A new innovative precision engineering company for the marine industry has launched as Ocean Marine Systems Limited.

Ocean Marine Systems manufacture through-hull deployment machinery servicing the Offshore Oil and Gas, Subsea, Survey and Security sectors.

All the products are designed and manufactured at their UK based factory and exported worldwide. Ocean Marine Systems designs perform alongside and complement leading edge technology from subsea instrument manufacturers.

“Ocean Marine Systems is unique in offering customized deployment lengths with minimal deflection, whilst offering the ability to rotate and tilt the instrument head platform with absolute precision,” comments Mark Barwell Sales Director. “In 2015 we have already delivered multiple units, ranging from 2m – 7m in height, to vessels being used in both the survey and security markets worldwide.”

Ocean Marine Systems is a member of Subsea UK and the Company currently has a patent pending on their most innovative and unique design features.

Massy Wood Group has achieved 18 million consecutive safe work hours without a lost time incident, across its operations in Trinidad and Tobago.

The milestone was accomplished over a nine year period on 15 contracts delivered in country by the company, which is jointly owned by Wood Group PSN (WGPSN) and the energy division of Massy Holdings Limited.

Vaughn Martin, managing director of Massy Wood Group, said: “The safety of our people, everything we design, construct, operate and maintain is our top priority and integral to how we do business.

“This achievement recognizes our commitment to safety and the dedication of over 1800 employees and subcontractors who have demonstrated excellence in acting as our safety leaders.”

Established in 2003, Massy Wood Group provides brownfield and greenfield production services to the oil & gas, petrochemical and power industries in Trinidad and Tobago.

The company has offices in Port of Spain, Chaguanas, Galeota, Point Lisas and Point Fortin.

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange publicly traded company based in Houston, Texas, is pleased to announce that its robotics subsidiary, Canyon Offshore, Inc., has executed a Master Charter Agreement (“MCA”) with Technip U.S.A., Inc. to provide Light Construction Vessels, ROV services, and tooling in support of Technip’s subsea construction projects in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The MCA includes a firm three year term, with annual renewal options available. Canyon will provide multiple vessel choices to Technip; each vessel includes dual 3,000m work class ROV systems on-board. The vessels consist of the M/V Rem Installer and Grand Canyon series of vessels with 250 ton, Active Heave Compensated (AHC), 3000m rated cranes, and the M/V Deep Cygnus, with a 150 ton AHC crane. In addition Canyon will supply tooling, personnel, and ROV project support to Technip.

Mr. Ian Edmonstone, Canyon’s President, said “We are extremely proud that Technip has chosen Canyon to support their subsea project Light Construction Vessel and ROV needs and look forward to providing a value added service to Technip. We believe that this award reflects Canyon’s long and successful track record of deepwater construction Vessel and ROV services, our quality and safety systems and most importantly our experienced staff of operators. We look forward to a continued, long and mutually successful relationship”.

Chet Morrison Contractors announced two changes to its senior management team. Leroy Guidry has been named president of Chet Morrison Contractors. In additon to this new position, he will continue to serve as chief financial officer, a position he’s held since 1998. He has over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, primarily in executive management positions. Guidry has played a key role in the growth of the Chet Morrison Contractors over the past 16 years, and he will be responsible for providing leadership to the senior management team as well as developing and executing corporate strategy. He will report to CEO and Executive Chairman of the Board Chet Morrison.

Kelly Reeves has been named vice president of marketing. Since 2007, she has served in various positions throughout the company and most recently as marketing manager for Chet Morrison Contractors and has been an essential part of promoting the company’s image and position within the marketplace. With this new role she will be responsible for developing marketing and corporate business development activities to support and promote sales.

“Leroy and Kelly, along with our entire senior leadership team, bring tremendous experience to our company,” said CEO Chet Morrison. “Their energy, creativity and strong leadership skills will be essential in maintaining long-term sustainability. I am fully confident in their ability to continue to drive our success.”

“The Best Leaders Focus on Excellence Without Arrogance”

The Offshore Technology Conference’s (OTC) new event, d5: The Next Big Thing, debuted Friday after OTC 2015 at the University of Houston.

As promised, d5 was unlike any other energy industry event before it. Born out of the realization that the offshore energy industry is in the midst of a global technology boom, d5 brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, economists, and other thought leaders to jumpstart the creative process, highlight emerging developments and inspire leadership.

“We are entering a period where the technological possibilities are beginning to exceed our imagination,” said Steve Balint, chair of the OTC d5 Advisory Board. “This means there are tremendous opportunities just waiting to be plucked if we can get beyond the ‘this is how we have always done it’ mindset.”

The day-long event attracted more than 300 global energy professionals and featured a collection of 10 non-energy industry luminaries, each of whom discussed game-changing technologies to help foster new ideas about “the next big thing” for offshore. Serving as master of ceremonies was Helge Hove Haldorsen, d5 Advisory Board member. “There are challenges, and there are solutions,” he said. “I do not worry about the future of energy when I see these bright minds here.”

Speaker Recaps:

• When it comes to leadership, former U.S. Navy commander Mike Abrashoff said he has been successful by focusing on excellence without arrogance. “You cannot order excellence,” he offered. “You must create a culture of engagement and ownership.”

• Former NASA astronaut and ex-officio member of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board Mike Bloomfield talked about safety and how space exploration and oil and gas exploration face similar challenges.

• Futurist Lisa Bodell stated that “simplicity is the new norm,” as a company culture of clear vision will be the efficient ones moving forward.

• Genomic researcher Juan Enriquez shared how programmable cells will transform systems for fuel, biomedics and even human evolution.

• Consultant Partha Ghosh encouraged attendees to connect the dots of all the speakers to take back to their own companies and “make crazy ideas prosper.” He added that the industry should change return on investment (ROI) to return on inspiration.

• Frans Johansson, author and entrepreneur, described how disparate disciplines have connections if they are viewed through the perspective of intersections. He noted, “The unexpected is what makes us stand apart.”

• Political scientist Bjorn Lomborg said the most vital tenant that will help change the world is free trade.

• Jane McGonigal, an expert on the engagement economy, encouraged attendees to consider games for collective problem solving. In addition, she suggested using gamification to predict human behavior in a possible crisis.

• Economist Michael Porter described his research demonstrating how the energy industrymore than any otheris making the US more globally competitive.

• Avi Reichental, president of 3D Systems, said redefining printing is reinventing the American dream. He asserted, “The technology is here now, and it is exciting to disrupt your own business model since 3D lets you make great things happen.”

Throughout the day, there were breakout sessions for questions and answers with the presenters. The event concluded with a networking reception.

During the event, OTC announced that d5 will return in 2016 at Rice University on Friday, 6 May.

“Following d5’s initial success we are excited to begin planning next year’s endeavor,” said Art Schroeder, OTC d5 Program Committee Chair.

For more information about d5, click here.

As Repsol completes the acquisition of Talisman Energy, a new organizational structure has been implemented to include the integrated assets and manage the resulting transformation of Repsol into one of the world’s largest publicly-listed oil and gas companies.

In accordance with best practices in corporate governance and as a result of Repsol’s enlarged international presence, the Board of Directors, at the suggestion of Chairman Antonio Brufau and with the favorable recommendation of the Appointment and Compensation Committee, has approved the new organizational structure for the company resulting from the integration of Talisman.

This new organization, which is the foundation for Repsol’s transformation into a group with a relevant presence on every continent, reinforces the business units’ capabilities to increase efficiency and create value under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Josu Jon Imaz, who holds all the executive functions within the company.

Three top-level committees are created under the chairmanship of the CEO: The Corporate Executive Committee, The Exploration and Production (E&P) Executive Committee and the Downstream Executive Committee (Refining, Marketing, LPG, Trading and Gas & Power.) These committees will have full responsibility over their businesses.

The new organizational structure’s aims include:

• Aligning the organization with Repsol’s new asset portfolio. This is based on a one-company model that takes into account the different characteristics of the E&P and Downstream businesses

• Serving Repsol’s enlarged global footprint. The integration of Talisman increases Repsol’s geographical presence, creating the need to align the structure and operation of the corporate functions.

• Embodying Repsol’s vision of a company focused on long-term business sustainability, technological progress and social welfare.

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE: HLX) announces that on April 30th its wholly owned subsidiary, Helix Q5000 Holdings S.A.R.L., took delivery of the Q5000 semisubmersible well intervention vessel from Sembcorp Marine’s Jurong Shipyard. In conjunction with delivery of the vessel, Helix Q5000 Holdings S.A.R.L. used proceeds of the previously announced $250 million Q5000 credit facility to make the final shipyard payment. The remaining cash balance of the facility, approximately $148 million, will be used for general corporate and working capital needs.

About Helix

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is an international offshore energy services company that provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry, with a focus on well intervention and robotics operations.

Frontier International, specialists in international oil and gas resourcing, has announced significant contract wins across Asia and the Middle East during the first quarter of 2015.

Well known for providing personnel and associated services to the global oil and gas industry, the company has secured a significant number of new contracts in this period, appointed by seven major operators and service companies.

The announcement has come at a time of significant international growth for Frontier, following on from the launch of the company’s new Indian premises, which will support the increased activity in the regions.

L-R Mark Clarke, chairman and Paul Radcliffe, managing director, Frontier International

Frontier chairman, Mark Clarke said: “2015 has seen Frontier’s success continue to grow, with the Middle East and Asia side of operations, in particular, expanding considerably in a short space of time. The value of contracts won so far this year illustrates the excellent reputation we have within the international oil and gas industry.

“The unique combination of Frontier’s global footprint and depth of local knowledge combines our engineering and recruitment expertise together with an understanding of regional requirements, giving clients unrivalled access to relevant, international talent and skill. We are delighted that our work is being recognised by some of the regions’ key businesses and we look forward to continuing the expansion of our services in that area and beyond.”

In business since 1999, Frontier International was established by oil industry engineers Mark Clarke and Paul Radcliffe in response to industry requirement for expertise-driven management of specialist well design and drilling engineering. Quickly identifying a gap in the market, they moved to grow Frontier in answer to the lack of technical expertise in the staff recruitment and contractor recruitment/management sectors.

Frontier holds a substantial number of global contracts with the major oil and gas operators and service companies. International client demand in recent years has led the company to successfully expand in several key regions, with wholly owned subsidiaries covering East Africa and the Caribbean, as well as the Gurgaon-based subsidiary which serves both India and the Middle East.

Great Yarmouth support hub for offshore wind farms in Southern North Sea

As part of its continuing strategy to focus on growing business sectors in the UK, GAC has opened a new quayside office in Great Yarmouth to meet the needs of the renewable energy sector in the Southern North Sea for integrated shipping and logistics services.

Offshore energy


Great Yarmouth, along with neighboring Lowestoft, has supported offshore energy companies for over 45 years. The two ports constitute England's largest concentration of offshore energy businesses and have been involved with many Round 2 projects. Round 3 includes three of the world's largest offshore wind farms which represent over 60% of the UK's Round 3 developments.

Adrian Henry, GAC UK’s Offshore Manager, says Great Yarmouth has been identified as being one of the key locations for development and notes that the new facility there reinforces GAC’s national network with an office ideally situated to meet the needs of oil and gas customers working in the Southern North Sea.

The area is also home to some of the UK’s largest renewable energy projects, including offshore wind farms at Gunfleet Sands and Thanet. The United Kingdom ranks as the world’s sixth largest producer of wind power. In January 2015, the country had 5,968 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of just under 12 gigawatts, one-third of which is generated by offshore wind farms.

Prime location

GAC’s efforts to meet the growing demand of the renewable energy sector for support, including the transportation of large project cargoes like turbines, is now being spearheaded by the Great Yarmouth team led by Jeanette Shoebridge.

"GAC's presence in Great Yarmouth brings our unique single-source combination of shipping and logistics services to a wide range of energy clients,” says Shoebridge, who has worked on major installations at London Array, Walney 1 & 2, West of Duddon Sands over the past four years.

“Our prime location means we can offer all renewable clients an integrated support package tailored to their needs, including a quay for their support vessels, ship agency, project logistics, warehousing and other related services.”

“Combined with the local expertise, workforce, deep water facilities and hinterland, this enables us to provide unrivalled response, flexibility and - ultimately - cost savings. GAC's global expertise and commitment to delivering our customers' strategies will be a significant factor in the successful completion of Round 2 in the Southern North Sea, through Round 3, and beyond."

Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC) announced that in view of the difficult business and economic conditions in the oil and gas market and declining workload, a program of cost reduction measures will be implemented including a re-sizing of the fleet and workforce, and the restructuring of its corporate organization.

It is envisaged that the overall reduction in the global workforce would be approximately 2,500 by early 2016, down from the 13,000 reported at the end of 2014. Consultation with employees and employee representatives will continue to take place on a local basis and consultation processes have begun in Norway and the UK.

The global fleet will be reduced by up to 11 vessels, based on a mixture of non-renewal of charter vessels and either disposal or stacking of owned vessels. It is intended that the reshaping of the fleet will be phased over the coming 12 months, commensurate with the projected global workload as well as continued effective execution of projects.

At the end of 2014, the fleet consisted of 39 vessels with a further five under construction.

Jean Cahuzac, Chief Executive Officer, said: "These cost reduction plans will allow us not only to adapt to present market challenges but also to maintain our competitiveness and the long-term viability of our business. This will enable us to emerge stronger once the downturn ends. Reducing employment is not a decision we take lightly but one that is necessary in today's difficult oil and gas environment."

"Deepwater oil and gas production remains a significant market with long-term growth potential. While implementing the restructuring of our organization, we remain committed to preserving our core capabilities and investing in key enabling technologies to deliver cost-effective solutions to our clients through all stages of the oil price cycle."

Flexible pipe specialist FlexTech has established its first foothold in the Southeast Asian energy market by securing a contract with an oil and gas major in Vietnam.

The project, due for completion in Q1 2016, comes on the back of FlexTech securing £250,000 in Q1 of 2015. It involves FlexTech engineers managing the system design, manufacturing, inspection and delivery of flexibles on a major floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facility in the South China Sea.

Craig Keyworth, FlexTech Engineering Director

FlexTech Engineering Director, Craig Keyworth, said: “This is a significant contract for us, highlighting our capabilities and reputation within the global flexible sector. Breaking into the Southeast Asian market marks another milestone in our international growth strategy, and showcases the potential for our products and services in the region.”

The project involves the design of a replacement flexible pipe system to allow change out of major vessel infrastructure. It also covers infrastructure modifications to facilitate the replacement flexibles and, once sourced, FlexTech will manage the manufacturing and delivery of the flexible pipes.

Mr Keyworth continued: “We consistently aim to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations and this contract is another boost in our efforts to achieve international acclaim. This, together with previous global contracts, highlights that FlexTech is well placed to provide engineering services and support for flexible projects worldwide.”

Since its inception in 2013, FlexTech has completed work in the UK, Middle East, Far East and Norway, offering a complete ‘life of product’ service, from project inception to decommission and disposal. Its core business is the successful delivery of flexible pipe and riser engineering projects, offloading systems and integrity management and inspection. It also has a range of innovative products designed to facilitate ease of installation, ensure operational integrity and prolong the life of the flexible in field.

With premises in Aberdeen and Grimsby, FlexTech currently has a team of 11 subsea and marine specialists.

The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) appointed 23 industry leaders to its Board of Directors on April 16, 2015 during its Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. Appointed to first term on the Board of Directors:

Erik Bartsch, Vice President Exploration North America, Shell Energy Resources Company

Beau Blake, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blake International USA Rigs, LLC

Paul Danos, Executive Vice President, Danos 

John Gellert, President and Chief Executive Officer, SEACOR Holdings, Inc.

Darrell Hollek, Senior Vice President Deepwater Americas, Anadarko

Lee Jackson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Offshore Operators, LLC

Doug Pferdhirt, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, FMC

Dave Welch, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Stone Energy Corporation

Reappointed to the Board of Directors for a second term:

Stu Brightman, President and Chief Executive Officer, TETRA Technologies

Cappy Bisso, Chairman of the Board, Bisso Marine

Richard Clark, President, Deep Gulf Energy

Robert Hobbs, Chief Executive Officer, TGS

Robert Drummond, President North America, Schlumberger

Todd Hornbeck, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hornbeck Offshore

Paul Howes, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newpark Resources

Kevin McEvoy, Chief Executive Officer, Oceaneering International Inc.

William New, President, New Industries

Jason Nye, Senior Vice President US Offshore, Statoil

Jeff Platt, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tidewater

John Schiller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Energy XXI

Jamie Vazquez, President, W&T Offshore

Robert Workman, President and Chief Executive Officer, DistributionNOW

Appointed to first term on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors:

Robb Erickson, Vice President Sales, Dockwise

In a separate press release, NOIA announced the election of Cindy B. Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oil States International, Inc., as Chairman of the Board and Kevin McEvoy, Chief Executive Officer of Oceaneering International, Inc., as Vice Chair of the Board. NOIA officers serve three-year terms with the exception of the Chair and Vice Chair, who serve a one-year term.

About NOIA: NOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore industry with an interest in the exploration and production of both traditional and renewable energy resources on the nation’s outer continental shelf. NOIA’s mission is to secure reliable access and a fair regulatory and economic environment for the companies that develop the nation’s valuable offshore energy resources in an environmentally responsible manner. The NOIA membership comprises about 325 companies engaged in business activities ranging from producing to drilling, engineering to marine and air transport, offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance, and renewable energy.

2H Offshore, an Acteon company, is adding strength to its flexible marine riser engineering capabilities by growing its teams in Aberdeen and Kuala Lumpur.

Highly experienced flexible riser engineer, Gilles Gardner, has been hired as a technical manager to support 2H’s growing flexible riser engineering service offering from the Aberdeen office. Gardner will assist the local management team in the development of 2H’s flexible riser analysis and engineering capability in the region.

Gardner holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Memorial University, Newfoundland, Canada, and has been active in the offshore industry since 2003. He joins 2H from Flexlife, where he was engineering, delivery and integrity director. Gardner previously held positions as a flexible pipe design engineer with Technip, and a flexible package delivery manager and riser team leader at Wood Group Kenny.

Gardner said, “My experience with design, analysis and specification of flexible riser systems is a natural complement to 2H’s existing capabilities, and I am excited to contribute in developing existing and new business opportunities for 2H in Aberdeen.”

Additionally, Hanh Ha, technical director, has relocated from the 2H London office to the Kuala Lumpur office, where he will support the local management team in the growth of 2H’s flexible riser engineering capability in the Asia Pacific region. Ha will provide technical support to projects, from FEED, through detailed engineering, to manufacturing and installation. He will also continue to contribute his specific technical expertise in flexible risers and umbilicals to other 2H projects.

Tim Eyles, managing director, 2H Offshore, said, “Flexible riser engineering remains a key strategic growth area for 2H. By hiring another flexibles specialist and relocating a member of senior personnel, we have illustrated our commitment to this growing business area. A landmark project for 2H in late 2013 was our appointment by Tullow Oil as lead riser engineering consultancy for the Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntomme (TEN) field development, offshore Ghana, which 2H continues to support through the fabrication and installation phases.”

On March 17, 2015 Hertel has announced the acquisition of Hertel by Altrad for its worldwide access solutions, insulation, corrosion protection and mechanical businesses. Hertel Offshore was not part of the acquisition by Altrad, but will continue its activities and business with the same shareholders (NPM Capital, Ackermans & van Haaren and Hertel Offshore Management) under a new brand name.

Hertel Offshore has now changed its name and will continue its business as per May 1, 2015 under its new name: CKT Projects.

Hertel Offshore was an amalgation (between 2005 and 2008) of three companies: Hertel Marine Services BV, CKT Projects BV and McGill Services Ltd. As CKT Projects BV has always been a reputable and reliable partner for many in the On- and Offshore Oil & Gas, Naval and Marine and Defense industries, this familiar brand name has been chosen and will be rejuvenated.

Robert Jan Dubbeldam, Managing Director of CKT Projects adds; “ We are convinced that we have a strong potential to further develop CKT Projects as a market leader in our businesses and to serve our customers locally and around the globe under our new brand name CKT Projects”.

Marsol International Ltd, a Dubai-based global marine solutions provider focused on the offshore oil terminal market and related infrastructure, has announced the registration of its new subsidiary, Marsol Oil & Gas Services LLC, which will be operated from a new office facility in the Port of Fujairah.

The launch of Marsol Oil & Gas Services LLC will consolidate Marsol’s presence in the area and is a strategic addition to support the company’s growth plans in the region, regarded as a major oil and logistical shipping hub.

Hose Burst Testing” with MDY and Operations and Project Managers.

Mike Young, managing director of Marsol International, explains: “This new office in Fujairah will give us the ability to better service our existing clients. By having our team based in the area we will have quicker and easier access to sites in the region which will enable Marsol to pursue projects that require a presence both onshore and offshore.

“Our team of engineers understand first-hand the real-life scenarios on a busy oil export hub and ensures their services, related infrastructure and products are designed, manufactured and installed to meet customers’ operational requirements. Wherever possible our experienced team trains and mentors the local workforce to ensure the high standards our clients expect. This is very much the case in Fujairah and I look forward to developing this new facility to better service clients in the region.”

Since 2005, based on experienced gained over 46 years, Marsol International has provided operational engineering and management solutions to clients, consultants and EPC contractors for new offshore terminal facilities, and operational integrity management and IRM services of existing facilities to offshore terminal owners and operators.

FoundOcean has completed the grouting for an 8-legged jacket in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico. The project, completed on behalf of McDermott, mobilized from Port Fourchon, Louisiana and is one of a number of successful projects completed by FoundOcean in the region.

With offices and equipment located in both the US and Mexico, FoundOcean is ideally placed to support its clients in the Americas.

FoundOcean were consistent in demonstrating their technical expertise, going the extra mile to ensure the project ran without delay, comments Joaquin Vazquez, Project Manager for McDermott. This included a visit to the fabrication yard in Tampico to conduct an inspection of the jacket’s grout lines in order to identify any issues that could cause costly delays to the offshore installation schedule.

FoundOcean consistently strives to provide innovative solutions to specific client requirements, drawing on its extensive experience of providing competent solutions to challenging installation projects for the energy construction industry, comments FoundOcean’s CEO Jim Bell.

In the case of Ayatsil-A, FoundOcean were able to provide a bespoke grouting solution, providing a customized high strength grout able to withstand the hot climate, whilst still being able to be mixed using the FoundOcean Recirculating Jet Mixer, in order to facilitate efficient, timely completion of the grouting operations.