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4 Inside oil & gas

Art Editor Philip White Webmaster Michael Stamp

Events Manager Jasmine Lodge Events Executive Matthew Spalding Marketing Executive Adam White

T: +44 (0)1493 445121 +44 (0)1502 566216 E: media@insidepublication.com W: www.insideoilandgas.com

John White Managing Director

We all love a good event Managing Director John White fails to hide his envy for the team attending events.

latest edition of Inside Oil & Gas.

W

who attend, as they return smiling, having

What a busy year it has been for

enjoyed excellent networking, plus a few

this publication, not least because of the

drinks and laughs with exhibitors and visitors

exciting number of articles and advertise-

during the event, and in the evenings for

ments we are pleased to bring to you. We are

social gatherings. I assume these post-event

also kept active as the proud official media

gatherings are popular, as the team seems

partners for a variety of tantalising events.

to return with more than a few drink receipts

elcome, Dear Reader, to your

You will note how the event sections of this edition focus on ADIPEC and SPE

Truth be known, I am often envious of those

that I am expected to refund!

So, Dear Reader, I hope you enjoy reading

Offshore Europe. As media partners, we

this edition as much as we have enjoyed

have produced a preview article for both

putting it together. If you are attending an

events and will attend SPE Offshore Europe

event and meet some of my team there,

in person. Two of my experienced editorial

then please help them keep the bar tab to

research team, whom many of you already

a minimum, thank you.

n

know, and our events manager will fly up to Aberdeen in September with a view to meeting friends old and new.

We enjoy our event partnerships and always try to personally attend as many as we can. However, often we simply have a magazine presence and are happy to

GET INVOLVED To have your company’s latest product, technology or concept included in Inside Oil & Gas.

promote them, but sadly cannot attend all these events due to the many other commitments their dictator of a boss forces

Send us your innovation:

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on them…

Inside oil & gas 5

Helix Energy Solutions Group

intro 5

Director’s comment

8

Country focus

66

14 Innovation focus 18

Latest oil and gas news

22 Upcoming events 24 Inside Oil & Gas minds

SPE OFFSHORE

28

74

Delmar Systems

80 Brand Energy & Infrastructure

34 3t Energy

42

First Integrated Solutions

Hodge Clemco 3X ENGINEERING

Semco Maritime

50

94

58 Ponticelli Frères Group 6 Inside oil & gas

86

iOG &

Contents

Royal Van Beest

100 172 Friulforgia

108 116

ADIPEC

180

Specialized Oilfield Products

124 EMDAD 130 Enhanced Drilling 136

Decom Engineering

JC Valves

Lamprell

186

142 Bluewhale Offshore 148

Al Fanar Gas

Metalfar

FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE Klaus Union

156 MRDS Group

192

198

Locus Bio-Energy

164

204 Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation

Al Marwan Group

210

Inside oil & gas 7

COUNTRY FOCUS Latest developments from the UAE’s industry

UAE ADNOC accelerates decarbonisation plans with 2045 net zero goal ADNOC is accelerating its decarbonisation plan to bring forward its net zero ambition to 2045, from its previous target of 2050, and to achieve zero methane emissions by 2030. ADNOC is the first company in its peer group to accelerate its net zero target to 2045. hese new targets mark a new

T

and flaring reduction projects. These

chapter in ADNOC’s journey to a

results, independently assured by DNV,

lower-carbon future. The company

place ADNOC in the top tier of lowest

has placed sustainability at the heart of

carbon intensity oil and gas producers

its long-term strategy, including investing

in the world.

in renewables, building a global hydrogen

ADNOC is a key enabler of the

value chain and deploying innovative

UAE’s updated Nationally Determined

climate technology solutions.

Contribution, which raises the ambition of

In 2022, ADNOC’s upstream carbon

the UAE’s nationwide emissions reduction

intensity performance was approximately

ambition to 40% by 2030. The company is

7kgCO2e/boe as it responsibly contributed

also playing an important role in supporting

to meeting growing global energy demand.

the UAE’s recently updated Energy Strategy

Furthermore, its industry leading methane

2050, its new National Hydrogen Strategy

intensity was approximately 0.07%, and the

and Abu Dhabi’s Climate Change Strategy.

company was awarded the Gold Standard

ADNOC will drive the global growth of

Pathway by the Oil and Gas Methane

renewable energy and green hydrogen

Partnership 2.0.

through its shareholding in the Abu

Additionally, in 2022 ADNOC achieved

Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).

greenhouse gas emissions reductions

Masdar is a leading renewable energy

of roughly 4mt by using grid energy

company, targeting a portfolio of more

from solar and nuclear power to supply

than 100GW of renewable capacity and

100% of its onshore operations as well

the production of 1 million tonnes of

as about 1mt from energy efficiency

green hydrogen by 2030.

8 Inside oil & gas

n

COUNTRY FOCUS Latest developments from the American industry

USA Permian Strategic Partnership announces 21st member The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) has announced that ChampionX has become the organisation’s 21st member. With this addition, ChampionX joins an impressive roster of top-tier companies committed to responsibly developing resources in the Permian Basin while improving residents’ quality of life in West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. hampionX is a global leader in

C

its mission to improve the lives of

chemistry solutions, artificial lift

residents across the Permian Basin.

systems and highly engineered

This groundbreaking coalition has

equipment and technologies that help

committed $130 million in member

companies drill for and produce oil and

company contributions to leverage

gas safely, efficiently and sustainably

an impressive over $1 billion in collective

around the world. ChampionX’s exper-

investments, which have had transfor-

tise, innovative products and digital

mational impacts on education,

technologies provide enhanced oil and

healthcare, workforce development

gas production, transportation and real-

and road safety in the region.

time emissions monitoring throughout the lifecycle of a well.

“As our 21st member, ChampionX is now

“Our purpose of Improving Lives translates into creating a meaningful and lasting impact in the areas we

an essential part of the PSP, bringing

serve,” Shankar Annamalai, Senior

with them an outstanding reputation of

Vice President, Permian Basin at

innovation and a steadfast commitment

ChampionX, said. “We firmly believe

to improving the community,” Tracee

that the strength of any community lies

Bentley, President and CEO of the PSP,

in the well-being of its citizens, and we

said. “The team at ChampionX will help

are taking another step forward in our

fuel transformative initiatives that fur-

journey to support and empower the

ther PSP’s mission, leaving a lasting mark

Permian community. This membership

on countless lives in the Permian Basin.”

reflects our genuine commitment to

Since its founding in 2019, the PSP has achieved incredible results in

make a difference in people’s lives and drive positive change.”

n Inside oil & gas 9

COUNTRY FOCUS Latest developments from the UK industry

UNITED

KINGDOM ‘Gas-up’ process complete for UK’s largest LPG storage terminal in Avonmouth Flogas Britain, one of the UK’s leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) suppliers, has completed the ‘gas-up’ phase of commissioning on what will become the nation’s largest above-ground LPG storage terminal, with the capacity to store 34,564 tonnes of LPG. he project, which has converted the

T

future for off-grid homes and businesses.

former National Grid LNG facility at

The site will be ‘bio-ready’ from the outset,

Avonmouth, Bristol, will significantly

capable of storing bioLPG, a chemically

increase Flogas’ LPG storage capability.

identical renewable alternative to LPG. As a

This will improve the UK’s off-grid gas

‘drop in’ fuel, bioLPG can be blended with or

infrastructure and provide greater security

replace LPG, without the need for changes

of supply to commercial and residential

to infrastructure, boilers or equipment.

customers nationwide, as demand grows through energy transition.

Flogas Britain has made a significant

The project will deliver an essential source of supply and security of product to customers and depots within the Southwest UK.

investment in the facility to support

This is an essential part of the company’s

the decarbonisation strategy for UK

strategic plan to future-proof the energy

off-grid homes and commercial

transition with the ability to store bioLPG.

customers nationwide.

“We will continue our investment strategy

The plan is to commence operational

in the facility with a view to build a 6km

supply to customers from the winter of

pipeline to connect the terminal to Bristol

2023. The project comes at a critical time,

Port, allowing Flogas to import renewable

facilitating the crucial role LPG plays in

sources of liquid fuels into the UK,” Paul

transitioning the UK’s off-grid businesses

Horton, Flogas Britain’s Chief Operating

and homes from high carbon fossil fuels

Officer, said. “In addition to our investment

to an efficient low-carbon alternative.

in the Teesside terminal, which is due into

The new Avonmouth facility is in line with Flogas’ 2040 vision to build a lower carbon

10 Inside oil & gas

service later this year, the future is incredibly bright for Flogas.

n

COUNTRY FOCUS Latest developments from the German industry

GERMANY Twinsity secures major funding from EIC to take infrastructure inspection to the next level Twinsity, the leading deep-tech startup specialising in AI-based infrastructure inspection, has secured a €2.5-million funding round from the prestigious European Innovation Council Accelerator (EIC). This significant funding not only validates the German company’s outstanding achievements to date, but also drives it towards further development and expansion on a global scale.

T

winsity has distinguished itself in the

providing substantial support to innovative

technology industry with its innovative

companies with ideas that have excep-

AI-based automated inspection plat-

tional market potential and the ability to

form for large infrastructure assets, such as bridges, dams and oil and gas refineries.

By harnessing the power of artificial intel-

revolutionise industries.

The funding from the European Innovation Council Accelerator will be instrumental in

ligence and machine learning, Twinsity’s

driving the company’s continued growth

Twinspect platform increases operational

and enabling the realisation of its ambitious

safety and efficiency, providing its cus-

goals. Twinsity plans to use the funds to

tomers with unparalleled insights and

enhance its core technologies, accelerate

proactive maintenance solutions.

research and development efforts, and

Twinsity has achieved special recogni-

expand its team of industry-leading experts.

tion in the EIC’s highly competitive funding

“We are incredibly honoured to receive

programme for its future-oriented innova-

this funding from the European Innovation

tions and its advanced work in the field of

Council Accelerator, as it reflects the

infrastructure monitoring.

immense potential of our AI-based auto-

As a testament to the company’s achieve-

mated inspection platform”, Fabien Chalas,

ments, Twinsity was not only granted €2.5

Founder & CEO, said. “This investment will

million in funding but has also been selected

fuel our mission to transform the way large

by the European Union as a prime example

infrastructure is inspected and maintained,

of success. The EIC Accelerator serves as

ultimately increasing operational safety and

a springboard for breakthrough innovation,

minimising risk.

n Inside oil & gas 11

12 Inside oil & gas

INNOVATION FOCUS Latest innovations from the oil and gas industry

SHELL AVIATION to tackle lifecycle carbon emissions Shell Aviation has introduced a new lifecycle sustainability approach for its AeroShell aviation lubricants to avoid, reduce and then compensate for lifecycle carbon emissions, improving aircraft performance while helping customers meet their net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) or carbon emissions ambitions.

Photo credit Photographic Services, Shell International Limited.

IN

alignment with Shell’s target to become a net zero-emissions energy business by 2050,

AeroShell has confirmed its commitment to continue working to avoid and reduce carbon emissions by optimising production and product design. The company also plans to embed circularity into product packaging, improve the energy efficiency of facilities and use renewable energy to reduce emissions across the supply chain.

Shell will then purchase high-quality, independently verified carbon credits to compensate for carbon emissions which are not currently being avoided or reduced.

The new lifecycle sustainability approach will be included as standard across the full AeroShell product range, including turbine engine oils (TEOs), piston engine oils (PEOs), greases and fluids, for both the commercial

efforts to decarbonise in alignment with

airline and general aviation markets.

Shell’s net zero-emissions target, which

This upgrade to the AeroShell offering marks the latest step in Shell Aviation’s

14 Inside oil & gas

includes increasing low and no carbon offering to customers.

n

DNV and Harbour Energy highlight benefits of innovative virtual reality technology DNV’s virtual reality (VR) tool, which is helping improve safety standards in the energy sector, is to be showcased at SPE Offshore Europe 2023 (OE23) in Aberdeen. explosion and provides opportunities for discussions on barriers and how to respond appropriately to incidents. The familiar setting creates a memorable experience for the users and allows them to retain key safety messages that will help them identify and mitigate hazards and avoid major accidents in real life. The messages are embedded within various training scenarios which provide discussion points throughout the session. assurance provider DNV has used the

T

adopted by 10 oil and gas operators

VR technology to develop a major

including Harbour Energy, the largest

accident hazard (MAH) programme, con-

London-listed independent oil and gas

sisting of various scenarios where users

company, to complement the organisa-

walk through a simulated environment using

tion’s existing training programme for

hand controllers and a typical VR headset

MAH awareness.

he independent energy expert and

with headphones and cameras built in.

The scenarios, which incorporate typical

The DNV programme has already been

DNV and Harbour will present a paper detailing how VR has made a transforma-

operational tasks like opening valves or

tive approach to MAH awareness training

erecting a scaffold, lead to a simulated

at OE23, which will be held at P&J Live,

failure which escalates to a fire or an

Aberdeen from 5-8 September 2023. n

Inside oil & gas 15

INNOVATION FOCUS Latest innovations from the oil and gas industry

BCCK provides efficiency with Nitech nitrogen recovery unit BCCK, a leader in engineering, procurement, fabrication and field construction services, has announced its award of an additional NiTech Style IV nitrogen rejection unit (NRU) in the Permian Basin.

A

pplying the latest technology to BCCK’s advanced NRU process, the 175 MMSCFD NiTech Style IV will be

added to an existing gas plant to improve efficiencies on residue gas compression.

The Style IV NRU features a modular skidded

The environmentally friendly solution

design and is capable of high ethane

offers efficiency and cost savings

recovery and rejection. BCCK, a complete

through a smaller footprint and minimal

solutions provider, will supply all equipment

operator attention.

necessary for reduced emissions and a smaller footprint.

BCCK specialises in full EPC projects including concept, engineering, design,

“We are excited to integrate our NiTech

fabrication, manufacturing and complete

NRU technology into this existing facility,”

construction services. Providing full EPC

Greg Hall, Executive Vice President, BCCK,

services helps BCCK improve project eco-

said. “The NiTech NRU technology has been

nomics by being a single-source provider

a key component in the drive for renewable

for all stages of a project.

energy solutions, and we are proud to use

The company is also the industry leader

our patented technology to lower green-

in nitrogen rejection with its proven NiTech

house gas emissions.”

process. Headquartered in Midland, Texas,

For more than 30 years, BCCK has

with a satellite engineering and sales

delivered its advanced NiTech NRU

office in The Woodlands, Texas, BCCK

process allowing customers to easily

was founded in 1980 and holds numerous

achieve their product specifications.

technology patents.

16 Inside oil & gas

n

bp expands investment in bioenergy, collaborating with US biofuels developer WasteFuel bp has expanded its investment in bioenergy as bp ventures committed $10 million, leading the Series B investment round, in WasteFuel, a California-based biofuels company that will use proven, scalable technologies to convert bio-based municipal and agricultural waste into lower carbon fuels, such as bio-methanol.

90% of trade worldwide, whilst producing 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

In the effort to reach Net Zero, some of the biggest companies in the shipping industry are converting to methanol-ready ships. bp is working to establish supplies of lower carbon alternative fuels for the shipping sector and will look to use its trading expertise to bring WasteFuel’s

G

bio-methanol to market.

billion tonnes by 2050. WasteFuel’s deploy-

collaboration with local strategic partners

ment of anaerobic digestion and methanol

including waste companies. WasteFuel

production technologies will convert munic-

expects its first project will be in Dubai,

ipal and agricultural waste into viable lower

and the company has a pipeline of

emission alternatives to traditional fuels,

additional projects to develop. bp and

like bio-methanol.

WasteFuel have entered a memorandum

lobally, solid waste production totals about two billion tonnes annually

WasteFuel plans to develop multiple

and is expected to increase to 3.4

bio-methanol plants around the world in

In hard-to-abate sectors, such as ship-

of understanding for bp to offtake the

ping, bio-methanol has the potential to

produced bio-methanol and collaborate

play a significant role in decarbonisation.

towards the optimisation and improve-

Maritime transport represents around

ment of bio-methanol production.

n

Inside oil & gas 17

LATEST NEWS Latest news from the oil and gas industry

Rotork upgrades Gatwick fuel farm with intelligent actuators otork has helped upgrade and

R

actuators have been reliable during

modernise a major Gatwick fuel farm,

their operation, showing the efficiency

providing it with IQ3 intelligent actuators

and consistency of Rotork products.

on Rotork’s Pakscan™ control network.

This made the decision to upgrade the

GASHCo is one of Gatwick Airport’s

actuators an easy choice.

main fuel tank farms and has been using

The installed IQ3 actuators have the

Rotork products for over 30 years. The

capability to capture performance data

actuators installed on the site are used

through the integrated data logger,

on the fuel hydrants housed at Gatwick

display accurate position and torque

Airport. Rotork’s site services team car-

sensing, and include integral controls

ried out an obsolescence survey and

as standard. The actuators have a low

identified the older equipment on site.

whole-life cost, and their high degrees

Gatwick was made aware that in

of reliability and availability means

the event of a failure or breakdown, the

a reduced likelihood of any interruption

required spare parts may not be available

to operation.

n

for the obsolete actuators. Due to the risk to upgrade 24 actuators and add these to their maintenance agreement.

Installation was carried out by Rotork service engineers, which assured

(inside OIL&GAS (

of unplanned downtime, they decided

Send your news

IQ3 actuators will maximise uptime and

We would love to hear your latest news.

Why not showcase it to thousands of potential clients and readers in the next Inside Oil & Gas magazine?

increase reliability while reducing opera-

Get in touch today:

tional costs. The older IQMk1 and A range

media@insidepublication.com

GASHCo that the work was carried out to a high standard. The upgrade to the

18 Inside oil & gas

Mobile app from Intelligent Wellhead Systems improves frac safety and reliability

I

ntelligent Wellhead Systems, Inc (IWS),

“

Developing the inVision technologies that improve oil and gas well Mobile App represents the next completion operations, has announced the introduction of the inVision Mobile App. step in our efforts to encourThe pioneering technology provides users of the IWS inVision Technology Platform with age operators to embrace instant access to key wellsite operational data. It is the latest addition to the coma digital infrastructure a leading supplier of digital control

“

pany’s portfolio of digital technologies for completion operations, further enhancing

said. “By giving operators even easier

safety and reliability.

access to operational data at the well-

To date, inVision completion technology

site, they can respond immediately to

has delivered more than 95,000 stages

changing conditions, helping to reduce

without a single wireline or pressure control

risk, lower costs and improve uptime

incident while utilising the IWS system.

while on-the-go.”

This incident-free safety and reliability

With inVision Mobile, users can now view

track record continues to encourage oil

a wide range of key data from a cell phone

and gas operators to adopt a digital

or tablet. They can inspect pad progress

infrastructure to improve wireline and

and current well activity, as well as a live

hydraulic fracturing operations.

frac tree and live valve positions. When

“Developing the inVision Mobile App

running frac and wireline data through IWS

represents the next step in our efforts

safety and efficiency controls, users can

to encourage operators to embrace

analyse frac and wireline plots remotely,

a digital infrastructure,” Bill Henn,

as well as a pre-set frac and wireline plots

Vice-President of Business Development,

with the most pertinent data.

n Inside oil & gas 19

LATEST NEWS Latest news from the oil and gas industry

Amarinth overhauls safety critical oil containment skid packages for Oil Spill Response Limited marinth, a world-leading, net-zero

A

and exists to respond to oil spills wherever

designer and manufacturer of low

they may occur. The company provides

lifecycle cost centrifugal pumps and associ-

response and intervention services, helping

ated equipment, primarily for the offshore

to protect coastlines, wildlife and communi-

and onshore oil and gas industries; nuclear

ties. OSRL is wholly owned by most of the

and renewable energy generation; defence;

environmentally responsible oil and gas

desalination; process and industrial markets,

companies around the globe, and its mem-

has been contracted by Wood to overhaul

bership represents the majority of the

the three oil containment skid packages

world’s oil production.

managed and operated by Oil Spill Response Limited.

With strong demand to replace Russian oil and gas assets, and ongoing unrest in parts

Six years ago, Amarinth supplied ten API

of the world, there has never been a greater

610 OH1 pumps with Plan 53B Seal Support

need for the environmental protection that

systems to the Subsea Well Response

the OSRL oil spill response equipment offers

Project for a global containment toolkit that

should any incident occur.

n

can support subsea well incident response if well shut-in is not immediately possible.

The equipment helps contain and quickly remove oil from the sea and offload it into tankers for removal from an incident.

The containment equipment is made available through Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) for the international oil and gas industry and is always ready to be deployed anywhere in the world. OSRL is the largest international industry-funded cooperative

20 Inside oil & gas

© Amarinth

Mitsubishi Power receives turnkey contract to build three gas turbine combined cycle power plants itsubishi Power, a power solution

M

heat recovery steam generators and

brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,

flue gas desulphurisation systems, and

has received a full-turnkey contract from

Mitsubishi Electric supplying generators

Chiba-Sodegaura Power Co Ltd, for a pro-

and electrical products.

n

ject to build three gas turbine combined cycle power plants with 650MW class natural gas-fired units in Sodegaura City, Japan.

A full-scope long-term service agreement (LTSA) was also signed. Commercial operation will commence successively from the 2029 fiscal year, and Mitsubishi Power will thereafter provide support for businesses in providing reliable power supplies through its full-scope LTSA. The gas turbines that will generate the bulk of the power will be M701JAC gas turbines, a cutting-edge, high-performance model, according to the construction plan, which has been designed to achieve minimal environmental impact.

This project is a joint venture between MHI and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and covers EPC (engineering, procurement and construction). The two companies will collaborate on this project, with MHI supplying gas turbines, steam turbines,

Inside oil & gas 21

24-

OMC Me

02-05 October

2023

ADIPEC 2023 ADIPEC is an international platform convening global energy producers, consumers and innovators to accelerate game-changing solutions and transformational progress for the future of energy. Hosted in Abu Dhabi by ADNOC, ADIPEC builds on its 39-year legacy of innovation and evolution for the entire energy ecosystem.

En tra OM has adapt scape. Tod event in th sector pro [click

[click here] for weblink

20-21 September

2023

World Offshore Week World Offshore Week is the #1 mega show bringing together all industry stakeholders impacting the offshore oil and gas sector. This leading platform is the focal point for the offshore industry to discuss best practices and latest solutions in transforming the future of offshore energy. [click here] for weblink

05-08 Septe

SPE Offshore Europe 2023

SPE Offshore Europe is th platform for navigating to future. The 50th annivers a space for collaboration and lea gas sector forward, bringing toge value chain. [click here] for weblink 22 Inside oil & gas

-26 October

2023

ed Energy 2023

nergy and innovation for a ‘just ansition’ is the driving idea behind MC Med Energy. Over 30 years, OMC ted to the changing international landday, OMC Med Energy is the premier he Mediterranean area for all energy ofessionals. here] for weblink

12-14 March

2024

Oceanology International 2024 Oceanology International is the leading forum where industry, academia and governments connect with the world’s marine science and ocean technology communities. The three-day conference will welcome over 8,000 attendees and enable more than 500 exhibitors to showcase the latest ocean technologies.

[click here] for weblink

ember 2023

3

he energy industry’s owards a better energy sary event will create arning to drive the oil and ether the entire energy Why not give your event exclusive coverage to thousands of readers and connections globally?

Contact us: media@insidepublication.com Inside oil & gas 23

INSIDE OIL & GAS MINDS Inside Oil & Gas asks the experts about their personal experience in the industry

inside

Oil & Gas minds benefits do you see from attending industry Question: What events and conferences, either face-to-face or online?

interaction. I’m more comfortable face-

“

to-face and I believe that human beings

face-to-face interactions had at industry

are naturally herd animals. While digital

“

events and conferences still have a very

has its place, the opportunity to meet

important role in relationship building and

people, establish relationships and re-

knowledge harvesting for the betterment

establish past relationships is great.

of our business.

David Strang, UK Offshore Director,

We are excited to attend Offshore Europe

Brand Energy & Infrastructure

to meet new and existing customers and

“

Events are great for networking and

building relationships, not just meeting people. You build relationships through

“

Although the customer interface and

knowledge gathering experience has now migrated to a reality involving more remote video conferencing, I firmly believe that the

suppliers. We are an excellent vehicle for Participating provides an opportunity to

product manufacturers to take their product

interact with people, talk about the business

to market, and we look forward to continuing

and elevate brand awareness. Events are

to offer our customers the widest variety of

also great for building relationships with new

equipment for their personnel to use in

clients, established customers and suppliers.

completing their tasks.

“

We can learn more about them, seek feedback on pain points and engage them on

Martin Suttie, Managing Director, First Integrated Solutions

“

In person or online its almost guaranteed

to help you learn new things and build better relationships for the benefit of business.

“

Attending conferences is of major

“

what they want to see in the market.

benefit to us as we can meet with clients, improve our networks and get to under-

stand the emerging trends in the industry.

Udaya Kumar, Director of the Flow Engineering Division, Servetech

24 Inside oil & gas

Geir Knapskog, MD, PSW Technology

“

We value personal relationships greatly and

“

industry events are one of a number of ways

own environment. People see that you’re

We are fortunate to have experienced

and knowledgeable staff at Delmar with many years of working in the energy sector.

I’m a face-to-face guy. The benefit

of attending events like ADIPEC is displaying to the market; paying back the respect that they can meet you in their

“

we enjoy engagement with our peers and

making the effort to be there - the cus-

the wider community. We like to play our part

tomers and end users appreciate that.

in sharing good practice and learning from each other.

Around that event, I always plan a sem-

Paul Crichton, Business Development Manager, Delmar Systems

“

inar. I think it’s very appreciated. It doesn’t pay you back in sales - we don’t see it, anyway - but what we do see is that people recognise us and our distrib-

I believe in face-to-face meetings

utors. They come to us and give us feed-

with clients. We have participated in

back about how we’re supporting the

ADIPEC for the past eight years, for

distributors. And being there, repre-

example. It allows us to chat with the

senting the brand, the way we do, makes

“

“

client, understand their challenges

me proud. There is no alternative. It’s

and generally gain a broad picture of

all about paying attention to your

what’s happening in the industry

customers and making an effort. ADIPEC

around the world.

is one of the best trade shows ever.

Bellatreche Abdelghani, General

Rifat Cevahir, Heavy Lifting Sales &

Manager, Specialized Oilfield Products

Export Manager, Royal Van Beest

Get Involved media@insidepublication.com

We would love to hear your answers, so send an email over to our Editorial Manager, Phil Nicholls.

Inside oil & gas 25

iOG &

upstream downstream one voice

event focus:

SPE OFFSHORE A preview of SPE Offshore Europe, followed by associated company profiles for : 3t energy

first integrated solutions

semco maritime

ponticelli frères group

helix energy solutions group

delmar systems

brand energy & infrastructure

hodge clemco

3x engineering

friulforgia

EVENT PREVIEW Portfolio Director, Energy and Marine, Jonathan Heastie outlines to Inside Oil & Gas what can be seen at the show.

SPE Offshore Euro Looking ahead to SPE Offshore Europe, what do you see are the benefits to businesses of attending the show?

Running in Aberdeen on

It’s the wondrous power of being face to

5-8th September, SPE Offshore

face. I’ve organised events for many, many

Europe is the energy industry’s

years, so I’m always going to advocate

platform for navigating towards

being live in an environment with people

a better energy future. One

who you can interact with.

Having gone through the Covid experi-

of the organisers, Portfolio

ence of the last few years, more and more

Director, Energy and Marine,

people now understand the value of being

Jonathan Heastie, told Inside Oil

at the right event, with the right colleagues

& Gas what visitors can expect.

from the industry.

Questions by Phil Nicholls.

Portfolio Director, Energy and Marine, Jonathan Heastie

28 Inside oil & gas

ope By coming to an event like SPE Offshore

the organisations that helped to shape

Europe, you can see technologies on the

SPE Offshore Europe. The event is also

show floor, you can see what’s new. You

considering how we think the next 50

can sit in the conference rooms or show

years might go, so we are looking back

floor theatres and learn from experts in the

to look forward.

field. Visitors will bump into people that they

The big difference from our last

never knew they wanted to meet. It’s these

event in 2019 is the amount of

serendipitous connections, creating new

energy transition content.

energy in the industry, that are the value of

This is not just in the

face-to-face events.

How has SPE Offshore Europe evolved since the last show? We see it is the 50th anniversary – what is new for this year?

One of the things we’re doing to celebrate 50 years is looking back at the people, the technologies, the moments,

Inside oil & gas 29

EVENT PREVIEW Portfolio Director, Energy and Marine, Jonathan Heastie outlines to Inside Oil & Gas what can be seen at the show.

5 P&J

www.offshore

conference rooms upstairs, run by our

There are four main areas that we’re focusing

partner SPE, but also on the exhibition floor,

on in the event. Energy Security probably is

in every corner of every hall. There are new

the main one, but that also takes in some of

features, there are new learning hubs, all

the newer technologies and energy sources

focused on the process of energy transition.

that we will need to blend into the portfolio.

These solutions have a more sustainable side

What visitor and exhibitor numbers

to them, which connects to our second focus

are you targeting for this year?

of Energy Transition.

Innovative Technology underpins both

We’re trying to get back to where we were

of these themes, which is our third focus.

in 2019, when we had just over 38,000

Finally, there is a focus on the Future Talent

attendees over the four days of the show.

needed for the industry to successfully

There were around 850 exhibitors from

deliver these first three themes.

about 120 countries.

Looking at the companies already booked What can visitors expect from their trip

for SPE Offshore Europe can you share

to SPE Offshore Europe?

any previews about the innovations and developments on display this year?

5-8 September 2023 Live, Aberdeen, UK

e-europe.co.uk/io

We’re still learning about what our exhibitors intend to showcase and perhaps launch at this year’s OE. We’ve got a full season to go before the doors open, and most exhibitors are still planning their show activities in private at present. I’d suggest readers keep tabs on the exhibitor list pages on our show

One of the new features on the floor for

website, as exhibitors should be uploading

this year is the Energy Transition Zone

more information as we approach the

of exhibitors. This has about 900 square

event in September. There will also be

metres of space, the first time we've ever

a lot of new exhibitors joining over the

had an area dedicated to energy transition.

coming months, especially those from

This Zone is already largely full and, at the

our international pavilions.

heart of the Zone, is the Energy Transition Theatre focused on offshore wind. There are

Are there any other special aspects

about 100 seats in the theatre, where opera-

of SPE Offshore Europe that you would like

tors and supply chain partners who are

to include in this feature? Please can you

diversifying their portfolio will come to share

tell me more about the Energy Transition

some of their plans about how wind will play

Theatre and the Energy Transition Zone.

a part in the transition.

Inside oil & gas 31

EVENT PREVIEW Portfolio Director, Energy and Marine, Jonathan Heastie outlines to Inside Oil & Gas what can be seen at the show.

5P&J L

www.offshore

What do you consider to be the main industry challenges for the Oil & Gas sector for the future? How far do events such as SPE Offshore Europe go in helping companies overcome such difficulties?

Events like SPE Offshore Europe convene people, we bring people together.

Attending will be technology experts, operators, supply chain Please can you tell me more about your

companies, industry representatives

conference programme – who do you

from associations and governments.

have lined up to speak and what topics

We bring those people together and

are high on the agenda?

give them a platform to discuss challenges and harness opportunities.

We have four committees working on the

But I think security of energy supply

programme for SPE Offshore Europe, run

will be the biggest challenge, with tran-

by our partner SPE. Our show website

sition a key opportunity as part of that.

has the latest iteration of the conference

It’s a changing energy landscape in the

programme for readers to review.

world, but particularly for the UK and

The specialists on our committees

northern Europe. So, it’s really good to

are shaping the theme and programme

have an event like SPE Offshore Europe

content for the conference, ensuring it

that can bring everybody together, face

is relevant and fit for the industry’s needs

to face, to talk about these challenges

and requirements.

and opportunities.

32 Inside oil & gas

-8 September 2023 Live, Aberdeen, UK

-europe.co.uk/io

On a personal level, what aspect of

ever to be at SPE Offshore Europe. There

SPE Offshore Europe are you most

will be so many important meetings at the

excited about?

event, so much learning, so many companies, new technologies, new approaches,

The part that I am longing for is simply being

new partnerships, new business models

able to open the doors on the show. We will

and new ways of financing.

bring everybody back together to meet and

There will be important discussions in

do business, to learn, to educate, to drive

every corner of the venue. So, it would be

things forward in the industry.

a real shame for people not to be there in

If we can play a small role, giving a plat-

some way or another. However attendees

form to people who will both secure our

interact at SPE Offshore Europe, it is vital

supply and also develop the sustainable

that they participate, because there’s

energy supply chain to help decarbonise

so much value to be found at the event

the industry and meet the necessary global

during such an important time for us all. n

targets, then that's brilliant!

Is there anything not covered by the above questions that you would like to share with our readers?

I would encourage everyone to attend the event.

After the enforced break, it is more important than

3T ENERGY

I PROFILE

With its innovative solutions and its uniquely holistic approach, 3t Energy Group is transforming routine training for millions of oil and gas and industrial staff every year into genuinely beneficial and productive experiences. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, the company provides bespoke, blended training solutions for a diverse array of customers. Richard Hagan met with Gavin Taylor, Vice President of Global Sales, to find out how the company trains over 130,000 people a year.

34 Inside oil & gas

P

roudly owned by private equity firm

London, as well as various office and

BlueWater, 3t Energy Group consists

harbourside locations. Its latest training

of four companies that have come

facility in Teeside is due to open imminently,

together as a result of a series of strategic acquisitions. The group, which today

adding to a growing UK base.

Additionally, the company has sales

consists of Drilling Systems, AIS Survivex,

offices in Houston, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

3t Transform and the recently acquired

It also has training centres created

Utilities Construction Training (UCT), offers

through strategic joint ventures, located

a variety of training facilities, workforce

in Guyana in South America and one in

management solutions and software,

Qatar. “We’re the first OPITO approved

and digital learning platforms to a wide

training centre to set up in Guyana; it’s an

spectrum of clients that include the oil and

important, emerging oil and gas region

gas industry, renewables, utilities and

and we are delighted to be operating

power as well as industrial companies

there,” said Gavin Taylor, Vice President

such as manufacturers and corporates.

of Global Sales.

Altogether, 3t Energy Group employs

Footprint and facilities

400 staff across all its locations. This

3t Energy Group enjoys a truly global reach:

complement of staff is certainly kept busy

in the UK, the company boasts a network

thanks to the group’s very high rate of

of world-class training facilities in Aberdeen,

training activities. “Our traditional training

Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and

operations are the real engine of our

Inside oil & gas 35

36 Inside oil & gas

3T ENERGY

I PROFILE

organisation,” he said. “On any given

for advanced drilling simulators and a

day we have 500 people training in our

globally renowned name in the industry,

centres, and in total, we train around

specialising in the designing, manufac-

130,000 people per year. We’re recog-

turing and selling of hands-on training

nised as having the best and largest

simulators for drilling operations.

training centres in the UK.”

“It’s like an aircraft simulator but

That recognition comes partly in the form

for drilling,” Gavin explained. “Drilling

of accreditations. The Group’s AIS Survivex

contractors, operators and training

is a star performer in this regard, boasting

schools use these simulators to train

a full 47 individual accreditations from OPITO

crews on how to drill a well, for example.”

– far more than any single competitor

In 2017, BlueWater acquired AIS Training,

worldwide. The group’s training centre in

the largest training provider for the energy

Newcastle also has the distinction of issuing

sector-based in North Shields just outside

the most wind industry GWO certificates

of Newcastle, merging with Drilling Systems

from a single site location: more than any

to create 3t Energy Group.

other training site in the world.

Survivex, based in Aberdeen, was the next to be brought into the fold in 2018,

History and development

substantially increasing the group’s foot-

3t Energy Group began taking shape

print and infrastructure in the United

in 2015 with BlueWater’s acquisition of

Kingdom. Petrofac training’s UK in-person

Drilling Systems, the world number one

training business was subsequently

38 Inside oil & gas

acquired in 2021, followed by UCT at the end of 2022.

The Group has enjoyed sustained and substantial growth. “We’ve grown to be the largest Energy Sector training provider in the UK, and by a large margin,” said Gavin. “We’re now much bigger than any competitors locally and we're becoming a global powerhouse for training, growing our footprint and offering, and extending our expertise worldwide. We’re a very fastgrowth organisation and it’s an exciting time to be part of 3t.” ...

Flexible high-tech training Today, 3t Energy Group is a world-leading provider of training and competency services to the global energy and industrial sectors, and it prides itself on its ability to transform training with the use of technology. “We support our clients to Gavin Taylor Vice President of Global Sales

deliver safer, smarter and more efficient people,” Gavin noted.

3t Energy Group’s core markets are those with safety-critical operations, where the training and competency of the workforce in those environments is critical to their ability to operate safely and efficiently.

“We serve hazardous markets like oil and gas, wind power, utilities, and power generation, as well as the nuclear sector,” he said, “but we serve a much wider customer base too - anywhere where there’s a need to support the development of learning for the customer’s needs, we can support with high-impact solutions.”

Inside oil & gas 39

3T ENERGY

I PROFILE

The perfect blend

For its blended training solutions, 3t

3t Energy Group especially prides itself on

Energy Group begins by reviewing the

what it calls its blended training solutions.

content that must be delivered and the

Broadly speaking, these are bespoke

specific demographics of the audience

training services developed to meet a

that must be trained. The company then

client’s specific needs and challenges in

leverages all of the capabilities, assets

any given project.

and expertise available across its group

“Learning has evolved a lot over the years and today, people learn very differently to

to deliver a bespoke, holistic, blended solution to the customer.

how they did even just 20 or 30 years ago,”

“Blended solutions leverage the power

Gavin explained. “In the past, the material

of technology, including digital learning,

was delivered via books and lectures, but

physical simulations and software,” said

the way that we as learners consume

Gavin. “All of that is augmented by dif-

knowledge and information today has

ferent learning styles in order to meet the

rapidly changed. Blended solutions, there-

diverse needs of the learning personnel

fore, allow us to incorporate different

by incorporating different training methods

learning styles across a single project, to

that suit different people. This approach has

address the different needs of the learners

been shown to help immensely with

and significantly boost learning outcomes.”

knowledge retention in particular.”

40 Inside oil & gas

For example, the group recently delivered (and won) a digital innovation award for a bespoke training programme for bp as they onboarded Operations and Maintenance technicians for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project. For this major infrastructure project, incorporating an FPSO, FLNG and Offshore Hub, bp needed 3t to create a programme to onboard their workforces to the multi-billion-dollar producing asset off the coast of Mauritania and Senegal.

“We created an exact digital twin replica of bp’s asset and created a programme for these workforces to train safety-critical procedures via VR headsets hosted in our training facilities,” noted Gavin.

This cutting-edge programme yielded significant results for bp, including an improvement to learning and competency rates, time saved on training getting teams up to speed before the asset was even complete, plus cost and carbon footprint reduction from reduced travel for training.

This style of blended learning also provides tangible boosts to learning outcomes including greater confidence in the field, improved team engagement and, importantly, greater employee safety.

Concluding, Gavin shared the group’s plans for the future: “We want to continue growing, while giving our clients more solutions that serve them even better. We’ll further increase our geographical density with more infrastructure around the world, and we want to get into other industries where we know we can make a significant impact with what we do.”

n Inside oil & gas 41

FIRST INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

I PROFILE

The core ethos at First Integrated Solutions gives customers the best possible product and service in order to keep them coming back. On the back of continuous improvements in customer experiences, the company has enjoyed fruitful, long-term relationships with its customers. Richard Hagan met with Business Development Director Gary Taylor and Managing Director Martin Suttie to find out how this dynamic company continues to set the standard every day for equipment at job sites offshore and across the United Kingdom.

42 Inside oil & gas

irst Integrated Solutions (FIS) is an

F

want your teams having to spend

industry leader in the equipment

lots of time learning how to use it,” said

rental sector, providing complete,

Managing Director, Martin Suttie. “We

innovative solution packages backed

make it possible for the guys to open

up by technical support and high-quality

the container or pallet and find every-

customer service. In addition to its equip-

thing that they need to do the job.

ment rentals, FIS also manufactures wire

That’s the experience we want to

rope slings, and it provides procurement

deliver and it’s all part of our emphasis

management, inspection services and

on customer service.”

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) management and analysis services.

An integrated footprint

FIS prides itself on being a customer-

FIS’s operations are incorporated across

focused, one-stop-shop for the offshore

two distinct sites: its headquarters and

industry, providing high-quality equipment

main operations base are in Aberdeen,

from well-known, established brands

Scotland, while a smaller satellite facility

that offshore teams are familiar with

is in London. Altogether, FIS employs

and comfortable with using.

approximately 80 people.

“Having that well-known equipment

On the strength of both its own

makes the customer’s experience as

convictions and customer demand, FIS’s

easy as possible, because you don’t

operations are proudly carbon neutral.

Inside oil & gas 43

44 Inside oil & gas

FIRST INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

I PROFILE

“We are working on further potential

and delivered to provide a safe, efficient

improvements, such as extending the

and cost-effective equipment solution

solar panels that we already have on our

to the energy, utilities, civil engineering

main building, across to our other build-

and construction sectors.

ings,” confirmed Mr Suttie.

FIS has augmented those physical

Business Development Director Gary Taylor shared three highlights of FIS’s

measures with the purchasing of carbon

range: “We have several products that

credits to offset its remaining – currently

add to safety offshore, including ATEX

unavoidable – emissions. “Due to our

HAVI, Cleanspace breathing respirators,

efforts with these initiatives, our overall

and RiConnect. RiConnect is an RFID

emissions percentage will still decline

tagging system that we’ve tailored

despite our fast growth,” he continued.

into solutions demanded by the industry. It includes applications

Robust product range

such as pre-use checks

FIS’s core strength is the depth and

for offshore users, and

breadth of its range of rental equipment,

electronic tracking of the

including ATEX (an EU safety certification

service history of the

for potentially explosive atmospheres)

items. RiConnect

products, rigging lofts, welding plant,

helps to ensure

power tools and fabric maintenance

that pre-use

equipment. Its offerings are designed

checks are

46 Inside oil & gas

“WE PLAN TO CONTINUE OUR CURRENT GROWTH TRAJECTORY WHILST ALWAYS ENSURING THAT THE CUSTOMER IS KEY BY SUPPORTING AND SUPPLYING THEM WITH A ROBUST, COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF RELIABLE, HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT” done every time equipment is taken

need for the client to manage multiple

out of the rigging lofts, for example.”

vendors,” said Mr Taylor. “It also helps

PBS Offshore, which provides full EPC

to drive commercial and technical

(Engineering, Procurement, Construction)

innovation on the client’s sites, while

services to Total UK’s assets, trusts

providing the client with a dedicated

its equipment rentals to FIS. “We support

resource supporting the delivery of

this contract with our full range of

their contract’s key performance

products and services, negating the

indicators (KPIs).”

Inside oil & gas 47

FIRST INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

I PROFILE

FIS provides both sales and rental of

exposure, enabling compliance with

equipment. While its ATEX kit, complete

the control of vibration at work regula-

rigging lofts and air hoists continue to

tions. Our range of working at height

prove strong performers on the rental

equipment, and our working at height

side of the business, its wire rope slings

compliant power tools is also a highlight.”

and hydraulic equipment have seen strong ongoing sales.

Additionally, One of FIS’s sister companies, First Competence, has embraced high-tech solutions for training

Shaping the future of safety

and competence: using Virtual Reality,

FIS constantly strives to provide

the company can recreate accidents,

workers in the oil and gas sector

putting the user back at the scene

with equipment that shapes, leads

of the incident which they can

and builds on their safety culture.

then re-watch multiple times,

“Workers’ wellbeing is at the foremost

moving between different

of our product development strategy,”

viewing points. This

Mr Suttie noted. “A recent example of

ensures that the

this is our investment in providing ATEX

lessons learned

HAVi, a wearable technology designed

from those

to record operators’ Hand-Arm Vibration

events are

48 Inside oil & gas

Business Development Director Gary Taylor

more easily

attention to innovation in the safety

understood by

market to protect their team. We have

the trainee and

very skilled people with transferable skills

more easily shared.

in the industry and it’s important that as

“From what we have seen, this method is much more useful and memorable than

an industry we look after them.”

In conclusion, Mr Taylor reflected on FIS’s future: “Thanks to our ongoing capital

reading a report,”.

investments in new rental fleet equip-

FIS believes that a strong safety

ment, (which is much higher than our

culture is key to retaining skilled workers in

competitors), we will be here for a long

the oil and gas sector, who are constantly

time still to come.

at a premium. “While attracting and

“But in the meantime, we expect to see

retaining staff is partly about pay, it’s also

increased opportunities in the defence,

about respect for your team and ensuring

nuclear and offshore wind sectors.

that they are looked after,” said Mr Suttie.

We plan to continue our current growth

“Employers that look after the health and

trajectory, while always ensuring that the

safety of their team are likely to improve

customer is key by supporting and sup-

staff retention; therefore it’s vital that

plying them with a robust, comprehensive

senior management teams must pay

range of reliable, high-quality equipment.” n

Inside oil & gas 49

SEMCO MARITIME

I PROFILE

Highlighting its expertise in the energy sector at this year’s Offshore Europe exhibition is Semco Maritime. Offering more than 40 years of experience, this engineering and contracting company excels in comprehensive project management for any energy-based project. Managing Director and UK Country Head, David Hutchinson perfectly summarised why Semco Maritime is so successful. Report by Imogen Ward.

50 Inside oil & gas

AS

the world’s largest provider of EPC for offshore renewable substations and an expert in

the operation of offshore maintenance and modifications, Semco Maritime has mastered both sectors, ready for when the two collide.

“Semco Maritime is unusual as a company because it is well positioned in both renewables and oil and gas. We are prepared for when they both meet in the electrification of the North Sea and other regions around the

the company plans to facilitate a revenue

world,” Managing Director and UK Country

split of 65% renewables and 35% oil

Head David Hutchinson explained. “We are

and gas.

ready for when that time comes.”

Established in 1980, Semco Maritime took

Perpetuating partnerships

the oil and gas industry by storm, forming

An exciting development in 2019 wit-

a reputation for excellence as an engi-

nessed the creation of PBS Offshore (a

neering, procurement and construction

consortium between Ponticelli, Brand

contractor. Now, the company is making

Energy & Infrastructure Services and

waves across the renewables sector and,

Semco Maritime).

with new group targets in place for 2027,

Initially established for five years, the partnership has been successfully operating for four. PBS was created to collate the knowledge and experience of all three companies, and it currently provides the general maintenance and operations of all Total E&P UK Limited’s sites. This includes Elgin and Franklin, Culzean and Aliza FSO, Gryphon FPSO, Alwyn and Dunbar, and the Shetland Gas Plant.

“The PBS contract looks after the seven assets of Total that are situated in the North Sea and the Shetlands,” said David.

“The contract was initially put in place for five years however, there is scope for a possible two-year expansion.”

With the PBS consortium a success, Semco Maritime UK decided to relocate

Inside oil & gas 51

SEMCO MARITIME

I PROFILE

to a new office in Aberdeen where the

advantage for its other projects, including

facility placed the company in a prime

the maintenance of the Noble Innovator

location that was close to the PBS office

Jack-Up Rig earlier this year. Berthed at

and existing Semco Maritime clients.

the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour, the

“Although the move has positioned

647ft tall rig benefitted from a range of

us closer to our PBS partnership, the new

Semco Maritime’s services, including

facility has also expanded our capabilities,”

project management, upgrades, modifi-

David explained. “We have successfully

cations and hull rebranding.

increased our employee headcount and

In the oil and gas sphere, Semco

traversed outside of our traditional engi-

Maritime has also recently entered

neering and service capabilities.”

a strategic partnership with BlueNord

Located in Westhill, this facility has also

(a Norwegian independent international

provided the business with a geographical

petroleum company). With the hope of

52 Inside oil & gas

SEMCO MARITIME

I PROFILE

identifying and investigating opportunities

The largest, and perhaps most significant

within the sector, this partnership will pursue

in the US, is part of Vineyard Wind. As the first

pre-established operations contracts as

commercial-scale offshore wind project in

well as the development of new oil fields.

the US, Vineyard Wind is under construction

Semco Maritime will be trusted with the day-

off the coast of Massachusetts. Once com-

to-day operations of topsides plus general

plete, the project will have the capacity to

maintenance and procurement.

generate enough energy for 400,000 homes.

“Our business sees huge value in part-

As the world’s largest provider of EPC

nerships and collaboration agreements,”

for offshore renewable substations,

said David. “That’s how we have developed

Semco Maritime was perfectly equipped

as a company, and we are constantly on

to engineer the project’s Electrical

the lookout for new opportunities, that will

Service Platform.

enable us to grow. The BlueNord agreement is a great example of that: they’re a company that we believe we can work hand-in-hand with to advance our services.”

Racing into renewables With the scope to further expand its reach within the offshore renewables sector, Semco Maritime already has an impressive track record of building 24 offshore wind substations and servicing 55 wind farms since 2002.

54 Inside oil & gas

Inside oil & gas 55

SEMCO MARITIME

I PROFILE

“Seven substations in the US were

tonnes of CO2. Transporting the CO2

awarded to Semco Maritime,” said David.

cross-border to the Nini field in the Danish

“The largest one, Vineyard, was delivered

North Sea, we have provided infrastructure

to the north-eastern seaboard of America

on the back of the vessels to support off-

earlier this year.”

shore operations. Semco Maritime supports

Advancing on its goals, the company

many decommissioning projects, so we

has also been heavily involved in Project

truly understand the importance of helping

Greensand. Located in Denmark, this

to clean up the North Sea, and it’s a cause

world-first project successfully captured

we fully support.”

carbon in subsea depleted wells.

“Project Greensand is unique,” David

Sustainability at sea

noted. “This is the first time anyone

On the topic of North Sea clean up,

has attempted to do this into a subsea

the company is also developing Power-

depleted well, and as of 2023, we have

to-X hydrogen-based technologies: “I see

successfully captured more than 800

Power-to-X as one of the future elements

56 Inside oil & gas

of Semco Maritime – we will be involved in

sortium partners, Ponticelli and Brand

technology that can help with the ocean

Energy & Infrastructure Services.

clean up,” David explained. “This will help

“I think the world after the pandemic

with the world’s progression towards

is a different place, but one thing that we

net zero.”

must do is go and develop more business

Semco Maritime is preparing for involvement in multiple future net zero projects,

together, to meet each other again and really understand the issues of our clients.

using engineering, offshore manpower

“We appreciate the support we get

and new technologies. This is an ongoing

because we are continually looking at

objective that aligns nicely with the

ways of developing the company here

company’s 2027 strategic targets.

in the UK,” he concluded. “We really enjoy

In 2021, the company developed a new

working with clients and our supply chain.

sustainability strategy which outlined its

Thanks to them, we can create better

personal emission-related objectives.

solutions and innovative ideas for the

Notably, Semco Maritime’s aim is to

industry. Semco Maritime has always

become scope one and two carbon neu-

been a very humble company with

tral by the end of 2023. To achieve this,

a strong customer focus. That will

the company is committed to reducing its

never change.”

n

energy consumption, with programmes in place at each of Semco Maritime’s offices worldwide. The company has also committed to the purchase of green electricity from Denmark.

“We are on track to meet our targets for 2023,” David said. “Our scope one and two carbon emissions are now down to double digits, and we are working tirelessly alongside governments, utilising best practices to get those figures down.”

Going forward, Semco Maritime plans to continue improving its environmental impact. The company also aims to expand its customer presence and is looking to source additional potential partnerships at Offshore Europe 2023. “We really enjoy working on collaborative projects, and events are a great place to establish these,” David said. “This year, we are exhibiting at Offshore Europe alongside our PBS con-

Inside oil & gas 57

PONTICELLI FRÈRES GROUP

I PROFILE

Exhibitions,

energy and

first-class engineering Leading the market in offshore construction, Ponticelli Frères Group is an ace in engineering, construction and maintenance. With more than 100 years behind it, the Group has been busier than ever, making its mark on the energy sector.

Ponticelli UK Managing Director Olivier Renaud shared the latest news with Inside Oil & Gas magazine. Report by Imogen Ward.

W

ith the energy industry expanding

in these sectors, to honour its commit-

rapidly, Ponticelli aims to accel-

ment to respecting the environment and

erate its presence in the sector.

providing basic needs to the population

“We are actively investing in renewables,

in a safe and consistent manner.

carbon-free energy and nuclear power,”

“Ponticelli Frères Group is already

Ponticelli UK Managing Director Olivier

involved in floating offshore wind, with the

Renaud said: “Nuclear, especially, is

construction engineering, procurement,

developing in the UK and France, with

fabrication, quayside assembly, float-off

around eight new reactors planned for

and wind turbine integration of three steel

construction over the next 20 years.

floaters for the EOLMED Project in the south

Ponticelli Frères Group aims to partake

of France. Each one can generate 10MW

58 Inside oil & gas

of power. It is this capability which we will

adding the production and installation

bring to the UK renewables marketplace”.

of solar panels to its mix.

Established in 1921 by the Ponticelli

Ponticelli is always on the lookout for

brothers, the group has developed

new partnerships, taking advantage of

a bespoke approach to the design,

industry events and conferences. The

construction and maintenance of oil

group will be attending Offshore Europe

and gas production facilities globally.

in September, where it has, in the past,

Now with an impressive turnover of

established several crucial relationships.

more than €1 billion, the group has made

“Events such as Offshore Europe are

several significant acquisitions to add

crucial to Ponticelli,” said Mr Renaud.

momentum to its continuous growth.

“They improve our customer base by providing us with a platform to show-

Advantageous acquisitions

case the full and diverse range of

“We recently acquired GenSun, which

Ponticelli’s global capabilities.

was a strategic sector-based invest-

“These events are also excellent oppor-

ment,” explained Mr Renaud. GenSun

tunities for us to create partnerships, and

is a provider of photovoltaic EPC for

Offshore Europe is actually where we

companies, communities and developers

met Brand and Semco.”

looking for sustainable solutions. With

Ponticelli UK established its UK operations

the brand successfully integrated,

in 2019, leading Aberdeen-based consortium

Ponticelli expanded its capabilities,

PBS, alongside Brand Energy

Inside oil & gas 59

PONTICELLI FRÈRES GROUP

I PROFILE

& infrastructure Services and Semco Maritime. This collaborative relationship is responsible for delivering a 5-year general maintenance and operations contract for TotalEnergies E&P UK. Ponticelli believes in strong working partnerships like this one and intends to expand its portfolio to other operators within the UK. “Our operating partnerships are based on mutual confidence, an agile and flexible approach to problem-solving, and shared values,” explained Mr Renaud.

Another record-breaking year With the group celebrating a record year, a large portion of its impressive €1 billion turnover came from the nuclear sector, as well as general upstream and downstream installation and maintenance activities.

62 Inside oil & gas

One project that has been incredibly

group has also focused its future

successful so far is Ponticelli’s brownfield

ambitions internally. “We have a focus

EPCIC contract for the development of

on internal investments, especially within

Al Shaheen (Qatar’s largest offshore oil

the renewables sector, and in particular

field). Under the management of North

photovoltaic canopies.” “Over the next

Oil Company (NOC), the Debottlenecking

few years, we will actively invest in our

Produced Water Management (DBN

subsidiary, Enersteel, to double our pro-

PWM) and AB Overboard Structure (OBS)

duction rates to 5,500 tonnes.”

Project will increase oil production and

Through Enersteel, Ponticelli is a leading

stop water over-boarding on A and B

designer and installation specialist of

location Al Shaheen.

photovoltaic car park canopy systems in

“The NOC project includes all disciplines,”

France. In 2020, the company was even

Mr Renaud explained. “We have been

awarded an impressive contract with

performing structural work, piping, E&I,

Disneyland Paris, to install one of the

ICSS, diving campaigns, jacket and module

largest photovoltaic car park canopy

fabrications, transport and installations,

systems in Europe.

as well as modifications and interconnecting offshore activities. As we speak

All fuelled up for net zero

we have deployed in Qatar the whole

Now more than ever, with the advancement

spectrum of Ponticelli’s capabilities.”

of Ponticelli’s sustainable energy strategy,

Ponticelli appreciates the advantages

the group is dedicated to improving its

of having such a diverse skillset on hand:

environmental impact. Committing to net

hoping to optimise this portfolio, the

zero by 2045, the group regularly

Inside oil & gas 63

PONTICELLI FRÈRES GROUP

I PROFILE

assesses its carbon footprint, and has established an Environmental Committee to ensure this goal is achieved.

“Whilst monitoring our carbon footprint, the Environmental Committee actively searches for ways to make improvements,” said Mr Renaud. “Currently, the group is partnered with Air France, to financially support the airline’s transition into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Superseding European Union targets of five per cent, Air France has set its own SAF target – aiming to achieve ten per cent by 2030.

“In the UK we have also launched an electrical vehicle scheme, which is available to all 550 Ponticelli UK employees.

In 2021, we celebrated our centenary. For the past 100 years the group has remained under the same family ownership, and

64 Inside oil & gas

Olivier Renaud UK Managing Director

they want Ponticelli still to be here in another 100 years’ time. For that to be viable, long-term sustainability is essential.”

This year, Ponticelli was also awarded EcoVadis gold status, which places the Group within the top 5% of its sector for sustainability management performance.

Social responsibility and QHSE are hugely important to the group, and as part of its objectives, Ponticelli is committed to ensuring that people’s safety, health and wellbeing remain at the centre of all its operations.

“Safety is good business,” Mr Renaud concluded. “Safety is an integral part of the group’s DNA, and we are committed to the pursuit of a zero-accident working environment to ensure that our workforce thinks safe, works safe and stays safe.”

n

Inside oil & gas 65

HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP

I PROFILE

Expanding Helix’s responsible participation in energy trans best-in-class and global leading decommissioning service Helix Energy Solutions Group, an international offshore energy services company, has evolved over five decades to provide industry leading specialty services to the offshore energy market. Helix Energy Solutions Group Vice President – Special Projects, Daniel Stuart, explained more to Hannah Barnett.

H

elix centres its services around a three-legged business model well positioned to facilitate the global

energy transition by maximising production of remaining oil and gas reserves, supporting renewable energy developments and decommissioning end-of-life oil and

A job well done

gas fields.

Since moving into the space a decade ago,

“We are looking at a number of areas

Helix is now the leading provider of subsea

where our expertise could be utilised in

well access services around the world.

the offshore wind space, to really future

“We've done more in that field than all our

proof the industry,” said Mr Stuart.

competitors combined,” said Mr Stuart.

“I think people are always going to be

The company notably worked as a first

attracted to work in oil and gas, because

responder after the notorious oil spill in the

it's a challenging and technological busi-

Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The Helix Q4000

ness. But I also think people are attracted

vessel played a key role in a successful

to a company that recognises that the

‘static kill’ procedure on the Macondo Well

business is transitioning from a high carbon

when 32,000 barrels of specially engineered

environment to a lower carbon one.”

mud and cement were pumped from the

66 Inside oil & gas

sition by providing es.

Q4000 directly into the well at high pressure, sealing the leak.

“After the Macondo blowout, the

Indeed, one of Helix’s key strengths is its ability to adapt and evolve, taking transferable skills from the subsea space

company heightened its focus basically on

and repurposing them for the fast-growing

fixing deepwater wells,” recalled Mr Stuart.

offshore wind energy market.

“As well as expanding into subsea decom-

“Our involvement in windfarms is very

missioning, we have become deepwater

much at the front end of the construction

plumbers to the industry. More recently,

process,” Mr Stuart explained. “Alongside

through our acquisition of the Alliance

conducting surveys, we are involved in

group of companies, we are now one of the

the removal of boulders, explosive sites

biggest well services players on the Gulf of

and unexploded ordnances on the

Mexico Shelf.”

seabed. All this must be thoroughly

Inside oil & gas 67

SCHLUMBERGER Expanding the operational envelope Intervention technology greatly advanced over the past 20 years to expand the possibilities of what can be done with a lighter footprint. Wireline powered intervention technology can now perform operations previously only possible with coiled tubing, such as milling completion elements of shifting downhole sleeves. Coiled tubing has become more intelligent with real-time data and fibre optics communication for advanced downhole instrumentation.

Expanding downhole intervention options enables more intervention work to be done successfully and economically from light well intervention vessels. We believe that this will further reduce costs and carbon intensity for the industry.

editorial mention

68 Inside oil & gas

HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP

I PROFILE

cleared in advance to build an offshore

the United States. In addition, we're going

wind farm. And once the foundations and

to be involved in some of the first wind farm

towers are in place, they are linked up

projects taking place in offshore

with inter-array cables.

Taiwan, another extremely busy area for

Helix has chartered multiple vessels

offshore wind.”

within the past year, specifically to address the offshore wind space and

SPE Offshore

meet the growing demand worldwide.

This September, Helix will be represented

“We've recently expanded the model

at the 2023 SPE Offshore event in

from the UK sector to the east coast of

Aberdeen. The company intends to demonstrate its experience in the decommissioning space, where it is currently working with a variety of notable groups including Petrobras, Trident, Cooper Energy and New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE). Within this context, Helix feels it reflects the zeitgeist of the sector.

“Decommissioning old wells and returning them to their former state is in huge demand in the North Sea and across the world and we are

70 Inside oil & gas

quite specialised at it,” said Mr Stuart.

“So, we are hoping, in a quiet way, to show what we have done.”

Mr Stuart was positive about the longterm business benefits that can be achieved by attending industry events. “People can sometimes take a cynical view,” he said.

“But I've never been to a show where I haven't had at least a half dozen very interesting conversations that lead, through other networking, to new opportunities for regular business. More often than not, the really creative stuff comes from the different combinations of what companies can accomplish together.”

After several years of Covid-induced

midstream industries in the shallow water

lockdown, this will be the first in-person

Gulf of Mexico Shelf, including decommis-

SPE Offshore event since 2019, making it

sioning, intervention, maintenance and

an especially notable occasion.

repair (IMR), heavy lift and commercial

“Working remotely can be extremely

diving services. This acquisition added

efficient for certain parts of our business,”

a fleet of shallow water assets to Helix’s

Mr Stuart reflected. “But ultimately, what

arsenal, including Jones Act-compliant lift

opens new opportunities is getting

boats, offshore supply vessels, a heavy

together with people, challenging ideas,

lift derrick barge and diving vessels, as

learning about what other services are

well as plug and abandonment systems,

out there and explaining what you can

coiled tubing systems and snubbing units.

do. We aren’t creating something that is going to impact our business in the next three months; we are creating something that is going to impact our business – and potentially the industry – in the next three to five years. That’s the way I look at shows like SPE Offshore.”

An alliance with Alliance In mid-2022, Helix acquired the Alliance group of companies, a Louisiana-based privately held company, that provides services in support of the upstream and

Inside oil & gas 71

HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP

I PROFILE

“I think the acquisition was one of the most impactful things we’ve done in recent years,” said Mr Stuart. “It means that alongside being the largest well access provider for interventions in the subsea space, we’re now one of the largest dry tree intervention and decommissioning companies in the world.”

Another dynamic and significant collaboration started close to a decade ago, when Helix partnered with Schlumberger, now SLB, the world’s largest offshore drilling contractor. According to Mr Stuart, in the last couple of years the partnership has truly come to fruition.

“Now, when hiring a Helix deepwater vessel anywhere in the world, it comes with a fully integrated spread of well services onboard provided by SLB,” he explained. “It means that instead of having to deal with multiple contractors, the operator only deals with one. We take care of everything else. And just one invoice every month, all run through a Helix contract.

We're taking a lot off the operator’s hands, in terms of personnel and frankly, hassle.”

Though similar alliances exist, no other group offers a full range of services including coiled tubing and well testing.

“And we are the only alliance who offer a fully risk-shared contract,” said Mr Stuart. “The operator pays for our vessel, so if there’s a problem with any of the services, the entire package is affected. That aligns the need of the operator with that of the vessel provider and the service company.”

Helix have formed partnerships with a range of key subcontractors in order to

72 Inside oil & gas

be a one-stop-shop for subsea interven-

access package.” The ‘go-to’ relationship

tions. “One of our key relationships is with

has seen Workstrings providing riser sys-

Workstrings International, who provide

tems and servicing from the Gulf of Mexico

us with high pressure riser systems for

to New Zealand.

our Intervention Riser Systems, a 10K well

As a flourishing and evolving business reacting to a rapidly changing industry, Helix remains a company with bright prospects for its future, and for those who run it.

“People like working here,” Mr Stuart concluded. “Our vessels are different from anything else that’s out there.

There’s a small company vibe. Employees have a feeling of ownership. “

n

Inside oil & gas 73

DELMAR SYSTEMS

I PROFILE

Offering complete foundation and mooring solutions to the energy industry, Delmar Systems is a global brand that has become a touchstone for clients looking to ensure their projects do not founder at sea. Now servicing the renewable energy sector and the rising trend for floating storage regasification units, the company is primed for significant growth in both sectors.

Paul Crichton, Business Development Manager, sat down with Andy Probert to discuss the company’s work scope. stablished in 1968 to service the Gulf

E

It has expanded to the world's leading

of Mexico region, Delmar Systems

oil and gas hubs, such as the UK, Singapore,

has since become a mainstay in

Australia, Norway and Brazil. It recently pur-

designing, manufacturing, supplying and

chased Deep Sea Mooring and Vryhof

installing anchor and mooring solutions.

Anchors and rebranded them as Delmar

74 Inside oil & gas

Systems to give the group a solid European

to operate in the world's harshest environ-

foothold. This was initially to serve the

ments. A vital feature of the RAR Plus is the

traditional energy and, more recently, the

independent mechanical backup release

renewable energy sectors, particularly

function the rig can actuate without ROV or

floating wind.

anchor handling tug supply vessel support

Now the world's largest foundation and

for ultimate reliability.

mooring solutions company, employing

“The RAR Plus is proving to be an effective

160 people, it has provided anchors,

cost and emission saving, risk-mitigation

moorings and installation services on

tool for our customers,” said Mr Crichton.

around 80% of the installed floating wind

“We ensure clients receive the full benefit

projects globally, explained Paul Crichton,

of releasable mooring systems by

Business Development Manager.

providing the most reliable solutions on the market.”

Technology advances

The RAR Plus improves rig-move efficiency,

Delmar Systems has deployed 807

reduces emissions and facilitates a MODU’s

mooring line releases with its patented

ice and hurricane avoidance strategy. This

RAR Plus technology. This is an acoustic

technology and industry-leading mooring

mooring line release system enhanced

philosophy is resulting in significant cost

with increased robustness and reliability

savings and carbon emission reductions.

Inside oil & gas 75

DELMAR SYSTEMS

I PROFILE

energy sources and routes for Southeast Europe. It also enhances energy security and competition in the region and supports the creation of a regional natural gas hub.

“The project is strategically located at the crossroads of the Southern and Vertical Gas Corridor,” Mr Crichton continued, “and offers access to liquified natural gas to the markets of Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Northern Macedonia and further away in

Continuing to strengthen In 2022, Delmar and CAN Systems

Northeast Europe.”

In addition, Delmar has just delivered

were jointly awarded the design and

anchors for an LNG project in Mexico and

supply of a mooring system for the INGS

will conduct the mooring pre-lay operations

LNG Alexandroupolis (FRSU). The mooring

in the coming months. “LNG has become

chains, anchors and restrictors have been

critical to Northern Europe's energy secu-

successfully delivered at Alexandroupolis

rity,” he said. “Delmar is proud to contribute

Port. Delmar will act as the project’s instal-

to providing cost-efficient solutions for LNG

lation provider too.

export and import.”

INGS LNG Alexandroupolis is a significant

The rapid rise of offshore renewables has

energy project, with high importance for

called for new solutions, and Delmar has

Greece, Bulgaria and the broader region

seized the opportunity to introduce two

since it contributes to the diversification of

innovations on the TetraSpar Demonstrator

76 Inside oil & gas

project: the Stevadjuster and the Deltracker

assembly and installation processes, and

tracking system.

low material costs.

The TetraSpar project is a floating wind

The Stevadjuster is an innovative, cost-

turbine foundation and is the world's first

effective and time-saving solution for chain

full-scale demonstration of an industrialised

adjustment, pre-tensioning of moorings

offshore foundation. It is carried out in

and easy connection or disconnection of

a partnership between Shell, RWE, TEPCO

anchor lines. The Stevadjuster removes the

Renewable Power and Stiesdal Offshore

requirement for high bollard pull by utilising

Technologies. The foundation is a tetrahe-

the force multiplier of a vertical pull.

dral structure assembled from tubular

The entire operation takes place subsea

steel components. It is expected to offer

and does not require winches or other

significant competitive advantages with

heavy equipment on the moored platform.

its potential for lean manufacturing, lean

Therefore, the bollard pull of each vessel

Inside oil & gas 77

DELMAR SYSTEMS

I PROFILE

involved in the operation does not need to be prohibitively high.

“Modest installation or maintenance

Delmar has continued to develop bespoke products for the industry, recently furthering its Stevtensioner, a force multiplier used for

vessels have sufficient capacity to get the

high tension installation work, particularly

job done,” Mr Crichton said. “The use of this

attractive to windfarm installation and its

subsea chain adjuster offers significant

Stevpris Mk-7 anchor, which is being field

safety benefits, as the tensioning operation

tested in the North Sea, and multiple fit-for-

is performed away from the floater.”

purpose floating wind anchors. Mark 7 is the

Deltracker is software used to track the

latest anchor design, superseding the Mark

lifecycle and usage of mooring equipment.

6, which has been the industry benchmark

The TetraSpar Demonstrator takes about 115

for over 20 years.

components to be moored. Looking ahead

“We are also developing our mooring line

at a farm-scale level, it might be dealing

monitoring software and establishing a

with over 6,000 mooring components per

planned and unplanned regime for floating

wind farm. A digital tracking system, such

wind farm mooring line maintenance,”

as Deltracker, will be indispensable, as it is

Mr Crichton added. “One of the benefits of

a standalone software package with user-

being the world's largest foundation and

specific dashboards, a GUI interface, and

mooring provider has been the seamless

easy to navigate framework for tracking all

evolution of our business to service the

components of a mooring system.

renewable energy sector.”

Meeting global demand “Being a truly global organisation, we have been approached by key operators and Tier 1 contractors to assist with the design, manufacture and installation of our anchor product range and life of field

78 Inside oil & gas

maintenance of the whole mooring line,”

and many of our product lines reduce the

Mr Crichton continued. “This is due to our

overall CO2 emissions on projects.”

years of experience working subsea with

Mr Crichton concluded by highlighting how

floating structures, managing integrity of

Delmar are committed to a healthy relation-

the mooring lines.

ship with both clients and suppliers; built on

“The huge global demand for capacity has

the foundations of integrity and trust, and its

seen us engage in an extensive expansion

reputation for excellence, which “we con-

of our international manufacturing bases,

stantly monitor as part of our continuous

capitalising on our rich history of manufac-

improvement programme.”

n

turing anchors worldwide for the oil and gas sector. This will further strengthen our market-leading position as the primary anchor OEM and mooring services provider for the energy sector.

“As the energy sector grows in size and scale, we are well placed to deal with this evolution through our scalable products and services. This will allow us to serve a significant role in the energy expansion process and assist in standardising the floating wind industry, allowing for a reduced cost of energy.

“Delmar takes the environment extremely seriously: all our processes are vetted to ensure maximum environmental benefit,

Inside oil & gas 79

BRAND ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

80 Inside oil & gas

I PROFILE

Brand Energy & Infrastructure is a leading international provider of access and specialised services for industrial end markets, including fabric maintenance support for offshore operations. Richard Hagan met with UK Offshore Director David Strang and Babette Haas, the Marketing Director for BrandSafway International, to find out how the company’s skilled people and unique systems contribute to the smooth daily operations of its illustrious customers.

he history of Brand Energy &

T

technology and expertise have subse-

Infrastructure can be traced back

quently become a core part of the offering

to 1919 and the establishment of

of the modern Brand operation.

that quickly became well-known across the country. The decades since saw

Specialist fabric maintenance solutions

Scaffolding Great Britain participate in

Brand offers its clients a large portfolio of

several acquisitions and mergers, with

services, including access solutions, insu-

this company ultimately becoming part

lation, coatings and general maintenance

of the US-based BrandSafway Group.

services. “With all of the services we

Specialist coatings manufacturer

provide, we are ultimately a people

Venko, with a footprint across the UK

business,” said UK Offshore Director

and the Netherlands, was also acquired

David Strang.

Scaffolding Great Britain, a company

in 2018 by Brand Energy & Infrastructures,

Babette Haas, Marketing Director for

in a move that substantially propelled

BrandSafway International, agreed: “Our

Brand into the offshore market. Venko’s

assets are primarily our people, but we

Inside oil & gas 81

BRAND ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

I PROFILE

also have an extensive fleet of scaffolding

better efficiency compared to traditional

and access hardware across our interna-

scaffolding because of its intuitive twist

tional locations. “This includes our highly

and lock mechanism and flexibility of the

innovative QuikDeck solution – a suspended

system,” said Ms Haas.

platform access system that is regularly

“Our access solutions are intentionally

used in the offshore business. It’s a high-

market leading. We choose to develop and

capacity load platform that offers the

invest in innovative systems because we

advantage of safely working on an open,

understand the environment they operate

modular platform. QuikDeck can transform

in; and these systems guarantee better

clients’ projects by saving up to 50%

productivity from our workforce and ulti-

reduction in erection time over

mately, it’s less time spent on site, which

traditional approaches.”

reduces our client costs and hazardous

Efficiency is at the heart of Brand’s

exposure hours.”

service provision to its customers, which is further evidenced by its implementation

High-profile maintenance

and use of the Tubelock and wedge coupler

In 2019, Brand joined an Aberdeen-based

scaffolding solutions on offshore platforms.

consortium of three contractors including

“With Tubelock, we achieve 30 per cent

Ponticelli, Brand Energy & Infrastructure

82 Inside oil & gas

Services and Semco Maritime, in a bid to secure major new offshore projects in the North Sea and beyond.

The consortium – known as PBS – was awarded its first contract only a year later in 2020 when it secured a major North Sea maintenance deal from oil company TotalEnergies. “It was the largest maintenance contract ever awarded on the UK continental shelf,” said Mr Strang. “It

Another project highlight for Brand was

represented a major step forward in

its involvement in a Barge Campaign pro-

our offshore business.”

ject for ONEGas, a consortium including

The contract began in 2020 and requires PBS to manage asset integrity,

Shell, starting back in 2012 and still running to this day.

maintenance and reliability, fabric main-

“The project initially called for the refur-

tenance, shutdowns, and modification

bishment of 36 platforms delivered in one

projects for all Total Exploration and

phase, including 100 per cent reinstatement of

Production UK-operated assets, on

coatings,” said Mr Strang. “We carried out the

a long-term basis.

work with a specialist team totalling 200.”

Inside oil & gas 83

BRAND ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

I PROFILE

“Our successful completion of these plat-

more than 8,000 staff in its international

forms proved that we can plan and deliver

industrial locations in Europe, the Middle

large offshore fabric maintenance projects

East, Australia and India.

to reinstate and reset the life of the platform in terms of its summer maintenance.”

BrandSafway, the group of which

Sustainable services in action Brand has a number of sustainability pro-

Brand Energy & Infrastructure is a member,

grammes. These include active monitoring

employs approximately 40,000 people

and measurement of all its transport needs

globally, located in 360 facilities in 30

as well as personnel trips – including all

countries. In the UK, Brand Energy &

flights. LED lighting has been implemented

Infrastructure conducts industrial services

wherever possible, while its vehicle

both onshore and offshore. The UK offshore

fleet consists of a large number of

operations are being facilitated by its three

electric vehicles.

main hubs in Great Yarmouth, Aberdeen and Immingham.

“We continuously benchmark all of our transport and ensure that we’re

Brand also does extensive offshore

making incremental changes as we

business in the Netherlands, where it has

go,” said Mr Strang. “We’re constantly

two main offshore hubs in Den Helder and

maximising loads and storing assets

Hoogeveen besides its traditional

on site wherever possible in order to

onshore business. Overall, Brand employs

minimise transport.”

84 Inside oil & gas

“On the social side, the company is also

– both on its own and as part of its PBS

actively caring for its employees,” added

consortium. Brand also looks forward to

Ms Haas. “We offer health and safety

the annual Offshore Energy Awards at the

training regularly, as well as mental health

end of each year.

programmes. Many of our people are spe-

Looking ahead, Brand expects continued

cially trained on that, as well as on the

growth of the company and its staff.

governance side.”

“We’re focused on investing in people;

Brand participates in the annual SPE

retaining the good people we have and

Offshore Europe exhibition, where the

attracting more good people to the busi-

industry can meet its teams in person

ness in both white- and blue-collar roles – so that we can continue to grow,” Mr Strang revealed.

Concluding, Mr Strang reflected on his excitement for the work that Brand is doing: “I love making things better, and retaining the status quo is never an option for me. At Brand, we are efficient at evaluating what works best and at working with the client to make things possible. That’s why I get out of bed in the morning.”

n Inside oil & gas 85

HODGE CLEMCO I PROFILE

HAVING A BLAST WITH SURFACE TREATMENT EXPER Hodge Clemco is a leader in manufacturing and supplying abrasive blasting and surface treatment solutions that have become quality marques in various industries. Sales and Marketing Manager Liam Davis spoke to Andy Probert about the company’s recent acquisition by the US-based SurfacePrep, and ambitions to consolidate its global business.

86 Inside oil & gas

RTISE

F

or nearly 65 years, Hodge Clemco has consistently been the leader in manufacturing and supplying abrasive

blasting equipment and surface treatment solutions to the UK industry. From its smallest blast pot to large, containerised bespoke acoustic or weatherproof blast rooms, the Sheffield-based company has developed innovative blasting technology that fits clients’ needs.

“Whether bespoke or standard, Hodge

Clemco works hard to design and manufacture equipment that is fit for the job,” said Liam Davis, Sales and Marketing Manager. “The company is highly active across different industries where the primary threat is corrosion, whilst also supporting other applications such as polishing and peening. The equipment is designed to transport abrasive media at a high velocity towards the component or structure, to achieve the desired surface cleanliness and/or profile required.

Hodge Clemco Sales & Marketing Manager, Liam Davis

Inside oil & gas 87

HODGE CLEMCO

I PROFILE

Delivering the perfect surface preparation for the protective coating to then be applied therefore providing protection for many years, whether it’s a gas pipeline, an oil rig platform or a wind farm component.”

The company has consolidated its market footprint in the UK through strategic acquisitions over the last decade. However, in 2021, Hodge Clemco became part of SurfacePrep, a group of companies with facilities across the US, Canada and now the UK, considerably strengthening its hand and brand presence.

“These are exciting times as Hodge Clemco continues to maintain its leading position in the surface finishing industry in the UK and abroad,” said Mr Davis.

The company’s comprehensive product portfolio covers every solution for abrasive

The company also has a team of quali-

blast cleaning; from portable units, hand

fied service technicians and installation

blast cabinets and shot blasting equipment

engineers across the UK to ensure it can

to a full range of recyclable abrasives and

provide a total service solution offering for

abrasive recovery services. Hodge Clemco

its equipment. It also provides a recycling

is also renowned for its full blasting training,

service where spent abrasives can be

equipment servicing, abrasive reprocessing

reprocessed rather than being shipped

and disposal, and blasting substrate

to landfill.

inspection equipment.

Blasting heritage Hodge Clemco was launched in 1959 and was part of the Samuel Hodge Group, a diverse engineering group founded in 1897 around the marine industry. The company jointly formed Wolverhampton Abrasives as part of a venture with IMI to produce and market abrasive materials before Wolverhampton Abrasives became a subsidiary in 2007.

With changing markets, the popularity of site blasting techniques reduced in favour

90 Inside oil & gas

Now as part of the SurfacePrep group, Hodge Clemco acts as an independent subsidiary and a dynamic stepping stone for its new parent group into the UK and Europe. The group has also bought a clutch of similar companies, including a powder coating specialist, to offer strategic locations across the UK.

Quality operator Hodge Clemco, which employs around 80 people, predominantly caters to the UK market, while 10% of its business – mainly on the abrasive media side – is exported worldwide; to Europe, the USA and the of fixed installations which can be environmentally controlled and offer lower running

Far East.

“With a diverse portfolio, featuring over

costs. Hodge Clemco rose to the challenge,

50 different blast machines,” Mr Davis

developing innovations to cater to this

said, “as well as wet and dry solutions,

growing trend and installed for clients including the Ministry of Defence, Rolls Royce and Airbus.

In 2015 Samuel Hodge acquired Dinnington-based Mac'Ants Abrasives, a supplier of abrasives and blast materials and one of the world's largest specialist plastic media manufacturers. This enabled Hodge Clemco to offer an expanded range of abrasives, from plastic media and aluminium oxides to garnets, silicon carbides and anti-skid materials, to complement the Hodge Clemco market leading expendable abrasive range, JBlast.

Hodge Clemco opened a state-of-the-art abrasives facility at Dinnington in 2019. The investment in the 3,500sqm unit expanded its ability to manufacture and hold stocks of abrasive media in the UK, such as plastic media, garnet and aluminium oxide.

Inside oil & gas 91

HODGE CLEMCO

I PROFILE

offshore specific portable machines,

For turnkey solutions, the company

fixed installations, and the consumables,

recently designed a unit for the marine

Hodge Clemco is the real benchmark for

industry, and specially fabricated, to it

the blasting sector.

through the hatch opening on ships and

“The company has seen year-on-year

boats. The blast machine is used to carry

growth, and for 2023 we are facing another

out abrasive blasting on internal areas.

successful year. Our order book looks

The closed-circuit blast head allows for

healthy, and plenty of projects are in

blasting and recovery of abrasive and

the pipeline.

eliminates airborne abrasive and dust

“Another element of the business consolidation will be the hiring and

created from blasting.

Hodge Clemco has also manufactured

renting of equipment as market trends

a closed-circuit blast system for Tods

emerge. SurfacePrep will enable Hodge

Defence in Dorset. The system is being

Clemco to increase its product portfolio

used to blast large sonar pods on the

and complement the subsidiary compa-

front of submarines and warships.

nies working under the parent group.”

One of Hodge Clemco’s specialisms is

“While the company continues to steer through the current economic climate,

designing and manufacturing in conjunc-

there is now more poor-quality, sub-stan-

tion with leading fabrication maintenance

dard competition in the market with

companies for the offshore industry. “We

cheap alternatives, rather than trying to

also design and manufacture ATEX-rated

maintain the qualities that Hodge Clemco

products to work in restricted zones

attests to,” Mr Davis said. “Our products

which could have an explosion-risk,”

can be differentiated because they are

Mr Davis continued.

well-engineered and made to last.

92 Inside oil & gas

“We like to build good long-term customer

predominantly used in blasting offshore

relationships based on honesty, integrity

rigs, jackets and pipelines, as well as for

and reliability while offering value-for-

waterjet cutting applications.

money machines, abrasives and services.

A stand-out for Hodge Clemco is working

Being sustainable

as a partner and building solutions that

Hodge Clemco offers a recycling route for

fit their purpose. It goes to the heart of

spent media from the abrasive blasting

SurfacePrep’s motto of ‘delivering results

processes, according to Mr Davis: “While

beyond the surface’.”

the main avenue is to landfill, our company

He added that in maintaining its quality

offers to collect it on a waste transfer

approach, Hodge Clemco is primed to

license and, depending on its condition,

exploit the premium-standard range of

it can be reprocessed and supplied into

products sourced from SurfacePrep. This

other applications and processes, such

includes the RockRidge Abrasive garnet,

as furnace linings or for ship ballasts.

“Not only is it a green, environmentally friendly approach, but it also helps customers remove their waste media and supply that product to others for their applications. It offers a second life for the waste while saving money and protecting the planet.

“It is a service that is growing rapidly year on year, and one which Hodge Clemco is proud to offer.”

n Inside oil & gas 93

3X ENGINEERING

94 Inside oil & gas

I PROFILE

EXPERT’S HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUBSEA REPAIRS Monaco-based 3X ENGINEERING is one of the world’s leading companies specialising in pipeline maintenance using patented composite technology, primarily serving the oil and gas sector. Andy Probert spoke to Sales Manager (Europe) Jean-François Ribet about the company’s scope of work and its ambitions to become a prime mover with North Sea operators.

A

subsea leak of any kind in the oil

Jean-François Ribet, Sales Manager

and gas sector can run to millions

(Europe). Its patented solutions, such

of dollars and cause long-lasting

as StopKit, ReinforceKit, RollerKit and

environmental damage if it isn’t dealt with promptly and efficiently. For most oil majors, contractors and partners, 3X ENGINEERING’s patented solutions are often the first lines of defence.

Since 1990, 3X has become a globally acknowledged leader in pipeline maintenance using composite technology.

Founded by Stanislas Boulet d’Auria, the company is a proven developer, manufacturer, supplier and installer of a portfolio of quality products that are not just a quick fix – but a long-term solution.

“Our holistic philosophy means a comprehensive approach to leaks in any environment,” explained

3X Engineering Sales Manager (Europe), Jean-François Ribet

Inside oil & gas 95

3X ENGINEERING

I PROFILE

TanKit, are highly sought-after world-

the North Sea’s oil and gas sector is

wide through its qualified distribution

a prime area we want to leverage our

network of over 60 partners.

products into.

“It is all about confidence: at 3X, we

“3X has extensive composite knowledge,

provide confidence to our clients with

unique know-how and experience in critical

our engineering knowledge in composite

fields of industry. Subsea applications take

expertise, as well as the field knowledge,

into account more constraints, and there is

flexibility, responsiveness and product

no place for uncertainty.

quality. Failure can never be an option.”

“Thanks to our R&D team, we have developed specific solutions to ensure

Key focus

successful and long-term repairs for up

One of the key focus points for Monaco-

to 20 years. Technically, our resins have

based 3X in 2023 is to increase its presence

been certified by well-established third

in the North Sea area with clients and

parties, such as DNV GL in Norway. We

operators, ensuring that its products are

have proven results with, for example,

on offer through its network.

an adhesion result of 10Mpa compared

“As a global operator, we want to maximise our coverage across different seas and continents,” said Mr Ribet, “and

96 Inside oil & gas

to the standard 5Mpa. “We can repair all kinds of defects, such as external and internal corrosion, holes

and leaks, crack and dents. We have developed a range of products to respond to every eventuality, with a design lifetime approach. We reinforce assets to give them back their integrity.”

Through its large distributor network, it has certified applicators situated close to facilities worldwide to apply 3X products: and if they are needed, 3X’s dedicated technical team can be deployed on-site to perform the repair.

Product prowess 3X’s products, which comply with ISO 24817 and ASME PCC2 standards, have also been tested with Bureau Veritas, TUV, ABS, Lloyd’s Register and private labs of well-known petroleum companies.

Mr Ribet emphasised their patented products are proving popular and reliable for operators in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Its Stopkit is an online leak-sealing solution which can stop a live leak up to 150 bars and up to 150°C. “We have developed specific and unique know-how regarding subsea repairs and have successfully concluded many projects,” he said.

In 2018 and again in 2020, 3X was called on to repair several subsea caissons for a Norwegian oil and gas company. “Thanks to our solutions, the client could still operate their offshore platforms without shutdowns and in complete safety,” Mr Ribet explained.

One of the many technological advances made by 3X has been its REINFORCEKiT®4D SUBSEA (R4D-S). This is a wet lay-up system wrapped helicoidally around a pipe to bring mechanical resistance to

Inside oil & gas 97

3X ENGINEERING

I PROFILE

the damaged pipe section. The number

and 27m length of repair requiring a com-

of layers, determined by calculation, is

posite wrapping in many sections. As part

linked to the pipe pressure, temperature,

of another project in Vietnam, R4D-S was

diameter and thickness, as well as the

utilised by 3X’s local distributor

pit depth and length, the steel grade and

Petroenertech to reinforce a 16” subsea

the pipe location.

pipe with a dent at a depth of 49.4m.

R4D-S can repair and reinforce pipelines

“Despite Covid, the project was

operating at temperatures between +5°C

conducted by our distributor under the

(+41°F) up to +65°C (+149°F) subject to

supervision of 3X by videoconference

external/internal corrosion, leaks, dents

throughout the repair,” said Mr Ribet. “This

and mechanical damages for the

demonstrated the adaptability of 3X and

underwater environment.

its distributors to work remotely during

Mr Ribet reflected that the 3X teams

the pandemic.”

had installed R4D-S across many projects, including repair to reinforce a 48” subsea

Sustained growth

pipe damaged by an external corrosion

3X had enjoyed considerable growth

defect and leak at 5m depth.

in recent years despite the pandemic,

This project was the longest one per-

according to Mr Ribet: “Our company has

formed by 3X in a subsea environment. It

continued growing every year, increased

was successfully repaired using R4D-S

its activities and still managed to success-

despite various complicated parameters:

fully meet the demands of each and every

a 48” large diameter pipe, leaking defect,

project. 3X would like to thank its clients

98 Inside oil & gas

and partners who have trusted our

new repair solutions,” Mr Ribet concluded. “

know-how and solutions.

3X is also continuing to expand its network

“However, even as the company grows,

of distributors globally, so that even more

it is important to stay focused on our core

end-clients can benefit from our experi-

values of responsiveness and quality.

ence and expertise.”

n

Clients depend on us and our products, and we will never lose sight of that.”

Mr Ribet outlined how the company’s growth had also taken its proven solutions from the energy industry into the power plant and nuclear sectors with its Reflangekit product, an online SF6 leaksealing solution. “3X has also developed solutions for structural repairs to reinforce beams in the railway sector,” he said.

“Because our core values are innovation and quality, the research and development team keep exploring new technologies to improve the standard of our products and technical services and to develop

Inside oil & gas 99

FRIULFORGIA

I PROFILE

Friulforgia is the forging and machining headquarters of the TTN Group and is a leading player in the steel sector in its own right. Friulforgia manufactures pre-machined and final machined forgings of any shape, and works with grades ranging from carbon, duplex and super duplex stainless steels.

Hannah Barnett spoke to Mosè Molaro, Sales Manager, and Francesco Rizzani, Plant Manager, to learn more.

100 Inside oil & gas

F

riulforgia has hit the sweet spot in

partly to its strategically located branch in

business. The flexibility afforded from

Houston, which opened in 2017, the com-

being a medium-sized company com-

pany has established a strong presence

pliments the vertical integration offered by

the offshore oil and gas markets.

its membership of the TTN Group.

Verticalisation means clients benefit

Investment and growth

from the convenience of a single supplier

Alongside the investment into the US office,

providing a comprehensive solution.

Friulforgia increased its forging capacity in

Friulforgia handles all operations from

2020 by installing a brand-new press with

forging to the final machining and pack-

a power capacity of 3,800 tonnes.

aging, within the group. “Essentially, we

“This investment has allowed us to

simplify the procurement process for our

produce more alloy steel, which has

customers by offering them a single point

a larger field of applicability in the oil and

of contact, even for ready-to-mount

gas industry, so it’s been a very important

components,” said Mosè Molaro, Sales

development,” Francesco Rizzani, Plant

Manager.

Manager, explained. “This includes duplex

Friulforgia specialises in open die forging,

and super duplex steel that we have

with seven manufacturing plants in northern

produced extensively for making pipes,

Italy, one in Spain and a sales office in

fittings, subsea connectors, bespoke

Texas. The company offers a wide range of

valves and so on.”

forgings: these include blowout preventers,

The investment is paying off, as Friulforgia

risers, clamps, jack-up components, valve

is experiencing a period of strong growth.

bodies, cylinders and much more. Thanks

Turnover has increased from 20 to almost

Inside oil & gas 101

FRIULFORGIA

I PROFILE

30 million EUR in the last three years. For the

turned products and provide comprehen-

wider TTN Group, it has increased from 70

sive solutions to its customers. The new

million to close to 100 million EUR.

lathe will be installed by spring 2024.

Another crucial investment decision was

“This investment will further increase our

the acquisition of a new Carnaghi vertical

turnover because one of the main goals is

lathe for finishing operations. The decision

to have the possibility to be self-sufficient

was made having identified a weakness in

in vertical turning and not always depend

the company’s vertical turning operations.

on sub-suppliers,” Mr Molaro agreed.

“The new lathe can machine parts up

“Sometimes sub-suppliers are very busy

to 3.5 metres in diameter and 3.7 metres

and have no space for our parts. So it’s

in length,” Mr Rizzani said; “so, it’s a large

very important to us to be able to manage

machine. It can also mill some boards

this operation for ourselves.”

and surfaces, so it’s not only a lathe but

And it is not just investment into

a machining centre. Carnaghi is one

machinery: the company is also strength-

of the world leaders for these sorts of

ening its operations in terms of project

machines, making this is a very signifi-

management and personnel.

cant investment.”

Friulforgia aims to ensure this investment

“We are investing in our workforce,” Mr Molaro said, “by building a team

will mean the company can effectively

dedicated to complex jobs. For offshore

handle increased demand for vertically

oil and gas customers, there are many

102 Inside oil & gas

requirements regarding manufacturing

Mr Molaro explained that he appreciates

procedures, inspections and testing. The

the value of face-to-face networking more

management of projects is getting more

than ever, following the restrictions posed

and more complex because of require-

by the Covid pandemic: “As valuable

ments for various types of documentation,

as electronic presentations may be in

so we have our new people for managing

describing our activities, they cannot

these issues.”

match the practicality of showcasing our capabilities and versatility in person.”

SPE Offshore

For such a diverse industrial group like

Friulforgia is exhibiting at SPE Offshore

Friulforgia, with eight vertically integrated

Europe in Aberdeen in September 2023.

manufacturing locations and a wide pro-

The renowned industry event helps the

duction range serving multiple industries,

offshore energy value chain to accelerate

engaging in a two-way discussion with

the transition to a better future by uniting

prospects is essential.

the power of expertise, knowledge and innovative technology.

“It allows us to address their questions and provide specific industry or product-related

Inside oil & gas 103

FRIULFORGIA

I PROFILE

relationships in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. “With this solid foundation, we are hoping that SPE Offshore will help to create links in the rest of Europe and other parts of the world,” Mr Molaro said.

Sustainable supply chain In order to improve sustainability throughout its entire production chain, Friulforgia is starting to select suppliers based on their alignment with environmentally friendly principles and objectives. This details that may arise,” said Mr Molaro.

evaluation process will apply to suppliers

“We recognise that effective communica-

of raw materials, as well as those involved

tion and direct interaction play a crucial

in outsourcing tasks.

role in demonstrating our expertise and

Like any successful business with many

meeting the unique needs of our clients.”

moving parts, it also remains vital that the

Friulforgia already has the benefit of

company maintains a strong day-to-day

years of experience and strong contacts

relationship with its suppliers. Friulforgia

throughout the industry, strengthened by

chooses suppliers carefully, following a strict

its presence in the United States. The com-

qualification and monitoring procedure, par-

pany has also cultivated valuable customer

ticularly concerning the quality of products.

104 Inside oil & gas

The company purchases hundreds of steel

of hydro power,” Mr Molaro concluded.

ingots to be forged every year from sites in

“We recognise that renewable energy

Italy, Austria and Germany and there can be

sources are the inevitable future and are

no compromises on quality.

fully committed to investing substantial

“Each supplier performs better on

time and resources to providing the best

some steel grades than others,” Mr Molaro

possible service to customers in these

said: “so, it is our priority to select the best

industries. We understand the importance

solution to maximise the final performance

of renewable energy in addressing global

of our products. This is also why our supplier

environmental challenges and achieving

base is limited to a few reliable companies

sustainability goals.”

n

we know very well, which has always enabled us to deliver high-quality forgings.”

The shift to renewables is also a key element of the energy transition. Friulforgia has always operated in that sector, supplying forgings to prominent companies mostly in the wind-power and hydro-power sectors, including an offshore tidal energy farm in Northern Europe.

“Over the past few years, we have observed significant growth in wind-power projects and a slow-but-steady increase

Inside oil & gas 105

iOG &

upstream downstream one voice

event focus:

ADIPEC

A preview of ADIPEC, followed by associated company profiles for : specialized oilfield products lamprell

emdad

enhanced drilling

bluewhale offshore

al fanar gas

EVENT PREVIEW Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, explains the show to Inside Oil & Gas.

Abu Dhabi,

ADIPEC 2023 Hosted in Abu Dhabi

by ADNOC, and taking place from 2-5 October 2023, ADIPEC is an international platform convening global energy producers, consumers and innovators to accelerate game-changing solutions and transformational progress towards decarbonisation and the future of energy. Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events,

ecosystem in its efforts to transition

organisers of the show, shared

towards greater sustainability. Under the

with Inside Oil & Gas what visitors

overarching theme, ‘Decarbonising. Faster.

can expect.

Together’, ADIPEC 2023 seeks to unite industries to accelerate the urgent action and game-changing solutions needed to

What makes ADIPEC special this year?

decarbonise quicker and future-proof the global energy system.

ADIPEC has evolved considerably over the

For four days, ADIPEC will convene

years. Today, we build on our nearly 40-

some of the brightest minds from across

year legacy of innovation and evolution

the energy value chain and beyond –

with a bolder vision, and stronger purpose

including government, private enterprise

to support the energy industry and wider

stakeholders, technology, academia

108 Inside oil & gas

United Arab Emirates 2-5th October, 2023 www.adipec.com

and finance – to ignite the innovative and disruptive thinking needed to tackle the world’s most pressing energy challenges.

And with ADIPEC 2023 taking place less than two months before the UAE hosts the 28th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28), our event is uniquely placed to offer a global stage to address some of those critical issues from across the energy ecosystem and focus on moving the needle forward towards securing sustainable energy for all.

EVENT PREVIEW Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, explains the show to Inside Oil & Gas.

Abu Dhabi,

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events.

How have you been preparing for ADIPEC 2023?

ADIPEC consistently strives to be a force for transformation and leadership, offering a platform for the industry, by the industry.

Through continued discussions with key industry stakeholders – including the ADIPEC 2023 Executive Committee – we have identified specific challenges the energy industry needs to be advanced, including reducing methane emissions, supporting the decarbonisation of heavy industries and facilitating finance and investment in low-carbon energy and clean technology.

Reflecting this, ADIPEC’s themes and programme have been designed to bring together the ideas, ambition, technology and capital needed to address some of these critical issues and drive energy progress on the path to net zero. They are focused on facilitating collaboration and innovation, to enable diverse actors to unify around a common cause and empower them to share ideas, co-operate and build the momentum needed to create the energy system of the future.

These key industry challenges will be addressed across 10 strategic and technical conferences and more than 350 sessions, where more than 1,600 speakers

United Arab Emirates 2-5th October, 2023 www.adipec.com

will share diverse perspectives and approaches, forge collaborations and explore the strategies and innovations critical to accelerating a cleaner, more secure energy future.

How is ADIPEC responding to industry needs in this rapidly changing and challenging energy environment?

initiative to facilitate connections on the show floor by showcasing exhibitors’

ADIPEC’s central focus on decarbonisation

decarbonisation strategies and innovations

reflects the need for energy and related

through dedicated spaces and presenta-

sectors to reduce their carbon emissions

tions. To increase engagement, we are also

in support of the global energy transition.

developing the Decarbonisation Guide,

As part of our commitment to that, we

featuring exhibitors' decarbonisation

have developed enriched conference and

products and solutions and a schedule of

exhibition offerings to enable a secure

exhibitor presentations during the event.

and sustainable energy future.

This includes the new ADIPEC

Recognising the importance of the maritime sector – which supports the

Decarbonisation Accelerator; a specialised

transportation of 90% of all traded goods –

exhibition area that enables organisations

ADIPEC 2023 has broadened its focus on the

to showcase their game-changing pro-

wider maritime and logistics industries. We

jects and solutions driving decarbonisation

have launched a dedicated hall to host our

at scale. Within the Accelerator, a dedi-

expanded Maritime & Logistics Zone and

cated Start-up hub will host pioneers

dedicated Maritime & Logistics Strategic

presenting groundbreaking technologies

and Technical Conferences. The zone will

that drive the future of decarbonisation

connect the global maritime and logistics

and accelerate energy progress.

supply chain with leading experts in energy

Complementary to that, we have introduced the new Decarbonisation Connect

and technology driving lower-carbon solutions while maintaining sustainable

Inside oil & gas 113

EVENT PREVIEW Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, explains the show to Inside Oil & Gas.

growth, while the conferences will gather

Energy industry volatility, climate

industry leaders, regulators and decision-

change-related commitments, persistent

makers from across the shipping and

global conflicts, and record levels of inflation

logistics supply chain to engage in

are among some of the many challenges

technical and strategic dialogue around

currently being faced by the global energy

decarbonisation and digital innovation.

ecosystem. At the same time, energy and its

These new offerings, alongside our

related industries, like manufacturing and

expanded youth programme, Hydrogen

transport, face growing pressure to reduce

Strategic Conference and all new ADIPEC

emissions outputs – through improved

Awards categories, support the global

efficiency and use of cleaner fuels, secure

energy transition by focusing the wider

investment for research and development

industry’s attention on key needs and

for cleaner products and services, and to

issues. Proof of ADIPEC’s responsiveness

ensure the continuity of the company’s

and relevance to industry’s needs can be

commitment to sustainability through

seen in the fact that we had our highest-

training and development of its workforce.

ever number of submissions for our

While the issues faced by the energy

Technical and Downstream Technical

ecosystem are manifold, as an inclusive

Conferences, and a record number of

platform convening countries, govern-

submissions for our ADIPEC Awards.

ments and policymakers ADIPEC has created an event programme and setting

What are the top-line issues for energy

to enable participants to engage in

and energy-related companies this year?

inclusive dialogue, foster collaboration

114 Inside oil & gas

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 2-5th October, 2023 www.adipec.com

and work collectively to find solutions.

Exhibition & Conference. Additionally,

Some of the timely topics of focus in

the 30 dedicated country pavilions at

our conference programme include

ADIPEC 2023 will highlight each country’s

reinforcing regulatory systems to guide

latest innovations and best practices,

and accelerate emissions reduction,

offering a platform for global collaboration

decarbonising end-use and heavy

and innovation.

industries to facilitate discussion and

ADIPEC’s strategic conference

resolution, and navigating safety and

programmes have been curated to

sustainability for hydrogen.

focus on important topics like hydrogen,

In the same vein, we have introduced all

decarbonisation, manufacturing and

new ADIPEC Awards categories reflecting

industrialisation, diversity, equity and

topics of importance to a sustainable and

inclusion (DEI), and the development of

inclusive energy transition, like hydrogen,

future leaders. The technical conference

decarbonisation at scale, clean-tech and

programme has been designed to

sustainable energy for the developing

demonstrate cutting-edge technical and

world. Like previous editions, the awards

engineering insights that will drive ideas,

focus on celebrating the pioneers in

overcome challenges, create new value

industry who are implementing the projects

and highlight innovation.

n

and programmes that are helping to scale up, innovate, and support the changes needed in the energy sector and beyond.

What can visitors expect to see on the show floor at ADIPEC 2023?

More than 2,200 companies from across the entire energy value chain will exhibit at ADIPEC’s 15 exhibition halls, which include four specialised exhibition areas – the Decarbonisation Accelerator, Maritime & Logistics Zone, Digitalisation in Energy Zone, and Manufacturing & Industrialisation

Inside oil & gas 115

SPECIALIZED OILFIELD PRODUCTS

I PROFILE

Specialized Oilfield Products was established in 2004 as a joint venture with Canadian manufacturer Lee Specialities, from which it also took its name. A later rebranding would see it become Specialized Oilfield Products, today a leading engineering, designing and manufacturing company for quality wireline and well services equipment for land and offshore operations. Richard Hagan chatted with General Manager Bellatreche Abdelghani who revealed the company’s impressive growth plans.

116 Inside oil & gas

P

resent in 18 coun-

tries, with clients including the

so-called ‘big four’, spanning Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Specialized Oilfield Products (SOP) is a key player in the upstream industry.

slickline units, single-drum e-line units and double-drum slickline units. Moving on to its mast products, SOP offers

Pumping out premium products

a wide range of mast heights ranging

SOP offers a wide variety of specialised

from a 40ft mast to a 90ft mast. Two

products in even more bespoke pack-

ginpoles are also offered, one 35ft

aging. The jewel in the crown of the

and one 50ft.

product range is its wireline units. These

Similar to its wireline units, the com-

are offered in onshore, truck-based

pany’s well head maintenance units are

packages, and in offshore skid-based

a third category and are also offered

packages. Its truck units can be built into

in either skid-based configurations or in

containerised trucks, crane trucks, inte-

truck-mounted units. Finally, SOP offers

grated trucks and into logging trucks.

well service pumping units, once again

Its skid-based units, meanwhile,

in either skid-mounted form or as

are available as single-drum

a trailer-mounted unit.

Inside oil & gas 117

118 Inside oil & gas

SPECIALIZED OILFIELD PRODUCTS

I PROFILE

Brokering bespoke

client required the units to be made

SOP manufactures all of its products in-

extra lightweight to enable safe

house and, according to General Manager

carriage via helicopter. SOP’s teams

Bellatreche Abdelghani, that gives the

rose to the occasion and developed

company a substantial edge over the

a lightweight unit with a high-grade

competition: “Thanks to our large factory

aluminium alloy frame and lighter-

and our advanced manufacturing capa-

weight equipment within.

bilities, we are able to supply bespoke

“We have since supplied 45 of these

solutions depending on the client’s

lightweight units to the client,” said

particular requirements. Our in-house

Mr Abdelghani. “We are the only

design and engineering team is on hand

company that accepted the challenge

to develop customised solutions and

of moving these orders from New Guinea

a bespoke design.”

and Australia to the middle of a jungle in

SOP’s in-house state-of-art engi-

New Guinea, via helicopter. The project

neering capabilities were put to the

was such a success that the client has

test with a recent Australian client

already begun talks for more equipment.”

request for wireline units light enough to be carried by helicopter to an inland facility. Due to the weight limitations inherent to helicopter transport, the

120 Inside oil & gas

Electrifying emissions In the meantime, Mr Abdelghani pointed out that SOP’s in-house teams have been hard at work developing the company’s latest innovation: “As the world focuses increasingly on sustainability and carbon emissions reduction measures, we have developed sophisticated electric motor-based solutions that will allow our clients to move away from dirty diesel-based systems.

“We’re in talks with two big customers

These efforts align with SOP’s own emis-

already, with a view to providing com-

sions reduction goals, having committed

plete electric systems, including by

itself to Euro 6 emissions standards.

replacing hydrostatic transmission, rather than diesel-driven systems; and there

Going local

is huge interest from them in the lower

SOP’s manufacturing facility is located in

emissions and decreased carbon

Mussafah in Abu Dhabi and consists of an

footprint that this can offer them.”

impressive 45,000-square-foot property boasting two factories, with one dedicated to fabrication and one to final assembly. The two workshops form a production line beginning with fabrication, progressing to assembly and then into final testing and commissioning.

104 highly skilled staff are employed in this large facility.

Thanks to a raft of high-tech machinery that includes modern, sophisticated CNC machines that were installed in 2019, SOP is now able to manufacture as much as 80% of its required components in-house.

Inside oil & gas 121

SPECIALIZED OILFIELD PRODUCTS

I PROFILE

The company’s growth plan for the next

will allow us to manufacture 100 per cent

five years will see it open another, similarly

of the product there, so the difficulty

large and high-tech manufacturing facility

right now is in developing a business

in Saudi Arabia in 2024. As a result of local

model that accounts for that while still

content requirements, the new facility will

allowing us to serve our clients.”

be built within the context of joint ventures with local contractors.

Setting the standard

“Saudi Arabia is a huge market and will

With almost 70 years’ worth of accumu-

remain so for the next five years; at least

lated experience within its engineering

until 2028 and beyond,” said Mr Abdelghani.

and design teams, SOP is optimistic

“The Saudi government requires projects

about its prospects for the future.

like this to involve local manufacturing,

“We’re planning to diversify our product

thus increasing in-country value. We are

range through increasing our range of

still ironing out the details of the business

pumping, wellhead maintenance units

model for this new facility, but we have

and auxiliary equipment available,”

already had discussions with local

Mr Abdelghani noted. “We believe that

contractors for local content.

we make the best equipment in the

“The challenge is that there is a

market and therefore the bulk of our

shortage of local contractors with the

reinvestment in the business goes into

required skills and assets in Saudi that

design and engineering.”

122 Inside oil & gas

Its strong industry relationships and supply chain logistics will also continue to play a major role in SOP’s success. Despite international supply chain delays, SOP’s in-house manufacturing has ensured that any delays are otherwise softened as much as possible. “We are confident that our strong relationships and local manufacturing will continue to overcome any remaining challenges,” the GM explained.

Concluding the discussion, Mr Abdelghani reflected on the love for the business and the industry shared by himself and his teams: “What excites me about the work we do here is when we deliver a project, and the client is so fully satisfied with everything we’ve done that the client immediately starts discussing further work together.”

n Inside oil & gas 123

EMDAD

I PROFILE

124 Inside oil & gas

EMDAD is an upstream and downstream integrated solutions provider in Abu Dhabi. Since its inception in 1979, the company has kept pace with the development of the region’s industrial landscape. Now, in accordance with the energy transition, EMDAD has branched into renewable energy too. Hannah Barnett spoke to COO Basil Al Ramahi to find out more. into renewable energy, actively contributing to reducing our carbon footprint and addressing climate change, in parallel with the UAE’s vision.”

EMDAD has a significant market share within the energy sector. As a result, the company is continually re-investing into its facilities and therefore its ability to provide tailored solutions.

The company’s headquarters are located in the heart of Abu Dhabi city. The main facility of 90,000 square metres at an industrial complex in Abu Dhabi includes workshops for valve testing and maintenance/retrofit, well intervention fishing and milling services, cementing and coil tubing stimulation, asset integrity, cathodic protection, facility management, civil

A

daptation is in EMDAD’s DNA. Over

maintenance work, reinforced thermo-

the years, the company has evolved

plastic, turnaround shutdowns services,

from trading, maintenance and

scaffolding, fabrication and manufacturing

repairs into a comprehensive solutions

in addition to whipstock services. EMDAD

provider in the energy sector.

also has a 121,000 square metre site in

“We have diversified our capabilities,

Habshan, strategically located close to

expanded into new markets and embraced

oil fields. The site accommodates 250

emerging technologies by forming strategic

personnel, 24 offices and hosts a plant

partnerships and acquiring companies

designed to treat oil-based mud waste,

that complement our services and enhance

among other operations.

our capabilities,” said COO Basil Al Ramahi.

“We have continuously invested in

“These collaborations have enabled us to

enhancing our production capacity to

broaden our expertise, access new markets,

meet the growing demands of our clients,”

and strengthen our position as a leading

said Mr Al Ramahi. “Our state-of-the-art

player in the industry to meet the changing

facilities, advanced equipment and skilled

needs of our clients. Now we are venturing

workforce enable us to deliver products

Inside oil & gas 125

EMDAD

I PROFILE

and services in a timely and efficient

into this expanding market, diversifying

manner. By maintaining a strong produc-

our revenue stream and positioning our-

tion capacity, we ensure that we can meet

selves as a leader in the renewable

the diverse needs of our clients across

energy industry.”

various projects and sectors.”

By embracing renewable energy, the company hopes to showcase its commitment

Sustainability in the sector

to staying ahead of the curve, remaining

Acknowledging the importance of the

responsive to environmental concerns and

environment has become vital in the oil

changes in regulation. In addition, the com-

and gas sector. As a result, EMDAD has

pany is implementing various measures to

made significant strides in developing

improve its own sustainability.

renewable energy options. The company formed EMDAD Energy in 2022.

“EMDAD Energy is a really exciting divi-

“We are actively working to reduce energy consumption across our operations,” explained Mr Al Ramahi. “This

sion of our company,” said Mr Al Ramahi.

includes adopting energy efficient tech-

“We have made a strategic move into

nologies and optimising our process. We

renewable energy, solar and wind power

are also implementing waste reduction

specifically. It reflects our commitment

and recycling programmes to minimise

to a greener and more sustainable future.

our environmental footprint.”

“It also presents a tremendous business

Though some green measures might be

opportunity. The demand for clean energy

relatively new, EMDAD is well practiced in

solutions is rapidly growing. By offering

several other sustainable practices. For

solar power services, we are tapping

example, the company has a long-term

126 Inside oil & gas

partnership with the Abu Dhabi National

industry trends, learn from the experts and

Oil Company (ADNOC), treating oil-based

gain insight into emerging technologies.”

mud cuttings wastes.

This year’s theme is ‘decarbonising faster

“All the cuttings come from the ADNOC

together’, which comes at an ideal time

rigs to our central station,” explained Mr Al

with the recent launch of EMDAD Energy.

Ramahi, “We treat the cuttings and reuse

The company intends to highlight a range

them for filling the roads or construction.

of innovative solutions in the renewable

We have been doing this since 2007 and

energy sector. This includes solar power, as

are proudly the only company delivering

well as wind, hydropower and bio energy, plus

such unique service to date for ADNOC.”

the benefits gained from the integration of AI technology and drones.

ADIPEC

“I think our primary focus is to promote

EMDAD will be showcasing its capabilities

our expertise in renewable energy and

at ADIPEC 2023. The international platform

showcase our commitment to sustain-

and trade show promotes cross-sector

ability,” said Mr Al Ramahi. “With our part-

partnerships and inspiring game-changing

ners and our strategic principles, we can

solutions, aiming to move towards a cleaner,

add significant value to ADIPEC.”

more secure energy future. It takes place in Abu Dhabi in October.

“ADIPEC is a major platform for networking

Partnerships and services Alongside renewables, EMDAD is very

with industry professionals, potential clients

successful in upstream and downstream

and partners,” said Mr Al Ramahi, “allowing

services. The company leverages its exper-

us to forge valuable connections and

tise to provide cutting-edge technologies

collaborations. Trade shows also offer

and solutions that drive the exploration,

the opportunity to showcase our products,

production and extraction of conventional

services and innovations to targeted

and renewable energy resources. Through

audiences, while raising awareness

this comprehensive range of services,

about our brands and generating leads.

EMDAD empowers its clients to optimise

Additionally, I think participation in trade

operations, enhance efficiency and

shows enables us to stay abreast of

maximise yields.

Inside oil & gas 127

EMDAD

I PROFILE

“Upstream, we provide worldwide global

extensive industry experience and

partners with the latest technology,”

forward-thinking mindset, we are at

explained Mr Al Ramahi. “And we have our

the forefront of developing and imple-

own services, like through our sister com-

menting renewable energy solutions.

pany Emjel, which provides cementing

From designing and constructing solar

and coil tubing stimulation services. We

power plants to harnessing the force

also have services for fishing, milling,

of wind and water, we embrace the full

whipstock and rental directional drilling,

spectrum of renewable energy sources,

among others.”

providing clients with sustainable

In the downstream sector, the company delivers innovative solutions that facili-

alternatives that align with their environmental objectives.

tate refining, processing and distribution

“Our approach is characterised by

of energy products. Whether it's optimising

customisation and adaptability. We

refining processes, designing state-of-

understand that each client’s needs

the-art storage facilities or implementing

and challenges are unique. Therefore,

efficient transportation networks, EMDAD

we work closely with our clients to deliver

excels at developing integrated solutions

products and solutions that are specifically

that enhance productivity, reliability

tailored to their requirements, ensuring

and safety.

optimal performance, efficiency, and

“We firmly believe in the transformative power of renewable energy,” continued Mr Al Ramahi. “By leveraging our

128 Inside oil & gas

cost-effectiveness.”

Though recent years have posed challenges for the supply chain, the company

Basil Al Ramahi, COO

continues to prize close relationships

With plans to elevate its Industry 4.0

with its partners, many of which stretch

capability and continue to drive sustain-

back decades.

able growth in the energy sector, EMDAD

“Our relationship with suppliers is built

looks set to continue to adapt, evolve

on trust and a mutually beneficial part-

and grow. and strive to be the favoured

nership,” said Mr Al Ramahi. “We conduct

choice for talented Emiratis. For Mr Al

performance evaluations and continuous

Ramahi, it is being part of a well-estab-

improvement initiatives. Our suppliers

lished industry – while also pushing for

and partners are crucial to our success

change – that makes his job so fulfilling.

as they contribute to our supply chain

“It is an honour to be part of a nation

efficiency, product quality and overall

that is committed to tackling climate

customer satisfaction.”

change and taking a leading role in driving

The company was also a proud

the sustainability agenda,” he concluded.

collaborator in the Made in the UAE

“As the COO, I’m inspired by the potential

scheme, an open invitation to busi-

we have to make a significant difference,

nesses and entrepreneurs to engage

from developing innovative renewable

with the Ministry of Industry and

energy solutions, to implementing sus-

Advanced Technology for an investment

tainable practices. Through our operations,

into innovative product development.

we can actively contribute to the

EMDAD contributed four products,

UAE’s sustainability goals and global

fully designed and manufactured

efforts towards a more resilient and

in the UAE.

low-carbon future.”

n Inside oil & gas 129

ENHANCED DRILLING

I PROFILE

Drilling into pressure

management tech

Specialist drilling technology and service provider Enhanced Drilling offers unique and robust drilling technology and services to the offshore oil and gas industry. It serves all parts of the well – from cuttings transport on the seabed or back to the drilling vessel, to pressure management during drilling and completions. Richard Hagan met with CEO Kjetil Lunde to find out how the company’s systems and solutions are redefining pressure management whilst drilling.

130 Inside oil & gas

S

ince its establishment in 1987 out-

One of these is Enhanced Drilling’s

side Bergen, Norway, Enhanced

EC-Drill ® system. EC-Drill ® is a Managed

Drilling has delivered over 1,000

Pressure Drilling (MPD) service that uses

wells globally in all major basins and

the controlled mud level technique. The

with most of the world’s major oilfield

heart of this system is a subsea pump

operators, ranging from super majors

module connected to the riser, and a

and national oil companies to indepen-

sophisticated control system topside

dent operators.

which also monitors and adjusts the

Today, thanks to Enhanced Drilling’s

riser pressure.

range of revolutionary drilling support

By adjusting the fluid column in the riser,

systems, the company’s client base

EC-Drill ® is able to control pressure in the

has diversified outside of its traditional

well in real time, on the fly. “Our pumps are

customer base of oilfield operators, to

able to rapidly manipulate the pressure

include drilling contractors now also.

in the well,” said CEO Kjetil Lunde. “If any issues are picked up topside on the rig, the

Taking MPD to new heights and lows

operator can quickly change the pressure

Enhanced Drilling offers several high-tech,

you to drill very difficult wells with narrow

ground-breaking technologies that have

pressure margins. That in turn allows for

repeatedly proven their value in every

more efficient, quicker drilling. It’s also

basin and in all conditions worldwide.

a huge safety bonus.”

generated by the fluid in the well. It allows

Inside oil & gas 131

ENHANCED DRILLING

I PROFILE

“We have now combined the system

Rising to the occasion

with a riser closure device, giving us the

Another technology offered by Enhanced

ability to add pressure to the well,” Mr Lunde

Drilling is its Riserless Mud Recovery. Based

added. “It can be applied to all sections

on the same technology as EC-Drill ® , this

post Blow Out Preventer (BOP). So, given

system is utilised during top hole drilling

that we are manipulating the pressure by

before the BOP and riser are installed.

adjusting the fluid column in the riser, it

The system consists of a subsea pump

means that the deeper the well, the more

module placed on the seabed close to

pressure we can manage.”

the top hole, and a suction module placed

As a brand-new system, Enhanced Drilling

on the well. These are linked to a power

is now able to offer a closed riser system

and control unit topside from which the

combining the two MPD methods; Controlled

system is controlled.

Mud Level and Surface Back Pressure,

The Riserless Mud Recovery system

adding the best of both methods into a

allows the drilling operator to drill using

single system.

engineered fluid. “It offers the operator

132 Inside oil & gas

very unique well volume control capabilities that they usually don’t have access to during top hole drilling,” Mr Lunde noted.

“If, for example, there are shallow hazards or difficult areas in the first phase of the well, this is a great product that gives them more control over that drilling process and avoids unwanted incidents.

“More importantly, this is a recycling system,” he continued. “With our pump we’re able to return all the mud that

dump’ is something the industry should be

otherwise would have been dumped onto

aiming for, and the technology for that is now

the seabed back to the rig so that it can

here. At Enhanced Drilling we take pride in

be recycled. This has a very positive impact

providing a more sustainable way of drilling.”

on seabed conservation.”

“We have successfully used this system

Going global

in highly environmentally sensitive areas of

Enhanced Drilling is headquartered in

the world, such as reefs and fish spawning

its birthplace outside Bergen, in western

locations, where there are important

Norway. There, the company owns 3,000sqm

subsea features that can otherwise be

of workshop area and 800sqm of ware-

harmed. Avoiding what we call ‘pump and

house area, in addition to a 9,000sqm

Inside oil & gas 133

ENHANCED DRILLING

I PROFILE

yard and 2,600sqm of office space. This large facility, operated by 93 staff members, enables the company to comprehensively service its operations globally.

More recently, Enhanced Drilling opened its first facility in Houston, Texas. Its ‘Houston Technical and Training Centre’ employs 34 people and incorporates a 900sqm workshop and warehouse and 200sqm of office space. This modern new facility will ensure that Enhanced Drilling can properly service its growing presence in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We see a large demand for our technology increasing globally. We won a major contract in Houston in 2019 and by 2023 we were deploying on our second rig with a contract already in hand for a third, so we’re enjoying rapid growth in the Gulf,” said Mr Lunde. “We believe the Americas will be one of our most important operational areas going forward.”

Enhanced Drilling also has an operational hub in Perth, Australia, with seven permanent staff members serving both the Australian and Southeast Asian markets.

134 Inside oil & gas

See Enhanced Drilling live

earned: “In 2022, we received the

In October 2023, Enhanced Drilling will

award for Best Well Integrity Technology

attend the IADC MPD conference in Denver,

at the World Oil Awards. Achieving this

where they will present three papers

award, from amongst the high-quality

dedicated to its operations and ground-

entries we were competing with, is a

breaking technology. “We expect our papers

testament to the capabilities of our

to be interesting to the operators and

organisation. It reiterates the value

drilling community because this is the

of our 35-year focus on innovation

first time that anyone has done what

backed by our extensive intellectual

we’re doing with an MPD system,”

property catalogue.”

Mr Lunde revealed.

Enhanced Drilling will also be presenting

“We never simply deliver what other companies deliver. This philosophy

EC-Monitor™, a novel continuous flow

has led to the in-house development

checking system, at the IADC Advanced Rig

of these wonderful systems, and we

Technology Conference in Amsterdam.

certainly look forward to introducing

Concluding, the CEO reflected on an award that Enhanced Drilling recently

our technology to even more operators in the years to come.”

n

Inside oil & gas 135

I PROFILE

TO

AN

EN

ER

G

YP

AC

KE D

W O

RL

D

LAMPRELL

136 Inside oil & gas

Lamprell is a leading provider of contracting services to the global energy sector. Sustainability and innovation are common threads that drive strategy and growth through its renewables, oil and gas, and digital business units. Group HSES Manager David Enders, and HSES Bids & Sustainability Coordinator Mudashir Afolabi spoke to Andy Probert about the company and its desire to be net zero by 2050.

S

ustainability works hand-in-hand with Lamprell's corporate responsibilities, whether that lies in its

renewables, oil and gas, or digital business units. A leader in building complex offshore and onshore process modules, platforms, and in fabricating and refurbishing jack-up rigs and liftboats, Lamprell is actively involved in several sustainable initiatives. It has publicly committed to becoming net-zero by 2050 and driving sustainable gains across its supply chain.

It has established a reputation as an early mover and leader in the renewables sector since 2007. By the end of 2022, it had delivered 138 foundations for offshore windfarm farms on the East Anglia ONE, Moray East and Seagreen projects and it had concluded the Middle East’s first green trade finance facility for use on the Seagreen project.

Lamprell employs more than 5,000 people across multiple facilities, with its primary hub located in the Hamriyah Free Zone, in the UAE, which can produce up to 150 transition pieces annually, using its state-ofthe-art production line. The facilities cover

Inside oil & gas 137

LAMPRELL

I PROFILE

800,000sqm with over 1.5km of quay-

Renewables and ENGIE, is developing it.

side, explained Mr David Enders, Group

Once operational in 2024-25, the project

HSES Manager.

will provide reliable energy for the equivalent

Underpinned by nearly 50 years of

of 640,000 homes.

expertise, Lamprell has continued actively

To complete the works on this new

targeting the growing renewables industry

project, Lamprell will make use of its

in its traditional European markets and

new production line, which will be com-

in new geographies, including the USA

pleted in mid-2023 and which enables the

and Asia.

expedited construction of jacket components, transition pieces and monopiles

Key milestones In September 2022, Lamprell was

for renewables projects.

Transition pieces and monopiles form the

awarded a contract for construction of

foundations of the wind generator tur-

structures for deployment on the Moray

bines. The transition piece is a reinforced

Offshore Windfarm in the UK’s North Sea.

part of the support structure connected to

The work includes constructing 60 wind

the wind turbine tower. Monopiles are steel

turbine generator transition pieces and

piles which sit beneath the turbine tower,

two transition pieces for offshore sub-

typically by way of a transition piece, and

stations and shipping them to the UK.

are driven into the seabed.

Moray West is a new offshore wind farm

Mr Mudashir Afolabi, HSES Bids &

comprising 60 turbines in the outer Moray

Sustainability Coordinator, outlined how

Firth. Ocean Winds, a venture between EDP

one of Lamprell's historic milestones

138 Inside oil & gas

had been the delivery of six offshore

them to report on their Scope 3 emissions

windfarm installation vessels for various

while promoting best practices in their

clients across the globe.

sustainability management.

More recently, Lamprell has expanded its scope of products into floating offshore facilities, High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) platforms and jackets. These are part of Lamprell’s future renewables strategy, and the company is actively targeting and bidding on these projects.

As well as oil and gas, Mr Enders highlighted how the company was also focused on digital solutions in construction and operational projects to increase productivity and ensure its continuing world class safety standards.

Sustainable journey “Our supply chain has a truly global scope, stretching from Asia to Europe,” Mr Enders continued. “One area of focus is the potential impact on sustainability.

Mudashir and I are increasingly engaging with supply chain stakeholders to get

Inside oil & gas 139

LAMPRELL

I PROFILE

Mudashir Afolabi, HSES Bids & Sustainability Coordinator

David Enders, HSES Manager

“Lamprell's sustainability journey has

“The construction industry as a whole

been ongoing for around ten years, with

is a significant polluter, being responsible

the reporting and monitoring on waste

for 40 per cent of global carbon emissions.

diversion on-site, and improving its

Lamprell, however, has implemented

external C0 2 reporting.” In launching its

initiatives pragmatically supporting its

CO 2 reduction programme, Lamprell has

strategic sustainable efforts.”

reduced gross greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 48% since 2015.

Mr Afolabi noted that the company was considered a leader in the industry in

A case in point was a $500,000 investment for the implementation of recommendations from third party facility energy audit.

“Sustainability is part of Lamprell’s DNA

managing ESG risks and opportunities,

and embedded in its procedures and

rated AA by MSCI and has decreased its

workforce, overseen by our Sustainability

gross diesel usage by 77% since 2015.

Committee,” said Mr Afolabi. “Recently

Lamprell's environmental stewardship

we initiated a sustainability awareness

programme is focused on the communi-

programme that was designed to improve

ties in which it operates, according to Mr

the knowledge and behaviours towards

Afolabi: “We are committed to protecting

sustainable practices among employees

and enhancing local ecosystems through

and their families.

various initiatives, including our annual

“We want to take that to the next level,

UAE Clean Coastline event, which was

and Lamprell is planning to implement

launched in 2018. We regularly engage

annual initiatives which aim to achieve and

with our stakeholders to increase sus-

deliver the net zero road map by 2050.”

tainability awareness and encourage

These have already included a change

adopting environmentally conscious

of diesel generators at its main facility

best practices.

to 'grid-connected electricity', helping

140 Inside oil & gas

to more than halve energy emissions

into our subcontracts, as a way to mea-

between 2015 and 2022. Solar panels

sure supplier progress on ESG matters

are also being considered as a way

and to drive more sustainable solutions

to provide further alternative-energy

to our clients.”

power sources at its facilities.

“We look to make our systems more

“We have seen over 100 per cent growth in our renewable bid pipeline in

efficient, in an effort to drive down

the last three years, and the renewables

emissions and become more energy-effi-

market is currently very buoyant. Lamprell’s

cient,” explained Mr Afolabi. “We have

bid pipeline for renewables projects cur-

a pipeline of other solutions that

rently exceeds US$2 billion. The trend is

we are planning to implement. It has

expected to continue as the drive for

the added benefit of reducing costs

sustainability continues globally,” concluded

to the business!”

Mr Afolabi. “Lamprell is well-positioned

“Our approach to net zero is struc-

to benefit from this growth market and

tured around energy efficiency,

has invested strategically to capture

replacement of fossil fuel where

some of this growth, with the major

possible and engaging our supply

investment of the production line in our

chain,” said Mr Enders. “We are also

Hamriyah facility.”

seeking support from our supply chain,

“As climate change is a major driver for the

particularly in areas where sustainable

energy transition,” Mr Enders concluded,

frameworks are still evolving. We want

“Lamprell is well placed to take advantage

to include key performance indicators

of forthcoming opportunities.”

n

Inside oil & gas 141

BLUEWHALE OFFSHORE

I PROFILE

Headquartered in Singapore (the undisputed oil hub of Southeast Asia), Bluewhale Offshore has been excelling in the management of offshore oil drilling services since it was first established in 2016. In an exclusive interview with Inside Oil & Gas magazine, President, Mr Xu Jingsheng provided insight into the company’s latest operations. Report written by Imogen Ward.

142 Inside oil & gas

luewhale Offshore has wasted no

B

quality of service that we provide has

time in getting stuck in with every-

given our clients a great first-hand

thing the oil and gas sector has to

impression of what we can do.”

offer. Bolstered by its parent CIMC Group,

Bluewhale Offshore was initially set up

the company has been working hard to

in 2016 to manage the offshore drilling rigs

make a name for itself.

owned by its parent company CIMC. The

“Over the past seven years, we have

group is a first-class supplier of logistics

been successful in the delivery of safe

and specialist energy equipment. Through

and efficient projects to our customers,”

the group’s various subsidiaries and divi-

President Mr Xu Jingsheng said. “The

sions, it has presence in a diverse range of

Inside oil & gas 143

BLUEWHALE OFFSHORE

I PROFILE

industries, including modular construction,

successful so far. This is, in part, due to

offshore and shipping.

the reliability of its suppliers.

Now, with a presence in more than 12

“Quality is very important to us, and we

countries (offering a complete service of

aspire to maintain that throughout every

offshore drilling, plug and abandonment,

aspect of our service,” Mr Xu explained.

field decommissioning, and other offshore

“That also applies to our supply chain. We

services), Bluewhale Offshore’s books have

tend to assign contracts that last several

been busier than ever.

years to make sure they are a reliable source for us and can provide supplies

Spouting out amazing projects

that are a reflection of that.”

All of the work currently ongoing at

Since it was first established,

Bluewhale Offshore is being completed

Bluewhale Offshore has completed five

on a long-term basis and has been very

major projects, and has several exciting

144 Inside oil & gas

ones currently underway. Within the com-

11 development wells. The semi-submersible

pany’s portfolio is work for several major

was exposed to extreme weather condi-

companies, including CNOOC.

tions and incredibly deep-water levels.

Last year, Bluewhale Offshore was

Despite these intense conditions, the project

awarded a contract from CNOOC China for

was still completed six months ahead of

the use of one of its semi-submersible rigs,

schedule and to high-quality standards.

Bluewhale I, in the South China Sea. Predicted to last until 2025, this project really makes

A fin-tastic fleet

the most of the rig’s capabilities and comes

Bluewhale I has significant history in

off the back of a previous collaboration.

the South China Sea, having completed a

“This is our second project with CNOOC,

majorly successful drilling operation back

both of which have been dedicated to

in 2017. Originally contracted to drill three

its deepwater development,” Mr Xu said.

wells in the deep-water off the coast of

“The return custom of this company really

Shenhu, the main goal was to locate and

highlights the success and dependability

drain a significant amount of gas hydrate.

of our services.”

However, upon completion of the first well,

The first CNOOC project also utilised

more than 300,000m3 worth of the gas

Bluewhale I for a total of two years, com-

was collected, and it was decided that

pleting five exploration wells and a further

the project had surpassed requirements

Inside oil & gas 145

BLUEWHALE OFFSHORE

I PROFILE

Bluewhale President, Mr Zu Jingsheng

and therefore could be finished after just

choice to withstand rough elements out

20% of the original expected timeframe.

at sea.

“Our two deep-water semi-submersibles,

The fleet also consists of Caspian Driller,

Bluewhale I and Bluewhale II are both

a highly efficient jack-up rig. This rig was

designed to operate in the North China

commissioned in 2014 and has provided

Sea in harsher, colder conditions,” Mr Xu

continuous service for Dragon Oil

said. “Their maximum water depth is

since 2015.

12,000ft. We also currently have two mid-water semi-submersibles, called GM4D

Swimming in ISO certifications

North Dragon and GM4D Beacon Atlantic,

Bluewhale Offshore’s dedication to

these two are approved to operate in

delivering safe operations within the oil

a maximum water depth of 3,900ft.”

and gas industry is extremely commend-

The company’s deep-water sub-

able. With the backing of its parent, the

mersibles also benefit from a Frigstad

company abides by several key commit-

D90 design, making them the perfect

ments: ensuring the health and safety of

146 Inside oil & gas

its people, minimising any impact on the environment, and safeguarding the integrity of its business by meeting the highest ethical standards.

To meet these commitments the company has several in-house policies, relating to QHSE and operations.

“Bluewhale Offshore sees safety and the environment as top priorities, when it comes to crews, the companies we have contracts with and also the markets we operate in,” Mr Xu said. “At a core level, we are all competent with QHSE – from the top of the company to the frontline operations – everyone adheres to our QHSE policy.

“To further this, we have developed a very comprehensive Safety and Environment Management system which is integrated into our core management system. This has been in place now for seven years and is a very important element of our daily operations.”

The company has successfully retained ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 certificates to maintain this ethos.

As the horizon comes into view,

“All our employees receive training,

Bluewhale Offshore is excited about the

as well as weekly meetings to explore

possibilities that come with it. “We always

our expectations for safety,” Mr Xu

remain optimistic when it comes to the

continued. “We want to give our

future,” Mr Xu concluded. “We are looking

employees the tools needed to work

forward to working with the major oil

within a safe space, whilst also min-

companies around the world, both new

imising their environmental impact.

and returning. We intend to develop and

This also applies to the varying regula-

expand our business worldwide, having

tions of each country that we operate

spoken to companies based in Asia, North

in, and we believe we demonstrate this

America and South Africa, and we are

excellently through our ongoing and

excited about the potential of what we

completed operations.”

can do within the industry.”

n Inside oil & gas 147

AL FANAR GAS

148 Inside oil & gas

I PROFILE

Located in the capital of the UAE, Al Fanar Gas is one of the country’s leading oil and gas companies. Now, as the UAE is focusing more on the future of sustainability, Group CEO Moustafa Rashad explained how Al Fanar is getting involved, in an exclusive interview with Inside Oil & Gas. Report written by Imogen Ward.

W

ith the largest market share

is well on its way to enhancing its

of LPG in Abu Dhabi, it is safe

presence in sustainable energy.

to say that Al Fanar Gas has

“We believe that we must have some

achieved a lot over its 33-year history.

diversity in our work, and to check new

Currently maintaining a solid market share

business and revenue streams – especially

of 90%, the group is now looking to further

now the world is moving from fossil fuels

its presence within the green energy sector.

to sustainable clean energy,” Mr Rashad

“Following many years of success, Al Fanar

said. “Currently, clean energy only supplies

is now entering the world of sustain-

around 4.7 per cent of the country’s energy

ability and green energy,” Group

demand. So, we still have a long way to go.”

CEO Moustafa Rashad said.

Looking inwardly, Al Fanar is also imple-

“We have conducted many

menting internal change to improve its own

studies with multinational companies who are working with green and blue hydrogen as well as ammonia, and we are looking into carbon capture projects too. These developments have been made to match the UAE’s COP28 vision, and the evolving requirements of the market.”

Al Fanar has been adding value to the oil and gas sector since it first began operating in 1990. With expertise in LPG, SNG and NG, Al Fanar provides a comprehensive service from concept to commissioning, and its installations can be found in more than 70% of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic buildings.

Now, with a growing interest in the green energy sector, Al Fanar has successfully diversified its capabilities. With the backing of several key partnerships, the company

Inside oil & gas 149

AL FANAR GAS

I PROFILE

Excitingly, this partnership has also resulted in the establishment of a new company, KEZAD Industrial Services, created from the combination of both businesses’ expertise. The new company will target the investor’s demand for energy, developing and providing new solutions for customers.

Al Fanar already heads the UAE’s SNG sector, having installed more than 80% of the country’s total SNG stations.

Al Fanar has also signed several agreecarbon footprint. It is currently in the process

ments with significant clients within the

of converting its fleet of 14 gas trucks to NG

hospitality sector, including Line Investments

power, which is a much cleaner alternative.

& Property (the Abu Dhabi-based shopping

The group is on a mission to eliminate its use

mall development and management division

of paper in-house as well.

of Lulu Group).

“For the past 10 years, we have held a

Bringing projects to life

corporate agreement with Line Investments

Whilst strengthening its presence within

& Property, supplying all its completed mall

the green energy sector, Al Fanar also has some other major projects on the go. Most recently, the company won a project with Abu Dhabi Ports that is equivalent to AED125 million.

150 Inside oil & gas

projects,” Mr Rashad said. “We also have long-term contracts with Abu Dhabi National Hotel, Marriott Group, NCT&H and Millennium Group.” These contracts have enabled Al Fanar to supply gas for more than 150 hotels within the UAE. Another successful venture close to home saw Al Fanar working with DAMAC, a large property developer situated within Dubai. Featuring townhouses and villas, DAMAC Lagoons has installed Al Fanar’s gas infrastructure. The company supplies this Mediterranean-inspired neighbourhood with all the gas needed to meet the requirements of a bustling community.

“Under DAMAC’s portfolio, we are supplying more than 20,000 clients,” Mr Rashad added.

Attending ADIPEC When it comes to creating meaningful partnerships within the oil and gas sector, Al Fanar thrives. One such example is ADNOC. Since 2016, the group has been approved as one of ADNOC’s main gas distributors.

“Up until the present day, we have completed many tenders for ADNOC, managing the whole operation and maintenance of LPG and natural gas for Abu Dhabi’s new islands,” Mr Rashad said. “As an authorised distributor of LPG for ADNOC, we have successfully distributed more than 100 million

share knowledge, cutting-edge technology

litres/year to its customers.”

and expertise in order to spearhead change.

The relationship between these two entities does not end here though. ADNOC also hosts ADIPEC, a hugely successful oil and

As a regular attendee, Al Fanar finds the conference incredibly insightful.

“We have been continuously participating

gas technical conference. Occurring in Abu

in ADIPEC for eight years now,” Mr Rashad

Dhabi each year, ADIPEC brings together

said. “The conference really helps us to

industry heads from all over the planet to

understand what is happening with other

Inside oil & gas 151

AL FANAR GAS

152 Inside oil & gas

I PROFILE

market players and big names within the industry. It gives us the opportunity to touch base with the latest innovations and technology, and also enables us to improve as a company. Most importantly, it allows us to get our name out there and prove that Al Fanar is a company that consumers can trust, and it really is just a great chance to spend four days celebrating the success of everyone in the industry.”

Forward into the future

“We believe that we can add value to

Al Fanar has its eyes set on expansion.

Europe’s energy supply.”

Having laid out a five-year strategic growth

On a final note, Mr Rashad discussed the

plan in 2022, the company has been com-

importance of safety in Al Fanar’s opera-

pleting quarterly assessments to ensure it is

tions: “We have a strategy to be number

on track to meet its 2027 deadline. When it

one, without compromising safety, and

comes to expansion, the company is aiming

we have been working closely with the

big, looking at new markets in the Middle

Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, to put

East, Asia and Europe.

forward new regulation safety criteria for

“We are looking at making several

the gas industry – specifically when it comes

acquisitions, mainly in Saudi Arabia, but

to gas cylinders. They aren’t safe and should

also in Eastern Europe,” Mr Rashad said.

be removed from use.”

n

Inside oil & gas 153

iOG &

upstream downstream one voice

FEATURE COMPANIES mrds group

klaus union

royal van beest

metalfar

locus bio-energy

emirates electrical & instrumentation

al marwan group

decom engineering

jc valves

MRDS GROUP

I PROFILE

156 Inside oil & gas

MRDS Group is recognised as a global leader in providing equipment maintenance solutions to the energy sector.

Following its acquisition by Garrick Group in 2020, the UKheadquartered company has expanded into the United Arab Emirates and has ambitions to build growth in new fields. Andy Probert caught up with Managing Director Ian McGillivray and Sales Director Ryan Coats to discuss the company’s evolution.

E

stablished in 2015, MRDS Group has

With more than 100 years of combined

achieved much in its relatively short

experience, its senior management has

lifespan and is primed to grow even

been bolstered by two key milestones:

stronger in the international energy sector.

The UK-headquartered company

acquisition by Aberdeen-based investment firm Garrick Group in 2020 and expansion

specialises in the project management,

into the United Arab Emirates.

inspection, repair and overhaul of

“Our acquisition has not only helped

oilfield drilling and marine equipment,

to sustain our business growth path

both onshore and offshore. Yet, it

throughout the UK and West Africa, but

harbours major ambitions to enter new

ensured MRDS is well positioned to tap

markets, such as the renewables and

into the incredible potential of MENA’s

decommissioning sectors, and stamp

energy sector and build a solid platform

its credentials as a quality-driven,

to increase its international footprint,”

service-focused provider.

said Ian McGillivray, Managing Director.

Inside oil & gas 157

MRDS GROUP

I PROFILE

Service profile

cold and warm stacked rigs, five-yearly

MRDS services all vessel types, from

drilling equipment overhauls and

drilling platforms, jack-ups and turbine

recertification projects.

installation vessels to semi-submersibles,

“We are focused on maintaining and

drill ships and land-based rigs. It offers

overhauling the hearts and lungs of the

a wide range of engineering support,

drilling rig to ensure it can safely perform

such as oilfield equipment subject

in the field,” said Mr McGillivray.

experts, to talented field service techni-

MRDS is also working on becoming a Tier

cians with vast experience in mechanical,

1 contractor for its international client base,

hydraulic and electrical work.

which primarily includes international and

Mr McGillivray outlined how MRDS engineers have operated throughout the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific

national drilling contractors, operators and large service engineering houses.

It also supplies oilfield capital equipment

and West Africa. Having agreements with

and associated spare parts to meet

key European shipyards, its engineers

clients’ needs worldwide. “We have exten-

are certified for local and international

sive experience in competitive lead times

work. MRDS also undertakes a variety

because we offer rapid supply chain solu-

of projects, including the reactivation of

tions,” continued Mr McGillivray. “A major

160 Inside oil & gas

strength is extensive knowledge of critical

The company has also completed periodic

parts and consumables to supply drilling

surveys on semi-submersible rigs in Norway

equipment. MRDS always goes beyond the

and Holland for an international drilling

call of duty to deliver customer satisfaction.”

contractor. “That includes jack-ups in shallow water and semi-submersibles in

UAE and beyond

harsh environments, so the level of sophisti-

MRDS employs over 50 people and has an

cation in our work is increasing,” he added.

impressive contracting pool of technicians

“We have an excellent reputation with

to call on, to cater to the scale of the project.

It completed a rig reactivation at a UAE

drilling contractors and operators, and of getting the job done when others

shipyard for an oil company operating in

cannot within a given timeline,” agreed

West Africa. “This was followed up by the

Mr Ryan Coats, Sales Director. “Our

same client with a rig-re-activation in

ambitions now run to expanding into

Holland using a team of about 15 service

the decommissioning and renewables

technicians,” said Mr McGillivray. “This

sectors as they hold enormous potential.”

demonstrates our abilities to work

“MRDS saw 50 per cent growth in 2022,

wherever and whenever, scaling up

compared to 2021, and we predict

or down for a key project.”

double-digit year-on-year growth in

Inside oil & gas 161

MRDS GROUP

I PROFILE

2023,” Mr McGillivray said. “As part of our strategy to expand into new markets, MRDS has completed decommissioning solutions for a client, focused on plug and abandonment for a semi-submersible and jack-up rig. We are also keen to transfer our skills into the renewables sector.”

Initially focused on work in the UK North Sea, the company expanded its operations by opening a 10,000sqft workshop in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone in 2021.

“This move has vastly increased our client base,” explained Mr McGillivray.

“MRDS is supporting international clients in the Middle East, West Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia, from our Jebel Ali workshop and office.

“MRDS invested there because of the client base and the sheer volume of potential rig work in the Middle East.

Although MRDS has only been 18 months in the UAE, we are already making a mark with the quality standards on our projects.”

162 Inside oil & gas

When the UAE branch was created, it was staffed by engineers from the UK, but that has quickly transitioned to a locally-based multi-national team of

to its loyal customer base and impressive track record.”

“MRDS has gone from strength to strength in the North Sea and international markets,”

highly-skilled engineers. The

added Mr McGillivray. “The investment from

branchhas since completed

Garrick Group will allow the company to

various significant contracts.

sustain its international growth while making more of an impact to future-proof

Strengthened by acquisition MRDS’ acquisition by Garrick

the company for years to come.

“The company has worked in over 20

Group three years ago enabled

countries on four continents and looks

the company to sustain its global

forward to continued growth in the

position and diversify into new

energy sector. What drives us to achieve

sectors. At the time, Mr Ronnie

the best with clients is to deliver consis-

Garrick of Garrick Group said:

tent quality service standards across

“MRDS has built up an impressive

all our operations, as well as maintaining

reputation in the oil and gas

good communications and trust.”

industry for its drilling repair

“The potential for MRDS going forward

services and is a solid platform

is to grow and meet the opportunities

for the business to grow into global

that come to us,” he concluded. “We are

markets, which is where we aim

just starting to scratch the surface of

to take it.

what can be achieved. The future is

“The company has continued to thrive through the pandemic, which is a testament

bright and exciting, given our pipeline of projects for 2023-24.”

n Inside oil & gas 163

KLAUS UNION

164 Inside oil & gas

I PROFILE

Going beyond THE

Klaus Union, a global leader in the manufacture and supply of pump and valve solutions, is one business that does not just go with the flow: with multiple patents and continuous research and development, the company is well-placed to support clients as the energy transition away from fossil fuels gathers pace. Alexander Enghardt, Managing Director, Sales & Marketing, spoke to Andy Probert about its ambitions to expand the business footprint internationally while reducing its carbon emissions impact.

W

hen choosing pumps, pumping

Standard centrifugal pump without any additional overhead instrumentation

systems and valves, Klaus Union’s name is usually at the

top of the list of choices for clients. Since the early 1950s, the company has been a market leader in producing and supplying these solutions to the chemical, oil and gas, petrochemical, and, latterly, the renewables industries.

Based in Bochum, Germany, the familyowned company offers a comprehensive portfolio of centrifugal pumps and screw pumps, with a focus on seal-less magnet drive technology. Following norms such as ISO, ASME/ANSI and API, the Klaus Union standards are considered to be one of the highest available on the market.

Inside oil & gas 165

166 Inside oil & gas

KLAUS UNION

I PROFILE

Heavy-duty centrifugal pump with magnet drive

Since many of the global operators of Klaus Union products emanate from the oil and gas, petrochemical and chemical

industries at the world-famous ACHEMA exhibition in Frankfurt in 1955.

German chemical companies picked up

sectors, exceptional requirements in

this idea and spurred Klaus Union's rapid

technology and quality are Klaus Union’s

growth. Further developments included

daily business.

the first titanium pump manufactured in

“When handling critical liquids, there

Europe and new, more powerful magnet

is zero room for error when it comes to

systems providing power transmission of

pump and valve solutions, and ours always

nearly 1MW and managing temperatures

meet exacting standards,” said Alexander

up to 450°C.

Enghardt, Managing Director, Sales & Marketing. “Transport of aggressive, toxic,

Klaus Union was one of the first companies to reach ISO 9001 certification.

explosive, hot or valuable fluids does not

Since 1999, when the first API685 was

allow any compromise on quality, service

published, the oil and gas industry relies

life and safety. Our failure-free products

more and more on seal-less magnet drive

guarantee the most reliable operation and

technology. With the launch of the DSP twin

protection of people and the environment.”

screw pump series (single/double volute, timed/untimed, sealed/seal-less) in 2012,

Ahead of its time

Klaus Union established a very good name

Shortly after inception, Mr Franz Klaus,

in the displacement pump sector.

the founder of the company, developed

Today, with around €80 million-turnover,

the world’s first seal-less magnet drive

the company employs 300 people at its

centrifugal pump, introducing it to

two plants in Bochum, plus the sales and

168 Inside oil & gas

service offices in Europe, Asia and North

of applications has been limited due to

America. “We are also engaged in the

the specific material properties.

global energy transition from fossil fuels

However, pump applications increasingly

to renewable energies,” said Mr Enghardt.

require higher operating pressures,

“Our specially designed seal-less

temperatures and flow rates while main-

centrifugal pumps are ideal solutions

taining maximum efficiency. Klaus Union

to perfectly match many applications.”

now offers an expanded application range of these non-metallic shells up to 914 psi

Important development

(63 bar) pressure and for temperature

One of Klaus Union's key concepts in the

ranges from minus 200°C (-328°F) to

development of magnetic drive pumps

+450°C (+842°F).

was the introduction of non-metallic

The company has also developed

containment shells. By using them instead

solutions of double containment shells,

of the conventional metallic ones, Klaus

used for most critical applications, having

Union has eliminated eddy current losses

one metallic and one non-metallic shell

and significantly increased the efficiency

– called hybrid double containment

of magnetic drive pumps.

shells – where eddy current losses are

This technical innovation has led to

significantly reduced as well.

the concept of leakage-free magnetic

Klaus Union’s non-metallic shells

drives becoming even more prevalent

are made of zirconium oxide, which is

in the chemical, oil and gas, and

electrically non-conductive. “Because

petrochemical industries.

of this property, no eddy current losses

Over many years, Klaus Union relied on

affect pump performance,” Mr Enghardt

non-metallic technical ceramics for a wide

explained, “and no heat is added to the

variety of applications, primarily because

pumped fluid.”

of their high resistance to chemical corrosion and wear. Until now, the range

This concept brought other significant advantages, such as enabling dry-run

Inside oil & gas 169

KLAUS UNION

I PROFILE

capable executions (RTZ-design) and

performance-impairing eddy currents.

executions without continuous flush flow

“The consumed power can be reduced

(OTZ-design). It enables applications with

by an average of 10 to 15 per cent,

high gas content, pumping solid loaded

compared to metallic containment

liquids and liquids close to boiling point.

shells. And with reduced shaft power

Instrumentation to monitor the containment

demand, smaller electric motors and

shell temperature is not required as eddy

cables can be installed.”

current losses are eliminated.

Further advantages include higher

Driving sustainable growth

mechanical strength, vacuum-tight up

With these continuous advances in its

to 0 bar absolute, enhanced energy

product range, Klaus Union is poised for

efficiency and high corrosion and erosion

major growth. “The company intends to

resistance, enabling zirconium oxide to

move beyond traditional markets into new

be used in a nearly unlimited application

regions such as South America and Africa,”

range, primarily when related to acids.

Mr Enghardt said. “One focus is to be an

Ceramic containment shells are

even bigger player in renewable energy,

a fundamental part of Klaus Union's

carbon capture or recycling, in addition to

modular pump system. Due to the universal

its current applications.”

casing cover, containment shells can be easily mounted or replaced.

“The operator saves on stock capacities

Klaus Union, which was awarded the ECOVADIS Silver Medal, is continuing on its path toward sustainability and is focusing

and service costs,” Mr Enghardt continued.

on reducing its carbon footprint, Mr

“There is no heat input into the pumped

Enghardt said: “We are already operating

liquid; this significantly increases the

the facilities with a high percentage of

process's reliability. Consequently, no

green energy, producing 2,000kW of

temperature monitoring is required.”

solar energy or using an energy mix with

Additional advantages include lowered energy consumption as there are no

170 Inside oil & gas

a high percentage of green energy. Our employees are even using this energy to

Heavy-duty, single volute twin screw pump with magnet drive

Heavy-duty containment shells made from industrial ceramics up to 63 bar

charge their cars at various e-charging stations around our factory.”

One of the challenges for the company

“Customers and operators rely on the good name of Klaus Union, which stands for experience, responsibility

is attracting qualified personnel. “This is

and progress,” concluded Mr Enghardt.

a general problem that many industries

“Through our network of subsidiaries

in Germany have,” Mr Enghardt said.

and representatives, we offer compre-

“Hopefully, with the help of the govern-

hensive services such as expert advice,

ment, the problem will be lessened, but

after-sales and detailed assistance in

for a medium-sized company like Klaus

solving individual pump problems.

Union, this problem is likely to remain a constant headache.”

“The quality of its products and the exchange of experience with its part-

Although German-made products are

ners in various industries have made

not always the lowest in CAPEX, a strong

Klaus Union one of the world market

emphasis on product excellence and

leaders. The motto 'Our quality is your

customer service has helped raise Klaus

success' is at the heart of everything

Union’s profile.

we offer customers.”

n Inside oil & gas 171

ROYAL VAN BEEST

I PROFILE

When things need to be lifted, customers all over the world call Royal Van Beest. Known for its premium quality lifting equipment, Royal Van Beest’s impressive portfolio of lifting, lashing and mooring fittings is trusted on the world’s most demanding work sites. Having just celebrated its centenary, this Dutch family-owned company is more optimistic about the future than ever before. Heavy Lifting Sales & Export Manager Rifat Cevahir got Richard Hagan hooked on the lifting industry.

172 Inside oil & gas

ince 1922, Royal Van Beest has

Celebrating the centenary

been manufacturing premium

Van Beest was established in Sliedrecht,

quality lifting equipment and

(near Rotterdam), in 1922, by Dirk Van Beest,

today, thanks to its commitment

after whom the company is named. Initially,

to excellence, quality and

all of the company’s forged products were

S

customer service, it has climbed to the top of the demanding,

mainly sold to Dutch dredging companies, such as Boskalis and Van Oord, who are nowadays still major clients.

high stakes

The family ownership and the com-

lifting game. It is

pany’s living connection to the original

deservedly now the

Van Beest family remain a key part of the

world’s leading manu-

company’s modern identity and a proud

facturer of lifting, lashing

aspect of its heritage.

and mooring fittings – such

In 2022, Van Beest celebrated its cente-

as shackles, hooks and remotely

nary with the simultaneous announcement

operated vehicle (ROV) accessories.

that it had successfully applied for the title

Inside oil & gas 173

174 Inside oil & gas

ROYAL VAN BEEST

176 Inside oil & gas

I PROFILE

of Royal. The application process with The

stockholding. “We carry the largest stock-

Netherlands’ Royal House began in 2021

holding in the world,” Heavy Lifting Sales &

and took over a year, involved detailed

Export Manager Rifat Cevahir revealed. “Our

audits of the company’s current and

mindset has always been to put money into

historical business practices, ownership

material rather than in the bank, because

and management. All of its past directors

when times are tough, such as during the

were also investigated. Meanwhile, the

high demand for energy and gas due to the

Royal House even sought the Mayor of

war between Ukraine and Russia, then our

Sliedrecht’s advice on the application.

distributors must be able to trust that they’ll

Having successfully completed the pro-

be able to source their product from us no

cess, Van Beest changed its name to Royal

matter what.”

Van Beest. The Royal title reflects the com-

Royal Van Beest’s stock is securely held

pany’s reliability, integrity and ambition and

in its own warehouse, which features 13,000

further adds to the company’s credibility.

pallet places for a combined stock value of €50 million. This stockholding capacity

Doing the heavy lifting

ensures that Royal Van Beest has 97-98%

Royal Van Beest remains headquartered in

stock availability at all times.

Sliedrecht in the Netherlands, but today, its

The company is staffed by 250 employees

reach goes far beyond the town’s borders.

located worldwide, including workshop

The Green Pin® shackles are often used

teams, office and sales staff.

in major oil and gas projects and recently contributed to ADNOC’s Lightning project

Forging a new path

in the UAE, the Margin Oil Field Development

Over its 100 years in business, Royal Van

in Saudi Arabia and the Northfield East LNG

Beest has constantly evolved not only its

project in Qatar. Royal Van Beest has also

product range, but, crucially, also the way

supplied projects in the Caspian Sea, Brazil

the shackle range is manufactured.

and the US. Shackles have been used for

One of the key changes it has made

topside installations, platforms or installa-

is in its switch from standard forging to

tion on the seabed.

a method known as upset forging. While

This is only possible thanks to its network

forging is traditionally a process that

of 900 distributors spanning 94 countries,

involves physically hammering or pressing

Royal Van Beest efficiently serves

a product into shape, upset forging (also

customers around the world, including

known as ‘free forming’) is an automated

ADNOC, ARAMCO, Shell, BP, ENI and Total.

process that involves locally heating

Royal Van Beest is able to fulfil demand

a metal bar and then applying pressure

uniquely efficiently thanks to its substantial

to the end of the bar in the direction of its

Inside oil & gas 177

ROYAL VAN BEEST

I PROFILE

axis, to bend it into its final shape – a shackle body.

Parts produced using upset forging exhibit better levels of strength and soundness, while resisting deformation and breakage during use. These characteristics make such shackles ideal for applications where high performance is critical – such as the heavy-lifting industry.

Shackles make up fully 80% of Royal Van Beest’s turnover, of which the standard range of shackles is manufactured in Holland in a specialised, highly automated production line.

“Our upset forging line is quite unique: we have three forges that bend a solid shackle into shape, and from there we only have to drill the eye,” Mr Cevahir said. “It’s fully automated and involves minimal material loss leading to a very competitive price.”

The production lines include heat treatment and assembly, with automated inspections occurring throughout the process, ensuring that any flaws or imperfections are identified and resolved immediately. This process maintains Royal Van Beest’s extremely tight tolerance levels and it guarantees that sub-par products will never reach a customer’s warehouse.

Going green While one of Royal Van Beest’s most active markets is the oil and gas industry, it is deliberately developing new business in the wind energy market, and it’s doing that through

178 Inside oil & gas

smart investments in product development and in an exciting acquisition.

One of Royal Van Beest’s best-selling

Thanks to these acquisitions, Royal Van Beest is now able to counter every market’s demand, including wind farm

products is its Green Pin ® shackles.

contractors, a holistic lifting solution that

Regarded as the world’s leading brand

features the company’s entire portfolio of

for premium quality lifting and lashing

lifting products from crane block to seabed.

equipment, The Green Pin ® range includes

Additionally, thanks to ongoing invest-

shackles, turnbuckles, hooks and fibre

ments in its heavy lifting hooks as well

link chains. Easily identifiable thanks to

as mooring equipment, Royal Van Beest

their trademarked green colour pin, Green

is able to offer a range of seabed mooring

Pin ® shackles are built to international

products for floating wind farms.

standards, are battle-proven and offer

“We expect that these products

unrivalled performance and reliability.

In 2017 and late 2022, Royal Van Beest

together could make us a one-stop shop for our customers,” Mr Cevahir concluded.

acquired Irizar Forge and Sling Supply

“Where contractors who need to lift

International SA (Slingsintt), both based in

a nacelle may previously have had to sep-

Spain. Irizar Forge is the expert in forging

arate the product suppliers, we are now

heavy lifting hooks and crane blocks,

able to supply everything in one project.”

while Sling Supply International is espe-

Royal Van Beest attends the ADIPEC

cially well-known for the lifting tools that

show in October every year and you

it has developed for the global wind

are cordially invited to meet the Royal

industry and used in the lifting of nacelles,

Van Beest team and discuss your

hubs, towers and blades.

lifting requirements.

n Inside oil & gas 179

DECOM ENGINEERING

180 Inside oil & gas

I PROFILE

Subsea construction and demolition solutions specialist Decom Engineering offers unique, industry-leading cutting innovations and value-adding pipe coating removal solutions.

After witnessing a major industrial catastrophe, a visionary father and son team decided that the industry needed better tools to avoid a repeat, and thus Decom Engineering was born. Richard Hagan spoke to Commercial Director Nick McNally to find out how Decom Engineering’s solutions are changing the way customers work.

E

stablished in 2012, Decom Engineering was founded by current CEO Sean Conway and his father,

an engineer.

The pair were moved to action in 2010 when the Deepwater Horizon disaster occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. Watching the catastrophic oil spill unfold - which saw over four million barrels of oil drain into the sea in the largest oil spill in the history of marine drilling – Sean and his father decided that there had to be a better, faster way to cut and cap the well.

Harnessing Sean’s business education and his father’s engineering skills, the two men established Decom Engineering.

They immediately began working on designing and building the saw they had envisioned as a solution, in a project that would ultimately take eight years.

Simultaneously, Decom Engineering developed its Pipe Coating Removal (PCRM) technology, a solution which would go on to become one of its most important developments. Decom Engineering subsequently secured major investments from a private equity partner, propelling the development of its Chop Saw which was launched to the market in mid-2021.

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DECOM ENGINEERING

I PROFILE

A cut above the rest Today, Decom Engineering has two products: Its PCRM solution, and its C1 Chop Saw. Its PCRM machine is a groundbreaking technology that removes the hardened plastic protective coating from subsea pipes. As opposed to conventional, energy-intensive and time-consuming solutions for removing that coating, PCRM is a completely cold process that also captures all of the waste plastic. The high-quality plastic salvaged from these pipes is then sent for recycling.

The pipework can then be reused in construction, particularly for pilings. “We refer to the PCRM process as ‘unlocking the value of the steel’,” said Commercial Director Nick McNally. “It’s better for the economy, better financially, and better for the environment because instead of ordering brand new steel, the construction industry can use steel that’s already made, so there’s no carbon footprint,

182 Inside oil & gas

resulting in a 98 per cent carbon saving. It’s good for the economy because it’s cheaper for the construction

the saw, change the wire, and send it back down after each cut.

“We’ve found that our ‘sweet spot’ is

industry and it makes the steel available

where we have to cut material that

at very short lead times.”

diamond wire and shears cannot cut –

Decom Engineering’s C1 Chop Saw is

primarily very hard steel or plastic or con-

a uniquely robust cutting solution devel-

crete-coated steel,” he continued. “We’re

oped for the oil and gas industry. The C1

also much more reliable where multiple

features a rotating blade set between

cuts are involved. Our speed plus our reli-

two hydraulic jaws, allowing it to be reli-

ability saves the vessel time, and that’s

ably clamped onto anything that needs to be cut. In cutting scenarios in which

the most important factor for us and for our customers.”

a clean cut is required, it’s the undeniably superior solution, particularly measured against competing diamond wire-based tools.

Project milestones Decom Engineering’s C1 chop saws have been proven in some of the most

“The C1 saw saves the vessel

demanding projects worldwide.

substantial amounts of time,”

A particular highlight was a project off the

said Mr McNally. “We are

coast of Mauritania, West Africa, in which

able to do cut after cut,

Decom Engineering was contracted

repeatedly – all of them

by Havfram to be the sole cutting con-

in one go, without

tractor for a substantial scope involving

having to recover

decommissioning a Petronas field. The

Inside oil & gas 183

DECOM ENGINEERING

I PROFILE

two minutes per cut versus the 40 minutes that it had been taking with a different solution that the client had previously tried. We saved the client three days of vessel time!” work involved cutting 84mm R4 stud-less mooring chains,

Footprint and the Future

umbilicals and termination heads, at a

Decom Engineering’s administrative

water depth ranging from 900 to 1,000

headquarters is located in Belfast, but

metres, and all powered via an ROV.

thanks to the company’s steady growth,

“We had specifically designed and

it will soon be moving into a large new

tested our equipment for operations at

facility in Aberdeen, Scotland, to put it

that depth, but this project was our first

as close as possible to the oil and gas

opportunity to prove it,” said Mr McNally.

industry there. “The new facility will

“After successfully and quickly cutting

include a warehouse and office space

through the material involved in the

and it’s where most of our future hires

scope, the client requested additional

will be based,” Mr McNally confirmed.

works that we had not planned to cut.

As demonstrated by the Mauritania

“We agreed: and we were able to cut

project, Decom Engineering is a global

the additional two material types: in only

business and as of early 2023, it had

184 Inside oil & gas

active work sites in Thailand, the Congo, the Bass Strait in Australia and the North Sea.

sultancy busi-

Meanwhile, the company is

ness as customers

busy on its latest innovation;

increasingly turn to

a very large new variant of its

Decom Engineering for its

chop saw capable of tackling

various types of specialist,

the biggest projects.

expert assistance on site during

“The new saw is our

cutting operations.

C146; it’s a game-changer and it represents our next major step in innovation,” said Mr McNally. “It will be able to cut from two to 46-inch pipes, thanks to its 2.8-metre-wide blade.”

In order to service growing demand,

In conclusion, Mr McNally shared his thoughts on the future. “The decommissioning market looks strong for at least the next 50 years – especially with the various new fields being established as a result of the current geopolitical climate.

“We also see growing opportunities

Decom Engineering is also swiftly

within renewables: for example many

expanding its fleet of saws. Between

wind turbines are reaching the end of

late 2021 and early 2023, its fleet

their life and must be replaced. Nuclear

grew from only two to 11 saws, with

energy also has many exotic materials

additional saws still on order by

that must be cut. So we are optimistic

mid-2023. Simult-aneously, the

that there is a bright, strong future for

company is growing its con

our specialist solutions!”

n Inside oil & gas 185

JC VALVES

I PROFILE

JC Valves is a Spanish valve manufacturer established in 1968. The company has now grown to operate factories and subsidiaries around the world.

It provides a range of services, including the design and manufacture of custom-built valves, for customers in the oil and gas industry. Albert Aguila, Sales Manager, explained more to Hannah Barnett.

W

orking from an HQ in Barcelona,

bility to repair valves and do special

JC Valves may be Spanish in

mountings,” explained Mr Aguila.

origin, but it is a truly interna-

tional operation.

The company now employs 400 people around the world. It recently secured the

“We have a global presence with our

investment to move its (still relatively new),

subsidiaries and an extensive distribution

factory in Chennai, India, to another location

network,” said Sales Manager Albert Aguila.

with a larger production capacity. It is also

“So our customers can find the right support

due to open a new factory in Indonesia, as

locally, wherever they are. They don’t need

a joint venture with a local partner.

to wait for the Spanish branch. There are JC Valves representatives from Southeast Asia

A company overview

to North America ready to service them.”

2023 started productively for JC Valves,

Overall, JC Valves has a presence in seven

as the company achieved API 641 fugitive

countries: “Four are locations of factories

emission certification. This accreditation

and three are what we call service centres,

is aimed at quarter-turn valves, covering

stocked with parts and offering the possi-

many different designs, temperature ratings and sealing components. The test focuses on the performance of the packing as well as the boundary connections, using methane as a test medium.

This year, the company also continues to invest in new equipment and systems to increase efficiency and sustainability. “We recently installed solar panels on our rooftop in Barcelona,” said Mr Aguila, “in order to be

186 Inside oil & gas

with a new cast trunnion valve on the market and improvements in the design of its floating valve range. The company understands the sector well enough to successfully adapt to the needs of an evolving industry. It has embraced 3D modelling and all its designs are created that way now: “And we have launched a specific valve range to cover the hydrogen market,” self-sufficient in power generation. We will

Mr Aguila added: “because we intend to

be extending those to other premises in

be part of this challenging energy transi-

China and India too. We have also increased

tion market.”

warehouse and office capacity at our subsidiary in the Middle East.”

Alongside this investment into facilities, JC Valves continues to develop products,

All this growth, expansion and success is complemented by the figures. In 2022, JC Valves recorded a turnover close to 100 million EUR. This was split fairly evenly

Inside oil & gas 187

JC VALVES

I PROFILE

around its bases, according to Mr Aguila:

is intended to improve operations and

“around 40 per cent in Europe, 30 per cent

internal coordination.

in the Middle East and the other 30 per cent

Alongside the software upgrade,

mainly in North America and Southeast

machinery is also being improved:

Asia.” During the same period, the company

“We have invested in two new automatic

produced and supplied close to 150,000

test benches at the factory in Spain,” Mr

valves to customers around the world.

Aguila said: “One is already in operation and the second will be fully installed by

Solid investments JC Valves recently invested in a new

Q4 of this year.”

The company continues to be busy in the

ERP system, which is already running at

US and Canada, especially for work in gas

its headquarters, and will be implemented

treatment and onshore oil. The company

in factories and subsidiaries worldwide

supplies many of its trunnion mounted

over the coming years. The new system

ball valves to the North American market.

188 Inside oil & gas

Inside oil & gas 189

JC VALVES

I PROFILE

in a wide scale of sizes, ranging from half-an-inch up to 42 inches. In addition, a well-stocked inventory is essential.

“Part of our commercial policy is to keep one of the highest stock levels in the market,” explained Mr Aguila. “We hold roughly 30 million EUR in stock. The service we provide is therefore very high – especially considering we are a manuThese valves have metal seats for appli-

facturer. And there is the stock held by

cation in high temperatures, making them

our distributors, which is in addition to the

ideal for use in gas treatment plants.

30 million EUR worth that we have.”

“Of course, we are also very active in the

Like any successful business, especially

Middle East,” added Mr Aguila. “We sell a

one which places so much import on

lot of applications for water management

being well-stocked and maintaining its

in oil fields there. With customers like KOC,

longevity, a strong relationship with sup-

Qatar Petroleum and ADNOC, it’s a really

pliers is crucial.

big market.”

As Mr Aguila explained, JC Valves looks for suppliers with a similar vision and strategy:

Ahead of the competition

“We are quality- and service-oriented and

One of the ways JC Valves maintains its

want to work with suppliers who are too:

competitive edge is by offering an extensive

and we want to keep prices stable where

product line. Its valves can be manufactured

possible. That is part of our DNA. Although

190 Inside oil & gas

raw material prices are fluctuating and energy costs are rising, we always try to look at the long-term scenario. So we need our suppliers to understand and commit to that vision too. And in return, we support them in the good times and in the challenging times.” year-by-year.” For Mr Aguila, who has

Looking forward

worked with JC Valves for 20 years, this

JC Valves is undoubtedly well prepared to

remains an exciting and dynamic role.

navigate whatever the future brings, along-

“When I started, I thought I would be here

side certain set goals and objectives. For

for three-to-five years, and then move on

example, the company is committed to its

to the next place,” he concluded. “But

social responsibility and always striving to

somehow, JC caught my interest. I love

improve working conditions. Additionally,

leading the sales team and having the

JC Valves aims to decrease the gap in rep-

chance to interact with different people

resentation between men and women

in different countries. It’s an active job, so

employed in the sector.

I never get bored. And I prefer working in

The company is set to keep growing

a Spanish company with an international

steadily. “As a private business, we are

view, rather than working in a multina-

focused on sustainable growth,” Mr Aguila

tional company for the Spanish market.

said. “We don’t plan to grow by acquisition,

I think I still have a good few years left to

but do plan to keep growing, step-by-step,

go with JC Valves!”

n

Inside oil & gas 191

METALFAR

I PROFILE

With more than 60 years’ experience b manufacturer of forged steel flanges.

Oil & Gas, General Manager Eugenio M is approved by all major chemical, petro

by Imogen Ward

192 Inside oil & gas

ehind it, Metalfar is an industry-leading In an exclusive interview with Inside Messa explained why the company ochemical and oil companies. Report

M

etalfar has been incredibly successful over its 62-year history, serving the Americas, Africa,

Europe and Southeast Asia from its headquarters in Italy. The reason for this success?

A consistent dedication to its customers and the quality of its products.

“Our history is woven with key values,” General Manager Eugenio Messa explained. “Those values, and the quality of our products, are never compromised.

This commitment has provided us with all the major approvals in our sector.”

Located in Cesana Brianza, Italy, on premises covering 600,000 square feet, the company has the capacity to manufacture 60,000 tonnes annually. The production of carbon, alloy and stainless-steel flanges are included in this capacity, alongside forged steel fittings, valves and tailor-made products. This customised option accounts for around 10-20% of the company’s overall production rate. On top of this, Metalfar can also manufacture its products to all grades and standards.

Added value at every stage With such diverse capabilities, it is no wonder that last year the company witnessed a 40% increase in turnover. Metalfar accredited this achievement to two factors – the first being an increase in costing, transitions nicely into the second element: the ability to employ new material grades, that are of added value, into its production processes.

That added value is essential to the company. With a customer-centric

Inside oil & gas 193

METALFAR

I PROFILE

Metalfar General Manager, Eugenio Messa

approach, Metalfar does everything pos-

“All our supplier partnerships are formed

sible to ensure it provides an experience

on mutual trust,” said Mr Messa. “Of course,

that is quality-driven and stress-free.

today we could buy material from anywhere,

The company was one of the first in Italy

but we find those personal relationships

to gain the ISO 9001 certification and always

crucial, and select suppliers and partners

makes sure to have a high level of stock in

based on that.

store to prevent any delays in production.

“Metalfar’s major suppliers are steel mills,

An additional bonus of this vigilance is the

and we make sure to see them once every

ability to work to enormous quantity require-

two months to continue to strengthen

ments whilst meeting prompt delivery times.

those relationships. We only buy services

With quality assurance always in mind Metalfar also abides by European requirements, working solely with European suppliers.

194 Inside oil & gas

and materials from European countries – especially Italy – for two reasons: “Firstly, it is easier to create those personal relationships with companies

who are close to us. The second reason

Forging new opportunities

is related to requirements. A lot of the

Keen to set a precedent for growth,

time, we are required to work exclu-

Metalfar has recently diversified: after

sively with European material. We, of

spending the past 60 years focused on

course, have nothing against suppliers

the oil and gas industry, the company

from other continents, but we must

has broken into a new market.

follow the rules and expectations placed upon us.”

“For success to continue, it is crucial to always remain forward-thinking,”

According to Mr Messa, this relationshipbased philosophy is also extended to the company’s employees: “For me, working at Metalfar is much more than being just an employee. I get to be a part of building something great, but no one can achieve anything alone, even more so nowadays.

I am incredibly lucky to have a team of people who are keen to support myself and the company.

“In response to that support, we are quick to offer training every day, to ensure everyone is constantly improving to meet their full potential.”

Inside oil & gas 195

METALFAR

I PROFILE

Mr Messa said. “As part of our ability to

some NORSOK-approved E treatment

do so, we recently began manufacturing

equipment, which is now running 24/7. The

for the automotive industry. This is a new

company has also recently invested in new

and incredibly exciting sector that we

robotics which are being incorporated to

are looking forward to exploring.

improve the efficiency of operations.

“We are always willing to adapt ourselves

These are just more reasons why Metalfar

to meet the needs of customers. Currently,

is approved by more than 60 engineering

in the US there is a big demand for stainless

and oil companies worldwide, including

steel; so of course, we have adapted to

major players Shell, Aramco and bp.

this area, to remain competitive in all material grades.”

Not afraid to invest in improvements, three years ago Metalfar also purchased

Sustainable solutions Alongside the company’s active manufacturing projects, it is also working on internal plans relating to its carbon footprint. Currently using a lot of water to cool equipment, Metalfar has made plans to introduce a new system to reuse this water. All being well, this system is expected to be operational in the next two years.

“We also actively try to reduce our use of plastic,” Mr Messa said. “But the major sustainability project that we are currently involved with will introduce green raw materials into our production processes, which have a much smaller carbon impact.

196 Inside oil & gas

By 2024, we anticipate these will account for 50 per cent of our overall raw material usage. We are going to continue to focus on this project over the next few years.”

Metalfar regularly attends events, including ADIPEC. Whilst doing so, the company also takes the time to visit its customers. This has enabled the company to commit to its customer-centric approach in a more sustainable way.

“Having previously exhibited at ADIPEC in the past, we have changed our strategy,” Mr Messa said: “Now going as an attendee,

“We believe the Gulf is the place to be

we can combine the advantages of the

in the world, and we want to be a part

ADIPEC platform with visits to our customers

of that,” he concluded. “The Emirates

in that region. So we will spend one day at

and Qatar are booming, and we strongly

the event, and then the remaining days will

believe that we need to put our efforts into

be dedicated to customer appointments.

becoming a piece of this growth.”

n

Inside oil & gas 197

LOCUS BIO-ENERGY

I PROFILE

The biosurfactant THE BIOSURFACTANT

REVOLUTION Locus Bio-Energy produces nature-derived biosurfactants which are globally recognised for outperforming traditional oilfield chemicals. Biosurfactants can address many oilfield production challenges - at a fraction of the dosage rate and cost. Dr Megan Pearl, VP of Technology, explained more to Hannah Barnett.

198 Inside oil & gas

IN

the oilfield, green chemistry

from non-renewable, petroleum-based

often has the reputation of low

feedstocks and raw materials. In con-

performance and high cost.

trast, biobased surfactants range from

Locus Bio-Energy’s biosurfactant tech-

partly to wholly derived from biological

nology is working to change that.

products, renewable domestic agricul-

“We focus first on performance,” said VP

tural by-products, or forestry materials.

of Technology, Dr Megan Pearl: ”Our goal

Biosurfactants are a class of wholly

is to deliver the best performing products

biobased surfactants comprised of

at economical price points for key industry

highly complex molecules with unmatched

pain points. The biosurfactant technology

multifunctionality and sustainability. Despite

we provide enables operators to achieve

decades of research and promising poten-

production objectives with lower dosage

tial, biosurfactant adoption in the oilfield

rates and faster returns – plus the added

was previously limited by prohibitive

advantage of minimising their environ-

production costs and scalability.

mental footprint.”

“What differentiates Locus Bio-Energy from our competitors and predecessors

An overview

is our approach to the market,” Dr Pearl

Oilfield surfactants are traditionally used

explained. “We understand uninterrupted

to enhance oil production. Conventionally

production is paramount to operators,

used surfactants are typically sourced

so we manage all stages of development

Inside oil & gas 199

LOCUS BIO-ENERGY

I PROFILE

and testing internally to lower their

With its expanding Texas teams and

barrier to adoption. Rather than providing

recently completed 5,000 square foot

one-size-fits-all chemistry, we’ve refined

laboratory renovations in The Woodlands,

the product development process to

Locus Bio-Energy has both the instrumen-

deliver comprehensive biosurfactant

tation and expertise to continue devel-

solutions, complete with performance

oping innovative biosurfactant-based

evaluations customised to each reservoir’s

solutions for a growing customer base.

unique conditions.”

Biosurfactants can be tailored to various

Why biosurfactants

applications like hydraulic fracturing,

The complex and unique molecular

paraffin control, enhanced oil recovery,

structure of biosurfactants results in

wellbore remediation and more. Since the

powerful, multifunctional properties.

company’s launch in 2017, it has sold over

They are highly surface active and

two million gallons of biosurfactant-based

effective at lower concentrations, benefit-

products for a variety of applications

ting oil and gas production in several ways.

across diverse U.S. basins.

In contrast to conventional surfactants,

“Early on, we focused on conventional

biosurfactants feature multiple active sites

applications, like huff and puff, that were

that contribute to their ability to maintain

low volume, low risk and low cost for the

performance objectives, even as their

operator,” said Dr Pearl. “This was so that

concentration in the reservoir depletes.

we could demonstrate proof-of-concept

“This translates to extended produc-

to the industry. As our reputation for proven

tion enhancement,” explained Dr Pearl.

biosurfactant technology grew, our product

“Traditional surfactants tend to flowback

lines likewise evolved to include higher

and lose efficacy at a faster rate.”

volume unconventional applications like hydraulic fracturing.”

200 Inside oil & gas

Biosurfactants are also very small.

This typically results in lower treatment

Dr Megan Pearl, VP of Technology

dosage rates required to mobilise oil or

“We went up against nine different

penetrate and disperse deposits. It also

standard synthetic surfactants, all widely

means they can access the tiny pore

used and known for their performance

spaces and nano fractures that traditional

in hydraulic fracturing. Results showed

chemistries cannot penetrate, resulting

that SUSTAIN was the top performer,

in greater oil recovery.

even at lower dosages. The operator has since pumped 100,000 gallons of our

The products

product for its completion program and

One of the company’s flagship product

plans to continue usage for future wells.”

lines is SUSTAIN ® , which consists of

The company’s biosurfactant-based

multifunctional biosurfactant technology

products are continuing to prove their

designed to outperform and replace syn-

worth within varied oil plays. In addition

thetic surfactants for hydraulic fracturing.

to cutting-edge solutions for hydraulic

SUSTAIN’s demonstrated efficacy at lower

fracturing, Locus Bio-Energy also offers

dosages showcases its ability to deliver

products for applications such as enhanced

more oil with less chemical and cost com-

oil recovery, flow assurance, saltwater

pared to its synthetic counterparts.

disposal and wellbore remediation. Its

“SUSTAIN recently beat nine established

latest product release was AcidBoost TM ,

competitive surfactants in third-party

a biosurfactant-based additive which

lab testing,” explained Dr Pearl. “We’re

delivers high-efficiency, cost-effective

incredibly proud of it. A Utica shale operator

wellbore remediation for acid stimulation.

used an independent laboratory to evaluate

“The AcidBoost product line differs from

surfactants for its multi-well program, and

other microemulsions on the market due

we were the only biosurfactant-based

to biosurfactant technology,” said Dr Pearl.

product in the group.

“It simplifies conventional multi-stage

Inside oil & gas 201

LOCUS BIO-ENERGY

I PROFILE

processes with a single-stage acid addi-

the environmental and safety impacts

tive, enabling an easier, more efficient

of natural resource extraction, and more.

process that also improves performance.

The company’s cost-effective, near-zero

“This is going to be an impactful shift in

carbon footprint biomanufacturing develops

wellbore remediation for the industry. We

solutions tailored to outperform chemicals

have tested countless variations, and in

in a variety of industries.

every combination, not only are we cleaning

“We noticed growing need for higher

the rock more efficiently, but also at a lower

oil and gas recovery that became more

concentration. AcidBoost’s optimised treat-

apparent as worldwide energy demands

ment enables operators to bring their wells

increased,” Dr Pearl explained. “There are

back into profitable production with less

primarily two ways to increase oil produc-

downtime, whilst also helping them reach

tion: drill a new well or breathe life into

their sustainability goals faster.”

an old well. While SUSTAIN is targeted to new well completions, AssurEOR STIM ®

Into the future

helps operators with the latter for enhanced

Locus Bio-Energy is a part of Locus

oil recovery (EOR).”

Fermentation Solutions, an award-

The economics for EOR previously did

winning greentech company that

not work in the operator’s favour, as the

utilises the power of microorganisms

higher cost and lower production would

to create patented, biological solutions

typically justify drilling a new well rather

to address global ESG challenges

than taking the more sustainable EOR route.

including climate change, food security,

However, biosurfactant technology is

skin conditions, water contamination,

demonstrating significant performance

202 Inside oil & gas

improvement in these types of enhanced

technology demonstrates potential

oil recovery applications.

to drive the industry towards a more

“And, because less product is needed

sustainable future.

n

than conventional surfactants, operators are realising quicker return on investment compared to conventional surfactants,” said Dr Pearl. “Those revitalisation efforts become more attractive when operators know they can get upwards of 40 per cent more oil out of wells than they are currently getting. Additionally, stimulating the well with AssurEOR STIM dramatically reduces carbon intensity, as it would require less than 2 per cent of the water and 0.1 per cent of the diesel that would have been used to drill another well.”

As the energy transition accelerates, Locus Bio-Energy's biosurfactant-based products provide a promising path that bridges performance and sustainability.

Beyond providing solutions for operators to increase their production, the

Inside oil & gas 203

EMIRATES ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENTATION

204 Inside oil & gas

I PROFILE

Emirates Electrical and Instrumentation (Emirates E&I) is a leading technical and contracting services provider for a wide variety of oil and gas clients across both the domestic (UAE) and international markets. Hagop Dermosessian, General Manager of Emirates E&I, explained to Hannah Barnett how the company is now paving its way forward towards greater diversification. ver since its inception in 2002,

E

Company overview

Emirates E&I has operated predomi-

Emirates E&I has made a name for

nantly in the oil and gas space, with

itself based on its seamless ability to inte-

ADNOC serving as its major customer. But

grate with its clients’ operations, ensuring

today, business is branching out, with Mr

that its projects are completed safely, on

Dermosessian stating that: “We have

schedule, within budget, to specification,

diversified into the energy sector, as well

and with minimal downtime. The company

as the infrastructure sector and have plans

was acquired in 2017 by the renowned

to grow and branch out regionally. We also

Ghobash Group.

hope to tap into the electromechanical

Elaborating on the company being part

space, and are becoming more of an

of the Ghobash Group conglomerate and

Engineering, Procurement and Construction

how this helps to shape Emirates E&I’s

(EPC) contractor, as opposed to an elec-

diversification strategy, Mr Dermosessian

trical and instrumentation contractor,

stated that: “Because we are owned by

which we have been historically.”

a very financially sound Group, we don’t

Inside oil & gas 205

EMIRATES ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENTATION

I PROFILE

shy away from opportunities. No matter

modification of the existing chilled water

the size, we will look into all potential

system pipeline feeding a prestigious

growth areas. We support all our

project in SeaWorld, Abu Dhabi. “We were

customers, and we have a very skilled,

responsible for all the chemical treatment

experienced team which is continuing

and pre-commissioning of the chilled

to grow. So, we have the capability to

water network, which served as a new

tackle any kind of project.”

vertical for us, given that we hadn’t

As a result, beyond continuing to build a successful reputation in electrical instrumentation works over the past

worked extensively in that space before”, explained Mr Dermosessian.

The company was also awarded

few years, the company has expanded

another prestigious project, as a major

its capabilities to include electrome-

subcontractor on a joint venture between

chanical and HVAC projects. This

ENGIE and EDF. This encompassed the

scale-up is in line with its objective

replacement of 133,000 streetlights with

of becoming a Tier-2 EPC contractor

energy-saving luminaires in Abu Dhabi.

within the next three to five years.

The project resulted in successful power savings of 74% across the municipality.

Significant projects

Sharing the significance of this project,

During Q3 of 2022, Emirates E&I

Mr Dermosessian said that: “This was a

was awarded a major district cooling

major milestone, as the project’s scope

project, which would encompass the

was new and served as a new vertical.

206 Inside oil & gas

In the past we delivered similar street

on providing maintenance services for

projects on a smaller scale for ADNOC,

the lighting and all other electricals, is

but now with the increased scale, we

worth $34.3 million.

have successfully established a name for ourselves and opened the door to

Sustainable paths

a whole new market.”

With ADNOC recently announcing over

The company continues to work closely

$1.2 billion in upcoming projects, Emirates

with its most prominent partner ADNOC,

E&I envisions many more prestigious con-

and during Q2 of 2022 was awarded

tracts down the road. Elaborating further,

a subcontracting agreement with an EPC

Mr Dermosessian added that “It’s not only

contractor for an IT telecom building. In

about ADNOC, as the UAE relies on oil and

collaboration with ADNOC, Emirates E&I

gas, and therefore the infrastructure

carried out the full Mechanical

that comes along with it. Today, there is

Engineering and Plumbing (MEP) works and was also recently awarded a contract to upgrade fire alarm systems and HVAC at 25 ADNOC substations and clusters. This is in addition to projects aimed at updating ADNOC’s access control PA/GA system and installing a new NAVAID system on its platforms.

“Most recently, during Q2 of 2023, we were awarded the biggest project in our company’s history,” stated Mr Dermosessian, as he went on to outline how the four-year contract for ADNOC on its LNG and offshore platforms, focused

Inside oil & gas 207

EMIRATES ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENTATION

I PROFILE

a growing need for new developments

doesn’t involve conventional steel and

too. Solar energy is picking up pace and

uses a composite material that lasts

the market for other renewables is

longer and weighs less. We are UMOE’s

steadily growing. There is an abundance

regional partners, and we are trying to

of projects in the region that support

provide a similar solution in the UAE, using

sustainability and we are working with

different types of transportation and

as many of them as we can.”

storage models.”

The push to embrace renewable solutions and the energy transition comes

Time-served partnerships

as Dubai prepares to host COP28 in

As a leading company within the oil and

November 2023. “Everybody is working

gas space, Emirates E&I continues to

towards COP28, and you can see this

build on its reputation, especially when it

from the number of projects that are

comes to onshore and offshore EPC work.

being launched,” Mr Dermosessian went

Elaborating on this topic, Mr

on to state. He also provided insights into

Dermosessian said that: “There

the future, with the company’s response

have been many times when ADNOC

to the Region’s appetite for sustainable

has specifically recommended us for

solutions: “At Emirates E&I, we have cre-

specialised jobs: this has enabled us to

ated a new ESCO division to fully embrace

establish relationships with other compa-

the energy transition and to accelerate

nies in the oil and gas space, including

our diversification plans. We have also

end users, developers, main contractors,

teamed up with UMOE, a Norwegian

and suppliers. We have had excellent

company that manufactures hydrogen

rapport with our suppliers, as evidenced

storage and transportation units. The

by some of our long-term partnerships

company’s manufacturing process

running the course for the last 20 years.”

208 Inside oil & gas

Giving away the secret to developing

the determination to succeed have

long-lasting relationships with suppliers, Mr

served as my greatest assets along the

Dermosessian said that “Being democratic

way. The same dynamic spirit applies to

and swiftly delivering on invoices is a good

E&I, where we envision our service and

start. The most important thing is being fair

delivery excellence not only growing, but

and honest. We always ensure that we pay

increasingly contributing to a wider spec-

our suppliers on time, and we never favour

trum of projects and achievements which

one supplier over another, as long as they

will impact the future of the energy

are technically sound, and their prices are

sector. As we continue to branch out,

in line with the market. It’s all about being

strengthen our expertise, and partner

in a competitive space.”

with more stakeholders and clients, we

Spelling out his own professional

take pride in remaining result-driven and

commitment and passion for his role,

dedicated to realising more meaningful

Mr Dermosessian concluded that it was

goals. We look forward to sharing the out-

hard work which has resulted in his

comes and rewards of our progressive

career’s longevity:

vision with all of our partners. This is what

“Having played an active role in this

motivates me the most – moving forward

market’s evolution for 20 years now, I can

with vision and going beyond the ordinary

safely say that positivity, optimism, and

to achieve more.”

n

Inside oil & gas 209

AL MARWAN GROUP

I PROFILE

Al Marwan Group has, for nearly 50 years, been a well–respected contracting group in the UAE. This multi-faceted group includes Integrated Petroleum Company (IPC) and Al Marwan Heavy Machinery. IPC Commercial Manager Mr Houssam Dayoub and Al Marwan’s Director of Business Operations Abdalla Al Zaiem spoke with Andy Probert about the scope and expansion plans of these two subsidiaries.

he Al Marwan Group is well known for

T

class A contractors, the group is respon-

being among the leading contracting

sible for some of the most prestigious

groups in the UAE. Al Marwan Group

infrastructure projects in the UAE.

always strives towards its mission of being

As a contracting group, it aspires to

a one-stop destination for the construction

achieving the vision of ‘Building the cities

and contracting industry. Classified as

of tomorrow’ by keeping a business focus

210 Inside oil & gas

on activities that assist in achieving this

cementing and pumping equipment, aci-

goal. Business lines within the Al Marwan

dising and fracturing units, downhole tools,

Group include infrastructure and building

and laboratory equipment.

contracting, heavy equipment trading and

Completely embedded within MENA's

hiring, asphalt and concrete contracting,

oil and gas infrastructure, IPC is much

real estate and development, robotised

sought after by its partners for Serva SJS'

car park and technology, and oil-field

cementing and pumping equipment, while

equipment trading.

offering localised after-sales servicing, support and spare parts. Cementing and

IPC: meeting high demand

pumping equipment solutions are related

Having clinched key distribution agree-

to drilling new wells.

ments to act for global manufacturers in

“Both sides of our business are flour-

the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).,

ishing,” said Mr Dayoub, “with slightly more

the Al Marwan Group created Integrated

emphasis on the supply of cementing

Petroleum Company in 2004, when it

and pumping services, particularly for

became the exclusive agent for Serva

offshore projects.

SJS, a joint venture between USA's Serva

“This indicates drilling activity offshore

and China's SJS. Since its inception, IPC

in the GCC is continuing to rise, and the

has emerged as a leading cementing

latest OPEC decision to cut production

and pumping solutions specialist in the

has not adversely impacted IPC. Our

oil and gas industry in MENA.

business growth in 2023 is higher than

“This enabled IPC to focus more on clients, products and after-sales, and has

in 2022 and fully rebounded after Covid.”

However, demand is so high that the com-

flourished ever since,” said Mr Houssam

pany is all about keeping pace, although

Dayoub, IPC Commercial Manager.

delivery times have expanded. Mr Dayoub

IPC now acts as a lynchpin between

cited one example: “A major challenge is

leading contractors and manufacturers

sourcing critical engine components from

in the energy field, primarily supplying

suppliers for offshore operators. Stocks

Inside oil & gas 211

AL MARWAN GROUP

I PROFILE

that they see no difference between us and Serva SJS in the quality service levels offered.”

Al Marwan Heavy Machinery Building on these accumulated experiences and knowledge, the Al Marwan Group further expanded its business in 1978 with the establishment of Al Marwan Heavy Machinery.. Al Marwan’s Director of Business Operations Abdalla Al Zaiem explained how this service centre for heavy machinery enjoys increased inventory capabilities by stocking bigger equipment. for a specific high-quality safety-proven

The addition of Al Marwan Heavy

engine have been quickly exhausted,

Machinery to the group’s portfolio

and delivery time is now longer. But our

expanded operations to serve the GCC

resourcefulness means we are working

region better, opening new branches in

around these issues.

Saudi Arabia and Oman. Al Marwan Heavy

“IPC is exceptionally proud to continue

Machinery is the UAE's exclusive dealer for

representing Serva SJS and act as a bridge

new Kobelco, Dynapac, ABI, Powerscreen

between it and clients. As the face of

and Pronar equipment, and Simex, World

Serva SJS in MENA, many often comment

Attachments, Toku and Jisung machinery

212 Inside oil & gas

attachments, supplying the industry with

infrastructure, enabling operators to

new machinery and OEM parts. It is also

reach areas that would otherwise be

a trusted source for the sale of pre-owned

impossible to access. Al Marwan Heavy

Volvo, Caterpillar and Komatsu machinery,

Machinery understands this, Mr Al Zaiem

among other brands.

explained: “The deep excavation required

Al Marwan's rental machinery fleet com-

for constructing pipelines, tanks and

prises over 1,800 heavy construction and

other facilities in oil and gas sites is

lifting equipment machines operated by

easily achieved using these specialised

over 2,000 certified, seasoned operators

long-reach booms.”

and mechanics. With over 32,000 work

Being a leading heavy machinery sup-

orders fulfilled, the company has been the

plier in the Middle East, this large fleet of

partner of success for various businesses.

in-house modified long-reach excavators

The group has already been involved in

is just one thing that sets AMM apart from

numerous large-scale projects. One crit-

competitors. Such expertise successfully

ical project showcasing the range and

modified the largest 80-ton Kobelco SK850

scope of their machinery fleet is the

excavator in the UAE, boosting its overall

Sharjah to Khor Fakkan road construction

reach from six to 28 metres. Additionally,

project. Additionally, the fleet was hired to

the construction of the 33m long boom for

construct 11 artificial islands for ADNOC's

the PC1600 is manufactured in-house,

Hail and Gasha Island project.

which puts this track-type digger among

Long-reach booms have become

the largest pieces of heavy equipment in

essential for constructing oil and gas

the industry. The company also changed

Inside oil & gas 213

AL MARWAN GROUP

I PROFILE

the next-gen Cat 395 excavator to become

company is currently involved in NEOM in

one of the largest CAT 395 excavators in

Saudi Arabia, supplying all-new excavators,

the world.

dozers, and hauliers to the megaproject.

Al Marwan’s fleet will boast about 15 of these long-reach vehicles by the end of

Highly agile together

2023, including Komatsu PC850 26m, 24m

The broader Al Marwan Heavy Machinery

and 22m large excavators, to meet clients'

takes its commitment to environmental

specialised needs. The Al Marwan Group

sustainability seriously. Its Kobelco

has a strong track record of completing

machines save clients a lot of fuel,

some of the world's largest projects,

making them economically efficient

demonstrating its existing ability to provide

and lowering their environmental impact.

top-tier heavy machinery solutions. The

Additionally, it has partnered with Pronar Recycling to bring a range of recycling and waste management equipment to the Middle East, which helps achieve a cyclical economy and a low-carbon environmental impact. In addition, the most recent partnership, becoming the official dealers for Powerscreen, a brand by Terex, will help supply powerful quarry equipment such as the Powerscreen Chieftain 2100X screener, which is one of the smartest quarrying solutions available today.

Al Marwan Heavy Machinery has a large fleet of brand-new machinery for rentals,

214 Inside oil & gas

meaning it is operating state-of-the-art engines and exhaust systems that reduce carbon emissions.

The company recently launched a first-of-its-kind e-commerce platform in the Middle East, almarwan.com, revolutionising rentals and sales and providing a convenient and efficient way for users to access the machinery they need. Among its many high-profile clients is NESR, an international, industry-leading provider of integrated energy services and directly

our long-term and successful supplier

supplying oilfield operators with down-

and client relations.”

hole tools.

IPC recently provided new high-standard,

“Al Marwan Heavy Machinery is committed to adapting tomorrow's

quality-assured skids cementing pumping

technology,” Mr Al Zaiem concluded, “to

units to a specific offshore operator for a

offer convenient solutions for end-users

key project. And it supplied 1,000 triplex

by building on a history of excellence and

units, a significant cementing unit com-

expertise to become a global supplier of

ponent, to another contract client.

top-tier heavy machinery solutions.

“At IPC, we pride ourselves in honest

“While commitment to sustainability and

and open communication, delivering on

customer satisfaction are top priorities,

what we promise and a commitment

Al Marwan's fleet and knowledgeable

to high-quality after-sales service,”

staff will continue to set the company

Mr Dayoub said. “These are central to

apart across the industry.”

n

Inside oil & gas 215