Miclyn Express Offshore Group

MEO GROUP OIL AND GAS

MARINE S U STA I N A B I L I T Y Delivering operational excellence, we discover MEO Group’s safe, sustainable, and digitalised marine services and offshore vessel solutions with CEO, Darren Ang Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Josh Mann

We aspire to be the top provider of crew mobility and project transport solutions to the oil and gas, renewable energy, and near shore civil construction sectors in South East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.”

Outlining the vision of MEO Group (MEO) is CEO, Darren Ang, who APAC Outlook had the opportunity to interview and find out about his vision and initiatives on future-proofing the company.

Mr. Ang’s father and uncles are all from the marine industry, spurring his interest in and understanding of the marine industry from a young age. A marine engineer, Mr. Ang graduated with a bachelor’s degree (first class) in Marine Engineering at Newcastle University.

2 | APAC Outlook issue 56

APAC Outlook issue 56 | 3

MEO GROUP OIL AND GAS

“THE GROUP IS COMMITTED TO P R OV I D I N G EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE SERVICES TO O U R C L I E N TS ” – DA R R E N A N G , C E O, M E O GROUP

“I first joined Bureau Veritas in Singapore when I came back from the UK as a consultant and surveyor. Thereafter, I got to know my predecessor Diederik de Boer, who asked me to join him at MEO. I never looked back, and here I am 23 years later,” he recounts.

Mr. Ang has held various positions in the company. Having first joined MEO as Chief Operating Officer in 2007, he went on to become Chief Marketing Officer and Deputy CEO, before assuming his current role as CEO in June 2021.

Headquartered in Singapore and trusted by the world’s biggest energy companies, MEO has been providing specialised marine services since

MARINSA Marinsa International is a full-service provider for the GE/WABTEC Family of Diesel Engines Worldwide.

GE/WABTEC Diesel Engines series range: • V228 -bhp 1,753 to 4,100 -IMO Tier I and Tier II • L250MDA - bhp 2,009 to 3,125 - IMO Tier II • V250MDA - bhp 3,655 to 5,685 - IMO Tier II • L250MDC - bhp 2,280 to 3,353 - IMO Tier III with no urea • V250MDC - bhp 4,224 to 6,303 - IMO Tier III with no urea

Marinsa International is the longest operational distributor and service provider for GE/WABTEC Diesel Engines. Marinsa is often called to service, and provides parts along with its expertise for GE/WABTEC Diesel Engines, throughout the world.

Marinsa remains uniquely qualified to provide 24/7 service support due to its continuous investment in parts and experts, including: • Experienced Factory Certified Bi-lingual Mechanical and Electrical Technicians for service Worldwide.

• Extensive inventory of parts for the GE / WABTEC Engines positioned at various locations Worldwide.

• Offices to better service its customers located in Spain, Peru, Panama, Ecuador with the Main Headquarters located in Miami Florida USA. Marinsa would be happy to review your GE/WABTEC Diesel Engine needs and provide your organization with a complete service schedule and recommended OEM parts to maximize the life of your asset!

Marinsa believes that 24/7/365 support for Predictive + Preventative + Partnership Support = Equipment Availability for each customer!

Contact Marinsa at: Marinsa International 12250 SW 133 Court Miami, Fl 33186 305-252-0118 WWW.MARINSA.COM

4 | APAC Outlook issue 56

Wabtec’s L250 and V250 Medium Speed Diesel Engines Wabtec is the only engine manufacturer supplying marine medium speed diesel engines that are certified to meet EPA Tier 4 and IMO Tier III emissions standards without requiring urea-based aftertreatment.

• Advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology minimizes formation of NOx in-cylinder while maintaining world class fuel efficiency • Eliminates spacious provisions required for a SCR aftertreatment system and urea storage, preserving valuable cargo and tank space • Easier and less expensive to install • Simpler to operate and no additional operating expenses from urea use, catalyst replacements and SCR component maintenance • Impressive durability with no planned major overhauls for up to 60,000 operating hours

No urea. No kidding.

MSDProducts@wabtec.com wabteccorp.com/marine-solutions

Customers first.

Each time.

Any time.

24/7/365 With offices to better serve you in: Ecuador Panama Peru Spain Marinsa International 12250 SW 133 Court Miami, Fl 33186 305-252-0118 WWW.MARINSA.COM

MEO GROUP OIL AND GAS

the 1970s, with a demonstrable track record of operational and safety excellence in its offshore vessel solutions.

MEO’s diverse fleet of young, reliable vessels is operated across all phases of the offshore oil and gas and renewable cycle, providing fit-for-purpose assets and chartering solutions designed with specific markets and clients in mind.

MEO’s vessels include crew boats, anchor handling vessels, tugboats, multipurpose support vessels, platform supply vessels, subsea vessels, accommodation vessels, and flat top barges.

Meanwhile, MEO’s projects solutions business unit, Express Offshore Solutions (EOS), has large expertise in executing cargo transportation projects and handles large-scale marine equipment requirements worldwide.

EOS’ dedicated project team is proven in the field of project cargo and pipe transportation, as well as the supply 6 | APAC Outlook issue 56

and operations of offshore marine equipment.

“Engineering is vital to the safe delivery of the diverse range of project cargoes that EOS transports. Every project has its unique challenges, which require tailor-made solutions.

As a result, EOS has strengthened its in-house capabilities to offer a broader range of engineering and onshore services to its clients, including related load-in/load-out operations services,” says Mr. Ang. The Group is also actively serving the renewables sector to support offshore wind farm projects throughout the marine phase.

These services consist of providing geotechnical and geophysical vessels, subsea support vessels, crew transfer services, cargo transportation solutions, multi-vessel chartering, and project management.

Given the offshore wind market’s potential in Asia, MEO first established a foothold in the Taiwanese market in

With a history spanning 17 years, Hansway Group was founded by Mr Franky Tan, has emerged as an industry-leading ship management company that is committed to the highest standards of operational excellence, integrity, professionalism and service quality-driven growth of the industry.

Hansway Group has progressively established a good track record of professionalism and competency in its field by providing PT. Widi Jasa Samudra. A reputable first class shipping agency located in Batam island that engaged in Ship Management, Ship Husbandry, Port Agency and Vessel Clearance Services.

For over a decade, PT. Widi Jasa Samudra continue to grow alongside our esteemed customers, business partners and hardworking employees by investing in the versatility of our fleet and human resources to deliver the most efficient services specialize in an arrantement of Crew Formatlities, Documentation of Incoming Vessel and Loading of Cargo Transhipment.

Matching real time, on the ground, local knowledge and expertise with our strict operational standards, whether it is vessel, crew, cargo we are looking after, PT. Widi Jasa Samudra can be relied upon to consistently make port calls as efficient as possible and we use our expertise to make everyday life more convenient by effective ship agency.

Komp. Citra Super Mall Blok B No 5-6 Harbour Bay Jl. Duyung - Batu Ampar, Batam 29432 - Indonesia

www.widisamudra.com inquiry@hanswayindonesia.com | +62 7787 415 227 During the years, our company experienced peak periods as well as tough times following the up-down waves and also undergoes rapid increasing need on-stop services. Along the way, as a form of our commitment to continue growing and developing, Hansway Group preparing to start operating our registered Ship Chandler and General Services company, PT. Hansway Indonesia, now considered as one of the trusted Ship Chandler in the region for the conveniences of loyal custom in marine industry.

We are grateful for the long-standing relationships that we have cultivated with our customers and associates without which the sustainability and growth of PT. Hansway Indonesia would not have been possible.

Providing Ship Constructions, Engineering and Repair Services; Ship Chandler for Marine and Shipping Industry; Tugboat and Barges Services; Warehousing Logistics Services; Provision for Marine and Shipping; General Contractor Services; LSA and FFA Services; Load Test and NDT Services; Fumigation; Under Water Inspection Services means can always have PT. Hansway Indonesia taking care of your interests, wherever it is to do business.

Through prudent management and a well-managed expansion strategy, Hansway Group has been able to successfully build up its position as a credible and well-respected industry player in the region today and have successfully navigated countless challenges over the years and emerges stronger with every season.

We will continue to deepen these partnerships and develop new ones over time and space, strengthening our participation in the shipping and logistics supply chain for our partners’ success.

www.hanswayindonesia.com

inquiry@hanswayindonesia.com +62 7787 415 227

hanswayindonesia hanswayindonesia hanswaygroup

We serve with integrity.

W S W S

I N DO N E S I A

I N DO N

MEO GROUP OIL AND GAS

SAFETY AT THE CORE In 2020, MEO utilised the CultureSafe™ platform from the Workplace Safety Health Council of Singapore to measure employees’ perception of the Group’s health and safety policies and procedures.

Moving ahead with the times, the exercise was conducted as a digital survey for a group of MEO’s onshore employees and offshore crew across all positions and ranks.

This survey results indicated that MEO could improve its “Work Management System” and “Communications”. In response, the Group formulated an improvement plan to bridge the gaps and officially launched a safety campaign last year.

It does not stop there; other MEO practices consist of implementing safety moments, incident sharing, and visual posters. Also, the Group is bringing in virtual leadership talks to create a two-way communication flow between the people on the ground and MEO’s senior leaders.

MEO has embarked on an in-house computer-based training programme to improve employees’ safety awareness and reiterate the existing tools in the safety management system.

8 | APAC Outlook issue 56

June 2020, and since then, a total of four vessels have been reflagged to the Taiwanese flag and worked on five offshore wind farms projects.

With a strong head start in the offshore marine market in Taiwan, MEO aims to continue growing by expanding further into Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE “The Group is committed to provide efficient and reliable services to our clients. Our commitment is demonstrated by the strong operational and technical uptime of vessels, which provide clients with the uninterrupted services they desire,” Mr. Ang tells us.

Operational excellence is at the heart of MEO, with timely support offered to clients from multiple satellite offices and dedicated shore bases.

Safety is a core pillar of MEO’s operating framework and an enshrined core value. Accordingly, the Group charters quality vessels built

to the highest safety and efficiency standards.

“Having safety as one of the Group’s core values contributes to our continual success in driving operational excellence.

“As a result, MEO has implemented ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 groupwide to reinforce its commitment to providing quality services without harming people and the environment,” says Mr. Ang.

ESG FRAMEWORK Even though oil prices remain skyhigh, MEO continues to build trust and confidence with key customers by winning and servicing longterm contracts with domestic and international oil and gas majors, wind farm developers, and engineering contractors.

Nevertheless, in preparation for the next five years of development and growth, MEO is looking to reshape its organisational structure. The Group plans to embark on a journey to implement its ESG (environmental,

TWINDISC.COM

WE PUT HORSEPOWER TO WORK®

THE ULTIMATE

COUNT ON THE TWIN DISC FAMILY OF PRODUCTS TO GET YOU WHERE YOU NEED TO BE.

Twin Disc designs and manufactures power transmission products and technologies that make craft move through the water more efficiently, with more control. For pleasure craft, commercial and military marine applications, Twin Disc provides the critical link for a durable transfer of power. With a century of industry experience and the addition of Veth Propulsion to the product portfolio, Twin Disc has a range of hybrid propulsion systems that lower emissions and provide greater efficiency.

For application engineering assistance to ensure optimal product specifications and performance for your mission profile, contact sngenquiry@twindisc.com.

THE TWIN DISC FAMILY OF PRODUCTS VETH PROPULSION | ARNESON SURFACE DRIVES | ROLLA PROPELLERS | QUICKSHIFT MARINE TRANSMISSIONS EXPRESS JOYSTICK SYSTEM | EXPRESS POSITIONING | POWER COMMANDER ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEMS | E-STEER | MASTERTRIM | BCS | TECHNODRIVE

MEO GROUP OIL AND GAS

social, and governance) plan.

With governments committing to sustainable practices, a shift in mindset is required for organisations like MEO to adapt, adopt new practices, and improve their operations.

As a shipowner and operator, MEO understands its core business is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and they are embracing carbon accounting principles to estimate

their emissions.

Once the Group has established its greenhouse gas inventory, it can augment its decision-making process with data and set SMART targets.

This will help to manage and reduce its emissions by adopting green technology and setting energyefficient operational parameters.

“MEO is constantly monitoring its greenhouse gas emissions and has

APAC OUTLOOK: WHAT IS IT THAT DIFFERENTIATES MEO FROM THE COMPETITION? DARREN ANG, CEO: “MEO is a diverse group from both an asset perspective and a business support perspective.

“We are South East Asia’s and the Middle East’s biggest crew boat operator and one of the largest offshore transportation barge owners.

“Our Express Offshore Solutions (EOS) project solutions division has been successful since its establishment 10 years ago, and we intend to expand our services in this division.

“MEO has also been well established and in operation for the last three decades, and we enjoy a very good track record of operational excellence and safety performance.”

10 | APAC Outlook issue 56

put in emissions reduction targets in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) goals to reduce emissions by at least 50 percent by 2050 compared to 2008,” confirms Mr. Ang. Today, MEO has implemented measures such as frequent propeller and hull cleaning to reduce drag of the vessel, thus enhancing fuel efficiency and utilising biofuel resulting in reduction of carbon emissions.

MEO is also taking a holistic approach towards managing its resource usage and waste generation.

The Group seeks to optimise its resource consumption by introducing a green procurement policy, to reduce the purchase of single-use plastics across its offices.

In addition, vendors with an accredited environmental management system will be given a higher score during the selection process.

“Considering the scale of our operations, their impact on the environment, and the people we employ, MEO has now embarked on a journey to formulate its ESG framework to prepare the Group for

MEO GROUP OIL AND GAS

ISO

9001:2015 certified

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MARINE PAINT

Bunker procurement fuelled by global market intelligence

NEWBUILDING

Advisory services

SEASTOCK

Nippon Paint Marine Coatings supplies customers around the world with high-quality products, technical services and knowhow by making use of Nippon Paint Group’s global bases in manufacturing, sales, service and logistics networks.

Optimise your bunkering at integr8fuels.com

24/7 Global trading

DRY-DOCK

Carbon offsetting

T: (65) 62681161 - sales@nippe-marine.com.sg

www.nipponpaint-marine.com

Providing complete turnkey EPCC solution including design, construction and installation of HVAC & Refrigeration System.

Singapore: Rex Marine & Engineering Pte Ltd Indonesia, Batam: PT Rex Marine International UAE: Frontier Integrated Engineering

Service render by providing full range of repair services for merchant ships, oil rigs, offshore vessels and modules. Troubleshooting, servicing, maintenance, modification and emergency repair of HVAC&R systems.

• Equipment supply, installation and commissioning • Supply of new & re-conditioned refrigeration compressors and spare parts • Overhauling of various types of refrigeration compressors • Marine packaged air-con, condensing unit, chiller unit and air handling unit/ expansion tanks (stainless steel or galvanized) for standard & hazardous environment, European standard (Zone 1) and US standard (Class I, Division II) • Heat exchanger fabrication, re-tubing, refrigerant evaporator/condenser (copper fin/copper tube, aluminum fin/copper tube & copper nickel tube replacement) and "Heresite" coating for marine/salt laden atmosphere • Repair, modification and new installation of ducting c/w insulation for vapor barrier

+65 6748 4666 | rexmarine@rexref.com www.fieuae.com

APAC Outlook issue 56 | 11

MEO GROUP OIL AND GAS

the future,” Mr. Ang explains.

“This would help MEO to manage its key risks and support value creation for internal and external stakeholders. In addition, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a key performance indicator for all employees, and the Group is focused on giving back to the community.”

DRIVE FOR DIGITALISATION Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have also been accelerating their pace and support towards digitalisation. For MEO, the digitalisation drive ensures that the entire digital ecosystem works as one, from ship machinery and planned maintenance to ship management system and communication devices.

MEO understands that equipment makers and service providers are coming up with their own platforms, including comprehensive range of devices and data connectivity that can seamlessly support ship managers in their digitalisation journey.

With a wide selection of solutions and platforms available today, shipowners and ship managers are spoilt for choice.

“We have decided to focus on streamlining our Integrated Management System and critically reviewing our core business processes to lay the building blocks and set milestones in realising our digitalisation strategy.

“In the coming months, MEO intends to conduct pilot runs on communication systems, ship management software and solutions providers to prepare ourselves for the next leap into a green and digital age,” outlines Mr. Ang.

REJUVENATED FLEET In May 2022, MEO placed an order with Singapore’s Penguin Shipyard International (Penguin) for five new executive crew boats, based on Penguin’s proprietary Flex-40X and Flex-42X designs.

12 | APAC Outlook issue 56

“ T H I S L AT E S T O R D E R F U R T H E R S T R E N G T H E N S M E O ’ S S TAT U S A S T H E R E G I O N ’ S L A R G E S T C R E W B O AT O P E R AT O R ” – DA R R E N A N G , C E O, M E O G R O U P

MEO is scheduled to take delivery of the crew boats between 2023 and 2024, as part of its new fleet rejuvenation programme.

“The new series of Flex executive crew boats are designed for optimised ride comfort and speed. Each vessel features up to 80 reclinable business class seats with generous legroom, individual USB ports, passenger-friendly two-by-two seating arrangements, as well as large windows that offer ample natural lighting.

“In addition, each Flex crew boat can carry up to 60 tonnes of deck cargo, up to 82,000 litres of fuel, and up to 30,000 litres of freshwater,” Mr. Ang informs us.

Flex crew boats are designed as multi-role crew change vessels, capable of executing various missions, including offshore crew change, security and escort, search and rescue, firefighting, and medevac.

These additions to the MEO fleet will increase its complement of crew boats to over 65 units, deployed in South East Asia and the Middle East.

“This latest order further strengthens MEO’s status as the region’s largest crew boat operator,” Mr Ang affirms.

Elsewhere, Uniwise Offshore, a Thai joint venture between MEO and Unithai Group, recently took delivery of UNIEXPRESS 27. Boasting

a maximum speed of 29 knots and fitted with 80 business class seats, the crew boat has joined the rest of the 30 vessels working in Thailand.

MEO also concluded the purchase of nine offshore flat top barges late last year. These barges have been utilised on cargo transportation

projects across multiple regions. With these additions, MEO’s barge fleet is now approaching 30 units, ranging from 250 ft barges to 400 ft selfballastable barges.

Such investments and additions stand MEO in good stead for the future.

MICLYN EXPRESS OFFSHORE PTE LTD

Tel: +65 6545 6211 marketing@meogroup.com www.meogroup.com

APAC Outlook issue 56 | 13

MICLYN EXPRESS OFFSHORE PTE LTD 1 HarbourFront Avenue #04-11/13 Keppel Bay Tower Singapore 098632 Tel: +65 6545 6211 email marketing@meogroup.com www.meogroup.com

PRODUCED BY APAC OUTLOOK MAGAZINE