Endeavour Magazine October 2016

OCTOBER 2016

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Djamil Benmehidi editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

A

s the Summer season begins to draw to an all-too-early close, and Autumn – or Spring for those of you reading this from the comfort of the Southern Hemisphere, you

lucky devils – begins to set in once more, the idea of change has very much been on the mind.

2016 has, for better and worse, been a year where a lot has happened in very little time. Certainly, there’s been plenty of it here in Europe of late.

If, as some are beginning to fear, the stricken German banking giant Deutsche Bank goes kaput over the months to come, by crikey there will be plenty of change, a la 2007. Fingers or toes crossed that this is nothing more than an uncharacteristic blip on the part of the usually-austere German banking sector. Then, up next month will be the biggest change of recent years, when a new incumbent will be packing their suitcase for a 4-year stay in the White House on the 8th November. And that’s just in this corner of the world; there’s no doubt been plenty of change in

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your part of the world, too.

343 City Road London EC1 V1LR

the rewards of the huge economic growth achieved in a fast-

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Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal

Change is a theme that by chance has appeared to run through this month’s issue of Endeavour. In our feature for Guyana’s New Timehri, we found out more about the company’s role in helping Guyana to build the lucrative tourism sector its natural gifts and hospitable people deserve, whilst CSI Electrical is reaping changing, confident Tanzania. Assystem and Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics are at the forefront of the drive to develop fusion as a viable and affordable form of future sustainable power generation – an event which will change the world beyond all recognition in years to come.

As always, I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Endeavour – we like to think we enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy it making it.

responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable

DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2016

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

31 JESCO FEATURES

63

Max Planck Institute

4 | Endeavour Magazine

15 Jubail Energy Services Company

Seamless Performance 23 New Timehri Handling Services

Delivering Service Excellence 29 Omnicane

The Sweet Taste Of Success 41 Assystem

Managing The Future 47 GIFT

The Greatest Gift Of All 53 Max Planck Institute

Of Plasma Physics

The Energy Of The Future 59 Tobago Cold Storage and Warehouse Facility

As Cold As Ice 67 QDVC

Building A Nation 73 Constructional Engineering Association

(South Africa)

The Foundation To Build An Empire 79 Steinmuller Africa

Power To The People 87 SAPVIA

Harnessing The Power 93 TOSL

33 Years Of Leading From The Front

77 QDVC

ARTICLES

Business Headlines 6 Middle East 8 ASIA 10 Europe 11 Africa 12 America

20

34

64 84

Amazing World Hudson Yards NYC: Building A City Within A City Pemba Island: Africa’s Secret Shangri-La Lake Natron: Nature At Its Most Eerie The Arctic Circle: A Frozen Land Atop The Earth

36 38

Automotives Mazda 626 SkyActiv-D Peugeot 308 GTI

97 SAPVIA Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES MIDDLE EAST SAUDI ARABIA’S CENTRAL BANK TO INJECT US$5.3BN TO BOOST FINANCIAL STABILITY Saudi Arabia’s central bank said it would deposit about US$5.3bn at commercial banks and introduce two new money market instruments to fight a surge in market interest rates caused by low oil prices.

It will inject the funds in the form of time deposits on behalf of government entities to “support financial stability”, it said on Sunday, without naming the entities or providing other details.

It will also introduce seven-day and 28-day re-purchase agreements to lend money to banks when needed. Previously, the central bank has typically only used repo agreements with one-day maturities.

Low global oil prices have slashed government revenue and the volume of petrodollars flowing into the Saudi banking system. Total deposits at commercial banks, which grew continuously for years, were down 3.3% in June from a year earlier.

The central bank reiterated that the Saudi banking system was still healthy, with non-performing loans totalling no more than 1.3% of all loans and provisions set aside for bad loans at high levels.

OPEC FINALLY AGREES TO MODEST PRODUCTION CUTS On September 28th, OPEC agreed to modest oil output cuts in the first such deal since 2008, with the group’s leader Saudi Arabia softening its stance on rival Iran amid mounting pressure from low oil prices.

“OPEC made an exceptional decision today … After two and a half years, OPEC reached consensus to manage the market,” said Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, who had repeatedly clashed with Saudi Arabia during previous meetings.

He and other ministers said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would reduce output to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day. OPEC estimates its current output at 33.24 million bpd. “We have decided to decrease the production around 700,000 bpd,” Zanganeh said.

The move would effectively re-establish OPEC production ceilings abandoned a year ago. However, how much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal OPEC meeting in November, when an invitation to join cuts could also be extended to non-OPEC countries such as Russia.

Oil prices jumped more than 5%to trade above US$48 per barrel as of 2015 GMT. 6 | Endeavour Magazine

SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL AIRLINE ANNOUNCES 63 AIRCRAFT EXPANSION TO FLEET Saudi Arabian Airlines has announced the addition of 63 new aircraft to its existing fleet, boosting passenger services on national and international routes.

The new planes include 15 Boeing 777-300ERs, 13 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 35 Airbus New Generation A320/A321-neos.

Announced by the kingdom’s minister of transportation, Sulaiman Al Hamdan, the arrival of the aircraft comes on the back of moves by the General Authority of Civil Aviation to expand and grow through partnerships.

Earlier this year, the airline – known as Saudia – received three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and a 777-300ER as part of efforts to increase its fleet from 119 planes to 200 by 2020. It expects to carry 30 million passengers in 2016. Speaking to local media, Saudia director general Saleh Al Jasser, said agreements were signed with Airbus this year and last year to purchase a total of 113 new planes, the next of which should arrive next year. “The airline will receive four airplanes of model B787-9 in 2017,” he said.

UAE OVERTAKES QATAR TO BECOME MOST COMPETITIVE MIDDLE EASTERN/NORTHERN AFRICAN ECONOMY

US$4.3BN KUWAIT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXPANSION TO BE COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The UAE has overtaken Qatar to be ranked the most competitive

The US$4.3bn expansion of Kuwait International Airport will

economy in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a new

reportedly be completed two years ahead of schedule under a new

report by the World Economic Forum.

commitment from Turkish contractor Limak Construction Co.

In the 2016 Global Competitiveness Index, ranking 138 counties,

Minister of Social Affairs and Labour and Minister of State for

the emirates climbed one place to 16th thanks to small gains in areas

Planning and Development Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh, confirmed the

including technological adoption and business sophistication.

project will be completed in four years rather than six following talks

This was despite deteriorating macroeconomic stability linked to lower energy prices, which has led to a rise in inflation and public debt and the emergence of a fiscal deficit, according to the WEF.

with Turkish development minister Lutfi Elvan.

“The project is of strategic importance - this is why all authorities worked together to facilitate its implementation,” she said. The new

“Overall, the UAE boasts a number of competitive strengths:

708,000-square-metre terminal, designed by Fosters & Partners, will

infrastructure is top notch (4th overall) and goods and labour

allow us to handle 25 million passengers a year when completed. It

markets are open and efficient,” the organisation said.

will comprise 51 gates and stands, with the ability to serve 21 Airbus

The UAE was encouraged to diversify its economy and enhance innovation to improve its ranking – currently 25.

A380 superjumbos simultaneously and include 66,000 solar panels on the roof capable of generating 12MW of power.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

ASIA WORLD’S FIRST FREE ‘ROBO-CAR’ TAXI IN SINGAPORE Autonomous vehicle software startup nuTonomy has made rides on its self-driving taxis available to the general public in Singapore for free, expanding a first-in-the-world run that was initially invitation-only. While multiple companies, including Google and Volvo, have been testing self-driving cars on public roads for several years, nuTonomy announced in August that was the first to offer autonomous taxi rides. It beat Uber, which started offering rides in autonomous cars in Pittsburgh last week.

The Singapore trial was limited to a 6.5 square kilometre business and residential district called “one north”. NuTonomy CEO

That was 2.2 percentage points higher than in the second quarter. China’s factory output and retail sales grew faster than expected in August, on the back of a strong housing market and government infrastructure spending.

The world’s second largest economy has lost some of its momentum during this year, as it has entered a period of readjustment. China is looking to transform its economy away from factories and exports towards domestic consumption.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects China’s GDP to grow by 6.6% this year, close to the low end of China’s own official forecast of between 6.5% to 7%.

Karl Iagnemma said on Friday that the test area has since been doubled by the government. The approved route does not include any highways.

BUSINESSES IN SINGAPORE HIT AS HANJIN SHIPPING SINKS The collapse of a South Korean freight shipping line is starting to cause chaos and confusion at major ports around the Asia-Pacific region. Hanjin — which is the seventh-biggest shipping company in the world — went into at the end of September after its creditors rejected a restructuring plan. While Australia is yet to feel the effects, Hanjin’s fleet have been denied access to ports as Steve Dores demand payment of arrears and cash in advance.

The company has literally been all at sea, with 45 vessels denied access to ports in China, Japan, Singapore and India. With creditors - including the state-run Korea Development Bank - in hot pursuit, Hanjin has filed for bankruptcy protection.

WITH DOUBTS PERSISTING OVER ITS ECONOMY, BANK OF JAPAN TRIES SOMETHING NEW The Bank of Japan said Wednesday that it’s introducing a new long-term interest rate target of around zero. The bank has already gone to extreme lengths in its attempts to stimulate the country’s stagnating economy in recent years, gobbling huge amounts of Japanese government bonds and taking a key interest rate into negative territory.

The bank’s announcement Wednesday that it’s switching away from its previous bond-buying goals in favour of a ten-year interest rate target “reflects concerns about the sustainability” of the largescale bond purchases, Marcel Thieliant, senior Japan economist at Capital Economics, said in a research note.

CHINA BUSINESS CONFIDENCE CONTINUES TO RISE Confidence among Chinese entrepreneurs has picked up for the second quarter running, according to the country’s central bank.

People’s Bank of China surveys showed the business confidence index rising to 51.2% in the third quarter.

8 | Endeavour Magazine

CANADA APPROVES BIG US$27-B LNG PIPELINE PROJECT On September 27th, Canada approved a massive US$27 billion project by Malaysia’s Petronas to build a liquefied natural gas pipeline along its Pacific Northwest coast, targeting Asian markets.

The project is the first deal by Canada’s year-old Liberal government that goes against environmentalists in the name of the country’s economic interests. Environmental activists and indigenous groups have opposed the plans. “The government approved the Pacific Northwest LNG project,” said Environment Minister Catherine McKenna. “As the prime minister has emphasized, the only way to get resources to market in the 21st century is if it is done sustainably and responsibly. Today’s announcement reflects this commitment.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly said that the economy and environment should be pursued in parallel, without sacrificing one for the other. The project includes a pipeline and two Petronas terminals to ship gas to Asia. The gas terminals are to be built on Lelu Island, near Prince Rupert on the Pacific coast. Each will have a capacity of six million tons per year, with the possibility of adding a third down the road.

Endeavour Magazine | 9

EUROPE DEUTSCHE BANK CHIEF CRYAN TRIES TO REASSURE ON BANK’S STRENGTH AS SHARES CONTINUE TO RATTLE STOCK MARKETS The chief executive of troubled Deutsche Bank has emailed the 100,000 staff to reassure them that the German giant’s finances are strong.

John Cryan told them the bank had become the object of “hefty speculation” and that “new rumours” were causing the share price

EUROPEAN BUSINESSES CRITICISE UNFAIR CHINA-EU RELATIONSHIP

to fall. Deutsche’s shares hit new lows on Friday as confidence in

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China called on

the bank continued to falter. Mr Cryan said the bank’s reserves and

Beijing to follow through with its proposed economic reforms and

profits underlined its strength.

lift restrictions on foreign investment, as the country prepares to

He pointed out that Deutsche had €215bn in reserves and made

host the G20 summit for the first time starting this weekend.

€1bn in profits for the last six months. At no point in the last 20

“European business continues to hear reform commitments

years had Deutsche been as strong as it is now, Mr Cryan insisted.

aimed at affording foreign-invested enterprises more market access,”

“The release of the memo... seems to have taken the edge off of

the European Chamber said in an annual report published on

the German company’s dramatic” share price decline, said SpreadEx

September 29th. “As welcome as these are, they have been heard

analyst Connor Campbell.

before: it is hoped that words will now be paired with actions.”

Deutsche shares were down 5% at midday, having fallen 9%

Criticism of the country’s business practices has mounted as

earlier. That followed a big fall overnight in the bank’s Wall Street-

Chinese companies, motivated by a slowing economy, have sought

listed shares, a drop sparked by reports that some hedge funds had

out desirable European “targets,” or potential acquisitions. Chinese

withdrawn money from the bank.

foreign direct investment (FDI) in Europe hit an all-time high of US$23 billion (20.6 billion euros) in 2015, while 2016 has already seen a number of high-profile acquisitions of European firms.

LLOYD’S OF LONDON SURVEY REVEALS NINE OUT OF TEN BUSINESSES HAVE SUFFERED A MAJOR CYBER ATTACK According to a new survey, nine out of ten big business in Europe have fallen victim to a significant cyber-attack during the last five years, though less than half are concerned regarding the possibility of future breaches.

Lloyd’s of London conducted a survey of chief executives and senior bosses at 346 European companies with a turnover of €250 million or more. The boss of the company, Inga Beale believes that the results of the survey show that European businesses are “complacent” when it comes to cyber-attacks and the damage they could cause their business and brands.

Ms Beale offered further insight into the role cyber-attacks play in today’s business market, saying: “It is a reality, you will be hacked or attacked in some way. There’s been an element of complacency in the past, but it’s going to become more prevalent. We used to think, ‘what if an office is flooded or if there’s a great big fire?’ But now we need to work out how to assess the damage from a cyber-attack, including the harm to reputation and costs of getting the business up and running again.”

10 | Endeavour Magazine

AFRICA KENYA’S ECONOMY EXPANDS BY 6.2% IN Q2 Kenya’s economy expanded by 6.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2016 compared to 5.9% at the same period last year, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics has announced.

The growth was largely driven by expansion in agriculture, forestry and fishing, transportation and storage, real estate, and wholesale and retail trade.

The value of exports of horticultural crops grew by 47.1% in the quarter under review from Sh17.7 billion in the second quarter of 2015 to Sh26.0 billion.

CATERPILLAR PLEDGES US$1 BILLION TO HELP BOOST AFRICAN BUSINESS The world’s largest manufacturer of earth-moving equipment will invest heavily in African nations over the next several years, developing a broader business base and providing training for workers.

Caterpillar Inc., its network of dealers and the Caterpillar Foundation will pour more than US$1 billion into projects in Africa over the next five years, CEO Doug Oberhelman announced Wednesday at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum in New York City.

“Today, we bring not only construction machinery to the continent, but also traditional and renewable power generation solutions, diesel-electric locomotives, marine engines and mining equipment,” said Oberhelman. “With today’s announcement, we are proudly confirming our plan to make a long-term investment to help build, develop and power communities, and serve as an education and training partner to broaden and strengthen local work force talent and expertise.”

The investment is intended to upgrade customer service capabilities, including new Certified Rebuild Centers, new dealer branch locations and expansion of Caterpillar’s technicians for their online skills development program.

KENYA’S LARGEST SOLAR PLANT PENS CONTRACT FOR POWER SALE DEAL East Africa’s largest solar power plant in northern Kenya is set to add cheap power to the national grid for onward sale to homes and businesses.

SOUTH AFRICA MINES STRUGGLE AS COMMODITIES DOWNTURN CONTINUES According to SA Mine, PwC’s annual overview of the sector, mining revenues increased by just 2%, largely off the back of increased prices for gold and iron ore, while the industry recorded an aggregated net loss of US$3.3bn.

The historically crucial sector, which accounts for some 8.3% of

The Rural Electrification Authority (REA), which is developing the

national GDP today, has struggled with low prices, violent labour

plant, has signed the power purchase agreement (PPA) with Kenya

disputes and spiraling costs since the onset of the global commodities

Power to sell electricity from the Sh13.7 billion solar plant at Sh12

slump. 2015 data from the Chamber of Mines revealed that some

($0.12) per kilowatt hour (kWh) — about Sh8 cheaper than diesel-

35,000 mining jobs were shed in the prior two years, resulting in one

generated power.

in 14 industry workers losing their jobs.

The 55-megawatt solar farm in the north eastern town of Garissa

Companies continue to suffer record impairment charges on

will be fed to the national grid and is expected to produce enough

their investments, with some R60bn written off over the last year

power to light up 625,000 homes.

- the highest amount since the SA Mine report began in 2009. This

“Construction will start anytime from now, after we signed a 25year PPA with Kenya Power on Wednesday,” REA chairman Simon Gicharu said at a meeting in Nairobi with officials from China — the financier.

China Jiangxi is the contractor of the solar firm, using a Sh13.7 billion ($135.7 million) loan from China’s Exim Bank.

has resulted in new investments largely being put on ice, according to one of the report’s authors.

“Companies had to cut back on new developments, focus on prof rather than maximum production and save costs… We have probably reached the bottom of the cycle but may stay here for some time,” says Michael Kotzé, mining industry leader for PwC Africa.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

AMERICA AOL CO-FOUNDER STEVE CASE: CLINTON IS BETTER FOR U.S. BUSINESSES AOL co-founder and former CEO Steve Case has steered away from the political fray over the course of his 30-year career. Case explained why he decided to endorse Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton by saying, “I have concluded that I cannot sit on the side-lines this year. At this pivotal time, the choice is too important.”

While he respects Trump as a business leader, Case said the

revenue and 16 million employees, said the decision “must not be allowed to stand”.

“The precedent set by this decision, if upheld, would increase uncertainty significantly with a consequent adverse effect on foreign investment in Europe, making this decision a grievous self-inflicted wound for the European Union and its citizens.”

CANADA’S ECONOMY GROWS MORE THAN EXPECTED ON REBOUND IN ENERGY SECTOR

Republican presidential nominee hasn’t provided a clear plan on

The Canadian economy got off to a stronger-than-expected start

what he would do for innovation, technology issues and job creation

in the third quarter, fuelled by a rebound in oil and gas extraction

in order to move the country forward. ‘The Third Wave’ author

that had been disrupted by wildfires in Alberta earlier this year, data

said he waited several months for the Trump campaign to lay out a

from Statistics Canada showed on Friday.

convincing plan before making his decision.

Gross domestic product grew 0.5% in July, topping analysts’ forecasts for a gain of 0.3%. June’s growth was unrevised at 0.6%

U.S. HOME PRICES CONTINUED BRISK GROWTH IN JULY Home price growth showed no signs of abating in July, as strong demand for homes and a shortage of inventory helped drive prices close to new highs.

Activity in the mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction sector jumped 3.9% in July. The non-conventional oil extraction sector surged 19% as production returned to normal after the wildfire and maintenance shutdowns in April.

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices rose 5.1% in the 12 months ended in July, slightly higher than a 5% increase reported in June. The ten-city index gained 4.2% from a year earlier down slightly from 4.3% last month, and the 20-city index gained 5% yearover-year, down from a 5.1% increase in June.

Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal expected a 5.1% increase in the 20-city index. Home prices are nearing their pre-crisis peak in 2006—good news for homeowners. But price increases have led to a slowdown in the volume of home sales because it is making it difficult for new buyers to enter the market.

“The pace is probably not sustainable over the long term,” said David Blitzer, managing director at S&P Dow Jones Indices.

APPLE TAX RULING MUST BE OVERTURNED, SAYS US BUSINESS GROUP

ENBRIDGE INC. SALE OF A SASKATCHEWAN PIPELINE SYSTEM FOR US$1 BILLION ANNOUNCED Tundra Energy Marketing Ltd, a privately-held Canadian energy infrastructure company, said it has agreed to buy a regional pipeline

US businesses have warned European leaders they risk a

system from an affiliate of Enbridge Income Fund for US$1.075

“grievous self-inflicted wound” unless they overturn Brussels’

billion. The South East Saskatchewan system includes more than

demand that Apple pay the Irish government €13bn.

1,600 kilometres of crude oil and liquids gathering pipelines, 547

In an open letter to the leaders of the 28 European Union countries, the Business Roundtable group defended Apple over its tax dispute with the European commission.

kilometres of “trunk line” that feeds into the Enbridge Mainline system and four truck terminals.

Enbridge’s Mainline is the main conduit for Canadian crude

The US tech giant was ordered to pay €13bn to Ireland after

barrels being shipped south to U.S. markets. The SE Saskatchewan

Brussels ruled that the tax breaks it was given between 1991 and

system currently transports 175,000 barrels per day of crude to the

2015 amounted to unlawful state aid. But the group of US chief

Mainline at Cromer, Manitoba, a major hub for barrels in Canada’s

executives, who between them run companies with US$7tn of

southern prairies region.

12 | Endeavour Magazine

14 | Endeavour Magazine

JUBAIL ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY WWW.JESCO.COM.SA + 966 (013) 350 4999

SEAMLESS PERFORMANCE WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

Saudi Arabian pipe manufacturer, Jubail Energy Services Company (JESCO), is recognised throughout the oil and gas sector as a key partner to the biggest names in the business.

Established in 2006, for 10-years the company, with its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, has been a leading producer and supplier of Carbon Steel Seamless Pipe products to the likes of Saudia Aramco, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations, and Petroleum Development Oman.

Endeavour took the time to find out more about this vital and pioneering business.

Endeavour Magazine | 15

JESCO ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY JUBAIL

In spite of the great strides made by the global renewable energy

sector over the past decade, the availability of, and proven end-use technologies and supporting infrastructure for oil means it would be naïve to believe it’s primacy as the world’s leading source of energy will end anytime soon. With demand for the black stuff projected to rise markedly until at least 2025 and beyond, cyclical price blips aside, it will continue to remain the most valuable of commodities.

I

t is news to nobody that, in spite of the present crisis which

and parent company, TAQA, and one of the world’s largest steel

continues to engulf the industry, oil and gas remains the

trading companies, Duferco, is a leading producer of two types of

lifeblood that sustains Saudi Arabia’s still-considerable wealth

the seamless pipes used by the region’s oil and gas operators; Oil

and geo-political influence. Second only to Russia, Saudi Arabia is

Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) – a product which consists of drill

one of the world’s top oil producing nations by measure of crude

pipe, casing and tubing, used to draw oil and gas up from below

oil production, which reached 10.5 million barrels per day for Q1

ground to the surface, and larger line pipes – a high-strength pipe

2016. Maintaining its dominance as one of the world’s leading oil

used for transporting oil & gas horizontally, over-ground or under.

producers is not merely key to Saudi Arabia’s prosperity, but its long-term survival.

JESCO’s manufacturing facilities are strategically located just 10km from the Jubail Commercial Port, which allows for the easy

It is therefore understandable, and perhaps to be expected that

transportation of goods to international clients in the US, Asia, and

Saudi Arabia has in recent years gone to great lengths to ensure

Europe. Such convenient placement has shortened the supply chain

key supporting industries to its world-class oil and gas industry,

significantly, and made the logistics behind transporting its goods

which provide essential services and products, operate locally and

to its neighbouring GCC client nations infinitely more efficient

in-house, so to speak. The decision to form and implement Jubail

and timely, not to mention the movement from port to site of the

Energy Services Company was made with both this strategy and a

imported raw materials needed for production of pipe.

commercial one in mind.

As one might expect of a company of JESCO’s stature, the production capacity of its seamless pipe mills is vast, allowing

THE FIRST WORLD-CLASS PRODUCER OF SEAMLESS PIPE TO ENTER OPERATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

for the output of 500,000 tons of large diameter seamless pipe, ranging from 4 ½ to 16 inches. Alongside its rolling mill can be found heat treatment, finishing, hydrostatic and non-destructive

Initially founded in 2006 to meet the heavy demand for seamless

testing (NDT) lines, all of which are built on 730,000 square meters

pipes from the region’s oil and gas industries, JESCO represents

of land provided by the Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu.

the fruition of a plan first conceived over thirty years ago by Saudi

Additionally, there is also a cutting-edge laboratory onsite, which

Arabia and its regional parties in the GCC. JESCO, a semi-state

enables JESCO to continually test product quality and develop ever

owned company, which is also partially owned by primary investor

new innovations that allow it to stay ahead of the industry pack.

16 | Endeavour Magazine

Your Drilling & Production Tubular Challenges is Our Business The Eurotechnology Group is a leading manufacturer, supplier and service provider of innovative Inspection Technologies, Hardbanding Equipment and sophisticated Tubular Threading Systems.

The Eurotechnology Group utilises the latest advanced technologies developed inhouse providing a managed service approach focusing on client-led requirements. From day-to-day management of the client’s tubular and associated equipment to complete logistical support, the Group provides services related to the refurbishment of O.C.T.G., Drill strings, BHA, Service tools and equipment inventories employed in the various facets in drilling and the completion of oil and gas wells.

Logistical support for Eurotechnology’s One Stop Shop approach to Tubular Management is provided to the end user through a dedicated service focal point responsible for ensuring that the client is fully informed at all times of its tubular and equipment inventories at Eurotechnology’s service facilities via a dedicated real time software interface.

Total Tubular Management Services include: • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of Casing, Tubing, Line Pipe, Drill Pipe using propriety full length UT & EMI technologies.

• Inspection and refurbishment of BHA and the associated tools & equipment • Third party inspection / Quality Assurance / Quality Control • Hardbanding Services, Tungsten Redress of BHA and service tools • Innovated CNC Machining Systems for the refurbishment of Drill Pipe, BHA and O.C.T.G Tubular Goods • Management of Tubular Inventories and Logistical support

The Eurotechnology Group is also a provider of NDT inspection training programmes tailored to meet the customer’s personnel training requirements.

T: +966 13 3510 7172 | F: +966 13 893 8496 E: info.saudi@eurotechnologygroup.com www.eurotechnologygroup.com

Headquarters in Al Khobar with service operations in Jubail & Tanajib EUROTECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD. P.O Box: 4275, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

Endeavour Magazine | 17

JESCO ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY JUBAIL

STANDING TALL IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGING MARKET CONDITIONS Not that JESCO has been unaffected by the hugely challenging state of the industry, of course. With the calamitous drop in oil prices and the fast-slowing economy of China looking ever more like it will grind to a spluttering halt with each passing day, demand for seamless piping, whilst still considerable, has fallen away considerably in recent years.

measures. Fortunately, JESCO’s strong and enduring relationships with marquee clients has gone a long way to helping the company weather these difficult and turbulent market conditions.

STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONALLY-BASED MARQUEE CLIENTS Saudi Aramco is a particularly close partner, and as one of JESCO’s major clients and partners, providing gas used onsite at

However, whilst demand from international clients has

JESCO’s Jubail facilities, accounts for a majority of JESCO’s sales to

fallen, Saudi Aramco’s decision to buck the market and ramp-

the local market. Other key clients whom JESCO produces seamless

up production, along with its counterparts in the UAE, Oman,

pipes for include the main national oil companies of neighbouring

Kuwait, Egypt, and Iraq, has mitigated this somewhat. That isn’t to

nations, including Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum

say present market conditions are ideal but JESCO certainly has

Operations (ADCO) and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

in-place the resources and relationships in place, along with the

JESCO’s 750-strong workforce, made up of a mixture of Saudi

short, medium and long-term strategies needed to survive what

nationals and international expats, is smaller than it once was, due

some companies within the oil and gas sector have found to be

to the difficult market conditions. However, those who remain are

an existential crisis. Seamless pipes mills operated on average

undoubtedly the highest-quality workers in the region, due to the

at a capacity of around 40%, an unsustainable level, and this

fact that JESCO was able to headhunt the best talent, following

has forced JESCO to take hard decisions through cost-cutting

a spate of redundancies from its industry rivals, and the wider oil

18 | Endeavour Magazine

and gas sector. Huge importance is placed on training in order to enhance knowledge and improve service delivery, and thanks to an alliance with the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) - a government fund dedicated to the development of Saudi nationals – JESCO always strives to employ local wherever possible.

In terms of what the future holds, it is likely that the market will remain difficult, if not outright hostile to the many companies within the oil and gas sector who are gritting their teeth and waiting for the storm to break. Now is a time to concentrate on survival rather than profit or expansion. However, with local demand for innovative pipe solutions forecast to remain high within the GCC, and ambitious plans to expand for the expansion of product offerings, including drill pipes and further extensions to pipe size ranges, in the pipeline, JESCO may indeed struggle over the near future, but importantly it will endure.

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Endeavour Magazine | 19

AMAZING WORLD HUDSON YARDS NYC: BUILDING A CITY WITHIN A CITY The fabulously rich GCC states in the Middle East and China

New York’s first Neiman Marcus - and a collection of restaurants

in South-East Asia have enjoyed something of an oligopoly when it

curated by Chef Thomas Keller. The urban development will include

comes to vastly expensive multi-billion-dollar construction projects.

approximately 4,000 residences, 14-acres of public space, a 750-

However, New York City’s Hudson Yards – a US$25 billion private

seat public school, and a 200-bedroom luxury hotel with over 200

real estate development and the largest, most ambitious private

rooms, all offering unparalleled amenities for residents, employees

sector funded venture in the nation’s history – has moved the

and guests.

spotlight back onto the US.

In essence, the Hudson Yards development will see the

To provide a sense of Hudson Yards’ massive scale, the site will

construction of a city-within-a-city, and the sheer complexity of the

include more than 17 million square feet of commercial and residential

build is as unprecedented as its price-tag. Hudson Yards is not being

space, state-of-the-art office towers, over 100 shops - including

built on land, but on elevated platforms; stilts, in effect. Constructed

20 | Endeavour Magazine

on 28 acres over a working rail

upon which an entire city is built. These columns, which weigh a

yard, two platforms will create a

staggering 90 tons, are colossal in size and had to be custom-made

roof over 30 active train tracks

for the project. Only six cranes exist in all of North America capable

and the new Gateway Tunnel.

of lifting one, and one of these cranes is now deployed on-site.

Once completed, dozens of

Building a city on stilts has proved to be one of the most

skyscrapers and other colossal

challenging engineering undertakings in New York real-estate

buildings will sit astride this

history; even the construction of the city’s Grand Central Terminal in

roof, covering one of the world’s

the early 20th century posed fewer challenges.

busiest railroad yards. The trains

It raises the question – is this the first of many similar projects,

will keep running, uninterrupted,

as cities like ever-expanding Manhattan run out of space, but

just like they always have, below

cease to run out of ambition? Time will tell, but with the luxury

the glittering new metropolis

and architectural beauty planned for Hudson Yards, those who will

that will exist above them.

be able to afford it will experience a new side to New York, where

The columns to support this roof must hold the foundation

not only the skyscrapers, but now the streets and parks reach for the stars.

Endeavour Magazine | 21

22 | Endeavour Magazine

NEW TIMEHRI HANDLING SERVICES WWW.TIMEHRIHANDLING.COM 592.261.3021

WWW.TCOSWAF.COM

DELIVERING SERVICE EXCELLENCE WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

Guyana’s new government has pledged to re-pivot the Guyanese economy away from its traditional reliance on agriculture and commodities, in favour of an ambitious economic diversification scheme which will help open the country up the world, not to mention the investment riches that this will bring.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

NEW TIMEHRI HANDLING SERVICES

Thanks to Guyana’s quite outstanding natural beauty, tourism

will be an important mechanism for economic growth in years to come, and the country’s aviation sector and leading airport, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the instruments to achieve it.

As Guyana’s leading airline ground handling services provider, New Timehri Handling Services – a company which, thanks to its international standard professionalism and dedication to employee excellence, has long enjoyed industry leader status - will play a less visible, but no less important frontline role in facilitating the growth of Guyana’s budding tourism sector. Endeavour Magazine spoke to New Timehri CEO, Maurice Gajadhar, to find out more.

A

s an economic sector which accounted for 9.8% of global GDP last year – equivalent to US$7.6 trillion - tourism’s role as an engine for wealth creation, and catalyst for socio-

economic development in developing countries is well-known, not to mention valuable for the countries with the natural gifts to host it. Few countries in the world are fortunate enough to enjoy the wonderful natural gifts Guyana enjoys, however; the potential of its nascent tourism sector is truly incredible.

Guyana is nature unspoilt. Its spectacularly bio-diverse rainforests have escaped the plight faced by the forests of its neighbours, and remain lush and unspoiled. Its rolling green savannahs, and the ancient mountainous highlands of the Guyana Shield are no less impressive, whilst its picturesque capital, Georgetown, is the epitome of old-world charm.

Unsurprisingly, the wider world is finally beginning to catch wind of one of nature’s best kept secrets. The country’s gateway to the world, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is experiencing ever increasing visitor numbers as the number oftourists who step off the plane and pass through its gates continues to swell.With

AN INVALUABLE SILENT PARTNER TO GUYANA’S AVIATION SECTOR Established in June 2001, following the collapse of its former parent company, Guyana Airways, Timehri Handling Services provides a range of services to the largest airlines currently operating out of CJIA, including passenger check-in and baggage handling services, flight operations assistance, ramp services, ground equipment leasing and maintenance, loading and unloading of cargo from carrier and freight flights, and aircraft grooming services.In terms of its international-level credentials, its recent admission to the global IATA Ground Handling Council is telling.

It cannot be said that New Timerhri’s reputation for excellence wasn’t earned the hard way, however. The collapse of Guyana Airways hardly set New Timehri good stead, and, initially, New Timehri began life from a position of reduced circumstances.

But whilst it began life as a 12-employee company which served only Suriname Airways, a lot can change in 15-years - today, New Timehri Handling Services is now a robust performer which enjoys

over 180,000 visitor arrivals last year, Guyana’s aviation sector is

near-market monopoly status. This is due in no small part to the

under great pressure, as it faces the unenviable task of not merely

heavy investment the company has made in the equipment needed

sustaining but improving the customer experience of large flows of

to serve the biggest airlines, meaning that airline clients can call

tourists, whilst at the same maintaining its vigilance in the face of

upon New Timehri’s large stockpile of ground handling equipment,

the ever-present threat of international terrorism. It’s little wonder

which includes motorised airstairs, belt loaders, transporters, tugs,

that the aviation sector, and the airline ground handling sector, in

aircraft scaffolding, a 200-ton aircraft jack, and other essential

particular, is such a tough, competitive field in which to operate –

equipment when the need arises. A focus on quality has played no

in the face of such challenges, not to mention tight profit margins,

less an important role in New Timehri’s success, however.

only the best survive.

Achieving market leader status, and becoming the go-to ground

As Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s primary airline ground

handling service provider for international airlines setting up shop

services provider, New Timehri Handling Services Inc. knows this all

at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, was built on the company’s

too well, and has established a longstanding reputation as an outfit

ability to offer client airlines a level of service and professionalism

which delivers the best airline ground handling service delivery in

beyond that what rivals can match. New Timehri recognises how

the business, whatever the demands or circumstances.

the delivery of service excellence is based around the simple fact

24 | Endeavour Magazine

NEW TIMEHRI HANDLING SERVICES

that customers have a choice, not to mention long memories.

Quality and Safety is key, and this means giving each and every passenger undivided attention each and every time they are greeted by a New Timehri employee. The average check-in process only takes a matter of minutes – ample time for the company to make a strong and lasting impression. Professionalism is everything in this business, after all, and a business is only as good as its staff - New Timehri’s155 employees have proved their worth time and againas an invaluable aide for client airlines, as they strive to fulfil their commitments to the customers they serve.

THE BEGINNING OF GREAT THINGS FOR BOTH NEW TIMEHRI AND GUYANA’S TOURISM SECTOR All in all, these are exciting times for the company, and the inevitable continued investment in and expansion of Guyana’s tourism sector will undoubtedly see New Timehri continue to grow over the years to come. For starters, Cheddi Jagan International Airport is currently in the process of a US$150 million upgrade, which will result in the airport’s 7,500ft runway being extended significantly. Additionally, the company is set to benefit directly from the construction of a modern, cutting-edge new headquarters which will replace the two-story wooden building the company

WORLD-CLASS SERVICE DELIVERY FROM THE BEST STAFF IN THE INDUSTRY In aviation, the role of staff is, in many respects, ambassadorial in nature; for the visitors to Guyana who pass to and from Cheddi Jagan International, New Timehri staff are often a first point of contact. Training, therefore, is key, which is why the company places great emphasis on continual training programs which recognise and promote natural talent, and develop expert knowledge and skill.

Maurice, who was clearlyand visibly proud of his staff, told us: “Each

presently operates from – a fitting development indeed for a company of New Timehri Handling Service’s stature.

This much is certain; we’ll all be hearing a lot more of Guyana over the years to come, as it finally grows to become the tourism centre that’s its outstanding natural attractions merit. And you can be certain that through every step of the journey, New Timehri will be there, both on the frontlines and in the background, improving standards and ensuring continued industry best practice for the hundreds of thousands who flock to Guyana, now and in the future.

individual airline has their own individual training program; they tend to be demanding, to ensure that staff can offer an adequate level of service. However, our team at New Timehri, through their work with each of these airlines, must at the very least match the minimum service and training requirements of each client airline.

This is achieved because not only do they gain so much on-the-job experience working with each of them, but also our staff training at New Timehri is ongoing and mandatory.”

He continued, “this is why most airlines who do business in Guyana currently, along with those who are looking to set-up new flight routes into Cheddi Jagan International, come to us first. I believe our staff are unique; elite, even. And our clients recognise as much” Knowing as it does how its reputation is so heavily reliant on its staff, New Timehri offers a range of employee benefits to help it recruit, retain, and motivate its workforce. As a rule, the company employs locally, and strives to develop the best talent from within, so as to ensure staff know that they have a long-term career ahead of them in a company which offers real opportunity for growth and personal development. Most importantly, however, New Timehri staff know that they are working for a company in which their health and safety is paramount. Throughout the business, there is an imbedded culture of safe working practice where employees know they are able to raise issues and concerns with senior management.

26 | Endeavour Magazine

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© Sylvie Dutoit Endeavour Magazine | 27

28 | Endeavour Magazine

OMNICANE WWW.OMNICANE.COM +230 212 3251

THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

If ever you’re interested in reading a cautionary tale about how quickly the winds of fate and fortune can change in business, simply email a meeting request to one of Omnicane’s senior directors – they’ll be able to tell you a real-life tale about how one of Mauritius’ oldest, most successful sugar producing company’s suddenly found itself, with the mere stroke of a pen in Brussels, teetering on the edge of collapse, before pulling back from the brink and then climbing back to the top again.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

OMNICANE

Endeavour Magazine caught up with Omnicane to find out more about its rollercoaster journey to the brink and then back again.

I

t would be safe to say that 2009 - the year when the EU voted

its 150-year sugar-producing heritage. Traditionally a major sugar

to tear up a number of preferential trade agreements, which

milling company since its inception in the 1850’s, Omnicane’s sugar

gave huge benefits to Mauritian sugar producers in terms of

product offerings are now significantly more diverse, reaching

annual sugar quotas allowances – was a very bad year for business

out from production of sugarcane, to the refining of sugar and

for Mauritius-based Omnicane. In fact such was the impact of

manufacture of bio-ethanol – a sustainable fuel which is fast

this, along with a 36% fall in the price of sugar, it seemed for a

being adopted around the world. Not that Omnicane’s ambitious

while at least as if Omnicane and the wider industry in which it

diversification drive stops here, of course – the company has also

operates was facing the same ignominious fate as the country’s

invested heavily into what it knows best, the agro-food sector, and

most well-known and sadly extinct flightless denizen, the dodo.

now benefits from full and partial-ownership of a network of food

Jacques M. d’Unienville, CEO of Omnicane, laughed, “you’re right,

preservation infrastructure, such as the cold rooms and facilities

the Mauritius sugar sector could have gone along that way,” when

needed to safely store staple food products such as vegetables,

the idea was put to him.

palm hearts, shrimp, venison, and even flowers.

Fortunately for Omnicane, its staff, and the wider economy,

Interestingly, for all the company’s history and heritage, the

the implementation of an ambitious and aggressive strategy of

Omnicane brand is indeed young. Following its launch in July

rapid diversification, which saw Omnicane enter into the textiles,

2009 via a strategic re-branding of MonTrésor-MonDésert, the

upmarket tourism, banking, and business processing sectors, saw

Omnicane as we know it was born, and has since led the line as it

the company not only stave off disaster but plant the seeds of its

sought to stabilise not only its own operations, but also the island’s

present-day success.

economy. As a result of its success in this regard, the future now looks altogether sunnier for both parties.

SURVIVING TIMES OF DIFFICULTY THROUGH A FRESH STRATEGY OF DIVERSIFICATION Not that Omnicane has strayed too far from the market it knows

STREAMLINING OPERATIONS AND MOVING UP THE VALUE CHAIN

best, of course. D’Unienville said: “At Omnicane we had a choice of

That said, streamlining the business and embarking on an

phasing out of sugar, or to survive and remain competitive. This

intensive cost-cutting drive didn’t come without its share of pain.

last option is the one we took.” And rightfully so. In spite of its

But while the cuts and closures proved difficult, d’Unienville stands

successful diversification scheme, the company has stayed true to

by what were unavoidable decisions. “What we did was necessary,

30 | Endeavour Magazine

OMNICANE

with vision and assistance from the private sector, government,

that were both exported. Now, we have now moved up the value

and workforce, which made it possible to survive and successfully

chain, investing in the cane cluster at La Baraque and moving up

reconvert our business model.” In order to improve efficiency

the value chain by producing direct consumption refined sugar for

and bring down operating expenses, Omnicane began by closing

Europe, bio-ethanol from molasses, bio-fertilisers from vinasse and

seven of the eight factories it was operating ten years ago, in

with the bagasse - the fibres of the sugar cane - we are generating

order to focus operations on one singular unit, the flexi-factory

electricity for the national grid in a substantial way.”

at La Baraque – a cutting edge facility with a crushing capacity of 9,000 metric tonnes of cane per day, and the only one to have adopted energy-saving diffuser technology on the island. It is one

INVESTING IN THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

of the most modern and energy efficient sugar cane mills in the

Mauritius has made remarkable progress on this front, and has

region. Presently, plans are in place to expand the cutting-edge La

already nearly optimised its full biomass energy potential, but the

Baroque facility, which will not only lead to a significantly increased

African continent is a different story. As a resource which remains

production capacity but the construction of a new Carbon Burn-

virtually untapped, African expansion remains at the forefront

out Plant - a new development which will both decrease the carbon

of Omnicane’s agenda, as is demonstrated by Omnicane’s 25%

content output of its power plants, and create ash by-products that

investment in the construction of a US$200 million sugar complex

can be used as an additive for the manufacture of cement, thereby

in Kenya, south of Mombasa, and US$250 million investment into

drastically decreasing its production costs.

sugarcane plantations and refining facilities in northern Ghana.

Additionally, Omnicane’s entry into the thermal energy sector

“Our vision is to be a significant regional sugar and electricity

has quickly borne fruit, and operations at La Baraque and Saint

producer and develop further value-added activities,” d’Unienville

Aubin are now generating nearly a third of the electricity produced

told us. To catalyse its plans for international expansion and export,

to the national grid. “Before, we produced raw sugar and molasses

Omnicane has also forged strategic alliances with companies like

32 | Endeavour Magazine

British-based The Real Good Food Company plc, and its sugar

Airport – which was recently completed. This is but one example of

division Napier Brown - Europe’s leading independent non-refining

the scale of Omnicane’s ambition, and you can be sure that it won’t

sugar distributor. “We want to have more integration into our

be the company’s last.

products and make the most of value-addition.”

There is a lesson for all of us in the recent trials and tribulations of this most impressive Mauritian company – for every threat which

FURTHER PLANS FOR DIVERSIFICATION AND EXPANSION IN THE SHORT TO MEDIUM-TERM Over the short to medium-term, Omnicane intends to continue

presents itself in business there is an opportunity behind it of equal measure. Grit and good strategy go a long way, and through its successes Omnicane has proven itself to be the very embodiment of this idea.

its strategy of aggressive expansion into Africa, along with a strategy of continued diversification. However, that isn’t to say there isn’t an element of risk. The main challenges, says d’Unienville, will be to carefully monitor growth and ensure that is aligned with the pace of expansion and availability of financial resources. “This is why last year we went through a US$100 million US bond issue with a multi-currency facility. So far, we have raised two tranches out of the three and each has been oversubscribed.”

At the vanguard of Omnicane’s most radical new market penetration strategy into the hospitality sector is Omnicane’s flagship 140-room business hotel, the Holiday Inn Mauritius Airport - situated close to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International

Sotramon is a priviledged engineering partner of Omnicane for the past decade in its bold transformation from a sugar to a cane industry. Our involvement dates since the setting of a 2 x 45 MW coal / bagasse firing plant to produce electricity, erection of all associated structural steelwork, equipment and piping for the sugar refinery of capacity 700 t/day and ethanol distillery. Our latest involvement is the setting up of a carbon burn out boiler project and is due for mechanical completion in November 2016.

Established in 1983, Sotramon has been offering its services to the major sectors of the Mauritian economy namely the sugarcane, textile, agro, oil and gas sectors.

Boasting a wide variety of high quality services from engineering, workshop fabrication, site erection and hiring of cranes, we offer quick response so as to meet tight deadlines and delivery on time to our clients’ satisfaction.

Endeavour Magazine | 33

AMAZING WORLD PEMBA ISLAND: AFRICA’S SECRET SHANGRI-LA

T

he magical island of Pemba is that rarest of things in our

Further inland, Pemba Island’s gentle hills and deep green valleys

bustling, stressful modern lives – peaceful. The sleepy tropical

are a sensory overload of colour, smell and taste, thanks to the array

island is a place of exquisite beauty that feels undiscovered by

of cloves, mango, coconuts and crops that cover them. However,

the rest of the world; it is truly a place to get lost.

Separated from the Tanzanian mainland and nearby Zanzibar by the 50km Pemba Channel, a deep blue strip of ocean famous for its rich sea-fishing waters, Pemba Island hidden away from everything - even its similarly beautiful sister island.

it isn’t just the hills that are thriving - should it take your fancy, the incredible bio-diversity of its coral reefs make Pemba one of the best diving spots in all of Africa.

Scattered across the island, ruins dating back to the 17th century remind passers-by of the time when Pemba Island was controlled by

The blue-green hues of its waters lap gently over the clear white

the Omani Sultanate, whom it is said became so enamoured with the

sands of unspoiled coastline. Large stretches of its lush green are

‘Spice Islands’ that he moved his there permanently. Strangely, of

lined with palms and mangroves, and you can explore its hidden

the 300,000 or so people on the islands today, very few – no more

beaches and swim in beautiful, isolated lagoons.

than a few dozen at any given time - are foreign visitors or tourists.

34 | Endeavour Magazine

Should you ever choose to retreat from the noise and pollution of every-day life, you’d do well to visit Pemba Island’s serene Kwanini Manta Resort. What it lacks in five-star luxury, it more than makes up for in its beauty and simplicity.

Its beachside villas and garden rooms act as the perfect base from which to explore the islands and neighbouring East

climb your ladder to the upper deck and lie back in the sun, or see the night sky in extraordinary clarity.

To find out more about this magical island and the Underwater Room, you can visit the Manta Resort website, or you can go see this secluded Island paradise for yourself – there are so few of them left in the world.

African Savannah.

However, the crown jewel of Pemba Island’s Manta Resort is its magical Underwater Room. Just imagine watching great shoals of fish swimming by your window, the colours of the sun or moonlight shining through clear ocean water, or even spotting a passing squid or octopus - all from the comfort of your bed. Alternatively, you can Endeavour Magazine | 35

AUTOMOTIVES MAZDA 626 SKYACTIV-D

W

hen the fully-loaded Mazda 6 SkyActiv-D first pulled into

display, which allows essential driving information to be projected

our carpark, I have to say the racy little number brightened-

within your eye line. It displays speed, directions, and emergency

up what had up until that point been a stressful day. With

warnings to the driver without the need for moving your head.

its striking soul red colour and city-slicker body shape, all finished

The interior felt luxurious and extremely comfortable -

off with 19-inch bright alloys, the car immediately stood out from

perfect for the 380-mile journey ahead - and was kitted out in

the crowd. With a long journey to Scotland ahead, and a family to

a stone leather trim finish. Much to my son’s delight, the Mazda

keep entertained, I have to say I was looking forward to finding my

6’s separate heated seating system allowed for the activation of

way around Mazda’s latest stylish saloon.

3-heat settings at his leisure – an odd move from the lad, seeing as

The smart keyless entrance system allows you to start/stop at

the temperature display was registering 25c outside. Although the

the press of a button (clutch to be depressed), and like the rest of

kids were good as gold, I perhaps wouldn’t recommend this light

the Mazda 6’s gadgets and gizmos, was user friendly and easy to

colour for a family - over time the leather would mark far quicker

use; an important thing, if like me you sometimes find a car full of

than your standard black interior. That said, it really gave a spacious,

gadgets a little overwhelming.

roomy feel in the cabin, even with the entire family in tow. There is

Upon taking to the wheel, meeting the family, and setting off on our Northern adventure, I found that I really took to the car

absolutely masses of space in the rear for passengers, with all USB ports, compartments, and holders within reaching distance.

quite quickly; it’s easy to see how the Mazda 6 has become a fan

After a few miles you really get a sense of enjoyment from this

favourite. I was immediately impressed with the active driving

car. Throughout both legs of the journey, from start to finish, I felt

36 | Endeavour Magazine

little bit easier, and this was demonstrated perfectly by the Mazda 6’s numerous parking assist functions. Thanks to the 7-inch touch screen which is connected to both front and back cameras, it is easy to manoeuvre this hefty city saloon into and out of the tightest of spots; a series of colour coded lines and beeps indicate how close you’re getting to the car in front. I had one gripe about the screen, however – it would have been a nice touch if the screen folded away into the dashboard when the engine is cut, plus I was expecting the wing mirrors to fold in once parked. I understand this can be added on as an extra but I feel that this should come as standard in a top-spec fully-loaded model like the one I was driving.

I was hugely impressed with the Mazda 6’s fuel economy, which surprised me; it’s a heavy motor, fully laden with my family and suitcases (on that note the boot is huge), and yet it’s performance was entirely unaffected. We reached nearly 60 mpg, although when the time did finally come to refuel the car, I admit I did come unstuck, and was forced to confer with the Mazda equivalent of the bible to find how to release the tank cap. A word to the wise; spend safe and comfortable in seating that almost seems to hug you (8way adjustable power seats will get you there). The car has power; real power, to ensure danger can be averted at any given time.

Admittedly, I found going from first to second gear a little lumpy in comparison to the smoothness you get as you go into the higher gears, but the Mazda 6 definitely came into to its own once you get it into third. Honestly, boy does it go off the line! I had some fun putting its acceleration to the test, especially off roundabout exits, although my wife who was sat in the back definitely didn’t - the

a day reading this through before setting off on your first journey, it’ll help you avoid a little embarrassment at the service station.

Within this car there was so much more to explore, and I felt the Mazda 6 offered a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining driving experience. To me, everything within and outside the car is fantastic, to the point where I will seriously consider the Mazda 6 as my next car purchase. However, with my dogs in mind, I might plump for the tourer model as it offers extra boot space.

Thank you Mazda, I look forward in reviewing your next model.

amazing BOSE surround system did a great job in drowning out the snipes at my driving that followed, fortunately.

Even the most discerning speaker snobs would fail not be impressed with the sound quality provided by the 11 preciselypositioned speakers, which offer maximum listening pleasure with no expense spared. I liked the media system too, which offers a DAB radio, and a plugin for phones and tablets for passengers in the back. The hands free Bluetooth system is easy to work, and with all the controls required on the steering wheel there is minimal distraction.

You find yourself at times fixated and in awe almost of the prompt reminder to change gears up to six. I cannot grasp how a car can still pull away quickly in sixth gear at 40-45mph. I put this down to the SKYACTIV technology that’s all about fuel economy, low emissions and making driving more fun. This technology enables the Mazda 6 to deliver a unique mix of driving pleasure, balanced with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

Its brilliant.

Everything about the car is designed to make driving it that Endeavour Magazine | 37

PEUGEOT 308 GTI

B

ack in the late 1980’s when I had terrible hair (yes, mullet

few more BHP just doesn’t really warrant the title. The 308, on the

haircuts were once fashionable), shoulder pads, and an

other hand, genuinely does, as it is blisteringly fast, handles like a

insatiable appetite for all things fast, I had the pleasure of

dream and has clearly been designed thoughtfully and with great

owning a Peugeot 206 GTi. Even way back then, the 206 GTi felt

love. No doubt by a fellow petrol-head.

a bit like a standard car which had lots of go faster stuff bolted on,

I love the understated good looks of the 308 GTi. Ours came in

but, that said, I loved that car, and ever since have always had a soft

black with a few bits of red trim; its not your gaudy bright-colours-

spot for a Peugeot.

and-in-your-face look that many cars from this category fall into.

Whereas my old Peugeot 206 produced a paltry 137 BHP,

This was a good call by Peugeot; toning down the aesthetics in this

however, its younger, more muscular younger brother, the Peugeot

way will inevitably endear the car to a far bigger audience than a car

308 GTi, with its 1.6l turbo, nearly 270 BHP engine, is a monster!

that looks like a Hot Wheels toy.

It is a fire-spitting cracker of a hatchback and it truly deserves to

The 1.6 turbocharged lump is so strong and smooth, producing

wear the GTi badge – it really is the real McCoy. This 308 GTi is a

266 BHP, and is all crammed into a small and very light shell. This

beast of a car but it needs to be when it’s up against the likes of the

combination of power and weight means that whilst this car isn’t

Honda Civic Type R, Audi RS3, Mini John Cooper Works, Renault

the most powerful in its group, it can go toe-to-toe with any of its

Clio RS 220 Trophy, and of course the legendary Golf GTi.

rivals. It really does fly off out of the blocks, and the big fat 19-

Hot hatch is a term we have been using for years, and I think

inch wheels dig in deep to keep traction and handling in check. The

it is over-used - bolting on a spoiler, bigger wheels and adding a

6-speed gearbox puts the power down, although my one criticism

38 | Endeavour Magazine

Price

£28,155

Engine

4 cylinders, 1598cc, turbo, petrol

Power

266bhp at 6000rpm

Torque

243lb ft at 1900-5000rpm

Kerb weight 1280kg Gearbox

6-spd manual

0-60mph 6.0sec Top speed

155mph (limited)

Economy

47.0mpg (combined) and we achieved 42MPG on a 100 mile trip of country blasting and motorway cruising

CO2/tax band

139g/km, 22%

is that when pumping it hard the gear changes seem a bit long.

The engine is more than capable of dealing with this, however; it’s just you have to get used to the fact that you’ll be at a very high MPH when you start changing into your higher gears. A slightly closer ratio would give a better 0-60, however the current 6 seconds should be fast enough for most of us. The Alcon brakes with 380mm front discs, clamped by four-piston calipers, provide immense stopping power too. Standard equipment includes LED headlights and satellite navigation.

The Sport button on the centre console is in my opinion the most powerful option, and after pressing it the 308 GTi delivers a racy car soundtrack through the cars speakers. As you drive you can hear the engine growling and burbling, and quite fittingly the clocks turn from innocent white to devil red. The suede and leather seats look first-class and are very comfortable, which is a bonus as the ride can be a little on the hard side.

All-in-all the Peugeot 308 GTi is a well-designed and highly capable hot hatch that delivers the most important thing you could want from it: a huge smile every time you fire it up. In case you couldn’t already tell, I absolutely loved this car.

Endeavour Magazine | 39

40 | Endeavour Magazine

ASSYSTEM WWW.ASSYSTEM.COM 33 (0)1 55 65 03 00

MANAGING THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY STEVEN WELLER

For 50 years, Assystem has proved its worth as a committed and trusted partner for the world’s largest industrial groups. With 12,000 employees and a truly global reach, Assystem boasts impressive credentials and offers a diverse range of engineering services to the many markets in which it operates. Undoubtedly, one of its leading markets is the nuclear sector.

Endeavour Magazine | 41

ASSYSTEM

Nothing demonstrates Assystem’s involvement within the

nuclear industry better than their recent €174 million contract signing on the ITER project – a vast and demanding project which will see Assystem’s capabilities put to the test. Endeavour Magazine caught up with Assystem’s Vice President of Strategic Operations, Mr. Hubert Labourdette, a long serving member of Assystem’s nuclear division, to find out more.

T

he nuclear power sector is one which Assystem has long

technical challenges - is telling, and might be considered a reflection

held an association. Since the company’s formation in 1966,

of the company’s operations.

Assystem has specialised in the commissioning of industrial

Nuclear power offers us what many other energy sources

units for the nuclear industry both in France and abroad, but whilst

cannot- sustainability on a mass scale. The only solution we have to

its processes, technologies and techniques might have evolved

carbon-free electricity remains nuclear, wind and solar. However,

over the years, little else has changed for the company in terms

it is no secret that the harnessing of nuclear power has not come

of vision and values: always delivering projects and supporting its

without its implications. The word nuclear is one which can still

customers at best through their most complex projects. Today,

about a chill, following the accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima

Assystem is ranked as the 2nd nuclear engineering company in the world (ENR 250 McGraw Hill)

No project in any industry comes without a certain degree of risk. The problem with nuclear projects, however, is that if

Assystem is dedicated to feeding the need of the customer

something goes wrong, it can go very, very wrong; none of us need

via specific engineering services such as project management,

reminding of the crisis caused by Chernobyl. In this business there

critical control and security systems integration. The world of

is next to no margin for error. Having said that, the industry has

technical engineering remains as rewarding as it does challenging,

come a very long way since the disaster, and it’s largely thanks to

and whether its operating heavy machinery or designing a nuclear

the great work and expertise of companies such as Assystem, who

power plant, there will always be difficulties over the course of a

have tireless sought to improve procedures and process, with a

project’s lifecycle. By sharing expertise and supporting the projects

view to markedly improve both quality and safety. In this respect,

of its partners and customers, Assystem ensures that, through

Assystem has delivered.

collaboration, no challenge is insurmountable. Assystem’s expertise

As is often the case, much of the fear surrounding nuclear is

within the nuclear sector – one notorious for its complexity and

borne out of lack of knowledge. It is certainly true that very little is

42 | Endeavour Magazine

ASSYSTEM

understood about nuclear energy on the part of the public sector but

So where does Assystem come into all this? Assystem’s

actually the basic principles behind it are fairly simple. For starters,

involvement with ITER actually spans the best part of a decade, and

nuclear energy is divided into two forms- fission and fusion. The

just recently things have really gathered pace in what is an exciting

difference is small, yet substantial. Nuclear fission concerns itself

new era for ITER. In Cadarache, Southern France, the construction

with the splitting of atoms whereas nuclear fusion is the combining.

process on the reactor is well under way. On June 27th 2016, ITER

Hundreds of billions of dollars has been invested into both fission

organization and the Momentum joint venture signed a staggering

and fusion over the years, with the former being the form at the

€174 million for the management of the 10-year ITER assembly

furthest stage of development. However, it is nuclear fusion that

and installation phase. The Momentum venture is a collaboration

everyone is talking about at the moment, and this is largely due to

of three companies- Assystem, AMEC Foster-Wheeler and Kepco,

the ITER project which Assystem is currently engaged in.

who are now trusted with managing the construction process on

ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is

site. Contracts in complex and demanding projects are somewhat

a fusion mega-project, described as the world’s largest scientific

of a speciality for Assystem and the contracts showcase the key

experiment. Without getting too technical, for a fusion reaction to

skills of the workforce.

occur there needs to be heat, a serious amount of heat. In fact, it

The 2,500 employees within the nuclear division dedicate

is through fusion reactions that the sun gains its energy. Creating

themselves to the design and management in various major

the same conditions as the heart of our solar system requires a very

projects, not just limited to France. Assystem is already involved at

complex (and expensive) machine; a tokamak. In short, the goal of

the Hinkley point project in the UK, with one of their key clients,

the ITER project is to design, construct and operate the world’s

EDF energy, having recently secured a lucrative contract alongside

largest of these machines.

the Chinese. Another important international venture includes

44 | Endeavour Magazine

the involvement of Assystem in all the EPRs construction in the world (China, Finland, France, the UK) or in the Turkish nuclear projects Akkuyu and Sinop. With regards to what’s happening in France, there are fears of a chronic skills shortage in the nuclear sector, which perhaps makes the vast number of highly skilled nuclear technicians within Assystem’s ranks even more astounding.

Assystem believe in an emphasis on specialised training; the future of nuclear lies with the younger generation after all.

But let’s not forget that Assystem is much more than a company dedicated too nuclear. Assystem operates across 20 countries, and manages operations across a diverse spectrum of industry.

These industries range from aerospace to transportation and infrastructures or even life sciences.

All in all, the future looks bright and certainly busy for Assystem.

As more countries rest their sustainable energy hopes in nuclear power plants, Hubert and his highly skilled team will be there to implement this vision.

Endeavour Magazine | 45

46 | Endeavour Magazine

GIFT WWW.GIFTGUJARAT.IN 91 79-30018300

THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) has set out to become the standard by which all infrastructure centres are judged. Thanks to insightful design and a commitment to progress, there looks to be little doubt that this goal will be both achieved and superseded. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at the project to find out more.

Endeavour Magazine | 47

GIFT

It’s a brave move, to declare an intention to offer burgeoning

and established businesses a new hub that can serve all needs and requirements, in an infrastructure sense, but that’s exactly what Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) has done.

IFT is conceptualised as a global financial and IT services

“G

We suspect that this deep seated commitment to not only

hub, a first of its kind in India, designed to be at or above

progressing modern business, but doing so in an ecologically sound

par with globally benchmarked financial centres such

and protective manner will come as a shock. However, when you

as Shinjuku, Tokyo, Lujiazui, Shanghai, La Defense, Paris, London

consider how vital ‘green issues’ are becoming, it makes perfect

Dockyards etc.

sense that a forward thinking development would be taking such

Bringing Indian business into the modern era, GIFT has been

considerations to heart, right at the start of the planning process.

heralded as promising to not only improve vital commercial

Discussing the basic principles that underpin GIFT, the team

support systems, but also heighten the quality of life and ambience

revealed that,

that those fortunate enough to operate within its confines will experience.

“The development of GIFT offers a significant opportunity to be a test-bed to drive reforms and innovation in various fields

There can be no misunderstanding that an all-inclusive, one-

including in delivery systems, local government, physical planning,

stop business district will greatly enhance the productivity and

infrastructure development, environmental protection and so on.

effectiveness of existing operations, but with a plan to include only

Getting these foundation principles right is crucial to plan and

the finest communication services, state of the art connectivity and

execute the development strategies.”

exemplar transport connections as well, GIFT looks set to raise the bar when it comes to standards in the commercial park industry.

In a bid to ensure ‘intelligent urbanisation’, the team at GIFT are keen to explore any and all possibilities that will lead to the

“GIFT Master Plan reflects a sophisticated planning approach

building of “efficient, safe and smart” properties and this will have

that integrates the intended program into the existing context of

an impact on more than just the environment. While companies

both the site and the region. The GIFT development is expected

that look to align with and relocate to GIFT can feel happy that

to become a contemporary model development in India, advancing

they have chosen a business complex that has impressive green

the ideas of sustainability and ecology. The project regenerates the

credentials, the efficiency of the buildings themselves will ensure

area as high-quality, mixed-use district of residential, commercial

minimal running costs and maximum profit. That’s something that

and open space facilities that optimize land and real estate values.”

no business, big or small, will ever get bored of.

48 | Endeavour Magazine

GIFT

In order to ensure the perfect blend of technologically advanced

So why has GIFT become such a vital project?

locations and ecologically aware operations, GIFT has taken no

“The last decade has seen unprecedented growth in India’s

short cuts when it comes to the design and implementation of

financial services sector. It employs over 3 million people, constitutes

stunning spaces that work smart, not hard. Steps being taken

about 5% of the GDP and has an estimated market capitalisation

include,

of over US$ 200 billion. As India experiences continued economic

“High-energy evolving fusion of nature and technology,

growth, the financial sector could generate about 10-11 million

enhancing zest for work and life, reduced use/waste of energy

jobs and a GDP contribution of US$ 350 to 400 billion by 2020.

thus reduced energy bills, sky gardens/roof-top gardens, non-

With a sustained growth and rapid development in technology

conventional energy resources such as solar water heating, rain

and infrastructure, an increasing share of financial services would

water harvesting and planning and design consideration according

get centralized. McKinsey & Company’s market assessment report

to micro-climatology.”

estimates potential of about 6 million centralized jobs across

By understanding how dedicated GIFT is to providing a

multiple service roles.”

comprehensive, effective business platform, as well as a green-

Having taken the time to commission an in-depth report as to

minded ethos, you get a real feel for just how different this location is.

the growth of the commercial market in India, the team at GIFT

Whereas standard commercial parks may seek to simply guarantee

have ensured that not only is the new complex a good idea, it’s a

a roof over businesses’ heads and a decent internet connection,

vital addition. Where else would all these extra roles be housed and

GIFT is seeking to actually change the lives and working practices

how would they be maintained without state of the art facilities

of employees and companies as a whole, for the better. This isn’t

and easy to access locations? As we all know, centralising industries

simply a convenient location for housing successful businesses; it’s

and creating recognisable ‘hubs’ for certain market sectors

a community, and a giant stride forward for infrastructure design.

increases efficiency and when it comes to delivering enviable levels

State Bank of India (SBI) (“the Bank”)

is the largest commercial bank in India in terms of assets, deposits, profits, branches, customers and employees.

The Bank also commands an extensive international presence through 198 foreign offices in 37 countries. Opened on 19th September ‘16, IFSC Business Unit (IBU) is the 199th foreign branch of the Bank. The IBU will provid a full range of global corporate banking services and will meet foreign currency funding needs of the Bank’s vast Indian clientele.

It will also actively participate in global syndication deals and meet funding requirements of foreign corporations.

50 | Endeavour Magazine

of customer service, you have to be thinking about streamlining processes and ensuring that any steps that can improve a client’s experience are being taken.

“Several developed countries have successfully established high-tech financial hubs, which over time have catered as international financial services centres. These centres provide suitable regulatory regimes and create a business environment to promote talent and increase capital flow. As they develop they create significant economic value for their domestic economies, e.g. London and New York account for 10% of the GDP and about 5% of jobs. Emerging financial services centres like Singapore and Hong Kong have achieved similar levels of concentration of economic activity over short periods of time.”

Endeavour Magazine has no doubt that in the coming years, this new luxury commercial plaza will be directly responsible for adding India to this prestigious list and wouldn’t that truly be the greatest gift of all?

PEC Solutions Green Designs Pvt. Ltd. 204, Banarasi Heritage, Mindspace, Link Road, Malad (West), Mumbai - 400 064 +91 22 60220202 +91 98 70986209 greenbusiness@pecsolutions.org info@pecgreeningindia.com www.pecgreeningindia.com

Endeavour Magazine | 51

52 | Endeavour Magazine

MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE OF PLASMA PHYSICS WWW.IPP.MPG.DE +49 89 3299-01

THE ENERGY OF THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

The Max Planck Institut für Plasmaphysik is an incredible facility that is primarily concerned with investigating the potential that fusion energy offers. With some exciting developments on the horizon, Endeavour magazine spoke to the team to find out more.

Endeavour Magazine | 53

MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE OF PLASMA PHYSICS

Getting to grips with why fusion energy is so critical might

seem like a task for lab professionals only, but the Max Planck Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP), quite helpfully broke its importance down into layman terms, when it stated.

“O

ver ninety per cent of the world’s energy requirements are supplied today by fossil energy sources. The reliability of present supplies readily obscures the fact that the

climate problem, limited fuel resources and political instability call, in the long run, for a new energy system. The amount of economically efficient energy sources capable of replacing coal, oil, and gas is, however, very limited. Besides nuclear fission and solar energy there is the third possibility of fusion.”

In their words, fusion can be defined as such, “The sun is the basis of all life on earth: the central star contains 99.8 per cent of the mass of the entire planetary system. This huge plasma ball consists mainly of hydrogen. A constant fusion fire burns in its core, where the hydrogen atomic nuclei merge into helium. The enormous energy produced in this nuclear fusion is what heats and lights the earth.”

So, now that we understand what fusion, essentially, is and why we need to master it, the question has to be asked, what is IPP doing to further the case? The answer is, a lot. Connected to the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, it is also a key member of the European Fusion Programme and is committed to a significant amount of participation in seven separate projects, Out of this impressive line-up of current research and development projects, it’s the Wendelstein 7-X that the IPP team are most keen to discuss, and it’s little wonder when you discover that it is the world’s largest fusion device of the stellarator type. To put that into terms that we can all understand, this is a machine

54 | Endeavour Magazine

Knowledge for everyday life improvement

Magnets for medical applications

Magnets for energy

Magnets for research applications

ASG Superconductors designs and manufactures resistive and superconducting magnet systems for research in the high-energy physics domain, thermonuclear fusion, energy and medical applications.

Managers and technical personnel collaborate every day, in Italy and abroad, with leading companies in industry and with primary scientific research centers and institutions.

Research, nuclear fusion, particle physics, energy and medical applications.

ASG Superconductors offers its clients expertise in the design, development, production, installation and testing of superconducting and resistive magnetic systems, cryogenic systems, magnets for cyclotrons and components tailored to the customers’ needs.

Magnets for nuclear fusion

Pictures courtesy of: IBA - CERN - ITER

discover our new website www.asgsuperconductors.com

From research to industrial applications

MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE OF PLASMA PHYSICS that has been built specifically to confine molten plasma within a

Two seconds might not sound seem very impressive to the

strong magnetic field. This will create a controlled nuclear fusion

untrained eye, but it’s the power created that is the important aspect

reaction, which can then be monitored, adapted and manipulated

here. Since that first success, the amount of energy produced has

for research purposes. It all sounds like a plot from a science

increased consistently, and future developments are projected to

fiction film, but this is very real and, according to IPP, the future of

be no less positive. This utterly incredible feat has lead to JET being

sustainable world energy.

the only machine in the entire world that is capable of,

“The main assembly of Wendelstein 7-X was concluded in 2014. Once all technical systems had been checked step-by-step, the first plasma was produced on 10th December 2015.”

With less than a year of operation under its belt, it’s too early

“…operating with the deuterium-tritium fuel mixture that will be used in ITER and commercial fusion power stations.”

That leads us nicely into a discussion about ITER and how IPP is connected to it.

to ask what this incredible machine is telling the team, which is

“The international ITER experimental reactor is to show that it

why IPP has also become affiliated with other research projects

is physically and technically possible to gain energy from nuclear

including the Joint European Torus (JET) and ITER cooperation.

fusion. IPP is contributing to the preparation of the device through

To call JET a groundbreaking project would be a dramatic

the research programme being conducted on its ASDEX Upgrade

understatement that barely scratched the surface of what is being

fusion device. IPP scientists are also maintaining close contact with

achieved, with vast amounts of research and date having come

the ITER group in all physics-oriented questions and are treating

from the endeavour since the nineties it first went live in the early

special problems for ITER in numerous contract studies.”

nineties.

“For the first time in the history of fusion research it was

The real question is, compared to Wendelstein 7-X, how significant can the findings be expected to be?

possible with JET in 1991 to release a substantial amount of energy

“ITER is intended to show that it is physically and technically

through controlled nuclear fusion. For the duration of two seconds

possible to gain energy from nuclear fusion. Its objective is to

the device generated a fusion power of 1.8 megawatt.”

produce a burning, energy-yielding plasma for the first time.

In the framework of thermonuclear fusion research, ASG Superconductors has successfully delivered 30 (out of 50) nonplanar superconducting coils, of three different types, which will generate the magnetic field containment of the plasma in the Wendelstein 7-X reactor at the Institute of Plasma Physics.

The contribution of ASG can be considered a success in terms of flexibility to respond promptly to customer needs, to manage the difficulties inherent to such a complex project and to comply to the highest quality standards.

ASG, a partner in supporting your research.

ASG Superconductors has successfully completed one of the largest and most complex magnets ever built in thermonuclear fusion application: the 1st TF Winding Pack of the ITER project. A great history of scientific and industrial cooperation with Research Institutions and different companies that have combined skills and activities to get to build one of the essential components of the ITER nuclear fusion reactor at Cadarache. ASG was awarded the order for manufacturing of 10 (out of 19) toroidal field coils and for “Engineering Integrator” activities of poloidal field coils.

For further information please visit our web site www.asgsuperconductors.com

56 | Endeavour Magazine

The Heartbeat of High Power

ITER should release 500 megawatts of fusion power – ten times the heating power coupled in. Furthermore, it is to be used for developing and testing essential technical functions of a fusion reactor. These include superconducting magnetic field coils, tritium technology, exhaust of the thermal energy generated, and development of remotely replaceable components; the safety and environmental aspects of fusion will also be investigated.”

It’s all another world isn’t it? Well, it would be, except that you have to remember these experiments are being conducted for the sole purpose of improving and extending the lifespan of our own planet. When you boil nuclear fusion down, it’s a case of find a new way to supply the human race with the essential energy it needs, or face an uncertain future when the fossil fuels, that we have shamelessly depended on for so many years, run out.

While the work of IPP still sounds like another language to those of us on the ground, we know one thing for sure: that we are thankful for the men and women that have made this endeavour

Powering the Future of Science Ampegon delivered high voltage power supplies for ECRH/ICRH plasma heating to Max-Planck-Institut (IPP).

Ampegon offers RF amplifier systems, high voltage and high current power supplies as well as short and long pulse modulators for world-class research facilities and medical/industrial applications.

their careers. When it comes to tackling the world energy crisis, IPP could just be the last shining ray of hope for a brighter, sustainable and feasible future, so we’ll be following the research findings of Wendelstein 7-X and ITER with a keen and vested interest.

Science

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Endeavour Magazine | 57

58 | Endeavour Magazine

TOBAGO COLD STORAGE AND WAREHOUSE FACILITY WWW.TCOSWAF.COM +1 (868) 639-4017

AS COLD AS ICE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Servicing in excess of 80 businesses in Trinidad and Tobago, the Tobago Cold Storage and Warehouse Facility makes giving other storage providers the cold shoulder a matter of course.

Endeavour Magazine spoke to General Manager, Sandra Alexander, to find out how the company has become the go-to operation in the region.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

TOBAGO COLD STORAGE AND WAREHOUSE FACILITY

The Tobago Cold Storage and Warehouse Facility (TCOSWAF) is celebrating a number of years at the top of its game, thanks to a commitment to consistently diversifying and developing the services on offer, not to mention never losing sight of who really matters; the customer.

S

andra Alexander, General Manager expanded a little further,

profit margins, so that we could keep the cold storage affordable

“In 2003, the operation was purchased by the Tobago

for local businesses. Areas such as poultry storage and vehicle

House of Assembly (THA) from NIPDEC, who had deemed it

parking were natural choices, as well as storing imported goods.

unprofitable. Tobago is an island in the region and is dependent

These newer areas of interest are literally a means to maintain low

on certain industries, such as fishing and the THA recognised the

prices on the public cold storage side of things.”

value in offering local fisherman a reliable location for storing their

Enjoying a huge 77,000 cubic feet of specialist refrigerated cold

catches. Without TCOSWAF, there would have been nowhere

storage space and 70,000 square feet of dry storage, TCOSWAF

to store the fish and the industry would have suffered, stalled or

looks well equipped to deal with any number of customers who

maybe even failed completely.”

might need their services in the near future but with that potential

While some organisations, regardless of industry, might enjoy

for business comes a need for clear service directives. When you

success and be happy to remain static, others are always on the

consider that the company is one of the biggest ice suppliers on

lookout for what consumers might need next, in a bid to already

the island and also offers commercial space, either for storage or

be in a position to supply it. This is the type of operation that goes

business premises purposes, having a defined customer service

on to enjoy longstanding commercial viability and a reputation

charter becomes vital. Sandra recognised this right from the start

for being customer-centric. All the positive marketing spin in the

of her tenure as General Manager,

world can’t fake a great reputation, such as the one that TCOSWAF

“I’ve been here for four years. When I joined, the Board of

enjoys and one of the key reasons that people keep coming back is

Directors that form the management structure gave me a strict

that the costs are monitored closely, to protect user margins,

mandate to turn the company around. Up until that point, it had

“The public cold storage facility is very costly to operate because

been in a poor position and frequently running at a loss, with

of the large amount of electricity needed, as well as maintenance

nothing working as it should. In order to change that and make it

costs, but our mandate has always been to support certain local

profitable and operational, I needed a plan.”

industries, so we didn’t want to put costs up. Diversification into

Given that TCOSWAF offers such a vast array of storage

areas other than cold storage was necessary to help with our own

services, ranging from commercial/dry storage through to vehicle

60 | Endeavour Magazine

TOBAGO COLD STORAGE AND WAREHOUSE FACILITY

parking and even frozen consumables storage and ice production,

factors that help to set it apart from the others. Sandra agreed,

it makes sense that the staffing body needs to be quick on the ball

“Our competitive advantages are clear to see and all derived

and adept at multitasking. The question is, however, how could

from customer needs. Firstly, not only do we have a large facility,

these people contribute to making the company more profitable?

in a great location in Scarborough, but we also have plenty of

“I recognised the importance of the human element of the

parking here, compared to our competitors. Secondly, our brand

company from day one; they were and remain the most important

recognition is second to none as well, as we stand for reliability,

asset of TCOSWAF. We have a lot of physical assets, but without

punctuality and courtesy. Lastly, we offer special opening times for

a good staff base, these are null and void. Our people are given

our customers, as we know they can’t all work a standard day. If

training and trusted with responsibilities and things to care

products come in on a night ferry, we can ensure staff are available

about. Every one of the 35 employees working alongside me are

to help unload, just like Sunday morning support can be offered

valued and fully understand that how we treat the customer will

too, with just a phone call.”

determine if they come back or not. Given that Tobago is a small

Going the extra mile could be the company strapline at

market, word of mouth is the most important marketing technique

TCOSWAF, as all of these initiatives are well above and beyond

in the community here. We don’t need to commit to extensive or

the regular call of duty, but the commitment to customers doesn’t

expensive advertising and marketing, as we use word of mouth and

end there, as the future looks exciting and filled with commercial

that is successful because of the amazing team that works hard to

potential,

please customers every day.”

“At this time we are seeking to expand our commercial space

TCOSWAF is not the only facility of its kind in the region, but

and also want to increase our ice distribution network, as sales

knowing how much business it enjoys, there must be a number of

are increasing significantly. Putting merchandisers directly into

62 | Endeavour Magazine

communities will make ice easier to acquire for all of our customers, so that’s something we are keen to explore. We are extremely excited about continuing to support local business owners as well, especially local meat producers, so that healthy, quality products don’t have to be imported from Trinidad or the USA, which can make them expensive. We see working with local farmers as key to future success, for TCOSWAF and the farmers themselves. They need to see that there is a market for their product and we are happy to help with that.”

While profit is important to any business, it takes an exceptional operation to put the needs of the community before monetary gain. TSCOWAF is one such company that seeks to always support local industry and by ploughing every penny of profit back into the running of the business, the future of Tobago’s agricultural, fishing and business sectors looks to be in safe and invested hands.

Endeavour Magazine | 63

AMAZING WORLD LAKE NATRON: NATURE AT ITS MOST EERIE

W

ith Halloween just around the corner once more, there is no

images were once living animals,

more fitting time to examine the fascinating work of Nick

since petrified by the dangerous

Brandt, who through his award-winning photography has

waters of Lake Natron - a

proven beyond all doubt that the scariest tales are the ones with a

deceptively serene-looking body

bit of truth in them.

of water in the Arusha Region of

Upon first glance, some of the subjects of Brandt’s eerie series,

Northern Tanzania.

‘Across the Ravaged Land’, look like a collection of exquisitely

The waters of Lake Natron

detailed stoned carvings. On closer inspection, these unfortunate

are incredibly hostile to most

birds and bats are a little more macabre: the ‘statues’ in these

living things – so much so, in

fact, that only two species can live in them: the alkaline tilapia and blue-green algae. Whilst the glassy, mirror-like surface of the lake may look beautiful, the water is actually a viscous alkaline brine with natron and trona content so high “it would strip the paint off my Kodak boxes,” according to Brandt. The

64 | Endeavour Magazine

water’s caustic alkalinity, which can reach a pH as high as 10.5, will

they no longer inhabit, to convey Brandt’s concern for depleting

quickly burn the eyes and skin of any creatures not adapted to it.

wildlife, juxtaposing these preserved bodies with images of living

That said, all is not as it seems; the water of Lake Natron did not kill Brandt’s subjects, but calcified the bodies of animals that

animals since vanished from their old homes to drive this message home.

perished shortly after entering the water. This real-life tale is as

Even so, nature around the lake itself strives on. Surprisingly,

morbid as it is fascinating; it is easy to see how the people living in

while the waters are inhospitable to nearly all life, the islands that

the area believed that these petrified animals had been cursed and

form in the lake during dry seasons are a primary breeding ground

turned to stone.

for the 2 million Lesser Flamingos.

Photographs from Lake Natron are used amongst images of

Isn’t nature something?

elephant tusks, and panels placing photographs of animals in areas

Endeavour Magazine | 65

66 | Endeavour Magazine

QDVC WWW.QDVC.COM (974) 4453 84 00

BUILDING A NATION WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

So prolific has activity in the construction sector been in Qatar over the past decade that the extraordinary completion of mega-project after multi-billion dollar mega-project appears seemingly ordinary; isn’t it telling when the world grows accustomed and complacent in the face of the incredible?

Endeavour Magazine | 67

QDVC

Colossal, highly complex feats of engineering,

which has included massive road, rail, port, and stadium builds, in addition to the erection of a forest of glittering skyscrapers in Qatar’s majestic futuristic cities, have been the bread-and-butter of Qatar’s big-ticket construction companies. QDVC is no exception.

Endeavour Magazine investigated to find out the secret to QDVC’s success.

W

ell, what a great few years for business it’s been for QDVC. Since its beginning to life in 2007, the product of a joint venture between Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment

Company and VINCI Construction, the company has fast carved out an enviable reputation as one of the biggest and best construction contractors, not only in Qatar but across the Middle East. You need only glance at the list of big-ticket design-build mega-projects that QDVC has taken on for the public and private sector over the past 9-years to get an idea of the sheer scale and capabilities of this quite remarkable construction outfit, not to mention the expertise

Complete solutions for all your printing, plotting and office stationery needs

that its in-house engineering and construction arms can clearly call upon.

QATARI CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY HAS SURGED Of course, it’s to be expected that construction giants of the size and strength of QDVC will have had their hands busy in recent years. Whilst the country’s golden goose has historically been its petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) which, quite rightfully, is recognised as the cornerstone of Qatar’s fabulously

P.O.BOX 13986, DOHA-QATAR Phone +974 44340430 copyworld@qatar.net.qa Fax: +974 44340431 www.copyworld.com.qa 68 | Endeavour Magazine

rich economy, the construction sector has of late been the Qatari economy’s fastest-growing segment by some margin. Thanks to strong economic growth, which has only tapered off over the

QDVC

past 18-months as a result of the present global oil crisis, and a

then keep it there. In a country so buoyant and full of opportunity,

government-funded US$200 billion infrastructure investment

where huge riches are there to be reaped by the companies capable

venture, the Qatar National Vision 2030 scheme, Qatar is booming.

of driving Qatar’s transformation into a multi-faceted developed

Within its host nation’s national borders alone, QDVC is

nation with a diversified economy, competition is fierce for those

currently working on the US$1.16 billion New Orbital Highway –

lucrative contracts. This is especially the case in the construction

Contract 2, south-west of Doha, the Doha Metro Red Line South –

sector. QDVC is a case study for how to run a company that is

a vast undertaking which has seen the company design, tunnel, and

one of the industry leaders, and the reason for this is that it has

build five underground metro stations and their adjoining tunnels

achieved everything it has and captured significant market share off

below the streets of Doha, and the new city of Lusail’s US$3.8

the back of good old-fashioned hard work. Over the past 2-years

billion Light Railway Transit System, along with four accompanying

alone, QDVC has taken on US$5.65 billion worth of projects, but

underground car parks. And then there’s the international work

the company will be the first to admit it has lost as many tenders

QDVC is currently engaged in, which includes the construction of

as it has won.

the Dahlak Island Resort in Eritrea, and the Golf & Racquet Club in Al Houara, on the outskirts of Tangiers, Morocco.

Innovation, as always, is another key attribute required for commercial success, and in this respect QDVC also has good form.

In a bid to improve processes and cut costs, it has sought to import

HARD WORK AND INNOVATION

the latest cutting edge technologies, equipment, and expertise as

Granted, as the product of a joint venture between two huge,

it strives to stay ahead of the curve. It is no coincidence that many

well-financed entities, QDVC enjoyed a privileged start to life, but

projects it has taken on, even those amongst the most complex and

it takes more than early advantage to build a top-tier company and

demanding, have been completed under budget.

70 | Endeavour Magazine

INVESTING IN QATAR’S FUTURE BY NURTURING THE TOP LOCAL TALENT It would be unjust not to name QDVC’s extensive and highlyskilled workforce as another key component behind the company’s rise to prominence, of course. QDVC has a policy aimed at reaching out to and recruiting the best Qatari talent, via a dedicated Qatarisation Department created early 2013. The Qatarisation team, which is in charge of the recruitment, training, motivation, retention, and career development of Qataris within the company, is committed to encouraging the development of Qataris to

heavyweights will end anytime soon. And most importantly, QDVC will continue to do this through innovation, and through remaining a trend-setter, with regards to know-how, quality, and efficiency.

QDVC’s reputation precedes it, and clients know that it will always strive to find ways to do things better by designing buildings that are structurally lighter and cost less; that can be heated and cooled better through the use of more effective design.

A BOOM THAT SIGNALS THE BEGINNING OF THINGS TO COME

become the future generation of leaders, engineers and skilled

In spite of Qatar’s present economic discomfort, the present

professionals. For this scheme to bear fruit, QDVC has worked

nation building drive doesn’t represent a high water mark for the

tirelessly to develop the rigorous training and initiatives necessary

country; this is the beginning, rather than the onset of a decline.

to transform the most promising talent into the best in the business.

There is plenty more to do, and even one or two further construction

Today, there are currently several initiatives in place to help QDVC

mega-projects on the horizon – as you’d expect, QDVC is going to

identify, recruit, and train Qatari nationals with this goal in mind.

have its hands full a few years longer.

With the top talent at its disposal, along with the most modern techniques, technology and insight, there is no reason to believe that QDVC’s leading role as one of Qatar’s construction

Endeavour Magazine | 71

72 | Endeavour Magazine

CONSTRUCTIONAL ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION (SOUTH AFRICA) WWW.CEA.ORG.ZA +27 11 298 – 9400

THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH TO BUILD AN EMPIRE WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

The construction sector is all about solid underpinnings that will remain steadfast and strong for years to come, so it makes perfect sense that there would be an organisation setup to offer comparable support to industry employers. Endeavour Magazine was delighted to get up close and personal with the Constructional Engineering Association (South Africa) to find out what they offer construction market leaders.

Endeavour Magazine | 73

CONSTRUCTIONAL ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION (SOUTH AFRICA)

It’s no secret that the construction industry is a fast-paced,

competitive sector the world over, but with initiatives in place to push commercial progress in South Africa, it’s even more vital that professional organisations have an association to rely on for continued support.

N

aturally, there are many construction-related unions and

and the free movement of information, as that’s the only way to

advocates, but none offer the level of specialist employer

guarantee that members are getting what they need. It shouldn’t

support that the Constructional Engineering Association

be a shock to encounter an operation that is so genuinely geared

(South Africa) (CEA) does. It describes its role in simplistic terms,

towards the best interests of its members, but unfortunately it is.

“The CEA represents employers engaged in the construction

Perhaps one day such dedication will be the norm, but until then,

engineering industry, operating in the structural, mechanical,

it remains as just one of the reasons why the CEA is so unique

electrical, instrumentation, piping and project management fields.

and respected. Another is the clear distinction between the two

In addition to its own activities, the CEA has two active divisions:

divisions that make up the association, as it means focus does not

the Labour Broking Division and the Temporary Employment

need to be split between them.

Services Division. The association also has close ties to the SA Institute of Steel Construction and the SA Institute of Welding.”

With an active connection to what seems to be every facet of the construction industry within South Africa, it comes as no surprise that this is an association that has been in operation for a considerable amount of time. In fact, it can boast 80 years of groundbreaking employer advocacy, “It was founded in 1936 as the Transvaal Structural Engineering Association, changed its name subsequently to the Constructional

“The Labour Broking Division (LBD) of the CEA was established in 1994, by members who recognised the need to form a body in order to have a platform where this sector of industry has a voice, be part of a representative body which will have credibility in the eyes of clients, contractors, bargaining councils, trade unions etc and improve the image of this sector of industry, which admittedly at that time was very poor and was perceived to operate on the fringes of the law.”

Engineering Association and finally, to the Constructional

Showing a willingness to be reactive to industry needs is key to

Engineering Association (South Africa) in 1986. The CEA(SA) is

the on-going success of the CEA and it’s worth adding here that part

1 of 27 independent employer associations, each representing a

of the organisation’s mission is to always be helping construction

different sector of the industry, which together form the Steel and

industry employers to operate fully within the confines of the law.

Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA).”

Since being initiated, the Labour Broking Division (LBD) has

Where some associations might seek to be in competition

brought about significant developments, including a code of

with others, the CEA recognises the inherent need for cooperation

ethics and easy access to tax legislation information, all of which

74 | Endeavour Magazine

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CONSTRUCTIONAL ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION (SOUTH AFRICA)

is essential and works perfectly alongside the directive of the

could have lead to a frightening propensity for certain companies

Temporary Employment Services Division (TESD).

to be operating outside of the law, without realising, but with the

“The Temporary Employment Services Division (TESD) was

CEA in place, that isn’t something that will be a problem.

founded in 2003 and provides temporary employment service

No association can ever be considered a success if industry

providers with a forum to regulate this specialised industry, to

giants don’t actively seek to take up membership and it’s by this

serve the needs of their clients and to protect the rights of their

measure that we can say with total confidence that the CEA is a

candidates in a legally compliant environment. TESD members

giant in its field. The members listing, as found on the CEA website,

supply ‘white collar’ professionals such as draughtsmen, engineers,

is a veritable A-Z who’s who of the South African construction

project managers and technicians to the Engineering, Procurement

sector and if a company isn’t in there, it is probably either about to

and Construction Management (EPCM) industries, mining houses

be, or not worth discussing. With a strict covenant in place as to

and the manufacturing industry.”

who can join, having your company name associated with the CEA

When you see what each individual division actually looks to achieve, it is impossible to underestimate the importance if the

is clearly a badge of honour, as simply being eligible to join does not guarantee a membership.

association as a whole. On the one hand, there is a tangible need

Looking to uphold the highest of employment standards within

for everyone within the South African construction industry to

the South African construction industry, the CEA is providing key

be singing from the same hymn sheet, so to speak, but alongside

employers with all the tools they need to make better, safer and

that, individual employers need to know that they can easily access

more responsible choices. Ignorance will no longer be accepted as

a reliable and trusted forum to seek advice. With construction

an excuse for legal non-compliance, not when there is such a strong

employment contracts now being exclusively temporary, as apposed

association acting as the foundations for a more proactive future.

to organisations being able to take on permanent team members, there will naturally be a shift in perception and understanding. This

76 | Endeavour Magazine

78 | Endeavour Magazine

STEINMULLER AFRICA WWW.STEINMULLER.BILFINGER.COM +27 11 806 3000

POWER TO THE PEOPLE WRITTEN BY STEVEN WELLER

With a presence spanning over 50-years in the African market, Steinmüller Africa’s expertise within the steam generation industry is second to none. Whilst offering a full-range of services to the power industry, Steinmüller Africa recognises that one of the keys to success lies in staff training.

Endeavour Magazine | 79

STEINMULLER AFRICA

To find out more about the secrets to the success of this industrial

powerhouse, Endeavour Magazine spoke with the Managing Director of Steinmüller Africa, Mr. Andreas Michalke.

S

teinmüller Africa, a subsidiary of Bilfinger Power Africa (Pty)

company’s largest investment to date and allows the company to

Ltd is a 1,000 employee-strong company and is well-known

serve a broader range of industries. In addition to power generation,

in the power generation market particularly within Southern

Steinmüller Africa is a trusted partner to the petrochemical, process

Africa.

and other steam consuming industries.

The company has fostered strong and enduring relationships

A CHANGING WORLD The power and energy market is undergoing significant changes, not just in regions of Africa but worldwide. There’s currently an emphasis on clean, sustainable energy as we look towards the earth’s long-term future. Solar, wind and nuclear energy are all the rage currently, but let’s not forget what has, and what for, the foreseeable future will continue to power our homes and businesses- fossil fuels. Andreas remains convinced that fossil fuels will continue to power the way. He told us: “Renewable and nuclear energy will have a place in the energy mix, but our projection is that coal will continue to dominate power generation for the foreseeable future”.

Andreas has every reason to be confident. The business has

with all of their clients, and regard them as a key factor in their success story. Steinmüller Africa enjoys a particularly strong relationship with the South African energy giant, Eskom. Back in 1962, Steinmüller Africa started operating in South Africa and has been involved in providing turn-key solutions for the boiler island of many of South Africa’s power stations and also became active in the industrial boiler market from 1991. Engen and Samancor were among the earliest industrial clients. Today, nearly 50-years on, that partnership continues to flourish as negotiations toward a new long-term service agreement for the maintenance of a portion of Eskom’s fleet of boilers and high pressure piping, are under way.

EMPHASIS ON STAFF

grown from strength to strength over the years, forming key

It’s not just clients in which Steinmüller Africa invest their time

relationships with big name players throughout the steam power

and resources, but the company’s workforce too – the company’s

industry within Southern Africa. Steinmüller Africa is based in

internal training programs are up to the highest standards. In an

Gauteng and Mpumalanga but Andreas informs us that the

industry where skilled individuals are becoming more difficult to

company, with its broad reach stretching across all of Southern

find, Steinmüller Africa has devoted themselves to training from

Africa, is able to serve in every corner of the region.

within as opposed to seeking out employees from overseas. This will not only benefit Steinmüller Africa going forward, but also

COMMITMENT TO INDUSTRY As already mentioned, Steinmüller Africa is chiefly focused on the power sector. The company concerns itself with the maintenance and fabrication of utility boilers and piping. When asked to elaborate on the company’s core business activities, Andreas told us: “Steinmüller Africa is a utility boiler and piping business. We are quite focused on the power sector and have developed the expertise to serve the technical complexities of this sector very well. Our services range from design and engineering of utility-

be hugely beneficial for the South African economy, furthermore inspiring an entire generation of young people to take an interest in the trade. Andreas speaks very highly of the program: “A significant portion of our operating budget is dedicated to staff training and development, especially artisanal skills which are extremely scarce. We do not develop artisans at the expense of our professionals though, we certainly drive continuous development and promote from within as far as possible.

WORLD-CLASS FACILITY

scale boilers fired by pulverised coal, and fabrication of the entire

Steinmüller Africa’s commitment to internal training was

range of boiler and piping pressure parts at our facility in Pretoria

really cemented in 2012 when the Steinmüller Africa Technical

West as well as assembly/construction”.

Training Academy (SATTA) was established. The academy has

Steinmüller Africa’s workshop in Pretoria West remains the 80 | Endeavour Magazine

been operational for a fairly short time, yet it is certainly held in

High Pressure large bore pipe SMAW Welding

AfriCostEngineering understands the need to combine in-depth industry knowledge and experience with strong contractual and commercial skills to effectively manage projects from inception through to handover.

We have provided final account support to major clients such as Steinmüller / Bilfinger at Medupi and Kusile Power Stations projects in South Africa.

Partnering with AfriCostEngineering allows our clients to manage their projects whilst we look after their profits.

x 3. COMPANY BACKGROUND AfriCostEngineering (Pty) Ltd Established as CES Mining (Pty) Ltd in 2007 and re-named AfricostEngineering during 2013. CES Namibia (Pty) Ltd and CES Mozambique Lda were established as companies in 2009. QPC Consulting CC was brought into being in 2011. During late 2015, the latest addition to our Group AfriCostEngineering (Northern Cape) (Pty) Ltd was established. The establishment of the “regional” companies has enabled us to beter serve our Clients in these regions, with staffing recruited locally as far as is possible. Back-up resources are shared amongst all the associated companies.

The Core Business being:

We have been active in: South Africa Namibia Mozambique Nigeria Zambia Botswana Angola Tanzania Democratic Republic of Congo

Quantity Surveying Contract Administration Contract Supervision

Client Base ARM Anglo American Goldfields Paterson and Cooke Xstrata Coal ESKOM Golder Associates DRA Vale WorleyParsons Murray & Roberts Mopani Copper Mine PLC Aurecon Various Private Clients ABB SA Fence and Gate Bilfinger De Beers JWE

“

AfriCostEngineering has the ability to manage your project anywhere on the African continent.”

“AfriCostEngineering has the ability to manage your project anywhere on the African continent.”

We are affiliated to the following institutions:

» Quantity Surveying » Contract Administration » Contract Supervision

Association of SA Quantity Surveyors

The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors

Tel: +27 12 644 0683/4, Fax: +27 12 644 1188, Email: otto.vz@africost.com, Web: www.africost.com Endeavour Magazine | 81

STEINMULLER AFRICA

high regard and its achievements speak for themselves. To date,

ensured the longevity of the company. As well as an emphasis on

162 apprentices have been trained to artisan level. The facility has

people, there’s an impetus on technology. Andreas elaborates on

been formally recognised by the South African Institute of Welding

advances in technology:

(SAIW) as a training provider, and is even authorised to present the

“We believe that global advances in technology management,

International Welder course. Welding is a highly skilled profession

e.g. ‘Industry 4.0’, require rapid progress within our own

and integral to the power generation industry. The SATTA’s

organisation and investment in intellectual property. Our approach

achievements within the welding profession remain nothing short

is to invest significantly in technology and people so as to have

of remarkable. Mr. Michalke is rightly very proud of the training

in-house capability to advanced engineering techniques. We are

academy’s achievements and told Endeavour magazine of one

developing proprietary designs for low NOx burners for pulverised

particular success story:

coal and are able to fabricate and supply locally. We have invested

“Steinmüller Africa’s Jaco van Deventer, the 2015 winner of

in the hardware and software for Computational Fluid Dynamics

the local welding industry’s Young Welder of the Year competition,

(CFD) analysis and are currently conducting analyses of in-house

hosted by the South African Institute of Welding (SAIW), has been

designs only”.

placed second in the Youth Group for the Finished Product Welding

Over the coming months Steinmüller Africa will be in a position

category at the Arc Cup hosted by the Chinese Welding Society

to offer these services to plant operators who are looking to

(CWS) and supported by the International Institute of Welding

optimise their existing process, power and/or petrochemical plant.

(IIW)”.

Ageing plants are a reality of the South African industrial and power

MOVING WITH THE TIMES Looking toward the future is certainly a theme which has

82 | Endeavour Magazine

landscape but Andreas has a clear vision in place to assist clients: “On the opportunities being presented by aged and ageing plant and equipment, we are the local licensees for the application

of explosive welding technology to high pressure feedwater heat exchangers. We have also developed complete design packages for replacement heaters which will be fabricated at our workshop in Pretoria West. Further to this, we have investigated the operate and maintain model for our client’s non-core plant operations and believe that opportunities are growing for competent organisations such as Steinmüller Africa”.

Whilst Steinmüller Africa’s short-term target remains further consolidation within the local market, the company has clear medium- and long-term growth objectives. We predict a company which holds such a high regard for its employees and the development of its home region to gain momentum over the next few years. Mr. Michalke closes with the statement: “An organisation is its people, and we emphasise continuous development of our talent”.

High Pressure pipe TIG welding root run

Article Cover Image: High Pressure Feedwater Heater Assembly

Endeavour Magazine | 83

AMAZING WORLD

©QuarkExpeditions.com

THE ARCTIC CIRCLE: A FROZEN LAND ATOP THE EARTH

A

polar wilderness of grinding ice and frozen seas, the Arctic –

teeming with life. Granted, the very heart of the Arctic where the

defined by scientists as the area which falls within the line of

North Pole is to be found is by all intents and purposes a frozen

latitude 66.5 degrees north of the Equator – is the furthermost

desert; a wilderness where nature can barely take root in the face

northern tip of the planet.

of piercing sub-zero winds so cold we couldn’t imagine, but a little

Unfathomably cold and hostile, and yet a place of outstanding

further south in the lands of northern Scandinavia, Greenland,

haunting beauty, the Arctic is one of the few remaining frontiers

Iceland, Russia, Canada and the US can be found ancient frozen

that remains virtually uninhabited and untouched by the hand of

forests, and the mosses and lichens that live on the icy tundra.

man. Make no mistake about it; the Arctic is a hardy frozen land of

Polar bears, seals, walrus, caribou, arctic foxes, and reindeer, live

ice and snow that is by turns beautiful and terrifying, serene and

hunt, and breed in the Arctic snow, while the seas that lie below the

then furious; as capricious as it is unforgiving. Many an intrepid

Arctic’s icy crust are no less rich in life. The cold water is home to

adventurer has heeded the call of the Arctic and never returned.

a number of whale species, seals, fish, shrimp and crabs, as well as

Whilst it might be difficult to believe, this frigid region is in fact 84 | Endeavour Magazine

the plankton and algae that nourish and give life to this remarkable

icebergs and towering white cliffs of the huge glaciers that scientists believe hold 20% of the Earth’s fresh water; their splendour and majesty speaks for itself.

ICEBREAKER JOURNEYS TO THE NORTH POLE Sadly, like much of the natural world, the Arctic is under threat by the rising temperatures caused by climate change. At the current pace of warming, many climatologists now believe that, come the year 2100, virtually all of the Arctic sea ice will melt each summer – quite aside from the impact this will have on sea levels

©QuarkExpeditions.com

marine eco-system. And then, of course, there are the mountainous

and, subsequently, coastal-lying cities, this will cause catastrophic damage to Arctic habitats and undoubtedly cause the extinction of

©QuarkExpeditions.com

©QuarkExpeditions.com

many species who live in the area.

If ever there is a time to see these wonderful lands and feel the crisp Arctic wind on your face, the next decade or so would be the time to do it. By taking the bold decision to board a mighty ice-breaker vessel and embark on a truly unique journey to the very tip of the planet, you’ll set-off on an adventure few others ever will.

How many people have you invited to dinner who can say they’ve stood on the single earthly spot where every direction that they look is south?

To find out more about such a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can visit the Quark Expeditions website to find out more: www.quarkexpeditions.com/gb/arctic

Endeavour Magazine | 85

86 | Endeavour Magazine

SAPVIA WWW.SAPVIA.CO.ZA +27 (0)21 200 5856

HARNESSING THE POWER WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

It’s no secret that the future looks set to be powered by green initiatives and with that in mind, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association has been set up to guarantee that authorities at every level are committing to the cause. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at this dedicated group of industry experts to find out exactly how they plan to drive South Africa forward now and in the future.

Endeavour Magazine | 87

SAPVIA

Talk about photovoltaics and you might find that many people take

on a perplexed look, but for the sake of simplicity, they can be explained as any technology that collects the sun’s energy and converts it into usable electricity. It sounds fairly straightforward when you put it like that, but to become an expert in this field takes time, experience and passion; things that every member of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has in abundance.

S

APVIA has been initiated with a strict mandate in mind and none of the members seek to digress from the goals of the organisation. When you learn what the covenant is, it comes

as no surprise that everyone is equally committed to upholding it, “The association aims to represent the PV industry before provincial and national authorities, as well as government, to promote a higher penetration of the technology, and to advise key decision makers on the most adequate policies to develop a sustainable PV market.”

The key word there is ‘sustainable’, as with any new or relatively modern endeavour, there is always a heavy price tag attached, at least for the first few years. While other countries may have been dabbling with photovoltaics and investing in them as a future-proof technology for a while now, South Africa is still a fairly new player in the game and as such, needs funding and support. So why is this technology considered to be so vital?

“Photovoltaic energy is clean, cost effective and distributed.

Photovoltaics have a wide range of applications and are extremely versatile and modular. The same technology can be used as an individual panel for supplementing consumption in a residential home or as a vast collection of panels, making up a utility scale power generation facility, mega-watts in size.”

You don’t need to read between the lines to see what a groundbreaking innovation this is, nor why an Association that takes on the responsibility of pressing the issue is so critical.

88 | Endeavour Magazine

SAPVIA

Clean, sustainable energy for all. Reduced household running

policy department is responsible for organising and collaborating

costs for all. Even more impressive is the commercial potential

technical information to be used in supporting the objectives and

ready to be exploited, if the industry can be properly regulated,

messages of the association.”

funded and promoted. Enter SAPVIA and the team of longstanding

As with any new initiative, the key to garnering much needed

dedicated industry savants that are ready to take on a gargantuan

support is education and that’s exactly what SAPVIA is all about.

amount of legislative, administrative and promotional duties, all

Ready and willing to preach about the virtues of photovoltaics and

in the name of progress. Disclosing what the Association does,

what they represent in terms of green potential, the Association is

SAPVIA really does make it clear that this is no mere hobby for

helping South Africa to take great strides forward, into the future.

anyone involved,

So how does it describe its ultimate end goal?

“SAPVIA is governed by a board of seven commissioners and

“SAPVIA is a not-for-profit body that consists of active players

a Chairperson elected democratically on an annual basis by its

in South Africa’s photovoltaic market who have a genuine, invested

members at the Annual General Meeting. From within its ranks

presence in the country. The association is devoted to promoting

the management board elects the Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer

the growth of the country’s solar photovoltaic electricity market

and Spokesperson. SAPVIA also has a secretariat, which is the

and aims to contribute to the country’s renewable energy roll-out.”

Executive Manager and an office administrator. They handle the day-to-day workings of the association.

“The secretariat has two main departments: communication and policy work.

The communications department deals with all matters relating to the collection and transfer of information between members and target audiences, such as public or government institutions. The

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In addition to the eco credentials of South Africa looking set to be improved, there is also a more ground-up benefit to be felt, something that everyday citizens will be affected and excited by, right from the start. While it might take some time for energy costs to be reduced, there is huge potential for the green energy sector to create thousands of economy-supporting jobs, “SAPVIA was a signatory to The Green Economy Accord, which

was launched at COP17 at the end of last year. The Green Economy Accord is an agreement between government, business and labour, committing each to tangible targets in achieving low carbon based economic development growth through renewable energy. SAPVIA gave input specifically relating to the job creation potential of the Renewable Energy Industry.”

It’s at this point that you can really begin to understand exactly how vital the Association is. Left to fend for itself in a sea of other new directives and ideas, photovoltaics would simply drown. The team at SAPVIA are the all-important lifebelt, helping the industry to rise above and be seen as the potential saviour of the South African energy sector and it’s not a task that they take lightly.

Constantly challenging the Government to get on board, asking for commercial support and seeking to facilitate connections between influential potential partners all takes time, but every member of the Association is glad to donate their expertise.

The power of the sun might look set to change the face of the South African energy market forever, but it’s the powerhouse of passionate industry experts that constitute SAPVIA that are the

DEHN Africa focuses on the

reliable protection of buildings, electrical and electronic systems and human life. Our pioneering spirit and innovative ideas have been defining our company for more than 100 years and made us a global market leader for surge protection, lightning protection/ earthing as well as safety equipment.

real shining grace here and their future looks bright.

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TOSL WWW.TOSL.COM +1 (868) 299-0360

33 YEARS OF LEADING FROM THE FRONT WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

TOSL Engineering has rapidly expanded over its 33-year history to become one of Trinidad & Tobago’s leading suppliers of process and mechanical engineering services to the oil and gas industry, as well as the utilities, steel, aluminium, cement and manufacturing sectors.

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TOSL

With an unblemished reputation for excellence, thanks to its

to international standards on quality assurance and control, safety, and environmental protection, TOSL has also positioned itself as a versatile one-stop shop for a portfolio of global brands.

Endeavour Magazine investigated to find out the key to TOSL Engineering’s longevity and success.

T

he painstaking matter of rising to the top is the easy bit; staying there is the real challenge. This is a saying which, in some form or another, is often used by any business leader worth

their salt, and one which we have often cited here in Endeavour Magazine. When, like TOSL Engineering, your business operations centre primarily around the oil and gas sector; an industry notorious for its cyclical nature, achieving longevity and continued success over the course of decades becomes doubly difficult.

However, such longevity is exactly what TOSL Engineering has achieved. The company has witnessed bust after bust, and over the course of its 33-year lifetime seen more than a few of its industry rivals crumble in the face of adverse market conditions. There are many reasons as to why TOSL Engineering has avoided the same

Specialist Mechanical Services and Equipment Upstream and Downstream Consultancy and Equipment/Material Supply Cathodic Protection • Internal Corrosion Monitoring • Positive Pressure Welding Habitats • Specialty Mechanical Services • Water Treating Equipment • Dry Ice Cleaning • Hydro-testing • Chemical Injection Services • Heat Exchanger Bullet Cleaning • Hot Tapping

www.onsiteservicesltd.com

operations@onsiteservicesltd.com (868) 636-6213, (868) 636-2983 94 | Endeavour Magazine

fate, but perhaps the key reason is down to a key trait which any business with long-term aspirations must demonstrate to survive – versatility and the ability to adapt.

AN ENGINEERING LEADER WITH CROSS-INDUSTRY CAPABILITIES Originally founded as Trinidad Oilfield Supplies Ltd - a productdriven company dedicated to supplying equipment, materials and spares to the Trinidad & Tobago oil and gas sector – in 1982, TOSL Engineering evolved over the 1990’s to become the multifaceted company that it is today. Based in Marabella, Trinidad, TOSL Engineering is now not only a specialist service provider to Trinidad & Tobago’s world-class oil & gas sector, but a leader in

providing integrated engineering services and products to a range

to customer satisfaction, accountability, value creation, and good

of sectors, including the renewable energy, utilities, construction,

corporate governance are the foundations upon which TOSL’s

food & beverage, mining & metals, and logistics and transportation

success has been built. The company is a first-stop partner for the

sectors.

many clients with whom it has built relationships that have lasted a

The company’s service offerings are no less diverse. Operating

generation, for good reason.

out of 91,000 sq. ft of commercial space, which includes warehouses, workshops, and specialist engineering facilities, TOSL Engineering’s mechanical engineering, electrical, instrumentation & automation, and industrial divisions offer a wealth of products

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE SERVING TRINIDAD & TOBAGO’S WORLD-CLASS OIL & GAS SECTOR

and services to meet all client needs, in addition to wire rope

It would be a mistake to think that, in spite of its metamorphosis

and rigging, welding, fabrication and machining capabilities, and

into a cross-industry, multi-disciplinary regional giant, the company

chemicals process technologies. With such a broad spectrum of

has strayed too far from its roots; far from it. To this day, TOSL

capabilities, it is easy to see how TOSL has grown to become the

Engineering continues to do the lion’s share of its business with

regional engineering industry leader.

Trinidad & Tobago’s multi-billion dollar oil and gas sector.

However, whilst it’s facilities are cutting-edge and its capabilities

With clients on its roster of the stature of Petrotrin, and a

broad, TOSL’s rise to the top can be attributed more to the can-

number of the energy multi-nationals with operations on the

do culture of professionalism and great service delivery that runs

islands, TOSL remains a specialist partner to the industry, offering

through the business, from top to bottom. At the heart of TOSL

upstream and downstream process technologies, equipment, and

Engineering can be found an unbending and tireless dedication to

construction, engineering, and back-end support & maintenance

finding innovative solutions to meeting customer demands and

services.

anticipating their future needs. This, coupled with its commitment

Another key ingredient to TOSL’s success comes is its unrivalled

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TOSL

in-house expertise, and ability to tackle multi-disciplinary projects

Supporting a broad spectrum of customers across numerous

which would otherwise require several separate contractors to

industries is to say the least demanding, and it is common knowledge

complete. If a client needs a plate heat exchanger, why stop there?

that in business you are only as good as your last job; reputations

Why not go above and beyond the expectations of the client and

are hard won but easily lost. Clients want to know that, should an

offer a fully integrated service whereby you also assess their needs

emergency occur, a trained technician can be dispatched quickly

so as to ensure the product is the best fit, provide the installation

from the local area, rather than from the US, and fix a problem

service, and then offer to take care of after-sale maintenance too?

quickly with no mistakes – on this front, TOSL Engineering delivers.

Operating a one stop shop where you deliver a versatile, integrated

With its reputation for excellence, highly-trained, versatile

service for the client is the logical course of action because, in

workforce, and multi-disciplinary capabilities, TOSL has been able

addition to streamlining and simplifying the process for a client,

to throw its hat into the ring and take on some of the region’s very

it just makes good business sense for both parties – why pass

biggest projects. The Trinmar gas compression platform – a TT$40

on projects to any number of industry rivals, and cost your client

million project taken on by TOSL in the late 2000’s – would fall

three-times as much for the pleasure?

into this category, as would its work upgrading an entire package of oil and gas separators for RepSol; a challenging endeavour which

HIGHLY-TRAINED STAFF CAPABLE OF TAKING ON THE REGION’S BIGGEST PROJECTS

required TOSL to overhaul the compressor and engine, valve work and repairs, piping and mechanical work, before conducting final tests and inspection.

The price for such versatility, however, is that TOSL has had

More recently, however, TOSL Engineering put the finishing to

to invest heavily in training its 300-strong workforce in order to

arguably its largest project in recent years, with the March 2015

ensure that they can offer the best service to clients, whatever the

completion of Petrotrin’s ambitious Mobile Oil and Gas Production

circumstances.

Facility – a cutting edge facility, constructed on a former Jack-Up

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Drilling Rig, capable of processing up to 21 million cubic ft. per day

Caribbean economy that its seemingly endless sunshine and hot

of compressed gas, and 12,500 barrels of oil. A collaborative effort

weather makes the development of a lucrative solar energy sector

between TOSL Engineering and Well Services Petroleum Company

a sensible and seemingly inevitable course of action, although the

Ltd, the owner of the rig, the success of this project truly showcased

erection of land and sea-based wind farms and installation of tidal

not only TOSL Engineering’s industry-leading capabilities, but the

generators are also on the table.

engineering excellence of the region on the whole.

For now, however, the company is happy to put up its sails and follow the market wherever it goes; TOSL Engineering has

RECOGNISING THE WINDS OF CHANGE IN THE GLOBAL ENERGY SECTOR – TOSL TO SHIFT ITS FOCUS TOWARDS RENEWABLES OVER THE YEARS TO COME Having been in the business as long as it has, it is testament to TOSL Engineering’s vision that the company has noticed early the winds of change that buffet the global energy sector. The end of the Petroleum Age has been much talked about over the past 30-years, but the rapid growth of, and increased effectiveness, efficiency, and affordability of renewable energy technologies and

a reactive business model, and is customer-driven rather than company-driven. If and when the day comes when its services to the oil & gas sector are no longer required, TOSL Engineering will do what it has always done and adapt to the changing marketplace.

The one thing which won’t change, however, is the company’s reputation for finding solutions to the most challenging demands of its clients. After having led the engineering industry for over 30-years, it would be a safe bet that TOSL Engineering will still be leading the pack for years to come.

sources mean that now, at the very least, the sector has reached the Autumn season of its lifecycle.

Although the future of the region’s energy sector remains uncertain, it is not lost on TOSL Engineering, nor the rest of the

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