Welcome to this jam-packed edition of International Oil & Gas Engineer, amid a somewhat turbulent time for the sector.
Navigating a complex landscape of fluctuating demand, evolving geopolitics, and technological advancements, the industry is at a crossroads between balancing traditional energy production with the imperative for diversification and adaptation to a rapidly changing global energy landscape.
This issue highlights the many ways companies are embracing these challenges. For instance, our cover story from page 6 looks at the drone-based solutions that are transforming inspection operations, while page 41 explores how AI is delivering real business value to the oil and gas sector. Covered elsewhere are high-tech digital tools (page 21) enhancing infrastructure resilience (page 25), innovative ultrasonic testing (page 35) and novel software offering a smarter way to protect people and assets (page 58). The subsea sector is at the forefront of adopting new technologies, from advanced AUVs (page 62) to revolutionised release and retrieval operations (page 64), and much more.
From page 75, we highlight the vital upcoming industry events promising to facilitate knowledge sharing, upskilling, and networking in order to keep the sector marching forwards. SPE Offshore Europe returns to Aberdeen in September, while Adipec welcomes visitors to Abu Dhabi in November. See you there!
Hayley Everett Editor
Total control
High-tech digital tools servicing the oil & gas sector 25
Resilient seals
Enhancing infrastructure resilience with modular sealing systems
How AI is delivering real business value in the oil and gas sector
Enhancing steam methane reformer reliability with advanced temperature profiling
Addressing the challenges of flare reflections
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Why workwear must catch up with the needs of the workforce, and the planet
Enhancing flame detection
How 3D fire and gas mapping software offers a smarter way to protect people and assets
Safe underwater lifting
An innovative lifting hook optimises submarine load movement by ROV
progress
AUVs are gaining increasing momentum as the oil & gas sector embraces AI
Revolutionising release & retrieval
Improving the safety, efficiency and reliability of subsea operations
Closed-loop cleaning
Why closed-loop hull cleaning must become industry standard 68 Engineered for extremes
The importance of subsea valve solutions for extreme environments
A containerised approach to subsea pumping applications
connections
Mechanical pip connectors for titanium pipelines
Which roles in the oil and gas sector will be most in demand in 2025 and beyond?
75 Unlocking Europe’s potential
What to expect from SPE Offshore Europe 2025
76 The power of energy
Adipec returns to Abu Dhabi in November
Setform’s international magazine for oil and gas engineers is published three times annually and distributed to senior engineers throughout the world. Other titles in the company portfolio focus on Process, Design, Transport, Mining, Energy and Power.
Following an announcement regarding new autonomous capabilities, Louise Davis speaks with a pioneer of the drone-based solutions that are transforming oil and gas inspection operations
The trend for greater autonomy can be observed throughout the broader engineering industry, and the oil and gas sector is no exception. Whether software-based or in hardware such as robots, autonomous advances can be found on all fronts. The use of drones (instead of humans) to conduct oil and gas inspection tasks is a prime example of autonomy, and one that is being embraced by operators across the world. Now, a leading manufacturer of drones is taking this already impressive level of autonomy a step further.
The Elios 3 inspection drone is Flyability’s flagship product
Flyability recently announced a Smart Return-to-Home (RTH) feature for its flagship Elios 3 drone, a development the Swiss company says is the first step in a long-term commitment to growing the drone’s autonomous capabilities. Detailing the new advance, Stefano Zampieri, product manager, says: “The Smart RTH feature enables Elios 3 pilots to instruct the drone to autonomously return to the take-off point using the shortest return path while dynamically avoiding obstacles. During flight, Smart RTH monitors the drone battery level via a new measurements.”
flight management gauge, informing the pilot when it is time to fly back and maximising the available time for inspections. Smart RTH is initiated via our flight app, Cockpit, and the pilot can retake control at any time.”
Zampieri says that, through this tool, Flyability provides drone pilots with greater peace of mind when flying in challenging environments, giving them more time to focus on the inspection at hand. “They can maximise available flight time without worrying about battery management or the return flight and trust the drone to safely bring itself home,” he comments.
Flyability’s drones are widely used to inspect inaccessible or hazardous locations throughout the oil and gas industry. “The Elios 3 inspection drone finds extensive applications in confined spaces such as storage tanks, insulated assets such as stacks, and even catalytic converters,” Zampieri confirms. “What makes this drone so versatile is its integration of multiple capabilities – including high-accuracy mapping, 4K video recording, radiation sensing, radiometric thermal imaging and ultrasonic thickness
What
makes this drone so versatile is its integration of multiple capabilities – including high-accuracy mapping, 4K video recording, radiation sensing, radiometric thermal imaging and ultrasonic thickness measurements
Stefano Zampieri, product manager at Flyability
The operational benefits that drones deliver is what makes them particularly attractive for oil and gas operators
Drones conduct measurements quickly and safely even in challenging conditions
ATEX ADVERSITY
One key challenge for drones being used in the oil and gas industry is that they are frequently required to operate in ATEX environments. Describing this issue, Zampieri explains: “Developing a fully ATEX-certified drone with existing available technology is nearly impossible, and even if technically feasible, would require monumental investment. However, some customers have developed practical approaches for Class 1/Division 2 (or ATEX Zone 2) areas. With appropriate mitigations in place and using the Elios 3’s integrated LEL gas sensor, it is possible to conduct flights safely. The authorisation to perform such inspections ultimately depends on each refinery’s safety department protocols, but we’ve seen customers successfully implement these solutions at multiple facilities.”
The new Smart Return To Home (RTH) feature maximises available flight time
REFINED THINKING
When prompted for a real-world example of how the company’s drones are being used, Zampieri recalls a recent project involving a large refinery in Italy. The inspection challenge here focused on performing ultrasonic thickness measurements in a 22m diameter spherical tank. “Using our drone solution, we successfully completed 350 measurements in just a single day, which fulfilled the entire inspection scope for this particular sphere,” Zampieri reveals. He adds that, “What made this application especially suitable for our technology was that the spherical tank was insulated, making exterior measurements impossible and requiring interior access for accurate data collection. Traditional methods would have required elaborate scaffolding, which is particularly complicated and timeconsuming to install within a spherical tank due to its geometry.”
And on the cost front? “The company saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by avoiding the scaffolding costs alone,” confirms Zampieri. “Additionally, the facility gained at least a week
of operational time by eliminating the extended downtime that would have been necessary for scaffolding installation, inspection and dismantling.”
The operational benefits that drones deliver is what makes them particularly attractive for oil and gas operators, in part due to the sector’s low tolerance for any wasted time. On this, Zampieri comments: “Drones offer exceptional flexibility, as they can be deployed within minutes and transported easily across facilities or between sites. This stands in stark contrast to traditional inspection methods requiring cherry pickers or scaffolding, which involve complex logistics, transportation challenges, and time-consuming setups. This rapid deployment capability translates directly to reduced downtime and faster decision-making.”
He also observes that drones offer considerable operational efficiencies and cost savings. “The financial comparison is straightforward: is it more economical to deploy a drone or construct thousands of Euros’ worth of scaffolding? The answer is evident in most scenarios,” he emphasises.
Zampieri adds that another operational advantage comes from the development of interchangeable payloads for the Elios 3. “This modular approach eliminates the need to maintain and transport 10 different inspection tools. With a single drone platform capable of accommodating various sensors and measurement devices, companies benefit from reduced equipment inventory, simplified training requirements and streamlined inspection processes,” he explains. Finally, it would be remiss not to highlight most obvious benefit of using drones: improved safety. “Drones eliminate the need for work at height and entering confined spaces, two of the highest-risk activities in industrial settings,” Zampieri notes.
“For added safety, Elios 3 is equipped with a lower explosive limit (LEL) gas sensor, providing an additional layer of protection in case operations don’t proceed as planned. From an insurance perspective, there’s a compelling case for mandating robotics for all inspections based on these clear safety benefits.”
PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
Knowledge building is crucial for safe and efficient drilling operations as it enables professionals to manage wells effectively, handle equipment correctly, and make informed decisions to not only optimise operational performance but to prevent accidents, too.
Advanced drilling simulator provider 3t Drilling Systems has been chosen as the official partner of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) as the two organisations aim to transform how the global well control industry trains and upskills its workforce.
3t Drilling Systems has been tasked with redesigning the next generation of the IADC’s flagship learning platform, KREW. The company will develop an entirely new KREW (Knowledge Retention & Education for our Workforce) platform that features hundreds of modern, interactive e-learning modules. Accessible via a browser or mobile app, and equipped with offline capacity for remote operations, the platform will be accessible 24/7 for learners around the world.
This new industry collaboration is set to redefine workforce upskilling with a nextgeneration learning platform
Above: 3t Drilling Systems and IADC have partnered to bring the nextgeneration KREW platform to oil and gas professionals
Below: The DrillSIM simulator delivers realistic training experiences. Image via 3t Drilling Systems
EMPOWERED LEARNING
KREW is designed to provide continuous learning opportunities for well control concepts to improve knowledge retention and enhance critical on-the-job skills. As an entire system, it connects on-the-go learning tools with critical content to enhance skill sets.
The platform focuses on highrisk well control topics within the WellSharp curriculum, including BOP stack, stack valves and wellhead components, BOP closing units and control panels, equivalent circulating density and bottomhole pressure, driller’s method, analysis of shut-in conditions, handling kill problems and the effect of incorrect procedures, the wait and weight method, pump start-up and shut down procedures, and more.
Through the new partnership with 3t Drilling Systems, the IADC is looking to further enhance the effectiveness of the platform.
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focused on knowledge retention, that keeps people working in our industry safe now, and for the decades ahead of us,” says Brooke Polk, vice president – accreditation operations at IADC. “With 3t’s expertise and innovative approach, we are confident that the new KREW will set a new benchmark for the industry.”
HYBRID LEARNING
The next-generation KREW will take an innovative approach to workforce education. The platform will integrate a hybrid learning model including time on simulator and an intelligent AI-powered chatbot that will allow users to not only test their knowledge in real-time but to also simulate realworld scenarios and receive instant feedback. According to 3t Drilling Systems, this method will ensure learning is interactive, relevant and continuously evolving alongside industry needs.
“This isn’t just about upgrading a platform – it’s about elevating how our industry learns, globally,” says Clive Battisby, COO at 3t Drilling Systems. “We’re proud to partner with IADC on the game-changing initiative, redefining how the industry learns and grows in today’s evolving tech landscape and well into the future.”
Development of the next-generation
This isn’t just about upgrading a platform – it’s about elevating how our industry learns, globally
KREW platform is now underway, with a relaunch planned for early 2026.
“It’s an honour to secure this partnership after many months of hard work, and I’m proud of the team behind it,” adds Aaron Bolch, 3t Drilling Systems’ business development manager. “Hosting KREW on our purpose-built app and web platform will give learners seamless access to world-class continuous learning, empowering the workforce and shaping the future of well control learning and simulationlinked training.”
SAFETY THROUGH SIMULATION
3t Drilling Systems holds a robust track record in improving safety and efficiency within the oil and gas sector, with over 1,500 simulators deployed across more than 60 countries. Drawing on its expertise in simulator design, manufacturing, installation and deployment, the company offers bespoke solutions to meet a wide range of individual requirements.
The firm’s own DrillSIM simulators surpass IADC and IWCF accreditation, delivering realistic training experiences for engineers and professionals across the globe. Simulator options range from portable to full-size models to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in training. Meanwhile, the company’s oil drilling simulators, including the IADC simulator in England and IWCF simulator in Scotland, are designed to meet the highest standards of training and safety.
3t Drilling Systems’ DrillSIM simulator exceeds IADC and IWCF standards. Image via 3t Drilling Systems
WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES
Lightning poses a very real hazard for oil and gas operators. Here, Nicola Brittain explores a range of technologies that either diffuse the charge itself or eliminate the impact of a strike
Comprehensive lightning protection prevents
Oil and gas facilities are extremely vulnerable to direct lightning strikes and their secondary effects such as fires and explosions. Their vulnerability lies in the fact that they are often open or elevated (such as flat plains or offshore). The presence of flammable gases and liquids compounds the risk. A lightning strike in such conditions can easily trigger fires or explosions leading to damage, injury and more.
As a result, many oil and gas facilities have adopted lightning defence strategies. Broadly speaking these comprise two key approaches: lightning protection and lightning avoidance.
Mike McMahon, CEO at Lightning Eliminators & Consultants (LEC) talks about the company’s work with its clients. “Lightning protection and mitigation should be tailored to a facility’s unique vulnerabilities, whether that involves bonding solutions for storage tanks, direct
Selecting the right combination of solutions requires deep expertise and an understanding of each facility’s unique vulnerabilities
strike avoidance, secondary damage caused by a nearby strike or grounding improvements,” he says.
LEC helps facilities identify vulnerabilities by first conducting a thorough site assessment and implementing mitigation strategies.
PREVENTING LIGHTNING
According to McMahon, the most effective defence is to prevent a lightning strike from occurring. He explains that lightning comes from a difference in potential between storm clouds and the earth that triggers an electrical discharge. For lightning to strike, a connection between a downward leader from the cloud and an upward streamer from the ground is required.
The Dissipation Array System (DAS) from LEC is designed to prevent direct lightning strikes by lowering the electric field or charge differential. DAS uses point discharge technology that facilitates the exchange of ions between
structural damage, safety incidents, downtime, and costly process restarts at facilities
the air and the ground, disrupting the conditions necessary for a lightning strike, thereby neutralising the charge differential. LEC even offers a ‘no-strike’ warranty for all supervised installations, ensuring protection when the system is properly maintained and inspected.
The effectiveness of DAS is enhanced when combined with a comprehensive lightning protection system that includes a low-impedance grounding system, transient voltage surge suppression, and modular strike prevention devices. Together, these components ensure optimal protection and can prevent oil storage tank fires,
A comprehensive lightning protection system can ensure optimal protection against direct strikes and secondary electrical surges
one of the most significant and well documented risks at oil and gas plants.
OIL STORAGE TANK FIRES
The most common tank fire is a seal fire, resulting from a lightninginduced spark or a buildup of static charge igniting vapours near the tank’s rim seal.
Floating roof tanks are particularly susceptible to fires resulting from lightning strikes. Electrical currents from such strikes can traverse the tank’s shell and roof, potentially arcing across the roof-shell interface. This arcing can ignite flammable vapours present near the floating roof seal, leading to catastrophic fires.
Proper bonding and grounding solutions are critical to preventing these. As an example, LEC’s Retractable Grounding Assembly (RGA) is a patented and ATEX-approved solution that ensures a permanent, lowimpedance bond between the tank’s floating roof and shell, preventing dangerous arcing and subsequent ignition of flammable vapours.
THE EVOLUTION OF A REVOLUTION
Even non-metallic and internally lined storage tanks can accumulate static electricity during regular operations. This accumulation poses another risk, as static discharge or external factors like nearby lightning strikes can ignite flammable vapours within the tank, leading to catastrophic events.
Another product from LEC called the In-Tank Potential Equalizer (IPE) can be submerged into the liquid in the tank to provide a conductive path for the charge accumulated on the fluid to safely dissipate to the ground.
EXPERTISE IN INSTALLATION
Having a single source oversight of the installation of these systems can also be a key aspect of effective implementation as piecemeal lightning protection strategies might lead to problems. As operations become more complex and the consequences of downtime more severe, the company argues that the need for a site-specific lightning protection strategy is imperative.
DOWNWARD DRILLING
Vertical
drilling’s extraction roots are still relevant in the
age of modern extraction
Vertical drilling is a traditional method of extracting oil and gas from directly beneath the well site. Historically the only method available, vertical drilling still has a major place in the world of oil and gas.
Just this year, Asia’s deepest vertical well Shendi Take 1 was completed in China, reaching a depth of 10,910m. The project’s goal was to locate oil and gas reserves in the Taklimakan Desert and study the region’s deepEarth geology.
Vertical drilling is useful for smaller, more localised gas deposits where the gas is concentrated directly below the surface. By aiming a borehole under the surface well and into the reserve below, operators can gain direct access to gas deposits located beneath the well. It is a simpler approach compared to directional drilling, where the well is drilled at an angle.
Even operators drilling horizontally first need to make use of vertical drilling. A vertical well is drilled down to a certain depth, which is used as a starting point for horizontal drilling.
Vertical drilling also plays a role in research when finding appropriate spots to drill, as seen at Shendi Take 1. Operators can drill vertical wells to analyse rock fragments, which
help to determine whether creating an oil well at a particular location will be lucrative or not. This kind of research can ultimately save operators additional time and money.
All in all, vertical drilling is still a de facto method for oil and gas extraction and new technologies must still accommodate this approach to leverage its simplicity. However, vertical drilling can also become resource-intensive and costly if executed imprecisely, since it only covers a small portion of area around the borehole.
A NEW SOLUTION
UK-based Enteq Technologies, a specialist energy services engineering and technology company, has introduced the Saber Vertical, an advanced drilling solution aiming to reduce operational complexity for
Saber Vertical’s modular design enables adaptability to multiple hole sizes, reducing equipment requirements and allowing for greater flexibility
vertical and top-hole drilling.
“It is inevitable that incumbent solutions for these applications are expensive due to the required large tool size, limiting commercially suitable options available to the market,” says Enteq CEO Andrew Lane.
“With its compact design and costeffective nature, Saber Vertical delivers a much-needed alternative, helping operators improve efficiency without compromising on performance.”
Saber Vertical’s modular design enables adaptability to multiple hole sizes, reducing equipment requirements and allowing for greater flexibility. Drilling accuracy and precision is supported by optimised wellbore stability in a range of environments.
The drilling solution’s adaptability to a variety of environments is especially important, because vertical wells are often drilled in remote and harsh regions in the Middle East and Africa.
Drilling on challenging terrain requires a great level of precision and flexibility. Since drilling in such environments is already expensive and logistically complex, establishing accuracy, control and wellbore stability are crucial to lowering operational costs.
This is where Saber Vertical’s modular design offers a scalable solution built to accommodate different hole sizes, thereby reducing equipment requirements and costs while enhancing operational flexibility.
Saber vertical is an advanced drilling solution for vertical and top-hole drilling
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION
Introducing a next-generation remote speaker microphone for enhanced communication in hazardous environments
Within the high-risk environments of the oil and gas industry, effective communication can mean the difference between routine operations and catastrophic incidents. Explosive atmospheres in refineries, drilling platforms, and petrochemical plants demand specialised equipment that meets stringent safety standards while delivering uncompromised functionality.
EX-CERTIFIED COMMUNICATION IS IMPERATIVE
Oil and gas operations frequently occur where flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dust create potentially explosive atmospheres. In these classified hazardous areas, particularly Zone 1/21, even the smallest electrical spark could trigger a devastating explosion. This necessitates intrinsically safe equipment designed to prevent ignition sources, without sacrificing the functionality modern workers expect.
NEXT-GENERATION REMOTE SPEAKER MICROPHONES
i.safe Mobile has unveiled the ISRSM3x.1 Remote Speaker Microphone (RSM) series certified for explosion hazardous areas of Zone 1/21. Available in both wired (IS-RSM3A.1) and Bluetooth (IS-RSM3B.1) versions, these devices represent a significant advancement in Ex-safe communication technology.
The wired model is compatible with all i.safe Mobile devices featuring the 16-pin ISM interface, while the wireless version pairs with any standard Bluetooth-enabled industrial device - extending critical communication capabilities throughout explosive industrial environments.
SUPERIOR AUDIO PERFORMANCE
The IS-RSM3x.1 series delivers exceptional audio performance with a powerful speaker capable of up
The IS-RSM3x.1 Remote Speaker Microphone series is certified for explosion hazardous areas
to 103dB. Dual microphones enable intelligent passive noise cancellation, while the integrated Digital Signal Processor actively minimises background noise in real-time. This ensures clear communication in the challenging acoustic conditions where machinery noise regularly exceeds 85dB.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Within offshore platform maintenance, the Bluetooth IS-RSM3B.1 allows workers to leave primary devices safely stowed while maintaining clear communication through the RSM attached to their PPE. During valve maintenance, hands-free communication with the control room becomes possible without compromising safety protocols.
Regarding inspection rounds, when inspecting processing units where hydrocarbon vapours create Zone 1 environments, the programmable buttons allow for immediate Push-toTalk communication or emergency alerts without removing gloves. The excellent noise cancellation ensures clear transmission even near highnoise equipment.
The IS-RSM3A.1 wired version
The IS-RSM3A.1 is available in a Bluetooth version
During emergencies, the programmable red button can be configured for immediate SOS activation, while its robust design withstands harsh conditions. The device’s extended battery life ensures communication remains functional throughout emergency operations.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN
Weighing just 205g the IS-RSM3x.1 features an intuitive button layout for operation even with heavy-duty gloves. The included clip secures the device to safety clothing, while the exchangeable 2200mAh battery offers practicality for extended shifts. The 8-pin ISM interface allows connection of certified headsets in hazardous areas, while the NFC chip in the Bluetooth version enables rapid pairing.
Both versions are offering oil and gas professionals unprecedented communication capabilities in explosive environments while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Benedikt Eckert is at i.safe Mobile: www.isafe-mobile.com
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TOTAL CONTROL
Richard Keith outlines the crucial high-tech digital tools servicing the oil and gas industry from design and production through to operation
Roxtec continues to make major strides in its mission to service the offshore oil and gas sector, driven by industryleading technical knowledge and the desire to deliver real innovation. The cable and pipe seal manufacturer works to bring a diverse range of new products to market for the benefit of its customers in the industry - offering high-tech solutions in key areas such as software development.
The Roxtec Software Suite is a great example. It has been developed to simplify work with everything from design, drawings and certificates
through to installation, quality checks and mandatory documentation. Users in the offshore oil and gas sector benefit from a seamless workflow, from design and production through to operation. And that means Roxtec customers save time, increase quality and optimise safety throughout the lifecycle of their asset and can ensure total control.
A TOTAL SUITE SOLUTION
The suite contains digital tools for designers, production teams and owners. These tools work together, in real time, to ensure documented
quality – from planning and construction through to future upgrades of any type of asset, such as a drilling rig.
The set of interlinked tools is proving its use for anyone working with sealing solutions for cables and pipes and it enables efficient cooperation and synchronisation between the many actors and suppliers in an offshore oil or gas project. Users can select and buy the right seals, document the process and report transit status in accordance with official standards and regulations.
‘Roxtec Transit Designer’ allows its
The Roxtec Software suite helps designers optimise the size of their cable transits and avoid space issues
Kristofer Eidelöf, business developer of digital solutions at Roxtec
users to design in hundreds of cable and pipe transits in just a few minutes. It has been created as a quick, safe and easy way to generate all required manufacturer-approved outputs.
Quality assurance and production management specialists can use the constantly updated ‘Roxtec Transit Build’ tool to control and document cable and pipe seal installation quality and keep the latest information available for installers and surveyors.
And ‘Roxtec Transit Operate’ is a complete registry management software. It keeps track of transits, from initial installations to recent upgrades with cables, pipes and equipment.
With an up-to-date transit log and the inclusion of documents such as drawings, pictures, product data, installation instructions and certificates, it has been designed for owners and operators who want to guarantee a high safety level through the entire lifecycle of their asset.
NEW FEATURES
The suite is regularly extended with new features and functions as Roxtec continues to innovate. “The suite contains digital tools to help designers, installers and owners ensure total control,” explains Kristofer Hervius Eidelöf, business developer of digital solutions at Roxtec. “We have
developed industry leading tools for managing cable and pipe transits, saving businesses significant amounts of time whilst also giving peace of mind when it comes to safety.”
The Roxtec Transit Designer has become an efficient everyday tool for thousands of designers and engineers. Gary Jennings, working as lead electrical designer for a major engineering company with an international reach, used the online tool on a large oil and gas offshore facility project.
He says: “We were able to import data on 11,940 cables directly into the Roxtec software. We saved several weeks – if not months and were definitely heroes in that project.”
The web-based application has been developed to simplify product selection as well as the entire process that surrounds cable and pipe transits. Designers just enter their input to automatically generate full documentation. Jennings was happy to be able to use it when the customer asked for detailed packing plans and lists a short amount of time before their scheduled cable pulling activities. Carrying out what would have been
several weeks’ work in a few hours he was able to supply the customer with all the information they needed.
He says: “Instead of having to enter every cable and window, I took all the information from the database programme we used, put it into the Roxtec tool and got it validated. It was an absolute necessity because of the time limit we had.”
It was also a way for the project to ensure that all cable transit decisions were taken by the designers and not by the cable pullers and installers in the field.
Jennings says: “I see this coming as a requirement as projects are getting bigger. It’s my job to make sure we meet all the standards, regulations and fire rating specifications.”
The tool’s ability to help designers optimise the size of the cable transits and avoid space issues was another plus during the work.
He adds: “One of our major challenges is to size the transits correctly. If we don’t build them big enough due to lack of data in the beginning of a project, we have to cut out and resize the old transits or find another space to put a transit in later on.”
The Roxtec Transit Build Tool allows users to control and document cable and pipe seal installation quality
Modular sealing systems are to accommodate a wide range of cable and pipe diameters
RESILIENT SEALS
Enhancing infrastructure resilience with modular sealing systems
In the development of modern infrastructure, resilience and adaptability are more important than ever. Engineers working on critical facilities - from data centers and transport systems to cleanrooms and energy installations – must design for safety, compliance, and long-term efficiency. One technical innovation contributing to this effort is the use of modular-based cable and pipe sealing systems.
Originally developed to meet rigorous safety standards in marine and offshore applications, these sealing technologies are now increasingly used across land-based infrastructure projects. Their modular design and multifunctional capabilities provide an efficient solution for managing complex cable and pipe penetrations while maintaining high levels of protection against environmental and operational hazards.
MULTI-HAZARD PROTECTION
Sealing systems for cable and pipe entries must address a broad spectrum
of risks. These include fire, water ingress, gas leaks, and electromagnetic interference. In many installations, particularly those operating in harsh or high-risk environments, traditional methods such as foam fillers, grommets, or caulking materials do not meet the required level of certification or long-term reliability.
Modular sealing systems are engineered to deliver certified protection against multiple hazards simultaneously. Their performance has been independently verified through testing for fire resistance, gas and water tightness, and resistance to blast loads. In addition, seals designed for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are used to mitigate the impact of conducted and radiated interference – an increasingly common concern in data-rich environments and facilities handling sensitive electronics.
For infrastructure engineers, this level of built-in resilience means a single sealing platform can address varied technical requirements, simplify specification work, and reduce reliance on multiple product types.
DESIGNING FOR FLEXIBILITY
One of the more compelling technical features of modular sealing systems is their ability to accommodate a wide range of cable and pipe diameters. This is achieved through the use of insert blocks that are manufactured to exact measurements, ensuring a precise fit for each application. By eliminating the need for trimming or modifying sealing components on-site, this approach helps reduce material waste and ensures a secure, reliable seal every time.
This precision is particularly valuable during early-stage design when final cable specifications may be unknown, or in projects with evolving requirements. The system’s modular structure also supports future upgrades, allowing additional cables or pipes to be installed without reworking or compromising existing seals. This level of flexibility makes it easier to manage design changes and expansions over the lifecycle of the installation.
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING PRACTICES
While sealing systems may not be the most visible component in infrastructure development, their role in sustainability is significant. By maintaining system integrity and preventing hazardous leaks or downtime, they help avoid incidents that could lead to environmental damage, power failure, or operational shutdown.
Furthermore, the durability of these seals - many of which are rated for decades of service – contributes to reduced material consumption and waste. Their capacity for reuse in retrofits and upgrades also supports circular design principles increasingly adopted in sustainable engineering frameworks.
As the global push for resilient and eco-conscious design continues, such technologies are becoming standard components in specifications for new and upgraded facilities.
DIGITAL TOOLS AND TIME EFFICIENCY
Advancements in sealing technology extend beyond the physical components. Software platforms now
support the configuration, selection, and documentation of transit systems in digital design environments. These tools allow engineers to quickly design and validate complex sealing arrangements and ensure compliance with relevant certifications.
In some cases, the use of digital design tools has led to significant time savings – what once took weeks
can now be accomplished in hours. Integration with building information modeling (BIM) platforms also enables project teams to maintain visibility of each penetration point throughout the lifecycle of the project, from design and construction to maintenance and inspection.
In the field, modular systems offer additional efficiencies. Pre-configured frames and modules reduce installation time, minimise errors, and simplify inspection processes. These time and quality control benefits translate into lower total installed cost and improved project delivery.
MANAGING LIFECYCLE COST AND PERFORMANCE
Beyond initial installation, the cost of maintaining and modifying penetrations over time can be substantial if not properly managed. Sealing systems that allow for safe and efficient access, expansion, and reconfiguration without disturbing the surrounding structure can greatly reduce lifecycle costs.
This capability is especially important for sectors where system downtime is costly or where regulatory compliance must be maintained throughout the operational life of the asset. The ability to retrofit existing installations with modern sealing solutions can also extend the usable life of legacy infrastructure and bring it up to current standards without extensive civil work.
ROBUST SOLUTIONS
The technical demands placed on modern infrastructure require engineered solutions that are robust, adaptable, and sustainable. Modular sealing systems for cable and pipe entries offer a proven and practical approach to meeting these demands. Their versatility and performance make them a valuable component in the toolkit of today’s infrastructure designers – supporting not only compliance and safety, but also the long-term functionality and resilience of the systems they help protect.
Modular sealing systems are engineered to deliver certified protection against multiple hazards
The use of digital design tools has led to significant time savings
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SPARES
We engineer and supply high-quality valves to perform in some of the most severe service conditions throughout the world.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
With our comprehensive records of every valve and component we have ever supplied, we can help you devise and implement a strategic plan for the asset management of your valves.
Supporting your investment over its life cycle with OEM spares, ensuring your valves continue to perform to their optimum.
OUR SOLUTIONS
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
We have the facilities, expertise and flexibility to ensure that your valves are maintained safely, effectively and promptly.
UPGRADES
As the assets life progresses, we can review and engineer a suitable upgrade or replacement internals to ensure your process is running at its optimal level.
ADDITIVES
With our in-house Laser Powder Bed fusion technology and a team of expert additive engineers, we can specify, design and produce components quickly in-house.
The Flameproof Taper-Tech cable gland range
FULLY FLAMEPROOF
Eldon Kruger discusses how novel flameproof cable gland technology is effectively preventing cable damage in oil and gas applications
Cable glands are a crucial component for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical connections in hazardous environments, such as oil and gas applications. Their role is to provide sealing and protection against the elements, while preventing the ingress of moisture and dust into electrical enclosures. In particular, cable glands are vital in situations involving explosive atmospheres, where sparks could ignite flammable gases or dust.
The Taper-Tech flameproof gland range from Pratley features four distinct glands across two unique categories. The first category includes the Pratley Taper-Tech gland for armoured and braided cables, which is a ‘double compression’ gland, incorporating both an inner and an outer seal. The second category consists of the Pratley Taper-Tech single-seal flameproof gland, also for armoured and braided cables, but equipped with a unique “self-drying” durable rubber shroud that breathes out any residual moisture. Additionally, the range offers two
The flameproof cable gland range incorporates Pratley’s Taper-Tech flame seal technology
Cable glands are vital in situations involving explosive atmospheres, where sparks could ignite flammable gases or dust
‘double compression’ glands for unarmoured cables, one of which is a hose-tail version that includes a tail on the compression nut. This design is intended for use with flexible hosing, particularly in applications such as mining machines, where it protects the cable’s outer sheath.
TAPER-TECH TECHNOLOGY
A standout feature of the Pratley flameproof cable gland range is the incorporation of Pratley Taper-Tech
flame seal technology. This technology utilises tapered seals made from highquality, high-temperature, and low compression-set elastomers developed by Pratley. Each seal features a taper on the leading edge that effectively seals against the gland nipple taper on the inside. The differing angles of the taper on the bush and the cable gland’s nipple enhance sealing performance.
This design allows the bush to slide down the taper easily under thrust or pressure from the front when tightened, thereby reducing the force required to achieve radial compression.
UNDER PRESSURE
Flameproof cable glands installed on flameproof equipment are engineered to withstand extremely high explosion pressures, which can reach up to 30 bar in many instances. For optimal sealing performance, it is crucial to
maintain adequate pressure between the seal and the gland bedding.
As the leading edge of the seal forms a taper directed towards the applied explosive pressure, an increase in this pressure results in a corresponding increase in the radial seal pressure on the cable bedding. Once the pressure is relieved, the bush reverts to its initial lowpressure state, ensuring that high seal pressure is only applied to the cable when necessary.
The range is also designed to accommodate soft-bedding cables, such as PVC, which are susceptible to creep. This allows for safe installation on flameproof equipment without concerns about cable damage or inadequate long-term sealing.
UNARMOURED CABLES
The technology is significantly enhanced in the cable gland designed
for unarmoured cables. These glands must not only provide a seal against high explosion pressures but also withstand axial pull-out forces. This is accomplished through a mechanism like the sealing process, where the rear outer seal features a taper that aligns with the cable’s pull-force.
As a result, the contact pressures increase in proportion to the pull-force exerted on the cable, ensuring that high contact pressures are present only when the cable is under tension. Pratley’s Taper-Tech technology effectively prevents cable damage commonly associated with inferior weak-back seals while fully adhering to the stringent IECEx flameproof cable gland requirements.
Double compression glands for unarmoured cables
Liebherr Intelligent Maintenance
www.liebherr.com Maritime
CRITICAL COATINGS
The crucial role coatings and surface treatments play in enhancing the performance and durability of vital equipment
In the demanding and often harsh environments of the oil and gas industry, equipment reliability and longevity are crucial. Components such as valves, pumps, pipelines, and drilling tools are constantly exposed to extreme pressures, temperatures, and corrosive substances like saltwater, hydrogen sulphide, and carbon dioxide. To mitigate these challenges, coatings and surface treatments, including dry film lubricants, play a critical role in enhancing the performance and durability of vital equipment.
Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies (CWST), part of the Curtiss-Wright Corporation, provides advanced surface treatments designed to enhance the performance, durability, and efficiency of components used in the oil and gas industry. With a legacy of engineering innovation and expertise, CWST’s solutions address critical challenges in automotive, aerospace, medical, transport, power generation and subsea markets.
One of the primary benefits of coatings and surface treatments is corrosion prevention. Corrosion is a significant threat in the oil and gas sector, particularly in offshore and subsea operations where exposure to saltwater accelerates material degradation. Protective coatings such as epoxy, polyurethane, and ceramicbased layers create a physical barrier that isolates the base metal from corrosive agents. Advanced coatings like thermal spray metals or zincrich primers are also used to provide sacrificial protection, slowing the corrosion process even if the coating is breached. By reducing corrosion, these treatments help maintain structural integrity, minimise leaks or failures, and reduce the frequency of costly shutdowns and maintenance.
In addition to corrosion resistance, surface treatments also provide critical lubrication, especially in components where traditional liquid lubricants may not perform effectively due to high
temperatures, contamination risks, or inaccessibility. Dry film lubricantssuch as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), graphite, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – are applied as thin layers to reduce friction and wear between moving parts. Unlike oils and greases, dry film lubricants do not attract dust or contaminants, making them ideal for use in valves, threaded connections, and sliding mechanisms in dusty or high-temperature environments. These lubricants enhance component efficiency and reduce energy losses caused by friction.
Another advantage of these technologies is their ability to perform reliably under extreme environmental and operational conditions. Highperformance coatings can maintain their protective and lubricating properties in environments with wide temperature fluctuations, high pressure, and aggressive chemical exposure. This ensures that critical
Surface treatments provide critical lubrication for valves, threaded connections, and sliding mechanisms
infrastructure continues to operate safely and efficiently, even in the most demanding scenarios such as deepsea drilling or sour gas extraction.
In conclusion, coatings and surface treatments, including dry film lubricants, are essential tools for enhancing the durability, safety, and performance of equipment in the oil and gas industry. By preventing corrosion, providing effective lubrication, and significantly extending component life, these technologies contribute to reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and increased operational efficiency— ultimately supporting the industry’s goal of safe, reliable, and costeffective energy production.
Ben Hayes is at Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies: www.cwst.co.uk
Some fish evolve much faster. So does offshore installation. Introducing the all-new Green Pin® ROV Pro Shank Hook: a breakthrough in subsea lifting. With its wider saddle and opening, and unique 3-in-1 ROV-operable latch, it delivers unmatched control and safety at depth. Experience it now in 3D via the QR-code.
Find our full range on greenpin.com/rov
There is enormous variety in the precision components needed to support the Oil and Gas industry. Drill collars, liner hangers, stress joints, blowout preventers, pump joints, completion systems, measurement while drilling, fluid assembly ends, sucker rod, artificial lift, drill pipe and new designs coming as the industry innovates.
UNISIG has machine models that drill holes with a depth to diameter ratio from 10:1 to over 400:1. On-center drilling and off-center drilling are common applications for gundrilling and BTA deep hole drilling. Our standard machines are designed around the needs of our oilfield customers.
Machines • Tools • Automation
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Evident’s OmniScan X4 flaw detector, HydroFORM scanner, and REX2 DLA probe deliver advanced phased array detection in a portable yet robust solution built for challenging environments
ULTRASONIC TESTING
How advanced ultrasonic testing technology is enabling enhanced corrosion mapping in harsh and inaccessible environments
Inspecting oil and gas infrastructure for corrosion is rarely straightforward. Whether they are strapped to scaffolding on an offshore platform, manoeuvring equipment through tight spaces, or trying to get a clean signal with insufficient couplant - inspectors work at the edge of what’s practical.
Recent developments in phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) are reshaping what’s possible. Novel technology developments are helping inspectors collect better data, more efficiently, in places and under conditions that were once impossible hurdles to overcome.
CHALLENGES IN YIELDING RELIABLE DATA
Consistent coupling between the probe and the test surface is essential for quality ultrasonic data. In controlled environments, this is relatively straightforward. But in the field - especially in places such as the remote Alaskan oil fields or in a
harness while inspecting at heights - access to a reliable and constant water source is a logistical challenge. Standard local immersion techniques require a water-supply system to fill the water column between the probe and the surface. This typically requires a steady flow of water pumped from a reservoir. Managing and refilling such a reservoir in remote or at heights applications can be a logistical challenge, and in areas subject to environmental regulations, there could be limitations on the use of free-flowing liquids.
DLA TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENT COUPLING
To address these challenges, Dual Linear Array (DLA) probes combined with a XY semi-automated scanner are proving particularly effective. The design of these probes includes spring-loaded rigid delay lines that only require a thin film of couplant. For relatively smooth surfaces where water flow is
restricted, these DLA probes can be operated with only a spray bottleyet still deliver high-quality signals. This feature is particularly useful in rope-access inspections or remote locations, where carrying extra equipment or managing a water source would be cumbersome.
Furthermore, unlike traditional linear probes, the DLA design uses separate, angled transmitting and receiving elements in a “pitch-catch” arrangement. This configuration minimises the interface echo and improves the near-surface resolution, making them ideal for detecting different damage mechanisms such as corrosion, pitting, and hydrogen-induced cracking, even close to the surface.
ADVANCED IMAGING TECHNIQUES
Another advantage of the rigid delay line design of dual phased array systems is that they support the use of the total focusing method (TFM) and phase coherence imaging (PCI). These
Phase coherence imaging (PCI) accentuates the various facets of complex damage, improving the possibility of detection for challenging defects, such as this hydrogen sulfide (H2S) induced cracking
advanced techniques unlock even greater detail in corrosion mapping and the detection of complex defects. TFM provides high-resolution imaging by processing full matrix capture (FMC) data, enabling crisp focusing throughout the entire region of interest—which is crucial for identifying small or vertically oriented flaws.
PCI adds another dimension of interpretability. Unlike amplitudebased imaging, PCI uses phase-based data to improve characterisation of complex defects, even in areas affected by signal attenuation. For example, tip diffraction signals from stress corrosion cracking are more easily visualised with PCI. The result is a deeper understanding of damage mechanisms and their severity,
enabling inspectors to make more confident decisions affecting asset maintenance and repair planning.
THE VALUE OF ADAPTABILITY
No two inspection jobs are alike. One day might involve a quick manual scan of a small section of pipe, the next, a full-scale corrosion mapping survey on a remote stretch of pipeline. Field teams need equipment that adapts on the fly - without sacrificing data quality or forcing a complete setup overhaul.
That’s where modular, versatile inspection systems play an important role. Whether installed in a simple carriage for handheld use, paired with an XY-encoded scanner for
corrosion mapping, or deployed on motorised crawlers for automated coverage, the same core imaging tools can scale to match the job. Beyond convenience, this flexibility also unlocks greater efficiency and consistency, enabling inspectors to adapt to real-world constraints without compromising results. For operators managing multiple assets or tackling inspections under time and access pressure, the ability to switch configurations seamlessly is a substantial advantage.
VERSATILE SOLUTIONS
Corrosion inspection requires equipment that is easily transportable and that adapts to different parts and inspection conditions. The good news is that there are ultrasonic scanning solutions that check these boxes. Whether you need to perform immersion-quality 2D corrosion mapping on rough surfaces or you need to inspect a smooth surface with minimal couplant, today’s advanced phased array systems solve these challenges.
Simon Alain is director of global product management, scanners & solutions at Evident. www.evidentscientific.com
The angled arrays in a DLA probe use a pitch-catch technique, minimising the interface echo and improving the near-surface resolution
SETTING NEW STANDARDS
Paul Bulman shares how Manchester Metrology is setting new standards in portable measurement
The new PMT GAMMA Series addresses practical challenges faced by businesses across a wide range of sectors including oil and gas, engineering and manufacturing. Designed for usability, efficiency and flexibility, the GAMMA Series builds on the ALPHA Series and introduces enhanced functionality to support more complex measurement tasks. Manchester Metrology, the UK’s official supplier of PMT products, now offers the GAMMA Series to businesses seeking portable and reliable measurement solutions.
NEW GAMMA SERIES ARM
The GAMMA Series Arm introduces a dual suspension support structure designed to provide enhanced stability and usability. Designed with the world’s first external decoupling and built-in balancing mechanism, the GAMMA Arm supports function, flexibility, reduced joint loads and extended standby time. Its lightweight aerospace-grade carbon fibre build makes it a portable option for both on-site and in-house applications across various industries.
Available in three configurations - GAMMA P (flagship), GAMMA M (standard) and GAMMA E (economic) – the series provides options to meet various requirements and budgets.
FORCE-ISOLATION DESIGN
Force-isolation refers to the mechanism that separates the hand grip from the scanning head on the GAMMA Arm, effectively decoupling holding pressure from the gravity of the scanning head. This advanced approach ensures greater scanning accuracy and stability, especially for complex tasks.
NEW PMT GAMMA 8-AXIS ROTARY WORKTABLE
The optional PMT GAMMA 8-Axis Rotary Worktable is a complete rotary
axis that connects directly with the GAMMA 7-axis arm, providing a fully enclosed, high-accuracy add-on axis that saves time and effort during hardware setup. Unlike turntables, the 8-Axis is fully transparent to the measurement software and requires no software upgrades. This allows the real-time rotation of the workpiece in relation to the measuring arm, eliminating the need to reposition either the part or the arm.
The GAMMA Series introduces enhancements aimed at supporting evolving workflows where speed, accuracy and adaptability are important. With industries such as oil and gas requiring measurement solutions that are both portable and precise, this latest series offers a flexible option to meet changing demands.
NEW GAMMA BLUE LASER SCANNER
The optional GAMMA blue laser scanner enhances the GAMMA Series with its optimised optical design, ensuring more stable scanning accuracy. It enables precise measurement in complex usage
GAMMA SERIES ARM KEY BENEFITS
World’s first external decoupling and internal balancing system
Dual suspension support structure
Four-jaw quick-mount base collar
Specialised 5G Wi-Fi module
Smart sensing probe system
High-speed wired USB connection
Aerospace-grade carbon fibre
PMT GAMMA 8-AXIS ROTARY WORKTABLE KEY BENEFITS
Reduced measurement time: Users can scan, measure and digitise both small and large parts from a single arm position.
Improved operator efficiency: Removes concerns about measuring dead spots, ensuring minimal inspection disruption.
Accelerated processing: Less need to move the arm to capture all necessary features.
scenarios, addressing all required features and helping to overcome the bottlenecks that traditional contact probes face, such as measuring the dimensions of large, special-shaped workpieces, while maintaining optimal function.
Paul
The GAMMA E 7-Axis
Daily Helix Thermowell (DHTW
Vortex-Induced Vibration Dampening
The DHTW breaks up flow and reduces transverse forces caused by the wake frequency approaching the natural frequency of the thermowell. These vibrations, which would cause reduced life and failure due to metal fatigue in standard thermowells, no longer pose an issue with VE Technology®.
Standard Cylindrical Thermowell
Daily Helix Thermowell (DHTW
Be Ready for What’s Next
The New OmniScan™ X4 Flaw Detector
Engineered for Speed & Simplicity
Advanced imaging technology and an easy-to-use interface allow users of all skill levels to perform fast, accurate inspections—boosting performance and streamlining workflows.
Proven to Perform, Trusted to Deliver
An all-in-one imaging platform, coupled with unmatched portability and versatility, delivers exceptional results in even the most challenging inspection environments.
Designed to Evolve with Your Needs
With free quarterly software updates, the OmniScan X4 empowers you to continuously adapt to future inspection needs—ensuring that you’re always ready for what’s next.
REIMAGINING THE FUTURE
Ashley Woodbridge – Field CTO Infrastructure Solutions Group at Lenovo Meta – discusses how artificial intelligence is delivering real business value within the oil and gas industry
Artificial intelligence is reimagining the fundamentals of the oil and gas sector. Take computer vision as a prime example, this technology keeps employees sage at wellheads and is a critical tool for operators to strengthen industry safety. Similarly, predictive AI techniques are helping operators mitigate the risks of repairs and plant shutdowns.
The key to using AI successfully is to frame this technology around real business issues. Organisations leading in this space, are seeing tangible business value from AI in everything from employee safety to exploration.
REAL SOLUTIONS TO REAL ISSUES
For many companies, computer vision is already seen as transformative to operations, and new use cases keep emerging. Analytic models have long been widely used in predictive maintenance in the oil and gas sector, but computer vision is transforming
how this is delivered, offering a 360-degree view of what is happening at a site. For example, a company can opt to use computer vision to monitor whether people are wearing protective equipment at various operational stages in the oilfield, and then act rapidly if needed. It’s mature technology – an extension of what many companies were doing during COVID with mask detection. You get immediate results, but once you have that infrastructure there, it’s a net-zero investment to add more use cases and use the cameras to detect other issues. You can detect more things at a much lower incremental cost, because you are not having to add sensors.
In the oil and gas sector, hazardous environments such as well pads, drilling rigs, and other high-risk sites often pose challenges for deploying Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors due to strict safety requirements and high costs. To overcome these limitations, computer vision-enabled cameras placed outside these zones can
provide predictive monitoring from a safe distance. Other important uses of computer vision in the sector include corrosion identification, leak detection, gauge surveillance and brownfield site safety monitoring.
Machine learning and AI innovator nybl, part of Lenovo’s AI Innovator program, is already using AI to great effect in the oil and gas sector, with an AI capability built for oil wells which utilises real-time operational data like vibration, temperature, pressure, and other metrics. By integrating this data, nybl’s AI helps predict potential failure, reduce downtime by up to a remarkable 97%, increasing productivity by 15-20%, and extending the life of wellhead assets by up to 30%. Among other tools like n.lift, designed for Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs), nybl is also building models capable of deep computer vision analytics around human behaviours and is researching around how computer vision can be used in upstream oil field services in the future.
Computer vision is already seen as transformative to operations with new use cases emerging
Global
energy giant Woodside Energy is using AI algorithms combined with thousands of sensors to detect and prevent foaming incidents at its Pluto Liquid Natural Gas plant in Western Australia
REAPING THE BENEFITS
In the exploration stage, AI can also have a powerful impact. When identifying oil and gas prospects, organisations have to deal with enormous amounts of seismic and geological data. High-performance computing and AI algorithms can make sense of this data, identifying oil prospects rapidly and accurately. When it comes to operating plants, AI also has multiple uses, from event prediction to production optimisation, using techniques such as pattern recognition to predict outcomes. Combining multiple AI techniques such as predictive simulations and closedloop optimisation can help operators to boost efficiency, by adjusting equipment parameters in real time and optimising pumping rates.
AI can also help prevent plant shutdowns, which can cost enormous amounts of money. Global energy giant Woodside Energy is using AI algorithms combined with thousands of sensors to detect and prevent foaming incidents at its Pluto Liquid Natural Gas plant in Western Australia. Foaming incidents require the plant to be shut down. One incident reportedly cost Woodside $300
million in lost revenues, so the company added an AI system that can detect the early signs of foaming up to four days in advance. A cloud IoT platform ingests data from 10,000 sensors within and around the plant’s acid gas removal units, looking for the early signs of foaming. The system offers clear warnings of a foaming event long before it happens, meaning that the plant can adjust operations or perform planned maintenance, rather than losing revenue. Woodside now plans to expand the system to five other onshore and offshore facilities and vessels.
Large language models (LLMs) are also beginning to find uses in the sector. Previously a workflow might be that an oil producer would want to understand what might happen if they increased output: they would go to a business analyst who would give it to a data scientist and get a one-time report with the results. Now that the models can write and run code, you can ask a question using conversational language - it writes the code, runs it and gives you your report immediately.
LLMs can also provide an easy way to access information such as repair manuals, offering a way to put
information into technicians’ hands at drilling sites. For companies in the oil and gas space, they are routinely dealing with highly private data, so they opt for private LLMs tailored to the industry, which can help streamline workflows across the organisations, allowing workers to automate reporting and democratise access to insights between business units. Customers retrain models to be very specific, to only get data from reputable sources, so they get accuracy and ultimate value.
AN AI-ENABLED FUTURE
Successful adoptors of AI in the oil and gas sector are those that focus on the tangible problems and solutions. Through solving targeted business problems, AI can deliver in a range of outputs including automating drilling and refinery shutdown planning. The potential of AI in the oil and gas sector is enormous, with technologies such as computer vision offering huge ROI over older Internet of Things solutions. Used correctly and AI is not a hype phrase for this industry. It can, and already is, improving efficiency, safety, and delivering-term value.
Predictive AI techniques are helping operators mitigate the risks of repairs and plant shutdowns
HAMPRO® HIGH-PRESSURE PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
The high-pressure pumps of the HAMPRO® series are used in the Oil and Gas Industries to pump a very wide range of fluids, meet the stringent requirements of the relevant safety and reliability regulations and are characterized by a robust design and careful use of resources.
Our experienced team of experts will be happy to help configure the perfect solution for your individual application.
RECIPROCATING PUMPS TO API 674
- Glycol pumps - Leak test pumps
- Methanol pumps
- Produced water injection pumps
- Sea water injection pumps
Pressure: 50 – 4000 bar
Flow rate: 0,1 – 256 m³/h
Hammelmann GmbH
Carl-Zeiss-Straße 6-8
(0) 25 22 / 76 - 0 pp@hammelmann.de
D-59302 Oelde www.hammelmann-process.com
LEADING THE WAY WITH CUTTING-EDGE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
We pride ourselves on delivering products and services that cater to the varied needs of industries. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we have established ourselves as industry leaders providing cutting-edge solutions backed by exceptional customer service.
Range of Metrology Solutions
We supply Portable CMMs, Laser Trackers, 3D Scanners, CMMs, Accessories, Probes and Software, giving customers access to the latest technology to support a wide range of measurement needs.
Resellers of Leading Brands
We offer products from leading names including PMT Measuring Arms, Matterport, PolyWorks, Aberlink & REFLECON 3D Scanning Spray.
Join us at SPE Offshore Europe, stand 1Q24, for demos or a chat. Call 0161 637 8744 or visit manchester-metrology.co.uk.
Range of Services
– Subcontract Inspection
– Equipment Hire & Leasing
– New & Used Equipment Sales
– Laser Scanning & Reverse Engineering
– Portable CMM Repair & Calibration
Manchester Metrology Ltd Unit 3, The Wellington Centre, Whitelands Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6UY 0161 637 8744 | manchester-metrology.co.uk
– Alignment & Inspection
– 3D Printing
– CMM Inspection & Measurement
– Robot Calibration & Floor Marking
– Comprehensive Training
REFORMER RELIABILITY
CatTracker system is designed to withstand the harshest environments and the most strenuous temperature demands including SMR
Enhancing steam methane reformer reliability and efficiency with advanced temperature profiling
Steam Methane Reformers (SMRs) also known as Primary Reformers, are critical furnaces in the oil and gas industry. They facilitate endothermic catalytic reactions within tubes with heat supplied by multiple burners. The vertical catalyst tubes, positioned adjacent to the burners, are subjected to high temperatures, making precise temperature control paramount for achieving desired yields and extending the lifespan of the tubes.
SMR units are particularly susceptible to overfiring, especially during transient conditions. Daily Thermetrics, in collaboration with various process licensors and catalyst providers, offers expertise in both in-tube and tubeskin temperature measurement specifically for Steam Methane Reformers.
IN-TUBE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
Traditional methods for measuring tube temperature, such as pyrometers and reformer imagers, have limitations in providing continuous and accurate
temperature readings across all points and timeframes. CatTracker technology provides continuous online temperature measurement, not only of the catalyst but also the tube wall. Providing the best-in-class multipoint system,
CatTracker Technology is designed to be in direct contact with catalytic reactions and elevated temperatures, making it suitable for a harsh environment like a Primary Reformer. Software simulations and real-world applications have proven several benefits of CatTracker:
• Continuous in-tube temperature measurement
• Accurate carbon formation prediction
• Enabling operation at low steam-tocarbon ratios through simulation
• Improved understanding of catalyst performance
• Determination of pigtail temperatures
• Calibration of pyrometers
• Avoiding the heat sink effect during transient periods
CatTracker can be integrated into existing SMRs with a minor modification of the top flange or the utilisation of a Y-piece in case the process inlet is through the top flange. This technology enables 11 sensing points within a single ¼” OD thermocouple, therefore ensuring
Daily Thermetrics’ team can provide in-situ verification of tube temperatures of SMR tubes
minimum catalyst displacement. With this convenient tool, continuous startup, normal operation and shutdown temperature monitoring is enabled.
TUBESKIN TEMPERATURE (TWT) MEASUREMENT
Measuring tubeskin temperature at SMR furnaces is one of the most difficult tasks due to the furnace type as well as elevated temperatures. Daily Thermetrics has worked with various licensors and operators around the globe to engineer tubeskin thermometry solutions that are among the highest reliability reported in the industry.
For an SMR furnace, which is a “critical” heater, the thermocouple entry location as well as routing inside is crucial for enhanced thermocouple reliability and therefore lifetime due to multiple heaters around the tubes. For this, a site survey is recommended to understand obstacles and possibilities in and around the furnace. The number of tubeskin thermocouples and their locations shall be decided utilising site guidelines as well as Daily Thermetrics recommendations from previous installations.
Another important consideration shall be thermocouple and compensation cable specifications as the severity of conditions, most importantly the elevated temperature, flame impingement and flue gas composition shall be examined carefully in order to proceed with correct specifications. Outer diameter of the thermocouple
The company provides existing assembly removal, welding, postinstallation inspection and hardware connections
shall be aligned with tube diameters and heavy wall shall be considered for a longer lifetime of sensing points present in the furnace. Daily Thermetrics will be able to help with installations at SMR furnaces.
ACCURACY CONSIDERATIONS
Validation of Installed Measurement Accuracy is crucial to provide a qualified ∆T against as New Built Calibrated Accuracy. While CFD analysis is not practical or proven for each installation point, and pilot heater build trials are good for comparing different measuring junction types but do not provide installed measurement accuracy, Daily Thermetrics TrueTubeTemp Service offers a comprehensive solution.
TrueTubeTemp Service provides fully documented answers to the installed tubeskin thermometry accuracy, including a New Built Calibration Report for each tubeskin thermocouple and a Full Turnkey Installation Service to ensure correct installation. Furthermore, in-situ verification of the TrueTubeTemp is performed after the installation of the skin thermocouples and furnace startup by utilising its Gold Cup pyrometer to measure the true temperature at the installed measuring point.
To obtain highly accurate reference temperature measurements, it is essential to identify any errors caused by three key process variables: tube
emissivity, background radiation, and sight path effects. The Gold Cup achieves this by creating near blackbody conditions against the surface of the tube. TrueTubeTemp service can also serve as a calibration reference point for any ongoing third party IR scans. In short, utilising the TrueTubeTemp service provides critical data to document the installed measurement accuracy in order to provide with highest ROI.
Most important of all is undoubtedly the installation of tubeskin thermocouples as all the efforts put in for the design and manufacturing could fizzle out with improper installation. Daily Thermetrics’ Field Services Team is highly skilled and experienced at performing turnkey installations in order to ensure minimised downtime as well as maximised thermometry performance at enhanced lifetime. Daily Thermetrics is capable of providing all required equipment to remove any existing assemblies, welding, as well as post-installation inspection and hardware connections.
Implementing advanced temperature profiling techniques allows operators to gain better insights into SMR performance
By implementing advanced temperature profiling techniques, including both in-tube and tubeskin temperature measurements and validating their accuracy, operators can gain better insights into SMR performance, optimise operations and ultimately extend the lifespan of reformer tubes, leading to improved safety and efficiency.
+44 (0)1225 733200 | mail@rotork.com | rotork.com With the latest actuation technology from Rotork, you can improve efficiency, reduce emissions, minimise your environmental impact and ensure safety.
with sensors and electronics MFC 400 for Safety Instrumented Systems
• Using the new OPTICHECK Flow Mobile app on mobile devices or FDT/DTM on laptops commissioning, parameterisation, verification, performance monitoring and application parameters can be managed on-site via a secure Bluetooth® connection (<20 m/65.6 ft) –ideal for inaccessible areas or EX Zone 1
IPROTECTING PEOPLE
ndustries such as oil and gas require knowledgeable engineers, with lapses in judgment having the potential to cost companies thousands in costly errors. To attract the best staff, and retain them, it is imperative to provide them with the necessary tools to do their jobs with confidence.
Proper protection is a key factor in enabling employees to perform to the best of their abilities. Without this, staff may lack the confidence to carry out their work. When safety is poor, injuries can sometimes occur, leading to long periods of time off
Jake
Holmes explores the necessity of PPE for oil and gas engineers and rounds up some of the gear currently keeping workers safe
Proper protection is a key factor in enabling employees to perform to the best of their abilities
work. Serious incidents can sometimes have the knock-on effect of skilled workers leaving a company, taking their knowledge with them, and with the growing skills shortage in the sector there are less people willing to replace them.
LOCALISED PPE
DuPont’s Tyvek IsoClean hooded coverall can provide localised protection for workers. It’s IC0501 BWH00 is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for sleeves, featuring tunnelled elastication at the wrist and bicep. It is constructed from Tyvek 500, a custom
DuPont’s Tychem 2000 SFR body suit
material developed by the company, and only comes in white. The sleeves are not clean-processed and are not sterilised. It meets EU regulations 2016/425, EN14126 as a barrier to infective agents, and is suitable for GMP class C/D clean rooms.
Matching these compliance and suitability ratings is the model IC729S00, which offers headwear protection. The seamless design has an elastic headband to keep the product in place around the user, with each box containing 250 bouffants.
Localised protection can be extremely useful in applications where entire body suits are not necessary,
reducing costs and waste for limited applications. Rather than having to throw away an entire suit after use, only the necessary parts now need to be discarded. This can help reduce costs and overall waste. It also provides an easy-to-use option compared to full-body suits, which can be time-consuming for workers to put on and take off.
FULL BODY PPE
For full-body protection, DuPont also has a solution. The Tychem 2000 SFR is a fully body suit which protects users, with a respirator-fit hood and elasticated wrists. The suit stretches
down to the feet, with attached socks and outer boot flaps. The seams are taped to prevent any harmful chemicals entering, and a semi-auto locking slider zipper ensures complete protection once someone is inside.
Test results show a nearly third reduction in predicted body burn when exposed to hazardous materials when compared to the Lakeland Pyrolon CRFR over Nomex. Tychem 2000 SFR provides a barrier against inorganic acids and bases, as well as cleaning chemicals and particles. It is suitable for chemically hazardous environments and can be warn over fire-protective clothing.
DuPont’s localised Tyvek protective apparel range can reduce waste
EYES ON THE PRIZE
It shouldn’t take any explanation of how important eyes are to all aspects of life. Protecting them is of the upmost importance, and therefore suitable eyewear for hazardous oil and gas applications is extremely important. A range of safety googles is available, dependent on need and what is most suitable for the application at hand.
Portwest Clear chemical safety googles PS21CLR features a clear acetate lens and indirect ventilation, making it suitable for use with hazardous chemicals. The glasses have anti-fog and scratch-resistant properties to improve both user
safety and long-term durability. The googles do not contain any metal, making them safe to use in most environments and have been tested to EN 166 personal eye protection safety standards.
An alternative option is the Uvex Pheos clear safety glasses 9192-720, specially developed for smaller faces, but keeping all the protective measures. The glasses have a large field of vision, with eyebrow protection and have a non-slip fit. The glasses also feature En 166 classification but also have EN 170 classification, for eye protection with ultraviolet filters. This grants workers an added level of protection.
Moving away from googles and
Keeping staff safe, motivated, and happy can be the key to unlocking their full potential and keeping operating costs down in the long run
instead to general face protection is the Bolle Sphere face shield, Spherpi. This is highly adaptable to most situations and does not restrict the field of vision in any way, as the headgear and brow guard can be adjusted by the user. It also features both EN 166 and EN 170 classifications. The shield is suitable for chemical, electrical, thermic, high energy impact, and speed particles at extreme temperature usage.
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
In the age of mechanical automation, the need for well-educated and skilled staff is growing. Machinery cannot be harmed by chemicals in the same manner humans can be, as such we are seeing machines deployed into operations which would be considered harmful to people.
However, what machines lack is experience and critical thinking skills in time-restricted scenarios. High staff turnover is expensive and can lead to costly errors down the line. Keeping staff safe, motivated, and happy can be the key to unlocking their full potential and keeping operating costs down in the long run.
DuPont Tyvek IsoClean
Operation in all weather conditions
Enhanced diagnostics to minimize unplanned maintenance
Highest immunity to false alarms, even in the presence of reflected flares
Unlike other radiation sources, such as heaters or sunlight, fires exhibit a distinctly stronger signal at 4.5 microns
NO MORE FALSE ALARMS
This innovative flame detector is addressing the challenges of flare reflections
FlameSpec Blade is the world’s first flame detector to combine the superior detection performance, stability, and reliability of the market-leading FlameSpec triple IR (IR3) flame detector with the latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and near infrared video flame imaging, setting a new standard in flame detection. Specifically designed to address the unique and demanding challenges presented by flaring operations on Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs), this solution recognises the serious financial risks
involved. On an FPSO, a shutdown triggered by a false alarm can cost anywhere between an eye-watering $500,000 and a staggering $5 million. The consequences are not merely inconvenient – they are financially devastating. False alarms, often caused by the complex issue of reflected flares, have a clear and profound impact on operations, underscoring the urgent need for a more reliable and resilient approach to flame detection.
An IR3 detector uses three sensors, each tuned to a different infrared wavelength. The sensor centred
FlameSpec Blade sets a new standard in flame detection
around 4.5 microns is most sensitive to hydrocarbon fires, while the other two monitor adjacent guard bands to help reject false alarms. Unlike other radiation sources, such as heaters or sunlight, fires exhibit a distinctly stronger signal at 4.5 microns. The detector’s electronics analyse this information to assess flame flicker, energy thresholds, and the mathematical ratios between signals. Triple IR detectors are highly resistant to false alarms and offer long-range fire detection, although performance can vary considerably between brands.
In contrast, video flame imaging systems use near-infrared (NIR) cameras to capture detailed footage of flames, which is then analysed using AI algorithms. Operating within the infrared spectrum, the NIR camera detects signatures invisible to the naked eye, allowing for continuous, real-time fire monitoring even in lowlight or smoke-filled conditions.
AI algorithms analyse both the shape and temporal behaviour of flames. By studying a fire’s form and its changes over time, the system can accurately distinguish genuine fires from other heat or light sources. This results in more accurate fire detection, fewer false alarms, and faster response times.
The hybrid integration of infrared and AI-based video technologies, referred to as Video Enhanced Flame Detection (VEFD), delivers exceptionally fast detection of visible hydrocarbon fires with near-total immunity to false alarms, including those caused by flare reflections. As a further world first, FlameSpec Blade is the first detector to achieve Factory Mutual (FM) approval for resistance to false alarms from reflected flares.
CONTINUOUS RECORDING AND BLACK BOX FUNCTIONALITY
FlameSpec Blade also continuously records high-definition video footage, storing data from one minute before to three minutes after an alarm activation. Integrated solid-state memory provides secure, tamperresistant storage, delivering full ‘black box’ functionality. In addition to video, FlameSpec Blade captures and stores infrared sensor data at 40-millisecond intervals, covering the full range of parameters used for flame analysis.
Using multiple detection algorithms, the FlameSpec Blade classifies fires by type and reliably filters out nonfire activity, ensuring precise incident assessment and post-event evaluation. In the unlikely event of a false alarm, the recorded dataset allows for the identification of specific remedial actions to prevent recurrence. Unique to the FlameSpec range, this capability removes the guesswork from mitigation efforts. Adjustments to detection settings can be validated against the original event data to confirm that the false alarm would not have occurred under the new parameters.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
While FlameSpec Blade was initially conceived to overcome the specific challenges associated with flaring on FPSOs, its versatility extends far beyond offshore operations. The detector is equally well-suited to a wide range of installations where reflected flares or emissions of hot carbon dioxide – such as those produced by vehicle engine or gas turbine exhaust – have the potential to trigger costly and disruptive false alarms. By offering robust performance in diverse and demanding environments, FlameSpec Blade delivers exceptional value, enhancing safety and operational efficiency wherever precise flame detection is critical.
Fire & Gas Detection Technologies Inc. is a true innovator in optical flame detection, focusing on the daily challenges that impact productivity, safety, and the bottom line with innovative solutions that reduce false alarms in the most challenging of applications.
Dr Eliot Sizeland C.Eng MInstMC is vice president of business development at Fire & Gas Detection Technologies Inc. www.fg-detection.com
FlameSpec Blade delivers exceptional value, enhancing safety and operational efficiency wherever precise flame detection is critical
Flaring
WORTHY WORKWEAR
The world of work is changing. In an increasingly developed world, demand for resources that fuel modern necessities including transportation and electricity supply continues to rise. As a result, there is more pressure than ever on the safe extraction of these resources from oil and gas engineers across the globe – with maximum efficiency. Across the industry, the jobs are becoming more dynamic, the risks more complex, and the expectations from the workforce higher than ever before.
At the same time, today’s workforce is becoming more diverse and informed, with an increased understanding and expectation for needs to be met around comfort, protection, and environmental responsibility. The workforce needs protective clothing that not only meets the minimum safety requirements, but truly supports the way that people work today. It must reflect how people actually move, operate, and experience their environments.
It is the responsibility of uniform selectors to ensure that their
Why workwear must catch up with the needs of the workforce, and the planet
workforce’s needs are heard and met with the required protective wear. However, this is not possible unless protective workwear manufacturers across the world study these requirements and respond with garments that truly meet the needs of the wearer today.
THE NATURE OF PROTECTIVE UNIFORMS
For years, multi-risk fabrics have been the industry’s default for environments where exposure to multiple hazards is common. For the oil and gas industry, this meant garments that could protect from hazards such as heat, flames and chemicals. To ensure this protection, garments built from traditionally-used materials were often heavy, rigid and designed with a onesize-fits-all mindset. These garments would be burdensome to wear while carrying out responsibilities, however, they would protect the wearer from hazards in their environment when worn properly.
In the past, it was accepted that those garments, while not perfect, were the best protection that could be
offered within the oil and gas industry. Now, it’s being questioned.
Comfort is no longer a bonus, it’s a must. As awareness grows around the links between poorly designed PPE and fatigue, mobility, or even long-term health issues, comfort is becoming a critical factor in the performance of the uniform. Oil and gas engineers know what they need to perform their responsibilities and meet the increasing demand pressures - and what they no longer want to tolerate. Ill-fitting, inflexible protective wear restricts freedom of movement, increases physical strain, and in some cases, can lead to professionals trying to customise their clothing to improve wearability –at the cost of their protection.
REDEFINING PERFORMANCE
This shift has led to a fundamental rethink of what performance means in workwear. For the alsico academy, this meant examining the fabrics available for multi-risk uniforms and developing new technologies that power alsico’s fabric ranges. As a result, performance fabrics have been developed that meet the workforce’s uniform requirements and keep them safe.
Flexibility, stretch and freedom of movement have become critical features, especially for physically demanding roles. The rise of fabrics with built-in stretch and elasticity, including alsico’s own performance fabrics, reflects this demand. These materials move with the body rather than against it, reducing strain and giving wearers the comfort and freedom of movement required to carry out their responsibilities throughout the shift. The impact of this evolution is not just ergonomic, it’s operational. Improved mobility helps workers maintain performance over longer shifts, reducing the likelihood of error, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing productivity.
To stand a chance of complying with the increasing stringent health
alsico has examined the fabrics available for multi-risk uniforms to develop new technologies that power its fabric ranges
and safety regulations that are being introduced across industries and geographies, employers must listen to these needs and update protective uniforms accordingly. Empowering the workforce with the appropriate equipment and protection for hazardous environments will also help to improve wellbeing and retention rates. In order to meet the rising global demands on the industry, retaining the right experts and attracting new members of the workforce is critical.
SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
But uniform selection is not just about comfort and workforce retention. Environmental guidelines, enforced at industry and company level, are also shaping decisions.
Legacy chemical finishes that rely on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being phased out globally, forcing the industry to find safer, cleaner alternatives. The next generation of protective fabrics are being designed with this in mind, using PFAS-free finishes that still deliver the substance resistance that demanding jobs require. These advances are not only helping companies to future-proof their compliance, but also supporting broader ESG goals across the supply chain.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BE LOOKING FOR?
What’s emerging is a new category of workwear. It performs to the same multi-risk standards the industry relies on, but without the weight, stiffness or chemical baggage of traditional materials. It’s built for real people, doing real jobs, in a world where both the risks and the expectations have evolved.
The companies that respond to this shift, with uniforms for their workforces that meet the demands of comfort, safety and sustainability, will shape the future of the sector.
The next generation of protective fabrics are being designed with PFAS-free finishes to support ESG goals
Vincent Siau is alsico academy chair: www.alsico.eu
ENHANCING FLAME DETECTION
Graham Duncan explains how 3D fire and gas mapping software is offering a smarter way to protect people and assets
Mapping tools help identify gaps and overlaps in coverage
Flame detection systems are a vital part of safety in the oil and gas sector, where the risk of fire is ever present. Whether on offshore platforms, LNG terminals or petrochemical plants, detecting a flame quickly and accurately can make the difference between a controlled incident and a major emergency.
Many operators still rely on traditional flame detectors, which use infrared or ultraviolet sensors. These technologies have their place, but they are often affected by false alarms or misfires entirely if the flames are small, distant or partly hidden. This can lead to shutdowns, lost production and, more importantly, increased risk to people and plant.
REAL-WORLD SCENARIO
On a North Sea facility, the operator was dealing with regular false alarms. Infrared detectors were being triggered by heat from nearby equipment, despite there being no fire. This led to unnecessary disruption and a loss of trust in the detection system. Micropack was asked to carry out
a full review. Using 3D fire and gas mapping software, we modelled the detector coverage across critical areas. The study showed that several key zones were not properly covered and that the existing system was not well suited to the layout of the site. A number of detectors were then replaced with visual flame detectors. These devices use camerabased technology to recognise flame
patterns in a similar way to how a person sees fire, only with far greater reliability. They analyse movement, shape and colour to determine whether a real fire is present. Since the change, the site has had no false alarms in the affected areas. The operations team now has more confidence in the system and can respond more effectively when a fire is detected.
Captions to go here
Micropack Engineering helps operators combine modern detection technology with performance-based design
THE CASE FOR MAPPING
Too often, detector layouts are based on experience or inherited designs. While this may have been acceptable in the past, it is no longer enough. Fire and gas mapping allows for a more accurate and risk-based approach. By modelling visibility and fire scenarios, mapping tools help identify gaps and overlaps in coverage. This gives designers the information they need to place detectors where they will actually be effective, rather than where they are simply easy to install. In one project, a client was preparing to double the number of detectors on an onshore plant. A mapping study showed that by repositioning existing units and adding just a few visual detectors, they could achieve better coverage with fewer devices. This not only improved safety but also reduced costs.
SMARTER TECHNOLOGY, BETTER OUTCOMES
Visual flame detectors offer a range of benefits that make them
well suited to complex oil and gas environments. They provide widearea coverage and are accurate in detecting both small and large flames, even at extended distances.
A key strength is their ability to reject false alarms from common sources such as hot CO2 emissions from exhausts, heated equipment and welding. This makes them more dependable than traditional infrared or ultraviolet detectors, which are often prone to false triggers or gradual desensitisation in such conditions. Visual flame detectors also perform reliably in poor weather and variable lighting. Unlike radiant technologies, they continue to operate consistently over time.
In a recent example, a detector identified a flame during challenging weather and process conditions, where a radiant flame detector may have struggled. The detector also recorded pre- and post-alarm video, allowing the operator to review exactly how the fire started and progressed. This insight helped the site identify the root cause and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
MEETING MODERN NEEDS
As oil and gas installations become more complex, the need for accurate and reliable flame detection has never been greater. Visual detection, backed by fire and gas mapping, offers a smarter and more effective way to protect people and assets. Safety systems should do more than meet standards. They should work in practice, giving teams the tools they need to respond to real fires and avoid being distracted by false ones.
By combining modern detection technology with performancebased design, operators can improve safety without adding unnecessary complexity. It is a straightforward step that delivers lasting value.
Graham Duncan is managing director at Micropack Engineering: www.micropacksafety.com
The ROV-HOOK in submarine use as the end link of a four-stranded chain suspension
SAFE UNDERWATER LIFTING
An innovative lifting hook optimises submarine load movement by ROV
The construction of subsea pipelines and platform foundations is one of the greatest technological challenges facing the oil and gas industry. The implementation processes, which require a lot of material and manpower, are under great time pressure for economic reasons and also place the highest demands on the safe handling of the high-value material and capital goods. The submarine lifting and positioning of the pipes and foundation components often proves to be particularly critical. Poor visibility, strong waves and unexpected currents, as well as difficult terrain, high water pressure and problematic buoyancy behaviour can make fast process control and safe load movement very difficult. This is especially true when the
lifting hooks used to attach the loads are not suitable for the short time frames and extreme environmental conditions. For example, submarine
attachment and detachment of the hook, which is usually done using an ROV, is relatively complex with many conventional hooks and can result in a
The ROV-HOOK’s locking mechanism cannot be opened by one-sided impacts
many users are looking for lifting hooks that can be efficiently handled by the ROV and minimise the process risks
The ROV-HOOK can only be released by operating two levers in parallel significant loss of time.
In addition, almost all users are familiar with the phenomena of load snagging and load shedding: when a conventional hook comes into contact with other underwater objects, such as components or rock formations, it can get stuck or open unintentionally. At the very least, the movement of the load is interrupted; if the hook opens, the load can also fall, often resulting in total loss at sea.
MINIMISING PROCESS RISKS
With this in mind, many users are looking for lifting hooks that can be efficiently handled by the ROV and minimise the process risks outlined above. The ROV-HOOK, developed by German lifting and lashing specialist RUD in conjunction with British pipeline specialist Subsea 7, now offers a solution.
The hook can be easily and quickly
attached and detached by ROV and virtually eliminates load snagging and load shedding. Its rounded design with no protruding parts minimises the risk of catching and also prevents accidental opening: the hook’s safety latch is firmly locked in the closed position and only opens outwards, preventing it from being pushed in, even with great force.
A double safety catch on the lever side prevents the locking mechanism from being unlocked by touching the side of the lever mechanism. The ROV-HOOK can only be unlocked by simultaneously squeezing two opposing release levers - either by hand or submarine by the ROV manipulator. When the levers are released again, the safety latch closes automatically.
MANIPULATORFRIENDLY DESIGN
With a manipulator-friendly design for optimum grip, the ROV-HOOK minimises the time required for submarine attachment and detachment. The hook can be used with all standard ROV manipulators including the ‘grabber’, it can also be used without restriction at depths of several thousand metres and comes in two versions with a maximum WLL of 10 or 25 tonnes.
Due to its fourfold safety against breakage, it can tolerate four times this official maximum load in extreme cases. In addition, each ROV-HOOK is equipped as standard with an RFID transponder with an individual identification number, which can be used to read out important information such as the Work Load Limit (WLL) directly on location. This provides users with a high quality, state of the art hook solution that ensures safe lifting and positioning, including fast attachment and detachment, and is already being used in subsea pipeline construction, platform foundation installation and many other subsea structuresincluding by co-developer Subsea 7.
Fabian Bihlmaier is head of product management sling and lashing systems at RUD: www.rud.com
The ROV-HOOK in use as the end of a single-stranded wire rope suspension
SELF-DRIVING PROGRESS
AUVs are gaining increasing momentum as the oil and gas sector embraces the latest artificial intelligence advances. We take a closer look at two of the systems poised to revolutionise subsea inspections
UK-based Beam first announced its AI-powered autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) system –Scout – last year at Web Summit in Lisbon. Billed as a ‘world first’ at its unveiling, Scout promises to transform daily offshore operations with ‘groundbreaking autonomy’ when it launches 2025, says Beam.
Scout is said to be the world’s first AUV driven by AI, leveraging the technology to perform complex underwater tasks without human intervention. The system combines advanced AI, real-time 3D reconstructions and precise navigation to deliver subsea inspections that are both quicker and more cost-effective. Upon market launch, Scout could be deployed directly by people from existing crew transfer vessels (CTVs) during routine visits, enabling a wider pool of engineers to confidently manage subsea maintenance operations and alleviating the mounting skills gap in the offshore sector.
According to Beam, the Scout vehicle will open up a new way of conducting operations and remove the need for expensive third-party services, enabling once infrequent inspections to become routine management. Scout will enable 4K 3D reconstructions, such as year-on-year site comparisons, delivering engineers with unprecedented insights into asset integrity and structural health.
Scout will also significantly reduce the carbon footprint of subsea inspections as a result of lower fuel consumption and emissions associated with specialised underwater campaigns.
REMOTE CONTROL
Elsewhere, ocean services provider DeepOcean, along with its joint venture partners Solstad Offshore and Østensjø Rederi, has taken delivery of a newbuild uncrewed surface vessel (USV) which will be used for subsea survey, inspection, maintenance and repair operations across the offshore
energy sector. At 24 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, the USV Challenger is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and a battery package that allows the uncrewed vessel to operate for up to 30 days without charging or refuelling.
The USV will be remotely controlled from share and will be equipped with several autonomous features, capable of operating in severe weather conditions. The vehicle will house a fully electric work class ROV with hydraulic capabilities able to operate down to a depth of 1.5km, plus a large tool package that will allow the ROV to perform a wide range of subsea operations, such as pipeline surveys, seabed mapping and annual inspection work.
“Needless to say, the USV is fully capable of deploying offshore and conducting subsea operations independently. However, it can also serve as a highly cost-effective supplement to larger subsea vessels,” says Øyvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean. “Rather than mobilising large vessels for every offshore task, operators can leverage the USV and its onboard ROV for parts of subsea installation, survey, or IMR scope. By reducing the need for repeated transits of larger vessels, the USV offers significant cost savings. The value proposition is clear – the USV represents a more economical and efficient alternative for a wide range of offshore operations.”
The USV Challenger. Image via DeepOcean
The Beam Scout AUV. Image via Beam
Subsea solutions engineered for efficiency
SubComm is a compact, containerized system engineered to simplify and accelerate pipeline commissioning, decommissioning, flushing, pigging, and barrier testing. Rated to 3,000 meters and fully ROV-operated.
Whether in shallow or deep water, the system delivers performance without surface return lines. Smaller footprint. Faster campaigns. Safer operations.
Improving the safety, efficiency and reliability of subsea operations
The Green Pin ROV Pro Shank Hook is designed for efficient release and retrieval operations
The side-positioned controls offer operators clear visibility of the hook’s mechanism, latch and opening in one view
The ROV Pro Shank Hook represents years of research and collaboration, and we truly believe it will set new industry standards
Green Pin has introduced the innovative ROV Pro Shank Hook, setting a new benchmark in subsea operations for safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Made from grade 8 alloy steel, the Green Pin ROV Pro Shank Hook is designed for efficient release and retrieval operations by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Its 3-in-1 functional add-on allows operators to open, lock, and unlock the safety latch easily, with the Lock position providing a secure double-lock mechanism and the Unlock position simplifying load retrieval.
The hook’s development was guided by extensive feedback from ROV operators, who emphasised the need for more efficient and versatile tools. By incorporating these insights, the Green Pin ROV Pro Shank Hook offers faster operations and heightened safety measures, solidifying its role as an indispensable asset in subsea environments.
“We wanted to create a product that doesn’t just keep up with the challenges of subsea operations but anticipates them,” says Emiel van Norel, product manager at Green Pin. “The 3-in-1 functional add-on is a prime example of how we’re redefining underwater capabilities.”
The side-positioned controls offer operators clear visibility of the hook’s mechanism, the latch, the opening, the load, and so on, in one view during the operation. This enables full control of all points of action and making tasks safer and more efficient in underwater environments.
LIFTING LARGE
Beyond its functionality, the Green Pin ROV Pro Shank Hook boasts a wider opening and saddle area, accommodating larger lifting operations that are often required in complex subsea environments. Its wider opening and saddle area enable larger lifting tasks, while the white and orange coating enhances visibility and safety
for operators working in challenging underwater conditions. With working load limits ranging from 12t to 35t, the Green Pin ROV Pro Shank Hook provides reliable functionality and versatility for subsea operations.
“The wider opening and saddle area were deliberate choices to meet the increasing complexity of subsea projects,” explains Purya Talebi, Green Pin product manager. “This hook isn’t just a tool; it’s a partner in success for RPV operators.”
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
This innovation does more than solve technical challenges; it represents a philosophy. Every Green Pin product is designed with meticulous attention to quality, distributed globally, and delivered with the speed today’s industries demand. The Green Pin ROV Pro Shank Hook stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in underwater engineering.
STRUCTURED DEVELOPMENT
The development process of the ROV Pro Shank Hook followed a structured approach, starting with brainstorming sessions to gather concepts inspired by user input. Engineering teams then transformed the winning concept from sketches into a detailed 3D model, followed by prototyping, getting feedback from different customers and rigorous testing to refine the design.
After final adjustments, the hook entered production and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, who have praised its functionality, simplicity and impact on subsea operations.
“Our goal was to create something that’s robust and revolutionary,” says Anton van der Zalm, vice president corporate research and development at Green Pin. “The ROV Pro Shank Hook represents years of research and collaboration, and we truly believe it will set new industry standards.”
For further information visit: www.greenpin.com/rov
CLOSED-LOOP CLEANING
Abigail Robinson shares why closed-loop hull cleaning must become industry standard
The shipping industry faces mounting regulatory pressure to mitigate the transfer of invasive species via hull biofouling. The global detrimental impacts of sea vomit (Didemnum vexillum) is just one stark example of the damage caused by unmanaged hull fouling. The solution is clear: closed-loop hull cleaning must become an industry standard, writes Abigail Robinson, vice president of sustainability at ECOsubsea, applauding the IMO’s recent decisive action to align regulations with operational best practices.
AN URGENT BUT UNDER-REGULATED THREAT
The spread of invasive species via ship hulls is not a new concern for shipping and regulators. While most industry stakeholders recognise the risks posed by biofouling – from increased drag and fuel consumption to environmental degradation and potential regulatory penalties – there remains a significant regulatory gap. Unlike ballast water, which is now subject to international regulations, hull biofouling remains underregulated despite profound implications for both vessel performance and marine ecosystems.
In-water hull cleaning introduces additional pollution risks. Many antifouling coatings work by leaching heavy metal-based toxins to deter biofouling growth. These products are typically polymer based and a large source of micro-plastic pollution into the ocean over time. It is estimated that marine coatings release over 210,000 tons of micro-plastic annually in the EU alone. Hull cleaning exacerbates the problems as friction increases the release of both toxins and plastic. Even gentle, non-capture cleaning methods contribute to local contamination, exposing ports to heavy metals and micro-plastics due to the very nature of coating design.
BUILDING MOMENTUM
In response, Norway recently proposed to the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) that biofouling management and environmentally responsible cleaning should be made mandatory. Co-authored by Fiji, Finland, France, Peru and the Republic of Korea, the proposal gained a consensus to begin the process to creating a global regulatory instrument for biofouling management.
This step has significant implications and will ultimately result in reduced global invasion pressure from invasive species, as well as significant GHG reductions. However, the lag of regulatory consensus on appropriate management of risks associated with in-water cleaning will only hinder the journey to clean hulls, with great cost to the environment.
RISKS OF INADEQUATE HULL MAINTENANCE
Biofouling is more than an environmental issue – it is an operational, financial and compliance risk. Fouled hulls increase resistance, driving up fuel consumption and GHG emissions. As IMO and EU decarbonisation targets tighten, poor hull maintenance could make vessels non-compliant with energy efficiency and emissions regulations.
THE CASE FOR CLOSED LOOP
Traditional in-water hull cleaning exacerbates the problem, releasing invasive species and pollutants directly into local waters. Closedloop hull cleaning, by contrast, captures all biological material and debris, ensuring it is contained and brought to land where it is treated as contaminated industrial waste. On land, there would be strict legal consequences if it were not appropriately disposed of properly. In contrast, many ports still allow open-
Abigail Robinson, vice president of sustainability at ECOsubsea
loop cleaning system to discharge that same waste into the ocean – without oversight or consequence.
This regulatory double standard is unacceptable.
ECOsubsea has developed a closedloop system that enables vessel operators to reduce biosecurity and pollution risks while improving vessel performance. Clean hulls reduce drag, optimise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions – delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
THE PATH TO GLOBAL COMPLIANCE
The IMO’s decision to pursue mandatory biofouling management and environmentally sound cleaning is a necessary and overdue step and aligns with the broader worldwide push towards decarbonisation and ecosystem protection.
The same core design, seals, and cartridge-style head units are used across the company’s product line
ENGINEERED FOR EXTREMES
Jonathan Balmforth explains the importance of subsea valve sealing solutions that thrive in extreme environments
In today’s subsea environments, equipment faces an unpredictable array of conditions – from cryogenic temperatures to thermal extremes, and from nearsurface pressures to the crushing forces of 3,000 metres in depth. In these environments failure is not an option, and the right sealing solution is the critical line between success and shutdown.
JB Valves designs and manufactures innovative subsea topside and decommissioning solutions for the oil and gas, petrochemical, carbon capture and power generation industries. In this article, managing director Jonathan Balmforth explains how the company’s sealing products are giving its customers the confidence to take their subsea operations to a whole new level.
Every valve has been proven to perform under pressure while in operation
MODULARITY IS KING
At JB Valves, we’ve developed a unified sealing architecture that performs across the full spectrum of subsea challenges. Our range of API 6A PR2F and API 17D qualified ball and needle valves are designed not as isolated products, but as modular, interoperable components built on
a shared foundation of patented sealing technologies and proven mechanical principles.
ZERO COMPROMISE
At the heart of our innovation is a shared, patented sealing architecture used across both our ball and needle valve ranges. Each valve we deliver, whether a standard isolation valve or a custom DBB manifold with ROV override, is equipped with pressureenergised, multi-element chevron stem seals, which are glandless, self-adjusting, and designed to eliminate leakage and galling even at temperature swings from -45°C to +180°C and working pressures up to 20,000psi. This means our products don’t just survive extremes; they excel in them.
A PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH
A key differentiator is our modular design philosophy. From simple isolation valves to complex double block and bleed (DBB) configurations with integral couplers and ROV interfaces, every product is based on shared mechanical principles and interchangeable components. This
At the heart of our innovation is a shared, patented sealing architecture used across both our ball and needle valve ranges
consistency streamlines procurement, simplifies maintenance, and dramatically reduces lead times. What makes this approach unique is its universality. Whether the application is in shallow water with wide temperature fluctuations, or in ultra-deep deployments at 3,000m where pressure is relentless, the same core design, seals, and cartridgestyle head units are used across our product line. This philosophy reduces lead times, simplifies spares, and ensures our clients get exactly what they need, precisely when they need it.
PROVEN RELIABILITY
Critically, our products don’t just meet standards – they’re qualified to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 under API 17N. This isn’t just theoretical reliability, as these valves have been proven in operational environments. The qualification is more than a box-tick for industry standards; it’s assurance that every valve in our catalogue has been proven to perform under pressure, every time.
With a focus on modularity, repeatability, and endurance, we’ve engineered a subsea platform that’s agile enough for bespoke applications, yet robust enough to meet and exceed industry standards. When the cost of failure is measured in millions, and intervention windows are measured in hours, reliability isn’t a luxury – it’s the baseline.
Jonathan
Balmforth is managing director at JB Valves: www.jbv.co.uk
Each valve is equipped with pressure-energised, multielement chevron stem seals
JB Valves’ sealing solutions are based on its patented sealing technologies
MODULAR PUMPING
This new modular system offers a containerised approach to subsea pumping applications
Anewly developed modular subsea pumping and fluid handling system—referred to as SubComm—has been designed by OceanOne to address several persistent challenges in offshore operations. With a focus on minimising vessel time, improving safety, and enhancing flexibility, the system introduces a standardised, containerised approach to subsea pumping tasks such as pigging, barrier verification, leak testing, flushing, and fluid retrieval.
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE AND CAPABILITIES
The system is built on DNV 2.7.3-certified 25-foot ISO container frames, allowing for road transport and rapid mobilisation to vessel. Its modular design enables tailored configurations for a range of operational requirements, using interchangeable components such as:
• Power and control modules, equipped with high-capacity pumps capable of handling both high-flow, low-pressure and low-flow, highpressure conditions
• Reservoir modules compatible with various liquids, including monoethylene glycol (MEG), methanol, and diesel
• Filtration and manifold modules for clean, controlled fluid delivery Designed for permanent subsea
deployment, the system eliminates the need for surface return lines – reducing deck footprint and removing the risk of fluid return to topside. Rated for use at depths up to 3,000 meters (configurable to 4,000 meters), the SubComm system is suited for both shallow and deepwater environments. All operations are remotely managed via ROV, which interfaces with the unit for control, actuation, monitoring, and logging –eliminating the need for surface-based intervention.
INLINE INSPECTION SUPPORT
In a recent offshore campaign involving inline inspection pigging of a subsea pipeline, followed by chemical injection into a producing line, the modular system was used to streamline pig launching and fluid handling tasks. It was configured with various pump types to support leak testing, barrier verification, pigging, and injection operations. SubComm was also equipped with MEG and chemical storage modules to support fluid handling demands.
Because the system does not rely on surface return lines, it eliminates the risk of hydrocarbons returning to deck – removing the need for break-away systems and increasing overall safety.
The unit was deployed to the seabed at the start of the campaign and remained subsea throughout the operation, avoiding repeated recovery
The SubComm modular subsea pumping and fluid handling system
and redeployment. This allowed the team to continue working in sea states that would typically interrupt operations using conventional downline systems. According to operational records, the tasks were completed within the planned timeline, and vessel days were significantly reduced.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND TECHNICAL OUTCOMES
Key features contributing to system performance included:
• Compact footprint, allowing integration into limited deck space without additional infrastructure
• Subsea permanence, improving schedule adherence even in rough weather
• ROV operability, enabling remote control of valves, pressure management, and system monitoring
• Modular scalability, suitable for short-duration and multi-phase projects
• Enhanced safety, by removing surface fluid returns and reducing drift-off-related risk
The system’s design supports subsea continuity, safe fluid handling, and rapid mobilisation. By eliminating surface return infrastructure, it also minimises topside contamination and unplanned discharges.
MODULARITY IS KEY
The SubComm system demonstrates how a modular, ROV-operated, and subsea-persistent approach can improve offshore fluid handling operations. With its transportable design, configurable layout, and extended depth rating, it offers a technically robust and operationally efficient alternative to conventional topside-reliant equipment.
TITANIUM CONNECTIONS
Introducing new mechanical pip connectors with DNV type-approval for titanium pipelines
The Norwegian oil and gas sector is experiencing increased demand, and with that comes intensified focus on the materials and the design of pipes that operate in extreme environments. Titanium is one such material receiving increased attention for its suitability to highstress corrosive environments, such as those found in the Norwegian North Sea, where traditional metals and steels can fall short in offering adequate protection against corrosive environments.
Connectors play a vital role in pipelines, as they allow a system to function without leakage. Defective connectors can lead to leaks and cracks in a system, which can cost operators financially, reputationally, and environmentally.
NEW TITANIUM CONNECTORS
Pipeline intervention specialist STATS Group undertook a research and development programme in response to the demand from the Norwegian market. Ongoing field life extensions on the Norwegian Continental Shelf are predicted to skyrocket demand for titanium pipework ranging from 1-30”. This demand primarily applies to seawater, ballast water, and firewater systems as these benefit the most from titanium’s properties.
STATS Group has developed a mechanical pipe connector, which has now attained qualification and is DNV type-approved, for installation on titanium pipework. Being able to work with titanium is a big step forward, as the metal is better suited to highstress corrosive environments and can resist high chloride and corrosive gases better than conventional steels.
Joanna Mountford, STATS Group’s business development manager says: “Titanium pipelines offer superior corrosion resistance, but when it comes to repairs or modifications, welding is expensive, time-consuming, and risky. Until now there hasn’t been
a suitable cold-work solution but STATS Mechanical Connectors have remedied that problem and deliver fast, permanent, and leak-free connections without the need for welding.”
The connectors range in size from 0.75” up to 60”, with a variety of pressure ratings available across the connector, coupling, and end-cap configurations.
“Unlike existing alternatives that are limited in size range or lack proper testing capabilities, our connectors provide a reliable, permanent connection with an integrated test port – enabling a leak test to be performed once the connector is fully installed –and negating the need for additional joint testers,” Mountford adds.
Titanium applications within the oil and gas sector so far include subsea risers and flowlines, cooling systems, heat exchangers, process equipment and pipeline segments where other metals could fail prematurely.
STATS Group has built a reputation for its connectors being suitable in topside terminal, FPSO, and subsea installation applications. Despite being made for the Norwegian market, the company’s new titanium
The mechanical connector for installation on titanium pipelines
connectors could also be applied in the Gulf of Mexico, but on a smaller scale.
“While we have primarily introduced this service for the Norwegian market which is an advanced adopter of titanium for critical pipeline applications, we also anticipate interest from the Gulf of Mexico where it is adopted on a more limited scale,” Mountford says. “We have already received a number of inquiries from leading Norwegian operators and contractors and our ambition is to become the leading provider of cold connections for titanium pipework in Norway.”
In addition to titanium, STATS Group’s mechanical pipe connectors are also available to suit a wide range of pipe materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, super duplex and CuNi. With the need for hot work eliminated, these permanent connectors can be installed without specialist installation tools or activation equipment; they can be slid into place and locked using a simple bolted installation procedure, helping to minimise the cost and duration of maintenance projects.
PEAK DEMAND
Based on current predictions, which job roles in the oil and gas sector will be most in demand in 2025 and beyond?
The oil and gas job market is facing a turbulent time at present, with new technologies, evolving energy needs, challenges in attracting and retaining talent, and automation across the sector creating a mixed picture. 2025 has seen a slew of job cuts so far, one of the most recent from the UK’s largest oil and gas producer Harbour Energy, which said it expects to cut a further 250 jobs in Aberdeen due to regulation and ‘punitive’ government measures.
The measures in question not only centre around the recently extended Energy Profits Levy – known as the windfall tax – but could also reference the government’s announcement at the beginning of the year, which set out plans for an ‘Energy Skills Passport’ to help workers in the oil and gas industry transition into the renewable energy sector in a bid to support the UK’s transition to clean power.
While this doesn’t paint the most positive picture for attracting talent into the traditional oil and gas production sectors, the increasing integration with renewable energy sources is creating roles in hybrid energy systems, while
the integration of new technologies into the sector is opening up fresh opportunities for a variety of roles.
According to Steam Marine Training, some of those roles revolve around automation and robotics, where specialists who can design and maintain automated systems will be in high demand as the sector continues to adapt. Renewable energy integration specialists will also be sought after for their expertise in bridging the gap between traditional oil and gas operations and renewable energy initiatives.
And there’s more good news from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), whose latest research reveals that the engineering construction sector could face peak demand for workers in the next five years. The ECITB’s Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT) provides insights into workforce numbers across the construction, oil and gas, nuclear, power generation, renewables, chemicals, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and water treatment sectors.
When the tool was first launched in November 2023, it predicted 40,000 extra workers could be needed by
2028. The ECITB’s updated forecast states that this figure remains unchanged, but that peak demand has now shifted to 2030 due to delays in projects and an upcoming wave of retirements in key roles. The LFT reveals the engineering construction industry’s workforce could increase by 19% on the current number of workers in the sector, almost 10% less than it had previously stated. According to the ECITB, this percentage decrease suggests that the industry has been recruiting successfully in the last two years to build the workforce needed for current and future projects.
“These updates to the LFT give us the latest picture of future labour needs,” says Andrew Hockey, ECITB chief executive. “But this is not just the ECITB’s strategy – it is our industry’s training and development strategy that ensures the ECI develops the generation-defining skills and workforce landscape needed to meet demand. This is why we’ve been consulting with industry in a series of workshops to help shape the future of engineering construction.”
The ECITB will publish its new strategy in September which it says will guide skills development across the industry for the next five years. The strategy will seek to grow the number of new entrants, support employers to attract a more diverse talent pool, and enhance workforce competence.
“But we recognise that addressing skills shortages requires a collaborative, multi-agency approach that includes employers, governments, training providers and the ECITB,” Hockey adds. “So, we’re calling on all of industry to work together to help increase the pool of people joining the engineering construction industry, while continuing to train and upskill existing workers. By investing in the workforce, the industry has a fighting chance of closing the skills gap and ensuring the engineering construction industry has the skilled workforce it needs both for now and in the future.”
UNLOCKING EUROPE’S POTENTIAL
Leading energy event SPE
Offshore Europe (SPE OE25) is set to return to Aberdeen from 2-5 September, 2025, under the umbrella theme ‘Unlocking Europe’s potential in offshore energy’.
Building on its 52-year legacy, the four-day exhibition and conference will feature a range of engaging formats and panel sessions, and for the first time high-level fireside chats, offering attendees inclusive dialogue that involves young professionals as well as established industry figures.
“SPE Offshore Europe 2025 is a convening force for everyone shaping our energy future,” says David Whitehouse, conference chair and CEO of OEUK. “Here in Aberdeen we will bring together key leaders, superb speakers, trailblazing companies and innovative investors with opinion makers from across Europe and beyond.
“How we can deliver secure, sustainable and affordable energy is a fundamental issue as governments around Europe double down on efforts to decarbonise energy systems,” he continues. “Offshore Europe will explore how we can build on our strengths and work together to achieve these goals.”
QUALITY CONTENT
The conference and digital content, organised and backed by The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), is known as a source of high-quality independent content delivered by the industry’s leading voices. The conference will be chaired by Whitehouse, and will align closely with key focus areas such as oil and gas, digital and net zero.
Remaining true to its ‘by the industry, for the industry’ ethos, the conference programme is developed by a specialist committee of industry thought leaders with the aim of stimulating forward-thinking discussions involving sector leaders, politicians, technical experts and influencers from across the globe.
“Delegates can meet the people who are key to scaling up supply chain capacity, managing oil and
gas production and advancing low carbon technologies including offshore wind, carbon capture and storage and hydrogen to transform Europe’s industrial economic future in a way that leaves no one behind,” adds Whitehouse.
In addition to the speaker programme, SPE OE25 will incorporate exhibition halls themed to address the evolving sector including the Energy Transition Theatre, Offshore Wind Hub, Hydrogen Hub, Future Skills Hub, and Future Opportunities. This broad approach underscores the event’s commitment to international participation and integrating a wide range of perspectives on the pressing issues facing the sector today.
BUILT ON SUCCESS
Approximately 30,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors attended the 50th anniversary edition of SPE Offshore Europe in 2023, which was hailed as a resounding success. The event featured its largest ever programme of energy sustainability, security and affordability topics alongside talent investment and diversity events (TIDE) for the next generation workforce. Off the back of the 2023 event’s success, this year’s edition of SPE Offshore Europe promises to be bigger and better than ever.
CONSIDERING FUTURE TALENT
With the ushering in of net zero goals and new advances in technology, SPE Offshore Europe recognises the importance of keeping the industry’s personnel up to date on the latest innovations, research and practices. As such, the event
provides a comprehensive platform for honing and developing talent in the industry.
“SPE Offshore Europe offers a great opportunity to students, fresh graduates, and early career professionals in the offshore energy industry to register for free and attend the conference’s multidisciplinary technical programme, where experts from the leading companies, academia and research centres share the latest innovation, research and development, case studies and lessons learnt in the field of offshore, marine and subsea engineering and technology in both sectors, oil and gas and offshore renewables,” says Professor Ibrahim Fahmy Abdelaty.
“OE25 also provides a unique programme dedicated to students and young professionals, presented by leaders from the industry, consisting of five half-day workshops focusing on important areas such as improving writing CVs, preparing for interviews, mentoring opportunities, communication skills and networking,” he continues.
Through the programme, individuals will gain a wide range of in-depth knowledge in the field development of offshore energy, covering offshore project phases from concept, prefront-end engineering design, FEED, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning. Attendees will also be able to attend presentations focused on the energy transition, operations, maintenance and decommissioning.
The 50th edition of Offshore Europe took place in Aberdeen in 2023
THE POWER OF ENERGY
Adipec will take place from 3-4 November in Abu Dhabi with the mission of accelerating an economywide transformation towards affordable, secure and sustainable energy for all. Over the four-day event, Adipec will facilitate critical dialogue and collaboration across a range of sectors, from energy, technology and finance to maritime, logistics, manufacturing and transport.
Last year’s event was a recordbreaking one, with more than 205,000 attendees from 172 countries coming together under one roof. Innovation emerged as a core theme across the event, featuring the inaugural AI Zone and 133 exhibitors focused on AI, digitalisation and automation solutions. The show offered a platform to 1,800 speakers, including global ministers, who highlighted to economic opportunity
that can be realised from cross-sector collaboration.
At the close of the 2024 edition, Tayba Al Hashemi, chair of Adipec 2024 and CEO of Adnoc Offshore, said: “With a dedicated focus on the transformative potential of AI, Adipec has provided a global platform to unlock the economic opportunities that can be realised by collaborating across sectors. We will build on this momentum as we look forward to an even more impactful Adipec in November 2025.”
This year’s event is expected to live us to this promise, with over 2,250 exhibiting companies and more than 16,500 conference delegates expected to attend. Hundreds of thousands of energy professionals will attend the event to explore market trends, source solutions and conduct business across the industry’s value chain.
Strategic Conference
Over four days, the Strategic Conference will convene some of the world’s most influential voices to delve into critical topics and solutions connecting energy action to global progress and prosperity.
Technical Conference
The Technical Conferences bring together the brightest minds and technical experts from across the energy value chain – the changemakers at the forefront of engineering, technology, and industry innovation.
Boehmer
Böhmer has focused on one product - the ball valve. The portfolio is nevertheless more than impressive: The application-optimised valves in the nominal sizes from DN 3 (1/8”) to DN 1400 (56”) are available in around 100,000 different designs.
T +49 2324 / 7001-925
E oertgen@boehmer.de
W www.boehmer.de
Kawasaki Subsea (UK) Limited
Established and organised in Aberdeen, Scotland as a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japan for the purpose of specializing in the Production, sales, and post-sale services, etc. of AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle).
T +44 (0)1224 629705
E contact@khisubsea.co.uk
W www.khisubsea.co.uk
Seal For Life Industries
Seal For Life, part of the Henkel Adhesive Technologies Group, offers the most diversified protection, maintenance and repair solutions in the market. With fourteen distinct brands offering a broad range of products servicing multiple industries across the globe.
T +31 599 696 170
E info@sealforlife.com
W www.sealforlife.com
Clariant Oil Services
Clariant Oil Services is a leading supplier of specialty oilfield production chemicals and services to the global oil and gas industry, delivering sustainable solutions for flow assurance, asset integrity, separation and well service applications.
T +1 (346) 786-8312
E oilservices@clariant.com
W www.clariant.com/oilservices
Plastic Coatings Ltd
The leading coating specialist, offering the widest range of coating materials and processes including Thermoset & Thermoplastic Polymers, Fluoropolymers, Electrophoretic or E-Coat Paint, PVC, Paints, Primers and more.
T +44 (0) 1384 400066
E enquiries@plastic-coatings.com
W www.plasticcoatings.co.uk
HEICO Group
Experts in bolt fastening technology with our HEICO-LOCK® Wedge Locking Washer providing superior anti-vibration bolt security and the HEICO-TEC® Tension Nut making large bolt tensioning simpler, faster and more economical. With over 100 years of fastening experience in providing unique solutions to your bolted joint demands.
T +44 (0)1268 745421
E sales@heico-fasteners.co.uk
W www.heico-group.com
Rotork
A market-leading global provider of mission-critical flow control and instrumentation solutions for oil and gas, water and wastewater, power, chemical, process and industrial applications.
