Subsea UK News Sep 12

GLOBAL BUSINESS

IN THIS ISSUEFeature on Global OpportunitiesSubsea News and EventsNew Technologies and Innovation

SUBSEA UK NEWSTHE MAGAZINE FROM SUBSEA UK WWW.SUBSEAUK.COM SEPTEMBER 2012

FOREWORD

The key to future sustainable growth in the UK subsea industry is to fully capitalise on the fast-evolving business opportunities emerging in new provinces around the world. With the global subsea market set to double over the next five years, from $35 billion to $70 billion annually and UK expertise and experience in demand, our members are well placed to take full advantage of this growth.

In close collaboration with UKTI and SDI, Subsea UK is diligently working to ensure you are aware of and able to tap into the support and opportunities available to access new markets such as Brazil, Malaysia and Australia.

Our links with government have become stronger in recent months as the importance of the subsea sector is better understood and recognised. In collaboration with Government and academia, our industry can help the UK retain its world-leading position in subsea and become a truly global centre of subsea excellence.

With the North Sea a recognised test-bed for cutting-edge technologies and expert solutions, mutually beneficial relationships have emerged between companies in regions around the world as a result. Collaboration and partnership are essential for UK companies in these growing markets.

UK companies have the potential to internationalise their businesses at a time when our skills and technology are in high demand in areas such as Asia and South America.

These regions are recognising the importance of what the UK can bring to the table and are looking to engage with industry directly.

Indeed, Brazilian exports to the UK in 2011 increased by over 15% and Brazil’s total imports from the UK increased by almost 3%. The increase in total trade in 2011 between the two countries in relation to the corresponding period in 2010 rose by 10%.

Recognising the importance of Latin America and Asia for UK companies, Subsea UK will be showcasing British expertise with the largest delegation of member companies yet at Rio Oil and Gas in September. This is in addition to organising the Subsea Asia 2012 conference in October, which once again boasts an impressive line-up of the world’s leading subsea industry figures.

UKTI is supporting these trade shows by making funding available through the Tradeshow Access Programme to help finance the costs of exhibiting.

Market entry to different regions brings various challenges; language barriers, cultural differences, the geographical implications of being further away and how the local supply chain is going to keep up with these demands.

The UK’s subsea industry is well equipped to push the boundaries of deepwater exploration and production, and reap the rewards in these exciting new global markets. But it must also continue to drive forward its commitment to developing new technologies and skills to ensure it remains at the vanguard of the industry and to sustain its long-term future prosperity.

I hope you enjoy this global market edition of our magazine.

Neil Gordon Chief Executive, Subsea UK

New Members•SubseaTechnologiesGroupLtd

•CarbonFinancialPartnersLtd

•BohlerWeldingGroupUKLtd

•JamesAlloysLtd

•ConceptSteelsLtd

•BabcockInternationalGroup

•GPECLtd

•CrondallEnergy

•Capita

ToviewthefullSubseaUKmemberslist,visittheSubseaUKDirectoryatwww.subseauk.com

Forthcoming EventsOctober 2012Subsea Asia, Kuala Lumpur – Conference, Exhibition and networking events3–5October

November 2012Subsea South East Branch Meeting, London 8November2012

November 2012Subsea UK at Sheffield University22November2012

December 2012Subsea Pipelines Integrity Management Conference, London7December2012

AGM and Christmas Networking Dinner, Aberdeen13December2012

February 2013Subsea 2013, Conference, Exhibition and Business Awards Dinner – Aberdeen6–7February2013

Australasia Oil & Gas 2013, Conference and Exhibition – Perth, Australia20–22February2013

March 2013Subsea Tieback Forum 2013 - San Antonio5–7March2013

July 2013Subsea UK’s Parliamentary Reception 20133July2013

Subsea UK News | September 2012 3

GLOBAL BUSINESS

4 Subsea UK News | September 2012

BUSINESS

Triton Diving Services, LLC has entered into an Exclusive Alliance Agreement with Marin Subsea Ltd, a company of the Marin Group, for the provision and operation of mass excavation and other services for the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico region.

Triton, headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana USA, is a leading offshore commercial diving services provider with concentration in the Gulf of Mexico. Triton’s best-in-class safety record and dedication to servicing its clients have earned Triton its reputation for providing high quality operations with incident free performance. Triton provides decommissioning, maintenance, inspection, repair and other services to major and independent operators in the offshore oil and gas market.

Marin is a full ocean depth subsea intervention specialist headquartered in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and operates across Asia Pacific, North and South America, and the Middle East.

The Alliance brings together Triton’s superior diving competencies along with Marin’s deep-water excavation and troubleshooting expertise to offer oil and gas clients in the Gulf of Mexico a broad spread of technical support and operational excellence. Marin provides and operates limitless ocean depth hydraulically operated and water driven equipment and continues to design and develop its arsenal of cutting edge technology for use the oil and gas sector.

George Stroud (CEO) of Marin commented: “The Alliance Agreement delivers the fantastic opportunity to provide our specialist skills and equipment to the Gulf of Mexico. The Marin-Triton Alliance will ensure Marin remains the leader in the specialist subsea market for decommissioning projects, mass flow excavation, clay cutting and asset recovery. Marin’s equipment and specialist skills coupled with Triton’s proficiency to execute complex subsea projects will provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for mass flow, “high volume excavation” (HVE), asset recovery and other specialised needs of our clients.”

Triton’s President/CEO Mark Jeansonne stated: “This Alliance places us in a very exciting position. Triton and Marin share a philosophy and an operational synergy and our clients will reap the benefits. The Alliance furthers Triton’s pursuit to provide technological solutions to the subsea needs of its clients. We have identified mass flow HVE and asset recovery as needed services in the Gulf of Mexico region. Our Alliance with Marin to provide these and other services are targeted to reduce our clients’ cost of ownership.”

Triton Diving Services LLC and Marin Subsea Ltd Execute Alliance Agreement

Forum Subsea Technologies, a business line of Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. has announced the completed deployment and successful operation of the new Perry T-1200 Trencher for Canyon Offshore, a subsidiary of Helix Energy Solutions Group.

The T-1200 is mobilized to bury power cables at Sheringham Shoals, an offshore wind farm in the United Kingdom that is owned equally by Statoil and Statkraft through joint-venture company Scira Offshore Energy Limited. The wind farm, which is currently under construction, has 88 wind turbine generators, located 17 to 23 km offshore from the coastal town of Sheringham, North Norfolk.

Perry trenching systems is a market leader in this technology due to their design, reliability and capability and have been successfully utilised in challenging trenching environments throughout the world. The T-1200 Trencher is an update of the successful T-750 trencher also owned and operated by Canyon Offshore since 2004.

Forum Subsea Announces Deployment of Perry T-1200 for UK Project

BUSINESS


Underwater Centre Forges Partnership With Unique System

The Underwater Centre in Fort William and Unique System (UK) Ltd have formally concluded an agreement for the representation of The Underwater Centre in the Aberdeen area.

A Unique Maritime Group Company, Unique System (UK) Ltd will highlight The Underwater Centre’s services and facilities to the industry. These include subsea trials facilities, commercial diver and ROV pilot technician training, as well as bespoke corporate training courses essential for the oil and gas and renewable energy organisations globally.

Founded in 1993, Unique Maritime Group (UMG) is one of the world’s leading integrated turnkey subsea and offshore solution providers. Through its expanding network of companies, UMG is a specialist in the provision of services, and the sale and rental of equipment for the marine, diving, hydrographic, oceanographic, and NDT market sectors.

The group has an established manufacturing and training capability and has delivered customised engineering projects worldwide. UMG has local presence in USA, UK, South Africa, India, Middle East, Russia and Singapore and employs over 500 people worldwide.

The partnership will effectively give The Underwater Centre representation and the availability of a local contact in Aberdeen.

Unique will benefit from being partnered with a world-renowned and well-established subsea training provider.

Tom Houghton, Unique’s Sales Manager, believes the partnership will be a great success and is coming at an exciting time for both companies.

“The Underwater Centre is highly respected within the industry and we’re pleased to have established this partnership which will see us working closely with them,” he said.

“The facilities they have and the quality of the courses and instructors are top-class. I am looking forward to the opportunity of

effectively showcasing the capabilities of The Underwater Centre and demonstrating how companies across the North-East can benefit from their use and involvement with the Centre for their training and testing requirements.”

Steve Ham, General Manager at The Underwater Centre, added: “It’s great that we have created this working relationship with Unique which will give us more of a presence in the Aberdeen area.”

The Underwater Centre is a purpose built training facility which incorporates an extensive pier complex including four dive stations, classrooms, workshops and decompression chambers.

LefttoRight:RayHughes,UniqueSystem(UK)LtdManagingDirector;SteveHam,TheUnderwaterCentreGeneralManager;andTomHoughton,Unique’sSalesManager,picturedatTheUnderwaterCentre.


BUSINESS

Global-leading energy production technology services company Proserv has secured two major contract wins worth in excess of £6 million, underpinning the company’s fast-evolving international footprint.

The multi-million pound deals with two of the North Sea’s foremost oil and gas operators will see Aberdeen-headquartered Proserv provide subsea control systems on both projects from its Great Yarmouth based facility.

One of the contract awards is for Maersk Oil UK to support the company on the Talisman-operated Clyde platform. Maersk is developing a 25km subsea tieback to the platform and Proserv is providing electro-hydraulic multiplex subsea control systems, along with its associated topside and subsea interface systems, as part of the workscope.

The second contract involves Proserv delivering topside and subsea manifold control systems support on a development in the Southern North Sea.

Proserv’s team of subsea controls experts, which has been significantly enhanced since the company acquired Weatherford’s Great Yarmouth headquartered Subsea Controls subsidiaries earlier this year, will play a key role in carrying out the work.

They will handle the provision of the electro-hydraulic multiplex subsea control systems which provides

the client with the ability to control, manipulate and monitor their subsea wells from topside engineering workstations via market-leading data and communication systems.

The latest contract awards build on Proserv’s high-profile portfolio of clients and projects, and mirror the company’s global success through contracts with major operators in other international provinces including Scandinavia, the USA, Middle East, Far East and West Africa.

David Lamont, chief executive officer at Proserv, said: “Securing these contract awards demonstrates Proserv’s strong market-leading position and our track record for delivering value-added products and services on time and within budget as well as our continued investment in technologies and development of ingeniously simple solutions for the next generation.

“The contracts also further support our strategy for continued growth in existing and new markets, and helps reinforce our increasingly expanding global footprint.”

Proserv is a market-leading company which specialises in drilling & production, subsea technology, equipment & support services, and infrastructure services, and operates worldwide in more than seven regions and 30 sites including the UK, the USA, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Far East, Africa and Australia.

The company has experienced exceptional growth over the past 12 months particularly in the subsea services sector. More than 300 members of Weatherford staff joined Proserv when the company’s subsea controls subsidiaries were acquired in May which further strengthened its rapidly-expanding range of subsea capabilities and specialist integrated services.

Currently, the subsea industry in the South West employs approximately 1,000 people directly as well as in jobs associated with support functions. Within Dr Fox’s constituency, around 700 people work in the industry. The world market for subsea products is forecast to double in size in the next five years, and Viper Subsea arranged the visit with Dr Fox MP in order to raise awareness of the importance of the sector as a future employer in the region, as well as to discuss the issues the company faces in matching that expansion, in particular that of finding skilled new recruits.

Viper Subsea is a subsea engineering company that provides consultancy and manufactures engineering products in the UK which it sells to the oil and gas sector worldwide. 90% of its business is export work and the company is experiencing rapid expansion, with 50% growth year on year and a record current order book value for overseas equipment orders.

Neil Douglas, Managing Director of Viper Subsea said: “In the UK

alone, about 50,000 people are employed in the industry with over 50% of the revenues resulting from export sales. The UK is the second biggest player in the subsea industry after Norway. However, while the Norwegian Government has advanced its progress by investing heavily in infrastructure and centres of excellence to encourage skill and technology development, we have not reacted so emphatically in the UK. Recruitment is becoming a major issue for the subsea industry in the UK, and given the number of jobs we can create both here in the South West and UK wide I believe the Government needs to follow the Norwegian approach and invest heavily in skills development, otherwise we risk having to buy in skills from overseas, or even outsourcing to overseas companies in order to fulfil our orders.”

Dr Fox said he believed the government can create the conditions in which markets grow rather than shepherding a market. He said:

“Where you have a centre of excellence already developing as a result of the skills and market share, it makes sense for the government to encourage and safeguard those.”

The industry is concerned that the UK’s current reputation and profile in the overseas market will rapidly erode in the face of foreign competition unless government policy actively supports training and visibility of the industry. The most critical challenge for the industry will be recruitment - the industry body Subsea UK has announced that its members expect to have 10,000 vacancies over the coming year. The call is for facilities to be swiftly established, for both the current generation of scholars and engineers from other specialist fields in declining industries, to be trained in the skills required by the oil & gas industry, in particular offshore and subsea technology.

Proserv Seals Double Subsea Contracts Win

BUSINESS

ProservTechniciancarriesoutessentialmaintenance


Dr Liam Fox MP has backed a call by Viper Subsea for the Government to promote the skills and enterprise of subsea technology skills in the South West on his next overseas visit. The MP for North Somerset voiced his support while visiting Viper Subsea’s headquarters in Portishead recently.

J P Kenny Awarded Multiyear North Sea Subsea Engineering Service Agreement by Apache

Wood Group Kenny’s subsea and pipeline business, J P Kenny, has recently been awarded a $7.5 million contract by Apache North Sea Limited to provide subsea engineering services. The contract runs initially for three years with further options beyond this timescale.

The agreement covers all of Apache’s North Sea assets, including the Forties complex and the recently acquired Beryl complex. J P Kenny has in place a dedicated core team to support the various Apache projects. Multi-discipline teams will be available to support the diverse scopes of work to be executed, with an emphasis on responding to customer lead times while delivering quality services.

Bob MacDonald, Operations Director for J P Kenny said: “This is a significant contract for J P Kenny and we are excited to actively support Apache with their on-going operations, as well as their growth in the North Sea.”

Mark Richardson, Apache Projects Group Manager said: “Apache has a wide range of projects that we wish to progress in the near future. This contract is focused on the delivery of these projects to help our expansion in the North Sea.”

NeilDouglas(left)ofViperSubseawithDrLiamFoxMP(right)

South West Subsea Industry Gains Political Support

BUSINESS

Prospect is an engineering solutions provider to the worldwide energy industriesProspect provides integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering design and analysis consultancy services.

Whether your business requires expert advice on flow assurance, process separation, pipeline installation, VIV analysis on a riser or design of a work-over unit, Prospect can deliver added value engineering solutions through industry leading design, analysis and project management services.

Prospect’s service capabilities include:- Structural engineering & design

- Mechanical engineering & design

- Installation engineering

- Subsea engineering

- Computational fluid dynamics

- Marine dynamics

- FEA analysis

www.prospect-fs.com

energy engineeringAberdeen – Derby – Houston – Singapore

T: +44 (0)1224 651831E: [email protected]

energy engineering

Caley Davits for Irish Navy Offshore Patrol VesselOffshore handling systems specialist, Caley Ocean Systems, has been awarded a contract by Babcock, to supply rescue boat davits for a new offshore patrol vessel for the Irish Naval Service (INS).

The all-weather Caley davits are designed for rapid deployment, enabling boats to be held in readiness and launched in seconds, even in Sea State 6 (5 metre (16ft) significant waves) conditions. Crew safety is paramount to the davits handling system which features anti-pendulation control for pitch and roll damping and reduction of pendulum swing. During boat recovery, the towing boom positions the boat under the davit, eliminating boat yaw, while light auto tension winch control eliminates snatching during recovery.

The Caley systems for the INS patrol vessel comprise two C-frame davits with associated towing booms, central hydraulic power units and controls. Each C-frame davit is designed to perform the launch and recovery of a rigid inflatable boat weighing up to a 4.5Te SWL. Stored in the davit’s integral secure stowage boat cradle, launch and recovery operations are controlled from a single control station, mounted aft of the davit, allowing the operator a clear view of the davit boat and towing boom.

Caley davits are already used on a number of Irish Naval Service ships including: the Roisin class offshore patrol vessels Long Eirennach (Irish Ship) Róisín and LE Niamh, and offshore / helicopter patrol vessel LE Eithne.

With over 200 systems in operation, and 15 years’ continuous product development, the award winning Caley Davit is able to handle all leading rigid inflatable rescue boats and work boats, and guaranteed for sea-state 6 operation in most applications.

Apollo Lands SE Funding for BSi Accreditation InitiativeEngineering design and analysis service company Apollo Offshore Engineering has recently been awarded a Scottish Enterprise (SE) grant that will enable the rapidly growing outfit to implement a BSi PAS 99:2006 accredited IMS (integrated management system) by December this year.

The grant, believed to be the largest awarded by Scottish Enterprise to an SME for quality management system development, demonstrates SE’s confidence in Apollo’s growth to date, its future plans and ability to add value to the investment.

Apollo currently works to ISO 9001:2008 quality management standards but aims to improve its supply chain competitiveness by implementing an integrated management system that goes beyond quality management to encompass technical competence, health and safety and environmental management procedures. BSi PAS 99:2006 is an internationally recognised IMS (integrated management system) that will enable Apollo to demonstrate compliance with all elements of ISO 9001:2008, BS OHSAS 18001:2007 and ISO 14001:2004 to the purchasing community.

Operations Director Ryan Menzies said: “Apollo’s engineering resource has grown by more than 300% this last year and the implementation of a BSi accredited IMS at this stage in our development will improve business focus through efficiency, improved communication, reduced duplication and removal of system conflict.”

Bowtech Complete £1million Contract with SMD and i-TechBowtech Products Ltd (Bowtech) has shipped the 29th vision system to SMD for use on their QX-Ultra work class ROVs. To date, this has been the largest single contract for vision systems for use on ROVs awarded to Bowtech.

The QX-Ultra work class ROVs were commissioned by i-Tech (division of Subsea 7). For each ROV, Bowtech supplied a Surveyor colour zoom camera, an Explorer low light level, high resolution monochrome camera, an L3C-L miniature high resolution colour camera, an LCC miniature high resolution monochrome camera, eight LED-3200-AC lamps and an ST3K xenon strobe. The cameras, lights and strobes were chosen after exhaustive tests, extended use and feedback of similar equipment already extensively used by i-Tech and Subsea 7.

To complement the vision system order, i-Tech also ordered their bespoke QX-Ultra work class ROVs to be fitted with Seacon 55 underwater connectors. Bowtech are an exclusive agent for Seacon Europe who manufactures these connectors at their Great Yarmouth base. Seacon 55 connectors were chosen by i-Tech because of their improved quality and reliability over traditionally used ROV connectors manufactured overseas.

Mike Winstanley, Sales Director said: “Bowtech is extremely proud to have been able to partner with SMD and i-Tech 7, who are both long-term customers, on this highly prestigious project.

“i-Tech selected Bowtech against strong competition to supply the main cameras for their ROV fleet, following exhaustive trails on-board the Transocean Rather Semi-Submersible rig, whilst operating in the North Sea for BP in 2008.

“Working close with SMD has forged an even better relationship between our respective teams and we look forward to this relationship flourishing further.”

SMD is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of remote intervention equipment. They engineer and build the world’s largest range of work-class subsea remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and specialist trenching, cable lay and burial vehicles.

Carbon Invests in Aberdeen

With the UK economy once again officially in recession, it is reassuring to know that areas of the country are still thriving. Aberdeen and its ever expanding business community is just such a case.

With an increasing number of business start-ups and a growing pool of highly-skilled residents, Aberdeen is well placed to aid in the recovery of the UK’s struggling economy. Indeed, this combination has contributed to the city being named as one of five cities best placed to aid the UK’s economic recovery. Alongside Edinburgh, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and London in The Cities Outlook 2012 survey, Aberdeen has the added advantages of strong growth in both the technology and energy industries as well as a first-class network of professional services companies to support these sectors.

Commenting on the strength of the Aberdeen economy and the opportunities this presents to businesses, Gordon Wilson, managing director of Carbon Financial Partners, one of Scotland’s leading financial planning firms, said: “Aberdeen presents a fantastic opportunity for many growing businesses at this time and we’re grasping it with both hands. But we want to invest in opportunities as well as taking them, that’s

why we’ve opened our permanent office here and recruited more financial experts to our team to continue to develop and strengthen our offering.”

Carbon’s desire to work more closely with the energy sector can be evidenced by the firm becoming an Associate Member of Subsea UK and having recently attended OTC in Houston for the second time.

Barry O’Neill, Investment Director at Carbon Financial Partners, believes that having a strong web of support businesses around an industry is crucial for success, but that ultimately it is individuals that drive things forward. “All successful businesses need a support network of other businesses, be it lawyers, accountants, financial planners or recruitment consultants. Knowing you have a range of experts close at hand is vital to developing a business’s confidence to grow. But it shouldn’t be forgotten that the key individuals within those businesses need a similar network.”

BUSINESS


SKILLS


Training Powerhouse Hydratight’s expertise in joint integrity is making the company the go-to powerhouse in training.

Since the courses were introduced at the end of 2011, hundreds of trainees have undertaken the company’s new ECITB-approved training courses in mechanical joint integrity. Hydratight’s three centres also delivered over 50% of the technical testing involved in the revised courses.

The ECITB’s new Mechanical Joint Integrity (MJI) courses were devised to update materials, standards and methods, and came into effect in October 2011.

The major uptake followed Step Change in Safety’s call for new qualification standards. Step Change and the ECITB developed new courses and tests as part of an industry-wide drive to reduce hydrocarbon leakage by 50%.

Step Change backed up its call by publishing new guidelines, Mechanical Joint Integrity – The Route to Competence Guidance, officially released - and a major discussion point - at the Step Change hydrocarbon release seminar in March.

Hydratight’s joint-integrity experts contributed significantly to the formulation of the new courses, as key members of the Step Change/ECITB review committee. The company fully revised its own course materials, procedures, equipment and training rigs to meet the new standards in advance and the first recruits were able to undertake the new courses within a week of their introduction.

“The pressure on companies to do the job right first time and make a major impact on hydrocarbon leaks has never been greater,” said Hydratight’s technical competency leader, Jason Barnard.

“Step Change and the ECITB wanted to bring the courses right up to date to make sure trainees were getting the best

possible information, and we were happy to be involved because or our expertise in leak reduction and joint integrity. We are very pleased the new courses are proving up to the task they have been set and are increasing competency standards.”

Hydratight’s three training academies are all ECITB and MJI approved training and test centres, with expert trainers and examiners at each centre. The company has offered ECITB bolting courses since 1994 and has trained thousands of newcomers to the industry.

The new technical standards - MJI10, 18 and 19 - replace the former ECITB TECSkills PF10, PF18 and PF19 units and cover hand- and hydraulic-torqued bolted connections; hydraulically-tensioned bolted connections, and the general dismantling, assembly and tightening of bolted connections respectively.

Modus Seabed Intervention Helps Apprentice Aim for a Subsea CareerModus Seabed Intervention, one of the North East’s leading subsea specialist companies, has teamed up with The TTE Technical Training Group to initiate an apprenticeship training programme to aid teenagers in their path towards full-time employment.

Following an initial two years with TTE, 18-year-old Michael Gregory, from Teesville, Middlesbrough, has joined Darlington-based Modus as an Apprentice Electrical Technician.

He will spend the following two years completing his apprenticeship, working on the rebuilding and maintenance of Modus’ fleet of remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and associated equipment.

Modus’ ROVs are actively involved in trenching, cable lay and other subsea operations across the world in the oil and gas, renewable energy and telecommunications markets.

Michael will gain hands-on experience and learning at Modus’ riverside facility on the banks of the River Tees and, during term time, will spend day release at Redcar & Cleveland College.

Mick Beezer, operations manager at Modus, said: “Developing the skills of young people in this industry, particularly with regard to the renewable energy sector, is a vital role of any company involved in the market. Here in Darlington, with the excellent Darlington Foundation for Jobs, this industry requirement mirrors the aims and ambitions of training young people to be the workforce of the future.”

Michael said: “It is great to be continuing my apprenticeship with Modus. The first two years with TTE Technical Training Group has given me a great start to my career and now I can continue to gain experience and skills in the working environment with Modus.”

Steve Grant, managing director of The TTE Technical Training Group added: “Placing an apprentice with a high quality firm such as Modus is the ideal outcome for any relationship we build with a young person. The skills requirements of the subsea sector are diverse, as are the opportunities for a young electrical apprentice, and we hope Michael goes on to have an exciting and successful career.”

GE Oil & Gas recently hosted a customer and community celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of the company’s Charleton Road, Montrose facility, which supplies a wide range of equipment and services for the offshore oil & gas industry.

Among the dignitaries attending the event were Mike Weir, Member of Parliament for Angus, Scotland; David Valentine, head of economic development at the Angus Council; and several GE executives including Rod Christie, president and CEO of Subsea Systems for GE Oil & Gas.

“I am pleased to join GE Oil & Gas to help them celebrate 30 years in Montrose,” said Weir. “I know this is a significant milestone for the business but also for the local community as the facility has been key to supporting Scotland’s offshore oil and gas industry. With vital investment, it will continue to help maintain Scotland’s position at the centre of the global industry in the years to come.”

Since it was established 30 years ago, the Montrose facility has supported both the international and Scotland’s offshore oil and gas sector. It has been a key manufacturing center for a wide portfolio of GE Oil & Gas equipment including marine riser systems and subsea tree and wellhead systems.

“The Montrose facility has enjoyed a long history of success and achievement in the offshore industry,” said Christie. “That tradition will continue as we move forward with new and innovative technologies to help our customers meet the challenges of safely and reliably bringing offshore oil and gas reserves to the world.”

The original plant was founded by Hughes Offshore in 1982, and operations were merged with Vetco Gray in 1986. The group was acquired by ABB in 1991 and became ABB Vetco Gray. The ABB Vetco Gray oil and gas business was acquired by a private equity syndicate in 2004 and it became Vetco International. GE acquired the business in February 2007 and today, the Montrose facility manufactures and repairs the full range of Vetco Gray equipment. Currently, 200 people are employed at the Montrose site.

Aberdeen-based subsea installation contractor Bibby Offshore is leading the way in saturation diving safety in the North Sea after recently carrying out fully successful evacuation trials.

The trials involved mating a Self Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat (SPHL) from the company’s Diving Support Vessel (DSV), Bibby Sapphire, to a Portable Hyperbaric Reception Facility onshore.

Saturation diving requires divers to live in a confined area on the vessel that has a controlled atmosphere. This allows them to work at depths of up to 300 metres below sea level. However, it can take up to seven days for the divers to decompress to normal atmospheric conditions. In the case of an emergency, such as a fire or sinking ship, the divers need to be transferred to the SPHL, which would then be launched from the ship and sailed to safety, awaiting rescue.

The Portable Hyperbaric Reception Facility, built by Mimir Marine, is a shore based point that allows saturation divers to be transferred from a SPHL to a more comfortable living area, pre-set at the correct atmospheric level, where they can continue to decompress safely. It also allows a medic or

doctor to be in situ, capable of treating any divers that may require further medical attention.

Barry Porter, Bibby Offshore’s global diving operations manager, said: “Bibby Offshore is determined to ensure that we have the best possible facilities for dealing with any diving emergencies. The success of the trial clearly shows our commitment to ensuring that, not only are we investing in state of the art equipment, but more importantly, that we document the processes and procedures we would follow in an emergency as proven.”

The trials have been commended by diving authorities from two major global oil and gas operators.

Derek Beddows, BP global diving technical authority, was invited by Bibby to the trials. He said: “It is very encouraging to see Bibby Offshore now moving forward positively with this very important safety initiative that would be essential to the preservation of life in the event that divers ever had to be evacuated from saturation on a vessel in distress.”

“It is also very satisfying to note that BP’s own Policy Statement 002,‘Effective Hyperbaric Evacuation, SPHL Transit and Diver Reception Facilities’, is now being widely recognised and complied with across the industry after little more than a year since its release.”

Bibby Offshore Receives Praise After Successfully Completing Hyperbaric Rescue Trials

ACHIEVEMENT / SAFETY


Matrix Listed in Forbes ‘Asia’s Best Under a Billion’

Matrix Composites & Engineering has been ranked in the prestigious annual Forbes list for ‘Asia’s 200 Best under a Billion’.

To be considered, companies must generate annual revenue between $5 million and $1 billion (US), have positive net income and have been publicly traded for at least a year. From a total of 15,000 eligible companies across the Asia Pacific region, Forbes ranked the companies based on sales growth, earnings growth and return on equity in the past 12 months and over three years.

Sales of this year’s SMEs from 15 countries grew an average 48% from last year and generated $47 billion in revenue while employing over 370,000 people.

Top:DistributedBuoyancyModule

Middle:CompositeDrilling&CompletionsCentraliser

Bottom:VersaSlab

GE Oil & Gas Celebrates 30th Anniversary of its Montrose Facility

Helix Well Ops UK Takes Three-Year Charter Of Skandi ConstructorAberdeen-based Helix Well Ops UK (Well Ops), a business unit of international offshore energy company Helix Energy Solutions Group (Helix ESG), is expanding its Europe and Africa well intervention fleet with an investment that will create 60 jobs.

A leading global provider of subsea well intervention, Well Ops will take control of the mono-hull well intervention vessel Skandi Constructor in spring 2013, after agreeing a three-year charter with DOF Subsea.

The move to strengthen Well Ops’ regional fleet, which currently includes the 132-metre (433ft) long Well Enhancer and the 114-metre (374ft) long MSV Seawell, will lead to the creation of approximately 50 jobs offshore and a further 10 onshore over the next nine months. At the moment the firm employs 70 staff in Aberdeen and a further 300 offshore.

Launched in 2009, Skandi Constructor is a 120-metre (393ft) long Ulstein SX121 DP3 mono-hull well intervention vessel that features the new X-bow design. The 8,500-tonne vessel accommodates up to 100 personnel and is capable of working in depths of up to 3,000 metres (9,842ft). It has a deck capacity of 1,470 square metres (15,822 sq ft) and features an 8m x 8m (27ft x 27ft) moon-pool, a 150-tonne crane, a multi-purpose tower with 140-tonne lift capability and two work class ROVs.

Well Ops will build and test, ready for use, a specially designed version of its 7⅜” subsea intervention lubricator (SIL) to enable subsea well interventions to

be undertaken from Skandi Constructor. The SIL is a single trip well intervention system that provides well access, while managing containment when the well is ‘live’ and under pressure. The SIL is configured to undertake work through all types of subsea christmas trees. The vessel and SIL will allow Well Ops to provide its regional clients with a solution for deeper water wells and well interventions, which to date has been limited within the mono-hull vessel market.

Steve Nairn, Well Ops’ regional vice president of Europe and Africa, said: “Well Ops is extremely proud to announce the addition of a third vessel to our fleet and it underlines our commitment to providing well intervention services. Skandi Constructor strengthens our offering internationally and expands our well intervention service capability.”

GROWTHGROWTH


EPC Offshore Doubles Turnover for Third Consecutive Year

Rapidly growing oil and gas project management contractor EPC Offshore has marked the close of its third year in business by doubling its turnover for the third consecutive year.

Since its inception in July 2009 the Aberdeen-headquartered company, which assists oil and gas firms in turning development opportunities into commercially successful assets, has consistently exceeded its year-on-year growth targets.

Turnover has grown from £3million in 2009/10 to £12million at the close of the current financial year.

Chief executive officer Keith Wallace said: “We are very pleased with the company’s achievements delivering projects and value for our clients. We have built a world class team and secured a clutch of highly valued clients all with tremendous development assets. Our success has been firmly founded on our team commitment and the ethos that our clients’ goals are our goals.

“Our focus is to continue delivering value for our customers and opportunity for our employees and we are looking to strengthen our corporate team going forward so we can rise to bigger challenges in the future.”

Based in Albyn Terrace, EPC Offshore works with exploration and production companies to project manage projects to sanction and final delivery. It uses a comprehensive and structured set of principles to achieve maximum project value, optimum resource utilisation and quality assurance. Key areas of expertise are in Floating Production and Subsea facilities.

Employee numbers have grown during the last three years to 75 full time staff based both at EPC’s office in Aberdeen as well as at a base in the south-east of England.

Fromlefttoright:MartinO’Carroll,NeilGordon&KevinMcBarron

UTEC Opens New Regional HQ in Aberdeen, ScotlandUTEC has reinforced its presence in Scotland with the opening of new regional headquarters in Aberdeen.

The purpose fitted building comprises over 3000 sq. ft. of modular office accommodation and 4000 sq. ft. of workshop/warehouse space, enabling further development of the range of services available to clients at home and overseas.

UTEC’s Aberdeen base provides services in the North Sea and West Africa and supports operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa in conjunction with the company’s Naples office.

UTEC expects revenues from Europe and African operations to more than double during 2012, which in turn has led to a 60% increase in staff.

“This facility supports UTEC’s vision for the region which includes additional growth of our core capabilities; construction support, AUV, geophysical and geotechnical services,” says Kevin McBarron, UTEC’s Aberdeen-based Managing Director.

“This new building also provides our valuable staff with a safe, comfortable working environment including a dedicated training facility providing more in-house training.”

UTEC is one of the world’s largest independent offshore survey companies providing a wide range of survey services including offshore positioning and construction support, geophysical and AUV surveys, dimensional control surveys, laser scanning and modeling and geotechnical sampling. UTEC has offices located around the world including: Houston, Aberdeen, Rio de Janeiro, Calgary, Perth, Singapore, St. John’s, Naples and Dubai.


Tritech North America Open for BusinessUnderwater technology specialist Tritech is expanding its global reach with a new office in Houston, Texas.

Tritech North America will focus on developing new opportunities in the North American region and establishing closer working relationships with its OEM partners and customers. Opening in the company’s 21st year in business, Tritech North America now offers full Sales & Customer Support Services in the region, complementing the Tritech’s UK office in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Maurice Fraser has been appointed President of Tritech North America and will lead the operation.

Maurice Fraser comments: “This is a very exciting venture for Tritech which has been in development for the last 12 months. I have been encouraged by the positive feedback and support that this new initiative has received from all of our customers and business partners, as we aim to develop new opportunities for our business in North America. In collaboration with both our distributors and partners in the USA, a local presence will allow us to provide improved support to our customers across the region.”

Simon Beswick, Managing Director, Tritech, comments: “Establishing our first overseas office is an important step for Tritech. The North American region is already the largest of our overseas markets and we recognise the need to invest in further support and development of our key customer relationships. We have seen many of our customers adopt an increasingly global approach to their businesses and our new office will seek to reflect this.”

KeithWallace,CEO,EPCOffshore

MauriceFraser,PresidentofTritechNorthAmerica

Lack of middel

The Johan Sverdrup oil field is locatedabout 140 kilometres west of Stavanger, Norway.

1.7-3.3billionbarrelsof estimatedrecoverable

oil.

FEATURE ARTICLE

The global subsea market is said to be increasing rapidly with some pretty high growth predictions. Can you give us an overview and which particular regions of the world are seen as high growth areas for the subsea sector?

The oil and gas industry, particularly the subsea sector, is a dynamic industry. If we look at the five year forecast (2012-2016) for the subsea sector we are seeing Western Africa, Latin America and the Lower Tertiary section of the Gulf of Mexico as key regions of growth on the back of increasing deepwater activities.

For the offshore industry as a whole, Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, India and China) and Europe (UK and Norway) can be included in this.

Global Capex over the next five years will be around $589billion for the offshore industry with around $260billion committed to the SURF market segment (Subsea Umbilicals Risers Flowlines).

With Brazil attracting much focus when it overtook the UK to become ranked 6th in the world for GDP, what is the oil & gas and in particular the subsea market outlook for the area?

Brazil will have a lot of growth over the next five years, particularly with the pre-salt basin. Capex over five years is looking to be around $85billion, the largest in Latin America.

Brazil is one of the largest countries we track; its oil and gas activity is dominated by national oil company Petrobras.

In 2007, Brazil had approximately 20billion recoverable barrels of oil; after the pre-salt discoveries, the estimate increased to 50billion barrels. This puts Brazil just outside the list of top 10 global producers in number 11.

We would expect Brazil to break into the top 5 producers by 2020.

There are many issues surrounding the local supply chain, the lack of local qualified staff and the strong local content laws that can cause delays and lead to significant increases in production costs. This can be a discouraging process for foreign companies looking to set shop in the country.

As an example of the overheated supply chain, Aker Solutions’ earnings suffered recently, since delivery delays during 2011 cost the company US$87 million in compensation. This accounted for almost 20% of the third tranche contract value that Petrobras awarded to Aker Solutions in 2011. More important than the manufacturer’s specific Brazilian facility issues is the fact that capacity in Brazil is expected to be stretched for the three biggest subsea manufacturers there - Cameron, FMC and Aker Solutions. As a result, Petrobras might reduce its recent contracting speed in order to account for manufacturers’ capacity constraints.

It is not so easy to do business in Brazil as it is in some other parts of the world.

Although Brazil is increasingly significant, West Africa is also shaping to become a major region for subsea activities, with Angola, Nigeria and Ghana production over the next five years projected to grow.

East Africa has the potential to become a significant region on the back of recent gas discoveries in Mozambique and Tanzania.

Asia Pacific is a very large geographical region, which countries feature high in subsea opportunities?

The fastest Capex growth in terms of CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is strongest in Australasia, by which I mean Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Australian capital expenditure growth is predominantly for LNG (liquefied natural gas) field developments especially as demand grows from the increasing need of energy from its neighbour Asia.

In South East Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and India all feature highly in subsea opportunities. Chinese activity is particularly high especially with the expected growth of deepwater activities with national oil company CNOOC, predicting production growth of 1 million barrels per day by 2020 from deepwater fields (water depth above 500m).

Are there any centres (hubs) around the world where the deep-water opportunities will focus highly?

Globally Houston and Aberdeen are still the recognised general hubs, with Stavanger arguably the third. Deepwater opportunities are on the increase here but West Africa holds the greatest potential in the short to medium-term.

Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for fabrication yards, vessels and general subsea activity, pave the way in Asia. Perth in Western Australia is also a growing deepwater hub, especially for LNG projects.

With the UK Government beginning to look more favourably towards the oil & gas industry, are we seeing confidence and investment for subsea projects?

Last budget (2012) was encouraging for UKCS, mostly towards the decommissioning market segment. Under the new rule, effective in 2013, the government will contractually confirm tax relief to operators for decommissioned assets, clearing the smoke of uncertainty from the previous tax structure. Under this new structure, the UK government is hoping to encourage investments towards the decommissioning supply chain which has been struggling to blossom due to high oil prices (amongst other reasons) over the last couple of years.

The year before the outcry on tax made a real difference

to the way government thinks about the industry. Following that budget some marginal field developments were put on hold

as the increase of supplementary charge

from 20% to 32% made the differences for some oil and

gas operators. Because of the potential impact on employment levels the government took notice and somehow adjusted its reforms towards the oil and gas industry in 2012.

The oil and gas industry is big and for the government, it is crucial

to find the right balance between support and benefits. Government needs to reap the rewards of such a buoyant industry but not step on

toes of the offshore oil and gas industry in the process.

I would definitely say there is a lot of confidence in the industry, Aberdeen in particular has its own bubble; the mood is dynamic, busy but it is severely understaffed for experienced staff. Most of the engineering companies I talk to are at a 40 – 50% staffing deficit compared to the current level of project opportunities. There is also a real issue with workforce age; we have older workers and young trainees, but nothing in the middle.

These are the types of issue it is vital Government lends its support to.

Norway is one of the closest countries to the UK with a significant oil & gas industry, should UK business be giving some focus to the opportunities emerging here?

Yes, Norway should definitely be a focus for UK companies as there is a wealth of opportunities. Statoil last year found a giant oilfield, called Johan Sverdrup, which has between 1.7 and 3.3 billion barrels of estimated recoverable oil.

Norway’s deepwater sector is growing, it is important for UK companies to have a presence here and doing business in this stable country is easier than breaking into some of the newer markets globally.

Going forward the industry looks strong globally. If we look at economic events worldwide, the Eurozone crisis for example, the oil and gas industry is unusual in that it is going from strength to strength. Aberdeen as a hub has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and the global subsea outlook is strong despite m a c ro e c o n o m i c concerns.

An Interview with Kader Dicko,Senior Analyst – Business Strategy and Analysis, Infield

GLOBAL BUSINESS

Infield’s ”Subsea Market Report to 2016” is devoted to the global subsea oil and gas market and provides in-depth analysis of trends, issues, forecasts and technological developments. For more information visit www.infield.com

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Latin America & West Africa are shaping up to become key regions for growth.

Brazil now has the world’s 6th largest GDP.

Brazil will be a top 5 oil producer by 2020.

Top 8 countries by GDP

Although it is hard to put a timescale on it, the Arctic region will begin to emerge as a hub for offshore oil and gas activities in the long-term. Once the industry will be able to overcome technical challenges with the harsh weather and environment, this region of the world could potentially reap major benefits for the offshore oil and gas industry.

With recent events such as the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster, many Asian countries are now looking to decrease their dependence on nuclear energy with gas becoming an alternative key source. This increase in growth has gone hand in hand with a significant increase in investment in the region.

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Lack of middel

The Johan Sverdrup oil field is locatedabout 140 kilometres west of Stavanger, Norway.

1.7-3.3billionbarrelsof estimatedrecoverable

oil.

GROWTH

Oil and gas engineering group Penspen has opened a new office in Mexico City to expand on its existing bases in Ciudad de Carmen and Comalcalco. The office will be Penspen’s third location in Mexico.

Penspen has had a strong presence in Mexico for over 15 years, undertaking a wide range of integrity, engineering and project management work. The new Mexico City office will enable the company to step up its activities in pipeline maintenance, performance improvement of existing oil and gas infrastructure, and training. It will also conduct techno-economic studies to support investment decisions regarding new pipelines and facilities.

Penspen’s Director of Integrity Services, Nigel Curson, said:

“Our Mexican operations have played a key role in us obtaining The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2010. With its estimated 681 trillion cubic feet of shale gas reserves, Mexico represents a wealth of opportunities for companies like Penspen which have a strong track record in oil and gas engineering, project management and integrity services. We look forward to further developing our relations with our clients in Mexico, as well as expanding our consultancy services to cover the full range of engineering, policy development, improvement of existing infrastructure, training and knowledge transfer.”

The office has already experienced it’s first new award signing a pioneering $1.2 million contract with a range of private and public companies and institutions to develop high level integrity policies and procedures for Mexican state-owned oil and gas company PEMEX. The contract, which is set to last two years, is the first to be agreed since the opening of Penspen’s new Mexico City office this Summer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Penspen will:

• Assistinthedevelopmentofaplanformanaging the integrity and reliability of transmission pipelines, gathering pipelines, onshore pipelines, offshore pipelines, storage terminals and maritime terminals.

• Providetrainingrelatedtopipelineintegrity/risk assessment.

• ReviewthecurrentMexicannorm:NOM-027-SESH-2010 (Pipeline Integrity Management Plan).

• Inputintodiscussionson‘best’risk assessment methods, integrity evaluations, response to evaluations, and evaluation of compliance.

Penspen’s Technical Director, Phil Hopkins, commented:

“PEMEX is a major oil and gas company, and like all majors, they must constantly seek to improve both safety and performance. This project will give PEMEX the procedures, strategies, and know-how to achieve both these goals. Penspen’s UK and Mexican teams are all looking forward to the technical challenges this project brings, and working with such a prestigious group of companies.”

New Penspen Office in Mexico Signs $1.2 Million PEMEX Deal


NigelCurson,DirectorofIntegrityServices

MexicoCountryManager,MauricioMoreno,inPenspen’sNewMexicoCityOffice

CEONA Announces Acquisition of Project Development International LimitedCEONA announced today completion of the acquisition of Project Development International Limited (“PDi”). Steve Preston, Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We are very pleased to have completed the acquisition of the PDi business. This acquisition represents a critical part of the CEONA strategy, allowing us to access engineering and project management capabilities to enhance our offering to the market.”

PDi is a project, construction and engineering management services company with a long and proven track record in the subsea construction market. PDi has approximately 80 people, mainly subsea engineers and project management experts and, alongside existing offshore vessels, will strengthen CEONA’s ability to win and execute business. Primarily based in Aberdeen, PDi will provide the systems, infrastructure and expertise to grow CEONA’s London based engineering team.

Commenting on the developments, Geir Aune, Chairman, stated: “This acquisition is a major step forward for CEONA and provides another building block to CEONA’s strategy. It provides critical mass to the key technical capabilities of CEONA alongside the existing and improving asset base.”

Subsea Success for Ocean Installer in the UKThe Norwegian subsea entrepreneur Ocean Installer has experienced great success in the UK market since the opening of its Aberdeen office in May.

Since Ocean Installer and its UK Managing Director, Martin Sisley, opened the Ocean Installer Aberdeen office in May, the subsea entrepreneur’s UK based staff has gone from 2 to 11. By the end of the year, 20-30 people will be based in “Ocean Installer House” and by the beginning of 2014, Ocean Installer will have created approximately 100 jobs in Aberdeen. The establishment and further development of the Aberdeen office is a response to and a catalyst for Ocean Installer’s success in the UK sector of the North Sea, Martin Sisley explains.

“The UK market is an important area of focus for Ocean Installer. By building an operational branch that offers full coverage of all our services, we facilitate close cooperation with current and prospective UK based clients,” Sisley said.

Since May, Ocean Installer has experienced rapid progress in the UK subsea market. The company, who offers the full range of subsea services and whose core competence is within the SURF (Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, Flowlines) segment, has successfully completed two offshore jobs in the UK sector of the North Sea, whilst three recently secured contracts contribute to a growing backlog.

“Our people are our most important asset,” said Sisley. “We have managed to attract highly qualified and motivated staff who takes great pride in identifying and meeting the needs of our clients in all aspects of any operation. In combination with an efficient organisational structure and first-rate vessels and equipment, our clients’ trust, and experience, that we deliver top-quality services in a safe and timely manner.”

SeeByte Opens San Diego OfficeSeeByte, the global leader in creating smart software technology for unmanned maritime systems, has announced the opening of a new office in San Diego, USA.

The San Diego office will provide a centre for the company’s engineering capabilities in the USA and serve as a point of contact for all US customers. The expansion follows the 10th anniversary of the company’s establishment, celebrating a decade of success in developing software solutions for military and commercial customers.

CEO Bob Black commented: “The US office is only one of the progressive steps SeeByte is taking to enable growth and ensure our team is given the best possible opportunities and facilities in which to work. By opening an engineering base in San Diego, we will be in a position to provide an enhanced service to our customers and partners in the United States.”

GROWTH


Sonomatic Expands its Operations in AberdeenSonomatic, the advanced inspection and integrity specialist, is celebrating its record growth in 2011 with the expansion of its largest operational base in Aberdeen.

The business achieved a turnover of over £14.7 million in 2011 and has been awarded a record number of contracts for 2012. In light of these recent successes, the company has invested £100,000 in expanding its offices to allow for an increase in its workforce this autumn.

The new office adds 40% more space onto the existing 4000sq ft. It includes additional office space for Sonomatic’s growing integrity and advanced analysis team and a purpose-built demonstration area, which will be utilised for staff training and Open Days. This permanent feature will display the company’s full capabilities including its range of subsea, topside and splash zone inspection tools. Sonomatic continues to develop new NDT technologies and plans to use the demonstration area to train new recruits on joining its experienced technical team.

In March, the company employed three new staff members, taking its current total to 18,

and will employ a further five members of staff by the end of 2012. Graham Marshall and Scott Bulloch will play key roles at Sonomatic, as the subsea and topside project managers respectively.

Graham, who will be handling all subsea projects, said: “I am delighted to be appointed Subsea Project Manager and am looking forward to developing strong working relationships with all of our clients.

“2012 is an exciting year of expansion at Sonomatic, as we continue to develop new and more effective ways of completing NDT for the subsea market. Our newest technology, the Mag Rover, a fully automated steerable scanner, has been engaged on several projects over the next few months and our ROV deployed inspection scanner is frequently in use.”

Topside project manager, Scott Bulloch said, “Our Non-Intrusive Inspection technology reduces costs and maintains efficiency for our clients. We are committed to developing bespoke inspection and software technology for our clients’ topside projects.”

John Lilley, Managing Director, said, “Expanding our largest operational base in Aberdeen will enable us to grow the company further and increase our capabilities with continued focus on outstanding service to clients.”

Sonomatic’sCraigCavanacarriesoutmaintenanceonaCSIscanner(PhotocourtesyofthePressandJournal)

Online Electronics Limited Reports Company GrowthOnline Electronics Group has grown progressively since its formation in 1996. Over the past year numbers employed have increased by 25% to a current staff base of over 50 personnel engaged in international operations.

Online Electronics Limited (OEL) the parent company within the Online Electronics Group operates from the Company head office in Aberdeen. OEL is supported by wholly owned subsidiaries Online Electronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Singapore, Online Pipeline Solutions Inc, Houston, Texas, USA and Branch offices in Dubai, UAE; Perth, West Australia; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This international network of offices has enabled the group to service clients in more than 70 countries positioning the business as a world leader in their field.

OEL specialise in the design and manufacture of pipeline pig monitoring equipment and high-tech pipeline data communication and logging systems. Products incorporate acoustic, electromagnetic, magnetic and ultrasound technologies covering subsea and land applications. The company’s innovative approach to pig monitoring, through pipe wall communications, data logging and data transfer in pipeline applications has seen the introduction of breakthrough technologies including ATEX compliant products. The company

has a strong track record in bespoke product design for clients; many becoming part of the company’s range of standard products. Products can be purchased or hired from stock held at its international locations offering fast customer response.

In 2012 a high priority was given to investment in additional personnel in our R&D department increasing capacity to design and provide new cutting edge technologies to meet the demands of the pipeline industry.

2012 has also been a milestone year for the group with the formation of subsidiary company Online Valves Ltd (OVL) headed by Dave Sim, who has a 12 year track record in the pipeline valve and components sector. OVL is a specialist valves business based operating from the Group’s Aberdeen HQ. OVL offers a fast response and quick delivery of pipeline valves and associated products to the oil and gas and petrochemical industries worldwide. OVL and OEL share a very similar client base and the international market reach of the group has helped the business get off to a flying start.


GROWTH

GROWTH GROWTH

NORTH SEA REPORTERNews & Analysis – Keeping you informed

North Sea Reporter is an established and respected weekly upstream oil and gas publication produced by KL Energy Publishing Ltd.

Subscribers to NSR include leading oil companies, rig contractors, a wide range of service sector companies, government departments and members of the investment community.

North Sea Reporter will keep you informed of all key news and upstream activity in the North Sea region with particular focus on the rig market, drilling and construction. Regular weekly coverage includes:-

• Rig Market - contract, dayrate and utilisation data (North Sea, Mediterranean & West Africa)

• Drilling – a weekly round-up of all North Sea drilling activity• Construction and engineering• Field development and production• Contract awards & Company news• Data in tabular format detailing industry activity

(rig market, drilling, construction)• Mediterranean & Africa briefing

North Sea Reporter is available via annual subscription and emailed direct to subscribers (PDF). For a sample copy, or to enquire about subscription, please contact one of the Directors (left) or alternatively visit www.klenergypublishing.com

John Kendall [email protected]

Meg Leitch [email protected]

NorthSeaReporter-AD-210x148-v2.indd 1 13/08/2012 09:40


GE Signs Agreement to Acquire NaxysGE has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Naxys, a provider of subsea leak detection and condition monitoring sensors based on passive acoustic technology. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, further expands GE’s monitoring and sensing solutions and will be part of the company’s Measurement & Control business. This deal is another step towards a stronger GE presence in Norway. Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, Naxys employs 31 people.

“Through its commitment to innovation, Naxys has developed world-class sensor expertise and technology that fits well with GE’s culture and capabilities,” said Brian Palmer, president and CEO of GE Measurement & Control and vice president of GE Energy. “By combining talent and know-how, we are developing a strategy that will capitalise on both companies’ existing expertise.”

The addition of Naxys will expand GE’s sensing and condition monitoring offerings and extend its reach into the subsea space for energy customers around the world. “GE’s global presence will allow Naxys to introduce its solutions to a worldwide customer base,” said Jens Abrahamsen, CEO of Naxys. “While very different in scale, these two companies both bring outstanding innovation to bear.”

Naxys develops and supplies leak detection and condition monitoring sensors based on proprietary, passive acoustic hydrophone technology. The design of the sensing element enables extremely sensitive and accurate measurement of subsea acoustics.

Naxys’ products allow operators to monitor the integrity of their subsea installations.

In August, GE’s Measurement & Control business acquired PRESENS, a provider of pressure, temperature and flow measurement solutions for efficient operation of subsea equipment. GE’s Measurement & Control business is based in the greater Boston area. It is a leading innovator in sensor-based measurement, inspection, asset condition monitoring, controls and radiation measurement solutions that deliver accuracy, productivity and safety to customers in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. The business is part of GE Oil & Gas and has more than 40 facilities in 25 countries worldwide.

Major Funding Boosts of £8 million for Subsea Firm ROVOPA rapidly evolving and award winning new subsea business has secured £60,000 in public sector funding to support its business growth and expansion overseas.

The cash boost from Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International will help ROVOP, based in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, to both explore international business growth opportunities and undertake business improvement activities. Specifically, the money will allow the hiring of a manager for international business development opportunities.

This latest support comes hot on the heels of the nation’s finance minister John Swinney announcing an investment from the Scottish Loan Fund (SLF) of £1.6 million to the company, with an option to drawdown up to £5 million in total.

Added to that, ROVOP has secured £3m of other funding, including significant support from RBS. The total of £8m of finance allows the company to deliver on the first stage of its growth plan.

ROVOP specialises in the supply of state of the art Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

solutions to the offshore oil & gas and renewable industries, where its unmanned submarines are used to complete tasks and gather information underwater.

Operating in a niche area, the business provides first-class equipment and pilot technicians to ensure ROV projects are delivered safely and efficiently. ROVOP is unique in that it is 100% focused on ROV services and therefore provides genuine expert capability.

The position of manager for international business has been established with a view to securing the company’s growth in developing energy regions while making further progress in the ever expanding offshore wind market.

SLF funding will enable ROVOP to acquire additional ROVs to meet the growing demand that has seen the business secure long-term contracts with major marine contractors. The SLF was established by the Scottish Investment Bank, a division of Scottish Enterprise, to help address a specific funding gap in the SME market across Scotland, and is managed by Maven Capital Partners.

Steven Gray, managing director of ROVOP, said: “The support of Scottish Enterprise, RBS and SLF investment is an endorsement

of ROVOP’s significant growth plans and will be key to enabling the business’s continued expansion. This investment allows us to support clients with new equipment at a time when they are demanding the responsive and reliable service that our team can provide.

“The focus on international markets is a vital step for us. Demand for our products and expertise continues to grow both at home and abroad and the appointment of someone who can manage our international business is part of our plan to match our geographic reach to that of our international client base.”

In less than one year since it began trading, ROVOP’s rapid growth has already seen the company win Promising New Business at the 2012 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise as well as being named a finalist for Best New Enterprise at Subsea UK’s 2012 Business Awards.

Wilton Engineering Expanding Capacity in TeessideTo meet the growing demand for subsea construction services now and in the near future, Wilton Engineering, who currently operate out of the 50 acre Port Clarence site in Middlesbrough, have taken the lease of additional engineering/manufacturing site which will significantly expand their overall capacity.

The new site situated near Hartlepool covers some 10 acres and houses a large fabrication hall, overhead and mobile cranage, plentiful office accommodation and yard storage space with hard standing.

The facility, located close to the main site at Port Clarence, will give Wilton much more flexibility in terms of project execution and capacity, something which had become a constraint in recent times with on-going significant contracts for various oil companies and offshore contractors.

“With the number of new tenders received at an all-time high, mainly from North Sea clients planning new field developments, this additional capacity is much needed and very welcome indeed,” says Wilton Group Business Development Director, Des Hatfield. “Especially if we are to maintain our growth in the coming years.”


TECHNOLOGY

A joint industry project, SURF IM, that aims to enable an integrated approach to integrity management of subsea, umbilical, riser and flowline (SURF) systems, and develop new best practice guidelines for subsea integrity management is underway. Wood Group Kenny are leading the project, which has support from 12 of the world’s leading international operators secured with assistance from ITF, the technology facilitator for the global oil and gas industry. The project is due to be concluded in December 2012.

As the industry evolves towards an increasing number of deepwater developments, exploited through remote and long distance subsea tiebacks and subsea processing systems, production will become increasingly reliant on SURF system integrity. A cost-effective integrity management strategy has to define and implement the optimum levels of inspection and monitoring required to reliably assess the system’s integrity, but this can only be achieved with a good understanding of possible failure mechanisms and the availability of appropriate deepwater inspection and monitoring technology.

Wood Group Kenny director Patrick O’Brien explains: “What this project is working towards is an integrity

management strategy that is aligned with the pace of

SURF system technology development and use.

We set out to take an integrated, life cycle approach, and apply a consistent methodology, starting with a review of experience with systems in

operation which includes classification of failure modes and mechanisms.”

SURF IM project manager Adriana Botto from Wood Group Integrity Management, a Wood Group Kenny business, added: “We are also reviewing existing subsea inspection and condition monitoring technologies as well as those under development, and identifying technology needs for detection and prediction of subsea equipment failures. It’s generally accepted that subsea inspection technology lags behind capability for topside and onshore systems, and this is especially true when it comes to fault-finding capability for evident and incipient failures and non-destructive testing techniques. We hope that a major benefit of this project will be identification of areas requiring additional development and provision of a road map to bridge the gaps between the current status of technology and the desired performance specification.

Wood Group Kenny say that the information gathered will be used to develop a systematic approach to mapping failure modes and mechanisms of all subsea equipment (subsea structures, umbilicals, risers, flowlines, christmas trees and subsea control systems) onto a subsea integrity management system, taking the project life cycle from design to decommissioning into account, and that this will enable a more predictive and risk-based, rather than reactive, approach to integrity management.

SURF IM: Advancing and Automating Integrity Management Strategy for Subsea Umbilical Riser and Flowline (SURF) Systems

PipeLayingActivitiesintheNorthSea

Flexlife, an oil and gas industry specialist in subsea project and integrity management, has successfully completed onshore and offshore trials of its Armadillo technology in Brazil with local operational partner Oceânica Diving Services.

An onshore trial was completed at Oceânica’s base in Macae in a diving test tank to confirm the technology’s capability and demonstrate what could be achieved during an offshore trial.

During this initial test the Armadillo was installed onto a section of pipe in the test tank and nitrogen was then injected into annulus to prove the integrity of the repair.

This was followed by an offshore operational demonstration of the technology on a gas-lift riser on the P-19 semi-submersible production platform located in the Marlim field – Campos Basin, conducted in June 2012.

Armadillo was installed at a water depth of approximately 4m, followed by a pressure test of 2.5bar in the annulus proving the repair and testing annulus integrity to a depth of 25m.

Leonardo Dias, executive manager Brazil, said: “The successful trial marks the first offshore operation in Brazil performed by Flexlife and demonstrated that the pioneering repair system is the most reliable solution for outer sheath repair and damage identification, available and field proven in the strictest offshore market in the world.

“We have a team of engineering, technical and support staff who are all highly experienced in the Brazilian oil and gas market - the potential is enormous for us and it is very significant for the future of Flexlife in Brazil.’’

The modular Armadillo system is constructed in bespoke lengths and diameters in order to encapsulate and seal known outer sheath damages. It allows continued operation of the flexible pipe, preventing the ingress of oxygenated seawater and consequently arresting corrosion, allowing life expansion techniques, increase of integrity awareness and operational safety.

TECHNOLOGY


“A particularly innovative aspect of the project relates to subsea boosting and injection equipment integrity. The aim is to identify failure modes associated with subsea boosting and injection systems and the enabling technologies such as subsea controls, subsea power distribution, structural and mechanical designs and flow assurance technologies.”

Flexlife Completes Successful Brazil Trials

MetalTek on Centrifugal CastingFor many subsea applications, centrifugal casting provides the combination of very high integrity metal and alloy selection that helps ensure product performance. Centrifugals are manufactured in nearly any alloy including the very high strength and corrosion resistant materials demanded in high-reliability offshore applications.

Centrifugals are produced by introducing molten metal into a spinning die which is rotating either in a vertical or horizontal axis depending on the configuration of the desired part. Ring and cylinder type shapes are cast vertically; tubular shapes are made with the horizontal centrifugal process. Either process may be used to produce multiple parts from just one casting.

Because of the high g-forces applied to the molten metal in the spinning die, less dense material, including impurities, “floats” to the I.D. where it is subsequently removed by machining. Solidification is managed directionally under pressure, from the O.D. to the I.D., avoiding any mid-wall shrinkage, leaving a defect-free structure without cavities or gas pockets.

From facilities like the MetalTek – Sandusky Ltd operation in Glenrothes, Scotland, centrifugally cast products up to 11m in length and up to 61000 kg can be produced. Applications like mooring systems, subsea ROVs, high pressure accumulator tubes, pumps and piping, oil/water separators, and a multitude of other applications that demand very high integrity in severe corrosion-resistant environments are prime candidates for centrifugals.

A niche supplier to the oil & gas industry is offering dramatically reduced waiting times on its range of metal products essential to subsea pipe laying and construction.

James Alloys Ltd, which provides high value metal products for distribution throughout the world, can now supply stainless steel, nickel alloy and titanium banding systems in under two months.

One such product is of particular interest to the subsea industry. Nickel chromium alloy 625, containing Molybdenum, can be used in high load marine, subsea and chemical environments. It comes with toughened anti-corrosion properties which are particularly resistant to crevice corrosion.

An outstanding strength to weight ratio is provided by the titanium alloy which has exceptional resistance to corrosion from salt water, acid, alkalis and harsh industrial chemicals.

Before reaching an agreement with a major European mill, the Manchester based company followed an industry standard delivery time of six months on banding, clips, installation and tooling supplies.

Managing director Mark Catlow said: “There is an increasing demand from the oil & gas industry for high specification banding systems provided in as short a timescale as possible. Over the past 12 months we have seen a dramatic surge in orders from the Middle East and we are now experiencing a similar increase from operators in the North Sea. This is leading to increasing waiting times on orders and ultimately delays to projects.”

“The ability to supply the same high quality products in a shorter time frame will give companies a competitive edge in terms of fulfilling customer requirements more quickly.”

James Alloys Ltd has over 50 years’ experience in delivering a wide range of long and flat products, slit coils and special sections in addition to a comprehensive range of pipes, tubes and fittings in a variety of grades and alloys.

Picturing the Deep: A Massive Seafloor Photograph, Taken by Autosub6000The most detailed photographic survey of the abyssal ocean floor has been taken by the National Oceanography Centre’s robot sub, Autosub6000 – some half a million photos that will be stitched together to form a ‘street view’ map of the North Atlantic’s Porcupine Abyssal Plain and its inhabitants.

Forward and down-facing cameras mounted on the unmanned robot sub have provided continuous images of an area some twelve miles long by four miles wide (20 km by 7 km), covering an area about the size of city such as Southampton, but three miles underwater (around 4850m).

The Porcupine Abyssal Plain is just off the coastal shelf some 350 miles southwest of Land’s End. Although its name might suggest that it is flat, the plain does have hills. This ‘landscape scale’ photo will give scientists a wealth of information about the communities and how they change with the different terrains. Coupled with advanced acoustic mapping, and samples taken of the ocean floor, the team of scientists led by Dr Henry Ruhl will have a complete picture of what lives at, on and in the ocean floor.

“We want to learn how communities might differ between abyssal hills and flat areas, which is similar to understanding how communities of animals might change as one moves from a valley to the summit of a mountain. On land it is easy to confirm on the ground what we can see from satellite photographs, but this is far harder in the deep-sea because we can’t see through the water using light. Even though it’s difficult to make measurements there, abyssal habitats cover more than half the surface of Earth.

“The benefit of using Autosub6000 for collecting photos of the seafloor is that it can cover vast stretches of the seabed quickly while collecting a huge number of photos, along with other data about the environment.”

The downward facing camera takes photos directly below Autosub6000. These photos are used to assess the number and types of invertebrates that live on the seafloor in different areas of the plain. Sea cucumbers are the dominant type of large invertebrates in the abyss, and there are at least ten different varieties in the photos. Autosub6000 takes one photo every 0.8 seconds, and the photos overlap. This overlap means that photos can be stitched together into long strips, giving a continuous picture of the seafloor.

The forward facing camera is used to look at the numbers and distribution of abyssal fish. Fish decline in number rapidly with depth, with only a few species able to survive on the limited food supply in the abyss. The rarity and mobility of fish means that surveys must cover large distances to determine their distributions over the seabed, which is another reason why Autosub is such a valuable tool. Eels and rattails dominate fish species in the abyss. They are typically scavengers that can cover long distances using relatively little energy to try and find food. The forward-facing camera is used to monitor fish because they can be startled and swim away before being seen by the downward facing camera.

In addition to the cameras, Autosub6000 has a suite of instruments that collect fine-scale bathymetric data that gives the shape of the seafloor; mapping acoustics that will reveal the composition of the seafloor – mud, rock, sand; and environmental sensors that measure temperature and the amount of particles in the water. While Autosub6000 gathered data, the scientists took mud core samples to find out what is living in the seafloor. The cores confirm variation in sediment type as well as collecting microscopic worms, crustaceans, and bacteria.


TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY


Hydratight Launches Pocket-sized Boltscope ProJoint integrity specialist Hydratight has launched a smaller, user-friendly version of its highly-regarded BoltScope ll bolt load monitoring device.

The new pocket-sized BoltScope Pro brings higher levels of accuracy to the bolting professional.

BoltScope Pro is the first cost-effective ultrasonic monitoring device to measure bolt load, elongation, stress and percentage of strain at nanosecond intervals, and resolutions down to a thousandth of a inch.

Loaded and unloaded bolt readings can be compared instantly on its easy-to-read screen. The device can also be configured for linear regression or vector readings to assist load measurement optimisation.

BoltScope Pro can store 8,000 readings in multiple groups for detailed comparisons.

Readings can be stored offline for joint integrity reporting.

New features include an auto-set facility, which automatically optimises signal detection and adjusts the display accordingly; visual waveform matching so readings can be repeated with great accuracy, and a high-low alarm, which can work with the data port and an external pump shut-off device, to limit errors.

BoltScope Pro has a tough aluminium body with sealed end-caps for long service in the very toughest conditions. It is battery powered, with up to 150 hours of battery life.

James Alloys Slash Delivery Times on Specialist Metals for the Oil and Gas Industry

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TECHNOLOGY

Vector Technology Celebrates Third AnniversaryVector Technology Group’s Subsea Division’s rapid growth within the international offshore subsea oil & gas arena stems from its continued ability to deliver bespoke engineering solutions to meet clients’ challenging deep water field development requirements. These solutions draw heavily upon Vector Technology Group’s 25 years’ worth of experience in providing clients with high integrity compact sealing solutions. This innovative approach to providing technological solutions subsequently culminated in industry recognition in February 2012 when Vector Technology Group was nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Subsea UK “Subsea Business of the Year” award.

Vector Technology Group’s Subsea Division has passed its third anniversary during which time it has achieved both significant financial and engineering success. Underpinning this success is the Optima subsea clamp connector, a single lead screw remotely operated clamp connector developed in close conjunction with North Sea operating companies to ensure simplicity of design and ease of assembly to minimise installation times. At the heart of the Optima is Vector’s unique Duoseal technology, a double pressure energised seal ring which prevents both internal and external leakage. Single and dual bore Optima variants are currently installed within deep water field developments as far afield as the Gulf of Mexico and Western Africa in sizes up to 36” NPS and maximum working pressures up to 15,000Psi.

With future subsea field developments entering into deeper, remoter, ever more hostile environments there will be an increased demand for more robust, dependable, compact sealing solutions.

To meet these challenges. Chris Lee, Executive Vice President of Vector Technology Group’s Subsea Division, comments: “The industry is experiencing a gradual shift in preference from the traditional collet connector to the single lead screw, remotely operated, clamp connector in light of the benefits that can be achieved through the reduced installation time.”

As Vector Technology Group’s Subsea Division’s business has grown it has also diversified entering into partnership opportunities with both SSIV’s and other subsea equipment suppliers.

Whilst normal Subsea Connector delivery times are measured in months or even years, Vector’s ability to manufacture

some vitally needed clamps in days helped a major operator solve a critical environmental issue in the GOM. Subsequently Vector has been invited to participate in most of the Well Capping Initiatives around the world, not just for connectors but for other peripheral equipment such as goosenecks.

In addition, situated within all of the major oil provinces throughout the world, Vector Technology Group has recently invested in a new manufacturing facility within Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to meet with the ever increasing demand for clamp connectors and compact flange connector products in that region.

Tritech, the underwater technology specialist, has developed its 360° real-time anchor-chain and riser integrity system for Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs) to include a full design service that ensures optimum deployment.

A field-proven technology, RAMS™ offers continuous monitoring of the presence, integrity and position of mooring lines and risers 24/7 from proprietary sonar technology deployed beneath the FPSO turret. Launched at Offshore Europe 2011, this unique 360° sonar technology has beam steering capability that allows the system to be configured upon installation. This ensures its deployment provides the optimum sonar return from the mooring lines and risers in order to provide 100% target detection and reliability.

Tritech are now able to offer a full design service using in-house software that allows an extensive feasibility and visibility study to determine the best configuration for the customer. This simulation programme allows Tritech’s engineers to assess the best position for deployment and calculate the expected accuracy of the RAMS™ system once it is installed, meeting customers’ safety needs.

Leading the developments in RAMS™ technology is Tritech’s Business Development Manager Angus Lugsdin. Previously

US Business Development Manager, Angus led early research and market planning into key customer markets in North America, contributing to the opening of Tritech North America last month.

Angus Lugsdin explains: “Unlike other mooring line and riser monitoring systems, Tritech’s RAMS™ technology is deployed through the FPSO turret and requires no additional sensors to be mounted on the mooring lines or risers, making it far more suitable for long-term maintenance-free deployment. Long-term deployment is also aided by sonar design, which has no mechanical moving parts. Furthermore, continuous data recording allows for detailed data export for offline trend analysis, further enhancing the attractiveness of this technology to FPSO operators. The success of the Petrojarl Foinaven deployment has shown BP, and hopefully other service providers, the value of the system.”

Top:ImageshowsaPlanDisplaysimulationofanchorchains,risersandumbilicalpositions.

Bottom:ImageshowingRAMS™softwarescreen;hereasimulationshowspotentialalarmsinRiserMovement,AnchorChain,StorageLowandNoise.

Tritech’s RAMS™ FPSO Technology Offers Full Feasibility Study

Advanced SubseaInspection Services& SolutionsSpecialised Inspection Solutions for:

• Risers & Caissons• Flexible Risers• Subsea Structures• Subsea Pipelines• Ship Hulls

Innospection Ltd, Unit 1, Howemoss Avenue, Kirkhill Industrial Estate, Dyce, AB21 0GP, Aberdeen, UK Tel: +44 (0)1224 724744 Email: [email protected] www.innospection.com

Innospection_Subsea_ad_SEP12.indd 1 16/08/2012 14:09

New Generation of MECTM Subsea Scanners Offers Enhanced Inspection CapabilitiesInnospection’s strength in application development and responses to market requests has resulted in the development of new ROV deployable subsea inspection tools suitable for deeper operations. The MECTM Subsea Scanners include both the MEC-FITTM Flexible Riser Inspection Tool and the MECTM Combi Crawler, which were successfully launched and field tested.

These ROV deployable subsea inspection tools combine the advanced inspection techniques of Saturation Low Frequency Eddy Current (SLOFECTM) for corrosion detection and Ultrasonic for direct wall thickness reading within the same tool, increasing the accuracy of the SLOFEC results. There is also the possibility of incorporating Pulsed Eddy Current for inspection through heavy coatings.

These advanced subsea inspection tools support the lifetime assessment of flexible risers, subsea pipelines and subsea structures ranging in size and complexity from small diameter risers through caissons and pipes to platform structures and flat surfaces like ship hulls.

MEC-FITTM Flexible Riser Inspection Tool allows the rapid external scanning

of the various armour layers of the flexible risers to detect cracks, corrosion and general wall loss. The inspection technique combines a Direct Current field with the Eddy Current field to allow the defect detection in the various layers. No annulus flooding couplant is required for the penetration of the field lines due to its electromagnetic technique.

The first generation of the MEC-FITTM Tool runs vertically along the flexible risers after being deployed by the ROV. The second generation of the tool has the ability to self-crawl along the flexible risers after being set up by the ROV. The cantilever arm at the side of the tool can be adapted to allow a further circumferential coverage so that horizontal pipes at the six o’clock positions can be inspected.

MECTM-Combi Crawler allows the inspection of subsea structures such as platform legs and caissons where access from the topside is not possible. This tool is able to crawl up the inspection surface at the various subsea depths and through the splash zone. Capable of remaining in stable contact with the inspection surface despite the turbulences and waves, the MECTM-Combi Crawler provides the online analysis of localised corrosion and general wall thickness of the inspected objects. With minor adaption, the second generation of this tool can be used for the inspection of flat surfaces like ship hulls.

Next in the R&D pipeline is the potential development of a wire rope scanning system for the inspection of FPSO and vessel mooring lines.

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Subsea UK News Sep 12