On May 29th, at the Petrobras Research Center (Cenpes), the company's CEO, Maria das Graças Silva Foster, welcomed the US vice-president, Joe Biden, along with the US ambassador to Brazil, Thomas Shannon, and the US consul general in Rio de Janeiro, John Creamer. The group held a 30-minute closed meeting, which was also attended by Cenpes executive manager Marcos Assayag, advisor to the CEO André Garcez Ghirardi and Brazilian Foreign Affairs Ministry (Itamaraty) representative William Santos.

Following the meeting, the group toured the verification and WAG (Water Alternating Gas) injection laboratories. At the verification lab they were presented with samples of sediments collected during exploratory drilling in Brazil's offshore basins.

The laboratory uses these samples to analyze and measure the porosity, permeability and fluid saturation level of the sediment. The WAG injection laboratory focuses mainly on natural gas or carbon dioxide (CO2) injection as a means of augmenting oil field production, while avoiding emission of these greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Cenpes - The US vice-president was visibly impressed by the installations at Cenpes and its research projects, and he directed a lot of questions at the managers responsible for the labs: José Roberto Fagundes Netto and Rafael Vieira (WAG) and Edson Jose Milani (verification).

Established in 1963, the Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research and Development Center (Cenpes) is one of the largest R&D centers in the world for applied research for the energy sector. Situated on the Ilha do Fundão, in Rio de Janeiro, it occupies an area of more than 300,000 m2 and is equipped with various laboratories working hard to meet the technological needs of Petrobras. Every year, the company invests US$ 1.1 billion in Research and Development.

Inter-American Dialogue’s Latin America Energy Advisor

Mexican state oil company Pemex has filed a lawsuit in New York seeking to recover nearly $160 million from Germany's Siemens and South Korea's SK Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. in a global bribery case, a law firm representing Pemex said Wednesday.

Attorneys at Miami-based Diaz Reus filed an amended lawsuit in a U.S. District Court last week claiming Siemens and SKEC submitted an "unrealistically low bid" in 1996 to win a public contract for modernizing a Pemex refinery in Cadereyta, Mexico. Michael Diaz, Jr., the firm's global managing partner, alleged Siemens and SKEC then paid bribes to several officials at Pemex in exchange for processing fraudulent "cost overrun" invoices. Those invoices were apparently intended to fill the shortfall from the original underbid, according to Diaz.

In 2008, Siemens pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and agreed to pay a $1.6 billion penalty to U.S. and European authorities to settle charges that it routinely used bribes and slush funds to secure massive public works contracts around the world, including refinery modernization projects in Mexico.

César Nava, the former chairman of Mexico's conservative National Action Party and Pemex's legal director at the time of the alleged fraud is named in the suit, EFE reported this week citing a report in Mexico's Reforma newspaper. Nava allegedly intervened to stop the company from collecting $102.8 million from Siemens and SKEC to compensate for contract violations in the overhaul of the Cadereyta refinery, the report states.

Aker Solutions has laid the foundation stone of a new plant in Paraná that will double the company's subsea production capacity in Brazil.

The plant in the city of São José dos Pinhais in the Paraná state in Brazil will be operational in 2015. It will replace Aker Solutions' current subsea manufacturing facility in Curitiba and double production capacity in the country.

Aker Solutions' Executive Chairman Øyvind Eriksen and Luis Araujo, president and country manager of the company's Brazilian operations,  took part in a ceremony laying the foundation stone at the new site.

Luis Carlos Setim, the mayor of São José dos Pinhais, attended together with other local government officials.

"Brazil is a very important market for Aker Solutions and this new plant will strengthen our subsea offering," says Araujo.

The new facility will have about 1,200 employees and generate work for an additional 5,000 people at suppliers. The plant will be built on a plot of land totaling 168,220 square meters.

Petrobras contract

Aker Solutions is expanding its manufacturing capacity after winning a contract in April to deliver subsea equipment to the Brazilian oil company Petrobras. The contract, worth NOK 4.6 billion (USD 800 million), is for 60 well-sets with vertical subsea trees, subsea control systems, tools and spares to be used at Petrobras' deepwater pre-salt field developments in Brazil.

"The forecasts for the Brazilian oil and gas industry are very promising and we are committed to developing our manufacturing capabilities and local content," says Araujo.

Macaé development

Aker Solutions last year started building a new multi-purpose service site for its drilling equipment business in Macaé, 180 kilometers northeast of Rio de Janeiro. The facility, set to open in 2014, will expand the company's capacity to serve the fast-growing drilling market in Brazil. Aker Solutions is also located in Rio de Janeiro and Rio das Ostras in Brazil.

Aker Solutions, established in Brazil since 1978, currently employs 1,400 people in the country. The company is a leading provider of subsea equipment and services in Brazil's offshore pre-salt market. It also delivers downstream and topside process technology, offshore mooring and loading systems, deepwater drilling systems and subsea intervention services.

After record breaking 2013 conference with 104,800 attendees, the Offshore Technology Conference Board of Directors has elected a new Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2014-2015. Edward (Ed) G. Stokes takes on the role of OTC Chairman and Dr. Joe R. Fowler will assume the Vice Chairman role.

Stokes has been a part of the OTC since 1995 and on the Board of Directors since 2008, representing the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.  He has served as Vice Chairman since 2012 and as Program Committee Chairman in 2002.

In his career, Stokes has amassed a broad range of supervisory and managerial experience in his long career in the upstream and marine segments of the oil and gas industry. He currently serves as Project Coordination Manager – Offshore at ConocoPhillips. In his current role, he is responsible for the day-to-day management of the offshore portion of the marine segment of the Brass LNG project, a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Total, and Eni International.

Prior to this, Stokes was the Manager of Business Development at ConocoPhillips Shipping where he was responsible for business development activities within the shipping company. He also provided marine project development support to worldwide business units.

He has an AS in engineering science from Eastern Oklahoma State College, BS in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Houston Baptist University. He holds a Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Texas and is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Stokes has 15 technical publications, presented papers in 5 countries, and holds patents related to oilfield production and LNG ship design. He is a native of Okemah, Oklahoma.

Dr. Fowler is President and co-founder of Stress Engineering Services, Inc., (SES) a 375-person engineering consulting firm based in Houston with additional offices in Cincinnati, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Calgary.  SES is a world leader in floating systems design, fitness-for-service evaluations, consumer-product mechanical design, measurement and control systems, and third-party testing of full-scale systems and equipment.

Dr. Fowler received his BS with honors, MS, and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas. He is a Fellow of ASME, and in 2000 he received the Outstanding Alumni Honor Award from the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University.

Award winning offshore engineering business, Houlder has announced it is to open an office in Houston to service key Oil & Gas clients headquartered inthe USA. This move is the latest of a series of expansion steps and follows the delivery of an increasing number of offshore project engineering, marine design consultancy and equipment projects over recent years.  Current Offshore Projects & Engineering Director, Garry Kennie (pictured) will establish Houlder Americas Inc. to both service Houlder’s current clients source new business in country. A team of existing Houlder engineers and draughtsmen will travel to the region however the company also expect to recruit locally.

Commenting on the move Garry said “The new venture is the clearest indication yet Houlder has the capacity to operate globally - providing support to the world’s leading energy companies and offshore operators wherever and whenever they need it. 

Opening for business this August, the company has already identified prime offices in the heart of Houston’s Oil & Gas district.

Wireless communications in the subsea environment continue to deliver value to the oil and gas industry. The Subsea Wireless Group (SWiG) is an international industry initiative established to promote interoperability for subsea wireless communications within the areas of radio frequency, acoustic and free space optic technologies.  The group was initiated as a result of the growing interest and application of these solutions within the sector.

The group was established in May 2011 at OTC and continues its mission to raise industry awareness and acceptance of through water communications as viable solutions for the industry.

“Our membership has grown rapidly over the past 24 months and we now have 18 companies participating within the group,” stated Jessica Rouse who manages the network on behalf of OTM Consulting.  “Our members include ABS, BP, Cameron, Chevron, EvoLogics, GE, HIMA, JPL, MCS Kenny, Nautronix, OCTIO, Saab Seaeye, Statoil, Subsea 7, Technip, Teledyne Marine Systems, WFS Technologies  and  Yokogawa.    The  group  is  continuing  to  grow  as  more  companies  start  to understand the benefits that wireless can provide.  We are keen to hear from companies with an interest in this field and would welcome their participation at one of our upcoming meetings”.

Since 2011, SWiG has been working on defining and understanding current subsea technology needs where wireless technologies can provide a solution.  This work has fed into the 2 member established Working Groups that focus on the technical capabilities of these technologies as well as developing recommended practises for the industry.

The Technology Capabilities Working Group is specifically evaluating the capabilities, performance, Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), and target applications of wireless.  The group is producing an archive of case studies to demonstrate how wireless is already being used within the industry and this will be made available to all members.

The Standards Working Group is focused on developing a recommended practice for radio frequency communications which will later be used as a template for acoustic, optical and hybrid systems. The focus of the Standards Working Group is to build on existing open standards with the objective to develop new standards that support full interoperability between hardwired and wireless systems subsea.

Oceaneering International, Inc. (NYSE: OII) has announced that it has secured a contract from Saipem to supply umbilicals for the Burullus West Delta Deep Marine Phase IXa development located offshore Egypt.

The order consists of ten subsea production control umbilicals totaling approximately 84 kilometers (52.2 miles) in length and two electrical power cables totaling approximately 55 kilometers (34.2 miles) in length.  Product manufacturing is planned to be performed at Oceaneering's facility in Rosyth, Scotland and is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2013 and be completed in the third quarter 2014.

Megan Bel has joined the staff of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) as Senior Director, Government & Political Affairs. She comes to NOIA from the Office of Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) where she served as Legislative Director since 2008. She also recently served as Deputy Director of the Republican Study Committee.

“Megan is a great addition to the NOIA staff and its members. Her Hill and legislative experience is unparalleled. In addition, her long time association with the Gulf of Mexico and the offshore energy industry will serve the members of NOIA well. I am excited to have her aboard,” said NOIA President Randall Luthi.

Bel staffed Congressman Scalise’s House Energy and Commerce Committee work from 2009-2013 and his House Natural Resources Committee work in 2008.  She also advised the Congressman in his roles on the Gulf Coast Caucus, Western Caucus, House Energy Action Team and the Natural Gas Caucus.  During and after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Bel led briefings for congressional staff and assisted House Republican leadership with messaging on the harmful effects of post spill regulations, permitting delays and the deepwater drilling moratorium.  In 2008 Bel was a field director and policy advisor on the Scalise for Congress Congressional Campaign.

Earlier in her career, Bel was Legislative Assistant and Press Secretary for Congressman Richard Baker (R-LA) (2006-2008) and a policy analyst in the office of Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco (2004-2006). 
 
Bel earned a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: APC) has announced James J. Kleckner, formerly Vice President, Operations (Rockies), has been promoted to Executive Vice President, International and Deepwater Operations, and will join the company's Executive Committee.

"Jim's promotion to Executive Vice President, International and Deepwater Operations, is a reflection of his global operational skills, as well as the tremendous success delivered by Anadarko's Rocky Mountain region, under his leadership," Anadarko Chairman, President and CEO Al Walker said. "Jim brings more than 30 years of experience to this position having served in exploration and production leadership positions in the North Sea, South America, China, the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. onshore. Most recently, Jim has played an instrumental role in the phenomenal growth of the Wattenberg field in Colorado and the Greater Natural Buttes area in Utah, two of Anadarko's largest U.S. onshore assets."

Kleckner joins Bob Daniels, Executive Vice President, International and Deepwater Exploration; Bob Gwin, Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer; Chuck Meloy, Executive Vice President, U.S. Onshore Exploration and Production; and Bobby Reeves, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, on Anadarko's Executive Committee, reporting to Walker.

"We look forward to having Jim join the Executive Committee as he is a talented and seasoned energy professional, with an outstanding track record of success. I fully expect Jim and Bob Daniels to continue the industry-leading success Anadarko has enjoyed with deepwater exploration and development activities, and they will be outstanding partners for successfully advancing our various global projects," said Walker.

Kleckner began his career in the oil and natural gas industry in 1981 with Sun Oil Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Petroleum Institute.

Swathe Services has just purchased the newly launched Sonic 2020 multi-beam and ultra high resolution upgrade for the Sonic 2024 to add to its already expanding rental pool.

The image above shows raw data collected by the Sonic 2024 UHR system of the Margaret Smith shipwreck in Southampton

The Sonic 2020 is the most compact high performance wideband shallow water multi-beam echo sounder providing over 20x selectable operating frequencies to choose from within the 200 to 400 kHz band. In addition to selectable operating frequencies, the Sonic 2020 provides variable swath coverage selections from 10° to 130° as well as ability to rotate the swath port or starboard in real-time. The Sonic 2020 frequency agility, productive swath coverage and narrow focused 2° beam widths provide hydrographic professionals with quality data output for shallow water survey operations.

The Sonic 2024 can be upgraded to provide extremely narrow beam widths (0.3° x 0.6°) at 700kHz operation making this option invaluable for detailed offshore site surveys such as pipeline inspections, cable laying operations or other micro bathymetry applications. The raw data acquired from this option over the Margaret River Wreck in Southampton can be seen in the above picture.

With these recent purchases Swathe Services rental pool now includes a large number of R2SONIC multi-beam echo sounders including ultra high resolution and 3000m depth rated options, as well as an iXBlue HYDRINS and iXBlue ROVINS.

In response to the tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma this week, BP is donating $500,000 and emergency supplies to the Oklahoma Red Cross to support humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts.

BP America Inc. will donate $300,000 and the BP Foundation will donate an additional $200,000. The $500,000 will assist local Red Cross efforts to provide emergency meals, shelter, clothing, water and medical care in the affected areas. The $500,000 donation is in addition to donations made by the BP Foundation Employee Matching Program.

BP employees in eastern Oklahoma also today delivered a trailer of non-perishable relief items to a collection center near Moore for use by the Red Cross. BP employs about 600 staff and contractors engaged in natural gas and pipeline operations in Oklahoma.

Songa Offshore SE (OSE: SONG) has appointed Bjørnar Iversen as new CEO of Songa Offshore SE, effective as of June 1st. Iversen will relocate to Limassol and take up the position only weeks after he joined the company as president of Songa Rig AS.

Sometimes you are simply lucky enough to find gold in your own pocket. After a long search process and assessment of numerous candidates, we increasingly realised that we already had the ideal candidate within our own company. Bjørnar understands the industry after 17 years with Odfjell Drilling; he has extensive international and operational management experience and, importantly, a unique knowledge of the Category D project. My key task as interim CEO was to steer the company through a few critical short-term challenges and find a permanent successor. I am happy to now step down, knowing that both tasks have been successfully accomplished, says interim CEO and chairman of the board, Jens A Wilhelmsen.

Before signing with Songa in February this year, Bjørnar Iversen held a number of senior management positions and been member of the executive leadership team at Odfjell Drilling AS for the last 12 years. His latest position was President and CEO of Odfjell Galvao Ltda in Brazil. During his 17 year's tenure at Odfjell Drilling, he has been executive vice president for Corporate Business Development, Odfjell Drilling Technology and Odfjell Well Services.

Iversen holds a Master of Science in Business (siviløkonom) from the Norwegian School of Business and Economics (NHH), and various management courses from Harvard Business School.

Large Diameter Drilling (LDD) announced the launch of LM Handling, a new business unit which has been established as a joint venture co-operation between Acteon companies LDD and MENCK. LM Handling offers global coverage in the field of offshore lifting and handling equipment and services on a sales and rental basis; will operate out of existing LDD and MENCK bases; and will use the new Acteon operations base in Singapore scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2013.

Already equipped with a portfolio of standard lifting and handling products for rental and sale, including the industry-leading Pile Guide Frame (“StabFrame”), operations will also focus on providing turnkey solutions to customers’ lifting and handling offshore challenges. LM Handling will pursue a collaborative approach with current and potential customers.

“Our aim is to identify customer needs, gain the clearest possible understanding of the challenges they face and find opportunities to improve their operations,” said LM Handling general manager Robin van der Bij. “This closer collaboration between MENCK and LDD will bring together specialist engineers, project managers and equipment for critical tasks such as jacket and monopile installation along with the myriad of subsea and offshore construction work.”

“This move will build on the synergies between Acteon companies and enhance the group’s subsea service offering to its customers,” said Acteon Group Ltd. vice president Paul Alcock. “The venture combines LDD’s rapid and tailor-made approach to offshore solutions with MENCK’s outstanding expertise and track record in piling operations. The new business unit will have the full support of the sales and engineering teams at both LDD and MENCK.”

Okeanus Science and Technology, LLC (Okeanus) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jacob Marcell as President as of 1 May 2013.  Based out of Houma, Louisiana, Okeanus is an international provider of oceanographic and marine scientific research equipment.  Mr. Marcell was appointed president due to his extensive experience and long track record in the U.S. subsea industry.  Prior to joining Okeanus, Marcell was president of Mako Technologies, and he has extensive senior experience, including ROV services and tooling and topside and subsea rental equipment and services.

Okeanus was recently established to cater to the Science and Technology rental and integration of equipment market.  Okeanus provides the latest technology as well as tried-and-true industry standards to all the regions of the globe to support and accomplish clients' goals.

Noble Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NBL) has announced that the company will donate $500,000 to support disaster-relief and recovery efforts for the communities affected by the devastating tornadoes that recently swept through central Oklahoma. The contribution includes a $500,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross Oklahoma Relief Fund and a commitment to match employee donations up to $1,000 per employee.

"From our founder's humble beginnings and the company's inception in Ardmore to the employees that live and work in the area, Oklahoma is a part of the fabric of Noble Energy," said Charles Davidson , chairman and CEO of Noble Energy. "We will stand with the communities of Oklahoma to help them recover from the damage and devastation caused by the tornadoes."

UTEC has announced the appointment of Ian Pownall as the General Manager of UTEC Survey JLT, based in Dubai, UAE.

The responsibilities of this role include development and delivery of the UTEC brand and business model in the Middle East region.

Ian, who was formerly with Corrintec in the UK and Unique Maritime Group in the UAE, brings a wealth of IMR experience to UTEC Survey JLT.

Commenting on his appointment, Ian said: “I am delighted to be joining UTEC at an exciting and busy time and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges which my new role will present.”

UTEC CEO Martin O’Carroll added: “UTEC is continually looking to add strength to our team through the addition of experienced managers, such as Ian. We feel Ian’s addition to the team reflects the success we are achieving globally.”