Hoover Container Solutions ("Hoover"), a leading provider of chemical tanks, cargo carrying units and related products and services to the global energy, petrochemical and related industrial end markets, has entered into an agreement to partner with First Reserve, the largest global private equity firm exclusively focused on energy. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

One of the global industry leaders in oilfield fluids container solutions, Hoover operates worldwide through 15 facilities in North and South America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company has a rental fleet of approximately 40,000 stainless steel intermediate bulk containers ("IBCs"), 8,000 cargo carrying units and more than 15,000 slings, GPS asset tracking units and other peripheral equipment.

Hoover was the original manufacturer of stainless steel IBCs approximately 50 years ago and has a history of pioneering and innovating material handling solutions since 1911. Hoover has earned a reputation with its loyal customers for being a high-quality service provider.

Hoover provides customer-driven solutions through a vertically integrated model that includes design, manufacturing, maintenance, certification and cleaning services through the entire life cycle of their products. The company's products are critical to the energy and industrial value chain with a business model that is, in First Reserve's view, generally resilient to market cyclicality.

First Reserve believes Hoover's products are exposed to several favorable macro trends, including the continued demand for oilfield production chemicals, further development of offshore and deepwater oil and gas opportunities as well as the continued investment in North American petrochemical facilities.

Donald Young, CEO of Hoover, commented, "After a thoughtful process, we chose First Reserve as our partner to help support Hoover in its next stage of growth. We expect First Reserve will bolster Hoover's already strong financial position and allow us to accelerate our growth plan as well as continue to introduce innovative products and services to the market."

Neil Wizel, managing director of First Reserve, commented, "We are excited to partner with CEO Donnie Young and his management team to progress Hoover's growth strategy focused on providing the energy, petrochemical and general industrial markets with specialized fluid handling and container solutions. We believe Hoover has demonstrated a strong track record of providing its customers with high-quality products and services and that the company is well-positioned for continued expansion in North America and internationally."

BMT Group Ltd, the leading international maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy, has been recognised in the Global Business Excellence Awards 2014.

The judging panel recognised BMT's continued focus on its staff and how effective communication, management and support was recognised as the cornerstones of the organisation's success. BMT's Employee Engagement Index of 80% compares very favourably with the 'good' industry benchmark of 50% and in the most recent staff survey, 84% of respondents were 'satisfied working for their operating company'.

BMT's Young Professionals Summit held in Bristol, November 2014. BMT's Young Professionals Society (YPS) has been developed to bring together young professionals from across all the BMT companies and provide a platform for them to communicate, collaborate and explore new ideas to further their careers within BMT.

The chairman of the judges said: "BMT Group has differentiated itself by offering its 1,400 employees exceptional benefits and staff initiatives. Its Profit Related Pay scheme is outstanding and to date it has paid out £40 million to staff members. It is also one of the few companies to be established as an Employee Benefit Trust, giving staff a stake in the company and a say in their future. The range of other incentives and benefits are second to none. Consequently, BMT has high levels of staff productivity and loyalty. BMT is an exceptional winner and a role model in its sector."

Peter French, Chief Executive of BMT Group comments: "We are extremely proud to receive this accolade. Engagement with all of our staff is something that we take very seriously because without them, we wouldn't be the successful company we are today."

For over 29 years BMT has gone from strength to strength, providing consultancy services to customers in the defence, energy and environment, government, mining, marine risk and insurance, maritime transport and ports and logistics sectors.

SpeedCast International Limited (SpeedCast), a leading global satellite telecommunications service provider, has announced, following the recruitment of Keith Johnson last month, the establishment of a new Energy Division and the opening of a new office in Houston, Texas, to meet customers' growing demand for services globally. The new Energy Division will consolidate all of SpeedCast's existing business activities for the energy sector into one streamlined operational unit. The new Houston office extends SpeedCast's global operations to serve the energy market and represents its commitment to addressing the needs of oil and gas and energy customers around the world.

With established offices across Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, SpeedCast has over ten years' of experience in providing tailor-made communication solutions to many companies in the oil and gas sector. SpeedCast's solutions help companies manage their remote site requirements for real-time data, voice, video, M2M, and crew moral services.

The new Energy Division, strategically headquartered in Houston, Texas, will be headed by Keith Johnson, Senior Vice President / GM. Mr. Johnson will lead a global team to deliver solutions for energy customers who expect high reliability and uncompromising customer service. While leveraging SpeedCast resources in multiple global locations, a local team is being built in Houston to provide local sales, field service, engineering, and program management to support customers and their requirements, in the Americas and in particular in the critical Gulf of Mexico region.

"Our expansion into the North American market reinforces our commitment to deliver high-quality, reliable managed network services to our customers globally and to support them wherever they operate. With many of the largest global energy companies based in Houston, this was an obvious choice for us to open our Energy Division. This location will allow us to be closer to key decision makers and provide them with alternatives for their needs globally," said Pierre-Jean Beylier, CEO of SpeedCast. "Energy customers require exceptional uptime service and support. Our new Energy Division, led by Mr. Johnson, is being constructed to offer the best-in-class service and support to our customers," Beylier added.

"Energy customers operating in the Americas will realize tremendous benefits from our strong, focused team based in Houston, along with the support of our global teams throughout SpeedCast," said Keith Johnson, Senior Vice President / GM Energy Division, SpeedCast. "We will leverage our global strengths to deliver superior managed services to our energy customers throughout the world. This latest move by SpeedCast demonstrates our commitment to the global energy market and our customers," Johnson added.

HB Rentals, a Superior Energy Services company specializing in onsite accommodation services, has announced the official opening of its new service location in Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico.

The new location supports HB's full range of service offerings that include accommodation modules and operating essentials such as water, sewage, power, lighting and communications systems. The addition of this facility allows the company to respond more quickly to the needs of its Mexico-based clients while reducing project expenses by eliminating importation and transportation costs.

A key client, Paragon Offshore, which historically works with HB out of Houston, will now receive local support and enhanced service at its Ciudad del Carmen operations.

HB Rentals has been active in Mexico's offshore rentals market for 15 years and has accommodated 1,000 personnel on board (POB) at various times, displaying its ability to support market needs. Its accommodation fleet in Mexico provides beds, galleys, diners, laundries, offices, recreation rooms and offshore service modules to various offshore projects.

"The offshore Mexico market represents a significant growth opportunity for HB Rentals as activity is expected to increase due to recent legislation," said Deidre Toups, president, HB Rentals. "HB has a ground floor position for this expansion with its strong client base of construction, drilling and vessel companies.

"By offering more rapid response rates for module delivery and onsite services, our Mexico-based customers will be less affected by non-productive downtime in their remote operating locations," said Toups. "HB Rentals is committed to providing the highest standards of quality and service to the energy industry, and the addition of the Ciudad del Carmen facility is no exception."

AVEVA has announced the opening of its new office in Aberdeen, further strengthening its growing global network. The office will offer sales and support for all of AVEVA's solut'We have worked with our customers in Aberdeen for many decades,' said Richard Longdon, CEO, AVEVA (photo). 'This office represents our continued commitment to these strategic companies and the wider region. Aberdeen is, and will remain, a key location for the oil & gas industry with the expertise in Aberdeen exported throughout the world.'

The new premises is based at the prestigious Arnhall Business Park, which is home to some of the largest oil & gas companies in Aberdeen including Technip, Subsea 7 and TAQA.

'At AVEVA we put customer service first, recognizing that it's one of the things that gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Having a presence where our clients are based creates stronger relationships and enables us to be more responsive to their requirements,' commented Helmut Schuller, Executive Vice President, Group Sales, AVEVA. 'Aberdeen is a key city servicing the North Sea oil & gas hub, which is estimated to be producing 1.5 million barrels of oil per day into 2020. Some 26% of the city's jobs are in the oil & gas Industry. We are delighted to be part of this vibrant ecosystem and our new office will ensure we are in the best possible position to serve our existing and future customers.'

Rowan Companies plc ("Rowan" or the "Company") (NYSE: RDC) announces the appointment of Stephen M. Butz (photo) as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective December 1, 2014.

Mr. Butz joins the Company from Hercules Offshore, Inc., where for the past nine years he has served in various corporate development, treasury and finance functions, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Butz also has more than 10 years' experience in commercial and investment banking.

Tom Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am so pleased that Stephen will be joining Rowan. I believe his keen industry knowledge and vast experience will be instrumental as we complete our drillship newbuild program and consider our future capital allocation options. I am confident Stephen will quickly become a valued member of the Rowan team."

Mr. Butz will take over from Kevin Bartol, whose resignation was previously announced and is effective as of November 30, 2014.

Rowan Companies plc is a global provider of contract drilling services in the ultra-deepwater and shallow water jack-up market with a fleet of 34 offshore drilling units, including four ultra-deepwater drillships, two of which are currently under construction, and 30 jack-up rigs, 19 of which are rated high-specification.

FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FTI) announced the appointment of a new member to its Board of Directors.

The new director is Peter Oosterveer, Chief Operating Officer of Fluor Corporation. Fluor Corporation is a FORTUNE 500 company that delivers engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, and project management to governments and clients in diverse industries around the world.

A 25-year Fluor veteran, Mr. Oosterveer previously served as the group president of the company's Energy & Chemicals Business Segment, and senior vice president of its global chemicals and petrochemicals business.

Mr. Oosterveer has deep international client and project expertise in the energy and chemicals industries with previous executive stints managing Fluor's chemicals operations for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His duties included business development and sales as well as direct profit-loss responsibility. Prior to that, he was managing director of the Dutch operations of Fluor, including the Haarlem office. He also previously managed Fluor's operations center in Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands.

He has a bachelor of science degree in Electronics from HTS Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, and is a graduate of the Thunderbird University International Management Program, Stanford's Executive Business School, and the Fluor Management Institute.

Bibby Offshore's Houston-based division, Bibby Subsea, has announced the investment in a custom-built office and key appointment as a result of continued growth in the region.

The new premises, due for completion in November 2014, consist of a 6,300 sq. ft. office space and 2,000 sq. ft. warehouse and workshop area, which will allow for further team expansion. A recruitment drive is planned to increase the number of Bibby Subsea staff in the region by more than 70, both onshore and offshore, throughout 2015.

Since its inception in August 2013, Bibby Subsea has experienced significant client demand for its service offering, which continues to increase across North America. The new purpose-built facility, located in the Houston Energy Corridor, is set to strengthen the business's presence and enhance its on-the-ground support for clients in the region.

Andrew Duncan, President and Managing Director of Bibby Subsea, said: "The new office is located in the heart of the Energy Corridor, a hub for oil and gas operations in Houston, providing an ideal position to deliver our wide range of subsea capabilities to the North American market."

Robert Richmond has been appointed as Vessel Operations/Project Manager to help facilitate this growth, bringing to the business 33 years' experience within the marine and subsea industries. For the last six years Robert has been working for a major international subsea company based in Houston, where laterally he was Subsea Operations Director. With a career that has seen him work across the world, Robert will help manage and develop Bibby Subsea's operational capability.

Mr Duncan continued: "The opening of a new office and Rob's appointment are exciting new developments, allowing for future growth and team expansion. Following a number of successful contract wins in the region, we are expanding rapidly and have outgrown our current Houston facility.

"Increasing our operations demonstrates a commitment to the region and enables the team to continue to offer our clients a high quality service on each project" concluded Mr Duncan.

Robert Richmond, New Vessel Operations/Project Manager at Bibby Subsea, said: "I am delighted to join the team at an exciting time of international growth and expansion. Bibby Subsea's reputation as an innovative, leader within the subsea market was a real draw and I am looking forward to helping drive its international growth forward in my new role."

Bibby Subsea aims to deliver a diverse range of subsea construction projects for operators worldwide. Services include project management and engineering, innovative remotely operated vehicle support vessels (ROVSV) and survey capabilities, diverless intervention, advanced remote systems and tooling packages, in-house survey and data processing, subsea construction support services, and inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM).

Bibby Subsea and Bibby Offshore has grown from 10 employees in 2003 to now employing more than 1,450 people onshore and offshore worldwide, with offices in Aberdeen, Liverpool, Newcastle, Singapore, Trinidad, Houston, and Norway. The company has an international fleet of seven subsea support vessels and 17 ROVs, and will continue to add to its fleet to meet demand.

Bibby Subsea aims to further establish itself within the US energy market by showcasing its services and capabilities at the Deepwater Operations Conference and Exhibition from the 4-6 November, stand 307, at the Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center, Galveston, Texas USA.

2H Offshore, an Acteon company, has invested in improved office facilities in Malaysia and Australia, to support ongoing growth in the Asia Pacific region.

"The subsea oil and gas industry in Asia Pacific continues to grow rapidly," said Hugh Howells, principal director at 2H Offshore. "Expanding our offices in the region will help us to support existing clients and enable us to meet the increasing demand for our specialist, riser and conductor engineering services."

Perth Office

Both offices have improved facilities, additional meeting rooms and enhanced conference facilities and maintain a close proximity to a large number of 2H's major clients, to underpin ongoing progress in the Asia Pacific region.

Hugh Howells, principal director of 2H, commented, "We are very pleased with the growth that 2H has achieved in Perth and Malaysia over the past four and six years respectively, and anticipate further strengthening of our team with additional engineering professionals over the next few years. Our new facilities provide an improved environment for our team and increased capacity that will allow us to take on a greater number of projects for our clients."

The two new office addresses are as follows:

2H Offshore
Suite 31-1
31st Floor
Wisma UOA 2
21 Jalan Pinang
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2H Offshore
Level 8
1008 Hay Street
Perth, 6000, Australia

Applus RTD, a global leader in the provision of integrity technology services, has appointed Phillip Morrison (photo) as its new regional director for the United States.

Phillip will be responsible for all Applus RTD operations in the US and brings a wealth of experience to the company, having over 30 years' experience working in the oil and gas industry.

Working with well-known companies such as TD Williamson and Cameron International, Phillip has completed international assignments and held global responsibility for a strategic pipeline integrity business unit securing sustainable market positions for the business in each role.

Commenting on his appointment, Phillip said: "Joining Applus RTD is an exciting opportunity for me professionally and personally. I am honored to be joining the company in its pursuit of generational market opportunities within the oil and gas, aerospace and other major sectors in the United States.

"The focus and scale of Applus RTD will enable us to become a strategic partner in our customers' plans to ensure the integrity of their assets and grow public confidence in their ability to safely build and operate infrastructure with great predictability."

Iain Light, Applus RTD's executive vice president said: "The US market is one of our core regions which has grown significantly in recent years. This is primarily due to several acquisitions, including X-Ray Industries and the US portion of N-Ray Services, which we announced last week. Both organizations are world-class suppliers of non-destructive testing (NDT) to the aerospace market and gas turbine industry.

"With these acquisitions we are diversifying into a new market space, reflective of a major business strategy for the US region. There are high expectations for the business and the US division and Phillip will lead the path forward to success."

CAN Group, has been awarded a £4 million contract to provide asset integrity services in the North Sea as the firm also announces international growth. The Aberdeen-headquartered company has secured work with Fairfield Energy aboard the Dunlin platform, UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).

Image: CAN Group’s latest contract win will see them providing ultrasonic inspections as part of structural survey work.

The three year contract with Fairfield Energy will be led by ENGTEQ, the group's integrity engineering business stream, that will provide services such as inspection management and data analysis with CAN's operations division providing inspection execution and ancillary services on the pressure systems and structures in support of the asset integrity program.

In addition to domestic success, CAN has also been successful in securing scopes in North Africa. The work covers the provision of specialist inspection services and integrity engineering support and will see CAN carry out a variety of structural inspection services including flare and jacket structure inspections and a comprehensive range of advanced NDT inspection techniques at pressure plants on and offshore.

Adam Byrne, operations director at CAN Group, said: "These latest contract awards are a great boost to the company and underline the need for asset integrity services worldwide.

"We have enjoyed a sustained period of demand in the North Sea and, as part of our strategic growth plans, we are increasingly rolling out our services across other geographic markets. The internationalisation of our business has seen CAN move into West Africa, Asia Pacific and North America and we are well placed to make the most of these opportunities."

The latest contract awards come shortly after CAN Group announced it had secured two major contract renewals safe-guarding 150 plus jobs.

Formed in 1986, when it pioneered industrial rope access techniques offshore, CAN Group is now a diversified market leader with four distinct business streams: ENGTEQ, VENTEQ and their inspection and trades businesses which trade under the CAN name. Together these businesses provide a comprehensive asset integrity service, with ENGTEQ providing the integrity engineering services, and the quality assurance and quality control services from VENTEQ.

Aqueos Corporation, a premier subsea services provider for the offshore oil and gas sectors of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific West Coast, receives a prestigious award from national publication, EHS Today

This nationally recognized honor awards Aqueos Corporation for being one of "America's Safest Companies". Aqueos was selected for this designation from over three hundred nominated companies from all over the United States, and is the only company in the diving industry to have ever earned this accreditation. Aqueos President and CEO, Ted Roche, states "Since our inception, we have focused our efforts towards being the safest company in our industry."

Roche further commented, "It is an honor that Aqueos is the only company in the diving industry to have ever received this award. This recognition validates the commitment of our employees towards zero-incidents and to continuous improvement."

Aqueos Corporation, with offices in Broussard, LA and Ventura, CA, provides marine construction and specialty subsea services including a complete range of commercial diving, remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and vessel-related services primarily to the offshore oil and gas markets.

Ensco plc (NYSE:ESV) announces that Carey Lowe has been promoted to Executive Vice President reporting directly to CEO and President Carl Trowell. He will be responsible for overseeing investor relations, public relations, employee communications and branding, led by Vice President Sean O'Neill, as well as strategy, headed by Vice President Michael Howe, and human resources, directed by Vice President Maria Silva.

Mr. Lowe was most recently Senior Vice President – Eastern Hemisphere where he led operations for Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. He will continue to be based in London. Mr. Lowe joined Ensco in 2008 as Senior Vice President and has led capital projects, engineering, strategic planning, the deepwater fleet, and safety, health and environmental management.

Steve Brady will succeed Mr. Lowe as Senior Vice President – Eastern Hemisphere and relocate to London. Mr. Brady was previously Senior Vice President – Western Hemisphere based in Houston.

Gilles Luca has been appointed Senior Vice President – Western Hemisphere. His prior roles include Vice President – Strategy, Vice President – Brazil and Vice President – Europe and Mediterranean. Mr. Brady and Mr. Luca will continue to report directly to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Burns.

"Ensco has a deep bench of talented senior managers," said CEO and President Carl Trowell. "These promotions highlight our commitment to career development and will further strengthen our company."

Hercules Offshore, Inc. ("Hercules" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: HERO) announces that it has promoted ­­Troy L. Carson to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective November 21, 2014. Mr. Carson­ replaces Stephen M. Butz, who resigned as the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective November 21, 2014, to join Rowan Companies plc as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

Mr. Carson is currently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. He joined the Company as Vice President and Corporate Controller in March 2007, was appointed to Principal Accounting Officer in July 2008, and was named Chief Accounting Officer in May 2010. At the same time, Craig M. Muirhead, currently serving as Vice President and Treasurer, has been appointed to Vice President of Investor Relations and Planning, while Son P. Vann, currently serving as Vice President of Investor Relations and Planning, will assume the role of Vice President Corporate Development and Treasurer.

John T. Rynd, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, stated, "Stephen has been with Hercules since just after its founding, and over the past 10 years has been instrumental in our expansion to one of the leading shallow water service providers worldwide. He has successfully navigated the Company's finances through some extremely challenging conditions and leaves our Company with a solid balance sheet and ample liquidity. While we will miss his contributions at Hercules, we wish him all the best in his new role at Rowan. The Board of Directors and I are confident that Troy is well-equipped to assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. I look forward to working with Troy and our finance team to maintain the strong financial foundation that we have developed over the past several years and position our Company to capitalize on future opportunities."

N-Sea Offshore Ltd has secured major contracts to the value of over £100million, since the beginning of the year.

N-Sea is known for its innovative work in the North Sea as an independent offshore subsea contractor. The company has secured a significant number of major, long-term contracts in the UK and across North-West Europe, providing IMR expertise through innovative cost-reducing operations, to a variety of major operators and operational service companies.

The announcement has come at a time of significant growth and investment for the company. Following N-Sea's recent UK expansion into larger premises, the company continues to increase its technical capabilities and staff.

N-Sea's chief operating officer, Roddy James said: "2014 has seen N-Sea's success continue to grow, with the UK side of operations expanding considerably in a short space of time. The value of contracts won this year illustrates N-Sea's game-changing technical capability, the excellent reputation we have within the oil and gas industry, and our commitment to reducing our clients' operating expenditure.

"We are delighted that our work is being recognised by some of the industry's key businesses and we look forward to continuing the expansion of our services."

N-Sea specialises in IMR services for the international oil and gas, renewable and telecom/utility industries, as well as for civil contracting communities. With particular focus on safe and efficient operations, N-Sea provides offshore and survey services to major operators and service companies alike.

Former RAF aircrew, Colin Griffiths (photo), is joining OPITO International as managing director to lead the roll-out of common safety training standards across the global oil and gas industry.

Mr. Griffiths will take up his new appointment, based in Dubai, at the end of October 2014, replacing out-going managing director Ian Laing who is retiring after seven years in the role.

Funded by industry, for industry, OPITO has a proven track-record in responding to the global oil and gas industry's training needs. Having successfully designed and monitored safety training standards in the North Sea for many years, OPITO created an international organizational structure to support its global roll-out of safety standards and workforce development. Today around 250,000 people in 40 countries are training to those standards every year, helping improve safety and competency in oil and gas.

Joining OPITO from Talisman Sinopec in Aberdeen, where he was operations superintendent responsible for day-to-day operations of two North Sea assets, Mr Griffiths will lead OPITO International's drive for the adoption of common global safety training standards.

Having trained as an electrical engineer with British Steel, Mr. Griffiths spent eight years front line flying with the RAF where he was responsible for conducting electronic surveillance as a member of the Nimrod crew, which carried out search and rescue and anti-terrorist missions. He entered the oil and gas industry in 1990 as an engineering contractor for Shell, moving into projects and operations before joining Talisman Sinopec in 2012.

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Griffiths said: "The success of the oil and gas industry is on achieving the right balance between optimizing production and ensuring the safety of our people. Safety therefore features in everything we do. Wherever we are in the world, we need to set standards in training and competency before we send people offshore or into other hazardous environments. I am passionate about and totally motivated by getting the safety piece right which is why I am both privileged and excited to be taking up this international role with OPITO – the standard-bearer for our industry."

Mr. Griffiths believes there are significant parallels between the RAF and the oil and gas industry. He said: "The Nimrod was the workhorse of the RAF; it had performed with distinction in every major conflict since 1969 with the assumption that it would always be a safe platform, but in 2006 over Afghanistan we lost an aircraft and its entire crew, not through enemy action but due to a poorly constructed safety case and organizational failings. This was a tragedy for those involved, their families and the RAF. Having known every member of that crew, I am fully aware of the impact it has on everyone, in the same way that those affected by recent offshore fatal incidents, whether it be on-board platforms or helicopters, suffered and continue to suffer.

"Ageing offshore assets and creeping complacency in oil and gas can have catastrophic repercussions. Too often people are focused on the task rather than on the safety which is what causes accidents. OPITO aims to make sure that every oil and gas worker anywhere in the world is totally focused on safety with the right training and competence to carry out the task."

Group chief executive of OPITO, David Doig, said: "OPITO's proven track record internationally is in safe hands with Colin. His passion for the challenges ahead of us as we seek to embed the OPITO standards framework in every oil and gas province around the world, will ensure we continue to effectively engage with employers, government and regulators and deliver high-value long-term change in relation to safety."