2016
Annual Offshore Support Journal conference | awards | exhibition
Large attendance explores the way forward
Lewek Constellation is Support Vessel of the Year Innovation of the Year Award goes to Trident fibre rope crane
“Usually the industry doesn’t make us, we make the industry.” Dagher Darwish Al Marar, CEO, Esnaad, page 22
Making the impossible, possible
Trident™ crane Deliver heavier loads at greater depths with the new Trident crane, featuring fiber rope technology and an innovative remote lifting operation station (LOS). The LOS relocates the crane operator nearer to the vessel bridge, allowing remote operation of the crane and improved visibility using augmented reality for superior control over the entire operation. Our fiber rope technology, with near zero buoyancy, eliminates hook-capacity loss and the need for wire lubrication and corrosion maintenance. The Trident crane redefines how offshore cranes operate, and improves the operational capabilities of your vessel. nov.com/Trident Watch the Trident crane animation to learn more. Download the GO NOV app from the App Store or Google Play. Š 2015 | National Oilwell Varco | All rights reserved
2016 contents 3
Comment
4
Annual Offshore Support Journal Subsea conference
6
European Dynamic Positioning conference
8
Opening session
11
Finance
12
Crewing
14
Technology
16
Region reports
18
2016 conference
21
Awards
38
Exhibition review
40
2017 conference preview
Photo: Larry Rigdon (Jackson Offshore) picks up the Lifetime Achievement Award
Putting technology to work, taking care of business
From Africa and the Gulf of Mexico to Australia and the Mediterranean, the Lewek Constellation has been routinely taking care of business for our clients and opening eyes along the way. Several significant industry records were recently set in deepwater pipelay projects in the Gulf of Mexico for Noble Energy. With its 3,000 MT revolving crane and 800 MT lay tower tension, the Constellation offers an unsurpassed combination of heavy lift and multi-lay capabilities for projects in any situation. And its innovative
portable reel delivery system allows it to stay on the job site, completing projects in less time and saving you money. If you haven’t talked to us yet about your subsea construction service needs, maybe now’s the time. Go to emas.com/constellation and tell us how we can help.
COMMENT | 3
SEEKING OUT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DOWNTURN
A
Steve Matthews, Editorial Director
mong delegates and exhibitors attending the 2016 Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition event in London in February, a common reaction was one of amazement that so many people had been attracted to participate at a time when the offshore support industry is going through some of its worst times for many years. The fact about 400 people came to London for the main two-day OSJ Conference and about 100 attended each of the two preceding one-day Subsea and Dynamic Positioning conferences is testament to the importance of the topics being discussed and the quality of speakers giving presentations. It clearly illustrated that senior executives in the industry are keen to share whatever insight they can about when a recovery is likely and any opportunities in the meantime, including new technologies that promise to improve efficiency. Not surprisingly, one of the key talking points was when the oil price might rebound to give some impetus to offshore exploration and production. There was no clear consensus, although keynote speaker David Pursell, managing director and head of macro research at investment bank Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co, sounded an optimistic note saying that there might be some recovery in the oil price sooner than many analysts have suggested. Even so, most speakers and delegates were
“A LONG, SLOW CRAWL OUT OF THE DOWNTURN”
www.osjonline.com
resigned to a long, slow recovery rather than a quick rebound. GulfMark’s president and chief executive, Quintin Kneen talked about “a long, slow crawl out of the downturn.” There was little expectation of a new boom any time soon. This means that there will be a continuing focus on controlling costs and managing the supply and demand balance of offshore support vessels. Stephen Gordon, managing director of Clarksons Research Services, reported the sobering statistic that nearly 1,000 OSVs are in layup worldwide as the industry suffers from the worst conditions since 1986. Winner of the 2016 OSJ Lifetime Achievement Award, Larry Rigdon, chairman of the board at Jackson Offshore Holdings, commented that a lack of discipline in the offshore vessel industry has contributed to the downturn and that owners have failed to learn lessons from earlier downturns, and over-invested which contributed to the massive oversupply. Not everyone is operating in such a negative environment, however. Winner of the Industry Leaders Award, Dagher Darwish Al Marar, is chief executive of Esnaad, part of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, which is continuing to invest in offshore support vessels to support the industry in the Middle East. So, amid the general downbeat situation in the offshore support industry there are still pockets of light and opportunity. Investment in new technology remains vital for the industry to be in a position to benefit fully when the oil price and offshore investment eventually recovers. The conference heard details of some of the most recent innovations. This supplement gives details of all the OSJ Awards winners and others that were shortlisted. OSJ congratulates all of them for their success and contribution to the advancement of what will continue to be an essential offshore support industry. OSJ
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
4 | ANNUAL OFFSHORE SUPPORT JOURNAL SUBSEA CONFERENCE
OSJ SUBSEA CONFERENCE DIGS DEEP
S
trong attendance at the Annual Offshore Support Journal Subsea Conference, despite the pressures currently facing the offshore sector, indicates the strong interest in looking for innovative solutions
and new opportunities that will help companies get through the current downturn and emerge in a strong position to benefit when the market recovers. About 100 people attended the event held in London in February.
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
Teresa Wilkie, subsea analyst at IHS, set the scene with statistics on the current state of the market. Operators of subsea vessels are facing uncertainty, cost cutting, oversupply and lack of demand. Utilisation levels
have fallen sharply. This is causing fierce competition for contracts, lower day rates and long-term contract rates and an increasing number of vessels of all types being laid up. There have also been some cancellations and postponements of orders. Owners of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) support, diving support and pipelay vessels have been moving into other markets, such as the renewables market and commercial construction, in a bid to keep their units operating. Demand for subsea vessels is still there for inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) and installation operations, but the timing of this demand is not clear. The next few years will be about weathering the storm until market conditions recover. Despite the current slow-down, Ms Wilkie said that there is still long-term growth but uncertainty when
www.osjonline.com
ANNUAL OFFSHORE SUPPORT JOURNAL SUBSEA CONFERENCE | 5
some projects will come to fruition. There is some new activity in South America, West Africa, Mexico and eastern Canada. Northwest Europe is badly affected, but some large projects are under development. Potential new opportunities include decommissioning projects and in the renewable energy sector. This opening presentation was followed by a panel discussion with leading figures: Gijsbert de Jong, market segment manager, offshore service vessels and tugs, at Bureau Veritas; Peter Sutherland, project manager, western hemisphere, at Daya Offshore Construction; and Vibor Paravic, general manager at GMC. Mr Paravic said that the only projects being commissioned at the moment are in shallow water, which do not need sophisticated vessels. Capt Hallvard Fosnavaag, sales manager at Havyard Design & Solutions in Norway, outlined a case study on IMR vessels. He said that hybrid battery systems are producing good results. IMR programmes include software packages to manage activities and troubleshoot equipment, delivering animation of whole projects. He also spoke about the benefits of using simulation of designs and of 3D drawings. Mads Malling, director of vessels and assets at Boa Offshore, focused on offshore construction vessels. He explained that Boa performs complex projects that need sophisticated engineering, and all that is done in house. “The market is changing, and we are also having to diversify,” he said. Stuart Smith, vice president asset development, Subsea 7, looked at pipelay support vessels and diving support vessels. Turning to specific equipment, Timon Ligerink,
www.osjonline.com
sales manager cranes at Huisman Equipment, considered the challenges of going deeper with heavier loads and outlined the key advantages of the company’s Hybrid Boom Crane, which he said exploits the advantages of knuckleboom functionality without the disadvantages of conventional knuckleboom cranes. Mads Carstens, senior manager and head of subsea, and Stephen Lee of CT Offshore presented its new customised trencher CT1071100 and the lessons learned so far from its operations. Gary Thomson, managing director of IKM Subsea, looked at the benefits of ROV and AUV developments. IKM offers alternative ROV technology with electrically operated ROVs. Its Merlin electrical technology features a fully configurable topside control system, which reduces the need to return to the surface, reduced electrical and hydraulic vehicle components subsea, so there is less to fail, and efficient electrical thruster motors improving performance capability. Sven Magne Storesund, technical manager at of Reach Subsea revealed the new high speed ROV surveyor interceptor, a joint project with MMT. Mr Storesund also made the first presentation in the final session focusing on crew competence and training. He said that crew competence and training is particularly important for new technology and equipment in order to minimise risks. He said that the company has learned lessons from two incidents related to new or modern ROV launch and recovery systems on vessels. Capt Tonny Moeller, operations manager at Maersk Training, gave his view on maintaining
competence and retraining. He focused on the important role played by simulators in training and retraining of individuals and teams. Peter Sieniewicz, diving technical adviser at IMCA, explained the latest developments in diver certification and safety in the light of new dive system developments involving PLC controlled dive systems. These enable refresher emergency skills and scenario training to take place in realistic simulated conditions. Finally, Sveinung Dalen, chief executive officer subsea at Simsea, revealed a new
simulation option involving a dry run of actual integrated subsea operations before a live operation takes place. Such simulation and procedure checks save costs and increase efficiency. He said that doing simulations as early as possible avoids losing time and using tooling that is not needed. OSJ
SUBSEA SPEAKERS FROM TOP LEFT TO BOTTOM RIGHT: Mads Carstens, Tonny Moeller, Sveinung Dalen, Peter Sieniewicz
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
6 | EUROPEAN DYNAMIC POSITIONING CONFERENCE
Technology can reduce the costs of DP in a downturn Vessel owners can lower their operating costs through the adoption of digital technology for DP operator certification, FMEA tests and effective positioning by Martyn Wingrove
D
ifferent technologies for reducing costs and improving vessel positioning were at the forefront of discussions at Riviera Maritime Media’s European Dynamic Positioning Conference. The industry’s focus has moved away from the dynamic positioning (DP) operator shortage towards reducing costs and improving performance because low oil prices have reduced demand for
Sasha Heriot: Explained the RadaScan View concept
DP offshore support vessels. Owners are looking for ways to lower the costs of assuring the competence of DP operators and minimising expenditure in annual system checks. One Danish owner has been testing technology for both these requirements. Maersk Supply Service is trialling a new cloud-based system for documenting work of DP operators on its offshore support vessels. It is testing the Cloud@ Sea application to reduce costs of DP operator log keeping, certification and validation. Maersk Supply Service senior marine specialist Nick Trier said this would be expanded across the fleet as the trial has already shown some success. On the vessels, operators log their time operating DP systems on an online application. This is sent to the captain for approval and then forwarded to shore for approval by managers and the Nautical Institute. It combines the certification of DP operators, DP time logbooks, registering DP operator time and the approval process in one system. It uses existing formats set out by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). Maersk Supply Service is also looking to save US$40 million from changing the ways it tests DP systems
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
for failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) requirements. “We are looking at doing the annual DP tests as part of a rolling test programme,” Mr Trier said. It involves a third-party training crew to undertake the tests throughout the year as part of general maintenance instead of paying engineers to go on board the vessels for the FMEA tests. “This means the crew do the DP trials over 12 months and a full report is filed by the chief engineer, and we upgrade the skills of the people on board,” Mr Trier said. Braemar Engineering has developed a method of using electronic tablets to conduct DP trials. These are used by the crew to report test results while being supervised by a Braemar engineer, said manager for DP and offshore projects Kyle Eddings. “Notes and edits are done on tablets during the trials and left with the master on a jump drive. It ensures that preventative maintenance is done properly.” These are being tested on a number of offshore vessels to reduce workload. Braemar is also developing more interactive FMEA tools that DP operators can use to improve uptime and engineers can utilise for maintenance. “This is a user-friendly tool for
crew to use that is searchable, segmented and interactive,” said Mr Eddings. One method of reducing costs of conducting the DP tests is to reduce the time they take by simplifying the system. Drillship and drilling rig owner Transocean has simplified DP systems and the tests to minimise the disruption to its operations. Transocean engineering manager Edward Bourgeau told delegates that it reduced communications between redundant onboard power systems to minimise testing. He said other ways to reduce costs included moving tests off the vessels using hardware-in-theloop testing to design systems that can be quickly tested and to design test equipment that meets the requirements. Also during the conference, Sonardyne and iXBlue described the benefits of combining inertial navigation system (INS) technology with acoustic sensors on the seabed for cost-effective positioning of drilling rigs and offshore vessels in DP. Sonardyne global business manager Mark Carter said use of INS for DP enables vessel owners to reduce the number of acoustic transceivers that need to be installed on the seabed. This lowers the installation costs
www.osjonline.com
EUROPEAN DYNAMIC POSITIONING CONFERENCE | 7
Nick Trier: Maersk Supply Service is using Cloud@Sea applications to reduce costs
and time as well as minimising downtime on vessel operations. He said this type of investment has a payback time of less than one year. iXBlue product line manager Pierre-Yves Morvan explained how an INS device can be used in conjunction with receivers of satellite positioning data to feed more reliable data into the DP controllers on vessels. In the engineering and technology session, Guidance Marine business development manager Sasha Heriot unveiled the new RadaScan View concept. This combines a radar-based reference system, which
www.osjonline.com
is widely used on offshore vessels to position them next to production facilities, with navigation radar. This enables DP operators to visualise the position of the vessel with the structures around it, such as floating production systems or fixed platforms. There was also discussion about how to assure the competence of DP operators and how to retain well trained crew in the downturn. C-Mar director Peter Aylott said training should go beyond the requirements for certification. He said owners need to consider team training on simulators
to boost competence and revise procedures. Bibby Ship Management regional managing director Andrew Rodden highlighted that there would be a shortage of crew for DP vessels when there is an upturn in demand because of the cuts made during the downturn. “We have vessels in layup, and people have left the industry. The question is, will they return when the market picks up?” Mr Rodden asked. “Where will the support people and crews come from when ships are reactivated? Who will be there for inspections and auditing and
for validating the training and competence of DP operators?” He said that this is the biggest risk to the DP sector, which needs to be overcome in time. Mr Rodden said driving technology forward and merging this with traditional maritime methods will enable the industry to overcome the challenges. “Clients need to spend on technology to improve DP. We should apply the right technology and use smart devices to improve operations.” He gave an example of using smart devices to improve efficiency of machinery, such as engine systems. OSJ
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
8 | OPENING SESSION
OIL PRICE IS THE KEY ISSUE O
ne of the recurring themes at the 2016 Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Exhibition & Awards in London in early February was what is going to happen to the oil price. The consensus seems to be that it is going to be lower for longer, although not everyone agreed about how low or for how long. In his keynote speech, David Pursell, managing director and head of macro research at investment bank Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co, told the conference that he is more optimistic than some
about the oil price. Mr Pursell said he believed that there are a number of factors at play that could make for a stronger, earlier recovery in the oil price than some analysts had suggested. Mr Pursell told delegates that they should forget what the futures markets are saying about the oil price. “We need to look beyond the next 12 months of futures contracts to see what is really happening,” he suggested. A lot of forecasts are inaccurate, he believes, and talk of “massive oversupply,” as frequently referred to by some commentators, was overdone.
“I do not believe the market is as out of balance as some people think,” he told the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference. In Mr Pursell’s view, nonOPEC production is declining; production in the US is not going to grow and will decline, and the number of barrels that Iran will export now that sanctions have been lifted is also being over-estimated. The only ‘fly in the ointment’ he sees that could prolong the downturn and prevent prices from picking up is if demand contracts for any reason. Interviewed by OSJ, Mr Pursell said he thought it was possible in the long-term
LEFT: David Pursell (Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co) RIGHT: Stephen Gordon (Clarksons Research Services) OPPOSITE LEFT: Quintin Kneen (Gulfmark Offshore) OPPOSITE CENTRE: René Kofod-Olsen (Topaz Energy and Marine) OPPOSITE RIGHT: Geir Sekkesæter (OSM Maritime Group)
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
www.osjonline.com
OPENING SESSION | 9
that shale oil might begin to be produced in countries other than the US, but not in the next 5-10 years. GulfMark’s president and chief executive, Quintin Kneen told the conference he expected “a long, slow crawl out of the downturn.” René KofodOlsen, chief executive of Topaz Energy and Marine, said of the downturn and the situation in the industry: “When you are walking through hell, keep walking.” Geir Sekkesæter, chief executive at OSM Maritime Group, said he was sure the oil price would recover, “but it might not return to the good old days” and there would undoubtedly be consolidation in the industry. Mr Kneen asked fellow panellists in the opening session of the conference whether shale oil might be developed in other countries. It would a frightening prospect if it ever is, but according to Wood Mackenzie’s latest global oil production analysis, unconventional oil is proving to be more resilient in the US than many have suggested. In a panel discussion, Mr Kneen said he did not anticipate there would be a snap recovery at any point soon. One of the problems he cited was that the last upturn in the market had seen a steep increase in labour costs. When the market finally recovers this time around, he
www.osjonline.com
“I DO NOT BELIEVE
THE MARKET IS AS OUT OF BALANCE AS SOME
PEOPLE THINK” DAVID PURSELL, TUDOR, PICKERING, HOLT & CO
suggested, a similar spike in labour costs might also take place, simply because so many people had left the industry during the downturn. He highlighted the large number of highly trained, skilled personnel who have lost their jobs as a result of the downturn as vessels have been laid up and, unfortunately, a lot of them would leave the industry for good. Mr Kofod-Olsen said one of the few good things to come out of the crisis was that barriers to entry, which were too low, would be higher in future, which would act as a brake on speculative, low cost players entering the industry. The
banks had been too keen to invest in the offshore market too, he said, and as a result, structural changes now needed to take place. Stephen Gordon, managing director of Clarksons Research Services, said nearly 1,000 offshore support vessels (OSVs) are in layup worldwide as the industry suffers from the worst conditions for 30 years. Owners are having to cope with the toughest market conditions since 1986, he said. He told delegates that 18 per cent of the global fleet were either in layup or had been scrapped. Mr Kofod-Olsen highlighted the need for owners to continue to cut costs to survive and come through the downturn. “A lot of the costs have been taken out of the market already. Owners have to make some brave decisions to avoid this becoming an unfundable industry,” he said. “This will be a low market for a long time, but oil prices will improve. We expect recovery and to fight another day.” “There is still more to be done by the sector,” said Mr Sekkesæter. “We need to reduce costs to the new reality. We need to take more vessels out and reduce operating expenditure. There will be more layups and more consolidation.” He said he also expects opportunities for owners that have cash to acquire vessels at low prices. OSJ
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
Annual Offshore Support Journal conference | awards | exhibition 8-9 February 2017, London
SAVE THE DATE
2017: Industry trends, analyst forecasts, the latest technologies and updates on all the key offshore markets
The 2017 conference will incorporate the OSJ Subsea Conference and the European Dynamic Positioning Conference which will be held simultaneously on 7 February. The exhibition will again be a 3 day event running from 7-9 February. The Annual Offshore Support Journal Awards is one of the most anticipated social events in the offshore support calendar. Each year more than 400 attendees from all sectors of the offshore business gather in London to celebrate the industry’s best performances from the past year. Visit www.osjconference.com for further details and to submit your nominations.
2017 Awards: be involved
If you would like to nominate a company (or your own) for work undertaken during 2016 our award nominations will be open later this year. If you would like to be kept updated, please contact Samantha Wilson-Pink on samantha.wilsonpink@rivieramm.com
Award categories for 2017: • Support Vessel of the Year Award • Shipowner of the Year Award • Innovation of the Year Award • Environmental Award • Dynamic Positioning Award • Subsea Innovation Award • Offshore Renewables Award • Lifetime Achievement Award • OSJ Industry Leader Award.
platinum sponsor
gold sponsors
Commercial partnerships
If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, please contact Ian Glen: ian.glen@rivieramm.com
www.osjconference.com
official publication
organised by
FINANCE | 11
Finance session sees concerns raised about capitulation
LEFT: Tom Elvoy (DVB Bank); CENTRE: Cassie Forman (Moore Stephens); RIGHT: Roy Yap (Nantong Rainbow Offshore & Engineering Equipments)
A
panel discussion looking at the availability of finance took as its start point the recognition that financing is an especially difficult issue, given the current state of the offshore vessel market. It considered alternative financing options and strategies to handle the downturn, reduce costs and manage cash. The panellists included Tom Elvoy, senior vice president, Offshore Finance, DVB Bank; Cassie Forman, a director at Moore Stephens, Roy Yap, chief marketing officer at Nantong Rainbow Offshore & Engineering Equipments in China, and Eleanor Martin, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright. Mr Elvoy told delegates that the S&P market was “almost non-existent” until prices reached rock bottom. “The bond market is no longer there,” he said. In the current market, life was especially difficult for recent start-ups, and a number have run into trouble. “Due to cancellation of charters, cashflow at many owners is under serious pressure,” Mr Elvoy told the conference.
www.osjonline.com
“There are almost no S&P transactions, and this is having a severe impact on sales potential of distressed assets. Although leverage may seem moderate on paper against desktop valuations, the actual value of an asset will only be known based on a willing buyer. As all offshore companies are facing stacking and idling of vessels, willing buyers are rare.” Mr Elvoy commented that many companies still have an orderbook and capex programmes to deal with. With no contracts available, attracting financing is a challenge. Postponement of asset deliveries will continue. A number of offshore support vessels are under construction in China, but many clients will not take delivery, and a significant number of newbuildings are being built by yards for their own accounts. “It is unknown how China will manage or handle this situation,” Mr Elvoy said. Among the probing questions from the audience. Larry Rigdon, winner of the OSJ 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award, said much depended on the attitude of the banks, when the market
might capitulate and when assets seized by banks might flood the market. So far, banks had tried to be accommodating to owners, he said, believing that the owner is the best operator of a vessel, but questioned how long this constructive attitude might continue. Mr Yap said many Chinese yards are in what he called “survival mode” and are facing severe cashflow difficulties. He said some yards were effectively “zombie yards” that were too big to be allowed to die but “too weak to take orders.” Ms Forman warned that changes to lease reporting introduced in January 2016 will have an impact on the offshore vessel sector and need to be borne in mind by owners. The new leasing accounting standard (IFRS16) will become effective from 1 January 2019. “Analysis of some companies that have gone into reorganisation or liquidation shows the value of off balance sheet leases was almost 66 times the value of on balance sheet debt,” she explained. “These are significant changes with implications for the industry,” she told delegates. OSJ
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
12 | CREWING
Real time views on downsizing and simulators
T
he first part of this session took a detailed look into what is required to manage and motivate a workforce during a downturn courtesy of GulfMark Offshore’s chief human resources officer David Darling. Recognising that changes would need to be made to weather today’s downturn, GulfMark set in motion a programme at the beginning of 2015 that targeted crewing, wage reduction and technology. While these programmes are not complete – Mr Darling saw the company reducing headcount by a further 40 in the North Sea – he expressed confidence that the steps taken ‘would pay dividends’. “In the Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Asia and the North Sea we have reduced headcount by about 20 per cent. We have followed the trend in the Gulf of Mexico by initiating another wage reduction, and in Southeast Asia have begun implementing a 10 per cent wage reduction for mariners.” To boost efficiency, the company is also automating a number of human resource functions it had traditionally done ‘with pen and paper’. Receptiveness to the changes being made varies region-byregion as does the ability to make cuts. “In the US it is easier because we do not have the unions that characterise North Sea operations,” he said. “In Norway we said if everyone takes a 15 per cent pay cut we can probably avoid making layoffs. The attitude was: ‘we will take the layoffs.’ He said he was confident that if cuts are processed in the right way, it will be possible to re-recruit mariners back into the industry when demand picks up again. The second part of the session was a presentation that addressed the role simulator training played in the successful installation of the Aasgard Compression Project. Delegates heard from Morten Person, marine operations manager – ÅSC, Statoil; Prof Hans Petter Hildre, dean, Aalesund University College, Maritime Operations and Joel Alexander Mills, CEO, Offshore Simulator Centre. Mr Person gave an overview of the project and Statoil’s operational requirements; Mr Mills gave a rundown of the Offshore Simulator’s capabilities before passing on to Aalesund University College with the words “you can have the best simulator in the world but that means nothing if you do not have a good training package.” OSJ
LEFT: David Darling (GulfMark Offshore): Regional responses varied enormously
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
www.osjonline.com
14 | TECHNOLOGY
Technology providers make operations more cost-effective
I
n the third conference session the stream entitled ‘Innovations in technology’ looked at a number of innovations that can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and enable vessel owners and the industry as a whole to work more effectively. Among the technologies presented were hybrid propulsion, including batteries, examined by Tomas Tronstad, a principal engineer at class society DNV GL; improving vessel performance and lowering opex by enhancing engine performance, from Bart Long, offshore segment manager Americas at Caterpillar Marine; trends in walk-to-work and offshore access technology, which were addressed by Wiebe Jan Emsbroek, area manager business development, EMEA, Ampelmann Operations and Richard Johannesen, rental and sales manager, Uptime International; and Trident, a new type of fibre rope subsea crane, which was described by Tønnes Seierstad, senior sales manager, lifting and handling at National Oilwell Varco (NOV). Iiro Lindborg, general manager, remote and autonomous solutions at Rolls-Royce Marine, described the company’s forward-looking ‘Operator Experience Concept (oX),’ a remote operation centre for unmanned vessels. Batteries have emerged forcefully as a technology that can help owners reduce operating costs, cut emissions and, possibly, help owners win charters by differentiating themselves from other owners. Mr Tronstad noted that batteries in a hybrid arrangement can make offshore vessels more reliable and increase uptime, and enable owners to run other machinery onboard optimally, reducing wear and tear on engines and reducing emissions. Mr Tronstad said DNV GL believed a 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption was possible with batteries in a hybrid arrangement. Batteries could be used to enhance redundancy and as a ‘spinning reserve’ and, because of the operational and safety benefits, could bring something to the charterer in the form of reduced costs. NOV’s crane is the first designed from the outset for use with fibre rope rather than conventional steel wire. Because it weighs so much, steel wire significantly reduces hook capacity as more wire is paid out to reach greater depths. But NOV has come up with an innovative solution which means that steel wire is eliminated. Using fibre rope can help cranes lift heavier loads and deploy them to greater depths. With NOV’s new knuckleboom crane, “depth is no longer an issue,” said Mr Seierstad, and a crane’s hook capacity remains the same, no matter what the water depth. Access systems and the walk-to-work market are one of the few bright spots in the offshore support vessel market. Having mastered the art of transferring personnel from a moving vessel to fixed platforms using motion-compensated gangways, access system manufacturers have turned their attention to transferring equipment and cargo. In the past, Ampelmann and Uptime remarked, it was possible to transfer people with a walk-to-work system but not the heavy equipment and cargo they needed once they were on the platform. Now they can do both. OSJ
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
Tomas Tronstad (DNV GL): Batteries can make offshore vessels more reliable
www.osjonline.com
TECHNOLOGY | 15
TECHNOLOGY OPENS UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR OWNERS
S
ession 3B at the 2016 Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition also focused on new technology and its ability to enhance efficiency, drive down costs and enable offshore vessel owners to enter new markets. Presentations in this session looked at a wide range of subjects including the walk-to-work market, and Wagenborg Offshore’s experience with its walk-towork vessel Kroonborg; new vessel designs from Salt Ship Design in Norway; new types of cable lay vessels from Damen in The Netherlands; service operation vessels (SOVs) for the offshore wind market, and how they differ from conventional offshore support vessels; and a case study looking at the advantages and disadvantages of conversions or newbuilds for the offshore wind market. Kroonborg was designed as a walk-to-work vessel to overcome difficulties providing maintenance on platforms in the southern North Sea. Many of the platforms are unmanned. Using helicopters to gain access is expensive, and existing vessels were not designed to transport maintenance personnel. The principle of the walkto-work vessel is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for people and equipment, reduce the need for helicopter assistance, and optimise workflow. The vessel does this by using a motion compensated transfer system and motion compensated hoisting capability, combined
www.osjonline.com
with integrated bunkering and well start-up facilities, plus a large cargo deck, workshops and warehouse facilities plus accommodation for 60 people on board. SOVs are another type of walk-to-work unit: designed for the needs of the offshore wind industry. The winner of OSJ’s 2016 offshore renewables award, is a SOV ordered by Østensjø Rederi in Norway that will work for Dong Energy on the Race Bank offshore windfarm in the UK. Two cable lay vessels based on Damen’s Damen Offshore Carrier (DOC) design have now been delivered,
one to Van Oord and one to DeepOcean. The DOC concept was first introduced by Damen in 2012 as a cost-effective smaller heavy transport, offshore installation and roro platform suitable for multiple markets. With its spacious and flush open deck, the design is highly adaptable, and its modular construction means that it can switch quickly and economically between roles. During the design process particular attention was paid to the bow and hullform. The new distinctive sleek bow, which has since become a particular trademark of Damen vessels,
and the relatively slender hull, enables the ship to sustain its speed and course in head seas as well as helping to reduce fuel consumption. The bow design diminishes accelerations and reduces slamming to a very low level, improving comfort and safety for the vessel, crew and cargo. DeepOcean’s DOC, which has just been delivered, is almost identical from an external view to the Van Oord version, but the former has a 7,000-tonne cable payload, meaning that a larger carousel was needed, and the vessel’s deadweight had to be increased accordingly. OSJ
Edwin de Vries (Wagenborg Offshore) told delegates that the walk-to-work vessel provides a safe and comfortable environment for people and reduces the need for helicopter assistance
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
16 | REGION REPORTS
Iran and Mexico are top While vessel owners are struggling to find work in the offshore oil industry, there could be opportunities in offshore renewables, seabed mining, and decommissioning by Martyn Wingrove
RIGHT: Homayoun Falakshahi: Iranian offshore projects could total US$75 billion in investment
O
pportunities for offshore support vessels (OSVs) from around the world and outside the oil industry were highlighted during the second day of the 2016 Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition. Iran, East Africa, Mexico and the Arctic were suggested as regions of opportunity for owners of offshore vessels. Owners were also advised as to the potential contracts in the offshore renewables, seabed mining and well abandonment sectors. Iran holds the greatest potential for OSVs in Asia. According to Wood Mackenzie research analyst for the Middle East Homayoun Falakshahi, up to US$75 billion could be spent on offshore oil and gas projects in Iran over the next 25 years. With sanctions lifted, the Iranian Government is seeking foreign investment in the oil field industry. It has put 13 offshore hydrocarbon projects, some as brownfield redevelopments, forward for investment. Up to US$75 billion would potentially be spent on eight offshore oil developments and five offshore gas projects over the whole of their lifetime, creating huge potential for offshore vessels in the region. He estimated US$60 billion would be spent on offshore
gas projects, including several phases of the giant South Pars field, and US$15 billion would be spent on oil projects. There will be challenges to overcome to achieve this investment, including political and technical challenges. “The scale of this capital expenditure is huge with 13 projects requiring US$75 billion in their full project life,” said Mr Falakshahi. “Offshore capital spending could be US$1 billion to US$2 billion per year, and if all the projects go ahead, we could see spending of US$40 billion by 2025.” Oil companies wanting to work with National Iranian Oil Co will need to consider the fiscal regime, local content requirements and technology transfers, he added. There are also opportunities for drillships and OSVs to build several liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants. The key to opening up the region for offshore vessels was whether the energy companies could sell enough gas to progress with their development plans. Frank Gibone, Tidewater director of international sales and marketing, eastern hemisphere, said the West African market was challenging for offshore vessel owners due to cutbacks in oil field investment and local regulations. He said operators needed local partners as there are different arrangements in
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
different countries, such as local content requirements and crewing arrangements. Mexico has been considered an opportunity for offshore vessels for a decade. Up to now, state energy company Pemex was seen as the only source of work, but the country is opening its oil industry to other energy companies for the first time for nearly a century. Yves Hayaux du Tilly, chairman of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain, said the Mexican Government was progressing with licence rounds for offshore exploration. He explained that there had been limited success from earlier rounds, with only independent operators gaining access to exploration blocks. However, the next round was more eagerly anticipated because of the deepwater blocks on offer. He expects tenders to be submitted for these blocks during the middle of this year and the round to be completed during the third quarter of 2016. This could be an important round for contractors with laid-up drillships and offshore vessels in the US. There are also initiatives for Arctic projects, but operators would need to overcome the political and technical challenges. Viking Supply Ships investor relations and treasury director Morten Grumheden Aggvin said there would be long-term chartering opportunities if
www.osjonline.com
REGION REPORTS | 17
for future OSV charters energy companies return to the region. He highlighted the challenges of operating in severe cold conditions in remote locations and long periods of darkness. Outside the oil sector, there is chartering potential for OSVs in the renewables sector. Douglas-Westwood researcher Celia Hayes provided an overview of the offshore wind sector for the next 10 years. She shared the company’s forecast for foundation building, turbine installation, cablelaying and substation construction. Seabed mining could also be a future market for offshore vessels. Nautilus Minerals is progressing with the world’s first deepwater mining operation, and project manager Mike Howitt outlined this progress. He said the first mining operations could begin in 2017. The biggest potential for vessel chartering could come from offshore decommissioning. DNV GL business development leader Per Jahre-Nilsen
said some of the biggest costs in decommissioning in the North Sea are from well plugging and abandonment. New technology in this process could open up more abandonment projects for vessel owners. In other region presentations, Halul Offshore chief executive Vivek Seth said an influx of offshore vessels from Asia had led to an oversupply of tonnage in the Middle East. He explained that this had led to a 50 per cent fall in long-term charter rates. It is thought that there are around 100 vessels in layup in the region, and charter rates are down to just above breakeven levels for anchor handlers and platform supply vessels. Mr Seth said utilisation levels had fallen for all owners in the region. “It is a free-forall with opportunistic entrants and rates coming down to levels similar to those in Southeast Asia.” Owners are moving vessels to the Middle East because of the poor market
conditions in Southeast Asia. Swire Pacific Offshore commercial director Duncan Telfer said energy companies had cut back investment, cancelling contracts or forcing charter rates down. This has led to low utilisation, low prices and vessel layups. He said there could be numerous shipyard cancellations, leaving yards, particularly in China, with unwanted ships. Market rates and utilisation are set to take another hit this year. “We are now seeing a second wave of contract renegotiations, and rates will be hitting breakeven and running costs of the ships,” Mr Telfer said. He highlighted that Shell was tendering for support vessels for its operations in Brunei, where rates are expected to drop further. During the session, there were also presentations covering the Brazilian market, where Petrobras has slashed investment, and the Gulf of Mexico. There were also presentations covering the North Sea vessel markets. OSJ
Panel discusses the investment opportunities in offshore oil and gas
www.osjonline.com
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
18 | 2016 CONFERENCE IN PICTURES
1
3
5
4
2
8
6
7
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1: ABS kindly sponsored the Coffee Breaks; 2: Delegates listening intently to the speakers; 3: Philip Martin and Mads Faerk from MAN Diesel at the exhibition stand; 4: Cassie Forman (Moore Stephens) networking with fellow delegates; 5: Sveining Dalen (Simsea) puts a question to panel; 6: Alexander Kohse (Caterpillar Marine) speaks to the audience; 7: Ronald van Nierop (left) and Timon Ligterink (right) from Huisman Equipment; 8: A packed audience at the OSJ Conference; 9: Maarten Verjaal (V Ships Manpower Services) networking with peers.
9
2016 CONFERENCE IN PICTURES | 19
10
12
14
11
13
16
15
17
18
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 10: Shanna van Berchum (Damen Shipyards Group) at the pre-dinner drinks; 11: Delegates settle in to enjoy the evening; 12: Chad Verret (Harvey Gulf) and wife celebrating at the awards; 13: The awards for the lucky winners; 14: Andrew Mak (Triyards Marine Services) and John Meenhaghan receive their awards for the Support Vessel of the Year; 15: Roy Norum (PG Marine) at the predinner drinks; 16: Larry Rigdon addresses the audience after picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award; 17: Cummins kindly sponsored the Awards Dinner; 18: John Howells (Renishaw) networking with fellow delegates.
A microwave position reference sensor with real time situational awareness
Real world conditions
• Radar suitable for the 500m zone • Combined positioning and radar Dashboard • Adds situational awareness to DP operator interface
Please visit
What DP Operators will see with Guidance Marine’s new RadaScan View System
What DP Operators currently see
• Confirms RadaScan responder locations on the Asset • Provides an early warning against the inadvertent moving of responders
www.guidance.eu.com/radascan-view for more information Supported by our worldwide support network and international offices in;
Guidance Marine Ltd, 5 Tiber Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1QP, UK Tel: + 44 116 229 2600 Email: sales@guidance.eu.com www.guidance.eu.com www.marine.direct
190-130mm Advert - RadaScan View (AW) V-2-0.indd 1
14/03/2016 13:50:00
Middle East Offshore Support Journal conference 18-19 May 2016, Dubai
platinum sponsor
Focusing on the latest developments and opportunities in the Middle East region, which continue to attract investment The 3rd Annual Middle East OSJ Conference brings together the leading shipowners, oil and gas majors, shipbuilders and technology experts to discuss innovative approaches to managing costs effectively, improving safety and efficiency and the current market opportunities. This conference is the region’s most definitive event focused on offshore support and provides Offshore Support Vessel operators looking for potential deployments in the region with access to the latest market information and operational requirements. official publication
Book online at: www.osjmiddleeast.com
gold sponsors
silver sponsors
organised by VANUATU MARITIME SERVICES LIMITED THE OFFSHORE FLAG OF QUALITY
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD | 21
INDUSTRY NEEDS TO HEED HISTORY’S LESSONS SAYS LIFETIME ACHIEVER
T
he winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition, Larry Rigdon, says a lack of discipline in the offshore vessel industry has contributed to the downturn it’s currently experiencing. Mr Rigdon is especially well placed to comment on the crisis, having served in the offshore vessel industry for 40 years, providing leadership, guidance and experience to various vessel owners and operators. In a distinguished career, he has run his own business, Rigdon Marine, and held senior posts at Zapata Gulf Marine, Tidewater and GulfMark Offshore. He has also served as a member of the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee to the US Coast Guard and on the board of directors of the National Ocean Industries Association. Mr Rigdon said he was “humbled” by the award and dedicated it to the people he had worked with over the years, including ship designers, vessel builders and operators. Currently, he is now assisting his son Matt Rigdon and long-term friend Lee Jackson operating eight vessels owned by Jackson Offshore. In an address at the conference, Mr Rigdon noted that,
although the oil price “is the key” to the wellbeing of the industry, there are other factors to take into account too, not least the fact that owners in the sector have failed to learn lessons from earlier downturns and have over-invested and helped create a massive oversupply situation. “Industry discipline?” he asked delegates. “It doesn’t exist. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw excessive growth in the industry, driven by the US, and caused primarily by US Government loan programmes. This current super cycle excess growth was driven by Norway and China by easy money and government support. Now what is needed is a disciplined stacking strategy,” he said. “Consolidation will occur,” he told delegates. “The primary currency will be equity. Cash purchases will be rare except by private equity supported deals.” How long banks will continue to support companies is unclear, and there will inevitably be foreclosures at some point. Bondholders and their trustees will have a big role to play too, he suggests. In Mr Rigdon’s view, offshore support vessel industry history will almost certainly be repeated – there will be consolidation, reorganisation and companies will fail. OSJ
22 | INDUSTRY LEADER AWARD
sponsored by
Esnaad CEO heads largescale newbuild programme Dagher Darwish Al Marar receives the Industry Leader Award for ESNAAD from Nick Brown from Lloyd’s Register
A
s chief executive of Esnaad, Dagher Darwish Al Marar is one of only a very few to have a major fleet renewal and upgrade programme underway. Such is the state of the offshore oil and gas industry since the oil price fell so steeply that almost all other chief executives are engaged not in building vessels but in laying them up, cancelling contracts for newbuilds and delaying delivery of ships if they cannot cancel them. Not Mr Dagher, however, who is in the fortunate position of running a state-owned company (Esnaad is part of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Adnoc) that is investing. Esnaad means ‘support’ in Arabic, and this is exactly what the company does – it supports the offshore oil and gas industry – and Adnoc – in the region. As such, it is to some extent shielded from the volatility with which many offshore vessel owners have to contend, but that does not necessarily make the business of running and upgrading a large fleet any easier. Selecting the right vessels is the key to long-term operational success, and owners in the Middle East have become increasingly discriminating. Many no longer acquire off-the-shelf designs developed with other markets in mind. They are more discerning and want vessels suited to their specific requirements. Esnaad, and Mr Dagher, is a leader in this respect and has on order a large number
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
of platform supply vessels (PSVs) and anchor-handling tug/supply (AHTS) vessels developed specifically to meet its requirements. In July 2015 Esnaad took delivery of the first in a series of 10 PSVs built by Shipyard De Hoop in The Netherlands. Production of the vessels is split between De Hoop’s facilities in Lobith and Foxhol, with delivery of all 10 vessels due in 2017. More recently, Esnaad also ordered nine AHTS vessels based on Shanghai Design Associates SPA80 design. The PSVs are custom-designed for Esnaad to operate at maximum efficiency and reduce operating costs. Although based on previous, proven in-house designs, the vessels represent the next step in the evolution of the Dutch builder’s PSV design portfolio and have a specially developed bulbous bow that is optimised to reduce resistance. Testament to the optimised cargo volume with this hull shape is the resulting deadweight – 2,500 dwt at a draught of 4.85m. Esnaad opted for diesel-electric propulsion to achieve enhanced flexibility whilst ensuring that the vessels are economical and environmentally friendly to operate. Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group in China will build the anchor handlers for Mr Dagher’s company, all nine being due for delivery in 2017, the vessel’s basic design having been tailored to Adnoc’s specific requirements. OSJ
www.osjonline.com
24 | SUPPORT VESSEL OF THE YEAR AWARD
HEAVY LIFT/PIPELAY SHIP HAS MORE COST-EFFECTIVE WAY OF WORKING
Innovative subsea construction vessel Lewek Constellation won the Support Vessel of the Year Award
sponsored by
T
his year, the award for the Support Vessel of the Year, sponsored by DNV GL, went to the innovative subsea construction vessel Lewek Constellation, owned by Emas Offshore and built by Triyards. The vessel was designed for deepwater pipelay, heavy lift and subsea construction operations. The vessel recently established an industry record for pipelay in the Gulf of Mexico. Lewek Constellation set the record in 2,246m of water during sea trials. In preparation for the execution of three subsea tie-back projects for Noble Energy, the ship undertook its final pipelay trial with the deployment of a 3.2km, 16in diameter pipeline, complete with the pipeline end termination. The tension recorded was 632 tonnes, this being the highest tension ever experienced in the history of rigid reeled-lay operations. “Successfully laying the test pipe at this record-breaking top tension is a significant achievement for Emas and an industry first,” said Lionel Lee, chairman, Emas AMC. “It is testament to the experience and expertise of our people combined with the quality of our new vessel. What this record means for clients going forward is that we can offer a more efficient pipelay solution in ultra-deep water for pipelines up to 16in in diameter when compared to traditional S-lay or J-lay methods, even with thick insulation coatings, giving our clients more options to consider.” Since entering service, the vessel has undertaken a range of projects demonstrating its especially flexible design. Soon after it was delivered, the new vessel completed several tie-back projects for Noble Energy in the Gulf of Mexico. The scope of work included project management, fabrication and installation of 8in (200mm) steel catenary risers and 64km of 8in (200mm) and 12in (300mm) pipe-in-pipe (PIP) for the Big Bend and Dantzler field development projects in 7,000ft of water. The project also included the design, fabrication and installation of eight subsea structures weighing up to 100 tonnes each. “We were proud to be able to announce a record for what we understand is the heaviest PIP system ever deployed in the world using the reeling methodology, whilst proving the viability of our offshore reel-transfer technology in open waters,” said Mr Lee. “Our game-changing vessel used in combination with our unique transportable reel delivery system will offer clients more efficient pipelay options in ultra-deep water when compared to more traditional methods.” The vessel’s ability to handle multiple, transportable reels combined with its heavy-lift capability reduces transit time and eliminates the need for direct spooling, keeping the vessel in pipelay mode throughout a project. This effectively decouples Lewek Constellation from the spoolbase and takes the pipeline fabrication off the critical path. Emas AMC describes Lewek Constellation as a “project enabler”. Mr Lee says that the ice-classed multilay offshore construction vessel will play a central role in the group’s future and help produce economies of scale and enhance operational efficiency and optimise profitability. He has also spoken of Lewek Constellation as “putting Emas AMC in the top five” of global contractors. For an Asian company to create an asset like this and build and deliver it is impressive. Comparing Lewek Constellation with assets owned by leading subsea contractors such as Technip, Subsea 7 and McDermott and companies such as Heerema that are capable of undertaking operations in deep water, Mr Lee has highlighted the vessel’s 3,000-tonne capacity crane, 800-tonne top tension capacity and 4,800-tonne payload. Other contractors in the top five have a mix of similar capability, but only Lewek Constellation has capacity for four reels.
Arnstein Eknes (left) from DNV GL awarded Andrew Mak (centre) from Triyards Marine Services and John Meenhaghan (right) Emas Offshore their awards for the Lewek Constellation
With a length of 178m, breadth of 46m and deck area of 4,200m2 (without reels), the 18,000-tonne deadweight vessel has a Huisman offshore mast crane combined with the ability to lay rigid pipe and flexible pipe through a moonpool. The vessel can handle rigid pipe with an outer diameter of 4–16in (100–400mm) and flexible pipe with a diameter of 4–24in (100–600mm). It is equipped with two 400-tonne retractable tower tensioners and a 900-tonne hang-off clamp. Storage is provided for four reels, each of 1,200 tonnes, and there are two carousels, each of 1,250 tonnes. The abandonment and recovery (A&R) equipment takes the form of two 600-tonne traction winches. Accommodation is provided for 239 people, and the vessel’s helicopter deck is suitable for a Sikorsky S-92 or S-61N. Taken together, said Mr Lee, Emas AMC’s assets and capabilities place Emas AMC firmly in the top five players in the global subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (Surf ) market and position the company as a major subsea engineering, procurement, construction and installation player, with high spec, dynamic positioning vessels supported by strategically located spoolbases and specialised equipment and engineering centres in Houston, Oslo and Singapore. The addition of Lewek Constellation to the company’s fleet has, said Mr Lee, “raised Ezra to the next level of the subsea industry where competition is limited”. Other shortlisted nominees included: Kroonberg, a walk-towork vessel for Wagenborg; Harvey Energy, the first LNGfuelled offshore vessel in the Gulf of Mexico; and Prince Job 1, a unique ‘intermix’ vessel design and built by De Hoop in The Netherlands. OSJ
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
26 | SHIPOWNER OF THE YEAR AWARD
“THESE SHIPYARD ACQUISITIONS WILL POSITION HARVEY GULF AS AMERICA’S ONLY BUILDER, OWNER AND OPERATOR OF DUAL-F UEL (DIESEL/LNG) OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS... ”
sponsored by
LNG EXPERTISE PUTS OWNER IN POLE POSITION IN FAST-EVOLVING SECTOR
T
he OSJ Shipowner of the Year award, sponsored by National Oilwell Varco (NOV), went to Harvey Gulf International Marine for introducing the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuelled offshore support vessel into the Gulf of Mexico, its new LNG bunkering facility and its decision to branch out into building LNG-fuelled vessels. In February 2016, Harvey Gulf International Marine completed the first refuelling at its new LNG facility at Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The company transferred 43,000 gallons of LNG to Harvey Energy, its LNG-fuelled platform supply vessel (PSV). This was, said the company, a testament to Harvey Gulf’s commitment to promoting the use of LNG, which it described as a “clean, abundant and cost-effective alternative” marine fuel. “With the completion of our LNG terminal at Port Fourchon, we are able to provide a LNG bunkering point at the epicentre of marine operations for the Gulf of Mexico, which is vital to continuing the shift to LNG as a marine fuel,” said the company. Having introduced the first ever PSV in the Gulf of Mexico powered by LNG, Harvey Gulf International Marine recently acquired two US-based shipyards – including the yard that is building LNG-powered vessels for it – and intends to use its expertise in LNG to meet US owners’ need to comply with the evolving requirements of the forthcoming North American emission control area (ECA). Changes to the North American ECA came into force in January 2016 and required owners operating vessels in areas covered by it to meet strict sulphur limits in the fuel they use. One way of doing so is, of course, to switch away from conventional fuel to LNG, and it is here that the company sees opportunities to use its expertise in designing and operating vessels with LNG combined with the expertise at two yards it acquired – Trinity Yachts in New Orleans and Gulf Coast Shipyard, which is based in Gulfport, Mississippi. The latter built Harvey Energy, Harvey Gulf’s first dual-fuel vessel. The company says its new affiliated company, Harvey Shipyard Group, will manage its shipbuilding assets and plans to build on its success in building the first LNG-powered offshore vessel in the US by building for other owners. “These shipyard acquisitions will position Harvey Gulf as America’s only builder, owner and operator of dual-fuel (diesel/ LNG) offshore supply vessels and allow us to pass along the savings of lower operating costs and environmental protection to the marine transportation industry,” said Shane J Guidry, chairman and chief executive officer of Harvey Shipyard
Group. The company anticipates that LNG-fuelled tugs will be the initial focus of its attention, especially given the growing interest in exporting natural gas from the US from marine facilities at which tugs will be required. The shortlist also included: ESNAAD in the Middle East; Halul Offshore, which is part of Milaha Offshore; and Gulf Marine Services. OSJ
www.osjonline.com
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
OPPOSITE PAGE: Harvey Gulf introduced the first LNG-fuelled OSV in the Gulf of Mexico BELOW: Chad Verret of Harvey Gulf was presented with the Shipowner of the Year Award from Tønnes Seierstad, Jan Steinar Aaseli and Oddvar Hoydal from National Oilwell Varco
28 | INNOVATION OF THE YEAR AWARD
NOV LIFTS INNOVATION AWARD T
he Bureau Veritassponsored OSJ Innovation of the Year award was won by NOV for its Trident fibre rope crane. The crane is the first of its type to have been
developed and is unique in its ability to lower its full load to the seabed. Fibre rope rather than conventional steel wire can help cranes lift heavier loads and deploy them to greater depths. This is because, unlike
conventional steel wire, fibre rope is neutrally buoyant in water. Because it weighs so much, steel wire significantly reduces hook capacity as more and more wire is paid out to reach greater depths. A number
of companies have developed hybrid concepts that make use of steel wire and fibre rope, but NOV was the first to develop a pure fibre rope crane. This means that water depth and the weight of the wire used to lower a load is no longer an issue. The crane’s hook capacity remains the same, no matter what the water depth. A 150-tonne capacity Trident crane can raise and lower a 150-tonne module to a depth of 3,000m, whereas a similar crane with steel wire will only manage about 60-70 tonnes to the same depth. This is because the weight of the steel wire consumes about 50 per cent of the crane’s capacity. At greater depths, the problem becomes even more acute as the weight of the steel wire gets greater and greater. A larger, 400-tonne capacity Trident crane can lower a full 400-tonne load to whatever depth is required. Equally, it means that a 200-tonne
The Trident fibre rope crane won the Innovation of the Year Award for NOV
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
www.osjonline.com
sponsored by
Trident crane can do the job that a 400-tonne crane would normally do. A smaller crane is also less expensive and can be installed on a smaller vessel, reducing costs considerably. NOV designed the hoisting system for the crane with fibre rope in mind. It includes a new winch and spooling system and a fibre rope protection system that prevents the rope from heating up during use. Bending fibre rope over the sheaves on a crane causes it to heat up, which can affect the fatigue lift of the rope, but the Norwegian company’s new concept prevents this from happening. The solution is a vertical drum and to wind the rope vertically, rather than horizontally, inside the pedestal. The pedestal provides ample space to spool the fibre rope, and the need for large drums for wire below deck or a ‘backpack’ on the crane that eats in to deck space when revolving the crane is eliminated. The solution neatly combines passive cooling and active cooling in the form of air conditioning. The innovative crane is also electrically powered using permanent magnet motors with the ability to regenerate power during braking, lowering and in active heave compensated mode. Another obvious advantage is that an electrically powered crane uses 30 per cent less energy than a hydraulic crane. “We started developing what became the Trident three to four years ago,” said Yngvar Boro, senior manager, winch and crane at NOV. “We looked at the problem areas with existing equipment that used fibre rope – such as spooling problems, bending fatigue and the heating up of the fibre rope – and came up with a new concept.” “We knew that two layers was the maximum for the spool – the problem was how to accommodate
www.osjonline.com
4,000m of fibre rope in two layers. The solution was the vertical drum and to wind the rope vertically, rather than horizontally, inside the crane in the pedestal.” Cooling fibre rope is not so much of an issue in regions such as the North Sea, but where temperatures are higher, above 70°C, Mr Boro explained, changes occur in the structure of the rope because of a phenomenon known as crystallisation. This weakens the rope. The problem is, of course, that many of the most important deepwater developments are in deep water in parts of the world where ambient temperatures are much higher – such as in West Africa, Brazil and Australasia. “In an environment such as West Africa, this air conditioning would be ‘on’ permanently, whether the crane is in use or not. Because the air conditioning system is a closed-cycle system, power consumption is not a big issue.
Another benefit of enclosing the crane in this way is that all of the key components are mounted inside the crane, eliminating the risk of corrosion. When you start operating the crane, you have cold rope. When the crane and the heave compensation system are brought into operation, we use water cooling to the sheaves in the active heave compensation system in order to prevent the rope from heating up above acceptable limits. You have active cooling of the drum and jibs via the air conditioning so that the temperature is maintained at 20°C all of the time, including when the crane is parked, and you have water cooling of the sheaves in continuous and active heave compensated mode.” Other shortlisted nominees included: the Safeway walkto-work offshore access system from Van Aalst; Ulstein’s Twin X-Stern hullform; and Huisman’s Hybrid Boom Crane. OSJ
ABOVE: Gisbert De Jong (Bureau Veritas) presents the award to Tønnes Seierstad, Jan Steinar Aaseli and Oddvar Hoydal from National Oilwell Varco
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
30 | ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Corvus takes environmental prize T he Environmental Award, sponsored by Nor-Shipping, was awarded to Corvus Energy for its lithium-ion battery-based energy storage system. Only a couple of years ago, fitting batteries on an offshore support vessel (OSV) as a source of electricity for power and propulsion would have seemed unlikely, but more and more owners are taking advantage of the concept, and one particular company, Corvus Energy, has pioneered the application of batteries on offshore vessels and a growing
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
number of other ship types. Batteries such as those supplied by Corvus Energy have been proved to provide owners of offshore vessels with a number of advantages. Newbuild vessels are being ordered with battery power, and existing vessels are being refitted with batteries. A focus on hybrid propulsion systems is one reason why battery power is suddenly enjoying this level of attention. Another is a focus on ship electrification, where batteries can play a leading role and promise more efficient use of energy. In
www.osjonline.com
sponsored by
hybrid ships with energy storage in batteries, power control can be optimised; fuel cost, maintenance and emissions reduced; and a vessel can be made more responsive and safer. Were it not for the steep fall in the oil price, undoubtedly more would have been ordered with battery power, and when the market recovers from the trough in which it currently finds itself, it seems highly likely that hybrid propulsion systems with battery power included will be part of a new wave of more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly offshore vessels. The focus on hybrid propulsion systems is one reason why battery power is suddenly enjoying this level of attention. Another is a focus on ship electrification, where batteries can play a leading role and promise more efficient use of energy. All electric ships and hybrid ships with energy storage in batteries with optimised power control can significantly reduce fuel costs, maintenance and emissions. In addition, hybrid systems with batteries can significantly enhance responsiveness and enhance safety when vessels are operating in safety-critical situations. Battery hybrids enable a vessel to run its engines at more favourable loads. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions, extends engine lifetime and reduces engine maintenance – it can also help reduce noise and vibration on board. Growing interest in batteries – and Corvus Energy’s role in the market – led to Statoil Technology Invest, part of Norway’s state oil company Statoil, investing in Corvus Energy. “We are building on our success in the offshore market where we have successfully demonstrated our technology,” said the company. “Offshore supply vessels like Viking Lady and Edda Ferd platform supply vessel that employ the Corvus energy storage system are field tested and proven to meet and exceed performance and safety expectations. These vessels run at peak efficiency for longer periods of time, saving fuel and maintenance costs and dramatically reducing emissions,” said Andrew Morden, president and CEO of Corvus Energy. “Now, with the release of class rules pertaining to batteries and dynamic positioning, Corvus’s ESS will further enable the reduction in both the size and number of generator sets in dynamically positioned vessels.” “We are very pleased to invest in Corvus Energy,” said Richard Erskine, managing director of Statoil Technology Invest. “Their products and expertise give them a competitive advantage for expanding into the offshore sector. We see initial applications in vessels, with long-term potential to apply the same technology to rigs and platforms, which will contribute to Statoil’s ambition to reduce CO2 emissions. This investment also represents an exciting opportunity to accelerate the growth of hybrid marine technology, complementing Statoil’s increased focus on alternative energy solutions.” In 2015, Corvus Energy hosted a lithium-ion battery safety event in which it tested batteries for thermal runaway mitigation. In the tests, safety systems on Corvus energy storage systems were deliberately bypassed in order to induce thermal runaway. The tests, conducted at the SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, used a multiple-battery pack consisting of seven 6.5 kWh Corvus AT6500 lithium polymer battery modules. They demonstrated that, when a thermal runaway event is initiated, the event is confined to a single 6.5 kWh module, even under worst-case conditions. Testing also demonstrated that an external fire does not cause dangerous temperatures in the battery system with Corvus’s proprietary design. Representatives from the marine industry were invited to view
the final two days of testing, including shipowners, energy and propulsion system integrators, shipbuilders, class societies and maritime authorities. Towards the end of 2016, Corvus Energy says it plans to introduce a containerised lithium-ion energy storage system (ESS). The company says it believes the containerised solution will offer increased flexibility and accelerate project schedules, especially on retrofits. “Containerised ESS provides an option for vessels with insufficient room below decks for a battery room to have a practical alternative,” said the company. “This scalable solution is ideally suited for retrofits and can deliver a customtailored ESS specifically designed for each vessel’s operational profile.” The new solution is compatible with Corvus air-cooled or liquid-cooled technology and meets all class requirements for ESS and container. Other shortlisted nominees included: Bellona Foundation and Damen Shipyards Group for their project on reduced emissions; Saft for the liquid cooled lithium-ion super phosphate battery for ABB’s new cable-lay vessel; and DNV GL for pioneering work on hybrid/battery-powered vessels and Maritime Battery Forum. OSJ
www.osjonline.com
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
Birgit Liodden from sponsor Nor-Shipping presents Halvard Hauso from Corvus with the Environmental Award
32 | OFFSHORE RENEWABLES AWARD
ØSTENSJØ REDERI SOV WINS RENEWABLES PRIZE The Offshore Renewables Award was won by Østensjø Rederi for its SOV for Dong Energy
T
he Offshore Renewables Award, sponsored by F-3 Offshore, was won by Østensjø Rederi for its service operation vessel (SOV ) for Dong Energy. Under the terms of Østensjø Rederi’s contract with Dong Energy, a new SOV will be built to service the Race Bank offshore windfarm in the UK. The contract awarded to the company by Dong Energy is for five years firm with five optional years. Commencement is 1 September 2017. The vessel will function as a support ship for turbine technicians as they undertake maintenance work on the windfarm. “This contract enables us to expand our business into the renewable energy sector. It has been the strategy of Østensjø Rederi to diversify our operations. We are pleased that Dong
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
Energy has awarded us this exciting opportunity in a sector where we believe there will be further opportunities for similar vessels in the near future,” said Johan Rokstad, chief executive of Østensjø Rederi. The newbuild is a dynamic positioning class 2 (DP2) SOV with excellent stationkeeping capability. It will have 60 single cabins and accommodate up to 40 wind turbine technicians in addition to a marine crew of 20. A motion compensated gangway system with an adjustable pedestal will be installed to transfer turbine technicians and enhance uptime. The 81.1m long vessel will have a beam of 17m and work out of an operations base in Grimsby on the east coast of the UK. The SOV is a Rolls-Royce design developed in close co-
www.osjonline.com
sponsored by
“THE SOV WILL BE AN IMPORTANT STEP TO ENSURE SAFE AND EFFICIENT OPERATION OF WINDFARMS FAR FROM SHORE... ”
operation with Østensjø Rederi and Astilleros Gondan in Spain, who will build the vessel. It marks Rolls-Royce’s entry into the growing market for SOVs. F-3 Offshore in Germany was engaged by Østensjø Rederi to act as the broker for the deal. “The SOV will be an important step to ensure safe and efficient operation of windfarms far from shore, starting with Race Bank windfarm, and we are convinced that Dong Energy will benefit from Østensjø Rederi’s long experience in conducting safe operations in the offshore environment,” said Jens Jakobsson, senior vice president for wind power operations at Dong Energy. Demand for vessels capable of accommodating offshore wind technicians and enabling them to walk-to-work using a motion compensated offshore access system is growing, and the design of SOVs has evolved rapidly. Østensjø Rederi’s contract for the SOV was won against stiff competition, with as many as 50 vessel owners seeking to prequalify for the Dong Energy tender, which Østensjø’s vessel will now service. The winning UT 540 WP has taken SOV or walk-to-work vessel design a step further, and benefits from Rolls-Royce’s wave-piercing hullform and excellent seakeeping capability, which will ensure that windfarm technicians arrive at the windfarm in the best possible condition, ready to start work. One of the key features of any SOV is to understand that it is designed to accommodate personnel who are not seafarers. It is also essential to understand the nature of how those accommodated on board will work and what their requirements will be. Østensjø Rederi’s SOV does this. In the offshore wind industry, crew transfer vessels play an important role transporting small teams of up to 12 technicians to offshore windfarms on a daily basis. In contrast, a SOV would normally accommodate many more windfarm technicians, and remain at sea for several weeks and only need to return to port for refuelling and replenishment of supplies and equipment. This means that maintenance work with a SOVs entails far less transport and unproductive time, which in turn improves productivity and turbine availability. That is why SOVs are especially suited for windfarms that are far from the shore. In contrast to an offshore support vessel (OSV ) of the type that services the offshore oil and gas industry, it is important to remember that the personnel accommodated on the SOV are there to work off the vessel, rather than on it. This being the case, there needed to be a high level of focus on the layout of the vessel, making sure that it is easy and straightforward for those onboard to leave the vessel to go to work. The level of comfort on board also needs to reflect the fact that most of those onboard are non-seafarers. This means that the accommodation will usually take the form of single cabins. Unlike an OSV, there are no cargo tanks and there is no need for a large crane to lower equipment to the seabed. In contrast, because an OSV is made for working on the vessel, not off it,
there is a high level of attention on the equipment on board and on the skills required of those who operate the ship. An OSV would typically have a lower level of comfort and twin cabins. Such a vessel also has various cargo tanks reflecting the role of the vessel supplying rigs and platforms, and unlike a SOV, the focus of the design is on the arrangement of the cargo deck. There are similarities, however: Both require a dynamically positioned vessel with a flush working deck and a helideck. Other nominations included: Seajacks Scylla, a new turbine installation vessel; Acta Orion, a windfarm support vessel owned by Acta Marine and chartered to Van Oord; and Nexus, Van Oord’s new cable lay vessel for the offshore wind sector. OSJ
www.osjonline.com
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
Hakon L Vevang (Østensø Rederi) is awarded the Offshore Renewables prize by Roman Grebe (F-3 Offshore)
34 | SUBSEA INNOVATION AWARD
Deepwater load handling system was a collaborative effort
T
he OSJ Subsea Innovation Award was won by the Soft Rope System, which was developed in collaboration by Deep Tek, Dyneema and Lankhorst Ropes. The Soft Rope System is capable of handling heavy loads at water depths of in excess of 3,000m. It combines an active heave compensated drum winch system developed by Deep Tek with Lankhorst Ropes’ LankoDeep rope and DSM Dyneema’s fibre rope. The innovative patented drum winch design ensures a spooling pattern that allows multiple layers of fibre rope to be spooled onto a load bearing
winch drum with no risk of cutting-in. It is certified by DNV GL at 110 tonnes in air and 110 tonnes at 3,000m water depth. Larger Soft Rope systems capable of handling 165 tonnes and 275 tonnes are under development. The design and integration of the Soft Rope System is based on compliance with DNV GL’s DNV-OS-E407 standard, Underwater Deployment & Recovery Systems and DNV GL Recommended Practice for Technology Qualification, DNV-RP-A203, Qualification Procedures for New Technology. The Soft Rope
System effectively doubles a crane’s capacity, enabling a vessel smaller than 90m to be competitive against much larger ships with 200 tonne steel wire rope cranes. “It is all about an integrated system approach,” said Håvard Haanes, Deep Tek’s managing director. “This technology is significantly lower cost and less complex than current technologies that use synthetic rope for lowering and lifting objects subsea and comes with DNV GL certification. “In the current market, with the emphasis on cutting the cost of both vessels and subsea operations, we see the
upgrade of existing cranes with steel wire rope to soft rope as a cost-attractive proposition for vessel owners. They can simply change one drum winch system for another, keeping weights and footprint much the same. However, the winches and cranes are only part of a highly sophisticated technical development that enables us to predict the remaining life of the rope in real time, giving all parties confidence, from oil and gas companies to crane operators, in the reliability and safety of our fully integrated, soft rope solution,” said Mr Haanes. “The Soft Rope System
The Soft Rope System won the Subsea Innovation Award
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
www.osjonline.com
SUBSEA INNOVATION AWARD | 35
is an outstanding example of the integration of worldleading technologies from along the supply chain, and could only be achieved by strong partnership,” said Jorn Boesten, segment manager offshore at DSM Dyneema. “Dyneema fibres have outstanding potential in the deepsea environment, and we are very happy to work together with Lankhorst Ropes and Deep Tek to maximise this potential.” Sérgio Leite, sales director at Lankhorst Ropes Offshore said: “We are delighted that the Soft Rope System has received this prestigious award. Lankhorst Ropes has a long history of rope innovation. To be part of another award winning innovation is a great achievement for Lankhorst. As the oil and gas industry had shown a desire to work at greater depths than possible with steel wire ropes, the challenge was to provide a synthetic rope, Lankhorst’s LankoDeep AHC rope, which makes operating at over 3,000m possible.” The LankoDeep AHC rope is a three-strand fibre rope which is neutrally buoyant in water compared with the far higher self-weight of steel wire rope and provides the optimal balance of loadbearing capacity and flexibility of bending over sheave. The innovative AHC design ensures the minimal number of cross-over points and thus reduces the opportunity for internal abrasion. The open structure of the rope makes it especially easy to splice, inspect and repair. In addition, the rope’s special Dyneema fibre grade reduces the tension required for bedding in the rope, as well as reducing internal heating and abrasion. Rui Faria, senior vice president global oil and gas synthetics at Wireco, which owns Lankhorst Ropes, said
www.osjonline.com
all three partners believed the prospects for the new deepwater lowering system are excellent. “We will all be putting our weight behind the technology to make sure it succeeds in what are very competitive markets around the world,” he said. Deep Tek’s chairman and director of technology implementation, Moya Crawford, said: “Working with synthetic filament rope in 3,000m of water depth gave us unparalleled experience of watching braided soft rope work on a drum winch. This hands-on experience, coupled with the technical and financial discipline of no cure/no pay, led us to thoroughly understand what was needed to transfer soft rope technology into the oil and gas sector. “It drove us to develop our patented drum profile and spooling pattern, but this is only part of the story. We could not have fulfilled DNV GL’s
ABOVE: Contributors to the Soft Rope System, LEFT: Jorn Boesten (DSM Dyneema); CENTRE: Moya Crawford (Deep Tek); RIGHT: Sergio Leite (Lankhorst Ropes) with their awards
certification requirements for the first two soft rope cranes to be built anywhere in the world, had it not been for the knowledge, expertise and support of Lankhorst Ropes and DSM Dyneema. Crane manufacturer Jebsen & Jessen of Singapore also played a crucial role in making the breakthrough,” she said. “They had the courage to be the first crane manufacturer to incorporate our technology, and they deserve full acknowledgement for this pioneering spirit.” The technology has been successfully incorporated in two cranes built by Jebsen & Jessen Offshore and vessels with these cranes will be launched in 2016. Other nominees who were shortlisted included: Island Venture, an offshore construction vessel for Island Offshore; Viking Neptun, an offshore construction vessel for Eidesvik; and AxTech’s Special Handling System. OSJ
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
36 | DYNAMIC POSITIONING AWARD
Onboard simulator enhances operator competency N
orway’s Ship Modelling & Simulation Centre (SMSC) won the OSJ Dynamic Positioning Award for its Onboard Training System for dynamic positioning (DP) operators. The Dynamic Positioning Award is awarded to the developer of an innovative product or DP system, or contractor responsible for an especially innovative application of DP on a project. This criterion was amply fulfilled by the groundbreaking Onboard Training System (OTS) developed by SMSC, which recently became part of Kongsberg Maritime. The system, which allows users to control a real vessel under DP mode, but within a simulated environment, was recognised by the award judges as a positive new approach to dynamic positioning operator (DPO) training. Offshore vessels are growing in size and complexity, and recruiting personnel with the necessary skills and experience is proving more and more difficult. Training on simulators is being used to improve manoeuvring skills, but SMSC has made it possible to move simulation technology on to a real vessel. Training using simulators is increasingly being used to improve the competence of DPOs and teach them basic skills. The great benefit for the OTS is that the vessel is controlled as normal by a deck officer on the bridge, either by the use of manual controls, or by the use of the DP system. The vessel’s motions and position in the virtual world is calculated based on input from its navigational aids (minimum GPS and gyro) and shown on a dedicated screen. While the vessel is actually in safe, open waters, the virtual world can contain imaginary objects and installations, such as rigs, buoys and piers, which are shown on the screen. Using this setup, the DP operator can simulate an approach to a platform or other installations, docking the ship at any port, navigating in narrow and constricted waters, and various other operations.
The DP operator can simulate an approach to a platform
During training, the real DP system is live, so the vessel physically moves according to input, but the operator sees the results in the simulated visual scene. In this way, instructors can introduce any conditions or combination of targets, allowing them to create exercises that deliver real-life experience, with the flexibility to train on specific operations or areas of competence. The concept, which is already in use on several vessels, enables DPOs to understand how a vessel really responds to their commands, whilst interacting with virtual objects in a simulated environment, with the flexibility to introduce any tasks or conditions. SMSC was nominated for the award by Simon Møkster Shipping, which co-developed the new DP training and simulation concept to ensure that crew on its vessels had the highest possible level of competence. Nils Liaaen, chief operating officer at Simon Møkster Shipping, said: “We place great emphasis on safety on board all of our ships, and we see the correlation between relevant training and improved skills of our personnel. We
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
are particularly looking for three things: Familiarisation with equipment and vessel, ‘flight time’ on DP, and giving people the opportunity to practise how they should respond to unexpected events and system errors. We were keen to nominate SMSC for this award because the OTS meets these requirements with a very unique approach.” Knut Jarle Lysklett, project manager OTS at SMSC added: “The OTS was up against strong competition on the shortlist so we are delighted to have been selected as the winner. The award reflects the depths of our collaboration with our existing clients: Simon Møkster Shipping, Solstad Shipping, Siem Offshore and GDF Suez, and the technical expertise of the SMSC team. As a new member of the Kongsberg Maritime family, we are looking forward to developing the OTS even further.” The shortlist for the award also included: Rolls-Royce Marine’s ICON DP2+ system; All Offshore’s DP Desktime; and Guidance Marine’s RadaScan View position reference sensor. OSJ
www.osjonline.com
Knut Jarle Lysklett picked up the Dynamic Positioning Award for the Ship Modelling & Simulation Centre
DYNAMIC POSITIONING AWARD | 37
po
rtu
nit
strategies
op
i p e e o p success le s g n i k r o netw n o i t c re a r e lation int ships
exhib
24 companies from 9 countries exhibited
on n
conta c t meeting s
ition s t s re su
business
e t n i
conference | awards | exhibition
ect
marketing c
g n i n n a pl
t r o pp
Annual Offshore Support Journal
efficie
ncy
to 455 delegates over three days
40 | 2017 CONFERENCE PREVIEW
GET READY FOR THE 2017 CONFERENCE, AWARDS & EXHIBITION T
he attendance at this year’s Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition, confirms that this event is now the established business networking forum for the OSV industry. Despite the unfavourable market conditions more than 400 delegates from 37 countries joined us for this unmissable event. Hopefully the oil price and market sentiment will soon be back to a more normal level but even if it’s not, book 7-9 February 2017 into your diary now for the number one event for offshore support.
2017 CONFERENCE DATES Plans for our 2017 conference and awards are already underway. Join us in London again between the 7-9 February for three days of information rich conference sessions covering the latest technical, commercial and macro-economic developments affecting the global OSV industry. Our European Dynamic Positioning and Subsea conferences will again be held as part of this growing event.
2017 AWARDS: THE INDUSTRY’S STAMP OF APPROVAL This year saw an increase of more than 30% in the award entries we received and an unprecedented 4,000 online votes from our readers and social media communities. The social and print
Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2016
media coverage generated by winning an award has made an OSJ Award a real badge of quality and industry recognition of exceptional achievements. If you would like to be part of the 2017 selection process for the work you do during 2016 have your PR or marketing team get in touch with us via www.osjconference.com
SPEAKING We are always looking for new, interesting speakers who can add real insight to the discussions at our conference. If you have a topic or case study you think our audience would love to hear, please get in touch with us by emailing mirella.charter@rivieramm.com
COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES Although most of our sponsorship opportunities are renewed each year, there are usually options for forward thinking companies who want to reach the OSV decision maker audience. If you are interested in exploring the sponsorship & exhibition opportunities available, please contact Ian Glen on ian.glen@rivieramm.com Further details of the speakers and conference agenda will be confirmed during the course of 2016. Visit our website or sign up to our weekly newsletter at www.osjonline.com to keep updated. We look forward to seeing you there. OSJ
www.osjonline.com
OUR PRIDE RUNS DEEP When it comes to marine service and support, we’re the offshore transportation provider you can count on. CONGRATULATIONS TO LARRY RIGDON, Lead Director of Jackson Offshore, on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 OSJ Conference and Awards Gala. JOOLLC.COM
New Orleans (504) 328-8887
Houston (713) 275-0250
The Sensibly Economical Crew Boat
60 biz class seats 2900 BHP 27 knots EXT FiFi VIP cabin Bow & stern transfers
www.penguin.com.sg/vessel-specs/flex-25cat
Crew Boats · Security Boats · Passenger Ferries