that, but Oilfield Offshore critically achieved
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Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7), its product having been verified by Petronas’s technical teams and found to have acceptable reliability and demonstrate low risk of early life failure. This was a key breakthrough for the company. From that point onwards, MTM-G’s specifications were adopted by Petronas in its Technical Guidelines documents, ensuring Oilfield Offshore has consistently been invited by the NOC to tender for specialised pipeline inspection jobs. This has by no means been an easy journey. While the initial company split and pandemic presented several significant challenges, Oilfield Offshore has also experienced internal resistance to change. However, with Petronas’s backing, the firm has enjoyed what may have been unforeseen (but extremely welcome) success. Today, it is waiting for several project awards in a number of countries in the Middle East, the company well placed to secure these contracts thanks to the direct endorsements having been received from Petronas. And it is also now eyeing expansion into other regions around the world. Looking back, although the covid period was challenging, it was also instrumental in propelling the firm forward. Indeed, the figures do not lie. Revenues tripled between 2021 and 2022, with many of these extra funds having been directly reinvested into the further product development efforts – a strategy that looks like it will only continue to pay dividends moving forwards.
Story type #technology (main category) #resilience Benefits • Revenues tripled between 2021 and 2022. • Extra funds directly reinvested into the further product development efforts. Key findings For industry • Always increase your knowledge, especially in communication skills. • Learn from listening and observing others. • Be humble and introspect to audit yourself. It’s through this that we will be able to maneuver the challenges ahead of us. Oilfield Offshore at a glance: Key products and services: Specialised in pipeline inspection, integrity assessment, corrosion and associated oil and gas business. OOSSB also provides technical advice for other Corrosion and NDT technical aspects. OOSSB has now embarked into catering the requirement and compliance for Environmental Consultancy and Industrial Hygiene Consultancy & Services.
About Oilfield Offshore Oilfield Offshore Underwriting Limited (OOUL) is a managing general agent which underwrites energy risks on behalf of several Lloyd’s syndicates and Company markets. OOUL’s predominant focus is upstream energy risks, including onshore and offshore coverages, both operational and construction.
2023
Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 100% Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Year established: 2011 Number of employees: 11 Revenue from exports: 40%
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Penspen Developing an Aberdeen base to grow regional energy capabilities employee headcount, regional talent attraction and retention, as well as high client satisfaction levels proofed by the securing of near 30 new energy projects. Fraser Ross, Project Manager Greg Carnie, Engineer Project Manager – Europe
How is Penspen thriving? Leading global energy consultancy company Penspen has reactivated its presence in Aberdeen – the UK’s foremost energy hub and long the backbone of the region’s economy with its well-established oil and gas infrastructure. After taking the difficult decision to close down the Penspen Aberdeen office in 2017 on the back of the oil crisis that beset the industry throughout the 2010s, the company is now well underway with the establishment of its new base. Destined to play a vital part of the business strategy, it will help to grow energy capabilities across the industry, the region and beyond. In light of recovering activity in the North Sea and other opportunities in the energy market, Penspen opened its new Aberdeen office in 2019, which has since expanded to occupy two offices employing over 20 highly skilled energy experts with extensive experience in the sector. From traditional onshore and offshore projects for oil and gas – to first-of-a-kind projects to support the energy transition – the regional teams provide consulting, project, and engineering solutions focused on safety, cost management, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance across the entire asset lifecycle.
The challenge The oil crisis throughout the 2010s had a significant impact on both the local economy and the energy industry in Aberdeen. As a major hub for the oil and gas industry, many companies in the region were forced to cut costs, downsize or close down operations, resulting in job losses and a slowdown in economic growth. However, the said crisis also generated innovation and transformation in the industry, as companies sought new ways to operate more efficiently and sustainably. This in turn saw important changes that will continue to shape the industry for decades to come such as increased investment in renewable energy sources. For the energy sector in Aberdeen specifically, this means that operating companies will need to continue innovating and adapting to the changing market conditions and fluctuating trends globally. Evident is the significant need for transformation as the industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint through the development of new technologies and services focused on offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy, as well as the development of hydrogen production, and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies. Investing in new technology and infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly changing energy landscape will be crucial. The solution
Although it is still relatively early days for the revived Aberdeen base, the company is experiencing good momentum with measured success such as increased
Penspen has over the past 70 years delivered over 10,000 projects across more than 100 countries.
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Pairing the company’s extensive experience in the North Sea region with the expertise in offshore engineering and pipeline design, its team of engineers have the knowledge required to help the energy sector in Aberdeen navigate industry challenges and balance the need to operate profitably with the responsibility to operate safely, sustainably, and in compliance with regulations. Having access to other project execution centres, such as London and Newcastle, provide additional engineering expertise as required to ensure the delivery of bestin-class industry standards and beneficial solutions to clients. As the energy demand intensifies, so too will the need for skills that can make energy optimisation a must. Penspen is dedicated to its diverse, highly skilled team, and is committed to developing career opportunities for engineers at all levels. By offering attractive employee benefits such as training and development opportunities, a multi-disciplinary work environment, and access to some of the most exciting energy projects in the world, the company can attract and retain the best talent. As a result, the employee headcount of the regional team consisting of both young and seasoned engineers, has quickly expanded from 3 to 20 with a trajectory of further growth during 2023 and beyond. In just a few years, Aberdeen has proven itself as a central strategic base for Penspen in Europe, one that will see the company continuing to strive and thrive alongside its clients and partners in the region for years to come. About Penspen Penspen is a global team who designs, maintains, and optimises energy infrastructure to improve access to sustainable energy for communities worldwide. The company helps to meet the world’s evolving energy needs by providing consulting, project, and engineering solutions across the entire energy asset lifecycle. Penspen has been at the forefront of the energy transition over the past 60 years, delivering more than 10,000 projects in over 100 countries. By helping countries access lower carbon fuels and by extending the useful life of existing energy infrastructure, the company helps bring cleaner energy to millions of people in thousands of communities across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, the UK, and the US. As a proud member of the Dar Group, a leading, privately-owned professional services group with awardwinning impact and global reach, Penspen’s clients have access to multi-disciplinary solutions that deliver social and community impact through quality, innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and technology.
2023
Story type #people & competency (main category) #service & solutions Benefits • Setting the foundations for a future company hub in Aberdeen . • Partnering with industry peers to deliver the pathway to net zero. • Investing in next-generation engineering talents alongside experienced team members. Key findings For industry • Be agile and evolve. • Make sure you can justify your business actions and the legacy you leave behind – the actions of today will be remembered forever. For government • Develop consistency and have scientific rigor. Penspen at a glance: Key products and services: Global energy consultancy services across the entire asset lifecycle: engineering, project management, asset integrity, asset management, digital data management, energy transition, training and knowledge enhancement. Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 75% • Renewables and Energy Transition – 25% Headquarters: London, UK Year established: 1954 Number of employees: +1,000
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Petronash Harnessing technology and service diversification to overcome market volatility in the oil and gas sector
Zubair Olarewaju, Global Head of Aftersales & Services
How is Petronash thriving? With its core line of business having been subjected to the stop-start nature of greenfield oil and gas projects, Petronash made the bold decision to broaden its horizons and offer more to its customers. Leveraging its already extensive in-house expertise and partnering with a highly able technology vendor, the company now offers a smarter approach that enables clients to prolong the life of their assets.
to reposition itself as an engineering solutions company, a move which has enabled it to diversify into brownfield projects across processing, drilling, well testing, coiled tubing, intervention, and production activities. Though successful, this triggered a broader question. Could Petronash reposition its business and grow organically by leveraging its existing capabilities, or did it also need to prioritise strategic collaboration with other value driven brands to create a solution-focused service company? The solution After a painstaking study and series of strategic sessions, Petronash’s leadership opted to pursue a hybrid approach involving both strands in 2018.
The challenge Since the turn of the millennium, UAE-based Petronash has been helping its clients to maximise the value of their oil and gas assets. A specialist in the design, engineering and manufacturing of modular wellsite packages, chemical injection skids and wellhead control panels, the company has a large-scale setup both in Jebel Ali and in Saudi Arabia, as well as the Indian city of Chennai.
Petronash has been investing resources into building out a services-driven business solution. The result has been the deployment of what it calls a service turnkey contracting proposition. A customer-focused model, which centres around facilitating the operational and cost efficiency of customers and partners in major categories: Repair, Rental and Commissioning; Field Service and Brownfield Modification; Digital Oilfield Solutions; and CMAS (Corrosion Monitoring as a Service).
However, like many firms operating in this space, business fortunes are tied to price volatility which dictate the stopstart nature of oil and gas projects around the world. And with inflationary pressures rising, end users are demanding highly advanced solutions at pre-pandemic levels of pricing.
These offerings are designed to focus on the entire lifecycle of assets, helping customers to get the best out of their equipment through repair, revamp, servicing and the retrofit of smart monitoring and remote-control functionality.
With greenfield projects being susceptible to continued price volatility and uncertainty, Petronash has taken strides
In particular, the firm’s turnkey chemical injection service has been instrumental to the growth of the service division
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of the company, expanding by over 25% in 2022 (and on track for over 30% growth in 2023). Meanwhile, Petronash is now collaborating with major NOCs in the region making end user/operator skids smarter through integration of remote asset monitoring capability. This solution is agnostic of the brand or manufacturer of the existing asset. In terms of collaboration and driving strategic partnership with reputable and solutions-led organisations across the value chain, the company has entered into a strategic partnership with Evinsys to integrate its DOS solution within its packaged equipment, both as a new build and aftermarket field upgrade option. By offering the opportunity to leverage this technology, Petronash is enabling customers to tap into several benefits. This includes the ability to gain performance insight across their entire asset, improve ROI, maximise recovery, optimise production and reduce operational costs. By collaborating with Evinsys’ wellhead IOT automation, data acquisition and management, smart surveillance and analytics, and AI and machine learning solutions, the firm is able to build packages and offer truly smart solutions to customers, offering unparalleled and instantaneous access to their asset’s performance. The success of the service division lies in the fact that the company now takes on more responsibilities, taking ownership in areas such as pressure management, instrumentation, chemical injection, and testing, the upshot of which is that customers are able to focus more on other critical functions within their operations. Five years on from the bold decision to develop a new vertical in 2018, Petronash can now plan ahead with a business that is far less prone to the unpredictability and volatility of the oil and gas market. About Petronash Petronash is a global leader in the manufacture of engineered packaged solutions for the Oil & Gas Industry. Petronash prides itself on owning advanced manufacturing plants in Dubai and Dammam. Investment in state-of-theart machinery and Business process Automation (SAP) has enabled the company to be the market leader in its portfolio of products.
2023
Story type #transformation (main category) Benefits • New technologies allow Petronash to build packages and offer truly smart solutions to customers. • Collaboration with major NOCs in the region. Key findings For industry • Be agile, goal-driven and not overly rigid. • Listen to the customers. Build and develop your team to be customer-centric and flexible. For government • Continue to create a pro-energy driven policy and export promoting incentives Petronash at a glance: Key products and services: Engineering services, lump sum turnkey solutions, shutdown maintenance and brownfield modification services. Main industries served: • Oil and gas – 80% • Renewables – 10% • Others (energy) – 10% Headquarters: Jebel Ali, UAE Year established: 2000 Number of employees: +800 Revenue: £200m Revenue from exports: 50%
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