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The ChannelA Renaissance Services SAOG Group Newsletter volume 1 issue 12
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The Channel is a digital monthly internal
newsletter produced by Renaissance
Services which aims to reach every
employee in each country of our worldwide
operations. Please do forward this to your
fellow team members and thank you!
Early Intervention donation
Raising awareness on Autism
Upcoming events:
Renaissance signs deal with Microsoft
Topaz Marine MENA wins silverRoSPA safety award
Topaz Marine MENA, a first time
nominee, joins the ranks of
international companies in the public
and private sectors.
Safety for the Storm
Joseph Placid, Project Manager at
CSG operations in Sur, shares the
emergency procedures in preparation
for Cyclone Phet.
Oman Green Awards
Oman’s government agencies,
businesses, NGOs and institutions
partake in the country’s first green
award function.
Also Inside:
Renaissance Q1 Results
Renaissance discloses 10% plus
growth in net profit of Q1 results.
Q2 results
Topaz Energy and Marine 2009 Annual Report
The latest Topaz Annual Report is available in English
through the company website:www.topazworld.com
Office Green Team
New Renaissance sailboat
Oman’s 40th Renaissance Day
The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010
Topaz Annual Report
Topaz Marine and Energy, Renaissance’s
largest subsidiary, has published its Annual
Report for the year 2009. The bold theme of “Our
Business in Absolutes”, reflects an unshakable
attitude with no grey areas. On page 2’s
description: “In every part of our business we do
not deal in grey areas and in unknowns, but
instead we focus on the tangible black and white
factors we can control, in the certain paths that
inevitably lead to outstanding value for our stake-
holders. And by working in a world of absolutes,
we never compromise on our principles, such as
safety, performance and good corporate
governance.” Topaz has reached record results
for the ninth consecutive year, including revenues
of US$ 65 million and 38% growth in net profit.
The Marine and Engineering Group’s revenue
amounted to 70% of Renaissance’s total revenue
in 2009.
The Chairman’s Report on business in the first quarter (Q1) of 2010
highlighted new assets which are expected to contribute positive income
streams during the year, particularly for the Marine and Contract Services
businesses, and added that the positive Q1 performance reinforces the
company’s strength and position to deliver growth.
The Chairman’s Report also stated that the company is seeing signs of
reviving E&P activity from major oil and gas producers and operators, and
that while there is increasingly positive visibility in comparison to Q1 of
2009, the company will continue to evaluate merger, acquisition and
investment opportunities in a disciplined approach.
“We currently have Rial 27.9 million (US$ 72.5 million) in cash on the
balance sheet while maintaining all covenants with the financial institutions
that support us. This underlines the enduring stability of Renaissance,” said
Mr. Samir Fancy in the Chairman’s Report.
Renaissance Services announced its unaudited financial results for Q1
of 2010 in April, reporting an increase in net profit to Rial 5.3 million (US$
13.8 million) against Rial 4.8 million (12.4 million) for Q1 last year, from
total revenues of Rial 55.9 million (US$ 145.3 million).
Renaissance discloses 10% plus growth in net profit of Q1 results
Topaz Fabrication and Construction in Fujairah
completed the Vopak Horizon Fujairah Limited
Phase 5 – Marine Extension Project. Topaz
executed this in subcontract to BA M International
(formerly known as Interbeton). The project was
completed safely without any lost-time incidents
and within the agreed project schedule. The
subcontract was awarded in November 2008, and
Topaz’s scope for the construction of Berth 5 and
6 included detailed engineering of complete piping
and mechanical equipment, structural fabrication
and installation, including painting and pre-
commissioning. Bill Bayliss, COO of Topaz
Topaz complete berth construction
Gulf Petrochem has awarded Topaz’s Fabrica-
tion and Construction unit a Rial 17.3 million (US$
45 million) engineering contract to design, procure
and construct a petroleum storage terminal in
close proximity to the Port of Fujairah.
The project is expected to take 17 months to
complete and will have storage capacity of over 1
million cubic meters at single location.
Mott MacDonald, an international manage-
ment, engineering and development consultancy
with over 14,000 people, has been appointed
project management consultant to oversee the
development. The dock pipeline will feature
The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010
Topaz Fabrication and Construction awarded contract
Engineering said, “Topaz has been a partner of Vopak Horizon
Fujairah Limited on several recent projects and we hope to build
on the relationship for future project awards. Because of our
experience operating in Fujairah, a strong HSE track record, and
comprehensive technical capabilities, we’re well placed to deliver
large-scale oil and gas projects in Fujairah.”
Topaz is currently executing several other projects in Fujairah
including EPC contracts for the Port of Fujairah, Fujairah Refinery
and Vopak Horizon Fujairah Limited. With its newly commissioned
30,000 m² fabrication facility in Al Hayl, Topaz aims to capture a
significant share of Fujairah’s future oil storage terminal
construction market.
hi-tech and efficient connectivity systems to the Port of Fujairah
which will add flexibility to the refining and storage of
petrochemicals.
Bill Bayliss, Chief Operating Officer of Topaz Engineering, said
about the contract, “We package international EPC experience,
proven execution capabilities and a rigorous HSE focus to offer
clients a comprehensive, safe and cost-effective engineering
solution. This award once again reinforces Topaz’s competitiveness
in the local terminal market. I would like to express our sincere
gratitude to our client, Gulf Petrochem, for the confidence in Topaz.”
The Renaissance Farr30
A new Renaissance boat has
stirred up a storm in France
where sailing experts and
enthusiasts have been impressed
by the skills of debutant Omani
sailors, many of which have only
had one year’s training, who are
scoring podium results against
sailors with decades of experi-
ence under their belt.
The Renaissance Farr30 class
sailing boat will spend another
month on the French coast in the
Tour de France a la Voile, one of
the major annual sailing races,
before returning to Oman and
benefit the students of Oman
Sail’s schools once the tour is
over.
An article written on a website
called www.sailinganarchy.com
that has a very large European
and American sailing audience
had this to say about the
Renaissance team (see next
page):
The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010
Ask yourself a question: When was the last time you saw this kind of racial mix in a photo
of the winning team at a major grand-prix one-design event?
Assuming that the answer for 99% of you is "never," it's a sad commentary on the lack of
diversity that exists in our sport, but that's even more reason to celebrate this photo of Oman
Sail's victory over 19 other boats at the recent Grand Prix Atlantique de Pornichet. This ain't
no slacker regatta, either; these teams are prepping for the last ever Tour de France à la
Voile in the Mumm/Farr 30, and they're peppered with talent. We're not saying the five Oma-
nis on Oman Sail’s Renaissance are rock stars yet, either - after all, VOR super-stud Rob
Greenhalgh ran the boat while Melges 24 rock star and TdF vet Cedric Pouligny drove - but
clearly, their instructors down in Muscat are doing something right!
Actually, they're doing a hell of a lot right, and right now Oman Sail is, without a doubt, the
model of how to go about forming a national sailing program with laser-beam focus and
clear goals - we even hear that National Governing Body reps from a handful of other coun-
tries have been in touch with Oman Sail for advice on how to freshen up their own programs.
Great news from a great program, and we'll be cheering for them in the upcoming Tour. We'll
also be cheering for past SCOTW Deneen Demourkas and the Groovederci kids, who fin-
ished 3rd at Pornichet.
The unique partnership and support that Ren-
aissance has provided to Oman Sail in various
aspects reflect our continuous commitment in
developing young Omanis and engaging them in
programmes that enhance their personal and
professional skills. Renaissance will be spon-
soring three programmes with Oman Sail in the
upcoming month, including the Clipper Race,
Tour de France a la Voile and a Sailing School
Summer Camp. More details to follow soon.
The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010
Renaissance: Safe, Efficient, Green, LocalDear Colleagues,
In my most recent circular to you (SRT Renaissance Management Series 016 –
Renaissance: Safe, Efficient, Green, Local), I continued to plug a consistent theme
that our oil & gas services should be focused on assisting our customers, the oil & gas
producers, in the task of driving down unit cost of production of a barrel of oil. The
equivalent objective may be set for all customers in their respective sectors, be it
health, education, commerce, military etc. Delivering lower cost to customers should
not come from our profit, but from our efficiency. Efficiency may come in part from our
‘safe’ agenda, where our ethos is that safe operations are the most efficient
operations. Or in part from our ‘local’ agenda, where we shorten the supply line of
goods and services that we consume to be as local as quality specifications and
standards will allow. But in the main, efficiency will come from our efforts to square
the seemingly mutually exclusive agenda to deliver higher standards at lower costs.
The latest edition of ‘The Economist’ has a special report which supports this
notion with the following observation, which says: Management gurus are always
glibly proclaiming business revolutions. But 30 years ago one certainly happened.
Corporate America woke up to discover that Japan had overtaken America to
become the world's leading car producer - and it had done so not through cheap
labour but through "lean manufacturing". Soon every factory around the world was
lean - or a ruin. ‘The Economist’ special report argues that a comparable revolution
is taking place in the developing world. Emerging countries are no longer content to
be sources of cheap hands and low-cost brains. Instead they too are becoming
hotbeds of innovation, producing breakthroughs in everything from telecoms to
carmaking to health care, redesigning products to reduce costs not just by 10%, but
by up to 90%.
In our ‘Safe, Efficient, Green, Local’ agenda, I make the point that by ‘efficient’ I do
not necessarily mean the cheapest, but I do mean always the most cost-effective
solutions for our customers. So I once again urge all of us to constantly strive to
develop our Marine, Engineering and Contract Services solutions to realize the
business revolution referred to in ‘The Economist’ for our respective industries and
markets. The Renaissance orchestra has been playing variations on this theme for
many years, recognizing that as reserves of cheap oil decline, the oil & gas industry
will need previously unimagined innovation and efficiencies to make the expensive
hard-to-get-at oil economically viable. Any service provider who becomes part of the
efficient energy solution, rather than remain part of the high cost problem, will inherit
the future. Throughout this great group of ours we have people with the talent, energy
and commitment to innovate and seize that opportunity.
Stephen R. Thomas
CEO
Renaissance Services SAOG
messageCEO
from
the
“The Renaissance orchestra hasbeen playing variations onthis theme for many years,recognizing that as reserves
of cheap oil decline, the oil &gas industry will need previously unimagined
innovation and efficienciesto make the expensive hard-
to-get-at oil economically viable.
”The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010
SAFE
Topaz wins silver RoSPA safety award
SAFE
Safety for the Storm
As Cyclone Phet approached the north-eastern
coast of Oman, Renaissance operations in Oman’s
interior and coastal cities had emergency plans
ready and at hand, in addition to corporate advisory
sent out from the CEO. A contribution from Joseph
Placid, Project Manager in the Contract Services
Group operations in Sur – one of the worst hit
localities in Oman – shares the precautions taken,
and photos of the ensuing flooding.
In brief, we had an emergency meeting at
contract holder's office to brief on arrangements
to be in place - lessons learned from Cyclone
Gonu:
Topaz Marine MENA has
recently won a coveted
2010 Silver Award from the
Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents
(RoSPA) at the annual Occupational Health and
Safety Awards. Topaz Marine MENA, a first time
nominee, joined the ranks of international compa-
nies in the public and private sectors that were
recognized for excellent occupational health and
safety management systems. The RoSPA Awards
promote good health and safety as a fundamental
part of good business.
In 2009 the Topaz Marine division reported zero
Lost Time Incidents as a result of the company’s
focus on HSE. Topaz operates a rigorous
systematic training and empowerment program to
ensure that all staff actively participates in the
development of ongoing improvements to an already
well-established safety system.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
is a registered charity with a core focus on accident
prevention in the UK and the rest of the world.
Founded in 1917, RoSPA has a long history of
successful campaigning on issues which have the
potential to save lives and reduce injuries in a broad
range of industries. The award ceremony, sponsored
by NEBOSH, was attended by 3,000 people and
took place over three days in the UK.
Ensuring enough stock of all food stuff and
consumables
Ensuring all staff is stationed at work place -
restricting staff movements
Vehicles are filled fully with fuel and drivers
on stand by
Emergency focal points for all operational
areas were given responsibilities and tasks
Communication through security radio
established
24 hour medical team arranged
Maintenance emergency team mobilised - to
attended power / water failure
All furniture / assets moved to higher
grounds to prevent damages
All unwanted power supplies switched off
Standby diesel generator / emergency lights
/ torch / candles were provided to all sites
All staff briefed not to panic and remain calm
With all emergency procedures in place we
prevented human causalities and kept asset
damages to a minimum. By the grace of God, all
my staff are safe and in good health, and I take
this opportunity to thank our operation manger,
procurement department and all at CSG for their
support throughout this difficult time.
The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010
The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010
GREEN
Oman Green Awards first for the nation
OER organizers with guests at the reception
Sponsors and supporters receiving tokens of appreciation from
HH Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib, Director at Renaissance, and
Sandeep Sehgal, CEO of Media Communication Group
Recipient of Green Habitat Award winners, Muriya Tourism
List of Winners:
Green Campaign of the Year
Winner - Haya, Oman Waste Water Company
Special Commendation - Muscat Asian Beach Games
Organising Committee
Green Champion Award
Winner - Pravin Amudan
Special Commendation - Ojas Bhatia
Green Landscape Award
Winner - Al Nahda Resort & Spa
Special Commendation - Gardening World Oman
Green Guardian Award
Winner - Six Senses Hideway Zighy Bay
Special Commendation - BankMuscat
Green Footprint Award
Winner - AES Barka Power and Desalination Plant
Special Commendation - V-KOOL Oman
Special Jury Awards
Port of Salalah
Petroleum Development Oman
The Green Innovation Award
Winner - Crowne Plaza Sohar
Special Commendation - GoPoint Ta’meer
The Green Research Award
Winner - Sultan Qaboos University
Special Commendation - Mitsubishi Corporation
Green Habitat Award
Winner - Muriya Tourism Development Company
Special Commendation - National Pharmaceutical
Industries Company
Green Education Award
Winner - Indian School Nizwa
Special Commendation - ABA – An IB World School
Public Choice Award
Winner - Bahwan Engineering Company
Special Commendation - Cartridge World Oman
The first National Environment Awards – Oman
Green Awards was held at the Barr al Jissah Resort
& Spa on 12th June, 2010. The work of companies,
institutions and individuals who have shown
remarkable environment vision were showcased at
the function. The Guest of Honour, HE Sayyid
Hamood bin Faisal al Busaidi, the Honourable
Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs and
HH Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib al Said, Editor-in-Chief,
Oman Economic Review handed over the awards to
the winners. Sandeep Sehgal, CEO, UMS and
Lamees Daar, Executive Director, Environment
Society of Oman, set the tone for the evening by
focussing on the imminent threat to the environment
and solutions in their respective speeches. An audio
visual presentation captured the enormity of the issue
visually. The decor, menu and ambience were in line
with the green theme, enhancing the evenings
experience. The complete work of the winners of
Oman Green Awards can be seen on
www.omangreenawards.com.
Renaissance has recently sponsored an original charity event to raise funds for autistic children in Oman.
Inspired by Dustin Hoffman’s autistic savant character in the film Rain Man, the event was organized around a
Sudoku competition where the Chief Guest was George Widener, one of the few gifted autistic savants of the
world (there are just around 100 known savants in the whole world!). Savants are autistic but intellectual geniuses
and can compute faster than a computer/calculator. The following advertisements were published in conjunction
with the event.
LOCAL
CSR: Raising awareness on Autism
GREEN
Saving Energy: Together, we can make a big difference
“Sometimes, especially around deadlines, we have one
or two designers working till 8 or 9 pm. All the lights on that
floor, over every desk, were switched on for these one or
two persons because there was only one switch for the
whole department. It was a lot of electricity and bulbs being
wasted,” explains Office Green Team member Rekha Nair,
Executive Assistant to the CEO at United Media Services
(UMS).
Around the conference table, other Green Team
members express similar incidents at their floors and
departments. It is a common occurrence in most offices.
What is uncommon, though, is that Rekha called in the
electricians to review and alter all light switch circuits to
create independent light switches for each work station at
UMS. She ensured the office went two steps further: first,
the bulbs were changed to lower wattage energy saving
bulbs; then, an internal campaign was launched urging
employees to turn off light switches when leaving their
work station, or even for other colleagues who had
forgotten to do so. Savings amounted to 50 Rials (US$
130) in the first month.
Green Team member Mohan Shetty relays a different
story on a paper saving initiative at his office in the
Personnel Department of the Contract Service Group
(CSG), “We connected all the computers to a central
printer which was also the photocopying machine. Not
only did we reduce the use of print and toner cartridges,
but we also saved on costs when the individual printers
were given to offices in the interior that needed them.”
“We’re investing in a fax machine that routes incoming
faxes to a computer and receives a soft copy of the fax,”
adds Simon Lobo, describing a project underway at the
Finance Department of CSG. “The savings on paper are
considerable. Sometimes one of our branches will send a
project report of about 25 pages, but my requirement is
only 3 or 4 pages of the whole document. By printing what
I need and keeping the rest on digital record, we’ll be
saving a lot of paper, ink and filing space.”
The OGT is currently pooling electrical and stationary
bills to calculate the savings resulting from these green
initiatives. If you would like to get an OGT started at your
location, please contact Renaissance Corporate
Communication Manager Hala Srouji: [email protected]
The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010
Renaissance signed a new agreement with
Microsoft Oman to update the company’s
software and solutions for all Renaissance
companies across Oman. Soon, all desktops will
be upgraded to the latest Microsoft 7 software and
applications, and employees will also receive
benefits including home use programs, 24/7
support, and technical training among others. First
stage meetings between respective IT
administrators of Renaissance businesses and
Microsoft Oman’s implementation staff have taken
place throughout May, with implementation
scheduled to take place within the coming weeks.
This agreement falls in line with our
“continuous improvement” credo and quality
assurance culture, which is essential to improving
our systems and empowering Renaissance
people with the best available resources.
Renaissance signs deal with Microsoft Oman
Renaissance has contributed a total of
250,000 Rials (US$ 650,000) over three years
towards 45 Omani students enrolled in Nizwa
University’s diploma programme for special
education as part of an agreement with the
Association of Early Intervention for Children with
Disabilities.
The graduating teachers from the special
education diploma programme have secured
contracts for employment with the Association of
Early Intervention and other educational
institutions enrolling children with special needs.
LOCAL
CSR: Association of Early Intervention
The Office Green Team (OGT) is a new initiative started
at the Renaissance Services group headquarters in Muscat,
Oman. A team of volunteers are nominated by management
to meet once a week for a business quarter in order to
discuss, record and plan simple green initiatives at that
location. At the headquarter office the five volunteers for the
first OGT hail from different groups and departments.
During each meeting, the members present a progress
report of initiatives taken at their respective department with
practical examples and ideas to take their initiatives forward.
The primary objective of the OGT is to communicate the
existing energy saving systems and processes at each
location. Many of our companies are running energy and
resource saving programmes as part of their respective
efficiency, quality assurance or local content programmes.
With increased awareness and communication, groups will
be able to identify and label the parts of these programmes
as “green” or eco-conscious initiatives.
GREEN
Office Green Team
Rekha Nair (Corporate Office, MCG), Hala Srouji (Corp. Office,
Renaissance), Simon Lobo (Finance Department, CSG),
Monyca Giles (Corp. Office, MCG), not pictured Mohan Shetty (HR
Department, CSG)
The Channel - issue 13 - June 2010