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Petronas inks farm-out deal for oil & gas field off Sabah

Petronas Carigali (PCSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia’s state-owned energy giant Petronas, has entered into a farm-out agreement (FOA) for an oil and gas asset off the coast of Sabah with SMJ Sdn Bhd (SMJSB), a company wholly-owned by the Sabah state government.

This deal has been signed by Hasliza Othman, PCSB’s Chief Executive Officer and Dr Dionysia Aloysius Kibat, SMJSB’s Chief Executive Officer for the sale of Petronas Carigali’s 50 per cent of nonoperating participating interest in the Samarang production sharing contract (PSC).

According to Petronas, the transaction is currently pending regulatory approvals and fulfilment of conditions precedent. This follows a heads of agreement, which PCSB and SMJSB inked to

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record the duo’s agreement, confirming SMJSB’s participation in the Samarang PSC. This is superseded by the execution of the FOA, based on the firm’s statement.

Furthermore, the FOA marks the second significant development between PCSB and SMJSB, following the commercial collaboration agreement (CCA) signed between Petronas and the Sabah government on 7 December 2021.

Under the FOA, Petronas Carigali will continue to be the operator of Samarang PSC with SMJSB on board as the non-operating partner and “this collaboration bears testament to Petronas’ continuous commitment to achieving its shared aspiration of sustainable growth for the domestic oil and gas industry,” says the company.

Located approximately 50km off the coast of Sabah, the Samarang field is currently producing approximately 36,000 barrels of oil and gas equivalent per day (kboe/d). The gas, at 134

Arnlea celebrates LNG contract win in Asia

Traditionally, inspections have been done manually, with many still using pen and paper, printouts, and clipboards to conduct inspections and schedule maintenance requirements. This process is time-consuming, and the data can be difficult to interpret and collate.”

Arnlea Systems Ltd, a global leader in industrial mobile software for tracking, inspection, and maintenance, has been awarded a new contract in Asia with an LNG Operator.

The company has been working closely with the global LNG industry for several years now to support its growing demands, and the contract win overseas is a testament to Arnlea’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that address inspection and maintenance challenges.

Ross Chapman, Arnlea’s International Business Development Manager commented: “We continue to find that operators globally are facing similar challenges, particularly relating to compliance with regulations, reliance on manual data collection methods, absence of system integration, and inadequate tools for reporting and analysis.

“Our Inspection and Maintenance software addresses these issues by providing operators with a digital solution that streamlines the inspection process, ensures compliance, and provides easy access to the data they need. Operators can generate reports and analytics, which can help them identify trends and make data-driven decisions.”

Arnlea’s Chief Operating Officer, Andy Powrie adds:

“Arnlea is committed to supporting the growth and demands of the global LNG industry, and following the success of a similar win in 2022 with an operator in Africa, the latest win in Asia only reinforces our position as a leader in the field. With Arnlea on board, LNG operators can rest assured that they have a trusted partner that is dedicated to their success. We look forward to continuing to work with our clients to provide the best solutions possible and support their operations in the years to come.”

Saipem Spa announced that it has been awarded a two-year contract extension from Eni Spa for the use of the Santorini drillship. The contract extension, which will give continuity to ongoing operations, will take effect from August 2023 and is worth about USD280 of million. This amount will be supplemented by additional income related to investment in plant improvements of about USD15 million.

The Santorini is a seventh-generation ship acquired by Saipem in December 2022, capable of performing drilling activities at depths of up to 12,000 feet, or more than 3,500 meters. The ship has the latest solutions in digitisation and automation that ensure the highest standards of safety and environmental friendliness that position it at the top of technology offerings for ultra-deepwater projects.

"Through this acquisition, Saipem confirms its competitive positioning in the ultra-deep water drilling sector," the company said.

Saipem's stock closed Wednesday down 1.3% EUR1.4090 per share.

Chevron selects InterMoor for decommissioning work in Thailand

InterMoor, a subsidiary of Acteon, a marine energy and offshore services provider, has secured a decommissioning contract from oil and gas giant Chevron, off the coast of Thailand.

The latest contract from Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production (CTEP) follows InterMoor’s completion of Phase 1 decommissioning work in the Gulf of Thailand in 2021.

The extended contract includes more packages for the disconnection and removal of pipelines.

The scope of the contract extension now comprises of project management, engineering, procurement, offshore execution, disconnecting and removing pipelines, disconnecting and removing single point mooring (SPM) and associated subsea infrastructure along with topside modifications work. benefit is that it can be safely deployed from a vessel’s A-frame or crane.

InterMoor claims to have utilised a variety of vessels to carry out the decommissioning work. It included the disconnection and removal of SPM Buoy 1 and 2.

JBS supplied a Sea Axe mass flow excavation (MFE) system complete with operational team for a pipeline burial project in Bangladesh. This version of the system included an electric HPU (hydraulic power unit).

Another project saw Sea Axe support a large decommissioning project in Thailand. Sea Axe was also brought in to support a harbour expansion project at a Scottish port.

Sea Axe has been used across a number of sectors including energy, power & utilities and harbours & ports and in a number of regions, including the UK, Europe, US, South-East Asia and the Middle East.

Similar to the first phase, InterMoor will use cutting tools supplied by Claxton, its sister concern for the decommissioning project.

Other subsidiaries of Acteon including Aquatic and UTEC will be providing subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) and survey spread, for the project, respectively.

Earlier this month, Acteon’s TerraSond and Benthic secured a combined geophysical and geotechnical survey contract from BlueFloat Energy and Renantis Partnership for Bellrock and Broadshore wind farms.

The two wind farms will be located off the coast of Scotland. These wind farms will have 1.2GW and 900MW of capacities, respectively. For this contract, Acteon plans to use Ocean Fortune, a geophysical survey vessel.

The latest contracts involve fabrication work, screw conveyors and its patented Sea Axe subsea excavation technology.

Peterhead-based JBS has increased its team from 50 to 62 in the past six months which includes the addition of two apprentices.

JBS delivered fabrication projects for operators and energy services firms. The work included flying lead deployment frames – part of a wider collaboration project with Scottish engineering firm HCS Control Systems – and several other large-scale fabrication workscopes for long-standing clients.

JBS also supplied dual drive screw conveyors –used for the transport of drill cuttings – to energy service firms for operations in the UK, Europe, Brazil, USA, South-East Asia and the Middle East. JBS expects to win additional work in its Brazilian market following an edict that all screw conveyors must be dual drive from now on.

JBS has also seen increased demand for its patented Sea Axe technology, which enables fast, large-scale mass flow subsea excavation. The product is manufactured at its Peterhead base.

Sea Axe is the most environmentally friendly system of its type on the market with a small spread in comparison to competitor products minimising the need for deck space. Another

Sea Axe can be used for a series of projects, including pipe/cable projects; seabed preparation; salvage and recovery; inspection, maintenance and repair, decommissioning, power plant outlet pipes; unexploded ordnance clearing; harbour clearance; subsea and windfarm structure projects.

In addition, JBS agreed deals with a series of companies in the energy and space sectors for its blast containment products, where patented fabrics are used, for ballistic, blast, fire and arc flash protection. These contracts are with clients in the UK, US, Europe and Africa. JBS has solutions engineered specifically for high-pressure testing for blast protection on rigs.

The combined value of all the contracts – secured since the start of the year – is £3m.

Jo McIntosh, sales and marketing manager at JBS, said: “The work we have landed makes this our best start to a year. The quality of our fabrication and our screw conveyors has been recognised by clients, while we also received a greater number of enquiries about our blast containment products."

“Our Sea Axe forms a central part of our offering. We’ve received excellent feedback from companies about our technology and how our in-house team supported those projects."

Norwegian offshore drilling contractor Odfjell Drilling has inked two letters of intent (LOIs) with an undisclosed client for one of its semi-submersible rigs to carry out drilling activities in the North Sea. Odfjell Drilling reported on Friday, 31 March 2023, that it had signed two LOIs with a combined firm duration of 23 months for the Deepsea Atlantic semisubmersible rig to conduct operations in the North Sea region.

These LOIs have a value of approximately $290 million, excluding integrated services, upgrades/modifications or mobilisation fees. In addition to the base value, the signed deals also include provisions for performance bonuses and fuel incentives.

Kjetil Gjersdal, Chief Executive Officer of Odfjell Drilling, commented: “In the year of our 50th anniversary these LOIs are testament to Odfjell Drilling’s experience and continued drive to innovate and remain at the forefront of change in our industry.

“While providing valuable, continuous and lengthy backlog these contracts are also a platform for us to take the next step in terms of automation, digitalisation and carbon reduction together with our valued client.”

According to Odfjell Drilling, there are four priced one-well options, following the firm period and the arrangement also provides for three further optional periods of approximately one-year each with the rates for each period to be mutually agreed before exercising.

Furthermore, the offshore drilling contractor explains that the LOIs are contingent on license approval while one of the LOIs is also contingent on governmental approval and formalisation of the contract. The work is expected to start consecutively, following the completion of the Special Periodic Survey, currently planned during the first half of 2024.

To feature new senior hires and appointments within your organisation, please contact Jordan Clarke, Head of Marketing & BD at Norman Broadbent. +44 (0) 7912 564 797 / jordan.clarke@normanbroadbent.com

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www.normanbroadbent.com realising its ambitious growth strategy and supporting the energy transition. decommissioning and renewables,” said Brian Allen, Chief Executive Officer at Rovco. “His extensive experience, particularly in relation to developing and implementing both domestic and international expansion strategies, will be crucial in helping Rovco fulfil its growth ambitions over the next few years.

We have a simple and straightforward objective: to help our clients manage and successfully drive change, mitigate risk, grow, and succeed.

Prior to joining Norman Broadbent, Paul worked for a global talent solutions provider, working extensively over Europe and the US with large enterprises, SMEs and startups to deliver tech & digital talent across a range of sectors. Paul has held a number of senior leadership roles including managing large teams across Europe, leading company-wide strategy and building & heading client development functions globally.

Paul has vast experience in all areas of talent acquisition from executive & retained search, RPO solutions to contractor recruitment. He has also worked in-house for several years for a global telecommunications company.

Based in Aberdeen, Scotland, Fraser will use his 25 years plus industry experience in subsea sector service companies to implement the company’s growth strategy.

A former chief executive of Decom North Sea, much of Fraser’s relevant experience came from his time with Bibby Offshore Limited - part of the Bibby group of companies. He was one of a small leadership team who helped grow the business from start-up to a major international player in the subsea energy market over 15 years.

Fraser himself rose through the ranks, joining as Commercial Manager and then spending his later years with the company as Chief Operating Officer, helping internationalise the business and developing the skillset which aligns with the requirements of Rovco’s current growth trajectory.

“Fraser’s appointment closely follows our announcement that Rovco is diversifying its activities through the creation of two dedicated business units – IRM, which will focus on continuing to grow the inspection, repair and maintenance ROV-based work that has been the foundation of Rovco’s work since it was established, and our new Site Characterisation division which will provide the full range of geotechnical and geophysical services and solutions required for marine site consenting surveys. Although specialising in different areas, each unit will be able to draw on the expertise of the other to deliver project support as required.”

Rovco

appoints Fraser Moonie as new COO as it targets global expansion

Fraser Moonie, a well-known name across the international subsea sector, has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Rovco.

He joins the global provider of technology-enabled project solutions to the offshore renewable energy sector, as the company forges ahead with the delivery of its plan to build a global infrastructure,

Over the past 18 months, as Regional Director for Mermaid Subsea Services UK, Fraser has worked to bring the Asia based subsea contractor Mermaid Group to the UK market, seeing it win major decommissioning contracts with North Sea operators shortly before he took up his new role with Rovco.

“Fraser joins us at an exciting time as we progress with plans to grow on an international level, bringing our industry-leading solutions closer to our clients operating around the world in solution centre director – who will lead on the delivery of the NZTC’s recently adopted strategy.

First put in place around 18 months ago, the blueprint aims to secure the long-term future of the Aberdeen-based technology hub, which rebranded from the Oil and Gas Technology Centre in 2021.

“When the new strategy was launched, I recognised it would need a five-year horizon to deliver, and I knew I wasn’t going to be here for that long,” explained Ms Cohen, whose CV includes time spent at the likes of BP, Centrica and ConocoPhillips

2Change at the top for NZTC as Colette Cohen announces plans to step down

Energy transition pioneer Colette Cohen is to step down as chief executive of the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) after nearly seven years at the helm.

Following a short handover period, she will be replaced by Myrtle Dawes – currently the organisation’s

“I began talking to Martin Gilbert, our chairman, about making a plan in order to begin building in the roadmap, but also putting in an exit plan for me. We recognised that Myrtle has all the tools and skills she needs to take the NZTC forward, and following a comprehensive process, we identified her as a successor.”

A chartered chemical engineer, Ms Dawes – like Ms Cohen – began her career working offshore for oil

Fraser said: “I was attracted to Rovco because of its huge potential for growth, and for the opportunity to work with its sister company Vaarst, whose cutting-edge technology is already dominating the market in the energy transition space.

“In these changing times across the energy industry, I’m very excited to be working alongside such a talented group of people. I think Rovco's progression also presents a massive opportunity for individuals within the company to develop and grow as the company continues to evolve. It giant BP, before spending time at BHP Petroleum and British Gas-owner Centrica.

She joined the NZTC in 2019, and also holds nonexecutive positions on the boards of FirstGroup and the Centre for Process Innovation, as well as an advisory role with the Association of Black and Minority Engineers.

Ms Dawes will formally take up the reins at the NZTC in July, and she has made making engaging with policy makers a key priority.

She said: “I’ve been working with Colette for a while and she’s fantastic founder – she’s leaving a real legacy and I’m ambitious to make sure that I can really take that forward. It’s a very exciting, and challenging, time for the industry, and I think in the last few years we’ve seen how the push towards net zero has become even louder. I’ve got a lot of passion, and I absolutely love working with the team. I’m 100% behind the strategy that’s been put forward, and it’s now for us to move forward and to get that delivered.

4

Experienced Energy Sector Professional, Caroline Lofthouse, Promoted to Director Business Development At NOF

NOF, the UK’s business development organisation for the energy sector, has appointed long-serving team member Caroline Lofthouse as its new director business development.

Tysers is delighted to announce that Mark Moore has joined the firm as Director, Energy, to help grow Tysers’ Energy Division.

A highly regarded and experienced Energy broker, Mark previously worked at Primassure where he helped the firm join the Lloyd’s market before developing a global Energy account with a focus on Africa, North Sea, and Latin America. With over 30 years of claims and broking experience, he has held senior roles in the Energy Teams at WTW and AAA after starting his career at C E Heath. Mark has expert, technical knowledge of the Energy sector, in particular, deep water, drilling and construction projects, and has worked closely with leading markets and Energy experts on some of the biggest Upstream development projects to be placed in the London market.

Clive Buesnel, CEO, Tysers, commented: “It’s fantastic news that Mark has joined the Tysers Team. His appointment reflects our commitment to investing in industry leading individuals to further strengthen our teams and seize opportunities for growth.”

Tom Wilson, Managing Director, Marine & Aviation, Tysers, added: “Mark brings outstanding market insight and understanding to this specialist area. Mark is exceptionally well placed to continue our strategic expansion into the Energy business and provide our clients with the superior service that is synonymous with Tysers.”

Mark Moore, said: “I am thrilled to be part of Tysers’ future. Tysers is a business with a strong reputation and history and, following the acquisition by AUB, is enjoying a unique position amongst its market peers. The talent and experience of Tysers and AUB will allow us to build an extraordinary business together.”

3 6

Norway confirms ex-Shell exploration exec as director general of oil regulator

Mr Stordal has been acting in the role since June2022, and has now been appointed for an initial six-year term as director general with an option to extend.

“I’m very pleased that Torgeir Stordal will be heading up the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate. Torgeir is a knowledgeable and experienced leader who is well-poised to further develop the Directorate,” said Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland in a statement.

This appointment is a clear signal from NOF of its determination to provide its members with the highest quality business development services delivered by an experienced and committed team of business professionals.

In her new role, Caroline will play a vital role at both Board and operational level in driving the business forward in a rapidly changing energy sector.

This includes collaborating with strategic partners and key clients to develop supply chain engagement activity plans that will generate new business opportunities for its members and the wider UK supply chain.

Since joining NOF in 2006 she has complemented her Degree in Business Studies (Marketing Specialism) with significant experience in business development, events management, strategic relationship building and commercial negotiation.

Caroline Lofthouse said: “I am delighted by this opportunity to play a strategic role in the continued development of NOF. We are a highly proactive organisation dedicated to supporting our network of members and partners to grow and diversify in the energy sector. We work

5

New board appointments for OEUK as drive for energy security continues

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the representative body for the UK’s offshore energy sector, has announced a package of changes to its board this month.

Three new board members have been appointed as outgoing members reach the end of their tenure or take up new roles elsewhere.

The appointments come as former CNR International managing director and vice

“He is intimately familiar with the industry and we’re getting an agency head who can contribute to further value creation on the Norwegian shelf moving forward.”

Mr Stordal has a cand.scient. (a master’s degree equivalent) in geophysics from the University of Bergen.

He was hired by the NPD in 2017 as director of exploration, and in 2020, he was given primary responsibility for technology, analyses and coexistence.

Before he started working for the NPD, Stordal worked as a geophysicist and has experience hard to promote current and future business opportunities and help our network to position their business through the delivery of high quality services including marketing, industry intelligence, strategic introductions, and events.”

Joanne Leng MBE, chief executive of NOF, said: “Caroline has been with NOF for many years and is a valued and highly respected team member. Her extensive experience in developing relationships brings advantages to our growing network of members and partners who play a central role in the UK and international energy industry.

“The NOF Board and team all look forward to working with Caroline in this important role and we are confident our members will also support her and gain benefits from her continued contribution to NOF and their own businesses.”

Andrew Mills, chair of NOF, said: “Over the past few years, Caroline’s growth and progression has been a real joy to witness. We believe this promotion is the start of further success, as the organisation expands to deal with the ever increasing demands of the UK’s energy sector. Congratulations, on behalf of the Board, we wish Caroline all the best in her new appointment.” president of development operations, Dave Whitehouse, takes over as OEUK’s new CEO.

OEUK CEO David Whitehouse commented:

“The diverse experience and knowledge that these appointments bring will be a great asset as the sector strives to boost energy security nearterm and hones the energy transition long-term.

“A range of perspectives will be needed to deliver the sector’s climate goals whilst remaining a reliable energy partner to Europe – especially during these times of unprecedented energy costs and supply disruptions.

“We thank all the departing board members for their valued contribution and support to OEUK.” from a number of management positions, including as exploration manager for Norske Shell in 2009-2013 and a global role in resource evaluation at Shell’s headquarters in the Netherlands from 2013-2017.

He has also held positions of trust in the Norwegian Petroleum Society and Norwegian Oil and Gas (now Offshore Norge).

“The energy industry is undergoing a major transition, and the authorities will be playing a role in this transition. I’m looking forward to continuing this work alongside our skilled leaders and employees,” he said following his appointment.

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ABL Group appointed for decommissioning operations of L7 field in North Sea

These installations weigh a total of around 17,500 tonnes.

The L7 field was a major offshore gas field on the Dutch continental shelf.

Its initial discovery took place in the late 1960s and development of several reservoirs were carried out throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

The field’s 15 production wells produced more than 21bm³ of natural gas (about 140Mboe) with a recovery factor of more than 80%.

Following 40 years of operation, the facilities ceased production in 2017.

Managing the decommissioning project from of its office in Aberdeen, Scotland, ABL will offer marine warranty survey services for the preparations, lifted removals, transportation and relocation to the onshore dismantling yard in Norway.

ABL country manager in Scotland, Ashley Perrett said: “ABL Group has a long history in the oil and gas sector and vast experience with the challenges and important considerations that can impact decommissioning work. We are delighted to be partnering with TotalEnergies EP Nederland on the L7 project as part of our growing portfolio of work in this area.”

Planning work has begun, and offshore operations will be undertaken throughout this year and next year.

Leveraging a floating sheerleg crane, installations will be removed, and cargo will be transferred to a barge in the waters near Den Helder, Netherlands. The cargo will be transported to the dismantling yard in Vats, Norway.

TotalEnergies EP Nederland has hired ABL Group (ABL) as marine warranty surveyor to undertake the decommissioning operations of the L7 field in the Dutch part of the North Sea.

This L7 restitution project features decommissioning of nine jackets and ten topside modules, including bridge structures from the L7 field.

It will also carry out suitability surveys of all the marine units that will be used for the project.

ABL estimates the contract value to be approximately €500,000.

The Scottish office of ABL will be backed by its operations in the Netherlands and Norway.

Acteon firm gets more decommissioning work with Chevron

InterMoor, part of Acteon’s engineering, moorings and foundations division, has secured a contract extension with Chevron for a decommissioning scope in Thailand.

Following the completion of Phase 1 decommissioning work in 2021 in the Gulf of Thailand, Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production (CTEP) has extended InterMoor’s field decommissioning contract by adding more packages for the disconnection and removal of pipelines.

The scope of work includes project management, engineering, procurement and offshore execution, topside modifications work, as well as disconnection and removal of pipelines, Single Point Mooring (SPM) and associated subsea infrastructure.

AF Offshore Decom will be responsible for managing the removal and recycling of these installations.

ABL Group project manager for the L7 decommissioning project Nicholas Kaczynski said: “Decommissioning of oil and gas fields is a complex task. As a non-productive cost, we fully appreciate the importance of identifying the correct solution to ensure cost-efficiency without compromising safety and quality.”

Like in the first phase, InterMoor will use cutting tools provided by its sister company Claxton, while Aquatic will provide subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) recovery equipment and UTEC will provide the survey spread.

Speaking about the most recent companyrelated news, it is worth noting that last year UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult granted InterMoor a Fit for Offshore Renewables status.

The program verifies that UK service providers are equipped and have the key management systems and competence required to work in the offshore renewable energy sector.