March April 2020Since 1999

Cover Courtesy of

Island Operating

www.islandoperating.com

Stories from Roger Hooper and Beyond 6

Offshore Technology Conference Cancelled 8Next Event to be held in 2021

Go News Network 10Aker Solutions to Provide Umbilicals for ChevronShell Pulls Out of Lake Charles LNG ProjectLightsource to Build $250 Million Impact Solar ProjectMcDermott Awarded BHP Contract in Mexico GOMMcDermott Commissions Freeport LNG Train 3Subsea Teams with Big Blue Ocean CleanupAshtead Technology Completes Subsea Northern LightsWood Signs with Shell Smart Choke Technology

Bristow Helicopters Outfits Helicopters 18To Transport COVID-19 Offshore Workers

Phoenix Mudline Tree Recompletion 19Uses Atmospheric Diving System

Safety For Life 20Island Operating Demonstrates the Power of ZoneZero Safety

No Fall Too Small 23Real Life Story

BSEE Safety Alerts 24No. 376 Rig Floorman Pinned by Moving EquipmentNo. 377 Improper Bypassed Safety DeviceNo. 378 Unsecured Trough Drain GratingNo. 379 Broken Compressor Heat Exchanger Causes Fire

BSEE’s Newest Safety Initiative 26

BOEM GOM Lease Sale 27

USCG Marine Safety Alert 28

Flowline 30

Go Cards 32

Oil Market Volatility at All-Time High 34

Shell Stones in the Gulf of Mexico 35

Deep into the Past 36

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Five Crowley tugboats recently worked together to load the LP Odyssey, a self-propelled, semi-submersible mobilespacecraft launch platform, onto a heavy-lift ship for Barber Moss Ship Management on behalf of Sea Launch/S7 Space.In less than 48 hours, Crowley tugs Master, Leader, Admiral, Veteran and Scout were successfully mobilized for thisunique job, complied with customer and regulatory requirements, and began towing the platform from Los AngelesHarbor to an outside anchorage near Long Beach.

Once at anchorage, the 436-foot long by 220-foot wide platform, which called the Port of Long Beach home for morethan 20 years, was to be floated onto the Xin Guang Hua heavy transport ship for final transport to the eastern coast ofRussia, just south of Port of Vladivostok. Unfortunately, weather conditions and resulting sea swells at anchorage delayedthe final set down of the platform onto the ship.

The Crowley tugs continued on stand by while authorities and Crowley’s operations team developed an alternativesolution. Shortly thereafter, it was determined that the best course of action was to move the platform and heavy-lift shipback inside the harbor break water to a suitable depth of water for the operation. In close coordination with local author-ities and the U.S. Coast Guard, Crowley’s operations team formulated a plan for a loading window that would minimizeinterruptions to other port traffic in the busiest port in the United States.

Two days after the initial attempt, the heavy-lift vessel was staged insidethe break water under a Crowley tug escort, while the other four Crowleytugs positioned the LP Odyssey over the heavy-lift vessel, and the cus-tomer’s operations team de-ballasted and fastened the LP Odyssey for trans-port.

“We are very proud of our crew, who did an excellent job of exceedingour customer’s expectations despite the challenges of the operation andmaintaining the highest level of flexible and safe operations,” said JoshEllis, vice president of operations and engineering, Crowley’s marine serv-ices group. “Thanks to our excellent team, we were able to activate our ves-sels and position them onsite for this unique job very quickly. Our team,from shore to office, performed seamlessly together in the safe loading ofthe LP Odyssey onto the Xin Guang Hua.”

Crowley’s Master, Leader, Admiral, and Scout are 105-foot, U.S.-flagged, Harbor Class tractor tugs. They feature Voith Schneider, twin-cycloidal propulsion and a hydrofoil-shaped skeg that provides for greatlyimproved steering, control and seakeeping ability when the vessel runs athigh speeds in the skeg-first direction. In addition, the unique hydrodynam-ics of the hull result in increased tons of steering and braking force, whichare available to assist or control a vessel at higher speeds.

Crowley tug Veteran is one of two highly maneuverable, Valor Classtugs suitable for ship assist, tanker escort and general towing service. Thetugs have Rolls Royce Aquamaster Z-drive units and can generate over 90tons of direct bollard pull. The deep forward-skeg design of the hull resultsin excellent directional stability as well as providing additional indirect-pullfor assist and escort operations. The Markey DEPC 52 bow winch has fullrender/recover capability, maximizing ship handling versatility and safetyas well as allowing for full wheelhouse control.

is published every other month by Hooper Group

PO Box 86003 Baton Rouge, LA 70879 Hooper1@gogulf.net

Roger B. Hooper Founder and Publisher

Graphic Artist, Ad Sales and JanitorGo Gulf Magazine is sent FREE to

individuals in the Gas and Oil Industry. © Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved.

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We welcome comments, artwork and photographs,but please call for approval. Hooper Group assumesno responsibility for the validity of claims in connectionwith information appearing in this publication.Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily thoseof the publisher, government organizations or adver-tisers. Although the publisher makes every effort toensure all information published is accurate, The pub-lisher is not responsible for inaccuracies, mistakes,misprints or typographical errors. The publisherreserves the right to refuse any advertising.

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Houston, Texas, USA (2 April 2020) – After signifi-cant consideration and in light of the COVID-19 pan-demic, the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2020Offshore Technology Conference. Amid continuedhealth and travel concerns during this uncertain time, theOTC Board of Directors felt this decision was the mostfeasible and responsible for staff, exhibitors, partners,attendees, and the Houston community.

“As we navigate these difficult and uncertain times,it is with a heavy heart that the OTC Board of Directorshas determined that it is in our best interest to cancelOTC 2020. Our priority is the health and safety of ourattendees and exhibitors, and we have taken federal,state, and local guidelines into account in making ourdecision,” states Cindy Yeilding, OTC Chairperson.

Yeilding continued, “On behalf of the OTC Board ofDirectors, we would like to thank the staff, authors, part-ners, volunteers, students, teachers, and all involved withOTC for the dedication and hard work they have con-tributed to the 2020 event. As we face this uncharted ter-ritory, we remain confident of OTC’s critical role in theoffshore industry’s future and eagerly anticipate a robustOTC 2021.”

To preserve the significant work of the programcommittee and authors, the technical papers and presen-tations will be made available at a later date onOnePetro.org.

Plans will commence for OTC 2021, bringing lead-ing-edge technical information, the industry’s largestequipment exhibition, and valuable professional contactsfrom around the world to Houston. The Call for Paperswill open on 28 May 2020. Join us 3–6 May 2021 asOTC will continue to drive the offshore energy sectorforward into the next decade.

Since 1969, OTC has played a major role in connect-ing people from more than 100 countries to encouragecollaboration and discussions on the challenges and suc-cesses encountered in the offshore sector. Its large inter-national participation provides excellent opportunitiesfor global sharing of technology, expertise, products, andbest practices. OTC brings together industry leaders,investors, buyers, and entrepreneurs to develop marketsand business partnerships. million globally,”

2020 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston Cancelled

www.gogulf.net Page 9

1304 Engineers RoadBelle Chasse, LA 70037504-433-4188

Dear Industry Friends and Customers,

During these uncertain times I feel compelled to reach out to all our friends and customers andinform you about the state of Crescent Energy Services. But first I would like to start by sayingthat during my 45 years of being in the oil and gas service industry I can’t say that I rememberhaving to deal with a dramatic drop in oil pricing along with a Coronavirus pandemic all at thesame time. Go figure! The industry has been through a lot of adversity over the years but thisseems a bit over the top. I know we are all seeking both short and long term direction and adjust-ment to forecasting our business strategies in this volatile market and I assure you that we atCrescent Energy Services are no different.

Many of our confirmed P&A projects that Crescent Energy had in its future inventory are nowon hold - “waiting for the dust to settle” while other projects that were being contemplated maynow be off the table - at least for the time being. Crescent Energy has reacted by reducing itsadministration overhead as well as our planned seasonal increase in employment. In other wordswe are conserving our cash and are in a good position to ride out this unique state of affairs. Wehave also been working with our third-party suppliers and vendors in order to further reducecosts, which can be passed along to you, our customer.

I certainly understand that in this current economic environment, well plugging expenses areprobably the last thing that any operator is contemplating. Crescent Energy Services is now oper-ationally lean and with its vendors, can offer exceptional savings on plugging activities that soon-er or later – must be conducted. Crescent Energy Services is privately owned, financially strongand fully capable of weathering the challenges that lay ahead so I want to assure you that we willbe here with you through these challenging times. In other words “we are not going anywhere.”

In the meantime Crescent Energy will continue expanding its ability to assist in well interven-tion. We will continue investing into our Coil Tubing Services Division, Warrior LoggingSystems, P&A services / abrasive cutting operations as well as other lines of services that we feelwould enable Crescent to better service our customers’ needs.

I have no doubt that we will all get through this double peril and I pray that you and your fam-ilies stay safe during these times. I know that better days lay ahead. Please don’t hesitate to callCrescent if we can be of any help or service to you. We will be here if you need us.

Stay safe and may God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

Paul McKimPresident, Crescent Energy Services

“Crescent Energy Services is operationally lean and in a good position to ride out this unique state of affairs.”

www.gogulf.net Page 10

Aker Solutions has entered a master agreement toprovide umbilicals for Chevron-operated oil and gasfields in the US Gulf of Mexico. The company alsosecured the first work order under the new master agree-ment, to provide 24 kilometers (15 miles) of umbilicalsfor Chevron’s Anchor project.

The scope of the Chevron agreement includes thedelivery of engineering, design and manufacturing ofdynamic and static control umbilicals, dynamic and staticpower umbilicals, and service and installation support.

This agreement lays the foundation for a long-termcollaborative relationship incentivizing both Chevronand Aker Solutions to jointly improve long-term per-formance both technically and commercially throughmulti-project synergies, execution excellence andrepeatability, and life-of-field thinking.

"We are honored to have entered this master orderwith Chevron and to have been awarded the Anchor workorder," said Luis Araujo, chief executive officer of AkerSolutions. "This demonstrates the mutual trust betweenthe two organizations, as well as the capabilities andexperience of our umbilicals manufacturing organizationin the US."

The project includes about 24 kilometers (15 miles)of 20,000 psi dynamic steel tube- and power umbilicalsand distribution equipment. The deepwater field is locat-ed approximately 225 kilometers (140 miles) offshoreLouisiana at a water depth of 1,524 meters (5,000 feet).

Aker Solutions' facility in Mobile, Alabama in theUnited States will perform the engineering, design andmanufacturing of the umbilicals. The work will start upimmediately.

The contract will be booked as order intake in thefirst quarter of 2020.

Given current market conditions, Shell announcedthat it will not proceed with an equity interest in the pro-posed Lake Charles LNG project. Accordingly, EnergyTransfer will take over as the project developer.

Shell will continue to support Energy Transfer withthe ongoing bidding process for the engineering, pro-curement, and construction contract and then plan aphased handover of the project’s remaining activities.

“This decision is consistent with the initiatives weannounced last week to preserve cash and reinforce theresilience of our business,” said Maarten Wetselaar,Director, Integrated Gas and New Energies, Shell.“Whilst we continue to believe in the long-term viabilityand advantages of the project, the time is not right forShell to invest. Through the transition, we will workclosely with Energy Transfer.”

During these challenging times, oil newschanges by the hour. Please be aware thatthe information could be modified by thecompanies that provided it to us.

Lake Charles LNG is a proposed 50/50 projectbetween Shell and Energy Transfer that seeks to convertEnergy Transfer’s existing import terminal to an LNGexport facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The projecthas a proposed liquefaction capacity of 16.45 mtpa forUS natural gas export to global customers. In addition toits brownfield advantages and permits, the project has anexisting pipeline infrastructure. Shell entered the projectin its 2016 combination with BG Group plc.

Lightsource BP, a global solar leader, hasannounced that it has successfully closed on a $250 mil-lion financing package for its Impact Solar project locat-ed in Lamar County, Texas, 120 miles northeast ofDallas.

The energy generated by the 260 MW project will betraded through a long-term agreement with BP.

Dev Sanyal, incoming EVP Gas and Low CarbonEnergy, BP said “This project demonstrates that the com-petitiveness of solar energy means that power offtakestructures widely and historically used for conventionalgeneration are now gaining traction for solar energy proj-ects. We see an exciting future from the increase in com-petitive renewable energy in the US power markets, andopportunities to integrate this with trading and customercapabilities.”

“Our partnership with BP enables us to bring mean-ingful, large-scale solar projects such as this one in Texasto fruition,” said Nick Boyle, Lightsource BP’s GroupCEO. “We are continuing to support the transitiontowards a lower carbon energy system by successfullyadvancing our solar energy projects across the globe.”

Kevin Smith, Lightsource BP’s CEO of the Americassaid “At Lightsource BP we’re on a mission to rapidlyaccelerate the growth in renewable energy, while maxi-mizing the environmental and local community benefitsof each of our solar projects. We’re looking forward toworking with our partners, suppliers and the communityin Lamar County to bring this responsible solar approachto our project in Texas.”

Lightsource BP and project investors will fund anestimated $250 million into the solar plant. The seniordebt facility for the project was provided by HSBC BankUSA, N.A. (HSBC) and National Westminster Bank PLC(NatWest). HSBC, acting as the Coordinating LeadArranger and Joint Lead Arranger, is part of HSBCGroup, one of the world’s largest banking and financialservices organizations. NatWest, acting as the Joint LeadArranger, is a major retail and commercial bank andleading project financing lender in Europe and long-standing partner of Lightsource BP. Tax equity financingwas secured from Bank of America. Lightsource BPengaged several advisory firms to close the transaction,including Norton Rose Fulbright as external legal coun-sel and CohnReznick Capital as the tax equity advisor.

The project is expected to create almost 300 jobs inconstruction, operations, maintenance and asset manage-

ment. In addition, generation from a project of this sizeand type would typically be expected to provide clean,cost-effective energy for the equivalent of more than34,000 homes in the Texas market and provide an offsetof 268,675 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions eachyear, comparable to taking over 57,000 fuel-burning carsoff the road.

Construction of the project has started with commer-cial operation expected by the end of 2020. Constructionis being undertaken by Swinerton Renewable Energy,who is building commercial facilities and renewableenergy projects across the US and has a long and success-ful track record of building projects in Texas.

At Lightsource BP, the health and well-being ofteam members and partners is our top priority. They areactively monitoring updates regarding the Coronavirus(COVID-19) and are following precautions and guide-lines provided by the CDC and public officials.

Lightsource BP is a global leader in the financing,development and management of large-scale solar ener-gy projects. We are a 50:50 joint venture with BP and ourpurpose is to help drive the world’s transition to low car-bon energy through competitively priced and sustainableelectricity.

With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years,Lightsource BP is well-positioned to capitalize on thisgrowth and aims to enact real change on the global ener-gy landscape. Our ambition is to deliver 10 gigawatts ofsolar capacity by 2023.

Lightsource team comprises of 500 industry special-ists, active across 13 countries. They provide a full-ser-vice to customers from initial site selection and permit-ting through to long-term management of projects. Formore information visit lightsourcebp.com.

HOUSTON, March 30, 2020 -- McDermottInternational, Inc. announced it has been awarded acontract by BHP Billiton Petróleo Operaciones deMéxico, S. De R.L. De C.V. (BHP) to provide pre-front-end engineering design (pre-FEED) services for a float-ing production unit (FPU) that will be installed in a waterdepth of approximately 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) at theTrion field, located approximately 19 miles (30 kilome-ters) south of the U.S./Mexico border and approximately112 miles (180 kilometers) from the Mexican coastline.

The pre-FEED scope includes engineering tasksrelated to the configuration, sizing and preliminaryanalysis of the FPU, including topsides, hull, risers andmooring.

McDermott will work in partnership with HoustonOffshore Engineering (HOE) and Wood on the pre-FEED, with McDermott's Houston office leading engi-neering services—supported by its Mexico City office—and HOE and Wood providing engineering for the hulland topsides, respectively. McDermott will perform proj-ect management, execution planning and estimationservices. Installation studies will be performed byMcDermott's Marine Operations and technical support

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for fabrication and integration planning will be handledby McDermott's Mexico-based Altamira FabricationYard.

McDermott is currently delivering the subsea umbil-icals, risers and flowlines (SURF), transportation andinstallation (T&I), pre-commissioning of one jacket andtopsides for the BHP Ruby Project, located offshoreTrinidad and Tobago. It is also providing FEED activitiesfor an FPU for the Scarborough field gas development inWestern Australia, of which BHP is a partner withWoodside.

The project will begin immediately with completionprojected in the third quarter of 2020. The contract awardwill be reflected in McDermott's first quarter 2020 back-log.

McDermott International, Inc., with its joint venturepartners, Chiyoda International Corporation andZachry Group, announced also that Train 3 of theFreeport LNG Liquefaction project on Quintana Island inFreeport, Texas, has reached the final commissioningstage. This includes the introduction of feed gas intoTrain 3 of the liquefaction export facility.

This marks a significant accomplishment for theproject as the team works to complete the final train forthe project. The Freeport LNG facility incorporates thelargest electric motor-driven refrigeration compressorswithin the U.S. and, once fully completed and commer-

cially operational, will significantly improve NorthAmerica's energy export capabilities.

"Congratulations to the entire team for upholding thehigh safety and quality standards for which we'reknown," said Mark Coscio, McDermott's Senior VicePresident for North, Central and South America. "Wehave achieved substantial completion for Trains 1 and 2,and now focus on delivering Train 3 as it transitions fromconstruction phase to start up."

Zachry Group, as the joint venture lead, partneredwith McDermott for the Pre-FEED in 2011, followed byFEED works to support the early development stage ofthe project as a one-stop shop solution provider forTrains 1 and 2. Later Chiyoda joined the joint venturepartnership for work related to Train 3. The project scopeincludes three pre-treatment trains, a liquefaction facilitywith three trains, a second loading berth and a 165,000m3 full containment LNG storage tank.

Freeport LNG Train 3 is on track to reach initialLNG production in the first quarter of 2020.

Subsea has teamed up with one of the world’s lead-ing non-profit ocean protection organisations to promoteand support initiatives to prevent pollution of our oceans.

The trade body has partnered with Big Blue OceanCleanup to support its ocean protection project and raiseawareness of the initiative across the UK’s £7.8billionunderwater engineering industry.

Big Blue Ocean Cleanup is an international agencythat works to prevent pollution through initiatives such asoffshore and beach cleaning, and educational pro-grammes. The data collected through its academicresearch arm is used by businesses, governments, univer-sities and individuals to help keep the oceans clean.

As part of the new partnership, Subsea UK is back-ing Big Blue’s Ocean Protection Project and will be pro-moting it to its 300 members, encouraging them to signup. The program is aimed at companies looking to makea positive contribution to supporting the marine environ-ment and preventing further pollution.

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, said:“Our industry takes its environmental responsibilitiesseriously. We recognise that, as our underwater industrysectors profit from the Blue Economy, we have a duty ofcare to the oceans and the seabeds and are committed tooperating in this fragile environment in a way that is safe,sustainable and environmentally friendly. The engineer-ing expertise and technological advancements as well asthe marine science which characterise our industry havehelped us to minimise our impact and, as we acceleratethe transition to net-zero, we will further reduce our car-bon footprint.

“Through this partnership we will be promoting BigBlue Ocean Cleanup’s ocean protection project to ourmembership and encouraging them to further enhancetheir sustainable operating practices by getting involvedin any way they can.”

Rory Sinclair, chief executive of Big Blue Ocean

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www.gogulf.net Page 16

email:hagmuddog@airmail.net www.haggard-muddog.com

Cleanup, commented: “We are very pleased that SubseaUK has come on board as an official partner. Theirinvolvement and support for our work demonstrates thatthe UK’s underwater industry is working hard to play itspart in securing a clean future for global marine life.”

Global subsea equipment solutions specialistAshtead Technology has completed subsea installationmonitoring work to support the Northern Lights CarbonCapture Storage project (CCS) in the North Sea.

Developed by Equinor in partnership with Shell andTotal, the Northern Lights project is the first of its kind inthe region. The project aims to securely collect and trans-mit CO₂ from onshore sources and store this under theseabed.

This project marks the first occasion AshteadTechnology has been involved in a CCS programme;providing a leading subsea services company with itsintegrated Deflection Monitoring System (DMS) andassociated equipment. The DMS is a suite of structuralmonitoring systems to assist offshore construction oper-ations, combining powerful software with modular tech-nology.

Using the DMS, Ashtead Technology personnel andequipment successfully monitored the installation of anIntegrated Satellite Structure (ISS).

Allan Pirie, chief executive of Ashtead Technology,said: “Our DMS has a strong track record in greenfield

projects for oil and gas operators. It reliably and accu-rately provides real-time guidance during subsea struc-ture placement work, anticipating any issues as theinstallation work progresses.

“This is the first time we have used its application inthe CCS development market. We are very pleased tohave seen this successfully completed and to have playeda part in the Norwegian sector’s ambitions towards azero-carbon future.

“We expect to see an increasing demand for our sup-port services across the blue economy industries as ourvast years of experience and range of unique technolo-gies are further recognised for projects across the energytransition.”

Ashtead Technology’s dual independent DMS sys-tems monitored and analysed parameters such as struc-ture deflection, heading, pitch, roll and suction can dif-ferential pressures in real-time. This method of real-timemonitoring is vital during the placement of suction can-based subsea structures as it ensures any potential issuescan be acted upon immediately, reducing the risk ofstructural damage.

During the placement of the structure, the DMS sys-tem was configured for autonomous independent opera-tions, communicating data to one of the installationROVs. Advanced positioning tools and measuring sen-sors enhanced the accuracy of the data collected, ensur-ing the reliability of the data.

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The development of the Northern Lights project ismade up of several processes. CO₂ from industrialsources in the Oslo fjord area was first captured, thenliquified and transported to an onshore terminal onNorway’s west coast. From there, the liquified CO₂ wastransferred by pipeline to a subsea offshore permanentstorage location in the North Sea.

The CCS project is instrumental in helping to reduceCO₂ emissions and is a step towards the EuropeanUnion’s (EU) efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°Cabove pre-industrial levels.

Wood has signed an exclusive agreement with ShellCatalysts & Technologies to provide, implement, andsupport their Smart Choke technology for oil and gasoperators globally, helping producers optimise opera-tions, extend asset life, and mitigate costly downtime.The Smart Choke is a low-cost, active slug suppressiondevice for pipeline-riser systems.

Announced recently at the Australasian Oil & GasSubsea (AOG) event in Perth, Australia, Shell has select-ed Wood as the exclusive partner to implement its SmartChoke technology to optimise upstream oil and gas pro-duction industry-wide.

Wood’s demonstrated understanding, proven execu-tion methodology, and successful record of using SmartChoke has reduced payback periods from months toweeks.

Shaun Johnston, director of Intelligent Operations atWood said: “We are very proud to have been selected byShell as the exclusive licensor of this innovative technol-ogy. Wood is a world-leading flow assurance consultancyproviding real-time asset performance and optimisationsolutions, addressing the most complex, capital-intensivehydrocarbon gathering, production, transportation andprocessing projects for our clients. Working with ourpartners, we are implementing field-proven technologythat will help our clients extend field life, reduce riservibrations, improve operating integrity, and ultimatelymaximise hydrocarbon recovery.”

As hydrocarbon production assets mature, the accu-mulation and slugging of liquid can result in integrity andoperational issues. These operational issues can lead toenvironmental impacts, high replacement costs, signifi-cant downtime, and potentially even more severe aban-donment costs for assets nearing the end of their operat-ing life.

The technology Shell has developed leverages pro-prietary algorithms to control a Smart Choke to minimizesevere volumes of liquid. Smart Choke is demonstratedand reliable technology as one of very few systems to befield-proven.

Shell’s Central Upstream Engineering Manager LoekVreenegoor adds: “Shell and Wood are applying spe-cialised control algorithms that enable a Smart Choke tominimise issues and impacts associated with liquid man-agement. It is one of very few systems that is field-proven by successful deployment on several Shell assets

worldwide – notably extending the production lifetime ofShell fields. In just one example, we had a field shut-inand off the books due to slugging, brought back to lifethrough Smart Choke technology, and then produced forseveral more years – an investment earned back within aday.”

This exclusive agreement between Shell and Woodwill facilitate wider implementation of field- demonstrat-ed technology in suppressing riser induced slugging, theprovision of real-time monitoring solutions, and solidify-ing partnerships to enable cost optimisation and success-ful delivery.

Download Roger Hooper’s

action-packed novel

Deep Into The PastFree at www.gogulf.net

Go Gulf Magazine Page 18

Bristow Helicopters has successfully repatriated off-shore workers in the oil and gas industry with suspectedcases of the novel coronavirus – COVID-19 – using threespecially-configured former search and rescue aircraft.

Three suspected COVID-19 cases have been flownfrom offshore installations in the North Sea sinceWednesday, March 18, in one of the dedicated aircraft,introduced to support the industry’s response to the pan-demic and not for use for general crew change flightactivities.

“Bristow is committed to supporting our clients, theoil and gas industry and the region as a whole as we alldeal with the impacts of this novel coronavirus,” saidAlan Corbett, Senior Vice President for Bristow’sEurope, Africa, Middle East and Asia area.

“The safety, health and welfare of our workforce,customers and the public we support around the world isof the utmost importance to Bristow, which is why wemoved quickly to develop a solution for transportingthose suspected of contracting the virus.”

Each of the Sikorsky S92 helicopters being deployedhas undergone specific modifications to ensure the nec-essary separation is provided between flight crew, an on-board medic travelling with each flight to provide pas-senger monitoring support, and passengers with suspect-ed COVID-19.

As the aircraft are purpose fit for a search and rescuerole, they have a different seating configuration to crewchange helicopters, ensuring appropriate separation canbe maintained between those on-board.

Numerous preventive barriers are also installedincluding protective curtains separating the cockpit from

the passenger area and airflow systems, while specificentrance and exit points are provided for each of theflight crew, paramedic and passenger to further ensurerequired distance is maintained.

Each aircraft undergoes a full decontaminationprocess after every flight, assisted by the rugged water-proof seating and a fully waterproof floor which isincluded in their search and rescue role configuration.

Bristow is providing significant operational andmedical expertise to the UK industry’s pandemic steeringgroup, which aims to provide continuous improvement inthe options for repatriation of those working offshore –and learnings from the deployment of the UK solutionwill now inform operations in other regions.

Matt Rhodes, director UK and Turkmenistan Oil &Gas at Bristow Helicopters, said: “The successful intro-duction of these dedicated aircraft for suspected COVID-19 cases is a key indication of Bristow’s commitment tosupporting the energy industry in what are extremelychallenging circumstances.

“This service has been established with approvalfrom the CAA, and the support of Oil and Gas UK, ourclient base and the relevant health authorities – and weremain in continuous dialogue with those organisations.

“Having completed two repatriation flights on behalfof clients in the UKCS, we are pleased to be able to con-firm we now have three dedicated aircraft available tocompanies across the energy sector.

“We are now exploring further options for otherparts of the UK, and other industries, as the nationalresponse to the coronavirus outbreak gathers pace.”

Bristow Helicopters outfits three helicopters for transporting coronavirus cases

Go Gulf Magazine Page 19

Phoenix International Holdings Inc. has announcedthe recent execution of a mudline tree recompletion forWalter Oil & Gas in the Gulf of Mexico. Utilizing theirAtmospheric Diving System (ADS), the project tookplace over 15 days, in two phases, operating at a waterdepth of 200 feet. The first phase of the project saw thesuccessful removal and recovery of the subsea tree fromthe wellhead and installation of a new radial bolt adapter.In the second phase, the bolt adapter was removed, and anew mud line tree installed. In both phases, anInstallation and Workover Control System (IWOCS)umbilical was connected, testing monitored and thenremoved.

Commenting on the success of the project, Jon Regh,Area Manager for Phoenix stated, “Our ADS is the per-fect solution for mudline tree operations due to its abilityto mobilize quickly and work at different depths duringthe same dive.” He continued, “Additionally, since theADS system has such a small footprint, Phoenix was able

to utilize the drill rig as a dive platform thereby providingvaluable cost savings to Walter Oil & Gas for the proj-ect.”

Phoenix is an employee-owned, ISO 9001-2015Management System certified marine services contractorproviding manned and unmanned underwater solutions,design engineering, and project management services toa diverse set of clients worldwide. Expertise is availablefrom one international and eight U.S. offices in the areasof submarine rescue, wet and dry hyperbaric welding,Nondestructive Testing (NDT), subsea engineering, con-ventional and atmospheric diving, AutonomousUnderwater Vehicle (AUV), and Remotely OperatedVehicle (ROV) operations. Company capabilities aredirected to underwater inspection, maintenance, andrepair; deep ocean survey, search and recovery opera-tions; submarine rescue; construction; subsea tieback;plug and abandonment; subsea mining; archaeological;and documentary projects.

PHOENIX PERFORMS MUDLINE TREE RECOMPLETION FOR WALTER OIL & GAS

Go Gulf Magazine Page 23

NO FALL TOO SMALL

My father was employed as a welder by Freeport Sulphur Co., Port Sulphur, La. While welding on a sulphurvat tower, he slipped and fell 6 inches onto a cross member breaking a rib and cracking several others. Havingbeen helped down from the tower, he immediately was taken to the company sponsored hospital, and receivingthe diagnosis, he was returned to work the next day on light duty, his being the only certified welder in the ship-ping maintenance department at the time. He soon was sent on a not-so-light-duty job without a helper, and hewent on to break some of the cracked ribs tearing internal tissues causing a blood clot on his intestines for whichhe was operated.

Over a period of 5 years, my father would not only have the initial operation to repair his intestines, but he’dendure an additional 4 major operations to remove adhesions, a growth that squeezes off the intestines. All thewhile he was having these operations, his system was slowly breaking down as attested to by the 2 heart attacksand the massive stroke he would also experience during this period. At 54 years old, on July 5, 1967, he wouldsuccumb to cancer of the liver as a result of his poor health and depleted resistance.

At the age of 19, with two younger brothers and a sister only 8 years old, I lost my father because of a 6”(that is INCH) fall! Just as tragic as that may seem, equally so was the suffering he experienced during the 5years following the accident, not to mention the strain and hardships it placed on our entire family.

Now, this is a man who had survived fighting the Japanese, Malaria and Double Pneumonia in the Pacificduring WW II, going on to have a relapse of the latter two once stateside. But, after all of those near death expe-riences, what finally brought him down was a 6” (that is INCH) fall.

There are several HS&E messages that can be drawn from this testimonial, but the one that should take prece-dence is that, when it comes to accidents, it doesn’t take much for something that’s seemingly very small to growinto something that is very big, and it can be a pain shared by all that can sometimes last a lifetime.

So, report any and all accidents, no matter how big or small, and for everyone’s sake, especially your own,adhere to professional advice. I am 72 years of age, and I still miss my father very much to this day.

Gustave R. Buras, Jr. Professional Technical Consultants, Inc.

Safety Alert No. 376Rig Floorman Pinned by Moving Equipment

On November 9, 2019, a rig floorman was in theprocess of moving an Iron Roughneck control panel(control panel) from its temporary storage position to itsstandard operating position when he was pinned betweenthe control panel and the construction floor guide rollerassembly, resulting in a major lost time injury.

The floorman and two others tried but could notmove the control panel manually, so they instead movedit toward well center using the Horizontal Travel SelectorSwitch. In doing so, the floorman placed himself in apinch point between the control panel and the construc-tion floor guide roller assembly. When the switch failedto return to default/neutral, as designed, the control panelcontinued moving toward well center, pinning the floor-man.

Therefore, BSEE recommends operators and con-tractors consider the following:

• Research options for modifying the design of allIron Roughneck, or similar moving equipment, controlpanels to allow greater storage location flexibility;

• Review equipment layout and operational design toreduce the likelihood human error and to identify poten-tial pinch point areas near equipment;

• Consider reviewing the design and location of mov-ing equipment and/or stationary structures;

• Ensure functionality of all selections on a controlpanel before, during, and after use; Evaluate the installa-

tion of proximity switches that would prevent movingequipment from impacting personnel or other equipment;

• Delineate areas of the facility that are unsafe foroperating equipment; and,

• Emphasize work safety and identify potential envi-ronmental hazards with all personnel.

Safety Alert No. 377Improperly Bypassed Safety Device Poses

Work and Environmental Hazards

On December 30, 2019, BSEE Inspectors workingoffshore discovered that a level safety high had beenimproperly deactivated with a zip tie, resulting in theissuance of a P-103 incident of noncompliance (INC).There have been multiple instances across the Gulf ofMexico in which operators have failed to bypass or blockout-of-service devices in accordance with the Code ofFederal Regulations (CFR), specifically 30 CFR250.869(a).

Per 30 CFR 250.841, all platforms must have a sur-face safety system in accordance with AmericanPetroleum Institute (API) Recommend Practice (RP)14C. The safety analysis outline in the RP states that thesafety system should provide two levels of protection. Itfurther explains that when bypassing a safety deviceimproperly, the safety system is compromised and pres-ents hazards to personnel and the environment.

In the past three years, over 40 P-103 INCs havebeen issued. Reflective of the severity of the safety haz-ard related to this incident, an operator who receives a P-103 violation can face a civil penalty fine of up to$44,675 per day. In addition, BSEE has the option toescalate willful violations into criminal investigations atthe individual or company level.

Therefore, BSEE recommends that operators andcontractors consider the following:

• Review and fully understand conditions for bypass-ing safety devices as prescribed in 30 CFR 250.869(a)and ensure personnel follow proper procedures;

• Emphasize with personnel that they should notbypass or block devices unless (1) the device is beingmonitored and (2) the equipment is undergoing start-up,testing, or maintenance;

• Ensure only the minimum number of safety devicesare bypassed;

• Highlight the importance of Stop Work Authority(SWA) and encourage personnel to feel empowered toinitiate SWA procedures without fear of reprisal;

• Monitor work orders and ensure that requestedrepairs or replacements are being made in a timely man-ner to ensure proper function of equipment;

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

Go Gulf Magazine Page 24

Storage location of the Iron Roughneck

• Confirm that appropriate bypass flags are availableand legible;

• Conduct and document bypassed safety devicehunts and/or audit the lockout/tagout system on an estab-lished reoccurring frequency;

• Ensure your SEMS program has established proce-dures for investigating all incidents with the potential forserious safety and/or environmental consequences andthat it properly addresses contributing factors of the inci-dent and its escalation or control; and,

• Assess your evaluation programs to determine ifemployees feel pressured to bypass safety devices;

• Encourage personnel to review Safety Alert 357and report hazardous or unsafe working conditions,which can be made anonymously, to the BSEE Toll-freeSafety Hotline at 1-877- 440-0173.

Safety Alert 378Unsecured Trough Drain Grating Poses

Tripping Hazard

In December 2019, two offshore personnel wereinjured, and subsequently placed on restricted duty, afterstepping on a section of unsecured drain grating.

The first incident occurred on December 6th when anemployee was walking across the main production deckand stepped on a section of grating covering a troughdrain. The grating shifted under his weight causing himto injure his back.

On December 28th, an employee walking behind thedrawworks stepped on an unsupported section of grating,it pivoted under the employee’s weight causing him tolose balance and twist his right knee.

Therefore, BSEE recommends that operators and

contractors consider the following:• Inspect all grating covers to ensure no hazards

exist, such as pivoting;• Where applicable, weld shorter drain grating sec-

tions together to eliminate the risk of the grating pivotingunder an applied force;

• Consider adding end caps to prevent grating sec-tions from sliding;

• Emphasize the importance of situational awarenessfor reducing injury risks to crew members; and,

• Ensure lighting near grating is sufficient to makegrating sections more visible.

Safety Alert 379Broken Compressor Heat Exchanger

Causes FireIn November 2019, a fire occurred on an offshore

production platform in the Gulf of Mexico when tubingin a third stage compressor heat exchanger broke awayfrom its manifold block, releasing gas that ignited at thecompressor’s engine exhaust. The compressor engineexhaust was located above the heat exchanger where gascould rise toward the exhaust pipe. Personnel successful-ly extinguished the fire within minutes.

BSEE’s investigation team concluded the operator’sinspection and maintenance of the heat exchanger wasinadequate to prevent loss of integrity thereby allowing agas leak to occur. Additionally, the compressor engineexhaust was located above the heat exchanger creating anignition source. Although the muffler was wrapped withan insulation blanket, the final exhaust pipe was exposedand within the classified area created by the gas tubeswithin the heat exchangers.

A similar incident occurred in October 2017 when a

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

Go Gulf Magazine Page 25

A level safety high deactivated with a zip tie.

Reenactment of a grating pivoting under force.

tube in a third stage compressor heat exchanger ruptured,also causing a fire. Locating and fixing small leaks canreduce the possibility of heat exchanger tubes experienc-ing full disconnects or ruptures.

Therefore, BSEE recommends that operators andcontractors consider the following:

• Establish increased oversight practices for rolledjoints on tubing at heat exchanger manifold blocks due tothe higher probability of leakage;

• Consider using an ultrasonic leak detector orinfrared camera, or conducting hydrotesting to inspectthe condition of heat exchanger pipes rather than by visu-al inspection alone; and,

• Ensure engine exhaust is routed to an unclassifiedarea, as recommended by API Recommended Practice14F, to prevent a possible ignition source for the heatexchanger.

BSEE’s newest safety initiative isenhanced by innovative data analysis

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Safety andEnvironmental Enforcement is leading the effort to facil-itate safe and environmentally sustainable energy devel-opment in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf for America’soffshore workers through its newest initiative, SafetyPerformance Enhanced by Analytical Review. BSEE isworking to execute an interagency agreement withNASA to adopt their sophisticated data analysis capabil-ities not readily available in the commercial marketplace.

“The data analysis accomplished through SPEARwill help identify safety and environmental risks.Advancing BSEE’s ‘We Can Do It All’ approach of pro-moting safe, environmentally sustainable and robust off-shore energy production, BSEE is evolving from a datawarehouser to a premier world class data analyzer,” saidBSEE Director Scott Angelle.

Building on President Donald J. Trump’s ExecutiveOrder, Implementing an America-First Offshore EnergyStrategy, SPEAR seeks to evolve BSEE’s data collectionin a way that furthers President Trump’s priority to“maintain global leadership in energy innovation, explo-ration, and production.” Moving forward, SPEAR’sexamination and communication of critical data andinformation will better identify safety and environmentalhazards related to energy operations on the OCS. BSEEis committed to continuing to engage with stakeholdersto assess risk and identify additional safety and environ-mental initiatives, if necessary. SPEAR will equip BSEEsubject matter experts to thoroughly analyze data andrepresents BSEE’s commitment to proactive innovation.

The Bureau of Safety and EnvironmentalEnforcement is the lead federal agency charged withimproving safety and ensuring environmental protectionrelated to the offshore energy industry, primarily oil andnatural gas, on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).Under President Trump, BSEE is conducting moreinspections, increasing the number of safety initiativesand ensuring more offshore oil and gas workers receivecritical safety information.

Go Gulf Magazine Page 26

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

Broken heat exchanger pipe

Ruptured heat exchanger pipe

Compressor engine exhaust

Go Gulf Magazine Page 27

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale yields more than$93 million in high bids

03/18/2020 New Orleans, LAIn support of President Donald J. Trump's America-

First Offshore Energy Strategy, Bureau of Ocean EnergyManagement announced that region-wide Gulf ofMexico Lease Sale 254 generated $93,083,453 in highbids for 71 tracts covering 397,285 acres in Federalwaters of the Gulf of Mexico. A total of 22 companiesparticipated in the lease sale, submitting $108,587,185 intotal bids.

Lease Sale 254 included 14,594 unleased blockslocated from three to 231 miles offshore, in the Gulf’sWestern, Central and Eastern Planning Areas in waterdepths ranging from nine to more than 11,115 feet (threeto 3,400 meters). The following were excluded from thelease sale: (1) blocks subject to the congressional mora-torium established by the Gulf of Mexico Security Act of2006,(2) blocks that are adjacent to or beyond the U.S.Exclusive Economic Zone in the area known as thenorthern portion of the Eastern Gap, and (3) wholeblocks and partial blocks within the boundaries of theFlower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

“The development of oil and gas assets in the Gulf ofMexico is a highlight of the Outer Continental Shelf,”said BOEM’s Gulf of Mexico Office Regional Director,Mike Celata. “The continued presence of large depositsof hydrocarbons in the region will draw the interest ofindustry for decades to come.” Revenues received fromOuter Continental Shelf (OCS) leases (including highbids, rental payments and royalty payments) are directedto the U.S. Treasury, certain Gulf Coast states (Texas,Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama) and local govern-ments, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and theHistoric Preservation Fund.

Leases resulting from this sale will include stipula-tions to protect biologically sensitive resources, mitigatepotential adverse effects on protected species, and avoidpotential conflicts associated with oil and gas develop-ment in the region.

In addition, BOEM has included appropriate fiscalterms that take into account market conditions and ensuretaxpayers receive fair market value for use of the OCS.In recognition of current hydrocarbon price conditionsand the marginal nature of remaining Gulf of Mexicoshallow water resources, these terms include a 12.5%royalty rate for leases in less than 200 meters of waterdepth, and a royalty rate of 18.75% for all other leasesissued under the sale.

Lease Sale 254, livestreamed from New Orleans,was the sixth offshore sale held under the 2017-2022National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas LeasingProgram. Under this program, 10 region-wide lease salesare scheduled for the Gulf, where resource potential andindustry interest are high, and oil and gas infrastructureis well established. Two Gulf lease sales will be held

each year and include all available blocks in the com-bined Western, Central and Eastern Gulf of MexicoPlanning Areas.

All terms and conditions for Gulf of Mexico Region-wide Sale 254 are detailed in the Final Notice of Saleinformation package, which is available athttp://www.boem.gov/Sale-254/.

Marine Minerals Information System

Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sand and gravelresources are vital sources of material for the construc-tion of coastal protection and restoration projects, includ-ing efforts to protect coastal communities, nationaldefense facilities, and federal and state infrastructure.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand forOCS sediment for planned projects, as well as for emer-gency needs to restore areas damaged by natural disas-ters. At the same time, proponents of planned infrastruc-ture projects are requesting higher volumes of OCS sed-iment, driven by diminishing resources in state watersand a high frequency of recent storms along the Atlanticand Gulf of Mexico coasts.

Further, given the significant number of other oceanusers (e.g., developers of offshore energy projects, andowners and operators of submerged telecommunicationor power cables), BOEM strives to reduce or eliminatethe potential for multiple use conflicts or environmentalimpacts that could result from marine minerals projects,which can make it challenging to identify new potentialareas from which to borrow or dredge sediment.

Ensuring all parties have access to detailed offshoreinformation is critical to responsible decision making.

To help address this need, BOEM’s Marine MineralsProgram has developed the Marine Minerals InformationSystem (MMIS) Viewer as part of the National OffshoreSand Inventory. The MMIS is a one-stop, state-of-the-artinteractive support tool, available online, that providespublic access to data and information relevant to the non-energy offshore mineral resources throughout the U.S.Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific OCS. It is accessi-ble at https://mmis.doi.gov/BOEMMMIS.

Go Gulf Magazine Page 28

CHECK YOUR LIFEBOAT CABLESDamaged Control Cables Can Contribute to the

Unintended Opening of a Hook

This Safety Alert addresses the importance of checking for and replacing damaged control cables that

operate between the release handle and hook in a lifeboat hook release system. The Coast Guard is cur-

rently investigating a casualty involving the unintended on-load release of a lifeboat hook from a davit fall

wire. Prior to the incident, damage was noted to a control cable between the release handle and one of

the hooks. However, the damaged cable remained in service. The damage may have subsequently wors-

ened over time and contributed to the unintentional release.

Lifeboats launched by falls are typically required to have off-load and on-load hook release capabilities.

The normal “off-load” release capability allows the hooks to open and release from the falls only when the

boat is fully waterborne. The “on-load” release capability allows

the boat to be released from the falls when a load remains on the

hooks. During the investigation, the Coast Guard observed that

external forces applied to damaged control cables, even without

movement of the release handle, can bypass interlocks and

potentially lead to the unintentional on-load release of some

types of hooks.

During post-incident laboratory testing the Coast Guard observed that if a control cable, similar to that

shown in the image above, is damaged all the way through the outer layers, leaving the traveling inner

member exposed, forces applied directly on the separated outer layers can cause the traveling inner mem-

ber to pull on each of its ends. As the separated outer layers pull apart, the cable’s end rod at the hook

can move, which in turn can rotate the locking shaft inside the hook. If the locking shaft rotates enough,

the hook can release, even without an operator touching the release handle or overriding the interlocks.

The Coast Guard has no indication that a damaged control cable alone can cause a hook to release or

open on-load. However, the Coast Guard believes that damaged control cables pose a significant safety

risk and should be replaced before attempting to launch a boat that incorporates control cables into the

on-load release capability of a hook release system.

U.S. COAST  GUARDTo the Rescue Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.

The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future

MARINE SAFETY ALERTInspections and Compliance Directorate

For illustration purposes only. Does notdepict as found condition.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that lifeboat owners, manufacturers, operators and serv-

ice providers:

• Conduct thorough inspections of control cables between the release handle station and release

hooks, as well as any other similar cables communicating between the release station and the hydro-

static interlock, if installed, looking for current damage and for potential hazards or other conditions that

might compromise the cables in the future;

• Replace cables that show signs of wear or damage to any layers;

• Implement an inspection regime that allows for cable damage to be identified and, as necessary,

for cables to be replaced in a timely manner;

• Consult the lifeboat and release mechanism’s operations manual prior to conducting launch and

recovery drills. It is important to remember that safety pins can be used during drills to prevent the hook-

locking shaft from rotating, when they are approved as part of the release mechanism. Although safety

pins may provide an extra level of safety during drills and training, operators should ensure that lifeboats

are stowed in the "ready to launch" condition without safety pins in place. Ensure that lifeboat crews

understand that safety pins will prevent a lifeboat from releasing from the fall wires during a real emer-

gency if they are not removed after routine training evolutions or maintenance.

Marine inspectors, investigators, surveyors and servicing techniciansare encouraged to maintain an acute awareness to these issues and initiatecorrective actions as needed.

This safety alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not relieve any domestic or

international safety, operational, or material requirements. Address questions to HQS-PF-fldr-CG-

INV@uscg.mil. Questions regarding the standards of approval for lifeboat on-load/offload release mech-

anisms may be addressed to typeapproval@uscg.mil.

Go Gulf Magazine Page 29

Image 1: The releasehandle is in the locked andclosed position. However, thecable is damaged.

Image 2: Forces causethe outer layers of the cable toseparate The release handlestays closed.

Image 3: At the hook end,the cable rod moves. Thiscauses the locking shaft torotate.

Image 4: If the lockingshaft turns enough, the hookwill release, even as the han-dle stays locked.

Go Gulf Magazine Page 30

New Products and Services

HOUSTON (April 1, 2020) - Quality Companies,the global offshore and onshore construction, fabricationand electrical and instrumentation company, has appoint-ed Derek Bollom as vice president of offshore and offsiteoperations for Quality Construction and Production.

Based in Youngsville, La., Bollom will be responsi-ble for establishing and implementing offshore and off-site operational policies, objectives and procedures forQuality Construction and Production.

Bollom was previously operations manager forZadok Technologies, and senior project manager forPerformance Energy Services. He brings with him morethan 16 years of experience in the fabrication and instal-lation of offshore structures and facilities, ranging fromproject estimation and material procurement, to projectmanagement.

John Clay Nunnally, CEO, Quality Companies, said,“Quality Companies is actively growing and investingand maximizing operational efficiency is a key part ofthat expansion plan. Derek will play a vital role in mon-itoring project budgets to maintain profitability andsupervising productivity to ensure all goods and servicesmeet or exceed customer expectations. We welcome himinto this new role.”

Bollom holds a degree in civil engineering fromTexas A&M University.

HOUSTON (March 25, 2020) - Quality Companieshas appointed Wayne Lacey as vice president of opera-tions for Zadok Technologies.

Based in Houston, Lacey will be responsible forsupervising and managing the sustainability and prof-itability of all of Zadok Technologies’ operational proce-dures.

Lacey joins Zadok Technologies from his role aspresident of Cotech IRM Services Inc., where he wasresponsible for the company’s launch and successfulgrowth since 2007. Previously, he served in a number ofproject and operational management roles in the oil andgas industry around the globe.

Clay Nunnally, CEO, Quality Companies, said,“Wayne brings a wealth of leadership, project manage-ment and problem solving skills to Zadok Technologies,having previously grown a start-up company into a suc-cessful, multi-million dollar corporation. His entrepre-neurial spirit, along with his global breadth of experi-ence, promises to bring great value to the ZadokTechnologies brand.”

Lacey commented, “Having successfully managedpeople, projects and assets across Asia, Africa, Europeand the Americas, I am excited to now bring my experi-ences to Zadok Technologies - an international leader ininstrumentation and electrical, testing and inspection,fabrication and telecommunication services. I look for-ward to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.”

Lacey holds a degree in psychology from theUniversity of Phoenix.

HOUSTON (March 19, 2020) - Quality Companieshas appointed Richard Tang as director of business devel-opment.

Based in Houston, Tang will be responsible for grow-ing the business by seeking out new opportunities andstrengthening relationships with existing clients acrossthe Quality Companies consortium of oil and gas productand service companies: Quality Construction &Production (QCP), Quality Production Management(QPM), TRACO Production Services (TRACO) andZadok Technologies (Zadok).

Tang brings extensive management background tothe role, having served in general manager, director, andcountry manager positions both domestically and inter-nationally in industries including oil and gas, manufac-turing, banking, eCommerce, and technical services.Tang joins Quality Companies from Stork TechnicalServices, where he served as business developmentdirector, and in a range of other managerial positions inHouston, Texas and Trinidad, West Indies.

Clay Nunnally, CEO of Quality Companies, said,“Richard is a proven business development leader whodelivers exceptional results through both individual andteam efforts. We are confident he will succeed in growingQuality Companies’ business in the Gulf Coast andbeyond.”

Tang commented, “I am honored to join QualityCompanies and look forward to taking on the challengeof accelerating growth across these four industry-leadingproduct and service companies.”

HOUSTON (March 16, 2020) - Quality Companieshas announced John Clay Nunnally will move from hisrole as chief financial officer (CFO) to chief executiveofficer (CEO).

Nunnally was previously CFO for QualityCompanies and co-owner, president and CFO of QualityCompanies’ Zadok Technologies, the international leaderin electrical and instrumentation services. The newQuality Companies management team is comprised ofJohn Clay Nunnally, CEO, Fortunato “Tony” Martinez,president; and Scott P. LaGrange, board member.Combined, the team of seasoned industry professionalsboasts more than 85 years of oil and gas experience. Thetrio previously worked together as the management teamat Performance Energy Services in Houma, Louisiana,with Nunnally serving as CFO from 2008 until 2016.

Nunnally said, “Quality Companies continuouslydevotes energy and resources to solidify and expand ourposition within the oil and gas industry. Our goals for thefuture are well-defined – continued focus on quality andsafety, building ever-closer relationships with employ-ees, customers and vendors and maximizing operationalefficiency. In addition, our message to the world is clear:Quality Companies is active, growing and investing.”

Nunnally holds a bachelor’s degree in finance fromLouisiana State University, a masters in accounting from

Go Gulf Magazine Page 31

New Products and Services

the University of Texas and an MBA from the Universityof Dallas.

Quality Companies is a consortium of premier oiland gas product and service companies strategicallylocated throughout the Gulf Coast region and beyond.Four industry-leading entities make up the QualityCompanies family: Quality Construction & Production(QCP), Quality Production Management (QPM),TRACO Production Services (TRACO) and ZadokTechnologies (Zadok). The Quality Companies umbrellaholds true to the motivation behind our business: Drivenby Quality; United by People; and Sustained byPerformance. To find out more, visit: http://quality-companies.com.

LAFAYETTE, La. (March 3, 2020) – Stratagraph,a pioneer in providing mud logging and pressure detec-tion services to the global oil and gas industry, hasappointed Wayne Allen Cook Jr. as its new director ofbusiness development.

Based in Lafayette, La., Cook worked forStratagraph as a mud logger and marketing representa-tive between 1997 – 2004 and most recently served as amarketing representative at Seitel Inc., a provider of 3Dand 2D seismic data and services for the oil and gasindustry.

William Hagan, chief executive officer, Stratagraph,said, “Wayne has a history of demonstrating success indeveloping and implementing strategic plans and grow-ing and maintaining sales margins and revenues. Healready has a deep understanding of Stratagraph’s busi-ness, and as director of business development, Waynewill serve a pivotal role in driving forward the growth ofthe company both within the U.S. and globally. We wel-come him back aboard.”

Cook commented, “Stratagraph has been focused onproviding oil and gas operations with reliable and accu-rate data services for decades. I am excited to be back onthe Stratagraph team, and look forward to growing abusiness such as ours, which provides such a vital serviceto the smooth running of both large and small oil and gasoperations.”

Cook served in the United States Marine Corps. from1989 – 1997 and holds a bachelor’s degree in historyfrom Southeastern Louisiana University. He is a memberof a number of regional Geological and GeophysicalSocieties.

Since 1961, Stratagraph, Inc. has been providingmud logging services and pressure detection services tothe oil and gas industry both onshore and offshore acrossthe Gulf Coast region and across the globe. We are on amission to safely provide high quality, customized geo-logical services to our global customer base, while main-taining the highest level of respect for each other and ourclients. To find out more, visit www.stratagraph.com.

HOUSTON (March 11, 2020) – Stress EngineeringServices, Inc., (SES) the global leader in consultingengineering services and solutions, has developed a dig-ital flex joint angle measurement system for monitoringreal-time drilling operations.

The digital flex joint system uses the core technologyof the award winning and patented real-time fatiguemonitoring system (RFMS) and subsea vibration datalogger (SVDL) system; the technology has been lever-aged and improved to determine quasi-static and dynam-ic lower and upper flex joint angles in real-time. Data andpower transmission are provided through the mux sys-tem; which is first successful system of its kind with min-imal drift.

The development adds to the strength of SES’s pres-ent technology portfolio of asset-based surveillance sys-tems together with SES’s predictive data analytics andIoT ecosystem to manage and assess client operations.The enhanced level of services provided by this systemduring drilling operations will vastly benefit those with astake in identifying and managing risks and any assetdeterioration due to key seating.

Kenneth Bhalla, chief technical officer, SES, said,“We believe that growing our existing capabilities andoffering practical solutions to our clients is critical to oursuccess in the broad spectrum of markets in which weparticipate. The digital flex joint angle monitoring sys-tem is an innovative development that diversifies ourproduct portfolio. We are excited to offer this capabilityto drilling contractors so they may enhance their surveil-lance during drilling operations, manage risk, ensuresafety and maximize uptime with a positive impact ontheir operating expenses.”

www.stress.com.

Go Gulf Magazine Page 32

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Contact Roger Hooper atHooper1@gogulf.net

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Go Gulf Magazine Page 33

Oilfield Christian Fellowship www.oilfieldchristianfellowship.com

OCF luncheons and dinners are held in Canada,Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Wyoming,and Pennsylvania, with more chapters in the making.Speakers share how they came to know Christ andwhat He is doing in their lives. Because of this, thou-sands of men and women have been encouraged,lives have changed and many have accepted Christfor the first time.

Sign up for our free newsletter at

www.oilfieldchristianfellowship.com

Raleigh Nepveux

Sales

Buck Younger, Vice President of Engineering with VT HalterMarine, was named the Marine Engineer/Naval Architect of theYear by the Mobile Area Council of Engineers (MACE). VTHalter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine), is a company of STEngineering North America.

In April 2019, VT Halter Marine announced that the U.S.Department of the Navy awarded the company as the prime con-tractor of a $745,940,860 fixed-price incentive-firm contract forthe detail design and construction of the U.S. Coast Guard’s newPolar Security Cutter. The PSC program is a multi-year initiativeby the U.S. Coast Guard to acquire up to three multi-mission PSCsto recapitalize its aging fleet of heavy icebreakers. The first shipdelivery is scheduled to occur in 2024.

“In his role here at VT Halter Marine, Buck was instrumentalin supporting the company’s winning bid for the U.S. CoastGuard’s Polar Security Cutter,” said Ron Baczkowski, VT HalterMarine President and CEO. “For three years, he personally direct-

ed every engineering aspect of the bid. I’m very proud of the work Buck has done, and it is definitely a well-deserved awardfor him to be named the Marine Engineer/Naval Architect of the Year by MACE.” Younger oversaw the hull form tank testingand the associated ice breaking model testing and had a direct hand in evaluating and selecting the program’s major sub-con-tractors. His marine industry expertise proved invaluable during the design trade off studies, which he managed throughimplementation.

He has worked in the marine industry for 39 years and has owned his own marine designers and consulting company.Younger has been a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers since 1980. He is active in the NationalShipbuilding Research Program where he is a member of the ship design and materials technology panel. He has also beena part of the American Bureau of Shipbuilding Rules Committee for Navy Vessel Rules and High Speed Naval Crafts.

VT Halter Marine, the marine operations of ST Engineering North America, is based in Pascagoula, Miss., and is a leaderin the design and construction of medium-sized ships in the United States. VT Halter Marine designs, builds and repairs awide variety of ocean-going vessels such as patrol vessels, oil recovery vessels, oil cargo vessels, ferries, logistic support ves-sels, auxiliaries, and research and survey vessels. Please visit www.vthaltermarine.com. ST Engineering North America is theUS headquarters of ST Engineering, a global technology and engineering group, providing integrated solutions to the com-mercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems, and marine sectors. Within the US, they havemajor operations in 17 cities across 13 states and more than 5,000 employees.

Buck Younger, third from left, was named the MarineEngineer/Naval Architect of the Year. Attending the awardspresentation were VT Halter Marine’s Alvin Erkhart, VP ofProduction, Kevin Amis, Executive VP of Operations, and RobMullins, Deputy President.

Go Gulf Magazine Page 34

Crude oil prices have fallen significantly since the beginning of 2020, largely driven by the economic contractioncaused by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and a sudden increase in crude oil supply following thesuspension of agreed production cuts among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) andpartner countries. With falling demand and increasing supply, daily price changes for the U.S. benchmark crude oilWest Texas Intermediate (WTI) have been extremely volatile.

Implied volatility measures an asset’s expected range of near-term price changes. OVX measures the impliedvolatility of oil prices and is calculated using movements in the prices of financial options for WTI, the light, sweetcrude oil priced at Cushing, Oklahoma. VIX measures the implied volatility of the Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500—a stock market index of 500 large companies listed in the United States. Crude oil volatility is typically higher thanthe S&P 500’s volatility, generally because OVX represents changes in one commodity and VIX represents changesacross a diverse group of 500 companies.

Both volatility measures have been relatively high this month: on March 16, the VIX index measured 82.7, a levelhigher than any point during the financial crisis of 2008–09, the last time the global economy experienced a signifi-cant recession. Crude oil market volatility has been even higher. On March 20, OVX reached 190, the highest valuesince its inception in May 2007.

Since 1999, daily WTI crude oil futures prices have settled within 2% of the previous trading day’s price about70% of the time. Nearly all (99.5%) of the daily WTI price changes since 1999 have settled within 10% of the pre-vious day’s price; larger price changes are relatively rare. March 2020 has had four days where WTI prices decreasedby more than 10% and two days where WTI prices increased by more than 10%.

The 25% decline on March 9 and the 24% decline on March 18 were the two largest percentage declines in theWTI futures price since at least 1999. On the days following those declines, WTI prices rose by 10% (March 10) and24% (March 19), likely in response to announced plans from various countries’ governments that emergency fiscaland monetary policy would be forthcoming.

Other highly volatile time periods, such as the 2008–09 financial crisis, also produced large price increases anddecreases in quick succession. The largest single-day increase during the 2008–09 financial crisis—an 18% rise onSeptember 22, 2008—was followed by the largest single-day decrease, a 12% fall on September 23.

Oil market volatility is at an all-time highReport from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Washington, DC 20585

03-27-2020

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