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The newsletter for Xodus Group clients & employees . No 16 . June 2015

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01XTRA . No 16 . June 2015 01

The newsletter for Xodus Group clients & employees . No 16 . June 2015

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02XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Harnessing bright ideasClever engineering for tough times

Welcome to the latest issue of XTRA, which is packed with content about how we are supporting our clients during this challenging operating climate and delivering impactful cost efficiencies through clever engineering.

As a company we have also moved forward recently in terms of our organisational development with clearer roles and responsibilities between our teams and a sharp focus on our core expertise. We have supported clients through difficult times when the barrel price dropped before, just as we will this time with bright ideas and independent thinking by experienced professionals.

As you will see on page 5, having the expertise to challenge the status-quo can deliver significant benefit to our clients. In this one example, a different approach resulted in a $100 million direct cost saving to the budget. We are also adding value with innovative approaches to pipeline inspections and corrosion monitoring (page 8). The support we give to clients to help them improve uptime is highlighted through our vibration work with Maersk Oil (page 13).We understand that promoting and nurturing fresh ideas within our organisation is of great importance.

We have recently introduced Sparx, a new initiative to harness the enormous wealth of creativity, experience and smart engineering that Xodus has to offer and channel it so that we can pro-actively help clients solve issues that impact on their business performance.

While it’s likely to remain a tough operating environment for our industry over the coming months, applying the brightest minds to develop new ways of saving costs can only help to make us all more resilient n

Wim van der ZandeCEO

Xodus is promoting a new initiative to cultivate clever ideas that can have a direct benefit for clients.

From brand new ways of working to innovations that impact on cost efficiencies, the Sparx platform is making it easier for our employees’ ideas to be heard, evaluated and implemented.

More collaboration and reinvention are needed within the industry to cope with the low oil price and complex challenges around hard-to-reach reserves. We are pooling our specialist expertise globally to deliver the most effective solutions.

Rewards and recognition are given to the originator of ideas that are implemented. One example of a fresh approach to a perennial maintenance issue can be found on page 9. We will feed back in future editions of XTRA on Sparx ideas and how they are making a difference n

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03XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Take the Lead…Luca Sintini, Technical Director, Xodus SubseaSubsea processing – the drive to standardise

I was recently asked by global oil and gas trade magazine, Offshore Engineer, “what emerging technology will have a direct impact on the offshore market?” It was clear that despite the current volatility of high prices and low oil price, interest in subsea processing, such as subsea boosting, gas compression, separation and water injection, will continue to gain momentum to deliver cost efficiencies and optimisation of systems.

Subsea processing has the potential to help remodel offshore developments globally, particularly to exploit deepwater stranded reservoirs and to increase hydrocarbon recovery from ageing fields. In spite of the significant developments achieved over the past 10 to 15 years, adapting the full suite of topside technology to a seabed solution is going to be a challenging transition requiring combined efforts and shared vision by all key players in our industry.

This year, the first systems for subsea gas compression will start boosting gas production at the Åsgard and Gullfaks fields in the North Sea, a major achievement which will allow a significant increase of the gas recovery from these ageing fields. Though these developments are not new, the technology itself is still in its infancy. Growing interest in Statoil’s ‘subsea factory’ –

a fully functioning process plant on the seafloor – is pushing forward collaborative investigations into how standardisation of such technologies and equipment will increase the number of profitable business cases for subsea production and processing.

Xodus Subsea was recently involved in a conceptual study with the Norwegian operator on standardisation of interfaces and technologies for subsea processing systems. This is part of a wider cross-industry initiative to secure a co-ordinated approach to the supplier industry, create common standards and have closer control of technology development.

Because of the unique way Xodus Subsea is set up, it will pass on the benefits of being able to evaluate and select suitable technology early in the decision-making process without being constrained by convention or ownership. The aim is to create clever system engineering coupled with accurate, dependable cost estimates that clients can use to make informed decisions.

We have an important role to play in the subsea processing sector and by working together and aligning with other key industry players, we can change the current mind-set from expensive, tailor-made technologies to more flexible and cost-effective open source solutions n

Åsgard subsea installation, UK North Sea.

© Øyvind Hagen / Statoil

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04XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

XTRA FastThis issue’s XTRA Fast interview is with Abu Dhabi General Manager, Amru Alabidi on the team’s impact in the region, latest activity and exciting plans for 2015.

What progress has been made since Xodus launched in Abu Dhabi?

At the start of 2014 our trade license was granted, which effectively gave us the green light to start working in the region and we have already started delivering contracts. Our ability to integrate subsurface, wells and surface facilities is particularly suited to the current and future challenges that Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) faces. Our specialised and integrated process and surface facilities, integrity, and vibration services are also well suited to these challenges as ADNOC plans to increase oil and gas production through existing facilities which have been in operation for decades. Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations (ADCO) recently awarded us final pre-qualification status on all subsurface and surface facilities which enables us to bid for a significant amount of work and many other pre-qualifications are nearing completion.

Any interesting projects that have stood out?

We have secured several contracts. One interesting example is our work with ADCO on a project related to the Bab masterplan,

the largest onshore field in Abu Dhabi, which covers 1200 sq km. Xodus is delivering high level integrity services to support the future expansion of the heavily congested Bab field. We have also completed a surge analysis for an ADCO pipeline, and the scope then grew to include hydrate and finite element analysis and a full hydraulic analysis to reassure ADCO of the pipeline’s operational suitability in several conditions. It’s a great example of why an integrated team is useful in supporting our clients.

Any challenges the region is facing that Xodus is well placed to respond to?

A major priority is Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and we are looking at new technology around CO2 and chemical EOR. We’ve been invited to bid on a number of EOR projects and expect this will be a growing area where we can add value through our network bringing in our technical specialists in the Middle East, The Hague and London. There is also a major focus on optimising the production from every reservoir, onshore and offshore and the feedback from the operating companies indicates a requirement for an integrated subsurface and surface approach, which is exactly what Xodus offers.

What’s next in the pipeline for Xodus in Abu Dhabi?

We are being invited to go up against established players in the region and our reputation is rapidly growing. We have launched with ten people, but have capacity to grow our team to 25 and of course have access to the expertise of the hundreds of people within Xodus globally.

Our ambition for this year is to land a high level, strategic study that is at the core of the future growth of Abu Dhabi. We like to aim high and deliver results that really make a difference to our clients. We have spent the last 12 months getting in front of the major players and we anticipate that we will secure some big projects as a result of those meetings and gaining pre-qualification status.

We are also working on an extremely innovative study relating to a new methodology around improving the accuracy of Fitness For Service (FFS) assessments and Remaining Life Assessments (RLA) of pipelines, piping systems and vessels on behalf of an operator, which will increase the life of their assets. It’s top secret at the moment, but watch this space! n

“We like to aim high and deliver results that really make a difference to our clients.”

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05XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Xodus has delivered Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and Subsea, Umbilical, Riser and Flowlines (SURF) studies for an operator on the Norwegian Continental Shelf which has resulted in a $100 million saving from the client’s budget. The clever thinking applied by the team at Xodus resulted in a multiphase pump being removed from the design, saving significant funds from the budget which had been included to cover the expense of the pump, risk and installation costs.

Mike Allan, Senior Consultant said: “This is a prime example of how the Xodus approach, where we will challenge the information provided to us to come up with the best solution, has delivered a huge direct cost saving for our client. When we made that call, the client was extremely happy.”

Our specialists in flow assurance and dynamic simulation worked closely with the client’s project team. The concept

had been inherited from another operator, which meant not every historic detail was understood.

The pump package lead was keen to progress the subsea multiphase pump ready for invitation to tender. Our flow assurance technical authority requested information from the reservoir subsurface departments, which enabled him to carry out further hydraulic modelling.

The results indicated there was enough hydraulic capacity to produce the entire production profile without the pump. The team further verified the data, stripping out conservatisms in the design and focusing on the way the system was going to be operated and recommended the pump was removed from the final design.

The studies are now complete and the project has been submitted for sanction n

FEED study delivers staggering $100 million cost saving

Xodus Environmental Consultant Lisa Walls has been working on the Solan field project in the West of Shetland, having been seconded into Premier Oil as a part-time environmental advisor.

Premier is developing the Solan field via two production wells and two water injection wells which will be used to maintain reservoir pressure from the start of production.

Lisa said: “The challenges have been the weather which has delayed the project and the environmental permitting and assurance that needs to be in place for what will eventually become a zero discharge, normally unmanned installation with a large tank on the seabed. However, despite these challenges, Premier hopes to start producing in the second half of this year.” n

Environmental assurance Solan nears completion

Solan jacket ready for load out, Burntisland, UK.

“…a prime example of how the Xodus approach… has delivered a huge direct cost saving for our client.”

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06XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

We are proud to announce that we are now one of a limited number of businesses worldwide to be recognised by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) in the field of condition monitoring. BINDT is a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and accredited independent certifying body, complying with the criteria of European standard ISO / IEC 17024.

The approval is widely accepted as testimony to the quality of the overall system of training and its conformity with relevant international standards such as ISO 18436 and ISO 9001. We now have authorised training centres in the UK and Middle East and have also been approved as a BINDT examination centre.

The training modules address the process of how to use early identification of component deterioration or malfunction and implement wear trending through operating parameter measurement to minimise unscheduled plant shutdowns and associated costs. Such certification is extremely important across a range of industries, including the oil and gas sector, as

it has become a requirement for many employers to ensure that the vibration analyst has the proven necessary skills to perform the often demanding task of vibration analysis.

As the machinery vibration training co-ordinator and course developer, Dr. Irvin Redmond sees clear benefits for participants. “Having BINDT accreditation gives trainees great confidence in the quality of the trainers and the courses. These courses really help advance knowledge,

particularly to enhance troubleshooting capabilities. They can open new doors to further careers since an understanding of vibration analysis is now critical across a wide variety of industries where cost efficiencies and safe operating procedures are paramount.”

Plans are already underway to introduce additional higher-level courses and to extend the number of Xodus training centres worldwide n

Vibration condition monitoring training endorsed by BINDT

Dr. Irvin Redmond demonstrates Xodus Group’s machine vibration simulator rotor rig.

“Having BINDT accreditation gives trainees great confidence in the quality of the trainers and the courses.”

BINDT Category I training course

BINDT Category II training course

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07XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Despite the low oil price and associated cuts by most of the major operators, the Xodus Perth office is bucking the global market slowdown and is busy with a number of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) mega projects including Inpex Ichthys and Chevron Gorgon.

“I’d say the biggest and best news is that the Perth office is very busy and profitable,” said Andy Jones, General Manager of Xodus in Australia. “While we’re concentrating very hard on performing a first class job for our existing clients, we’re also keeping on top of business development to keep a healthy outlook.”

The team recently showcased their capabilities at the Australasian Oil and Gas conference (AOG) in Perth. Andy and Lead Flexibles and Risers Engineer, Chris Jones, gave two technical presentations to delegates. Andy’s paper was on the benefits of using HYSYS dynamics as an alternative to

OLGA for the simulation of single and dense phase gas pipeline networks, while Chris’s presentation offered insight into global analysis modelling for offshore installations.

The team has won a significant contract with Origin Energy, an integrated energy company based on the east coast of Australia. It is the first time Xodus will perform specialist simulation work for the coal seam gas industry. This follows a contract win for vibration work with Origin’s Australia Pacific LNG project n

Oz is buzzing!

Our experts share niche knowledge and cost saving solutions

At the Advanced Submarine Power Cable & Interconnection Forum, Berlin, James Hunt, Low Carbon Director, presented a case study on a maintenance strategy approach and effective emergency response procedures at the session on reducing cost through effective cable repair and protection on 12 May. The Low Carbon team is exhibiting at Global Offshore Wind, London, 24 & 25 June, Stand 96 (SDI). Simon Stephenson, Principal Consultant, presented cost-effective approaches to industrial noise control at IChemE’s Hazards 25 event in Edinburgh on 15 May. Xodus had its first outing to the World Gas Conference, Paris 01-05 June on Chiyoda Corporation’s stand G30.

Paul Emmerson, Consultant Engineer, will present his paper on improving boundary conditions for multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) predictions of slug flow induced forces at Multiphase 2015, Cannes, 10 June. Xodus Subsea personnel will discuss geotechnical aspects of North Sea decommissioning during the ocean technology, decommissioning and installation session on 24 June at the International Ocean & Polar Engineering Conference in Hawaii n

Andy Jones (centre) and Chris Jones (right) at AOG in Perth.

Exhibitions and conferences

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08XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Houston team supports US buried pipeline integrityOur specialists are giving peace of mind to operators across the US through an innovative approach to inspection and repair services.

Maintaining the integrity of pipelines as they age is a costly issue, driven by increasing public safety regulations. Our specialists have developed an intelligent application of tools and technology for the process of removing casing pipes while guaranteeing no risk of damage to the carrier pipeline.

Dirk van Oostendorp, Houston Integrity Manager explained: “Construction technologies have evolved and casings that were installed to provide protection to buried pipelines at highway, railway and waterway crossings are now causing major integrity issues. The seals degrade allowing the casing to fill with groundwater, which can then cause corrosion to the pipeline. We have assisted several clients by removing the casings and providing a permanent integrity solution. This delivers long-term cost efficiencies when compared to temporary repairs or potential failure of the pipeline.”

Xodus also provides a fast response remediation service for third-party mechanical damage, which according to the US Department of Transportation is the leading cause of in-service failure for buried pipeline.

Dirk added: “It’s an all too common problem that companies installing new underground facilities

or lighting poles accidentally strike an existing pipeline, despite the fact there are one-call systems in place. Our team responds quickly to assess the damage using conventional and 3D laser scanning, make repair recommendations and ultimately manages the repair process swiftly.” n

“Our team responds quickly to assess the damage, make repair recommendations and ultimately manages the repair process swiftly.”

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09XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Assessing corrosion and erosion in pipelinesProviding clients with a greater degree of accuracy.

Dr. Mark Hutchinson, Xodus Group’s Head of Advanced Engineering, has devised an innovative technique for assessing corrosion and erosion in pipelines which can provide clients with a much greater degree of accuracy.

The current level 3 Fitness For Service (FFS) assessment is an analytical method where a section of the pipe and the metal losses are modelled and the stresses and strains obtained for the operating and test loads. To date these models have, even where accurate survey data has been available, simplified the corrosion, erosion, dents or gouges, to basic geometric forms, which tend to give approximate and pessimistic results. This typically leads to pipelines with sufficient ongoing structural integrity to be replaced.

Mark said: “The Xodus technique does not deviate from this methodology, but instead provides a higher level of detail into the geometric representation used in the computational models so that extracted stresses are more accurate. Therefore, when the stresses are assessed against the standards, there are usually lower utilisations and extended operating lives.

“We expect this can deliver lower consultancy costs than traditional methods and will offer the ability to move from low level assessments through to FFS level 3 seamlessly. Ultimately, this method can deliver higher levels of confidence and nearly always lower utilisations and life extensions.” n

“This method can deliver higher levels of confidence and nearly always lower utilisations and life extensions.”

The standard technique.

The Xodus technique.

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10XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Block C-10 Oil field Gas field

Nouakchott

MauritaniaAtlantic Ocean

Banda

Xodus delivers integrated FEED and project management services for Banda Gas ProjectOver the last three years Xodus has delivered a significant contract supporting Tullow in Mauritania in the development of the Banda Gas Project.

“The Banda Project was a significant step forward… for Xodus.”

Our involvement in the project began in 2012 with the development of a fully integrated Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study. The scope considered the project from the wellhead and subsea production system through an 80 km underwater pipeline to the onshore gas plant. From that early involvement, our team went on to support Tullow through the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) bidding phase, ultimately providing project management and owner’s engineer services for the early-execute phase.

The Banda gas field is located approximately 70 km offshore of Nouakchott and is owned by a consortium of investors. It consists of two subsea wells tied back to an onshore gas processing plant via a subsea production manifold and a 10-inch subsea pipeline. It is estimated to hold around one trillion cubic feet of gas.

The project is an essential part of harnessing these reserves as part of the wider Banda Gas-to-Power Project which

aims to generate an extra 300 MW of electrical power to help Mauritania, and its neighbours Mali and Senegal, address their growing energy and economic development needs.

Dave Higgs, Project Manager at Xodus Group, who led the services in the early part of the project said: “The Banda Project was a significant step forward in the provision of owner’s engineer services for Xodus. It showed how we could deliver integrated services and add value in an efficient and cost-effective way.

“The project stalled before Xodus could demonstrate its full range of services in managing detailed design, procurement, inspection, installation and commissioning activities. We are ready to step in when, hopefully, this project is restarted by new investors.”

The project is included in the proposed World Bank Group Country Partnership Strategy for Mauritania and has the potential to transform the local economy n

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11XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Getting it right with offshore surveysThe Xodus philosophy for offshore surveys aims to deliver more customer value by challenging the mind-set of ‘but we’ve always done it this way’.

Efficiency is enhanced by the way information is processed before and after a survey. Videogrammetry and point cloud technology integrated with 3D modelling allows us to pre-determine concepts to a much more accurate level than before.

Neil MacDonald, Projects Business Unit Manager explained: “Offshore surveys have always been critical to validate current concepts and design, and of course have provided contractors with a substantial revenue stream. But with technological advances comes the ability to consider whether surveys are actually required and we believe those that are needed can be delivered through a more efficient approach.”

Xodus follows a simple one person per discipline / one survey approach whilst many others still adopt the conventional one engineer plus one designer system.

Neil added: “We aim to get it ‘right first time’ which all but eliminates

the potential for repeat surveys. Our differentiator is the manner in which we use the available information pre and post survey. We add value by planning surveys at the optimum time in the work process. By going out too early you risk that follow-up surveys are inevitable but if you go too late, you risk impacting on the project schedule.”

The one person / one survey approach works as a result of using top quality, experienced personnel for the task who can work out and validate a concept. While offshore, they will discuss in detail the requirements with offshore operations personnel and consider the overall constructability and operability.

This means they return onshore with a solution and enough information to account for validating a range of potential options. This provides clients with the most efficient, high quality yet cost-effective service. While this may reduce the revenue stream slightly,

Xodus benefits from the enhanced reputation and repeat business.

Xodus recently completed a compressor upgrade project for an offshore brownfield development in the Black Sea. Using point cloud software, the project team was able to model the platform and build modifications onshore with the assurance the concept was clash free and constructible. Videogrammetry integrating 3D modelling added value to conceptual design and multiple options could be quickly discounted before consuming resources in advance of undertaking surveys.

Neil explained: “We delivered the project within a challenging timescale and delivered cost savings to the client as a result of the detail we developed in the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study which made their validation and approval to continue to detailed design much simpler.” n

“We add value by planning surveys at the optimum time in the work process.”

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12XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Subsea Asset HealthcareXodus Subsea is combining real world operational knowledge with industry-leading engineering capability to provide value-adding lifecycle operations support.

Xodus has, since day one, supported clients with effective, creative problem-solving in the operational phase of the subsea asset lifecycle – in some ways it has been as integral to what we do as the conceptual engineering and Front End Engineering Design (FEED) work that we are so well regarded for.

In the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), subsea operational integrity is high up the agenda, and operational expenditure under scrutiny like never before. By listening to the concerns of key clients, it has become evident that what is needed in this new era is a focused, responsive, efficient, cross-discipline problem-solving model which can be easily called upon by those responsible for the operational integrity of subsea facilities. The Subsea Asset Healthcare service we offer meets that need.

Glen Littlejohn, Xodus Subsea Senior Consultant said: “The more we listened, the clearer it became; what is needed is a service that connects operators own in-house integrity and operations functions to the very best in engineering and risk management. Key to this connection is the Focal Point: our ability to provide operationally-aware personnel, capable of quickly and efficiently adapting and learning any given clients’ systems and assets, with the aim to be visible and efficient.”

Subsea Asset Healthcare can bring experts in flowlines and risers, flexibles, Subsea, Umbilical, Riser and Flowlines (SURF) service and intervention, flow assurance, control systems and umbilicals, pigging and inspection, corrosion and materials, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and advanced modelling, geotechnical engineering, as well as reliability engineering and risk management.

Glen added: “We have every discipline needed to support effective and efficient subsea facilities operations in-house, and we are not tied to any product or manufacturer. This is truly unique in the modern era of our industry, and it means we can remain independent, integrated, and free from the efficiency issues which can plague some inter-company collaboration.” n

Client / Company

Pip

elin

e Te

chnic

al Authority • Subsea Operations

Asset Operations HubSubsea Assets

• Subject Matter Experts • In

tegr

ity •

Onshore Engineering Suppor

t

Xodus Subsea • Xodus G

roup

Xodus Subsea

Focal Point

Subsea Asset Healthcare

“Key to this connection is the Focal Point: our ability to provide operationally-aware personnel…”

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Maersk Oil UK has called upon Xodus to support vibration monitoring on its GP3 asset in the Central North Sea following a number of issues with the high pressure gas compressors and the associated pipework.

In order to improve the management of all vibration related problems, the Vibration Engineering team has recently introduced a web-based vibration anomaly register, named VIBEX, for the operator which will support the asset integrity of the late life platform.

Gernot Wally, Principal Engineer, explained: “Reciprocating compressors can, if not managed properly, create a high level of vibration which will subsequently cause integrity problems with compressor parts and associated process equipment such as pipework, support systems, valves and small bore tubing. In order to ensure

that the risk for vibration induced fatigue failures is as low as reasonably practicable, we carry out regular visits to each asset and if required we will perform appropriate measurements or analyses such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), so we can quantify the risk and determine suitable action.

“We take an innovative approach to minimise vibration issues to help avoid unplanned production losses and we are very pleased that we played an active part in helping Maersk to achieve its production target for GP3 in 2014.” n

Managing vibration for Maersk

Caroline Laurenson, Consultant Engineer, explains how Xodus helps clients to manage the regulatory minefield as well as taking the stress out of concept selection, strategy planning and permitting; ultimately reducing risk as an asset transitions from operational to retirement phases n

Read the full story Decommissioning services

ISO 14001 transition course

ISO 14001, the standard that governs environmental management systems, is being given a radical overhaul later this year. In order to prepare companies for the transition, we are providing a tailored training course to give participants a full understanding of the revisions and their implications n

View course details

Demystifying decommissioning

Operating deflection shape model of the compressor cylinder. Red shows stressed area as a result of high levels of vibration.

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Sergio’s legacy lives on in university scholarshipIn tribute to Sergio Ottochian, the former General Manager of The Hague office, we have set up scholarship funds for two students at Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.

Sergio, his wife Esther, son Julian and step-daughter Elsemiek de Borst, were amongst the 298 passengers and crew who tragically perished when Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH17 crashed in Ukraine in July last year. His ingenuity and generosity will never be forgotten and will be honoured at his former university.

Sergio graduated from Delft University in 1987 with an MSc in Aeronautical Engineering. The ‘Xodus – Sergio Ottochian Scholarship for Reservoir Simulation’, will help two MSc students through the completion of their thesis in this technically demanding field. Xodus will be involved in selecting the students and will provide support for their studies.

Sergio spent half his life working in the oil and gas industry and was dedicated to delivering incredible work in the field of reservoir engineering in which he excelled and inspired others.

His professional progression from reservoir engineer through to senior engineering and consulting roles saw him involved in, and leading, ground-breaking field development projects in the UK, Brunei, Nigeria, and The Netherlands.

He spent 17 years with Shell before moving to SGS-Horizon and then joining Xodus Group in September 2011 as a Principal Petroleum Consultant. In October 2013, he became General Manager in The Hague.

Steve Swindell, COO said: “The creation of a scholarship at Sergio’s former university is a small gesture to a man who has left a huge hole in the hearts of his Xodus friends and colleagues. We look forward to meeting and supporting the students who will benefit from his legacy.” n

“We look forward to meeting and supporting the students who will benefit from his legacy.”

Sergio Ottochian, 27 April 1962 – 17 July 2014.

The Sergio Ottochian Scholarship for Reservoir Simulation

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Cross XamineOwen Reynolds,Brand Manager

Owen has over 15 years’ design experience in print and digital media. When not at work he can be found chasing after his three sons who all share his love of sport, or playing ice hockey for Aberdeen Lynx.

How long have you been at Xodus, and what does your job involve?

I’ve been with Xodus for about a year now but my relationship with the company goes back much further than that. I work on marketing and visual communications covering websites, presentations, advertising, brochures, exhibitions and plenty more in between. I’m also responsible for developing and implementing the company’s brand.

What are your highlights of working at Xodus?

There’s a Scotsman and a South African in a pub… no it’s not the start of a bad joke but the first time I met Colin Manson and Steve Swindell. I met with them to pitch logo concepts for a new company they were starting ten years ago. There were two options; one was elegant, sophisticated and understated, the other was bold, brave and strong. I’m glad they went for the latter, the X icon has become symbolic of the company in more ways than one. It’s definitely rewarding when your work goes global, whether it’s a trade show in Australia,

by a sports field in Dubai or even spotting it on an umbrella in London.

What are your ice hockey ambitions?

When I returned to the Scottish National League to play for the Aberdeen Lynx four years ago, the aim was to raise the profile of both the club and the sport. We played in an empty stadium and were lucky to score, let alone win. Now we have a highly competitive team that regularly plays in front of over 1,000 fans at our home games, which isn’t too bad for an amateur sports team! Despite multiple injuries, it’s all been worth it. I’m not getting any younger though so I’ve become more involved with coaching our junior teams to ensure the continued growth and success of the club.

Follow Aberdeen Lynx onfacebook.com/AberdeenLynx

or Twitter@Aberdeen_Lynx

“I’m not sure, I think it might be broken.”

Owen’s response when asked if he could carry on playing after receiving a complex double fracture of the right wrist.

Xodus is known for its work hard / play hard ethos. How does that influence your ice hockey career?

What I’ve discovered is the hardest wins are the most enjoyable, but if you don’t put the effort in, you can’t compete with the best. Our team can party pretty hard, but it’s always more satisfying when you’ve earned it. From a coaching point of view, patience has become key to instilling a work hard / play hard ethos. The kids I coach all know if they work hard they can have a bit of fun too, but you can’t take their effort for granted. It takes positive encouragement to get the most out of them n

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16XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Xodus renews backing for Hannah

Xodus Group will continue to support Commonwealth champion swimmer Hannah Miley as she targets further success at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.Xodus has sponsored Hannah since 2009 and during that time she has won medals at Commonwealth, European and World level. Hannah smashed her own Commonwealth Games record last year in Glasgow to win gold in the 400m individual medley and also picked up bronze in the 200m event.

This year, Hannah’s key focus is qualifying for the FINA World Championships which take place in Russia during the summer.Hannah said: “I’m delighted to have renewed my sponsorship with Xodus. The company has been an integral part of my support team since 2009 and it’s fantastic to know this will continue. I’m really looking forward to working with the team and developing the partnership further.” n

Curling After a hugely successful ‘learn to curl’ day with Team Muirhead in Aberdeen last year, Xodus supported the side’s European Championship campaign. Scotland skip, Eve Muirhead said: “We had already won a grand slam title in 2014 before adding bronze at the European Championships. Thank you Xodus for the support in getting us there.”

Squash The Xodus Grampian Squash League hosted its annual awards night at the Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club in March. Trophies were presented to the player of the year, junior player of the year and most improved player as well as the winning teams in the regional leagues.

Hockey Granite City Wanderers’ first teams are being given a helping hand by Xodus in the form of new kits and a proportion of running costs. Xodus’ Scotland HR Manager, Lynsey Robertson, plays for the women’s first team n

Supporting sport

Scotland skip Eve Muirhead.

Granite City Wanderers Hockey Club

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17XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

Europe

AberdeenT +44 1224 628300

LondonT +44 207 246 2990

The HagueT +31 70 20 40 410

OsloT +47 216 11750

GlasgowT +44 141 299 0000

EdinburghT +44 131 510 1010

OrkneyT +44 1856 851451

SouthamptonT +44 207 246 2990

AngleseyT +44 1407 860358

X-Directory

Americas

HoustonT +1 832 775 1620

Middle East and Africa

Abu DhabiT +971 2 632 5225 DubaiT +971 4 427 6100

Fano (Xodus Subsea)T +44 207 246 2990 Qatarc/o Chiyoda CorporationT +974 4462 2875 / 6

LagosT +234 1 462 3901 / 6

Asia Pacific

Perth, W.A.T +61 8 6555 5600

Yokohamac/o Chiyoda CorporationT +81 45 225 4674

Xodus offers engineering support and advisory services for energy companies worldwide

EnvironmentIntegrityProcess & FacilitiesProduction AssuranceSubsea EngineeringSubsurfaceTechnical Safety & RiskVibration EngineeringWells

Email us [email protected]

17XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

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18XTRA . No 16 . June 2015

ContributorsAmru Alabidi, Mike Allan, Seamus Byrne, Andy Jones, Sandy Hutchison, Mark Hutchinson, Caroline Laurenson, Glen Littlejohn, Neil MacDonald, Frank Masson, Dirk van Oostendorp, Red Sky Management, Irvin Redmond, Owen Reynolds, Dave Higgs, Luca Sintini, Andrea Taylor, Dale Thomson, Peter Tipler, Wim van der Zande, Lisa Walls, Gernot Wally. PhotographyKenneth Malcolm Photography, Øyvind Hagen / Statoil, Rawformat Photography, Taylor Photography.

Design and editingXodus Group Marketing & Communications team

Contributing editorsThe BIG Partnership, Aberdeen

Please send your comments and contributions [email protected]

Current and archived issues of XTRA are available atwww.xodusgroup.com/press/xtra-magazine

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© 2015 Xodus Group. All rights reserved.This document cannot be reproduced in full or in part without prior permission. 10639

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