Connections_Issue_4

Issue 04

Connections HSE mindset Delivering results Customer drive Open & direct dialogue Hands-on management People & teams

“ Industry first for Aker Solutions�

Delivering results

Industry first for Aker Solutions!

An engineering solution developed by Offshore Partner has seen an innovative new time-saving approach to flare boom modification carried out in the North Sea for the first time.

The solution, which has the

The traditional method of installation

Aker Solutions.

potential to bring significant cost and

would require scaffolding and many

safety benefits to the industry, was

manhours to complete. We devised

partnership between Aker Solutions

successfully trialled during work to

a brand new method, whereby the

and Fairfield Energy and forms part

install the new flare line on Fairfield’s

entire structure could be slotted into

of the ongoing fuel gas import project

Dunlin Alpha platform, in the East

place without scaffolding, by using

to create a fully independent power

Shetland basin.

a helicopter to lower the sections in

supply for Dunlin.

Initially, discussions were started

from overhead. These were slotted

The work was part of a continuing

Onshore, at PSV in Portlethen, we

with Fairfield to replace the flare

into place using a unique hook-and-

were able to build a replica section

tip on the platform. It transpired

pin clamping method.

of the flare boom on the platform

however, that the access stairway

This saw a project which would

and conduct a trial fit by crane here,

to the flare tip and the platform area

have taken a considerable amount

prior to the installation commencing

beneath it were also in need of

of time to complete using traditional

offshore.

upgrading. Hence, in collaboration

methods significantly reduced,

with both Fairfield and Vertech

minimising down-time for the

Norwegian offshore service company,

Offshore AS we devised a new

operator and manhours required for

Vertech Offshore AS, who specialise

method of installing the new access

construction and installation.

in oilfield flare tip replacement by

stairway, platform and flare line onto the existing flare boom structure.

02 The Offshore Partner Issue 04 August 2011

The clamp system devised during this process is now being patented by

We worked in partnership with

helicopter. In total, seven stair sections, three platform section

Delivering results

and two flare tips were successfully

very long and labour intensive task,

has evolved, and so must technology

installed within a week.

not to mention the risks involved

to meet its changing needs and this

One of the major benefits of

working offshore at height. This

new approach has the potential to

this method, besides its speed, is

innovative approach addresses

be a global industry requirement.

the reduced manpower required

industry needs to reduce costs and

Industry bodies and the UK

resulting in less overboard working

improve efficiency, whilst maximising

government too, have a fundamental

for prolonged periods of time and

the safety of offshore workers. Aker

role to play in driving the increase in

a reduced safety risk. Outwith the

Solutions is committed to developing

industry uptake of new technology. �

helicopter crew, just four mechanics

pioneering techniques contributing

and one supervisor were required to

significantly to the industry’s ultimate

concerned and is a great example

complete the work, also generating

goal: to increase productivity,

of at least three of our core values

significant cost-savings for our client.

minimise costs and reduce risk.

here at Aker Solutions; delivering

Mike Forbes, MD of Offshore

We need to look at every

This was a fantastic effort by all

results, customer drive and people

Partner Ltd, said: “For decades, flare

opportunity to increase and enhance

boom modifications have been a

production. The oil and gas industry

and teams.

Trial fit at PSV yard

August 2011 Issue 04

The Offshore Partner 03

People and teams

MMO Aberdeen Management Team new organisation

MMO in Aberdeen now operates under a new management structure - developed to meet the demands of our business strategy and growth.

Under the leadership of our MD

project management and PEM

Arnie Reid has been appointed to

implementation.

the new position of vice president,

Dale Harris is our VP heading up the Nexen projects (E&C, BMP and Rochelle) as well as Total GSOC.

Mike Forbes, the following are the

Don Harrold is VP for the teams

key changes implemented:

working on Marathon Devenick,

We have introduced a model

Chrysaor and Maersk. Don is

of collective project account

also responsible for our Stockton

management, under three vice

colleagues and our concepts and

presidents, projects. These roles

technology function – which sees Ellis

are responsible for the delivery

Renforth in position as its manager.

of safe and economically sound

Steiner Haugen has recently joined

business to a cluster of customers.

Each of these vice presidents is functionally responsible for the areas of engineering management, construction management,

04 The Offshore Partner Issue 04 August 2011

us from Norway and will be our VP responsible for Fairfield, Perenco, PSV and Talisman (Auk South and E&C). We welcome Steiner to our team in Aberdeen!

HSEQ and Compliance. The role encompasses HSEQ, IS, Planning and document control functions.

Ruth Tulloch continues to lead project resources as our Vice president, human resources.

Jonathan White continues in his role as vice president business development, with responsibility for communications and customer relations.

Simon Walker continues as Vice president, finance and legal and takes responsibility for the function of supply chain management.

HSE Mindset

Double win for Aker Solutions at Total safety awards We scooped two awards at the TOTAL E&P UK LTD SHE awards which were held in February at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen.

The annual awards which were

daily activities. When inspection of

testament to our focus on an HSE

created by our client Total in 2005,

the sewage tank was undertaken

mindset at Aker Solutions.

recognise and celebrate outstanding

earlier this year, he went out of his

achievements by all personnel working

way to source information from

a real pleasure not only to present

on Total sites, employed either by

sewerage authorities onshore. This

one of the Total awards, but I was

Total or by its contractors, in the areas

contributed to ensuring that the work

also very proud to have three of our

of safety, health and environment.

was carried out safely and was also

very own personnel nominated for an

reassuring to the workforce. Scott

award. Our industry is a safer place

the finals of these prestigious awards

has already won several monthly

when we have role models like this

in the “Improving Safety” category.

platform gold safety awards this year

working on our on and offshore sites.”

This is one of several categories in

and is a regular nominee.

Three of our employees reached

the awards that reflect Total’s belief in five essential elements that combine to make up SHE excellence, namely competence, supervision, SHE culture, risk assessment and asset integrity.

which has led not only to helping

operator (St. Fergus)

improve safety, health and environment

Graham was recognised for his

across Total E&P UK LTD, but also in

efforts in proposing an innovative

enhancing Aker Solutions’ reputation in

solution to venting at St. Fergus.

Graham suggested a process that

technician (Elgin Franklin & CSU)

involved recovering vented gas

Kevin was recognised for his

Thanks to all three nominees for their excellent work and dedication

Graham Downie, production

Kevin Brock, lead electrical

the industry. Well done to all of you.

inventory from the high pressure

dedication and willingness to “go the

sales gas metering tubes for use as

extra mile” in his role as fire team

fuel gas, instead of venting directly to

leader. He is an excellent example to

atmosphere. He has also identified a

the other fire team members whose

situation on site where safety could be

skills he continually strives to improve

improved, for the benefit of all his shift

with varied and worthwhile training,

colleagues. Rather than just accept the

whilst proactively giving input to the platform drill scenarios. Kevin takes his role very seriously and always ensures his team carries out its duties at muster

Mike Forbes commented: “It was

situation, he worked hard on a proposal to quantify risk, offering a solution to St

Kevin receiving his award from Allan Curran of Wood Group

Fergus management. This suggestion has now been adopted and is subject to

drills as efficiently as possible.

an ongoing modification. His idea has

Scott Thomson, production

financial benefits.

led to clear safety, environmental and

operator (Elgin Franklin & CSU)

At the awards ceremony, both

Scott reached the finals by

Graham and Kevin were named as

demonstrating a level of safety

winners in the “Improving Safety”

commitment that few people can

category for St. Fergus and Elgin

match, apparent in all aspects of his

Franklin CSU respectively, a great

Graham receiving his award from Dave Workman of RBG Photos by kind permission of TOTAL

August 2011 Issue 04

The Offshore Partner 05

Open & direct dialogue

Aberdeen is vital to the success of Aker Solutions In February, Kjell Inge Rokke - Aker Solutions’ main shareholder and director, Oyvind Eriksen, our executive chairman and various other executive vice presidents, visited Aberdeen. They met with the managing directors from each business unit and their teams to gain a greater insight into what happens here.

The management teams (from Aker MH (UK) Ltd, Aker Offshore Partner Ltd, Aker Process Systems Ltd and

building on the foundations we already

– they understand that Aberdeen

have.

is hugely important, summed up by

•

Overall, our industry is expected to

Aker Subsea Ltd) gave presentations

more than double over the next ten

to our visitors who also took a tour of

years, with an annual growth rate of

our manufacturing facilities. They then

approximately 7-9% per year, meaning

visited Aker Qserv in Portlethen the

there are some very interesting market

following day and rounded off their visit

opportunities ahead for Aker Solutions.

with an extended management Meeting

The strategy of Aker Solutions is to

at the Hilton Treetops. At this meeting,

help our customers with two distinct

Oyvind Eriksen explained the company

challenges:

re-structure followed by a Q&A session.

1. Developing new resources in more

Key messages from the chairman at

and more demanding areas where we

the presentation were:

•

They recognise that Aberdeen is

crucial for growth internationally, by

see deep water and ultra deep water 2 . Increasing recovery from existing fields. The message was very clear

Oyvind Eriksen at the extended management meeting

06 The Offshore Partner Issue 04 August 2011

Aberdeen office Dyce

Oyvind’s quote:

“Aberdeen is the single biggest hub outside of Norway with approximately 2500 Aker Solutions employees and is crucial for our growth internationally. We are here to develop and invest in each of the businesses and build on the foundations we already have.”

Delivering results

Note of thanks from Fairfield

We recently received a great note of thanks from our client Fairfield Energy. This arrived after we carried out some urgent work for them as detailed below, in which PSV played a crucial role.

Ian Sharp, chief operating officer at Fairfield said: “Whilst it can be risky singling out individuals for a note of thanks (and I’m very aware that you each represent a team of people and so I’d ask that you pass this note on to them) I’d like to thank you both individually and collectively for helping get DA25 on line last week.

“Whether it was identifying the opportunity in the first place, planning the intervention, modifying the plans to accommodate the inevitable changes, getting equipment fabricated or of course, coordinating offshore activities, all of your efforts came together with the safe and successful start up of the well. This is a very important year for Dunlin and our being able to demonstrate that we

understand the reservoir and its value and that we can then execute our plans to realise this value is a credit to you all.”

It’s always great to hear from a happy client, especially when they recognise our team work. It also shows true alignment to one of the our core values “People and teams – all our major achievements are team efforts” which has certainly been the case here!

August 2011 Issue 04

The Offshore Partner 07

Delivering results

Busy times at Offshore Partner with Nexen!

As reported recently on enet, our work with Nexen has been very

modifications and projects.

On the E&C contract, David Walsh

integrity proposals: Scott and Buzzard integrity support for 2011, review of

busy and productive of late.

now joins us as project manager

PWRI module loading on Buzzard

An excellent LTI result was recorded

on the E&C contract. David has a

P platform and modular drilling unit

on the Scott platform at the end of

wealth of experience in brownfield

project. All the studies and structural

April. They recorded six years LTI

modifications project management and

integrity work will be carried out by our

free - a fantastic achievement by the

like David Thomas, will report to Dale

C&T group.

construction team based offshore

Harris, VP for our Nexen business.

carrying out platform modifications,

David Manson, who held the E&C

The Rochelle project has now received full sanction and detailed

especially as the squad was increased

project Manager post previously,

engineering/design, procurement

to over 20 earlier this year to deliver

has moved onto a new challenge as

and pre-shutdown activities are

abseiling work on the Nexen fire and

modifications manager on our Fairfield

progressing.

gas project.

contract reporting to Jim Thompson.

In the office, David Thomas has

Meanwhile, several study proposals

Last, but by no means least (!) congratulations to Alison Grant,

joined us as Buzzard major projects

have been submitted to Nexen as

project secretary at Freedom House

manager and is based at Freedom

follows: water injection pipework re-

who has been with us for ten years!

House. Prior to joining us, David

rating, water injection recycle system

Alison is highly thought of with a great

worked with WGE where he held

review and oil recycle pump review.

sense of humour. We thank Alison for

the position of contract manager for

As well as these study proposals, we

her support and loyalty over the past

Talisman, responsible for engineering,

have also issued several structural

ten years.

Alison receives her 10yrs service award from Dale Harris

8 The Offshore Partner Issue 04 August 2011

Scott platform

HSE Mindset

OGUK Aviation seminar For offshore personnel, the helicopter plays a vital role in getting to work.

The aviation industry strives to make helicopter travel as safe as possible, but historically a lot of those efforts have been unseen.

To improve communications an aviation seminar, organised by Oil &

strikes.

the standard of first response, roles

Bill Munro, MD of Bond

of helicopter operators, operational

Gas UK, was held in Aberdeen in June

Helicopters, spoke on behalf of the

limits on helicopter transport, capacity

with representatives from Offshore

Step Change in Safety Helicopter

of the helicopter fleet, standards for

Partner in attendance. Speakers

Safety Steering Group. He spoke

safety training, personal protective

from manufacturers Sikorsky and

about the improvements in the

equipment and clothing, worker and

AgustaWestland discussed what they

ability to locate helicopters from

pilot participation in safety initiatives,

are doing to overcome the key causes

their departure point to destination

level of regulator oversight and

of incidents which include:

plus various other projects, such as

sufficiency of safety audits.

• Underestimation of risk • Overestimation of skill • Improper decision making • Human factors

Efforts are ongoing to reduce pilot

improvements to helideck lighting and the offshore weather station network.

The meeting also heard from

It was refreshing to see that so much is happening both in the UK and internationally, at all levels and

chairman and CEO of the Canada-

throughout the chain of responsibility,

Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore

to improve the already high standards

workload through the development

Petroleum Board, about the ongoing

of helicopter safety.

of fly-by-wire and automated rig

inquiry that was established following

approach systems, whilst aircraft

the tragic helicopter crash offshore

presentations may be found on

improvements include improved

in March, 2009. Amongst the terms

the OGUK website: http://www.

performance in respect of lightning

of reference, the inquiry considered

oilandgasuk.co.uk/events/archive.cfm

If you wish to learn more, the

August 2011 Issue 04

The Offshore Partner 9

Customer drive

Additional work leads to lease of Admiral Court Our contract with Talisman

working on the Auk project are now

our clients better in the continuing

and an increasing workload has

based at Admiral Court, along with

challenging business environment.”

seen Offshore Partner take on an

our client.

additional 20,000 sq ft of office

Mike Forbes said: “Increasing

workload with Nexen has resulted in

space in the city at Admiral Court,

our office capacity within the city not

many more of our Nexen colleague

not far from Freedom House.

only reaffirms our commitment to

joining us in the offices there – and

the UK but will enable us to support

we welcome them onboard!

The main project team who are

People and teams

Meanwhile, at Freedom House our

Personnel referral programme Remember – we reward you

personnel is £500 - so it’s double that

for recommending others to work

amount on offer right now. Don’t miss

here.

out - you could also earn by introducing

Your personnel referral programme is open to all personnel to refer

friends and colleagues to the Aker Solutions organisation!

anyone who might be a good fit for

See enet for further information on

Aker Solutions. So far this year, we’ve

the procedure and the referral form that

provided more than £25,000 in saying

you need to complete and return to HR

“thank-you.”

with your nomination.

We recognise the value of your recommendations, therefore during August, Offshore Partner Ltd and

Current vacancies include;

• Construction – senior engineers • Contracts and cost –

Process Systems Ltd are increasing the

administrators, as well as lead,

level of payment to £1,000 for both staff

Senior administrators

and contract recommendations which are made between now and the end of the month.* The normal referral fee for contract

10 The Offshore Partner Issue 04 August 2011

• Document controllers • Electrical – senior designers • Electrical – lead engineers • Engineering manager

• Instrument – designers, senior

designers

• Instrument – senior engineers • Telecoms – engineer • Mechanical – lead engineer • Piping – senior, lead designers • Piping – senior engineers • Planning – senior planners • Process – senior engineer,

engineer

• Project management – senior PEs • Safety – senior, lead engineers • Structural – senior designers • Structural – all levels of engineers,

including principal and lead

Customer drive

Oil & Gas Outlook 2011 Offshore Partner was a sponsor

extend the life of North Sea fields, how

The panel discussed issues

of the above event, which took

to prepare for decommissioning and

such as how to gain maximum use

place at the Marcliffe Hotel in

many other topics.

from existing infrastructure, when

Aberdeen in March.

The main purpose of this two-

Steve Shrive was part of the panel in the session “Maximising

to upgrade aging infrastructure and HSE matters.

day conference for oil companies,

the life-span of aging North Sea

financiers and advisors was to get

infrastructure,” where he was able to

had a large display stand at the venue

together and share their thoughts and

share his own experiences of Aker

which gave us great prominence at the

experience in order to gain an insight

Solutions’ decommissioning projects

event. The two day conference was

into future challenges in the North Sea.

and of course highlight our expertise

well attended with some good contacts

They also shared thoughts on how to

to the audience.

made.

As part of our sponsorship we also

August 2011 Issue 04

The Offshore Partner 11

People and teams

Clare goes back to school!

Offshore Partner’s Clare Davidson is one of a team of young ambassadors for the oil and gas industry supported by OPITO (the Oil & Gas Academy) in their “It’s Your Future!” project.

Clare went back to her old school

used to challenge assumptions and

it has inspired many of them to now

in her role as an ambassador for

get them to think more clearly about

consider looking into this industry for

this project, which sees young

any preconceived ideas they may

their future careers.

professionals working in oil and gas

have about the industry. The pupils

visit schools to promote our Industry

also had to make a tower out of paper

was also a positive one. As well as

as an exciting and dynamic place to

to help bring out their creativity and

building her own presentation and

work, inspiring our next generation of

work on various other projects to

communication skills, she enjoyed

oil and gas recruits.

experience problem solving, team

seeing the pupils so engaged in the

work and leadership skills.

activities and got good feedback from

The school in question was

For Clare – the whole experience

Westhill Academy - where Clare

Entry routes into the industry and

and another young ambassador

the types of roles that could be open

extremely encouraging for Clare to

for OPITO took a fourth year PSE

to the pupils were also discussed, e.g.

witness at the start of the session,

(personal and social education) class.

engineering, catering, accounts, HR,

by a show of hands, that none of

They each explained how they got

onshore and offshore possibilities to

the pupils had even thought about a

into the industry, what they do in their

name just a few.

career in the industry. However, by

jobs and spoke about their aims and ambitions for the future.

They then went on to lead a

Clare reports that the pupils

the end the pupils would consider

enjoyed themselves and found

it which made the day even more

the presentations very good and

worthwhile!

series of activities with the pupils,

informative and that they enjoyed the

including a jigsaw puzzle which was

activities. Most importantly however,

12 The Offshore Partner Issue 04 August 2011

them on her presentation. It was also

December 2010 Issue 03

The Offshore Partner 07

People and teams

Nutcracker Awards Some recipients of our

to step in at short notice and provide

implementing the use of interactive

Nutcracker awards of late are

effort over and above normal

images into our proposal documents,

Ewan Carr, Mark Knowles, Wayne

expectations by assisting in the

significantly enhancing the look and

Longden, Dave Robinson and

development of a “fit for purpose”

feel of our tenders and enhancing our

Stuart Yates.

solution for a critical flowline for

professional image in the marketplace.

Fairfiled Energy Ltd. Working to

Having quickly identified the

persistence and team spirit and a

extremely tight deadlines their

advantages of using this application,

willingness and effort over and above

contribution pre-fabrication, minimised

Stuart worked closely with the

normal expectations, to pro-actively

impact on delivery. The flowline was

engineering population to develop

assist with the Nexen Buzzard

identified as a high priority piece of

this idea, which enables engineering

offshore construction transition

work for Fairfield and both Dave and

projects to export 3D images from

Team certification close-out. Taking

Wayne’s pro-active team spirit was

PDMS models into PDF documents

a very proactive approach, he

crucial in delivery, leading to their

for use with vendors who do not have

assisted offshore colleagues with the

nomination for the award.

access to packages such as PDMS.

Ewan demonstrated inventiveness,

paperwork and procedures required

Mark was recognised for preparing

Remember, if you have a colleague

for the close-out process. The offshore

a new basis of design (BOD) for our

you would like to nominate for a

construction supervisor reported that in

client, Nexen, which was timely and

Nutcracker award then please refer

addition to Ewan carrying out his usual

detailed and required only a few

to enet for futher details on how to

onshore project work, that he also took

minor clarifcations. His contribution

nominate them.

ownership of this close-out process,

was also recognised by the client

demonstrating accountability when

representative David Wiseman

assisting him and many others for the

who stated that “this document has

duration of this task.

enhanced Aker’s reputation”.

Dave and Wayne demonstrated through their behaviour, willingness

Stuart gained his award for

Well done and our sincere thanks to all of you!

Look out for the next edition of “connections” for more 2011 recipients of Nutcracker awards.

identifying, researching and

l to r: Wayne, Mike Forbes, Jim Thompson and Dave

Mark Knowles (on the right) receives his award from Mike Forbes

Stuart Yates (on the left) receives his award from Jonathan White

August 2011 Issue 04

The Offshore Partner 13

Hands on management

Long service awards at Offshore Partner Congratulations to the following

joined as a graduate mechanical

and continued dedication. I was

people who have all received long

engineer and is now our engineering

delighted to present these awards

service awards this year:

and technology manager. Craig

in recognition of the loyalty and

received his award for 15 years

commitment that you have all shown

service.

over the years.”

Iain Burgess - joined us over 20 years ago and is now a principal designer. Iain has now transferred

Mike Forbes said: “Congratulations

“I remember first meeting Iain

over from the Devenick project to

to all of you with these well deserved

when he joined Aker in 1991 when

work on Auk South. Ian received his

awards. I’d like to thank you Iain,

the office was in North Silver Street. I

20 years service award.

Craig and Kevin, on behalf of

cannot believe that was 20 years ago

Aker Solutions for your hard work

– time really does fly!”

Craig McGinness - Craig first

Iain (2nd right) receiving his award with (I to r): Don Harrold, Mike Forbes and Craig McGinness

14 The Offshore Partner Issue 04 August 2011

Craig (on the right) receives his award from Mike Forbes

HSE Mindset

Bucksburn wildlife project gathers pace We had our third site visit on the 21st of May, tidying up the woodland area behind Bucksburn Manor and Lidl.

This is a continuation of the

clear up, we helped with further tidying,

John Muir Awards - environmental

Greenspace project we are working

more bulb planting, fence repairs and

awards that encourage people of all

on in conjunction with Bucksburn

clearing areas in preparation for an

backgrounds to connect, enjoy and

Academy, Aberdeen City Council and

outdoor classroom. We also surfaced

care for wild places.

the local community - tidying up what

and improved the pathway.

was a sadly neglected woodland area in Bucksburn.

We have a growing band of

Work on this project has helped

volunteers for this particular project

considerably towards several of the

from Aker Solutions, the school and the

schoolchildren (and our very own

local community – but more volunteers

bulb planting, general tidying up and

Sarah Edwards for her input and efforts

are always welcome – so please keep

installation of bird boxes. At the latest

to drive this project forward) in gaining

an eye on eNet for future events!

So far we have assisted with

Pupils enjoy their business venture in Dyce Pupils from Bucksburn Academy

Christmas last year when they had a

have been with us twice in the past

variety of Christmas items for sale,

few months in Craigievar, Dyce,

whilst the most recent visit saw them

selling a range of their handmade

sell a variety of cards for Mother’s

cards from a stall.

Day, Easter, congratulations and

The youngsters have been learning how to go about setting up

birthdays.

Both occasions have seen the

and running a small business as part

pupils enjoy the experience whilst

of an Enterprise course. This gives

learning at the same time, so thank

them a valuable insight into how hard

you if you took the time to browse and

it can be to get a new business off the

purchase some items from them. We

ground and make a living.

look forward to supporting them with

Their first visit was just before

similar ventures in the future.

August 2011 Issue 04

The Offshore Partner 15

HSE Mindset

Healthy Working Lives programme. They helped to drive

concerns about drink with an alcohol

Working Lives (HWL) team who

this initiative forward and assist us in

awareness programme and just

recently achieved a bronze award

working towards achieving a healthier

recently, smoking and general fitness/

for their participation in the HWL

workplace for all. The ultimate goal

activity are all topics which have been

scheme. The team were presented

being to provide as much information

highlighted.

with their award recently by Ruth

as possible to keep our workforce

Tulloch, our VP of HR.

healthy and happy.

Congratulations to our Healthy

The team was put in place to

So far the HWL team has organised

help us develop health promotions

our participation in the extremely

for our staff and also to enter the

successful “World’s biggest coffee

Healthy Working Lives Awards

morning,” highlighted issues and

HSE Mindset

HWL team receive their award from Arnie Reid and Ruth Tulloch, l to r Arnie Reid, Ruth Tulloch, Linsay Wares, Alison Grant, Kerry Robertson, Alison Leith and Roisin Hughes.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream charity ball Congratulations to Emma Morrison and Samantha Thomson

Aberdeen.

Emma and Sam want to extend

who organised and staged a lavish

a big thank you to everyone who

charity ball in June for charity.

supported them over the last few

In aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care

months with all the fundraising. The

and Diabetes UK Scotland, the ball

grand total was a massive £8000

had a theme of “Midsummer Night’s

which will be split between the two

Dream’ and took place on Friday 17th

charities. Huge congratulations to

June at the Hilton Treetops hotel in

you both.

16 The Offshore Partner Issue 04 August 2011

Emma on far left and Sam on far right with guests.

People and teams

Aker Solutions puts pupils in the driving seat Our donation was used to

Bucksburn Academy’s head

with Bucksburn Academy and the

purchase aluminum sheets, new

teacher Kas Mohamed said: “The

IMechE Greenpower challenge with

brakes, gears and electrical

success of this partnership is due

a donation of £930, to assist the

components in a bid to improve the

to the positive impact it has on an

pupils with developing their racing

mechanics of the car.

increasing number of our pupils.

We continued our association

cars for this year’s event.

The skills that the pupils develop

Mechanical engineer Craig

The Institution of Mechanical

Seifert has been instrumental in the

are at the heart of Curriculum for

Engineers (IMechE) Greenpower

success of this project. Craig says:

Excellence and will hopefully lead to

event sees young people design,

“It is fantastic to be involved in a

a continuing interest in engineering

build and race their own cars in

project that is not only designed to

as a possible career path.”

a drive to promote an interest in

captivate young people’s interest in

science and engineering.

engineering, but also demonstrates

a contributory factor in him winning

the importance of electric power

a “Future Star” award from the

have been involved with the event,

and how it can be used to improve

Offshore Contractors Association

open to students aged between 9

the energy issues that we all face.

last year. He was recognised for his

This is the fifth year that we

and 25 who are in full or part time education.

Pupils from Bucksburn Academy took part in the Formula 24 category of the event, which required the team to build an endurance ready electric car using a 24 volt electric motor and a set of batteries.

“The teams experience a wide range of challenges during the competition which provides them with a valuable set of skills and encourages creativity and enthusiasm.”

Craig’s work with the school was

willingness and ability to meet new challenges in his work here at Aker Solutions and his work with the local schools.

If you would like to get involved with the Greenpower project, please get in touch with Craig.

August 2011 Issue 04

The Offshore Partner 17

clarity, innovation and drive

Aker Solutions Howe Moss Avenue Kirkhill Industrial Estate Dyce Aberdeen AB21 0GP Tel: 01224 414515 Fax: 01224 414400 Web: www.akersolutions.com