european oil and gas issue 117 final edition

oil&gasf r o m e x p l o r a t i o n t o e n d u s e r

europeanis

sue

117

Fin

aL

europeanoilandgas.co.uk

Discussing the unique supply chain needs and challenges in the industry

this issUE: Asset protection

Leading the wayThe importance of enhancing the industry’s leadership reserves

Good dataunlocking the potential of big data for oil and gas

supplyA strong

www.marinefloors.com

The oil and gas industry is truly global in its nature, and

increasingly we are seeing projects in some of the most difficult,

hard to reach locations imaginable. In an era where cost saving and

maximising efficiency is foremost in everyone’s mind, the challenge

for energy companies is ensuring that their operations in these areas

are served by a fast, efficient and effective logistics chain. After all,

how can you expect to explore or drill when an ineffective supply

chain hampers you?

For our first issue of 2015 we look at the unique supply chain needs

in the oil and gas industry and discover why the implementation of

a successful logistics management solution is essential to ongoing

success. “Oil and gas supply chains are among some of the most

complex in the world,” says Jonathan Shortis of DHL, the world’s

leading logistics company, in our cover feature.

If streamlining your business is at the top of your agenda as we start

a new year then as Jonathan highlights, your supply chain may be

a good place to start. “Logistics complexities can quickly drive up

costs and eat into profits if not well managed, which is why many

businesses are placing growing emphasis on finding and eliminating

waste in their supply chains.” Turn to page four to find out how you

can start doing this, and how it may benefit your operations.

editor maTT high

Logistics complexities can quickly drive up costs and eat into profits if not well managed”

pLeASe nOTe: The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers within this publication do not necessarily coincide with those of the editor and publisher. every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the information published is accurate, but no legal responsibility for loss occasioned by the use of such information can be accepted by the publisher. All rights reserved. The contents of the magazine are strictly copyright, the property of Schofield publishing, and may not be copied, stored in a retrieval system, or reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Chairman andrew Schofield Group Managing director mike Tulloch

Managing editor Libbie [email protected] matt [email protected] Staff Writers Jo Cooperandrew DannSteve Nash

Art editor gérard Roadley-BattinProduction Manager Fleur Daniels

Sales director David garnerCorporate Advertising Sales David [email protected] Joe WoolsgroveHead of research Philip monumentBusiness development Manager mark Cawstonresearch Managers Edward hippersonNatalie griffiths editorial researchers marke BooteJeff JohnsonKate JonesWendy Russell

office Manager/Advertisement Administrator Tracy Chynoweth

© 2015 Schofield Publishing Limited all rights reserved

10 Cringleford Business Centreintwood Road Cringleford Norwich NR4 6aU

T: +44 (0) 1603 274130F: +44 (0) 1603 274131schofield-media.com

Editors

1EuropEan oil & gas europeanoilandgas.co.uk

Editors

Profiles

Regulars

23 Pipeline Technique

27 Coltraco Ultrasonics

30 UBH International

32 A.Hak Drillcon

35 IHC Vremac Cylinders

37 Marine Fabricators

40 BHDT

42 Top Oilfield Industries

44 Bowtech Products

47 Kongsberg Maritime

18

4 Lead Feature Discussing the unique supply chain needs and challenges in the industry

10 IT Unlocking the potential of big data for oil and gas, by Chris Shannon

12 News Some of the recent developments within the oil and gas industry

14 Lead Feature The importance of enhancing the leadership reserves in the oil and gas sector

18 Special Feature - asset protection The importance of protecting assets from sand erosion

47

14

32

23

2 EuropEan oil & gas europeanoilandgas.co.uk

4

Contents

78 Pittsburgh Corning Europe

81 EV

85 NOV Wellbore Technologies

50 Parkburn Precision Handling Systems

53 TTS Offshore

55 Oilon

58 Ampelmann

62 Total Refinery Leuna

65 Advanced Actuators

68 Litre Meter

71 Rubis Terminal

74 Technip Umbilicals

78

8562

32


www.modulift.com

odern oil and gas exploration, characterised

by complex operations involving numerous

companies and in harsh, remote and

extremely challenging environments makes

the implementation of an effective and

efficient logistics programme a highly demanding task for

businesses. The sector has a range of unique demands that

if not correctly overcome can have a detrimental impact on

projects worldwide.

As European Oil & Gas Magazine recently discovered,

the energy industry provides a level of complexity and

wide geographical spread that makes operating an effective,

efficient supply chain a challenging prospect. We spoke

with Jonathan Shortis of DHL, the world’s leading logistics

company that has been supporting the energy industry for

more than 40 years, providing integrated energy logistics

services and solutions that create a competitive advantage for

energy organisations.

“The energy industry is characterised by high levels of

complexity and a broad geographical spread – increasingly

with a focus on difficult and demanding locations,” he

explains. “It is made up of a number of key sub-sectors,

including upstream oil and gas, downstream oil and gas,

energy mining, and the power and utilities and renewables

markets. At DHL we recognise the unique supply chain needs

and logistics challenges of these various segments of the

M

Jonathan ShortiS of DHL on tHe unique suppLy cHain neeDs anD cHaLLenges in tHe oiL anD gas inDustry

supplya strong


BelowJonathan shortis, vice president - energy eMea

Lead one

data exchange due to long, multinational and typically

fragmented supply chains; impact on local communities,

meaning that good community relations are essential;

dynamic operations that are exacerbated by changing plans;

multiple supplier management; and difficulties sourcing

materials and equipment.”

With such a wide range of potential challenges and

complexities within the oil and gas supply chain it

makes effective management of that logistics operation

essential. Whether companies are constructing a new oil

refinery, running a drilling operation, mining, generating

or distributing power it remains essential that efficient

utilisation of labour, infrastructure and equipment takes

energy sector, and we support the largest energy companies

across the globe, from international oil companies, service

companies and drilling companies, through to petrochemical

businesses, power and utilities companies, as well as leading

players in the renewables sector.”

As Jonathan explains, the oil and gas market presents

a number of unique challenges to businesses looking

to operate an effective logistics operation. “The key

challenges presented by the industry can include HSSE and

compliance, particularly related to third-party contractor

activities; large scale, highly complex operations that

involve multiple stakeholders, drilling locations and a wide

diversity of materials and logistics requirements; difficult


thereafter. A data-driven, outsourced supply chain provides a

number of benefits to energy companies, regardless of their

segment: visibility and traceability, simplified communication,

supply chain optimisation and significant cost reduction,

service enhancement and performance management.

“With better visibility and more predictability we can

reduce risk and increase time and cost certainty, while at

the same time build more confidence in the supply chain

itself. It’s all about the implementation of a common system

platform, better integration with our inbound logistics

providers, and a standardised organisation and process

that supports a more consistently executed supply chain.

place. “DHL recognises the unique supply chain needs

and logistics challenges among the various segments of the

energy sector, which is why we have developed integrated

supply chain management solutions targets at each of the

main sub-sectors,” says Jonathan.

“The integrated supply chain concept spans the entire

project lifecycle, with DHL becoming involved at the design

stage (pre-FEED or FEED) to develop the solution in parallel

with the design of the facilities/drilling programme,” he

continues. “This efficient, optimised supply chain solution

can then be implemented for the capital project stage and

transitioned to support the production/operations phase


Lead one

In difficult, demanding, developing geographies the key

to success is control, and by applying the best outsourcing

techniques and lessons learned from other industries –

automotive, technology and heavy industrial – conventional

and unconventional energy companies can reap the benefits

of increased productivity, increased asset availability and

hence, improved production.”

Of course, the industry is characterised by demanding

and developing geographies, as well as complex, innovative

techniques that increase the challenges for operators.

One area of note is the developing unconventionals

market. A contentious and divisive sector in its nature, as

Jonathan explains, it also brings its own unique supply

chain challenges. “The unconventional energy market is

relatively new and booming,” he says, “and often it is in an

undeveloped and remote area where pipeline infrastructure

does not exist. Because the sector is so new the supply chain

support system is equally new and is evolving rapidly.

“Logistics complexities can quickly drive up costs and

eat into profits if not well managed, which is why many

businesses are placing growing emphasis on finding and

eliminating waste in their supply chains,” he continues. “The

logistics burden associated with unconventionals is high due

to large flows of pipe, casing, water, proppant and chemicals

Logistics complexities can quickly drive up costs and eat into profits if not well managed, which is why many businesses are placing growing emphasis on finding and eliminating waste in their supply chains


standardisation of systems and processes across the supply

chain, with particular emphasis on HSSE and compliance

across the sub-contractor community. In addition, we ensure

visibility and traceability of materials through the use of an

integrated supply chain visibility tool. This ensures that well

engineering team productivity is maximised, asset up time

is increased, the time from Final Investment Decision (FID)

to production is minimised and hence production levels

are enhanced. In this way DHL can deliver real value to its

unconventional oil and gas clients.”

A key factor in many objections to the implementation of

unconventional projects is the potential impact such work

can have on the local environment and community. Whilst

this is naturally a responsibility of the energy company,

Jonathan highlights that an effective logistics operation

can greatly benefit this aspect of the operation. “Logistics

requirements for unconventionals are far greater than for

conventional oil and gas activities, thus there is a real need

for professional logistics services to reduce community

and environmental impact. We can achieve this by strong

planning and scheduling of logistics activities, and by regular

engagement with the local communities in partnership with

its client organisations.”

In fact, as Jonathan goes on to point out, DHL places

considerable emphasis on working with local communities

in its operations, both at project level and across its

to support the drilling and hydraulic fracturing activities.

As a result logistics cost is a high proportion of overall

production cost, and the provision of an efficient, effective

supply chain can therefore have a marked effect on overall

project economics.”

In the field of unconventionals, where companies

must ensure minimum disruption to communities whilst

maintaining optimum production, DHL provides effective

logistics management services, beginning with an early

engagement in the project lifecycle to design a robust,

efficient supply chain that can support every phase of the

project. This ensures a strong foundation for the business to

proceed, after which the company focuses on establishing

an integrated supply chain solution in order to manage the

logistics from supplier to worksite.

“We are one of the few companies capable of supporting

the stringent and substantial demands of unconventional

energy exploration and production anywhere in the world,”

Jonathan comments, “and we have significant experience

of supporting these types of oil and gas operations around

the world, with live projects in the US, Eastern Europe,

North Asia and Australia. We focus on the implementation

of an end-to-end supply chain approach for such projects,

managing the supply chain from international for domestic

suppliers through to the physical well site or drilling

location. We use a control tower approach to ensure


Lead one

DHLJonathan Shortis is vice president - energy, EMEA, a position he has held since the start of 2013. Within his current role Jonathan is responsible for leading the growth agenda for DHL's Global Energy Sector across EMEA. Key aspects of this role include sales leadership, leading major transformational growth projects, and supporting the regional and country teams with the development of their energy strategies and major project opportunities. He is also responsible for managing the key global accounts and account relationships. DHL is the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and "The logistics company for the world".

For further information please visit:dpdhl.com

global operations. “We provide a single point of contact

to the customer to help drive service level improvements

and reduce total logistics costs – we are responsible and

accountable for design, management, cost and operational

performance of the key supply chain functions and systems,

and as such local engagement is extremely important,

including co-operation with local regulatory authorities and

communities. We work to provide efficient supply chain

solutions, with the emphasis on compliance, HSSE, service

reliability, transportation scheduling, consolidation to reduce

vehicle movements to a minimum, standardised systems and

process delivery and reporting. We are also striving hard to

maximise local content and capitalise on local capabilities

by recruiting, training and developing local talent. We strike

a balance between our central control tower operations and

strong, local representation on a case-by-case basis, which

allows us to create sustainable business models for the future

while also meeting the aspirations of our customers.”

Over the coming years there is little doubt that

unconventional projects will continue at pace, and similarly,

oil and gas production is expected to take place in ever

more demanding and challenging environments. For such

remote activities in particular there must be considerable

emphasis on improving supply chain management for

companies moving forwards. Oil and gas supply chains are

among some of the most complex in the world, making the

implementation of successful logistics management solutions

essential for ongoing success. “The energy market is more

dynamic than ever, with that demand expected to keep

rising while resources become more diverse and increasingly

expensive to develop. This, coupled with operations in harsh

environments means that the sector must invest in new

technologies and geographies while always looking for ways

to balance risks and costs,” Jonathan points out.

“Furthermore, while the increase in gas production has

improved global energy security downward price pressure

is causing concern for the major producers, and ever more

stringent regulations, HSSE and regulatory compliance

have created more supply chain challenges and made

logistics requirements even more demanding for businesses.

In the face of these challenges we are seeing that energy

companies are redefining their business models with a view

to outsourcing more of their non-core activities. In particular

they are looking to logistics suppliers that are specialised in

the sector in order to gain access to technology and talent,

while cutting costs and sharpening their focus on their core

business. We have a global team of sector specialists who

understand the needs of the energy industry and who can

offer smarter, simplified solutions. They work closely with

customers to optimise their complex supply chains and

manage logistics costs better so that the customer can focus

on their core activities.

“By offering a single point of contact to energy companies

it is possible to improve overall control through meticulous

advanced planning, standardisation of systems and processes,

end-to-end supply chain visibility and continuity, with

efficient supplier management, comprehensive KPI reporting

and enhanced data integrity. As a result customers experience

increased productivity and rig uptime, effective maintenance,

and operational support, lower total cost, increased on-time

delivery and inventory availability, with reduced levels of

stock,” he concludes.

Oil and gas supply chains are among some of the most complex in the world, making the implementation of successful logistics management solutions essential for ongoing success


any downhole processes still suffer from

limitations in terms of monitoring and

analysis. As a result, operations such as

hydraulic fracturing, borehole seismic,

gas lift, flood front monitoring and leak

detection stand to gain significantly from new technologies

capable of delivering enhanced efficiency and efficacy.

One such technology is Distributed Acoustic Sensing

(DAS); an extremely powerful tool for collecting and

interpreting data during downhole operations to provide

engineers and site monitors with critical information,

which can be analysed in real-time or retrospectively. DAS

uses a fibre optic cable to detect acoustic vibrations so

that engineers can ‘visualise’ and record what is going on

downhole at every point of the well in real-time. This allows

well engineers to focus time and effort on value-adding

activity and, ultimately, increase recovery.

However, by adding a new layer of monitoring, DAS is also

increasing the data that needs to be processed and analysed

in downhole operations. Therefore, DAS providers are

turning to new ways of optimising their solutions to provide

the clear and actionable information that engineers need and

maximising the potential usefulness of this big data.

The aims of gathering real-time informationDAS is solving two major issues for oil and gas engineers.

Firstly, operators want to see data in real time while an

operation such as hydraulic fracturing is taking place. These

operations currently have significant limitations in terms

of the ability to monitor and analyse what is happening.

Hydraulic fracturing is inherently difficult to monitor and the

existing tools are extremely limited. Completion engineers

will often have no way of knowing that a fracture has been

successful across all zones – which is frequently the case!

DAS adds a new layer of intelligence that allows engineers

to essentially ‘acoustically visualise’ the in-well activity.

DAS can gather data to a level that gives engineers a real-

time log of the fracturing operation to an accuracy of one

to two metres, providing an indication of fracture success

in the exposed formation. Throughout any operation it is

collecting and interpreting acoustic data to help build an

understanding of the fracture operation itself, including ball

seating, gun firing and perforation. The DAS system can then

help engineers gain visibility of the fracturing activity and

propagation, including the sensing of fluid and proppant

flow through the perforations. From this data, engineers

can ensure that the process is being carried out safely and

efficiently, as well as establishing whether there are any issues

that need to be dealt with.

Secondly, operators want to ensure that production at each

well site is being maximised during a series of operations

over a longer period of time. Analysing DAS data from a

larger sample of operations can help engineers to ensure

that the well is being stimulated efficiently and effectively,

determine operational inefficiencies and assess what may

need to be changed in future.

MUnlocking the potential of big data for oil and gas, by Chris shannon, ceo, fotech solUtions

datagood


Belowchris shannon,ceo fotech solutions

IT

fotech solutions Chris Shannon is CEO of Fotech Solutions, which was established in 2008 and specialises in the development and delivery of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) based solutions. Operating primarily in the oil and gas and pipeline sectors, Fotech has developed the Helios system, which converts an optical fibre up to 40km long into a solution that is equivalent to tens of thousands of individual vibration sensors. Real-time detection of the vibrations caused by acoustic disturbances along the fibre is translated into information that will aid the oil and gas operator in exploration, production and delivery activities, or a pipeline operator with intrusion detection, leak detection or pig tracking activities.

for further information please visit:fotechsolutions.com

A multi-layered approach to well monitoringAs the adoption of powerful data analysis and interpretation

technologies such as DAS continues to rise – operators and

engineers will look for a solution that delivers the invaluable

data they need in the most easy-to-use and optimised

package for them. Combining DAS with sophisticated data

compression software will constitute a step-change in the

way DAS is delivered, demonstrating how the commercial

value of data to well operators and high-level decision

makers can be increased.

On a wider level, I believe the industry is due a change

in its overall approach towards technologies such as DAS.

To experience the ROI budget owners within oil and gas

operators need to see, engineering decision makers need to

see DAS as an enabling part of an overall solution. Rather

than taking the benefits of real-time monitoring at face value,

a more sophisticated and beneficial approach is to ensure

the information is being delivered in a way that suits your

individual needs most. Whether that’s providing the mission-

critical information required, as it happens, to simply

alert engineers of potential issues that must be dealt with

immediately, or if it’s generating reams of data from a series

of operations to be analysed closely in order to fine-tune

particular downhole processes to extend the life-time of a

well. The key is to ensure that DAS is being used in the most

effective manner possible.

Cutting through the noiseDAS is a powerful tool in facilitating both of these analytical

processes. One of the challenges of DAS is not in collecting

the information, but maximising the potential of the huge

volume of data being produced in each individual operation.

Whether DAS is being used to analyse information in real-

time or over a longer timespan, operators are currently

likely to be dealing with tens of Terabytes of data for

each individual monitoring period. Considering this data

is collected from well sites, often in rural areas without

access to high-speed broadband, it is rare that computing

hardware powerful enough to handle it is available on-site.

Furthermore, sending huge packets of data to a different site

via satellite connection is virtually impossible.

Currently the data collected from each operation has

to be stored on physical hard drives and transported to

locations where the sophisticated analysis can be carried

out retrospectively on more powerful computers with

the processing power to handle the reams of real time

information. However, the data collected by DAS is extremely

valuable for engineers looking to spot trends and potential

anomalies that may show inefficiencies with a certain

process. Therefore, having the ability to conduct real time

analysis engineers only need the most critical information

that gives them a clear picture of what is happening

downhole at a given time. In order to provide this, the data

needs to be compressed to a more manageable amount by

filtering out the ‘background noise’.

Furthermore, transporting the data across a network to

conduct analysis in real time also increases the value of using

technologies such as DAS. Optimising the solution being

used to a point where data can be broadcast to different

locations from the well site in near real-time means data can

be analysed by experts off site as the operation happens.

At Fotech, we encourage our customers and partners to

view DAS as part of a wider solution rather than a standalone

technology. For example, combining a DAS system with

advanced data compression software, delivers a solution

where data is collected, interpreted and compressed to

a manageable size, in near real-time. Our partnership

with Interpretive Software Products (ISP), data modelling

and interpretation software specialist, means data can be

compressed into packets that are small enough (Gigabytes,

not Terabytes) to be sent across a network from the site,

without any loss of critical information.

By compressing data to a more manageable level, the

combination of DAS and sophisticated data compression

tools enables far quicker delivery of in-well reports. The

use of the data compression approach also means that

transmitting information to operational platforms around

the world in close to real-time can be achieved at far lower

bandwidths than would be possible otherwise. The ability to

transmit data across a network as it is collected also opens

up the possibility of genuinely global access to data from the

well as it happens, allowing for distributed decision making

by the key company stakeholders.


Considering the future

Remote control

While positive measures have been taken to attract investment in the UK’s exploration and

production (E&P) sector, low oil prices and the country’s high tax burden mean that more

significant changes are required to make new developments commercially viable, says an analyst

with research and consulting firm GlobalData.

During the annual Autumn Statement, UK Chancellor George Osborne announced a

supplementary charge reduction, which will decrease the overall tax rate on the country’s E&P

sector from 62 per cent to 60 per cent, effective from 1st January 2015.

According to Will Scargill, fiscal analyst for GlobalData, this move will improve the sector’s

profitability to some extent, but the simultaneous removal of the price-based trigger mechanism,

which could have reduced the total tax rate by 12 per cent, will not be considered a beneficial trade-

off by E&P investors if the oil price does not rebound from its current levels.

He says: “Overall, the UK is sending positive signs to E&P firms, but high operational costs

mean that the recent tax amendments are no game-changer for the investment climate. Without

investment in extending the lives of producing fields, existing infrastructure will be decommissioned

earlier. This will have the knock-on effect of reducing the commercial viability of smaller fields,

which depend on such infrastructure, leaving resources below ground and ultimately resulting in a

decline in sector size and associated tax receipts.”

Sub-Atlantic has secured three international contracts with a combined value of over £3.5 million for

the manufacture of three specialist remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

The firm will provide IKM Subsea in Norway, Italy’s Globe Exploration and Total Marine

Technology of Australia with state-of-the-art observation class vehicles that are widely used across

the offshore energy and defence industries.

Sub-Atlantic, which is part of the Forum Energy Technologies group, has its operations hub

in Aberdeen and a manufacturing base in Kirbymoorside, Yorkshire. This announcement follows

a significant investment in the group’s Kirbymoorside facility to create a manufacturing centre

of excellence. The company is also on a recruitment drive to boost its operational workforce in

Aberdeen and add 20 manufacturing jobs in Yorkshire where it employs 300 people.

Ryan Lumsden, global product director for Sub-Atlantic, said: “By bringing Sub-Atlantic’s

manufacturing capabilities alongside the Perry facility in Kirbymoorside and investing significantly

in additional resources, plant and machinery, we have created a real centre of excellence which

brings together our combined expertise and innovation and is unrivalled within our industry

globally. Aberdeen remains a crucial centre of operations for us and we are looking to strengthen the

team there to ensure we continue to meet our client’s needs.”

A vital service

Amarinth has been appointed by Expro

to deliver $1 million of API 610 OH1

pumps for the Subsea Well Response

Project. In light of recent serious oil

spill incidents such as Macondo, in

the Gulf of Mexico, nine international

oil and gas companies, including BP,

Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil,

Petrobras, Shell, Statoil and Total, are

working together through the Subsea

Well Response Project (SWRP) in

collaboration with Oil Spill Response

Limited (OSRL) pooling expertise and

resources to develop and make available

to the international oil and gas industry

a global containment toolkit that can

support subsea well incident response if

well shut-in is not immediately possible.

Expro North Sea, selected by the

Operating Committee to deliver the

transfer pumps and coolers for the

project, implemented a rigorous full

quality supplier audit before finally

awarding Amarinth the $1M contract

for ten API 610 OH1 B Series pumps

with Plan 53B Seal Support systems.

The audit, conducted over three days,

involved tracing a high percentage

of components right back to their

original manufacture and not allowing

work to proceed through the stages of

manufacture until all approvals had

been received by them.

Oliver Brigginshaw, managing director

of Amarinth, commented: “We are

delighted to be supplying our pumps

to the Subsea Well Response Project,

which has such huge potential to protect

the global environment in the event of a

subsea incident.”

Above: Amarinth API 610 OH1 pump for subsea well response project


News

AGR is pleased to announce it has been awarded the Well

Management Services Contract with Edison Norge AS. AGR will

support Edison across its operating licences, including its first

exploration well on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

AGR will deliver services relating to well construction,

operational support, project management and rig intake services

on the Edison-operated PL616, Haribo exploration well.

Sjur Talstad, AGR’s executive vice president for Norway

and Russia, said: “AGR is honoured to support Edison in their

planned and future operations on the Norwegian Continental

Shelf (NCS). We have assisted several new operators on NCS and

our key individuals have extensive detailed regional knowledge from the location of the Haribo

well. We are looking forward to the collaboration between the Edison and AGR teams.”

The three-year contract has extension options, which could see it extend to five years in total.

A balanced futureEnergy: A Balanced Future, the National Conference organised by NOF Energy, the business

development organisation for the oil, gas, nuclear, offshore and renewables sectors has quickly

established itself as one of the most talked about events on the energy calendar.

Taking place at the prestigious Sage Gateshead, 10th and 11th March 2015, professionals from

the UK and international energy industry will head to North East England to discuss the future of

the energy sectors.

Caroline Lofthouse, business development manager at NOF Energy, said: “Energy: A Balanced

Future was always going to be a key event, but to have attracted so much interest this early on is

very encouraging.

“It shows the appetite for dialogue as some of the top names including BP, Technip, DONG

Energy, Petrobras, Dana Petroleum, Wood Group PSN and GE Oil & Gas in the industry come

together to discuss the latest developments and find ways they can work together to build an

energy-focused future.”

Phil Saxton, general manager of Dräger Marine & Offshore UK, said: “Our passion for safety in

the oil and gas industry can be seen in everything we do and we’re very proud to be aligned with

this event – one of the highlights of the 2015 calendar.

Supporting role

Equipped to succeedAshtead Technology has seen a sharp

increase in equipment sales since the

Aberdeen headquartered business

secured a number of exclusive global

sales agreements with world-leading

manufacturers such as Seabotix, Innova,

Sound Metrics, ECA Robotics and SubC

Imaging.

To build on the global growth in

equipment sales, Ashtead Technology

has appointed Kevin Murray-Taylor as

global product sales manager. Based

in Aberdeen, Mr Murray-Taylor is

responsible for product sales within

Ashtead, providing a central focus for

both customers and the regional sales

teams in Aberdeen, London, Houston

and Singapore.

The focus on equipment sales

is part of an overall global growth

strategy, which will see Ashtead

Technology deepen its services and

increase its market share. The company

also recently launched the Ashtead

training academy, which meets global

demand for improved competency

in the configuration, operation

and maintenance of increasingly

sophisticated subsea equipment.

Ashtead Technology’s commercial

director, Tim Sheehan, said: “With a

strong heritage stretching back some

thirty years, Ashtead has evolved

from a rental business to become a

much more integrated provider of

subsea equipment solutions, offering

custom solutions to meet the needs

of the subsea industry from survey

to engineering, procurement and

construction companies, and to the

inspection, repair and maintenance

sector. We have invested heavily in our

fleet and in securing global agreements

with the leading manufacturers, which

ensure that we are able to provide the

technology our customers want."

Above: Sjur Talstad, executive vice president for Norway and Russia at AGR

Above: Phil Saxton, general manager of Drager Marine & Offshore UK, second right on the back row, with Drager’s Aberdeen team


hort-term business challenges combined

with long-term uncertainty in the oil and

gas industry have made building the talent

pipeline a difficult challenge for companies.

In addition to this, an ongoing focus on

building technical expertise within businesses has resulted in

a serious deficit in potential leadership candidates for energy

companies, seriously threatening future business and long-

term potential.

European Oil & Gas Magazine was fortunate to recently

speak with Sherief Hammady, a director and global partner

at global management consultancy Hay Group to discuss the

leadership reserve challenges facing the sector, and the steps

that leaders and organisations need to consider to get a better

return on their investment in people and move ahead of their

competitors. Hay Group has recently published a report on

the topic titled ‘Enhancing you leadership reserves’, with the

results making compelling reading.

Hay Group collected data from 33 oil and gas

organisations, and supplemented this with interviews of 20

organisational leaders in the sector. The report recognised

that industry leaders are seriously at risk of seeing the

reserves of leadership potential run dry over the coming

years. For example, only half of respondents said that they

had enough employees ready to take on the necessary

leadership positions, which could seriously jeopardise their

future business goals. It was also noted that the industry’s

focus on building reserves of technical and engineering

professionals – seen as a key driver by many businesses in

recent years – has resulted in individuals taking leadership

positions who potentially lack the commercial experience to

act on leadership issues.

Compounding this issue at present is a complex mix of

short-term business challenges and long-term uncertainty

across the sector, which makes building the talent pipeline

in the oil and gas industry a difficult and often challenging

task. Sherief begins by pinpointing why this lack of potential

future leaders exists in the sector. “The leadership element of

building the business is something that is often overlooked

in many cases,” he explains. “At present there is a significant

focus on building and developing technical expertise within

businesses, which is generally seen as more important than

general leadership, and because it is an issue that manifests

itself in the short-term it continues to take precedent. The

short-term aspect of this makes it an important issue as

companies are trying to balance the need to plan for the

future against addressing the challenges of the present.

The other problem we face at present is that as individuals

progress within an oil and gas organisation it still pays to be

a ‘senior expert’, and therefore for many the leadership aspect

becomes something of an ‘add on’ and is not necessarily seen

as an inspiring career end in itself.”

The focus on technical expertise is to a certain extent

understandable, with the industry being driven by

technology, innovation and operational expertise but, as

Sherief explains, it is having a detrimental effect on future

leaders. In fact, the Hay Group report discovered that just

53 per cent of respondents felt that their employees were

encouraged to develop beyond their areas of expertise.

S

Sherief hammady discusses enhancing the leadership reserves in the oil and gas industry

wayleading the


Belowsherief hammady, director and global partner at hay group

Lead two

the technical knowledge and skill that will make you

successful, or take you to the level of the next Shell, BP

or other majors, or is it having strong and commercially

skilled leaders in the key position as well?”

There clearly needs to be a balance between both roles, and

a key factor in improving the leadership talent pipeline is in

companies doing more to identify potential candidates early

on in their career, before they are firmly entrenched in a more

technical role. The most successful organisations at present

are those that accurately determine what skills they need to

ensure their future success and then identify the talent pools

and the individuals that could potentially provide those skills.

Indeed, many of those involved in Hay Group’s report stressed

the importance of identifying future leaders early in their

careers, spotting any weaknesses and acting to redress them

quickly and effectively. It would be prudent for example to

look at fundamental areas such as ambition and the drive to

learn and develop, and good interpersonal skills, and to invest

heavily into the commercial aspects of leaders’ developments

by planning their route into management early.

“At present we are not really building the breadth and

“I often use the analogy of having a difficult or ‘problem child’,

where they understandably get all of the focus and attention,

and although there are some very gifted and brilliant children

out there, who in this case would be potential leaders, they are

often overlooked. The other reason why leadership is a less

dominant focus is that there is a purveying attitude of ‘I do

what I enjoy most’, with many people enjoying the technical

element of their job more than the possible leadership aspect of

operating in a business, which is often regarded as a distraction

from someone’s area of work.

“Of course, we are not denying that it is a very technical

industry, so you can naturally understand why the

dominant focus would be on that area and why leadership

roles have been overlooked, and in some cases it is often

for good reason,” he continued. “But what we are saying

is that yes, there is a baseline whereby you do need to

be capable technically, but from an organisational point

of view the question that companies really have to pose

is what will make them more successful in the future?

If you’re thinking ten to 15 years into the future then

it’s really important to consider whether it is simply


that they can grow in the best possible way, and often we are

seeing that these opportunities are lacking.”

In many cases these opportunities are lacking due to

systematic cultural issues that are embedded within many

companies in the industry. There is widespread concern

about performance management cultures within the sector,

with many believing that leaders are predominantly focusing

on performance management and business outcomes to the

detriment of input into people performance. “The industry is

complex, and it swings like a pendulum,” Sherief comments.

“Our concern in this respect is that as prices fluctuate the

companies take immediate action to address the problem,

with the consequence being that the people development

and performance management aspect of the business can be

cut, reduced or overlooked.” As noted in Hay Group’s report,

the lack of performance management is being driven by a

number of key factors:

Rapid growth 6

Diversity 6

Alignment 6

Capability 6

Culture 6

Retention 6

Rewards 6

identifying the potential early on, so companies aren’t

necessarily thinking as strategically as they should be,”

Sherief explains. “We are maybe thinking about the next

two or three years, but as I explained previously, not really

forecasting ahead to the next ten years or further in terms of

HR, recruitment and investing in people. At Hay Group we

believe that the key issue is using your resources to discover

very early in someone’s career if there is the desire, as well as

the ability, to be a leader in the future.

“We have a framework that looks at potential leaders,

which is about really delving into the ‘raw’ skills and

capabilities of a possible candidate. So, it is based around

four key elements; does someone have the hunger to want

to learn? Do they have the conceptual flexibility – so can

they operate in a flexible way in the face of challenges or

problems? Are they interpersonally effective? And finally,

do they have the ability to manage themselves effectively,

and do they have the understanding of their own emotions

and abilities and how to manage those within the work

environment? Looking at it in a simplistic way, if someone

fulfils these attributes early on then you know that you have

the nucleus for an effective leader within your business. The

key question then is do you work hard to nourish it, to give

them the opportunity and discuss the future with them so

If you’re thinking ten to 15 years into the future then it’s really important to consider whether it is simply the technical knowledge and skill that will make you successful, or take you to the level of the next Shell, BP or other majors, or is it having strong and commercial skilled leaders in the key position as well?


Lead two

Sherief hammadySherief Hammady is a director and global partner at Hay Group and is the UK lead for oil and gas consulting. Over the past 13 years he has worked with senior leaders in FTSE 100 and large private sector organisations from around the world, focusing on the human issues that underpin business performance.

for further information please visit:haygroup.com/uk

While there are many programmes and other initiatives

around leadership and people succession available, if

companies are to solve the leadership reserves challenge

then it is important for them to focus on using radical

new techniques in order to release untapped potential.

Importantly, the cyclical nature of the industry means that it

is vital for companies to ensure that their strategies are up to

date in order to face the future challenges. This means being

very responsive and flexible, while creating and maintaining

a motivated working environment in which talent can be

nurtured. Companies must look to inspire future leaders and

to set out a clear set of company values in which individuals

can grow; this in particular is a good way of starting much

needed cultural change.

At the same time as recognising the need for more effective

business skills, companies are looking towards executive

training, which can include courses in such things as strategy,

commercial acumen, financial analysis and leadership.

“There are some great practices out there right now and a lot

of leading businesses that are doing some great robust things

around leadership,” Sherief points out. “However, the key

is also establishing intelligence throughout your leadership

pipeline so that you know exactly what is going on and what

is planned for the future. Naturally that requires a little more

thinking and more in-depth planning on what the future

may look like, but with careful planning it is possible.

“Moving forwards there are other things that companies

can be doing. In terms of management they need more

professional managers rather than graduating their technical

individuals into leadership positions. So the future will be

about working hard to resource them, addressing how you

are working on these aspects of the business in terms of

drilling down deep into the values, communication and

clarity of the business, and this is where the current leaders

can really make the difference. So there are a lot more things

to do aside from simply looking at best practices on talent.

It will be very important to be clear on strategy and focus

of the business as this is the only way to give the direction

on equipping people with the necessary skills to make a

difference in the future.”

Ultimately, just like technical development, improving

leadership effectiveness is a journey that must continue.

There is already much being done in the industry, with

most oil and gas companies having recently implemented

leadership initiatives or are planning to in the coming years,

making it an exciting time for the sector. Summarising,

Hay Group’s report noted four key steps for companies to

consider:

Building adequate leadership pipelines, including early 6

career identification

Effective people performance management 6

Bottom-up engagement to make change happen 6

Making leadership interventions profound and long- 6

lasting through frequent practical interventions

“Everyone can be a leader, it is just that some will be

more effective than others. As part of our research we spoke

to many HR leaders and we are very pleased that there are

a lot of great things happening right now, especially given

the cycles of investment in the sector. Companies have to

continue to look strategically and longer-term to develop

leaders that will be valuable to their business and the

industry, and we hope this will continue over the coming

years, in spite of any turbulence and fluctuating business

cycles,” Sherief concludes.


ombating sand wear, erosionSand was once dismissed by the oil and

gas industry as it only represented a small

fractional percentage of flow from an oil/

gas well. However, because the industry

is now more aware of the severe damage caused by sand

particles, the presence of sand in many well flow streams is

now well documented.

Sand production is now of increasing concern as the

field ages, because many fields are becoming ‘mature’ and

sand production levels always tend to increase. Also, as

new, more difficult fields (i.e. conditions such as higher

pressures, temperatures and higher sand levels), are

developed, they often have higher starting and ongoing

levels of sand production.

It is therefore important that the presence of sand is

anticipated and that oil and gas production systems, from

downhole right through to the processing facilities, are

designed to handle the sand safely and reliably, because the

production stream can be highly erosive due to the sand

particles contained within the fluid. The size of the sand

particles varies widely from as little as 15-30 microns (fines),

up to 180-250 microns (moderate) to 450-600 microns

(large), with each well and field having its own characteristic.

Worldwide, sand erosion costs the oil and gas industry

billions of dollars annually due to increased wear and

maintenance downtime, which manifest themselves as cut-

backs in production, un-planned shut-downs or failures

of equipment, with possible loss of containment and

consequent environmental damage. Both the drilling and

production sectors of the industry must therefore consider

the risk of potential sand erosion damage and wear more

seriously and ensure they are using validated equipment that

is fit for purpose.

Although the sand present in the flow may still represent

only a fraction of one per cent, if this is flowing in the piping

system or inside components such as choke valves at high

velocity it can cause significant erosive damage or even

penetrate the wall or body leading to loss of containment - a

very serious risk. Also, if sand particles become trapped in

equipment with sliding or rotating parts with very small

clearances, such as a valve, they can cause the operating force

to increase significantly making it difficult to operate or to

reliably close and seal, in some cases even causing the valve to

seize. These scenarios are often potentially high-risk situations.

To control and limit the production of sand, operators

often install sand screens downhole to retain sand particles

but still allow a reasonable flow of fluid. However the

smaller grains, typically <60 microns, will still pass through,

and these can still cause erosive damage, albeit at a slower

C

John Peters of NEL discussEs saNd ErosioN iN pipELiNEs aNd how compaNiEs caN protEct thEir assEts

pipelinesprotecting


Special feature - asset protection

claims, manufacturers are finding that independent evidence,

as part of the verification process, delivers a competitive edge

as it assures purchasers that the product indeed performs

reliably, particularly under arduous conditions.

However, operators are faced with a complex problem: not

only are equipment designs and technologies often evolving

in advance of an appropriate standard, every individual field

they develop will have different attributes.

For new equipment for which there is no relevant

standard, the first step is to ask what standard is similar or

closest to being applicable (if any), and assess whether it may

be used as a basis to form a tailor-made test programme. This

needs to be done in collaboration with the operator, who

best understands the conditions under which the equipment

will operate; the manufacturer, who is familiar with their

product’s design and material specifications; and the test

authority. Consequently such equipment is often not tested

to a specific existing standard, but tested using a recognised

’industry best-practice’ approach.

rate. A downside of installing sand-screens is that they can

sometimes block and fail.

The only realistic option is to make the whole production

system ‘sand-tolerant’, which inevitably makes it more

expensive. However, for fields likely to be producing sand

(even low levels), in the long-term an investment in sand-

tolerant equipment will pay dividends with its benefits of

extended life, increased reliability and lower risk.

Equipment validationFor equipment and pipework that is susceptible to sand

erosion, how can operators be assured of the equipment’s

performance and integrity? Verification or validation, also

known as type testing and qualification testing, is increasingly

becoming the answer for both manufacturers and operators.

A number of ISO standards and API specifications include

such tests and procedures. as well as some manufacturers and

operators having their own procedures.

Rather than relying solely on their own product capability


meters to have significant errors.

By knowing how particulate flows and erosion affect the

performance of different types of flow meter, a meter’s design

and performance may be improved, and meter selection

can be optimised, resulting in improved accuracy, reliability

and improved service (wear) life. Planned meter inspection,

calibration and maintenance procedures can also be suitably

optimised, resulting in a sizeable reduction in operating costs

and downtime.

To evaluate some of the effects of sand erosion on flow

meter uncertainty, NEL, supported by the UK’s National

Measurement System (NMS), recently designed and

constructed a sand/water Erosive Flow Test Facility. An

experimental investigative test programme supported by

NMS was then undertaken on a number of different meter

types - coriolis, turbine-meter and venturi.

With sandy water flow streams of around five per cent

sand by volume, an average particle size of ~280 microns and

flows of up to 1500 l/min, this will enable meter performance

to be measured under controlled erosive flow conditions.

Subsequent examination of the meters and data analysis

will provide knowledge of the performance characteristics,

uncertainty and responses of the meters under erosive flow

conditions. A report on the Coriolis meter tests has recently

been issued and a copy is available from NEL.

The flow meter project plays an important role in terms of

The importance of verification testing equipment that may

be subject to erosive conditions is becoming increasingly

evident as the industry experiences more ‘loss of integrity’ or

leak incidents. For example, high profile incidents such as

the Deepwater Horizon disaster means that the performance

of production equipment is now under even greater scrutiny,

particularly if it is located in an erosive environment. As a

consequence, rigorous testing, to demonstrate the equipment’s

performance, is now increasingly part of the delivery process.

Inaccurate flow measurementFor regulatory, fiscal and allocation flow-metering

requirements, operators are responsible for ensuring that their

flow meter readings are accurate. However, depending upon a

meter’s location, eg upstream or downstream of the separator,

particle erosion may have a significant adverse impact on a

flow meter’s accuracy, reliability and body integrity.

Upstream of the separator, sand particles are likely to

be in the flow stream all the time, the sand concentration

(level) varying throughout the life of the well. Flow meters

located downstream of the separator are likely to receive flow

streams relatively free of sand particles, depending upon the

effectiveness of the separator in trapping and removing the

particles. However, whenever there is a production upset in

the separator, sand particles (potentially high levels) could

pass through the flow meters and this could easily cause the

Erosion tests have shown that there are different areas of wear within pipework and equipment depending on a number of factors, including local geometry and shape of the flow path, the fluid/ particle velocity, sand concentration, particle size, shape and hardness


Special feature - asset protection

NELJohn Peters is principal consultant at NEL, a world-class provider of technical consultancy, research, measurement, testing and flow measurement services to the energy and oil and gas industries, as well as government. Part of the TÜV SÜD Group, the company is a global centre of excellence for flow measurement and fluid flow systems and is the custodian of the UK’s National Flow Measurement Standards.

For further information please visit:tuvnel.com

life extension of existing assets and fields within the oil and

gas industry. Any unforeseen downtime caused by erosion

to equipment has a direct and major impact on operator

performance and productivity. The erosive flow facility

enables industry to fully investigate the effects of erosion and

implement control measures on equipment. This is vital for

ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.

Erosion testingNEL has undertaken a wide range of erosive flow tests on

components and equipment in both sand/water and gas/

sand flow regimes. Erosion tests have shown that there are

different areas of wear within pipework and equipment

depending on a number of factors, including local

geometry and shape of the flow path, the fluid/particle

velocity, sand concentration, particle size, shape and

hardness. Also different flow regimes- gas/sand, liquid/sand

and gas/liquid/ sand, all have different erosive flow patterns

and wear characteristics.

The flow path also influences significantly where erosion

occurs in equipment, for example sudden expansion or

contraction, bends, or a series of bends where rapid changes

in velocity or direction often have significant adverse erosion

implications. Particle velocity dominates erosion and erosion

rates - typically, doubling the particle (fluid) velocity gives a

six-fold increase in erosion rate.

CFD erosion modellingTo further understand and predict how components

and equipment are likely to perform under erosive flow

conditions, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) erosion

modelling can be used, for example, during the design phase

of wellheads, piping systems and equipment. Critical erosion

levels and potential erosion hot spots can be identified and

the wear life predicted. CFD erosion modelling therefore

provides an invaluable tool in the product development

phase to assist designers in identifying critical erosion areas

and to then optimise the design to minimise erosion.

However, CFD erosion modelling prediction techniques

are still evolving, so results cannot be relied on without

validating the CFD model with erosion test data. Such

physical testing is undertaken using erosive flow loops,

where under controlled flow conditions, known quantities of

sand flow through the equipment or component under test,

allowing engineers to accelerate erosion effects.

By subsequent examination and measurement of erosion

levels, the test data can be compared with the CFD erosion

model test predictions and the model adjusted if required.

In NEL’s experience, erosion tests often identify critical

erosion areas or hot spots that the CFD modelling does

not reasonably predict in terms of location or the level of

erosion. The “adjusted” CFD model can then be used with

greater confidence to estimate erosion levels at field operating

conditions and predict component wear-life.

While erosion is difficult to stop, operators and

manufacturers are able to take steps to minimise or control

the level of erosion and reduce the risk of serious failure.

For example, at the design stage of the pipeline, wellhead or

equipment, using CFD erosion modelling, erosion hot spots

can be eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels.

By a combination of physical erosion testing and CFD

erosion modelling, the test data can be used to validate

the erosion model. This preventative approach enables

equipment manufacturers and operators to estimate the

lifetime costs of equipment, and to plan and manage an

inspection/maintenance programme.


An expert gives you the answers you need.

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systems, ultra-heavy wall thickness tubulars,

reeled flowlines, risers, J-Lay welding, pipe

spool and structural fabrications.

Initial success in contracts with Heerema

Marine Contractors (HMC) led to an eventual

takeover bid in 2008, which saw HMC buying

51 per cent of the business, whilst founder

Duncan McGreggor maintained a 49 per cent

stake as CEO, reflecting the important role PTL

would play in the years to come. Because oil

and gas companies regularly call on HMC to

enable full offshore field development in the

toughest of environments in all of the world’s

seas, PTL’s order books, as a subsidiary, are

healthy. However, as a specialist in its own

right, PTL works frequently with other pipeline

installation contractors as well as some of the

large owning companies.

“Whilst we have been very active across a

number of fields, over the last eight months our

focus has been on the delivery of a major project

off the Australian coast,” begins Peter Coward,

group commercial and business development

manager. In 2012 HMC was awarded a contract

Following a review of working

practices, procedures and welding methods in

pipeline construction, and an evaluation of the

industry’s future needs, the potential for the

introduction of automatic welding techniques

was highlighted. It was at this point in 1998 that

Pipeline Technique Ltd (PTL) headquartered

in Huntly, Scotland was established, focused

on specialising in the niche area of automatic

pipeline welding in the oil and gas sector.

Growth of the business has proven to be

rapid with employee numbers rising from

an initial 15 in 1998 to a peak level of 350

throughout the world. Although a UK business,

the majority of the company’s turnover is

overseas and is largely for work on pipelines

being installed in ultra-deep waters. A US

subsidiary was established in 2002 to service

the American market, and the company has an

additional permanent presence in Australia and

Asia, reflecting international demand of the skill

set that includes double, quad and hex joints,

collars, tendons and connectors, pipe-in-pipe

systems, ultra-deepwater pipeline and riser

Welding the

PROFILE PIPELInE TEchnIquE


arc

Bridging the gap between ‘what if’ and ‘when’...

In a market where asset assurance is a fundamental principle, Exova has a proud track record of supporting organisations at the forefront of globaloil and gas exploration, productionand distribution.

Exova can help you get to where you're going, get in touch for a chat. t. + 44 (0) 330 222 0321e. [email protected]. www.exova.com

Testing, calibrating, advising.

Eurpoean_Oil&Gas_Magazine_2014.indd 1 31/03/2014 13:41:51

www.exova.com

to transport and install infield production flow

lines, riser line, subsea structures and moorings

for the Ichthys Project, contracting all pipeline

production welding, both onshore and offshore

to PTL. “Reel lay activities will be implemented

using the new deepwater construction vessel

(DCV) Aegir, with a 2 x 2000 tonne reel

capacity. Utilising a purpose built spoolbase site

in Batam, Indonesia we are welding 12 metre

lengths of pipe together to produce 500 metre

sections, which are then reeled onto the spools.

The scope additionally requires operations at

a multi-joint site close to the spoolbase where

quad joints are produced for the J-lay capabilities

of the vessel.”

Speaking from the R&D centre that

concentrates purely on the fundamental basis of

the business; automatic welding, Peter explains:

“We have actually developed our own automatic

welding system here in Scotland, which we

began designing in 2007. We utilise our ‘HALO’

system wherever possible, and have a team

constantly working on its development. Initially

the system was a single torch/single head design,

which we developed into a dual torch design.

Subsequently we have been able to tie that

design into various different welding machines,

so it may be used with most welding power

sources on the market.” Rossweld Engineering

has supplied the company with welding

packages consumables and contract peripherals

for UK and international contracts since 2007.

“Primarily we work in the offshore business,”

says Peter. “However, our expertise on occasions

results in responding to the demand of

constructing land based pipelines. As such, we

are currently involved in the installation of a

42” diameter line in Australia that we expect to

complete by February 2015.

“Working in locations around the globe that

are extremely strict on local content legislation,

it was necessary to establish a solution to

develop the right skills to operate the specialist

equipment both onshore and offshore. For

training purposes a complete mock up of the

vessel welding stations were developed at

our centre in Huntly. Having selected a crew

from Australia, we brought them back to the

simulator for intensive and specific training,

qualifying in line with the project requirements.

The success we have achieved and the level of

dedication from all involved is something of

which we are very proud.”

The importance of the R&D has been

highlighted in the success of securing projects

worldwide. Equipment must be constantly

developed to ensure the business stays at the

front-end of this sophisticated niche market,

and in its development centres, research is

permanently ongoing. “We are also very active

in field joint coating developments, undertaking

concentrated testing before procedure

qualification testing. Our FJC mock up facility

allows us to do that, and through imitating

actual site setup for land based lines and offshore

environments, we are able to further automate

and improve the equipment with new processes

and consumables,” Peter highlights.



Exova

Exova is proud to work closely with Pipeline Technique as one of its major suppliers. In a market where asset assurance is a fundamental principle, we have a proud track record of supporting organisations such as Pipeline Technique through the provision of technically demanding testing. We are a partner for life, independently assuring the performance of assets from R&D, through to operation, life extension and disposal.We are experts in corrosion, coatings, asset life management, failure analysis, metal testing, environmental testing and Immersion Ultrasonic Testing (IUT).Our teams of oil and gas testing experts are committed to delivering independent assurance on safety and performance. We also have recognised capabilities in critical but routine weld testing, including weld procedures, weld certification and metallurgy for pipelines and other oil and gas assets. When you are under the world’s spotlight, it is the silence of our results that are the measure of success

Pipeline Techniquepipelinewelders.com

ServicesPipeline and riser welding contractor

recognised as a tough location for numerous

reasons, and projects here hold an interesting

challenge. However, over the next few years it

is important that we increase our client base,

as well as nurture existing relationships from

strength to strength. Ultimately it is our intention

to be the welding contractor of choice.”

The drop in oil price has been considerable in

recent months, but despite that, PTL continues

to see clients’ commitment to projects with

future activities lined up on works relating to a

large offshore project in West Africa. Providing

a brief insight into the market, Peter adds: “It

was actually the period between 2012 and 2013

when we were at our quietest. Things have

really picked up over the last 12 months and

2015/16 is looking positive. We are progressively

developing into new segments offshore, securing

a shallow water contract earlier this year, which

commences in January 2015.”

Working within a specialist environment is

indicative of the very narrow margin for error,

and one aspect, which PTL heavily promotes, is

that of dedication to quality. “We work to some

very high standards and high specifications, and

in the history of the business we have achieved

many ‘worlds firsts’, particularly with large

diameter pipework and deepwater climates. The

specifications that we are working to are highly

stringent and extremely critical,” says Peter,

highlighting that PTL’s next project offshore

West Africa commences soon: “This region is



Applus RTD

Applus RTD is pleased to be able to supply our specialist non-destructive testing and inspection services to Pipeline Technique, wherever we have a joint presence across the globe.Our UK business association with Pipeline Technique is also a source of pride to us and we look forward to building and further developing our relationship in the years ahead.

www.applusrtd.com

Since its inception in 1987,

Coltraco Ultrasonics has been an industry leader

in the design and manufacture of ultrasonic

measuring devices with applications within a

broad base of primary markets comprised of fire

safety, defence, shipping and vessel management,

offshore oil and gas platforms and installations,

power generation as well as energy distribution

utility companies and distribution sub-stations.

Furthermore Coltraco is present within several

industry sectors in rail, mining, steel and

aluminium, banking, telecommunications,

data centres, automobile manufacturing,

pharmaceutical sectors, high rise buildings,

server rooms and switching gear rooms, where

most of these applications are now protected

by expensive FM-200 or NOVEC 1230 fire

systems. Many of these systems are ideally

suited for Coltaco Ultrasonics’ Portalevel liquid

level indicator, demonstrating the company’s

lead in the niche field of non-invasive, portable

and ultrasonic liquid level measurement

and contents monitoring for clean agent fire

suppression systems.

Today Coltraco Ultrasonics is the OEM of the

Portalevel and Portascanner technologies, which

it has manufactured for over 20 years. To date

the company has supplied more than 15,000

units to clients in 104 countries, which has

proven to be the driving force in propelling the

business to becoming the leading manufacturer

that it is today, with a specialised portfolio of 14

systems and products.

Within the oil and gas sector Coltraco

Ultrasonics has supplied many of the industry’s

leading operators. Its Portalevel series of

products and systems have been successfully

deployed in both onshore and offshore

applications including most of the North Sea’s

160 platforms in both the UK and Norwegian

sectors. At sea Coltraco Ultrasonics units are

present aboard most types of vessels including

gas carriers, bulk carriers, oil tankers, chemical

and product carriers. Furthermore Portalevel

MAX Marine products are also applied within

other maritime sectors including ferries, cruise

ships and defence, where the company has

delivered large amounts of equipment to the

fleets of the US Navy, Royal Navy and various

Commonwealth and European navies.

The manufactured products provided by

Coltraco Ultrasonics include the UL-approved

Portalevel MAX 8th generation portable

ultrasonic liquid level indicator, which was

developed over the course of two years to

ensure that the unit provides the quickest and

simplest method for identifying the contents

of CO2, FM200, NOVEC 1230, FE-13, FE-25

& FE-36, Halon and a variety of similar liquid

gaseous fire suppression agents, as well as most

oil and water based substances. Additionally,

the Portalevel Standard 7th generation portable

ultrasonic level indicator provides the ideal

ultrasonic solution for land-based applications

in identifying cylinder content of CO2, FM200,

NOVEC 1230 and a variety of similar clean

agent suppressant systems.

These units are vital in monitoring and

maintaining substance levels in a host of safety

critical fire protection systems that might

otherwise suffer from diminished levels due to

accidental discharge or slow seepage of contents.

assetsProtecting

AbovePortagauge

BelowPortascanner

PROFILE COLtRACO ULtRASOnICS


www.coltraco.co.uk

Coltraco Ultrasonicscoltraco.co.uk

ServicesUltrasonic design and manufacture

thickness gauging requirements including the

corrosion testing of any metal.

Additionally the Portascanner II ultrasonic

watertight integrity test indicator is capable of

inspecting any watertight, airtight or weather

tight seals for areas of leaking or reduced

compression in the seal, particularly in

watertight compartment doors and multiple

cable transit areas. This is a vital consideration in

offshore and subsea installations where leaks can

lead to the damage or destruction of equipment

housed within the legs of offshore platforms or

even the capsizing of structures.

As such, the combined portfolio of Coltraco

Untrasonics represents a comprehensive package

of high-quality and safety critical systems for the

offshore oil and gas sector.

As the market leader in ultrasonic measuring

devices, exporting 95 per cent of its output to

104 countries, Coltraco Ultrasonics is present

in markets all over the globe and has earned

a trusted reputation for quality and integrity.

Indeed, the company offers a uniform pricing

policy for all of its clients regardless of their

location, so that customers can order from

Coltraco Ultrasonics in complete confidence that

they will receive the highest level of quality at a

fair price.

As the business grows, it will continue to

rely on the support of both its clients and its

partners within the scientific community, as

Carl concludes: “Coltraco Ultrasonics has a

commitment to science and we are proud to

support British graduate and postgraduate

physicists and mathematicians. We have received

an incredible level of support from the British

research community, particularly from UK

universities. We aim to design and manufacture

the most mathematically accurate products and

systems in our fields of ultrasonic measurement

and monitoring. Science is our underlying basis

to provide the offshore oil and gas industry with

the best equipment in our fields of clean agent

fire suppression system monitoring, watertight

integrity testing of W/T compartment doors, and

Cable Transit Areas.”

DuPont™, FM-200®, and FE-241™, FE-13™,

FE-25™, FE-36™ are trademarks or registered

trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company

or its affiliates. Novec™ 1230 is a trademark owned

by 3M™. Coltraco, Portalevel®, Permalevel®,

Portascanner®, Permascanner® Portagauge® and

Portasonic™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of

Coltraco Limited.

The Portalevel Standard and Portalevel MAX

are supported by the Portalevel Datalogger,

which represents the world’s first ultrasonic level

indicator that is capable of recording, storing and

downloading readings. This provides operators

with a simple, efficient and cost-effective solution

for collecting and storing up to 1000 cylinders

worth of readings for evidential work. Again, this

unit is capable of operating with a wide range of

high value fire extinguishing agents.

As Coltraco Ultrasonics approached its 25th

anniversary it was proud to unveil its Permalevel

Multiplex fixed fire suppression system

monitoring system with remote monitoring

capability and with integrated data recording. The

system allows the continuous monitoring of fixed

gaseous fire suppression systems 24 hours a day,

seven days a week, every day of the year from

any location on the planet. This offers clients

peace of mind that no accidental discharge or

leakage goes unnoticed, and it is compatible with

any existing alarm system and central control

station in order to relay current status and alert

any change in level, making the system ideal for

high value assets and hazardous environments.

“Permalevel Multiplex is the world’s first

ultrasonic fixed contents monitoring system

for clean agent suppression systems used in

offshore oil and gas installations to safeguard this

critical infrastructure from accidental discharge

or slow leakage of these pressurised systems,”

says Coltraco Ultrasonics CEO, Carl Hunter. “It

contains a datalogger so that all measurements

are recoded and three layers of remote

monitoring; in the cylinder room, integrated

into the alarm system and a remote monitoring

capability so that the whole system’s contents

can be monitored from a central monitoring

point. Business continuity values of an offshore

oil and gas installation, which itself can be up to

$2 billion, often exceed $500,000 per day. It is

to aid this essential business continuity that we

designed this system.”

Coltraco Ultrasonics is also able to support

the business continuity of high-value offshore

assets through the provision of its Portaguage

III ultrasonic thickness gauge and its ultrasonic

watertight integrity test indicator, Portascanner.

Often oil and gas installations operate within

harsh marine environments where corrosion and

metal fatigue are constant threats, particularly to

the aging infrastructure found in the North Sea

oil fields. The Portaguage III, launched in March

2013, provides an incredibly robust, reliable

and accurate solution to the vast majority of

Additionally the Portascanner II ultrasonic watertight integrity test indicator is capable of inspecting any watertight, airtight or weather tight seals for areas of leaking or reduced compression in the seal, particularly in watertight compartment doors and multiple cable transit areas

PROFILE COLtRaCO ULtRasOnICs


aboveWatertight doors

“At the same time UBHI itself moved away

from the standard market to focus on building

higher added value, specialist tank containers,

optimising and exploiting its accumulated

expertise to build a new, highly profitable

niche business.”

As a result of this approach, the company

consistently returns a healthy manufacturing

profit from its UK operations, whilst most of the

employees, who number around 75, have

a shareholding in the company and thus

benefit from the company’s success by way of

regular dividends.

This success has continued since UBHI was

last featured in European Oil & Gas Magazine

in 2013, as Tom was happy to confirm: “The

last year has seen very high levels of production

of larger offshore tanks (10 ft and 20 ft DNV-

approved tanks) for the oil and gas industry, as

well as continued high demand for the more

familiar 4000-litre offshore chemical tanks.

Steady demand has also held up for the 2000-

and 3000-gallon nitrogen tanks, which the

company supplies for well stimulation operations

around the globe and for specialist equipment

such as mud-gas separators, which represent a

niche product in which UBHI has developed an

excellent reputation thanks to its engineering and

specialist vessel manufacturing skills.”

2013 also witnessed the outright purchase

of the company’s production facility (hitherto

Enjoying a worldwide

reputation for excellence in design and quality

UBH International (UBHI) is the UK's only

manufacturer of the full range of inter-modal

tank-containers for the secure transportation

of bulk liquids (both chemical and food-grade)

and gases.

Inter-modal tank-containers can be used

interchangeably for road, rail and sea transport

worldwide, and this means that they have

considerable ecological advantages, being almost

infinitely reusable with a service life that can

easily exceed 20 years. They are strong and

damage resistant, and so minimise the danger

of accidental release of potentially harmful

pollutants into the environment.

The history of UBHI began over five decades

ago, and it has been through various evolutions

to become the market leader it is today. A

constant feature of these changes has been

UBHI’s willingness to adapt, as Tom Harding,

sales director, highlighted: “In the late 1990s,

UBHI was the world’s second largest producer of

tank-containers. However, recognising the threat

posed by low-cost manufacturing in China,

UBHI embraced the situation, licensing its

standard designs of tank-container to a Chinese

container builder at the start of what became a

spectacularly successful ten-year alliance, which

has seen its licensee become the world’s largest

manufacturer of standard tank containers.

commanders

PROFILE UBH IntERnatIOnaL

Tank


UBH International Ltdwww.ubh.co.uk

ProductsTank containers

and environmental security,” noted Tom.

As it enters the New Year, UBHI plans to

continue with the great strides it has made in

the tank-container market. “Its focus will remain

on the development of the range of offshore

tank containers and 10 ft and 20 ft DNV-

approved tanks to improve safety characteristics,

to facilitate ground operation of valves, to

minimise tare weight, and maximise capacity,

thus optimising the number of tank moves,”

explained Tom. “It will also continue to develop

its range of cryogenic tanks to encompass the

full range of liquefied gas transport needs,

including LNG. Particular focus has been placed

on enhancing pipework integrity and resilience

to optimise performance and durability in the

rigorous conditions found in the oil and gas

industry. Overall, the company will keep up

its attention on the skills and competencies it

has already established, in order to maintain its

world’s leading position.”

leased) covering 100,000 sq ft. on a four-acre

site. Tom explained that this investment was

the beginning of a sustained period of progress,

which has included installing larger cranes

to allow the handling of higher capacity and

higher pressure gas tanks, as well as the mud-gas

separators and larger offshore tanks for which

the company has developed a strong reputation.

“We have also acquired new welding equipment

to improve weld integrity and manufacturing

efficiency, and made general improvements to

the fabric of the buildings to enhance safety,

efficiency and economy,” added Tom.

Given the careful attention to detail and a

constant determination to improve the design,

safety and effectiveness of tank equipment,

it is no surprise UBHI has a steadily growing

reputation within the oil and gas industry. “The

company’s principal products are transportable

tanks and tank-containers for chemicals and

cryogenic gases, and a wide range of such tanks

are required in the oil and gas industry for both

on- and offshore operations.

“As well as transportability and robustness,

safety is key, and UBHI has developed a range

of tanks which responds to the rigorous

expectations of oil and gas clients,” Tom

continued. “Ease and economy of transport to

and from the well-head is assured, with tanks

being mounted in strong protective frames

equipped with slings and fork pockets, and

with DNV, CSC or other relevant approvals

as required. With damage to tank frames an

everyday occurrence in the offshore business,

tanks can be built to a bolt-in design, allowing

easy removal of the vessel while frame repairs are

carried out, and if necessary enabling quick, easy

and economical replacement of the entire frame.

“The UBHI range of tanks for the oil and

gas industry is bringing benefits to companies

around the globe, not only in efficiency and

profitability but also, critically, in employee safety

Ease and economy of transport to and from the well-head is assured, with tanks being mounted in strong protective frames equipped with slings and fork pockets, and with DNV, CSC or other relevant approvals as required

PROFILE UBH IntERnatIOnaL


http://www.carboline.com/


Although a relatively new

venture, A.Hak Drillcon (part of A. Hak which

celebrated its 50 years’ anniversary in 2013) has

developed a leading reputation in the field of

trenchless technology, specialising in the design

and execution of underground tunnelling and

drilling of pipelines, casings, culverts, cables

and more for the oil and water, petrochemical,

telecommunications and energy industries. “On

the 18th of December 2014 we celebrated the

fifth anniversary of A.Hak Drillcon,” observes

managing director Ronald Van Krieken. “In

2009, we started small-scale and since then

we have become a global player in trenchless

technology with over 100 highly motivated and

hard working staff. We are all very proud of

reaching this milestone and we have undertaken

some technically challenging and large-scale

projects, as well as many smaller drillings.”

To date A.Hak Drillcon has executed a

number of highly specialised projects for both

internal and many external clients, within

Europe, Canada, South America, the Middle East

and Asia. Throughout 2014 A.Hak Drillcon has

continued to win new contracts within a number

of industry sectors as Ronald elaborates: “In

September 2014 A.Hak Drillcon was awarded a

contract by Energie und Wasser Potsdam (EWP)

for the execution of five HDD crossings under

the Brauhausberg ('Brewery hill') in Potsdam,

near Berlin. These crossings are part of a new

110 kV and 10 kV cable network, which is being

constructed in the city of Potsdam. The works

comprise of the supply, welding, drilling and

pull-in of HDPE ducts in bundles of 4x200mm

and 110+160mm. After completion, EWP will

pull its electricity cables into these ducts. The

total length to be drilled is 1700m. The crossings

commence at the Geotechnical Research

Institute at the Brauhausberg and terminate at

various junctions at street level.”

Further to the contracts that it has won with

EWP, A.Hak Drillcon has also worked closely

with Gasunie Deutschland and Open Grid

Europe throughout 2014, as Ronald further

explains: “Gasunie Deutschland and Open

Grid Europe have recently awarded the drilling

works associated with the Elbedüker project to

A.Hak Drillcon as main contractor. The project

comprises of the tunnelling of a concrete

casing under the river Elbe, to accommodate

the new gas pipeline that will secure the safe

supply of natural gas to Northern Germany

and Scandinavia.

“The permits were successfully obtained and

on 14th August 2014 drilling commenced in a

24-hours double-shift system and on December

4th 2014 we concluded the drilling. The length

of the route is 1525m. The AVMD 2400/AB

3000 machine is deployed for the insertion of

the concrete casing. Subsequently, two high-

pressure gas pipelines of 30’ will be inserted into

the tunnel in addition to a few bundles of HDPE

ducts for future cable use. The remaining void

will then be grouted entirely.”

A.Hak is able to supply its clients with

fully turnkey solutions in trenchless drilling

technology, encompassing everything from

engineering to applying for a license. Once

the company has been given the location and

the preconditions of crossings it has all of the

information it needs to produce a complete

design and secure the necessary approval. Once

the application is granted, A.Hak will move

swiftly into execution of the project. As such,

the company ensures that it is able to offer its

An embedded

PROFILE A.HAk DRILLcOn

A.Hak Drillcon B.V.a-hakdrillcon.nl

ServicesTrenchless drilling technology

clients a full spectrum of trenchless technologies

including horizontal direction drilling (HDD),

up to 500 ton capacity, micro tunnelling up to

OD 3.000mm; direct-pipe drilling; pilot guided

auger-boring and impact ramming. Besides its

existing technologies, within A. Hak Drillcon

a dedicated team works on innovations on a

daily basis in order to provide it’s clients the best

solutions, now and in the future.

Between May 2013 and April 2014, A.Hak

was involved in a project that made use of a

number of its specialist trenchless technologies

for its client, Gasunie. ‘Gas Hub’ represented a

significant investment for Gasunie that would

transform into an integrated gas infrastructure

utilised for the production, transport, storage

and transit of gas for the European market. One

of the major operations within this project was

the construction of a new gas transport pipeline

between the Dutch towns of Beverwijk and

Wijngaarden. A.Hak Leidingbouw and A.Hak

Drillcon was granted two of the three lots of

this trajectory and thus became responsible for

the construction of 60 kilometers of this 48"

gas transport pipeline. This was a challenging

project, in part because of the surrounding soil

conditions and water management requirements

and also due to the abundance of railroads and

waterways in a varying landscape. This left it

up to A.Hak to ensure that it delivered the most

suitable drilling solution at every location.

Horizontal directional drilling, for example

was employed for long crossings. HDD

operations were carried out using a 250, 330

ton mega rig and later a 500 ton mega rig. These

operations were complicated by the presence of

ground water so the rigs were often deployed on

mounds and special return pipelines for drilling

fluid were constructed both above and below the

surface. Throughout the project micro tunnelling

was carried out using medium-capacity steel

gas pipelines, while in areas containing railroad

crossings concrete case tubes were used.

Adjacent to Highway A4 near Hoofddorp, close

to Schiphol International Airport, the local

N201 road and its neighbouring business park

were crossed using the direct pipe method. This

method was selected as the available space was

limited and this drilling method allows for work

with short pipeline sections.

Although A.Hak Drillcon is a relatively new

business, it has rapidly developed a leading

reputation as a vital partner in trenchless

technology through the delivery of several

specialised technique and swift, turnkey service.

As such, the journey of A.Hak Drillcon is set to

continue for many years.

A.Hak is able to supply its clients with fully turnkey solutions in trenchless drilling technology, encompassing everything from engineering to applying for a license

PROFILE A.HAk DRILLcOn


www.lievensecso.com


www.mvt-gmbh.com

www.trelleborg.com

www.cumming-transport.co.uk

Founded in 1958, IHC Vremac

Cylinders has a 56-year history in the

engineering and manufacture of hydraulic

cylinders, swivels and accumulators. The

business was incorporated with only four

members of staff and has today grown into a

global player, with a workforce of over 110

people as part of the Royal IHC group.

Initially Vremac provided repair services for

hydraulic cylinders for clients across several

industrial sectors, and the company has become

synonymous with market-leading design and

manufacture. So much so that during 2007

Vremac became part of the IHC Merwede

Group after operating as a trusted supplier

to the company for many years. Later during

June 2014, ICH Merwede became Royal IHC

in celebration of its award of the honorary title

of Koninklijk (Royal) by His Majesty the King

Willem-Alexander, incorporating the name

Royal and the image of the crown into its

corporate identity. Following this accolade both

Royal IHC and IHC Vremac have continued to

grow from strength to strength. “Having Royal

IHC as a parent company and owning our own

production capabilities allows us to fabricate

equipment in-house, which means that we

understand the full life-cycle of our products at

every step of fabrication and engineering,” says

sales manager, Jacco Lemmen. “We also share

moveour clients’ understanding of operation from

vessels and rigs as well as what is possible and

what are the limitations of these environments.”

The strong foundation provided by Royal IHC

and close to six decades of operation within the

oil and gas industry has allowed IHC Vremac

to continuously adapt it’s product portfolio and

service offering to reflect the changing needs of

its clients. “IHC Vremac was founded as a repair

company then later on we also began to focus on

hydraulics and presses,” Jacco elaborates. “After

some time the business shifted to focus exclusively

on cylinders, however over the past three or

four years we have again increased our product

portfolio to include piston accumulators and

pressure vessels, all of which are in-line with the

cylinders. Additionally the company has its own

swivel range, the newest and latest is the MaXine -

a passive heave compensation (PHC) system.”

The MaXine PHC is an engineered solution

to the challenges imposed on lifting operations

in maritime environments by peak forces that

stem from the oscillation of waves. The MaXine

range of heave compensators reduces the stress

of these forces and extends the weather window,

allowing operators to minimise downtime and

work for longer periods in high sea states. The

system is positioned between the crane hook

and the load to keep the rope taut at all times. It

reduces the peaks and troughs by following the

The right

PROFILE IHC VREmaC CyLIndERs


MTV Metallveredlung GmbH & Co. KG

MTV Metallveredlung is a technology and market leader in the field of functional surface technology as well as the development of new functional coatings for highest corrosion protection and wear resistance. With unit weights up to 120 t and its own R&D department, MTV can plate very big parts and develop application specific coating processes like NiL35 and NICABOR with its customers. For IHC Vremac, MTV electroplates special hydraulic cylinders for the offshore industry, which require a durable seawater resistance.

IHC Vremac Cylinders B.V.ihcvremaccylinders.com

ServicesHydraulic cylinders, swivels and accumulators

the first three successive demonstrations were

measured and proved to be exactly correct, a

clear indication that the MaXine 50 PHC is fit

for purpose. “We received some useful feedback

from the crane driver, who was initially sceptical

about the demonstration,” commented Jacco.

“However, his opinion was transformed when

the hoisting of a five-tonne deadweight ran so

smoothly. The energy generated by lowering

this weight was successfully consumed by the

acceleration of the remaining load and the

weight of the MaXine 50 PHC.”

The highly successful demonstration of the

MaXine 50 and the potential for further product

development has generated rapidly increasing

levels of interest in IHC Vremac’s products. The

company has worked with clients including

leading subsea players like Subsea 7 and

Technip, and during the course of 2014 open

quotations and tenders for its PHC systems have

increased from three to four open quotations

to as many as 30 to 40 ongoing enquiries. In

fact, there has been a very positive response

from the market, with a number of outstanding

quotations and a continued growth in interest.

However, rather than simply ride the wave of its

current success, IHC Vremac is committed to

further enhancing its service offering to meet the

needs of the offshore oil and gas market.

Presently the company is keen to transform

its rich knowledge base into solid solutions

lifting through the ocean splash zone and the

safe installation of sensitive subsea equipment.

Through further growth and co-operation with

prospective future partners, IHC Vremac hopes

to redefine the standards of offshore heavy

lifting. “We have discovered that the market for

PHCs is not very mature at all and it is also a

new a market for the operators because up to

five to six years ago there was not a solution to

solve these kinds of problems. I think all the

possibilities are still there to be explored with

PHCs, so it is the beginning of a new way of

thinking but my vision is that within five to ten

years that it will be mandatory that all cranes

without active heave compensation to more

PHCs,” Jacco says. “For the next 12 months

we will continue to focus on cylinders and

providing excellent service to customers, while

increasing our focus on the MaXine range. These

are relatively new but there is a big market for

them and we have had a very positive response

from the sector, so we will work to make

ourselves known and build up our rental fleet.

We currently have four units and I think this

number should double next year at least.”

motion of the sea and allows work to proceed

safely, efficiently and in a controlled manner, and

can even be used under water. In addition the

MaXine acts as a stand-alone system, eliminating

the need for an external power source.

IHC Vremac Cylinders has designed a

comprehensive range of MaXine heave

compensators, which are capable of handling

weights of between 50 and 500 tonnes, and

it continues to evolve the technology in-line

with market needs. During October 2013 for

example, the company unveiled its MaXine

50 PHC with a physical demonstration of the

product at work, which was attended by a

number of heavy lift experts. A series of tests

were conducted at IHC Vremac headquarters at

Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, in co-operation

with Biglift and Mammoet that demonstrated

the capability and efficiency of the MaXine

PHC system. A 12.2 tonne crane utilised the

MaXine 50 PHC unit to hoist a heavy plate from

ground level and the crane’s hoisting ropes were

gathered together into a single shackle, which

was in turn connected to a quick-release hook

that was finally welded to the plate itself.

The hoisting of the crane led to the extension

of the MaXine 50 PHC in much the same way

as a spring and when the quick-release hook

was activated, the MaXine PHC contracted and

the plate was pulled upwards. The hoisting

speed, height and combination of natural

frequency and damping were all important

parameters highlighted by IHC Vremac and

PROFILE IHC VREmaC CyLIndERs


Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Netherlands B.V.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions’ Turcon® M12 excels in virtually any hydraulic applicationExtensive testing has shown Turcon® M12 has exceptional performance against the most important hydraulic sealing characteristics, such as wear, friction and high-pressure operation. The PTFE based sealing material is also resistant to virtually all media, including a broad range of lubricants.The cost-effective material provides customers with extended seal life, as well as a wide operating window in terms of temperature, pressure and velocity, and performs as well or better than specialised compounds in each parameter.Turcon® M12 is recommended as the material of choice for a wide variety of hydraulic applications.

Features and benefits:S��Resistant to virtually all media

including a broad range of lubricantsS��Outstanding wear resistance and

friction characteristicsS�Provides extended seal lifeS��Operates in wide temperature,

pressure and velocity rangesS��Minimal abrasion of hardware,

preventing damage to counter surfaces

S�Robust for harsh environmentsS�Good resistance to extrusionS��Less environmental impact as it

does not include bronze fillersS��Reduced stock holding and fewer

items to handleS�Cost-effective solution

Based in Stockton-on Tees,

England, Marine Fabricators has proven to be a

trusted provider of medium to heavy fabrication

projects designed for a number of applications

across the oil and gas, offshore, marine and

renewable energy industries. The business has

been in operation since 1998 and has earned a

strong reputation in the fabrication of bespoke

as well as more conventional structures. In fact

the company was originally established at the

suggestion of some of its clients who saw the

potential for its founders to take a leading role

in a niche market, as founder and managing

director, Steve Reed elaborates: “Originally two

of us set the company up. We had previously

been employed in similar work; that is to say

marine and offshore manufacture. We were

encouraged by some of our customers to begin

our own venture, and we started with a large

project to provide three carousels for a vessel

conversion for DSND, as it was then. That

company has since become part of Subsea 7.”

Following the successful delivery of its first

projects, Marine Fabricators has continued

to grow and has increased the size of its

fabrication facilities from two bays within the

main fabrication shop at Haverton Hill Shipyard

(formerly Swan Hunter) to seven bays covering

a combined area of approximately 45,000

ft2. During 2008 with financial support from

One North East and The European Regional

Development Fund the company installed a new

wireless controlled 40 tonne overhead travelling

crane, with a second unit arriving in 2011. The

fabrication shop is currently served by three

15 tonne as well as the two 40 tonne overhead

travelling cranes with maximum hook heights

of 10.5 metres and 17 metres respectively.

Furthermore during 2009, to meet project

requirements Marine Fabricators manufactured

and installed a triple-panel sliding door, 17.2

metres wide and 15 metres high in bay seven of

its workshop. This grants the facility effective

access to a 2000 tonne capacity load out quay,

while the site also benefits from excellent access

to the local road network with wide-load access

to the A19 and therefore the A1. Other nearby

quayside facilities, which are easily accessible,

include Tees Offshore Base and the deepwater

port Tees Dock. “We originally started with two

bays of the old shipyard fabrication hall, around

15,000 square feet, and we have since expanded

that to seven bays in response to the increased

workload. We are currently mostly involved

in the production of cable and pipe laying

equipment for ships. We have also undertaken

offshore standard and other more specialised

fabrication projects too,” says Steve.

“With the increase in the amount of floor

space that we had available to us we were

able to turnover twice as many contracts and

by increasing our workforce to meet demand

A lasting

PROFILE MaRInE FaBRIcaTORS


With its strong portfolio of completed works, ideally designed fabrication facilities and well-connected location, Marine Fabricators is set to continue long into the future


www.anglering.com

www.jharlandhaulage.com

www.smthompson.co.uk

Marine Fabricatorsmarinefabricators.co.uk

ServicesMedium to heavy fabrication


Indeed Marine Fabricators shows no signs

of slowing down as the demand for its large-

scale production and installation capabilities

continues to grow within the renewables and

offshore sectors. In this respect, the company’s

proven track record is a key asset that continues

to drive the business forward, as Steve explains:

“We have a strong track record, especially where

carousels are concerned. We have shown that

we are consistently able to build them very

efficiently. We produce good quality products

and do so on time – which is crucial.”

With its strong portfolio of completed works,

ideally designed fabrication facilities and well-

connected location, Marine Fabricators is set to

continue long into the future. The company’s

strengths are in its ability to provide solutions

in a niche market as well as to take on more

standard or larger projects. This diverse range

of solutions makes Marine Fabricators Ltd

a key partner for clients looking for reliable

fabrication solutions.

we were able to increase our financial return

accordingly,” he adds. “We are almost at single

shift capacity now, limited by the floor space. We

currently do not have any plans to expand on a

permanent basis, however we do have options

for the hire of another site. Then of course we

would be operating two sites, which is never as

efficient. So this is something we will consider in

conjunction with our future workflow.”

Previous projects undertaken by Marine

Fabricators include overboarding/lay towers

with capacities from 60 tonnes to 200 tonnes;

sheaves: 600 dia. wire rope sheaves, through

to 6000 dia. over-boarding vee-sheaves;

carousels: (for flexible pipe and power cable)

from 750 tonne capacity 15 metre diameter to

7000 tonne 27 metre diameter, (50+ carousels

manufactured to date); tensioner systems:

currently up to 30 tonnes capacity, (ten 30

tonne tensioners manufactured to date); pipe

handling equipment: hydraulically operated

spooling arms and chute structures; ROV

launch and recovery systems for Lawson

Engineers and the Kizomba TLP and A-Frames

up to 150 tonnes capacity.

The company’s investment into its fabrication

facilities in anticipation of increasing market

demand has allowed the business to double its

turnover in recent history and the market is still

looking strong. Presently Marine Fabricators is

completing a 7000 tonne carousel for MAATS

Tech Ltd and is in the process of tendering for

a number of major projects for two important

clients. Furthermore, the company has a strong

order book for the next 18 months, throughout

2015 and into 2016.

Today the company serves a number of clients

across a range of industries and its previous

customers include 2H Offshore, Amclyde

Norson, CTC Marine Projects, Heerema

Hartlepool Ltd, EMAS AMC, BAE Systems and

Technip Offshore Ltd amongst others. Its main

customers at the moment are MAATS Tech as

well as AmClyde Norson Engineering and the

Norwegian company DEMAnor. Commenting

on the company’s current customer base Steve

says: “MAATS Tech are by far our current largest

customer in terms of capital value and tonnage

through the workshop. DEMAnor are a new

client and the first Norwegian customer for us.

We manufactured a winch mounting system,

which was then shipped to them in northern

Norway. We have been discussing several large

projects with them for renewables cable storage

and handling equipment.”

PROFILE MaRInE FabRIcatORs

Angle Ring

Angle Ring has been at the forefront of the steel bending industry for over 60 years and offers the UK’s widest range of bending solutions to meet today’s markets. Significant investment ensures we remain the UK’s number one, and new plate rolls now allow 100mm thick plate to be rolled in widths up to 3000mm. Plate can also be pressed in lengths up to 10,000mm and up to 200mm thick.

www.lhmachiningservices.co.uk

forceUse the and Stones floating units.

Since it was previously featured in European

Oil & Gas Magazine in July 2014, head of

BHDT’s oil and energy department Manuel

Prohaska claims that although the oil and gas

industry has been affected by oil prices and

project delays, the company has enjoyed a strong

financial year thanks to an impressive number

of orders: “The first two quarters of the financial

year have been fantastic, with a lot of orders

for our special types of flanges, pressure spools,

valves and cladding, which have been used

in a number of projects. In fact, two to three

months in we have already achieved 60 per cent

of our goals for the year; since these positive

developments our oil and energy department

has unfortunately been severely affected by

the postponement of several projects that were

announced for the second half of 2014. This has

been difficult for us, but by the end of March

2015, when our business year comes to a close,

we will see if we achieved our goals for 2014.”

Key to the company’s success is its

commitment to maintaining a traditional

approach to business while also focusing on

the continued improvement of its products and

services. Most notably this has involved the

development of high-pressure ball valves, as

Manuel discusses: “One of our major activities

throughout 2014 was to establish an expert

group to develop high-pressure ball valves for

the subsea market and deepwater applications.

This will more or less complete our product

range as these types of valves are only common

type of high-pressure valves that we are not

yet manufacturing; I have had a number of

application talks in November and December

2014. These discussions are now almost

finalised and our development group will begin

operations in March 2015.

“The most important aspect of developing this

new product line is to comply with all relevant

API certifications; the required modifications

of our processes and quality system are already

ongoing. By mid 2015 we will have the first

innovative prototypes available. Our goal for the

second half of the year is to have the first orders

for these high-pressure ball valves to allow us

to enter the market. To ensure this happens

we will strongly focus on sales activities and

approaching clients,” he adds. Although the

company delivers approximately 2500 high-

pressure valves annually, the implementation of

ball valves into its scope of supply is viewed as a

critical development for the innovative firm. The

Originally established as the

high-pressure technology division of the Boehler

Group, BHDT’s heritage extends as far back as

1958. Since then the company has diversified its

services and developed a strong presence in new

markets, most notably by expanding into high

pressure pumps in 1979 and progressing into

the oil and gas industry in 2009; a move that

has proven highly fruitful for the company, with

dramatic growth of 50 per cent witnessed year-

on-year since 2011.

A private entity since 1996, BHDT GmbH

adopted its current name in 2007; although the

name was synonymous with the specialised

design, supply and manufacture of high pressure

equipment and components for the chemical

and petrochemical industries, BHDT used

its knowledge and expertise to successfully

develop a reputation for superior products

and service in the demanding oil and gas

market. These NORSOK conforming products

include a wide range of compact flanges, orifice

spacers and reducers, which are developed and

manufactured with high quality materials such

as Duplex, Super-duplex, high strength carbon

steel and low alloyed carbon steel. In addition,

BHDT produces pipe spools with complex

shaped geometry with the highest accuracy.

These pipe spools for instance are widely used as

“Inner Pipes” of high-pressure swivels for state-

of-the-art FPSOs or FLNGs. BHDT has recently

delivered its products for the Prelude, Ichthys

PROFILE BHDT


BHDT GmbHbhdt.at

ServicesHigh-pressure equip-ment and high-pressure components

on site so no further assembly was necessary;

this way of working reduced costs for the client

considerably and increased our involvement, so it

was a positive project for both of us.”

Despite the short length of time that BHDT

has been active in the oil and gas industry, the

company’s flexibility to market demand has

led to the accumulation of a number of blue

chip clients, such as Petrobras, Shell, BP, SBM

Offshore and Aker Solutions. “We are being

increasingly selected because we have a unique

combination of highly accurate measuring,

approximately 100 expert welders and expertise

in flange fabrication. On top of this, all of our

engineering is in-house, so all drawing, advising

and manufacturing takes place in one place,”

says Manuel.

“Our vision over the next three years is to

become a well-known and respected player in the

subsea equipment market, particularly for our

high pressure ball valves. Meanwhile, over the

next 20 years, we will focus on delivering a total

package solution to our customers,” he concludes.

relevant API certification will be also finalised by

December 2015 at the latest.

This commitment to meeting the stringent

and ever changing demands of customers within

the oil and gas industry has resulted in BHDT

increasing its scope of supply to FPSO’s over recent

years and progressing into more complex offshore

projects. “A recent notable project for us is the

FLNG Prelude project, which is the first project

where we have supplied all of the inner piping,

flanges, bolts and other equipment in the centre

of the turret. This was a very challenging project,

as Shell does not allow for any deviation, even if

this deviation would have absolutely no impact

on performance, and it rejected for instance one

of our parts as it was six micrometres too short

after performing one demonstration measurement

during an inspection. Anyway, we have learnt our

lessons and are now well prepared for upcoming

projects, e.g. the Browse FLNGs,” explains

Manuel. “Meanwhile, the Stones FPSO was

interesting for us as it allowed us to do all of the

pre-assembly of SBM Offshore’s new piping design

PROFILE BHDT


www.bernhofer.at

www.geodata.at

“In addition, the savings we make (by not

sub-contracting work) are passed on to our

customers, making us the most competitive

service provider in the region.”

Top Oilfield Industries was last featured in

European Oil & Gas Magazine during May 2014,

and over the past eight months it has maintained

its drive to manufacture highly reliable, high

performance and fair priced land drilling rigs

and equipment. “We have been commissioned

to build four rigs for completion in 2015, these

are designed for desert operations, are fast

moving and because our field engineers and

maintenance personnel are available throughout

the Middle East, our clients are assured of full

after sales support,” Ian noted.

It was also during 2014 that the company

opened a new division, Top Oilfield Rentals,

for drilling equipment. Ian explained the

thinking behind the launch and the benefits it

has generated: “Top Oilfield Rentals provides

highly reliable, high performance equipment

drilling equipment, engines/generators and

service equipment on a rental or lease purchase

basis. These products are available throughout

the Middle East and include BOP control units,

independently driven mud pumps, engine/

generator sets and batch mixers, cementing

units and so forth. For us the division provides

an opportunity to demonstrate the high

reliability and performance of the equipment

we manufacture. For our customers who wish

to restrict their ‘CAPEX’ purchases and use

operating revenues to undertake their activities,

renting equipment provides them with an

economical means to do so.”

The clients that Ian referred to for both rental

and purchase are major and minor drilling rig

operators throughout the Middle East, India

and North Africa. Ian noted that whilst the

issues that prevail in such places as Iraq, Libya

and Egypt etc. have without a doubt made

drilling operations more difficult in these areas,

Top Oilfield is still finding opportunities and

continued demand in the remaining (non-

sanctioned) locations.

Illustrating the organisation’s growing

order books, during 2015 the company will

be tendering for a number of projects in new

regions, as Ian highlighted: “For most of our

existence, we have provided products and

services to oil and gas drilling rig operators

throughout the Middle East. Whilst we continue

to develop our traditional regional presence, the

company’s reputation has spread and we are now

Top Oilfield was founded in 1994 in

Sharjah, UAE as a drilling equipment repair/

refurbishment service company. Over the

ensuing years the company pursued a policy of

continuous improvement in terms of the quality,

production methods and product offerings.

Significantly, this vision has resulted in Top

Oilfield receiving both ISO and API certifications

and a region wide reputation for delivering high

quality, and timely and value for money products

and services.

Ian Midgley, managing director/CEO,

expanded further on the company’s offering:

“Our services mainly cover the manufacture,

refurbishment/re-certification, repair and

upgrade of land drilling rigs. Alongside this

we also offer specialist manufacture and

maintenance services for land and offshore

drilling equipment including engine overhauls,

as well as supplying mechanical, electrical and

engineering field technicians throughout the

Middle East and beyond, who undertake vital

repair and maintenance projects in support of

our clients.”

He added: “Our commitment is that every piece

of equipment that leaves our workshops has been

overhauled to the highest industry standards,

tested and will perform to its design specifications.

We offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ concept, whereby

drilling equipment, engines, electrical work and

steel fabrication work are all undertaken in-house,

by our own personnel. This means that we retain

full control over all aspects of the projects we are

commissioned to do.

Manufacturer of

PROFILE TOP OILFIELd IndusTRIEs


Top Oilfield Industries Limitedtopoilfield.com

ServicesDrilling equipment repair/refurbishment

this year, as well as a strategy for further

development and growth. “We are dedicated

and on course to complete the four new build

land rigs I mentioned previously, and our focus

is on ensuring that these rigs are manufactured

to the highest standards available anywhere in

the world and provide highly reliable and high

performance service for our customers for many,

many years,” concluded Ian. “Looking further

ahead, our vision is to become the manufacturer

of choice for land rig operators both here in the

Middle East and globally. By ensuring that our

drilling rigs are manufactured to the highest

available standards, are built on time and are

priced in accordance with Top Oilfield’s ‘fair

pricing policy’, we believe that they will be in

high demand.”

receiving interest and orders for our products

and services in new areas such as the North Sea,

Far East and newly emerging oil producers in

North Africa.

“Historically we also have supplied highly

experienced and qualified field service personnel

for projects being undertaken in Norway and

other North Sea oil producing nations, and this

will continue going forward.”

It is very encouraging that despite the

significant drop in oil prices over the past few

months, Top Oilfield is still finding strong

demand for its products and services within

its operating region. “I am optimistic that this

will continue,” added Ian. “Long-term, I believe

that once the current troubles affecting various

Middle Eastern oil producing countries subside,

the desperate need for rebuilding collapsed

oil/gas producing infrastructure will provide

opportunities for companies such as us to be

part of the recovery process.”

One month into 2015, Top Oilfield has several

significant orders on its books to complete

PROFILE TOP OILFIELd IndusTRIEs


www.pcsscotland.co.uk

www.screwconveyor.co.uk


game-changing products. Beginning with

two personnel, the Aberdeen-based company

today boasts 50, of which over 30 are highly

trained electrical and mechanical engineers

and technicians that strive to provide high

quality technical support to the entire product

range. The growing numbers of staff operate

at Bowtech Products’ brand new headquarters,

located in Aberdeen’s major new international

business park, ABZ, which it moved into in

December. Having secured a prominent entrance

plot, the company developed a high specification

office and manufacturing facility, which

centralised its operations to one site and ensured

there is potential to double staff numbers over

the next five years.

“The new building is an enabler; with all

departments under one roof it allows us to take

innovations from concept through design and

production as well as the ability to offer training

in house now and ongoing support. The new

facility is 2.5 x larger than all our previous

facilities combined, which will enable us to grow

to over 100 personnel in the coming years,”

highlights Mike.

Key to this ongoing expansion is Bowtech

Products’ impressive portfolio of innovative

underwater harsh environment vision systems,

From its humble beginnings

as a net importer of US manufactured products

specifically designed for the subsea arena,

Bowtech Products Ltd has grown over the years

to become a specialist in the design, manufacture

and supply of underwater harsh environment

vision systems, as Mike Winstanley begins:

“Bowtech Products Ltd (Est. 1989) began

trading in January 1990 with just two members

of staff: founder Steve Bowring and myself, then

operating as sales executive. Bowtech grew over

the next 18 years to become a specialist in the

supply of cameras, lighting, connectors and

multiplexers. In 2008 we decided to concentrate

on the design, manufacture and supply of our

own range underwater harsh environment vision

systems. Today our underwater vision systems

are deployed in the harshest environments

within the ROV AUV, oil and gas, defence,

oceanographic, nuclear, leisure and

marine science industries.”

On the verge of celebrating

its 25th anniversary in

operation, Bowtech has

expanded in all areas over

the years as it developed a

strong reputation for meeting

market demand for innovative and

visionOne

PROFILE BOwtEch PROducts


cent optically pure sapphire window.

“The Pioneer is a product that is so typical of

how Bowtech create new products. A Norwegian

client, FMC, was being supplied by a competitor

but found that they were lagging behind in

technology and non-responsive. Bowtech

listened to the clients’ needs and created with

them their ideal solution, which was to fit

within the existing space envelope but deliver

higher performance,” explains Mike. “The

camera is 4000 meter rated with a 720 TVL

resolution camera, 300 lines greater than the

incumbent. In addition it has greater sensitivity,

draws less power and is manufactured with

a highly corrosion resistant titanium housing

and sapphire viewport. The camera has been

designed with other markets in mind and is

already being introduced to other clients.”

Although the innovative firm boasts a global

client base, the highest areas of activity are

the North Sea, Asia Pacific and Brazil, where

its products are used in projects involving

equipment such as ROVs, semi-submersibles

and FPSOs. In fact, Bowtech Products was

recently involved in BP’s Quad 204 project,

which involves the redevelopment of the

Schiehallion and Loyal Fields in the North Sea.

The project, which was approved in July 2011

and is due to begin production in 2016, will

extend the life of both fields, thus enabling them

to continue production beyond 2035. Since

being awarded the EPC contract for the internal

turret mooring system (TMS) for the Quad 204

project, SBM Offshore subcontracted Bowtech

Products to supply its Chain Stopper Monitoring

System during the TMS’s installation.

Following this contract win, the global market

leader in subsea vision systems announced

which includes video inspection systems,

underwater LED lights, xenon underwater

emergency relocation strobes, custom moulded

cable assemblies, pan and tilts, underwater

electrical and fibre-optic connectors, fibre-optic

multiplexers and slip rings for use in hazardous

areas or subsea, to 6000 metres.

“Bowtech Products’ underwater vision systems

are deployed in the harshest environments

within the ROV AUV, oil and gas, defence,

oceanographic, nuclear, leisure and marine

science industries. We pride ourselves on

listening to customers to ascertain their

requirements and supply to OEM manufacturers

such as SMD, one of the largest suppliers of

work class ROV’s, trenchers and ploughs as well

as Sub Atlantic and Seabotix who manufacture

electric ROV’s primarily for light intervention

and observation tasks. Contractors such as

Subsea 7, Oceaneering, and ROVOP are key

clients as well as drilling contractors such as

Transocean. SBM head up the customer base for

FPSO’s but are often specified by operators such

as BP,” says Mike.

The most recently launched product within

the company’s range is the high-resolution

Pioneer multipurpose underwater camera with

six integral high intensity LEDs. Suitable for

general underwater viewing observation at

depths as great as 4000 metres, the product

measures only 53 mm diameter and 78.8 mm

in length, and provides a cost effective solution

for projects involving tooling and manipulators.

Enclosed within a high quality titanium housing,

the camera is fitted with a fixed focus wide-

angle lense, thus providing customers with a 58

degrees diagonal angle of view when submerged

through its highly scratch resistant and 98.8 per


The most recently launched product within the company’s range is the high-resolution Pioneer multipurpose underwater camera with six integral high intensity LEDs. Suitable for general underwater viewing observation at depths as great as 4000 metres, the product measures only 53 mm diameter and 78.8 mm in length, and provides a cost effective solution for projects involving tooling and manipulators

Bowtech Products Ltdbowtech.co.uk

ProductsUnderwater harsh environment vision systems

now focusing on its strategy for future growth by

taking its products overseas to new geographical

markets and continually improving its portfolio

in conjunction with its client base. “We want

to work with customers to enhance the vision

systems and create solutions which make remote

operations safer, more reliable and more cost

effective,” concludes Mike.

the delivery of a new £100,000 Chain Stopper

Monitoring System in July 2013; the system

will allow visual monitoring of each chain

stopper ratchet when chains are being tensioned

during the installation phase. The TMS has

a total of 20 chain stoppers located on the

chaintable on the lower turret; because these

will be based approximately 15 metres below

sea level during the phase, the company’s

scope of supply for the subsea system includes

high sensitivity, high resolution monochrome

cameras and LED lights. These will be installed

on the I-tubes above the chain stoppers to allow

downward viewing of operations throughout the

installation. Meanwhile, the scope of supply for

the topside system includes a video inspection

and control system, which will enable viewing

and controlling of the cameras and LED lights.

On top of this, Bowtech Products supplied all

associated cables, connectors and brackets for

the contract.

Having earned a reputation for excellence in

the oil and gas industry, Bowtech Products is



www.plastim.co.uk

www.glebe.co.uk

This year Kongsberg, one of

the world’s leading providers of systems for

merchant marine, subsea and offshore, is

celebrating a milestone anniversary. For two

centuries the business has been at the forefront

of technology and innovation, transforming

from a manufacturer of small arms to a leader

in many technological fronts including marine,

oil and gas, space and defence. “The company

was originally founded in 1814 and is one of the

oldest industrial concerns in Norway,” says Dave

Shand, general manager offshore at Kongsberg

Maritime in the UK. “This year we celebrated

our 200th birthday, and we have reached this

milestone by constantly developing through

innovation.” Indeed, the history of Kongsberg

is steeped in innovation, success and a strong

vision for development, dating back to 20th

March 1814 when Poul Steenstrup established

Norway’s first factory – Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk.

Poul was a visionary who believed in industrial

progress and technical understanding, combined

with national pride and strong determination.

Innovation remained key to Kongsberg as

the business continued to develop into the

20th century, being involved in a range of

industries and technological developments, from

manufacturing world-class rifles to the ground

breaking dynamic positioning systems that the

Kongsberg Maritime business division is world-

renowned for today.

Kongsberg Maritime itself was established

in 1992 to capitalise on Kongsberg’s growing

international business within the maritime

dynamic positioning sector. Today the

business is a globally respected organisation

serving key markets in the offshore, shipyard,

and the energy exploration and production

industries. Kongsberg Maritime provides a

plethora of services and solutions to these

sectors; for example in field development it

supports construction and offshore vessels with

innovative solutions for operation and specialist

applications, in production it offers automation

systems and software to enhance output and

minimise downtime, whereas for maritime

transport and offshore vessel clients it offers a

complete package of solutions such as navigation,

automation, training and safety systems.

“We have several divisions which address

the oil and gas industry, including Subsea and

Offshore Divisions,” says Dave. “In general

we address all phases from exploration

through production to transportation. One

of our specific focuses is integrated control

and safety systems for oil and gas floating

fixed production installations. In conjunction

with this activity we established a subsidiary,

Kongsberg Maritime Engineering, which

undertakes EPC contracts to deliver complete

packages. We are one of the leading global

providers of marine systems in the oil and gas

industry, encompassing drill ships and rigs,

LNG vessels, offshore support vessels, offshore

survey and ROV support vessels.”

Indeed, for the offshore sector the business

provides a vast catalogue of products and

services that encompasses bridge systems,

camera systems, deck systems, engine room

and automation systems, engineering, safety

TopBluewater Aoka Mizu

AboveThermopylae House, Aberdeen

BelowKongsberg process automation control room

PROFILE KOngsBERg MARITIME


innovationHistory of


www.autronicafire.com

www.consilium.se


Kongsberg Maritimekongsberg.com

ServicesAutomation Systems

field development by Statoil. The business

was awarded a Project Specific Agreement,

including FEED, for the delivery of its safety and

automation (SAS) systems in May 2014, and

the deliveries will include Kongsberg Maritime’s

industry-proven SAS technology, which is

applicable for process control, power distribution

control, process shutdown, emergency shutdown

and fire and gas systems. Ultimate delivery

will also include the company’s latest systems

and technology for production, integration,

presentation, simulation, training and operation.

The company has already installed a range of

similar systems before on ten Statoil production

platforms, illustrating the high levels of regard

that Statoil holds the Kongsberg name, and

this particular project will further strengthen

Kongsberg’s position as a leading supplier of

automation and safety systems to the global

offshore production market.

Also, more recently the business has won

a significant contract from BW Offshore to

provide all control systems for its new Premier

Oil Catcher Field FPSO, which will operate in

the UKCS. “This is a significant project for the

Kongsberg Maritime business and for the UK

business in particular as it builds on the current

portfolio of ICSS installations, including Statoil

Mariner,” Dave highlights. “It continues our

strong relationship with BW, which includes the

BW Athena FPSO in the UK sector, and builds

on Kongsberg’s strengths in the FPSO market,

including Bluewater Aoka Mizu, Hawene Brim

and Maersk Gryphon Alpha in the UK sector

with many more operating globally.”

With such a strong history and an equally

high reputation, there is little doubt that

Kongsberg Maritime will remain the leading

name in automation systems into the future,

as Dave points out: “We are encouraged with

the amount and quality of enquiries for our

solutions given the current market, but we

have technological differentiators that make

our solutions attractive in a sector that looks to

reduce lifecycle costs.

“We will continue to focus on the oil and

gas market, encompassing production control

systems and the subsea IRM market, where

we have key technologies such as AUV and

environmental monitoring systems. Our vision is

to be a key provider of ICSS systems in the UK

sector, building on our success in the Norwegian

sector and what we have achieved to date in the

UKCS,” he concludes.

systems, simulators, sensors and transmitters,

tank gauging and measurements. On a wider

scale Kongsberg is even active in other areas

of offshore energy through its Kongsberg Oil

& Gas Technologies division, such as drilling

operations support, integrated operations,

process simulation, and riser management.

“One of our main strengths is the ‘Full

Picture’,” Dave highlights. “For example, in

floating production we can utilise our strengths

in marine with our experience in topside to

realise a common solution for all control aspects

of a production installation. In conjunction

with our colleagues in Kongsberg Oil & Gas

Technologies we can deliver a solution that

includes dynamic process simulation and

operator training systems. We have built up a

strong customer focused MMO support team

in the UK as part of our global support team,

which works proactively with the customer

to maximise the operation and productivity of

their assets.”

The company is globally renowned for

its range of dynamic positioning systems,

which have been developed to minimise

fuel consumption and wear and tear on the

propulsion equipment of a vessel. These can be

used across a wide range of vessels such as drill

ships, cable laying vessels, crane vessels, FPSOs,

diving support vessels, floatels, and various other

ships and vessels for a wide array of applications.

Kongsberg’s system can be provided as a

standalone system or can be offered as part of an

integrated system that communicates with other

Kongsberg systems on board the vessel including

the K-Chief (marine automation system) and the

K-Thrust (thruster control system).

Kongsberg Maritime is also a leader in the

development and production of subsea systems

covering a broad scope of applications and

technologies. This can range from acoustic

communication and control, autonomous

underwater vehicles (AUVs) through to

environmental monitoring solutions, seabed

mapping and underwater positioning systems.

The ability of Kongsberg to provide an entire

suite of products for offshore, subsea and

maritime operations ensures the company

continually secures major contracts and

significant projects. For example, since the

business was last featured in European Oil & Gas

Magazine in August 2013 it has been selected

to supply safety, automation and lifecycle

simulation technology for the Johan Sverdrup

PROFILE KOngsbERg MaRItIME

Autronica Fire and Security

Autronica Fire and Security is a leading innovator, manufacturer and supplier of fire and gas safety worldwide. Its products ensure safety in applications on land, sea and in the petrochemical, oil and gas sectors. Oil and gas installations around the world are becoming a safer place to work. Autronica Fire and Security is bold enough to take some of the credit. For years it has been a preferred supplier of fire and gas safety systems in the petrochemical, oil and gas market throughout the world. It makes world-class products, but believes that even the very best can get better. Appreciative of this, it continuously develops new products whilst providing safety to an entire industry, where thousands of lives depend on Autronica every single day and night.Owned by United Technologies Corporation (UTC), it employs more than 450 people handling the complete value chain, from idea, development and manufacturing to the marketing, sales and servicing of its products. Autronica Fire and Security is an international company with worldwide offices and its HQ is located in Trondheim, Norway’s technology hotspot.Protecting life, environment and property.

Consilium Marine & Safety

Consilium Marine & Safety focuses on the international shipping and offshore industry and offers products and systems in safety and navigation. The range of products includes fire and gas detection systems and navigational products.Consilium’s safety solution; the Salwico fire detection for offshore SIL2 IEC 61508 and Consilium Voyage Data recorder VDR F2 fulfils the latest SOLAS regulation. Over 20,000 ships are equipped with Consilium SAL Speed Logs.

We believe that the best project solution is for

all involved to feel that they are a valued team

player with a combined ‘desire to succeed’ rather

than a ‘commercial fear of failure.’ We do not

promote blame culture or complacency and

believe that it is a constant learning process

in moving ahead and appreciating where

improvements can be made.”

Through its commitment to technical

excellence and dedicated research and

development, Parkburn has been able to deliver

many differing types of Marine handling system

solutions for applications including diving bell

launch and recovery, rigid and flexible pipelay,

HV cable storage and lay, seismic and sonar

system deployment, deck module handling and

seabed landout in both offshore and renewable

sectors. Additionally, complete carousel cable

or pipe storage and handling systems, land and

sea, with payloads of up to 7000 tons have been

provided year on year.

Increasingly, as oil and gas operators move

into ever-deeper waters the demand for robust

and reliable equipment is becoming an ongoing

concern. Through its in-depth experience,

Parkburn has devised a new deepwater heavy

lift fibre rope winch system, which aims to

revolutionise deep sea operation, as Andy

explains: “With the move into deep water,

beyond 1500m depth, for the majority of

future oil and gas developments; the need to

be able to safely and economically deploy and

recover equipment to and from these depths

has brought many challenges to the industry. At

depth, the weight penalties of current steel wire

systems are becoming a major issue and as we

go deeper we will soon reach the point where

the wire weight alone will be too much even

to support itself, therefore alternative solutions

are essential. The industry for the last 12 years

has been striving for reliable solutions utilising

synthetic rope in lieu of steel wire as this type

of rope is effectively weightless in water and has

Operating out of its two UK bases

in Hamilton and Telford, Parkburn Precision

Handling Systems is a specialist marine handling

systems provider that was rebranded in October

2002 to combine the extensive experience and

complimentary products of Parkburn Controls,

Dowty Precision Handling Systems and Marine

Project Development (MPD). Engineers Dennis

O’Hara, Campbell McFall and Andy Lawson,

who today remain equal shareholders and

owners as well as working directors within the

business, originally founded Parkburn in 1989

as a private limited company providing control

and drive solutions for original equipment

manufacturers (OEMs) across a wide range of

industries. Later during 2002 Parkburn, having

made the conscious strategic decision to become

its own OEM product manufacturer, completed

the acquisition of its largest customer at that

time, Dowty Precision Handling Systems, part of

the Smiths Industries Group.

Today, Parkburn has evolved into a total

handling systems solution provider to the oil

and gas, offshore, naval, and oil and renewable

energy sectors. With three engineers running

the company, there has always been a total

commitment to technical excellence and full

customer support. “The company remains

engineering driven as well as a strong believer

in research and development and continues to

re-invest significant turnover in this respect,”

elaborates director, Andy Lawson. “Partnerships

with both customers and suppliers are key.

The bar ofsuccess

PROFILE PaRkbuRn PREcIsIOn HandLIng systEms


Parkburn Precision Handling Systemsparkburn.com

ServicesMarine handling systems

on to a ship,” Andy says “The cost of these ships

at the quayside when not working is very high

so downtime for the vessel must be mitigated

wherever possible. Our new test facility at Telford

will allow a far higher and more thorough set of

tests to be carried out on our handling systems,

far more like its actual use and installation on the

ship. In this way, the client can be thoroughly

satisfied that the system will work as required.

Our new test tower is 30m tall and is capable of

lifting loads up to 125te, we can also simulate

many of the emergency situations likely to be

seen in an offshore environment, such as full

speed dynamic testing and black ship situations,

to ensure safety circuits and back-up systems are

fully functioning”

Parkburn has a strong dedication to achieving

‘best in class’, which is reflected in its rolling five-

year plan to raise the bar of what is technically

possible. With continued focus on technical

excellence and customer support Parkburn is set

to remain a vital partner to operators looking for

the most demanding and reliable solutions.

no penalties associated with depth. Parkburn

has worked and developed patented solutions

for handling and deploying synthetic ropes as

part of its R&D work in addition to its normal

project work and after extensive testing, is now

looking to take these solutions to the offshore

heavy lift and crane sectors in the coming year.

Parkburn’s system, we believe, provides the

kindest de-tensioning, handling and storage of

rope in the market today and coupled with the

rope termination technology of our partners;

we believe this will be the game changer for

deepwater heavy lifting.”

Further to the development of bespoke

equipment that the company delivers, Parkburn

is also keen to ensure that it invests in its facilities

and testing capabilities to ensure that it is able to

fully meet the demanding needs of its clients and

to ensure all equipment delivered is fully tested

and validated prior to delivery. “In the UK and

Europe, there is a major lack of good facilities

that would allow winch and handling systems

to be thoroughly tested prior to being installed

PROFILE PaRkbuRn PREcIsIOn HandLIng systEms


www.micromachining.co.uk


www.hengli-js.com

www.geartech.no

www.kolmer.nl


TTS Offshore (TTS Offshore Handling

Equipment AS, TTS Ships Equipment AS and

TTS NMF offshore products), part of TTS Group

ASA, offers a complete range of lifting and access

equipment for offshore vessels, drill ships and

rigs. Over the years, the company has invested

significant resources into the development

of better and safer solutions for offshore and

subsea load handling in rough and deep waters,

and as a result it now offers a comprehensive

product range that includes everything from

conventional knuckle boom cranes, telescopic

boom cranes and straight boom cranes, to highly

advanced active heave compensated cranes with

lifting capacities up to 400 tonnes, as well as

lattice boom cranes for rigs and windmill vessels.

These can be applied to a variety of operations,

including:

Offshore load handling (ship-to-ship/platform) 6

Subsea load handling 6

Internal deck lifts 6

Pipe handling 6

Special lifting operations 6

Operation in harsh environments 6

Personnel lifting 6

For offshore vessels TTS also supplies a wide

variety of different external doors, moon pool

hatch covers, hangar doors, skidding systems,

observation platforms, provision platforms and

sideloading systems for cargo.

In the area of offshore cranes, TTS has been

an active operator in the market since the

inception of the offshore industry in the North

Sea. The company recognises that the quality

and performance of on board cranes is vital for

efficient utilisation of an offshore vessel, ensuring

trouble-free operation and reducing downtime,

and therefore over the years it has researched and

developed robust cranes that can withstand the

extremes of such a harsh environment.

Safety is further enhanced by the use of

active heave compensation, a technology that

TTS offers on several of its products. Active

heave compensation (AHC) is a technique

used on lifting equipment to reduce the

influence of waves in offshore operations.

The purpose of AHC is to keep a load, held

by equipment on a moving vessel, motionless

with regard to the seabed or another vessel.

TTS OHE’s AHC system is among the most

advanced in the market and by compensating

up to 99 per cent of the ship movements,

based on real time measurements, it is

possible to realise very high precision and safe

operations at extreme depths.

The company's range of offshore cranes and

access equipment are manufactured to meet

customers’ requirements and can be delivered

progressSteady

PROFILE TTS OFFShORE


TTS Offshore tts-group.com

ServicesLifting and access equipment for offshore vessels and rigs

market segments.

The close, flexible working relationships

within the group enable the company to

assemble complete project teams when expertise

in a range of fields is required. The customers

that purchase its solutions, such as Hyundai,

Kleven Verft, and DSME - to which TTS has

under delivery a complete crane package for

a drillship, also illustrate this. The company is

always keen to work with further renowned

organisations, as well as sustain its global

position – for example, in 2013 the company

signed a milestone contract with the COSCO

Qidong Offshore Co., Ltd shipyard in China,

which was the result of co-operation between

TTS OHE in Norway and TTS Neuenfelder

Maschinenfabrik GmbH (NMF) in Germany.

At the end of 2014, the TTS Group further

enhanced its presence in China through its

subsidiary TTS NMF in Hamburg, Germany;

with the creation of a new joint venture the

company established for development, design,

assembly, production and services for heavy lift

marine and offshore cranes.

The new joint venture company formed with

South China Marine Machinery, controlled by

China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC),

will strengthen the economic co-operation and

exchange of technical knowledge between the

two organisations. With the aim of the Chinese

government to focus on localisation in the

shipbuilding supply industry, CSSC

and TTS’ strategic partnership has reached

another milestone.

“I firmly believe that this new joint venture

will improve and gain a competitive position

in the market. And it will ensure satisfactory

economic benefits for each party,” said Björn

Andersson, CEO of TTS group ASA.

in several configurations. With a large customer

base operating in the harsh environment of the

North Sea, TTS products are known for their

rugged construction, with functionality and

safety as key design factors. Proven modularised

designs are used to tailor solutions meeting the

exacting lifting requirements for each vessel,

and at the same time securing reduced time to

market with optimised production.

Through the operational lifetime of the

equipment, TTS also provides a comprehensive

service concept with presence in the important

locations for offshore operations. TTS has a

worldwide network of branch offices, service

stations and agents. It provides after sales

services covering the major shipping regions of

the world. Services include genuine spare parts,

inspections and surveys, rapid response service,

remote access, service agreements and training.

The training offering includes training courses

for operators and maintenance personnel,

each tailored to customers’ specific needs and

objectives. TTS’ skilled team of trainers can

provide both a practical, theoretical or combined

learning experience that covers operation and

maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic and

electrical systems. Courses can be held wherever

it’s most suitable, such as at the office or on the

actual crane.

While quality and service are always part of

the offering from TTS Offshore, the company

also benefits from being part of the TTS Group,

with its global reputation for excellence.

The group’s activities primarily involve the

design, assembly and testing of equipment

while, apart from manufacture of certain key

components, production is undertaken by a

global network of subcontractors. TTS is one of

the top three largest suppliers in its specialised

The purpose of AHC is to keep a load, held by equipment on a moving vessel, motionless with regard to the seabed or another vessel

PROFILE TTS OFFShORE


Focused on delivering

environmentally friendly energy and sustainable

energy solutions since its foundation in 1961,

Finnish family-owned group Oilon is known

across the globe for its company slogan ‘The

Warm Way’. Proud to provide customers

with excellent service through co-operation,

transparency and communication, the group

has witnessed rapid growth and developed a

significant global market position.

“Since our establishment in 1961 we have

developed long-term expertise in combustion

technology,” explains business director of Oilon

Energy Oy Tapio Murtonen. “We started as

a burner manufacturer and this has been our

most important business throughout our history,

however, in the early 2000s we began the heat

pump business for small properties and private

houses. This led to the acquiring of Oilon

Scancool in 2011 and the expansion of the heat

pump business for industry on a larger scale.”

With more than 60 per cent of Oilon’s

revenue coming from foreign operations, the

group manufactures oil, gas and dual fuel

burners for a range of applications such as

power plants, industrial processes, hazardous

waste incineration plants, district heating plants

and vessels. On top of this, the group provides

industrial heat pumps and refrigeration solutions

for domestic heating and industrial applications;

this includes heat pumps, burners and solar heat

collectors. “It was in the 1980s that we began to

seriously develop our combustion technology

for different kinds of liquids and gases; today we

can combust any liquid or gas if there is a little

burnbit of heating value in the fuel,” says Tapio. To

ensure customers receive high quality, innovative

solutions, Oilon boasts three production facilities

in Finland and another in China. Moreover,

to complement its company slogan, the group

has sales offices in Russia, Brazil and the US

in addition to resellers in over 30 countries to

ensure a local presence to clients.

Following two key market trends that have

remained valid over the last 20-30 years, the

group has maintained a strong commitment to

reducing emissions and aiding customers in the

utilisation of side streams from their processes.

“These market trends have been the same

throughout the industries we operate in, be it

the steel, chemical, pulp and paper, shipping

or oil industries,” says Tapio. “The side stream

from industrial processes is something we find

particularly important as it is free energy for the

plant owners that can be used to achieve the

required capacity of the plant.

“Within the oil and gas industry one

interesting area is oil refineries as we have had a

number of recent projects involving

the utilisation of refinery gases; this is a

challenge as the hydrogen content and heating

value in the fuel changes, which means it

is difficult to control. To combust this kind

of gas you previously required an expensive

component known as a Wobbe analyser, but

Oilon has developed a cost effective special

control technology that eliminates the need for

this product.”

One way the group has successfully provided

solutions to market issues has been through a

Feel the

PROFILE OILOn


Oilon Oyoilon.com

ServicesHeating applications for energy products and the oil and gas industry

and low emissions.

In addition, the group has recently launched

Ecopower, the newest product in its burner

range, which has the ability to function without

a separate fan unit. This means that at full

capacity, an Ecopower burner saves tens of

kilowatts of electricity per hour in comparison

to conventional burners. Furthermore, advanced

automation ensures precise, energy efficient

control of the burner process.

Moving forward, as Oilon continues to benefit

from opportunities in Europe and China, it

has also begun sowing the seeds to expand its

presence into the US, a market that provides vast

potential thanks to its shale gas resources and the

group’s developing relationships with potential

clients, as Tapio concludes: “We want to be

stronger in the existing market areas we currently

operate in, while also focusing on this new

strategic area. Three years ago we established a

company in Brazil, Oilon Brazil, and last autumn

we moved to the US with the establishment of

Oilon US, so north and south America will be

our growth areas for the coming years.”

core focus on research and development, which

acquires five to six per cent of the company’s

annual turnover.

This dedication to ongoing improvements

has resulted in a broad range of combustion

solutions for various liquid and gaseous fuels

that are used in a diverse number of industries.

Innovative and adaptable, the group has

maintained a strong presence across the globe

due to its ability to react to changeable markets

and customer demand; a notable example of this

is its low NOx burners, which have generated

increased demand from the market following

increasingly stringent emissions regulations.

“We anticipated heavy fuel oil will go down in

demand in many market areas where emission

is important, while light fuel oil is a more

realistic option as one time investments are not

that large. However, natural gas is very good

when it comes to emissions and is a pure fuel

in comparison to many others when it comes

to the environment; because of this we believe

investments for natural gas should be increased

and, as such, have developed superior low NOx

burners for natural gas that are among the best

in the world,” highlights Tapio.

He continues: “With burner combustion we

are able to go far below 100 mg/nm3, three per

cent 02 in NOx emissions with natural gas.

If the NOx requirements are lower still, we

utilise other means additionally, such as flue

gas recirculation (FGR) and over fire air (OFA).

In case of extremely low NOx emissions, less

than 30mg/nm3, Oilon has its own state-of-the-

art technology: the catalytic solution, which is

patent pending worldwide. The special feature

of this technology is, that with extremely low

NOx emission, we are able to improve plant

efficiency by lowering the excess air in flue

gases from two or three per cent 02 – which

is typical in plants – to very low level. In

competing systems the 02 goes typically the

opposite direction, reaching higher than two or

three per cent.”

So far Oilon has delivered more than 7000

MW low NOx burner capacities to district

heating plants in Beijing that use natural gas.

One of the group’s low NOx burner types is

Ultrax, which has been designed for power

plant boilers to ensure they fulfil stringent

emission requirements. The technology achieves

this by leading fuel into different zones of the

flame, while combustion air is also divided into

individually controlled chambers and directed to

the flame in stages. This flowing of fuel and air

causes optimal air envelopes both in and around

the flame, which results in long residence time

With burner combustion we are able to go far below 100 mg/nm3, three per cent 02 in NOx emissions with natural gas

PROFILE OILOn

www.madas.it

www.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies-oem

Economical operation and environmental protection are important criteria with plant for large building complexes and in industrial process heat generation. With large bur-ner and boiler capacities, efficiency becomes a major cost factor. Also, high emission levels can cause problems to plant operators.

Siemens electronic air-fuel ratio control can bring into play a number of benefits: Simpler burner design and greater precision ensure higher efficiency levels while re-ducing emissions. So, all in all, it‘s a more economical and more environment-friendly solution.

LMV – Innovative electronic air-fuel ratio controlControl Products & Systems OEM

www.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies-oem

Founded in 2007 as a spin-off of

the Delft University of Technology, Ampelmann

was established with the vision to make offshore

access as easy as crossing the street. As such,

its mission is to set new standards in safety by

operating motion compensation offshore access

systems and services all over the world. At the

core of the business is the company’s unique

technology: the Ampelmann system. This is a

motion compensation platform that allows rapid,

simple and safe access from moving vessels to

inert offshore structures even during high wave

conditions. Since it was incorporated seven years

ago, Ampelmann has found clients across the

world and consecutively doubled its fleet year on

year. It presently operates 35 systems worldwide

transferring offshore crew from various types of

vessels to offshore oil and gas platforms, offshore

wind turbines, FPSOs and all other floating and

fixed structures at sea.

The Ampelmann solution is a ship-based, self-

stabilising platform that actively compensates

all vessel motions. Accessing offshore structures

can be problematic due to the motions of vessels

compared to fixed installations. Ampelmann

provides the answer to the problem of accessing

offshore structures with a solution that acts

similarly to a flight simulator. The Ampelmann

design eliminates relative motion by taking

measurements of the ship’s motions and then

compensates accordingly through the use of

six hydraulic cylinders. As a result the top of

the platform remains completely stationary

compared to the structure. The offshore gangway

can then be extended towards the structure,

A solidbasePROFILE AmPELmAnn


enabling all personnel to walk to work offshore

safely. Indeed, all of the products developed by

Ampelmann are designed with safety in mind.

As such critical components are equipped

redundantly to ensure, reliable, safe operations at

all times. Furthermore the full system is checked

and certified by Lloyd’s Register.

Although the technology employed by

Ampelmann is relatively new within the oil and

gas sector, it has a number of advantages that

have made it a highly attractive partner for blue

chip companies the world over at every stage of

offshore operation from installation, operation

and maintenance to final de-commissioning. For

example, Ampelmann motion compensation

gangway systems can be installed on any vessel

with sufficient deck space in around eight hours.

The systems themselves are ‘plug and play’

and operate stand-alone with their own power

packs. Operationally, no modifications to the

platform are required to enable safe landing with

the heave compensated gangway making it a

highly cost effective solution. Additionally the

Ampelmann system is highly flexible and can

be used for cargo transfer as well as the transit

of personnel. Several applications have been

developed for small tools, larger equipment such

as generators as well as fuel and grout houses.

Indeed, since the Ampelmann system was

introduced, it has distinguished itself as a proven

and effective solution that is being increasingly

adopted by clients. Elaborating on the continued

success of the Ampelmann system, CEO Jan

van der Tempel explains: “The biggest reason is

the improved cost and operational efficiency it

offers. Because it can work 24 hours a day, the

ship can simply be parked next to the structure

and left so that a lot more man hours of actual

work are achieved. The platform basically turns

the ship into a very versatile working hotel

directly next to where the crew is working.”

Presently the Ampelmann system is available

in three iterations. The original A-type model,

which is capable of compensating actual heave

motions up to 2.5 meters and the larger E-type,

which can handle sea states up to four meters.

The Cargo Transfer System (CTS), which was

successfully tested in the summer of 2014, is the

latest innovation of the Ampelmann fleet, and

can carry up to ten tonnes to heights of up to

30 metres whilst compensating for motion of up

to 2.5 meters. These new capabilities will mean

PROFILE AmPELmAnn


The Ampelmann design eliminates relative motion by taking measurements of the ship’s motions and then compensates accordingly through the use of six hydraulic cylinders

HydrauRent

From the very beginning of the development of Ampelmann, HydrauRent joined their interesting journey to world leader by designing and producing the hydraulic powerpacks for the gangway systems. Redundancy, small deck space, durability and worldwide service are key words to describe the added value of the rental equipment provided by HydrauRent, a brand name of Hydrauvision Rental BV. For operating the A-type, Ampelmann uses a set of the HydrauPack 200, and a set of HydrauPack 750+ for operating the E-type.


www.redwave.co.uk

hydraurent.com

Ampelmannampelmann.nl

ServicesOffshore access

functionality not just for crew transfer but for

equipment transfer as well, making it an ideal

accessory for offshore construction work.

“Innovation is key to our ongoing success,”

explains Jan. “When a product enters the

market, that is not the end of it. Once it is out

there, clients give us feedback such as wanting

a higher reach or to carry more cargo – leading

to the E-type. We are also particularly interested

in developing client-specific applications for

the system. Innovation has been the key to

the extremely rapid growth we’ve had over the

past five years. Innovation is where we see our

business and now that we fully understand

the core of our technology, we can continue

pursuing that.”

Ampelmann was last featured in European

Oil & Gas Magazine during January 2012 and

since that time, in addition to developing its

product portfolio and fleet the company has

also increased its global footprint. During 2013

Ampelmann announced that it had increased

its global presence through the acquisition of

Dutch Offshore Solutions. The acquisition of

Offshore Solutions adds seven offshore access

systems to its fleet, including the personnel to

operate, maintain and continue development

of these systems. In a press release issued at the

time, Jan commented: “We are quadrupling our

presence in the Gulf with this acquisition and

are broadening our current product portfolio

which includes the A-type and the larger E-type,

with the offshore access system. Moreover,

the Offshore Solutions employees bring along

a welcome expansion of knowledge and

experience to our fast-growing organisation.”

More recently Ampelmann has continued to

increase its global footprint to bring it closer to

its clients with new offices in Singapore, Qatar

and in Houston, US in 2015. The Singapore

office represents a significant milestone for

the company following its first project in the

area, and in a region in which Ampelmann

intends to grow over the coming years with an

expanding fleet to coincide with the monsoon

season. With a unique and effective transit

solution and a growing global presence,

Ampelmann is in a strong position to continue

to develop its technology and solidify its

position as a leading name in offshore access

throughout 2015 and beyond.

The acquisition of Offshore Solutions adds seven offshore access systems to its fleet, including the personnel to operate, maintain and continue development of these systems

PROFILE AmPELmAnn


RedWave

RedWave is a service provider specialising in supplying staff for both onshore and offshore drilling, production, marine contracting and construction and maintenance activities. In addition, RedWave provides medical back-up services for activities undertaken on the Dutch and UK Continental Shelf. In 2008, RedWave was approached by Ampelmann to recruit qualified operators for their personnel transfer system. In close working partnership, RedWave and Ampelmann have successfully identified and placed operator mechanics to control and function the Ampelmann system.

As such the Leuna refinery has become an

important petrochemical hub for the region

that incorporates the most modern processing

technologies and the efficient use of raw

materials, energy and water to ensure that the

refinery is operated in an environmentally

friendly way. The refinery relies on energy-

efficient processing and employs a resource-

efficient use of water from the Saale River,

which is carried by multiple water saving

technologies and efficient water treatment

plants. As a newly constructed plant, the Leuna

refinery is equipped with noise protection

technology and the surrounding soil and

ground water are protected from contamination

by double-walled and double bottom tanks with

leak detection systems.

During June 2014 the refinery was shutdown

for the third time in its history to undergo

a large turnaround and inspection project.

Such fundamental refinery check-ups must

be performed by law and preparation for the

shutdown started in May 2011 because as part

of the mammoth project columns, vessels, heat

exchangers, compressors, safety valves, etc must

be disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired

and finally reassembled again. “We have a

strategy for a full turnaround every six years,”

Reinhard elaborates. “Legally it should be five

years, however through a system of inspection

it is possible to extend this to six years. The

refinery is a highly integrated one, so the units

are not simply separate units acting on different

products, but they are also highly integrated for

energy efficiency and so on. For example, one

unit will feed another with hot feed, so it does

not make sense to have a partial shutdown of the

refinery, and as such we have a strategy to have a

full shutdown every six years.”

The shutdown itself lasted some 45 days

and involved as many as 60 small, medium

and large investment projects valued at around

65 million euros. All of these projects were

carried out simultaneously by over 3000

employees from multiple contractors, turning

the refinery premises into a major construction

site with 85 cranes in operation, including a

1250-ton crane at the site’s cracker at the peak

of the turnaround. “It was a huge shutdown,”

confirms Reinhard. “Normally you can expect

around 800,000 work hours for a big shutdown,

however we did 1.2 million work hours. To

ensure that this was not a risky operation

preparations for the shutdown commenced three

years before it took place, so there was a long

period of preparation for such a big event, which

represents more than just the shutdown as it

Following a three-year

construction period, the Total refinery at Leuna

first went into operation in 1997. The facility is

the newest and one of the most modern refineries

in Europe producing a comprehensive product

range including gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, LPG,

naphtha, aviation fuel, bitumen and methanol.

Furthermore, the refinery is Germany’s largest

producer of methanol, which is an important raw

material within the chemical industry.

The refinery is a 235 kilo barrel (kBOE) per

day plant, capable of producing around three

million tons of gasoline meaning that it largely

covers the needs of Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony and

Thuringia, including approximately 1300 service

stations located within the catchment area of the

refinery that obtain their supplies from Leuna.

Each day the refinery processes an average

of around 30,000 tons of crude oil, which is

imported primarily from Russia into the plant’s

storage tanks via pipeline. The finished products

produced at Total Refinery Leuna are delivered

to market through its comprehensive road, rail

and pipeline links.

“The special focus of Leuna is to produce

methanol from the residue at the bottom of the

refinery,” says general manager, Reinhard Kroll,

commenting on the development of the plant.

“There are only a few refineries in the world that

are doing this and it is an important point in the

development of Leuna, because when Elf (which

became Total) decided to build the refinery, the

methanol plant already existed and was quite new

at the time. The decision was made to incorporate

this because we are an inland refinery, and as

such we do not have easy access to the bunker

market. At that time no one was talking about

changes in bunker regulation and it was difficult

for the refinery to access that market, but you

can gasify the heavy residue for transport. This

is what the POX (partial oxidisation)/methanol

plant is doing, it is gasifying the heavy residue

and producing a syn (synthesis) gas of hydrogen

and carbon oxides, and then transferring it to

methanol through synthesis.”

Cracking themarket

PROFILE TOTaL REFInERy LEuna


EDL

EDL and Total have been successfully working together for more than ten years. EDL, as an experienced engineering contractor with special expertise in the refining industry, has implemented a great number of challenging, process-oriented revamp projects in different refinery units such as POX, methanol, visbreaker, alkylation, and FCC at Leuna.At present EDL is involved in the preparation of future projects at Total Leuna.This trustful co-operation demonstrates how the global player Total relies on EDL’s high-quality work and strict adherence to schedules.

Total Refinery Leunatotal.de

ServicesRefinery


Within Europe, where there is a large surplus

of gasoline, there is also a slightly decreasing

market for diesel. There is however some market

for intermediate chemical products, so we have

adapted our cracker to produce less gasoline and

more chemicals such as propylene. That was

really our intent to develop our product portfolio

to meet market needs.”

This focus on more efficient, cleaner and

increasingly market focused operation will

enable the plant to weather the challenges

of a decreasing market within Europe and

an increasing focus in its native Germany, as

Reinhard concludes: “Looking at the German

market, the German government is dedicated

to shifting the country’s reliance on oil and coal

to other energies, so that it can significantly

decrease emissions and the number of refineries

that are necessary on the market. So there is

a level of competition that is associated with

operating in Germany, and what we are doing

as the newest refinery in the area is working to

keep that level of competition in our favour. We

want to remain in the group of refineries that are

able to survive in the German market.”

also encompasses bringing together the right

contractors and organising the correct logistical

support including cranes and insulation etc.”

Although the shutdown of the Leuna refinery

was a vast operation, steps were taken to ensure

that the standstill of operations did not aversely

affect fuel customers within central Germany.

Prior to the beginning of operations the tanks

located on the refinery premises were filled to the

brim with automotive and heating fuels to ensure

fuel supplies remained consistent throughout

the shutdown. This allowed the refinery’s

operators and supporting contractors to focus on

completing the task at hand without distraction.

The purpose of the shutdown was to inspect,

maintain and upgrade the refinery as well as

adjust its focus to better meet the requirements

of the current petrochemical and fuel markets,

as Reinhard explains: “What we did was invest

in the replacement of equipment, which is a

normal part of such shutdowns, and we invested

in improving our energy consumption as well as

in slightly shifting the plant's product focus. The

European market is developing in a decreasing

direction in general, but mostly in gasoline.

PROFILE TOTaL REFInERy LEuna

www.poerner.at


www.smallcastings.co.uk

www.wandfluh.co.uk

Advanced Actuators started

business in 1999 in Bradford West Yorkshire,

evolving from a company known as Elram

International Actuators Limited. In 2005 the

business moved to a purpose-built factory

outside the town of Skipton, and since that time

has focused its efforts on manufacturing a range

of electro-hydraulic actuators used primarily

for valve controls in the oil and gas, water and

power generation markets.

As Chris Woodhead, managing director

explained, its products come in a number of

guises from linear modulating units to quarter

turn actuators for ball and butterfly control.

“With our specialist team of design engineers

we also get involved with unusual applications,

for instance radio controlling a Chieftain tank

for the British Army,” he added. “Hydraulic

actuators lend themselves to applications of

high thrust or torque requirements, fast speeds

or a high degree of positional accuracy, and we

address all these with our actuator range.”

The company was last featured in European

Oil & Gas Magazine during March 2011, and

since that time it has seen several significant

developments. Said Chris: “One example of this

was the need to establish a general manager for

the Middle East, as this is a huge market for

valves and actuators, primarily to be used in the

oil and gas sector.

“We had tried breaking in to this market at

‘arms length’ by visiting from the UK every four

months but this proved to be unsatisfactory, as

even though we were seeing great interest in

the product we were not offering support for

what is a niche market, where the workings of

these products is not well understood. Having

studied how our customers cover the region and

canvassed their thoughts, it became imperative

that we had a general manager based out there,

and as a result we appointed Alistair Carson as

our Middle East general manager.”

He added: “There are a number of large

projects under review in the Middle East at

present that we would like to be involved with,

and also one of Alistair’s key tasks is strongly

pursuing end user approval. Middle Eastern

clients require that you have end user approval

to do business with them, so this is at the top of

the agenda.”

As well as the Middle East, Advanced

Actuators is currently involved in new projects

in Brazil, and the projects in both countries

are on oil or gas field developments, both on

and offshore. “In the majority of cases the

applications are on choke valves,” said Chris.

“The actuator types being built for these projects

are our linear modulating control version

and our stepping type actuator. We have also

expanded into the Indian and Far East sectors,

and our end users include blue-chip names

such as Koso, Cameron, Weir, ADMA, Petronas,

Petrobras and Statoil.”

Alongside the expansion that Chris

highlighted in the Middle East, Advanced

Actuators is also growing in the UK, currently

growth

PROFILE AdvAncEd ActuAtORs


BelowChris Woodhead, managing directorAdvanced Actuators

Ready for

Wandfluh UK Ltd

Wandfluh UK offers a market leading range of hydraulic valves and electronic controllers, using its technical expertise and experience to provide component solutions to most industries’ applications. Its in house design facilities are used to take control system concepts through to complete bespoke manifold assemblies. In-house test facilities enable pressure and function testing with valves set to customer requirements.Wandlfuh UK is pleased to be associated with Advanced Actuators and wishes them continued success.


www.panda-engineering.co.uk

www.braemaroffshore.com

Advanced Actuatorsadcomtec.co.uk

ServicesElectro-hydraulic actuators

Actuators’ dedication to the development of staff,

and to ensuring that as the business grows it can

continue to find skilled and valuable employees.

“Even though we are not a large company, we

have a policy of encouraging young people to

look at engineering as a career. Without more

students becoming part of engineering, our

manufacturing base will go into further decline,

and so we are doing what we can to avert this,”

Chris stated.

Thanks to its growing order books and new

projects in the Middle East, Advanced Actuators

is set to achieve 40 per cent growth in 2015.

Chris highlighted what he believes are the key

strengths of the company: “Innovation and

standardisation are the two key words I would

use. We have taken a product that normally sold

in quantities of four to ten and standardised it

such that we can bulk purchase and compete

for quantities of 100 plus. Furthermore, we are

constantly looking to see how we can improve

what we do whether by design of the product or

how we assemble and test the units.”

As we enter 2015 and oil prices continue

to decline, Chris and his team at Advanced

Actuators are keeping their eye on the market,

to ensure that they can meet the future needs of

clients. “Even with the oil price heading down

on what seems to be a never ending spiral and

a number of major players trimming budgets

for 2015, from where we stand and for what we

want and can offer, the market is still strong,”

Chris confirmed, adding: “Even though politics

is denying or preventing business with countries

such as Russia or Iran at the moment, at some

stage these policies will change. Both these

locations have huge oil and gas reserves, as well

as Russia being a major player in coal mining. So

for the longer term we must be prepared to be

ready to enter into these markets as well.”

being in the process of enlarging the factory

by a further 350 sqm. Such has been its

success over the past three years that in 2014

Chancellor George Osborne heralded this

factory as an example of the national recovery in

manufacturing following a visit. “The Chancellor

was ‘hugely impressed’ with the business and

our investment in apprentices and the future

generations of engineers,” stated Chris. “He was

shown the depth of innovation taking place

within the company, from actuators that have an

output torque of over 1.2 million Newton meters

to linear actuators that develop 2500kg of thrust

from a total power consumption of 50 watts.”

He continued: “In September 2014 we also

showed our commitment to developing the future

of hydraulic engineering by partnering with the

University of Bradford on a Knowledge Transfer

Partnership (KTP) to employ a graduate on a two

year, part-funded government project.” KTP is a

national programme supporting UK businesses

to innovate and grow by partnering with UK

universities and colleges to gain access to the

technology, expertise and skills available. “As part

of this Evangelia Tsasliagkou has been hired as a

mechatronics development engineer to work on

the design and prototyping of power generators for

remote valve actuation,” Chris added.

This project perfectly illustrates Advanced

The Chancellor was ‘hugely impressed’ with the business and our investment in apprentices and the future generations of engineers

PROFILE AdvAncEd ActuAtORs


Panda Engineering Limited

Panda Engineering Limited is a key supplier of specialist machined components for use in the Advanced Actuator product range. We fully support their strategy of using local manufacturers and are dedicated to producing high quality parts on time and complete to meet production requirements. We are committed to supporting Advanced Actuators in their long-term aim of becoming a global leader for innovative actuator and control solutions.

Leach and Thompson

A Cast Metal Foundry with production facilities including, greensand moulding and chemically bonded sand moulding. Melting is done through Electric Induction Furnaces, alongside in-house testing facilities and accreditation of ISO 9001.Supplying all industries within the UK and Worldwide. Forging great working relationships with customers such as Advanced Actuators.Through heavy investment Leach and Thompson now has capacity to take on new work at competitive rates with on time deliveries.

for low and high-pressure applications and

the product has continued to develop through

to the present day. “The products that we

developed during the 1970s and 1980s are the

products that we are still making today, which

is rather remarkable,” elaborates engineering

director, Charles Wemyss. “However the

technology involved in them as well as how

they work has changed, and the market in

which they are used has changed too. Coming

forward to today, 70 per cent of our business

comes from the oil and gas industry, while ten

years ago it was 25 per cent. Meaning it has

grown significantly and this is the reason we are

so successful at the moment.”

Although demand has declined in recent

years, Litre Meter continues to provide its Pelton

wheel design, today however it is its VFF design

that acts as the company’s flagship product and

range’s design has continued to evolve to meet

Based in Buckinghamshire,

UK, Litre Meter Ltd has developed a leading

reputation in the field of flow measurement and

has built a well-established name as a quality

brand in the design, manufacture and supply

of flow meters of all kinds. The company was

established in 1975 and will celebrate its 40th

anniversary during June 2015, marking an

important milestone for Litre Meter that is

made all the more impressive considering that

its pioneering designs introduced four decades

ago are still in use today – although in greatly

evolved and enhanced variants.

During the 1970s the company pioneered the

development of the Pelton Wheel Flowmeter, an

accurate, effective and versatile design suitable

for many different fluids including acids,

chemicals, fuels water and hot fats at both high

and low flow rates. Later, in 1986 Litre Meter

introduced the Viscous Fluids Flowmeter (VFF)

readingA positive

PROFILE LItRE MEtER


requirements. A new development in this area

is the new Flowpod display instrument that was

launched on 1st January 2015 as a replacement

for the existing FPod display. The FPod was

originally designed and introduced in 2005

to provide a solution that would enable Litre

Meter to sell into the US and other markets

using Exd, which is a US standard and has since

proven to be a major driver in increasing the

company’s sales. However, following several

years of operation and customer feedback several

areas were identified that Litre Meter felt could

be addressed to provide an even more effective

solution. “One of the comments that we got

about the FPod was that it was bulky, physically

it is a six and a half inch enclosure and when

you look at the unit it is substantial. The second

area was that there was a blue cable coming from

the FPod to the flow meter and again this was

picked up on by clients. The third point was the

the requirements of its clients. As such, product

development is at the forefront of the service

offering that Litre Meter delivers. “Research

and development is a massive consideration for

us,” Charles confirms. “We do training on our

products fairly regularly through presentations

and so on and possible improvements come up

through those. This has been at an accelerated

rate; currently there are three people in the

engineering department while ten years ago we

only had one. We invest a lot on research and

development and we have a simple metric that

in three years time 25 per cent of our sales will

be due to development carried out this year.”

Furthermore, Litre Meter provides an ever-

evolving range of instrumentation in support

of its flow meters. Indeed all of the flow meters

provided by the company include a pulse output

and most are coupled with instruments to

tailor these outputs to meet specific customer

Litre Meter Ltd has developed a leading reputation in the field of flow measurement and has built a well-established name as a quality brand in the design, manufacture and supply of flow meters of all kinds

PROFILE LItRE MEtER


Litre Meter Ltdlitremeter.com

ServicesIndustry standard flow meters


ability to programme the electronics, which can

be done with the FPod but it is a clunky process

using a special cable and a special programme,”

Charles says.

“The Flowpod is designed to address these

concerns and is encased in an enclosure that is

around three inches, making it much smaller

than the previous model. The design also does

away with the blue cable and there are a number

of ways you can programme it, using digital

communications HART protocol version 7 and

you can also use a magnet on the outside of the

unit, which is again rather clunky but can be

useful in an emergency,” he continues. “It is also

possible to open up the housing and remove an

internal micro SD card and put it into a laptop

for programming. Additionally we will also use

the SD card as a data logger, which is a relatively

simple tool that will allow us to monitor how

the unit has performed and how stressed it has

been. This will allow us to further understand

the way units are being used to make them even

more efficient.”

Presently Litre Meter remains a global player

with a unique solution that can be applied

within a number of industry sectors. During

2009 the company began a journey to reach a

target of £5 million in turnover by 2014. Having

reached that goal the company is set to target

similar growth for 2019 and with a strong global

base and continuing research into new products,

the indicators are looking good.

PROFILE LItRE MEtER

Presently Litre Meter remains a global player with a unique solution that can be applied within a number of industry sectors

www.litremeter.com

systemA changing

Formerly known as the Compagnie

Parisienne des Asphaltes, the Rubis Terminal

was originally founded in 1877. By 1992 the

total recorded storage capacity of the business

peaked at over a million cubic meters across two

locations in Rouen and Dunkirk. These coastal

locations and connections to the main French

pipeline infrastructure provided major strategic

assets that allowed Rubis to further establish its

presence in the chemical and oil markets within

France and later throughout Europe.

Rubis Terminal is a subsidiary of the wider

Rubis Group alongside the associated company,

Rubis Energie. The Group is an independent,

international operator specialising in the

downstream petroleum and chemicals sector that

has continued to grow and expand through a

combination of organic growth and acquisitions.

Between 1992 and 2002 the Rubis Group acquired

almost one million cubic meters of additional

storage in France by taking over strategic terminals

in Brest and Saint-Priest as well Strasbourg Pétrole

and the Propetrol Company. These acquisitions

raised the total storage capacity to two million

cubic meters. Over the course of two decades,

Rubis Terminal has successfully grown to be the

number one independent operator in France and

the fifth in Europe.

Fifteen locations Today Rubis Terminal maintains 2.6 million

cubic meters of bulk liquid storage and is

present across fifteen locations within the

Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey and France.

The majority of these operate as fully owned

facilities, while others are run as joint ventures

between Rubis and its partners. While the

business is headquartered in France, in recent

years it has undertaken targeted expansion

outside of its home market. In 2007, Rubis

Terminal expanded with the formation of its

Rotterdam terminal followed by Antwerp, the

second busiest port in Europe, in partnership

with Japanese group Mitsui in 2010.

More than 160,000 cubic meters of versatile storage capacityThe terminal at Rotterdam in the Netherlands

represents a significant capacity with

construction of the Greenfield site beginning

during 2007. Rubis Terminal BV went into

operation a year later in 2008 with a storage

capacity of just over 85,000 cubic meters.

Since then Rubis Terminal has embarked on a

continuing programme to develop the terminal

and its facilities, steadily increasing the amount

of storage available at the site. “If you look at

the development of Rubis Terminal BV over

the last two years, we have expanded our

capacity to currently encompass more than

160,000 cubic meters of storage capacity, of

which half is chemical and the other half is

mineral storage,” explains general manager

Paul van Herrewegen. “If you look at the

size of the current terminal it was originally

planned to fill the location to create an efficient

terminal in terms of both size and scale, both

from a cost and commercial perspective, and

PROFILE RubIs TERMInaL


www.terminalmanager.eu

Rubis Terminal BVrubis-terminal.nl

ServicesIndependent mineral oil and chemical storage


Small and flexibleAs the petrochemical market within Europe

continues to evolve, Rubis Terminal perceives

itself as being well placed to navigate the

changing tides of the market. “If you look at our

position both geographically and commercially,

we are a smaller player that is able to take

advantage of the fact that we are small and

therefore more flexible,” Paul says. “We have

direct contact with clients, short communication

lines and rapid decision making. Within

Rotterdam, we target our market growth mainly

in chemicals. In the longer term I believe the

market will see a change in production, which

is already becoming apparent through the trends

in refineries and chemical production facilities

where some locations are ceasing their activities.

This means that North West Europe will change

into a predominantly import based continent,

which will require more storage.”

The best infrastructureAs Rubis Terminal heads into 2015, it will

continue to promote itself as a highly buoyant

and agile business that is able to deliver bespoke

storage solutions to clients within the mineral

fuel and chemical sectors. As the market adapts,

Rubis Terminal BV will continue to evolve to

ensure it maintains the best infrastructure to

meet the needs of is clients, as Paul concludes:

“There is a big difference in the logistics for

mineral products and for chemical products. Fuel

oil is only ship or barge related while chemicals

require connections via train and truck as well.

It is important to be flexible, especially in the

chemical market, where it is very important to

be able to adapt in a short timeframe. Generally

speaking, when you change the product you also

need to change the system.

“Next to being a state-of-the-art terminal

for chemicals Rubis Terminal also provides

especially designed services for bunker fuels.

The availability of two deep-sea jetties with high

pump rate capabilities (up to 1500 m3/hour)

and a fully dedicated barge jetty completes the

highly flexible infrastructure. Together with our

homogenising and heating possibilities it allows

clients to react quickly to market demands.”

growth has been a natural process since. Due

to the combination of an increased number

of clients and the diverse transportation

connections we have at the terminal, all

stakeholders, but primarily our customers will

benefit from this increase in capacity.”

Unique fuel oil configurationWith a state-of-the-art vapour treatment

system, Rubis Terminal BV currently reaches

pump speeds up to 1500 m3/hour from its

three jetties designed for deep-sea vessels up to

225m. A fully dedicated barge jetty completes

the highly flexible infrastructure. This allows

clients to react quickly to market demands by

homogenising and blending different grade

mineral products 24/7.

Extension area of 4.5 hectaresAs of January 2014 six new tanks went into

operation at Rubis Terminal BV consisting of

four 2500 cubic meter mild steel tanks and

two 2500 cubic meter stainless steel tanks

for chemicals. This represented the last of

several phases of expansion for the Rotterdam

terminal at the existing terminal, and will now

be followed on a site adjacent to the terminal

in agreement with the Port of Rotterdam for

the lease of 4.5 hectares of land. Presently

Rubis Terminal is developing new tank sizes,

which will vary between 500 cubic meters and

10,000 cubic meters in capacity and will be

suitable for chemicals and niche products. “The

present expansion represents the first period

of development with all phases scheduled to

be undertaken over a ten year period,” Paul

elaborates. “We have an extension area of 4.5

hectares of land to develop and we divided the

construction into five phases. The first phase will

be available during the fourth quarter of 2016

and will deliver extra capacity equal to 35,000

cubic meters.”

Strong interest in different tank sizes“We will expand to almost double our current

capacity in ten years time thus offering a wide

range of chemical tanks in an even wider range

of capacities,” adds commercial manager, Marlies

Tol. “We currently see strong interest from

clients in different tank sizes that we have on

offer. In addition, we also receive a lot of requests

for tank sizes we cannot offer, simply because

we do not have the right tank sizes available.

Adding additional tank sizes is an important step

forward for us.”

PROFILE RUbIS TERmInaL

Today Rubis Terminal maintains 2.6 million cubic meters of bulk liquid storage and is present across fifteen locations within the Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey and France. The majority of these operate as fully owned facilities, while others are run as joint ventures between Rubis and its partners

conduits. Technip Umbilicals’ track record of

thermoplastic umbilical supply showcases some

of its previous projects, which contain DUCO

manufactured hose.

Steel tube conduits were gradually introduced

in the mid-1990s, and their use has escalated in

recent years due to increased tieback distances

and the exploration of deeper water depths. As

such, Technip Umbilicals has been supplying

steel tube umbilicals to the industry since 1994,

and introduced the first steel tube umbilical

to the Gulf of Mexico region in 1995. In some

instances, combinations of steel tubes and

thermoplastic hoses are employed in umbilicals.

Pioneered by DUCO in the late 1990s, this

hybrid concept provides the subsea system

designer with greater flexibility in optimising the

performance of the subsea production system.

Acquired by the Technip Group in 2003, the

company today is a major designer, innovator

and global provider of umbilical systems for use

by the offshore industry. “We operate globally,”

confirms Technip Umbilicals’ managing

director Jean-Louis Rostaing. “If you look at

our portfolio in terms of current projects we

have a lot of work going on in the North Sea,

with further demand in West Africa, Asia and

Australia. Because of this growth, we decided

that integrating our facilities in the UK, the US,

Angola and Malaysia was important to show

customers that we maintain the same values

with regards to safety, quality and ethics as the

Technip Group. We changed our name from

DUCO to Technip Umbilicals in September

2014, a move that lets our customers know

when they deal with Technip Umbilicals Ltd.

in Newcastle, UK, or Technip Umbilicals Inc.

in Houston, US, they still receive the same

level of service in terms of safety, quality and

delivery as all segments of the Technip Group.”

Viewing quality, health, safety and environmental

(QHS&E) guidelines as key to safe and efficient

operations, the ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:2004

and OHSAS 18001:1999 certified company

places safety at the forefront of all projects.

Taking the rebrand as an opportunity to

continue consolidating and developing best

practices across the three additional umbilical

units of the Technip Umbilicals Group –Technip

Umbilicals Inc., Angoflex Ltda. and Asiaflex

Products Sdn Bhd. - Technip Umbilicals is

keen to not only evolve with market demand,

but also maintain the North East’s position as

a leader within the subsea industry. “We have

With a history dating as far back

as 1977, Technip Umbilicals (TU) has designed,

manufactured and supplied subsea umbilicals for

the oil and gas industry for more than 30 years.

Formally known as DUCO Ltd., the company

has been developing pioneering umbilical

designs since the first subsea production systems

were installed in the 1970s. Business expanded

in the 1990s when these systems became

an accepted means of offshore hydrocarbon

recovery; the early systems tended to involve

short tieback distances installed in water depths

accessible to divers, which are typically less than

200 metres, and used umbilicals constructed

almost entirely from thermoplastic hose fluid

connection

PROFILE TEchnIP UmbILIcaLs


Building a

Mexico and West Africa.

With a strong history of successfully providing

thermoplastic hoses to the oil and gas industry,

the company’s products offer a broad spectrum

of control and chemical injection fluids and

are available in seamless lengths in excess of

20,000m depending on bore size. Meanwhile,

steel tube umbilicals can provide high

pressure, corrosion resistance, tensile strength

and deepwater and long distance operation.

Although diverse in physical characteristics,

combining both functional components can

deliver technical and commercial advantages.

Having developed a strong reputation

for superior services, Technip Umbilicals is

currently working on a major contract with

Chevron North Sea to manufacture a 28 km

umbilical for the Alder field; a critical link in

subsea operations as it relays power, chemicals

and communications between a platform or

support vessel and hydraulically operated

subsea equipment. The umbilicals are being

wholly manufactured at the Newcastle, UK

site to coincide with Chevron’s goal to develop

the field via a single subsea well. Meanwhile,

parent company Technip’s Aberdeen operating

centre will be involved in the engineering,

procurement, installation and construction

(EPIC) contract for the project.

“This is an important project for us because

we are manufacturing a 28 km hybrid umbilical,

which merges our original thermoplastic hose

technology with steel tubes,” says Jean-Louis.

“To take advantage of this demand and meet

the needs of our customers, we came up with

the idea of combining these two technologies;

this innovation is called hybrid because it is

made up of both steel tubes and thermoplastic

hoses, which thus results in an improved field

development solution. The 28 km umbilical will

be made up of steel tubes and then wrapped

in thermoplastic hoses; this is a competitive

invested vast amounts into our facilities to

ensure we have the modern assets needed to

meet the capacity and capability demands of

the current market, whilst also being prepared

for future demand. Technology is also a key

strength for Technical Umbilicals, as we have

developed products that can comply with

client application requirements and meet the

needs of the subsea market as it moves into

deeper waters. Key to these technological

developments is our Research and Development

Centre in Newcastle, which is linked with

all other research and development centres

within the Technip Group; in addition, having

a highly skilled and loyal workforce means we

have long-term experience readily available

in-house,” highlights Jean-Louis.

Considered a fundamental part of the

division’s current and future capabilities, the

Research and Development Centre receives a

significant amount of revenue to ensure Technip

Umbilicals continues to provide groundbreaking

products and capabilities. Well positioned to

handle any challenging requirements in the

future, the Research and Development Centre

focuses on umbilical/functional component

structural improvements to boost performance

and reliability, improvements in hardware design

to ensure complete protection from harsh

environmental conditions, integration of electric

power conductors into umbilicals and hardware

designs for deepwater dynamic and static

service, and the development and improvement

of mathematical modelling and analytical tools

to further grow engineering capabilities and

understanding. With strong links to other

Technip Research and Development groups,

the team are able to draw on expertise such

as flexible pipe manufacture and installation

expertise to ensure the optimal installation

ability of the umbilical and hardware.

As leaders in technology development, the

four strategically located umbilical entities are

able to design, manufacture and supply bespoke

umbilical products to customers from project

inception to project completion. Viewing

each clients’ requirements as unique, Technip

Umbilicals is a specialist in delivering optimised

industry solutions to the shallow and medium

water markets as well as the ultra-deepwater

markets. In fact, the division as a whole has

developed umbilicals for the harsh environments

of the North Sea and Atlantic Frontier region

and ultra-deepwater locations in the Gulf of



Shepherd Offshore

Shepherd Offshore has been providing Technip Umbilicals with first class specialist logistics support for almost three decades.The relationship between the two companies has enabled Technip to open the world's largest steel tube umbilical assembly plant and given the company easy access to the deepwater global market.Since the 1980s Shepherd Offshore, which specialises in mobilisations and demobilisations for the offshore industries, has provided Technip with a bespoke support system available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Shepherd Offshore is proud to have assisted Technip in developing its infrastructure and facilities to become the world leader in the manufacturing of umbilicals it is today.


www.shepherdoffshore.com

www.allan-liddle-steel.co.uk


Technip Umbilicalstechnip.com

ServicesSubsea umbilical systems

solution for a challenging bespoke project.”

Having invested in its main facility, equipment

and increased plant size over the last four years,

in addition to hiring an extra 100 personnel in

2014, the strong team at Technical Umbilicals

Ltd. in Newcastle, UK, remains committed to

operating within the North East. However, as

energy demand continues to grow in developing

countries, the company is also keeping vigilant

of any potential opportunities further afield.

On top of this, Technip Umbilicals maintains

its vision of continuous improvement with

the implementation of a quality improvement

programme, as Jean-Louis concludes: “All of our

efforts over the last four years have been with the

intention of positioning ourselves as a leader in

the umbilical market; over the next 12 months

we will continue to consolidate this position

and work more closely with clients to anticipate

demand in terms of technology and delivery.

“Moreover, we will also be focused on the

implementation of our quality improvement

programme “Quartz”; this Technip Umbilicals-

born programme has been adopted by the

Technip Group and aims to boost quality in all

areas of the company, including engineering and

manufacturing. These developments have been

well received by our clients as it means we can

meet their demands in an increasingly stringent

and challenging market. We will also be deploying

a lot of new products such as aluminium cable

umbilicals for deepwater applications and will

continue to actively work internally as well as with

clients to extend our performance.”


www.hochikieurope.com/silapproved

infrastructure and is committed to providing the

safest, highest quality cellular glass insulation

material available. The new plant will give

the business the ability to quickly respond to

customer needs while assuring that their plants

operate safely over the long term.

FOAMGLAS is a unique product with a

manufacturing process comprised of four stages;

glass production, grinding of the glass to glass

powder and mixing it with carbon, foaming and

annealing of glass and finishing of the product.

The result is an extensive range of different

grades of FOAMGLAS insulation, which have

varying degrees of compressive strength and

thermal conductivity. These variations make

FOAMGLAS the ideal insulative solution for a

number of applications. “FOAMGLAS insulation

is a closed-cell, lightweight, rigid material

composed of millions of completely sealed

glass cells,” explains Frank Ergeets, business

development director. “Due to its closed-cell

nature, it is completely impermeable which

means that it is 100 per cent moisture resistant,

it has a zero water vapour permeability and isn’t

liable to deterioration by vermin. It represents

the pre-eminent insulation material for corrosion

resistance, as it is resistant to organic solvents,

nearly all acids and most corrosive atmospheres.

It is a dimensionally stable material with a high

compressive strength, which is still easy to cut

to shape. Finally, FOAMGLAS insulation is 100

per cent glass and contains no binders or fillers,

therefore it cannot burn or support combustion

nor will it absorb flammable liquids or vapours.”

Within the oil and gas industry FOAMGLAS

Established in 1937 Pittsburgh

Corning has developed a leading reputation in

the supply of high-performance glass insulating

products for the building, energy and industrial

markets and has remained at the forefront of

designing products that stand the test of time.

The company was formed from Pittsburgh Plate

Glass Company and Corning Glass Works and

for 75 years it has supplied its innovative glass

block technology to clients within a number of

industries. Today Pittsburgh Corning is active in

every corner of the world through the delivery of

its technically advanced FOAMGLAS insulation

and glass block products, and continues to grow

while further investing to allow the company to

better reach its clients.

FOAMGLAS insulation was introduced in

the US during the mid-1940s and later, owing

to the growing global demand for the product,

Pittsburgh Corning expanded its presence into

Europe with a large manufacturing plant

in Belgium that went into operation

in 1965. Today Pittsburgh Corning

Asia has become an important part

of the company’s global operation as

it responds to increased demand for

Pittsburgh Corning insulation products.

The company is building a brand new

factory in China, which is estimated

to be completed in the spring of 2015.

It has already had the good fortune

to work with all of the large energy

companies in China during the last decade. As

a consequence, Pittsburgh Corning understands

the urgency in developing China’s energy

Protecting

PROFILE PIttsbuRgh CORnIng EuROPE


Pittsburgh Corning Europefoamglas.com

ServicesInsulation systems for industry

thermal insulation properties.”

As such Pittsburgh Corning has delivered

FOAMGLAS insulation to clients all over the

world including Qatar, where it was used for

the chilled water system at Hamad International

Airport in Doha, Qatar. The project was one

of the company’s largest, encompassing over

350 kilometres of pipeline section and over

35,000 prefabricated fittings. As it enters 2015,

Pittsburgh Corning will continue to deliver its

market leading insulation products and it has a

strong order book that will enable the business

to continue to grow and solidify its premier

position as a supplier of industrial insulation.

“The biggest project that will dominate 2015 for

us will be Gazprom’s Yamal LNG project in the

Yamal peninsula in Russia,” Frank concludes.

“The Yamal LNG project is one of the largest

industrial undertakings in the Arctic, which will

involve the construction of three LNG trains and

a vast gas terminal. FOAMGLAS insulation is

specified for the insulation works so this will be

one of the main projects for the upcoming year.”

insulation is the leading solution in both low

temperature environments and high temperature

situations. For example during low temperature

operation it is possible for water vapour to

enter permeable insulations and condense,

which causes a build up of water and/or ice that

drastically reduces performance. Furthermore,

during high temperature service poor insulation

can lead to loss of thermal efficiency and increased

energy consumption. In each case, FOAMGLAS

offers an effective solution that mitigates the effects

of extreme temperatures, making it a highly

sought after solution throughout the oil and gas

sector. “Since the 1960s tank builders worldwide

have trusted FOAMGLAS insulation as a core

component in tank base insulation systems and

today thousands of hot, cold and cryogenic

tanks are supported by FOAMGLAS insulation

systems,” Frank says. “In fact, FOAMGLAS HLB

insulation is a core component of over 90 per

cent of the world's liquified natural gas tanks

base insulation systems, a critical application

requiring high load bearing capabilities and

PROFILE PIttsbuRgh CORnIng EuROPE


www.foamglass.com/industry


www.kamat.de

Founded by chief technical officer

Jonathan Thursby in Norwich in 2001,

downhole video specialist EV began as a small

team of engineers who developed their expertise

in ruggedized CCTV cameras for use on boats

or cars, to give close up views of action related

events. “The original designs were used in

racing environments such as the British Rally

Championship, Formula One, the BT Around

the World Yachting Challenge and also Top

Gear,” explains Federico Casavantes, VP

marketing for EV. “However, in 2004 we were

commissioned to develop a camera for a UK

customer that would be used for diagnostics in

oil and gas wells in the North Sea. From here

the first generation of our OPTIS RT-120 was

launched and deployed commercially.”

Following this strategic move into the oil

and gas industry, the company’s expertise in

this business segment was further strengthened

with the appointment of Francis Neill, an

experience oilfield services professional, as

CEO in 2010. “Mr Neill has taken EV from a

small Norwich based organisation to the global

service provider it is today,” confirms Federico.

“Since 2010 we have grown from 15 employees

with annual revenues of approximately one

million pounds, to a global entity of 115

employees and annual revenues of more than

£20 million. In the last 12 months we have

run more than 1400 downhole camera jobs in

35 countries and witnessed a profit increase

of 109 per cent; this success stems from our

consistent delivery of high quality downhole

video cameras that are able to operate in the

most extreme environments as well as our

knowledge on how to obtain images in these

conditions. It is not only our leading edge

technology that is key to our success but

also our highly experienced and competent

operations team that is able to advise our

customer base on the best procedures and

preparation to capture the best video images.”

By using the expertise it gained from

operating ruggedized cameras in fast paced yet

moderately benign environments, EV has been

Wellahead

PROFILE EV


InsetComplexity of EV downhole video leading edge technology

BelowDownhole video equipment bench test workshop

BottomField engineer preparing downhole video camera for a job


www.gowellpetro.com

www.businessworldtravel.net

www.hydraulic-components.net

EVevcam.com

ServicesDownhole video specialist

Normally, in the realm of video imaging, it is not

possible to quantify the size of the problems or

anomalies encountered in the well. However,

by combining our cameras with our Multifinger

Caliper, we’re not limited to only seeing what

is happening, but now, we can also accurately

assess the dimensions of the problem we are

looking at. The benefits of this integration are

all too clear; in a single run in the well, EV is

able evaluate downhole completion problems

like corrosion, pitting or ruptures to even greater

detail than has ever been possible before with

standalone electromechanical measurement

devices,” explains Federico.

“With IVC, the axial downview camera is

run as the tool goes into the well, capturing a

real-time overview of the well features. When

at bottom, the Multifinger Caliper is opened to

obtain a dimensioned circumferential profile of

the well as the tool is pulled out. By switching

on the lateral camera we can further inspect

any serious conditions or anomalies by taking

a circumferential 360 degree video at any point

of interest. All this data can be streamlined

instantaneously, as it is being acquired, to our

customers’ remote offices so they can make

decisions on whether additional information is

required or whether they will begin to deploy

equipment to start a repair operation. The thing

to note is that when EV pulls the IVC out of the

well, our customers have 100 per cent certainty

of their well integrity conditions,” he adds.

Officially launched in 2014, the IVC

has successfully completed in excess of 40

operations, primarily in Canada where it

was tested and developed, but also in the

UK and Italy. Following the success of this

innovative product, Federico anticipates further

opportunities for the EV as its remains focused

on growing customer awareness of the value of

downhole video by providing them with robust,

high quality and unique answer products. “As

a firm specialising in well diagnosis, our focus

is to continue to build on our downhole video

expertise to retain industry leadership and to

add further value to our customers. Wherever

there is an opportunity to provide more robust

answer products, we will look to integrate

complementary sensors. We anticipate further

market growth in the regions where we are

already present, and will actively open operating

bases in new geographical regions to ensure we

are better able to support our growing customer

base,” he concludes.

able to transfer and develop its know-how into

the oil and gas industry and thus transform itself

into the global market leader in downhole video

technology. “Our headquarters are in Aberdeen

and Norwich, but we also have 17 operating

locations across the world; our region head

offices located in Canada, the US, Latin America,

Europe, Western Africa, the Middle East, South

East Asia and Australia,” says Federico.

To retain its technology leadership in the

downhole video market, the company invests

more than ten per cent of its annual profits into

research and development, which has resulted in

camera systems that can work to 10,000m below

the surface in environments up to 125 degrees

Celsius and 15,000 psi. Proud of its success in

obtaining images that can help customers find

solutions in the harshest of environments, EV

has a success rate of more than 95 per cent

thanks to its ultra-modern technology and

expertise in high speed data transmission, video

compression techniques, CCD sensors, optical

and lighting technology and image processing.

“We specialise in providing well diagnosis

services to oil and gas operators; our services are

based on a range of downhole video cameras,

which we call OPTIS. These can be deployed

on electric line, slick line, drill pipe and coil

tubing. The main feature of our cameras is

that they utilise a proprietary telemetry, which

enables us to stream up to 300 kilobits per

second of data on a monoconductor cable and

can thus provide a full colour video of up to 25

frames per second. We can also record up to

35 frames per second in memory. In terms of

ruggedization, OPTIS Downhole Video cameras

hit a record in 2013 when a job was successfully

run to 28,522 feet/8695 metres for an operator

in the Gulf of Mexico,” highlights Federico.

EV’s HD E-line camera works on 35,000 feet

of mono-conductor cable; this combined with

sensors that also operate at up to 15,000 psi,

means customers can rely on quality video

diagnostics deeper than ever.

The most recent example of the company’s

commitment to innovation is its new Integrated

Video Caliper (IVC), which provides real-time

answers to well integrity issues and is based on

EV’s proprietary telemetry that transmits data

to surface at a speed two to three times greater

than industry standard systems. “Thanks to

our telemetry, the main feature of the IVC is

that it combines qualitative HD video data with

quantitative Multifinger Caliper dimensioning.

PROFILE EV


AboveEV HD video sideview camera

GOWell

GOWell is a global technology company that manufactures cased hole logging tools able to identify the corrosion induced deterioration of both the casing and the tubing in oil wells.GOWell has worked closely with EV to combine its multi-finger caliper tool with EV’s downhole camera. This has allowed them to successfully introduce a new service to the market: IVC – Integrated Video Caliper, providing both measurement and quality images of the condition of the tubing and casing. GOWell strives to continue to produce high quality products to help deliver unique and efficient solutions to the oil and gas industry.

Acutech

Acutech Precision Engineering is proud to remain one of EV’s main suppliers of engineered parts, having done so since their inception, helping them to meet deadlines for both time critical short-term projects and planned ongoing expansion goals alike. Specialising in CNC milling and turning, Acutech Precision is extremely well suited to manufacturing a vast array of precision components in a multitude of materials to meet the ever changing requirements of its customers.


www.alliedmacxut.com

www.corillaplastics.co.uk

www.morris-engineering.com

NOV is a leader in the design,

manufacture and sale of equipment and

components used in oil and gas drilling and

production operations, and the provision of

the oil and gas industry. Its headquarters are

located in Houston, Texas, and it has more

than 60,000 employees operating as a global

family in 69 countries at approximately 899

locations worldwide. Recently, in order to bring

clarity to its strategic direction and to enhance

its product and service offering to customers,

the company restructured into three distinct

business segments: NOV Rig Systems, NOV

Wellbore Technologies and NOV Completion &

Production Solutions.

Simon Garantini is European regional

manager for the division now known as NOV

Wellbore Technologies, and he explains how

the restructure is going to benefit clients:

“NOV Wellbore Technologies links all our

business units that pertain to the wellbore,

from fluid control systems and tubular

inspection services, to downhole products and

automation solutions. This makes it easier

for our customers to do business with us,”

he states. “NOV recognises that the key to

developing commercially viable hydrocarbon

production is economic field development

and we are uniquely positioned within the

energy industry to supply independent

products and services across many facets of

the well construction phase. Our products and

services include drilling tools, fishing tools,

drill bits, drilling motors, thru tubing, service

equipment, borehole enlargement, coring,

intervention and completion, power sections,

and directional tools, and we understand the

complete process and anticipate what our

customers need to thrive. At every stage, our

unique, integrated model delivers value. We

have the proven technologies and global scale

needed by our customers to be more efficient,

productive and successful.”

One of the most important products

developed by NOV is the Agitator™ System,

which utilises the energy in the drilling fluid

flow to impart a high frequency, gentle, axial

oscillation in the string. “This tool is by far

the leading friction reduction tool in the

industry,” says Simon. “It has been around

for more than ten years and amassed close to

50,000 runs globally so far. Its most important

application is in oriented motor drilling,

where the Agitator™ System reduces friction,

improves weight transfer and tool face control,

and extends the potential horizontal length of

sections drilled dramatically.”

He continues: “The tool is also used very

successfully to reduce stick-slip in rotary

steerable applications, to extend the reach in

coiled tubing work and to improve the recovery

rates in tubular retrieval (casing pulling, fishing,

sandscreen positioning and so on).”

Researching and developing highly innovative

products such as this is an area where NOV

invests considerable time and money. As a

result of its dedication many of its products

have seen major success in the oil and gas

industry and have been embraced by blue chip

clients. For example, its new generation of

synthetic diamond Helios™ Inferno™ cutters

have enjoyed very pleasing results on projects

in the North Sea. “These products are high

performance PDC cutters that are engineered

for specific drilling applications that may require

increased thermal resistance, increased abrasion

resistance or increased toughness,” explains

Simon. “Helios™ Inferno™ cutters are fitted

into ReedHycalog™ drill bits to improve drilling

performance in difficult geological formations.

Each Helios™ Inferno™ cutter is certified with

a unique Cutter Index rating to determine

the characteristics necessary for challenging

applications. This ensures the optimal cutter

is selected for the application, which provides

familyGlobal

PROFILE NOV wELLbORE tEchNOLOgIEs



NOV Wellbore Technologiesnov.com

ServicesOil and gas equipment

Simon identifies NOV’s combination of

extraordinary products and diversity of services,

alongside its independence as major strengths.

“With our global footprint and experienced

staff we are able to support the market’s needs

in many challenging regions,” he adds. “We

are continually introducing new products

and business models to satisfy the various

markets we serve. We can also leverage off

our engineering capability and manufacturing

capacity to provide leading industry technologies

that are cost effective and tailored to the

economics and unique challenges of drilling in

many different environments.

The new organisational structure and also

improved website at www.nov.com both signify

progressives step towards shedding light on

strategy and further customer alignment for

NOV. “Through our broad capabilities and

vision, NOV’s family of companies is now

positioned and ready to serve the needs of this

challenging, evolving industry,” agrees Simon.

“NOV has the technical expertise, advanced

equipment, and readily available support

necessary for our customers’ success.

“Moving forward we will continue to provide

our customers with solutions tailored for them

and supported by engineering and operations

back-up so that we are truly delivering solutions

to our clients’ challenges. We will continue to

introduce innovative technologies that address

drilling needs globally and locally that are fit

for purpose and meet the value objectives our

clients have come to expect from our products.

NOV will continue to be dedicated to its

relentless pursuit of increasing customer value

delivery while decreasing risk.”

increased durability, increased penetration

rate by staying sharper longer, and maintains

drill bit stability and steerability due to better

wear characteristics. The initial success in the

North Sea came from a well in the West of

Shetlands area when a 12-1/4” bit fitted with

Helios™ Inferno™ cutters was used to drill

a section that historically required multiple

bits to complete. An even more challenging

conglomerate formation in the Central North

Sea has recently been successfully drilled in one

run with Helios™ Inferno™ cutters, establishing

a breakthrough performance for this technology.

Key results such as these provide significant cost

savings to operators by reducing trip time and

overall drilling time.”

Furthermore, NOV Wellbore Technologies

also recently released a new tool called the

FluidHammer. “The main feature of this is a

mechanism housed in the lower bearing section

of certain NOV positive displacement drilling

motors,” says Simon. “This does not alter the

dimensions of the motor significantly, but

through a cam and roller system that imparts

a high frequency weight on bit variation it

enhances the drill bit’s ability to fail the rock.

The mechanism is actuated by WOB, so only

functions when the bit is on bottom.

“This ‘hammering’ or WOB fluctuation

improves ROP and the resultant smoother

torque curve helps reduce weight transfer

issues and aids in mitigating stick-slip. The tool

functions well with both PDC and insert bits,

and has shown to be very beneficial in a variety

of applications where ROP is a performance

limiting variable, like hard rock applications,

interbedded formations and bedrock drilling.”

PROFILE NOV wELLbORE tEchNOLOgIEs

Allied Maxcut Engineering Co Limited

AMEC® is a global supplier of drilling and thread milling tools for the manufacturing of components used in offshore exploration in the oil and gas industry.In addition to an extensive range of standard tooling, with the widest choice of drilling diameters, replaceable inserts substrates and advanced coatings, AMEC has also developed an array of special purpose products to achieve maximum performance on often unique applications.This experience and knowledge of the industry is shown in the upcoming AMEC oil and gas specific brochure, which can be requested from [email protected].

Schofield Publishing Ltd10 Cringleford Business Centre

Intwood Road Cringleford Norwich NR4 6AU

T: +44 (0) 1603 274130 F: +44 (0) 1603 274131

Editor Matt High [email protected]

Sales Manager Joe Woolsgrove [email protected]

europeanoi landgas.co.uk

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