A new guidance document has been published by the Marine Transfer Forum. “Offshore Personnel Transfer by Crane – Best Practice Guidelines for Routine and Emergency Operations” aims to support an international market which performs over 5 million passenger transfers every year.

Developed by EnerMech, DNV GL, Reflex Marine and Seacor Marine the guideline benefits from a range of expertise, which reflect the key roles in ensuring safe and efficient marine transfer operations.

The development of the guideline involved a period of detailed industry consultation. International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and Damen Shipyards also made key contributions, ensuring it reflects best practice and is relevant to the growing marine renewable energy sector as well as traditional offshore sectors.

Simon Hatson, chair of IOSH’s Offshore Group, said: “We welcome the publication of these new guidelines. The offshore industry is one in which workers face many inherent risks, but all workers, irrespective of their industry, should be covered by a culture of care.

These guidelines will assist operators in continuing to protect the safety and health of employees who face risk on a daily basis. IOSH is delighted to have been able to have an input in their development.”

“Market conditions, new technologies, evolving logistics demands in offshore wind, and increasing industry trends toward marine versus helicopter based logistics all bring the case for marine transportation methods into sharper focus. This guidance will help operators review the options and implement the most appropriate solutions.” explained Robin Proctor, Reflex Marine’s main contact for the Marine Transfer Forum.

To download the guideline and find out more about the Marine Transfer Forum, click here.

The Marine Transfer Forum focuses on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore installations by marine methods. Unlike the highly regulated aviation industry, marine practices vary greatly from region to region. By collaborating through this forum we are committed to: raising standards, increasing awareness, gathering better data, developing better reporting, sharing good practice, improving equipment and services.

Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm) has concluded major modification works on the Sea Installer. The principle scope of work involved the extension of the main crane boom, giving the A2SEA-owned offshore wind farm installation vessel increased reaching capacity: a pertinent point considering the trend of the increasing size of offshore wind turbine components. Other work comprised structural modifications as a consequence of the larger crane.

Photo courtesy: Damen

DSAm, part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, began the work by removing all crane-related components including the boom, boom rest, A-frame, winch and hook block pockets from the vessel. A2SEA supplied the new A-frame and boom extension. Niron Staal, also part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, supplied the new boom rest, hook block pockets, trolley rail and support stools.

“Then, after slight cooling, the welding itself needs to take place at the correct temperature in a protected environment. For this, we constructed air-tight welding tents.”

Once complete, the weld in question was cooled prior to non-destructive testing after 48 hours. “We also performed our own initial checks after 24 hours in case any additional welds were needed. The main point with S690 is that you cannot rush things. If you go too fast, it can set you back 3 days.”

Two mobile Mammoet cranes lifted the extended crane boom back onto the vessel. To create a stable lifting foundation – allowing for a maximum of 0.3 degrees of tilt – the quayside was levelled prior to the vessel’s arrival at the yard. This required laying no less than 800 cubic meters of sand, topped off with 750 dragline crane mats.

The bigger crane also needed a bigger winch: DSAm replaced the existing winch with a larger, 900-ton capacity, winch. This included all the necessary adjustments of the electrical, hydraulic and cooling systems. The vessel’s main mast also needed structural modifications.

With the 132-meter long vessel at the yard, DSAm also executed various standard maintenance jobs such as painting, pipe renewal and thruster inspection.

The smooth running of the entire project was facilitated by the joint efforts of the DSAm and A2SEA personnel. “It has been a pleasure to work with the ship’s crew,” concludes Mr Van Dam. “There has been good communication throughout and this has helped us in many ways. For example, their involvement in adjusting the ship’s ballast tanks during such a heavy lift was crucial.”

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Lloyd’s Register (LR), a leading provider of integrity, compliance and specialist risk consulting services, announced they have extended rig integrity support for the Deepwater Invictus drilling rig. The company’s expertise in blow-out preventors (BOPs) and rig integrity will be used to provide confidence in how risk is managed for deepwater drilling and well exploration.

Kevin Comeau, Dynamic Positioning / Power Management & Marine Safety Systems Manager at LR says: “We have had a team supporting the Gulf Of Mexico (GOM) drilling program on board Deepwater Invictus and it is this same team that has been requested for BHP Billiton’s drilling program in Trinidad. Although the core part of our work is on BOP operation, rig integrity and compliance, we will also provide expertise in performing inspections, risk assessments and training for personnel working on the rig.”

The BOP is often the final line of defense for protecting life and the environment and so there is high demand for a transparent and well-structured risk assessment approach that helps rig owners and operators to monitor the BOP’s safety performance.

A subsea BOP is a special system which is highly regulated and among one of the few pieces of equipment that combines multiple functions such as drilling and operations control, a tool for preventing risk and supporting emergency response procedures. BOPs were developed to cope with extreme erratic pressures and uncontrolled flows emanating from well reservoirs during drilling. These factors mean that simple component failures can cause drilling operators to be exposed to severe risk.

Before the market downturn, LR was reviewing more than 350 drilling rigs each year. The company has unmatched expertise in the provision of maintenance and asset management services, specifically designed to meet the needs of the drilling industry.

“As the industry looks to implement new, be

st-in-class offshore drilling operations, we believe we have a great deal to contribute to the conversation,” highlighted Comeau. “Developments in BOP underline that new technology is not a barrier. It is seen as the catalyst for better performing oil and gas sector and a competitive necessity among the key operators.

“Our work with BHP Billiton is a great example of how synergies between companies can lead to innovative risk and reliability work that help make the industry more reliable, better performing and safer.”

Deepwater Invictus was delivered in 2014 and is IMO registered vessel 9620592 with a gross tonnage of 68034. It has a rated drill depth of 40,000 ft. The continuation of support for the Trinidad drilling campaign with BHP started in May 2016.

PJ Valves (PJV), the specialist manufacturer and supplier of valves to the global energy industry, has launched a new piping business, PJ Piping (PJP). Located in Houston, TX, the company – operating as part of the PJ Group – will supply specialist pipe fittings, flanges and other piping components to the oil and gas, petrochemical and desalination sectors.

PJP will be led by a core team of Daniel Composto and James Short. Daniel has more than eight years’ experience in piping materials – launching and running the US operations for a global pipe supplier. James joins from PJV where he has spent 11 years working between Europe and North America managing its sales operations.

Dan Munro, managing director and owner of PJV says: “This launch is important to our overall growth strategy. We can now offer clients a dynamic and complete solution to their valve and piping needs by integrating our two business offerings. We’re excited to harness our experience at PJV to provide operators with a solution that will save them time during the procurement process.”

Dan Munro

PJV has launched the company in response to demand in the market for a simplified pipe, valves and fittings (PVF) supplier process. PJP will supply specialized and standard items including heavy wall pipe and exotic grades of pipe and is currently targeting repair and maintenance projects in the Americas. 

Daniel Composto, managing director at PJP adds: “We’re delighted to be launching this new business to the oil and gas, petrochemical and desalination sectors. We can offer a truly specialist service to operators and engineering and procurement contractors, and will always go the extra mile to make sure that we can provide the right solution at the right time.”

PJP is currently recruiting for roles in its projects and operations departments in the Houston, TX.

Global integrated drilling waste management and environmental services firm, TWMA, has recently secured a £1.5million contract with Apache on the WilPhoenix platform in the North Sea Beryl field.

As part of TWMA’s fully integrated waste management solution, the one year (with one year option) contract will utilise the company’s award-winning TCC RotoMill® for offshore processing and EfficientC® for cuttings transfer and distribution.

TWMA’s TCC RotoMill® on the WilPhoenix platform

Chief operating officer, Neil Potter, said: “We have built a strong relationship with Apache over the last five years, and are delighted to have been selected to support on the WilPhoenix project. We also supported a previous drilling campaign on this platform last year and have ongoing contracts with Apache including the provision of EfficientC® bulk transfer services on the Beryl Bravo and Alpha platforms and onshore processing services for those and other Apache installation platforms.”

The provision of bulk transportation involves directly pumping drill cuttings from storage tanks onboard the rig to a supply vessel, then transporting the drilling wastes to an onshore processing facility.

Neil added: “This continuation of our services across Apache’s North Sea projects is major recognition of our ability to offer the best possible integrated solutions for effectively managing drilling waste both on and offshore, and testament to the strong relationships we consistently build with our customers.”

Delmar Systems, Inc. has completed mooring operations and successfully installed Delmar OMNI-Max® anchors with InterOcean’s proprietary Rig Anchor Releases (RARs) on each of the eight preset mooring lines on the semi-submersible MODU ENSCO 8503.

The OMNI-Max and RAR preset system was used to save critical path rig time during disconnect transit operations from offshore drilling sites at several locations in the US Gulf of Mexico. Using this system, along with Delmar’s efficient offshore execution, resulted in significant time savings during each disconnection operation. In addition, the OMNI-Max’s ease and speed of installation and smaller size saved valuable mobilization and preset installation time.

Using the Rig Anchor Release (RAR) gives the ENSCO 8500 class rigs the flexibility to compete for a number of operator selected projects by allowing the rigs to be used in both straight DP mode or moored mode. The rig is also able to quickly disconnect and move off location for a storm event, providing low-risk operations during hurricane/cyclone season.

“We designed a preset mooring system coupling the RARs with our OMNI-Max anchors, which enables the rig to efficiently disconnect and connect at the next location. DP rigs with mooring capability give the operators increased flexibility in selecting rigs for a variety of projects, whether deep or shallow water, while optimizing station keeping operations. This time savings and flexibility has proved to be a significant financial benefit to the operators,” said John Shelton, Delmar’s Engineering Manager.

InterOcean Systems LLC, an affiliate of Delmar Systems, Inc., designs and manufactures its proprietary RARs and other specialized oceanographic, environmental, and remote oil spill detection systems and equipment.

Headquartered in Broussard, LA, Delmar Systems has provided mooring and subsea installation services for over 48 years to every oil and gas region around the globe, with offices strategically located to serve the offshore industry in the world’s most challenging offshore environments.

Laden by corruption scandals and falling oil prices, Petrobras is struggling to repay $130 billion (bn) worth of debt – nearly $24bn will mature by 2017. Efforts to sell non-core assets (pipelines, powerplants, bonds etc.) have been slow going and any attempt to divest upstream operations impeded by red tape. Mandatory operatorship (30%) for Petrobras in the pre-salt basin not only limits the company’s options for raising cash from existing upstream assets but also increases the NOC’s capital outlay. Foreign investment in upstream operations has been made less appealing due to Brazil’s unitization rules, which can make outside operators susceptible to additional financial risks.

Offshore Brazil was once known as a “safe haven” for oil field service companies, yet almost half of all indigenous companies are now facing insolvency issues according to KPMG (e.g. Queiroz Galvao, OGX). Macro-economic factors, inefficiencies (low quality of goods and services, failure to fulfil contract deadlines etc.) and stringent local content rules have created a number of obstacles to growth in the sector.

However, despite these challenges, new opportunities may emerge as the national government and Petrobras re-think the O&G industry’s growth strategy. In early 2016, the government launched the ‘PEDEFOR’ program – relaxing local content rulings and incorporating new financial incentives for foreign companies. The response from industry participants has been largely positive – with Aker Solutions opening another subsea manufacturing center in April 2016.

As Petrobras puts upstream assets (Bauna, Golfinho and Tartaruga fields) into the market, it appears further amendments to pre-salt requirements and licensing methods may take place. If implemented, these changes could lead to another wave of foreign investment. Drawing parallels to the mooted IPO of Saudi Aramco, NOCs are beginning to reevaluate their relationship with both national governments and foreign E&P investors. In the current price environment, experimenting with various options and methods of collaboration is likely to be the most sensible approach to dealing with the challenges of today’s oil & gas market.

Chen Wei, Douglas-Westwood Singapore

Churchill Drilling Tools, an oil and gas engineering company specializing in dart activated string technology, is celebrating after winning the acclaimed Grampian award for innovation at the 2016 Elevator Awards.

The company won the award for the development of its HyPR HoleSaver™ hydraulic pipe recovery tool. The tool represents the world’s first hydraulic pipe and hole recovery system – offering a fast and dependable insurance technology against stuck pipe situations, in turn enabling maximum recovery of hole and drill string.

From left to right: Mike Churchill, CEO & Commercial Director, Churchill Drilling Tools, Anke Heggie, Company Growth Support Director, Scottish Enterprise, Andy Churchill, Chairman & Technical Director, Churchill Drilling Tools

Since launch in late 2014, the HyPR HoleSaver™ has been recognized as an innovative contingency solution for drilling operations and has been utilized as an insurance against stuck pipe in several challenging territories, including the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Middle East.

Utilizing ordinary drilling mud, the user-operated HyPR™ jetting dart can cut through a full strength sub in under two hours. Drilling engineers have the option of using either a Cementing Dart which allows for rapid side-tracking after cementing operations or if an attempt to fish the BHA is preferred, a Fishing Dart can be pumped down, leaving a clean box to fish once the dart has cut the string free; the dart is then carried back to the surface as the cut pipe is withdrawn.

The tool was developed in house by Churchill Drilling Tools, a family owned firm led by Chairman Andy Churchill and CEO Mike Churchill. Aware of the time consuming traditional methods of cutting stuck pipe and mindful of industry demand for a safer, more reliable, cost effective, user operated technology, Churchill Drilling Tools devised the HyPR™ HoleSaver™ concept in 2013. Development proceeded at pace and after several iterations, intensive proof of concept and rig testing, the tool came to market in the last quarter of 2014. The Grampian Award for Innovation has enhanced Churchill Drilling Tools’ reputation as a technology leader in drilling, completions and abandonment tools. Andy Churchill said: “It is an honor for Churchill Drilling Tools to win in this category because it recognizes our team’s continued commitment to innovation and technical excellence - coinciding with a time where the industry is being urged to adopt new methods and support new technology.

“The HyPR HoleSaver™ reflects the demands of the industry for cost effective answers to the challenges it faces. The product and the award is further evidence of Churchill’s commitment to developing specialist tools which continue to save operators time and money in new and exciting ways.”

The Elevator Awards seek to encourage entrepreneurship and business excellence by selecting and rewarding entrepreneurial companies and individuals that are capable of leading the future prosperity of their local area and international places of business.

Bibby Offshore, a leading subsea services provider to the oil and gas industry, has successfully secured an important contract with BP.

The 15 day project, due to commence in August 2016, will see diving support vessel Bibby Topaz, working on four BP operations across three of its North Sea assets.

Bibby Topaz: Photo credit: Bibby Offshore

The platforms involved include Central North Sea-based asset Bruce, east of Shetland-based Magnus, and the Mirren field, which is part of the Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP), one of the largest and most complex North Sea oil and gas developments of the past 20 years.

The project, managed by the Bibby Offshore team, involves the supply of air and saturation diving support to perform operations including spool and flowline disconnection, evaluation and installation of conductor clamp guides, alignment clamp installation and modifications to a gas lift system.

Fraser Moonie, chief operating officer at Bibby Offshore, said: “Encouraging innovation is one of our core values and it was through our team’s innovative approach that we were successful in being awarded this contract from BP. Through our innovative engineering solution we managed to reduce offshore operations which in turn provided efficiencies and cost savings.

“We are pleased to continue our strong relationship with BP, built up internationally over the last ten years and more recently in the UK North Sea. Client satisfaction and confidence is imperative to Bibby Offshore and we are pleased that BP has trusted us with this important piece of repeat business.”

The newly expanded Panama Canal will be able to accommodate 90% of the world's current liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers with LNG-carrying capacity up to 3.9 billion cubic feet (Bcf). Prior to the expansion, only 30 of the smallest LNG tankers (6% of the current global fleet) with capacities up to 0.7 Bcf could transit the canal. The expansion has significant implications for LNG trade, reducing travel time and transportation costs for LNG shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast to key markets in Asia and providing additional access to previously regionalized LNG markets.

The new locks in the canal provide access to a wider lane for vessels and are 180 feet across, compared with 109 feet in the original locks. Only the 45 largest LNG vessels, 4.5-Bcf to 5.7-Bcf capacity Q-Flex and Q-Max tankers used for exports from Qatar, will not be able to use the expanded canal.

Transit through the Panama Canal will considerably reduce voyage time for LNG from the U.S Gulf Coast to markets in northern Asia. Four countries in northern Asia—Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan—collectively account for almost two-thirds of global LNG imports. A transit from the U.S. Gulf Coast through the Panama Canal to Japan will reduce voyage time to 20 days, compared to 34 days for voyages around the southern tip of Africa or 31 days if transiting through the Suez Canal. Voyage time to South Korea, China, and Taiwan will also be reduced by transiting through the Panama Canal.

The wider Panama Canal will also considerably reduce travel time from the U.S. Gulf Coast to South America, declining from 20 days to 8-9 days to Chilean regasification terminals, and from 25 days to 5 days to prospective terminals in Colombia and Ecuador. For markets west of northern Asia, including India and Pakistan, transiting the Panama Canal will take longer than either transiting the Suez Canal or going around the southern tip of Africa.

In addition to shortening transit times, using the Panama Canal will also reduce transportation costs. The Panama Canal Authority has introduced new toll structures for LNG vessels designed to encourage additional LNG traffic through the Canal, especially for round trips. Transit costs through the Panama Canal for an average 3.5 Bcf LNG carrier are estimated at $0.20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) for a round-trip voyage, representing about 9% to 12% of the round-trip voyage cost to countries in northern Asia.

Based on IHS data, the round trip voyage cost for ships traveling from the U.S. Gulf Coast and transiting the Panama Canal to countries in northern Asia is estimated to be $0.30/MMBtu to $0.80/MMBtu lower than transiting through the Suez Canal and $0.20/MMBtu to $0.70/MMBtu lower than traveling around the southern tip of Africa. Transiting the Panama Canal offers reduction in transportation costs to northern Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China and may offer some minimal cost reductions to countries in southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore), depending on transit time. U.S. LNG exports to India, Pakistan, and the Middle East are not expected to flow through the Panama Canal because alternative routes, either the Suez Canal or around the southern tip of Africa, have lower transportation costs.

Currently, about 9.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of U.S. natural gas liquefaction capacity is either in operation or under construction in the United States. By 2020, the United States is set to become the world's third-largest LNG producer, after Australia and Qatar. More than 4.0 Bcf/d of U.S. liquefaction capacity has long-term (20 years) contracts with markets in Asia, of which 3.2 Bcf/d is contracted to Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia.

An additional 2.9 Bcf/d of U.S. liquefaction capacity currently under construction has been contracted long-term to various countries. Flexibility in destination clauses allows these contracted volumes to be taken to any LNG market in the world. Assuming all contracted volumes transit the Panama Canal, EIA estimates that LNG traffic through the Canal could reach more than 550 vessels annually, or 1-2 vessels per day, by 2021.

Principal contributor: Victoria Zaretskaya, EIA

Penspen and Dar Al Handasah, operating as a joint venture, have been awarded a new project management contract by Kuwait Gulf Oil Company to manage the engineering, procurement and construction of a new gas and condensate pipeline. The pipeline runs both offshore and onshore from Khafji in Saudi Arabia to the final destination of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait.

The two companies, both members of the Dar Group, have been providing FEED and project management services for this new pipeline since March 2010. The project is now at an advanced stage and will be completed under this new contract, which is set to run for 18 months.

Penspen’s EVP for Project Performance Chris Williams said:

“We have had a really good relationship with KGOC since we started on the FEED and we look forward to being involved right through to commissioning. We see this as a really interesting project involving facilities, multi phase flow and both onshore and offshore pipelines. The combined strengths of Dar’s track record in the region and Penspen’s broad technical expertise have made our partnership a real success”.

About Penspen

Penspen is an energy services company that is committed to shaping the delivery of tomorrow’s energy by helping its clients engineer and operate their assets across the entire project lifecycle, maximising returns and delivering technical excellence.

We have over 60 years of experience helping our clients develop new energy assets by providing customised engineering and project management services, and by assisting them with the rehabilitation of existing energy assets to maximise productivity and efficiency.

Penspen was founded in the UK in 1954 as Spencer & Partners and has grown to become a global organisation with major offices in London, Aberdeen, Houston, Villahermosa, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok and Singapore.

About Kuwait Gulf Oil Company

The Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (K.S.C) was founded on February 10, 2002 to represent the State of Kuwait in the Divided Zone. It began its primary role in that regard on January 5, 2003 when it took over the management of Kuwait DZ off shore area from the Arabian Oil Company Ltd. on the expiry of that company’s concession agreement.

The Divided Zone was established between the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a buffer zone along the International Boundary between the two countries in an effort to improve cooperation for development projects in the border areas. The explored hydrocarbon resources are equally shared between the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the exploitation is managed through a Joint

Operations Committee established between the two countries.

In 2006, KGOC took over the responsibility to manage Kuwait share of the resources in the on-land Divided Zone that had been carried on by the Kuwait Oil Company. Since then, KGOC is responsible of managing all of the shared resources in the DZ (onshore & offshore).

Alfa Laval remains on track to submit a US Coast Guard (USCG) type approval application for Alfa Laval PureBallast 3.1 in the coming weeks. The company has successfully completed all required land-based tests using the current system design.

Alfa Laval is maintaining its ambitious timetable for USCG type approval in ballast water treatment. As anticipated, the company completed the requisite tests of PureBallast in Q2, which were performed using the USCG-approved CMFDA/FDA (staining) method. All testing was conducted at DHI in Denmark using the same hardware, power consumption and flow as the already market-leading IMO-approved version of the system.

“PureBallast has achieved high-performance results without any change to its components or system design,” says Anders Lindmark, General Manager, Business Centre PureBallast. “The tests show that PureBallast provides reliable biological disinfection at full flow, whether by IMO or US Coast Guard standards.”

Alfa Laval will now compile its USCG type approval application, including the CMFDA/FDA test results for PureBallast 3.1, for submission to the USCG within the coming weeks.

To learn more about Alfa Laval PureBallast and Alfa Laval’s approach to ballast water treatment, click here.

The energy industry’s only Standard for the warranty approval of marine operations has been published today by DNV GL. The Standard is the first to deploy a digital solution that provides users with information most relevant to a specific project.

DNV GL Standard DNVGL-ST-N001 Marine operations and marine warranty, documents design and operational requirements for the temporary phases in the development of offshore assets, including transportation by water. It covers the entire value chain, from fixed steel and concrete platforms and FPSOs to subsea operations, pipe and cable lay, and offshore wind.

The energy industry’s only Standard for the warranty approval of marine operations is available online. The Standards Wizard avoids industry professionals having to sift through a 500-page Standard to look for information relevant to their project.

Kim Rolfsen, Global Service Area Leader - Noble Denton marine services, DNV GL - Oil ＆ Gas, says the Standard draws upon more than five decades of expertise in the review and approval of marine operations. “DNV GL pioneered the concept of marine warranty surveying in the 1960s. Since that time, our legacy businesses have been the industry’s only organizations to continually produce industry standards for marine operations and warranty approvals. They have been followed by most marine contractors and even adopted by our competitors.

“The new Standard combines best practice including legacy DNV’s strengths in technical and analytical detail, and legacy GL Noble Denton’s practical guidance on avoiding technical pitfalls.”

Industry professionals can submit details about the type of asset, operation and structural code, using the MyDNVGL customer portal. The company’s online Standards Wizard will then select the pertinent information from DNVGL-ST-N001 Marine operations and marine warranty.

Mike Hoyle, Head of advanced engineering - Noble Denton marine services, UK, DNV GL - Oil & Gas, explains the benefits “This avoids industry professionals having to sift through a 500-page Standard to look for information relevant to their project. The wizard generates a simple and clear document showing the elements of the Standard needed to get on with the specific job.”

The common Standards, which have been developed with input from companies in the marine sector, also give greater flexibility to industry professionals than before. For example, users can follow either the LRFD or ASD/WSD structural assessment approach when using the Standard to plan and execute marine operations.

“We support customers in their challenges with our dedicated service portfolio which is constantly updated to the changing business environment and technologies. I believe this new digital solution will help our customers to be even more efficient,” says Elisabeth Tørstad, CEO of DNV GL – Oil & Gas.

DNV GL’s new Standard DNVGL-ST-N002 Site specific assessment of mobile offshore units for marine warranty will also be hosted on the company’s new Standards Wizard later this year.

DNV GL’s new marine Standards will be available from the MyDNVGL portal when they are published. Register here.

Gibraltar’s Gibdock shipyard has completed an extensive package of work on Solstad Shipping’s Normand Cutter. The 127m long, 10,979grt construction support vessel (CSV) left the yard on June 29th following a 22-day drydock program, which included a comprehensive overhaul of its entire propulsion system.

Norway-based Solstad has become a regular Gibdock customer, entrusting the yard with work on a number of high-tech offshore vessels over the past decade. The 2001-built Normand Cutter is in fact a repeat visitor to the yard, having previously docked at Gibdock in April 2011 for its last 5-year special survey.

Photo credit: Gibdock

Gibdock managing director, Richard Beards, says: “We are delighted that such a well-respected, quality operator as Solstad has decided to come back to us once again. Their continued support is much valued and appreciated and this project further demonstrates that we have become the ‘go to’ yard for offshore vessel work in the region.

The scope of work commissioned by Solstad for Normand Cutter included maintenance and repairs to key components of its propulsion system. Its five Brunvoll thrusters were removed and transported to the yard’s workshops, where they were stripped down and overhauled before being returned to the ship and reinstalled. Similarly, the vessel’s two tailshafts and CPP propeller hubs were withdrawn and overhauled, as were the two rudders. The rudder tiller flaps were removed, machined and refurbished as part of this process. In addition, the two gearboxes, port and starboard, were also overhauled.

Gibdock also carried out a range of standard drydocking and survey items, including painting, valve repairs and refurbishment, minor steel repairs and pipework. Jonathan Pocock, Gibdock’s ship manager for Normand Cutter, says: “It was a challenge to carry out this project within the 21-day drydock time allocated, particularly given the amount of work required to overhaul the propulsion system, but we completed the task to the owner’s satisfaction.”

Once out of drydock, Normand Cutter remained at the yard for intensive crane testing, up to a SWL of 330 tons. This was carried out by Waterweights, of Holland, in partnership with Gibdock. “We have the contacts needed for such specialized testing work inside the yard, even when we don’t have that specific capability ourselves,” says Pocock. “We do whatever it takes to allow the owner to get all the work done in one location, to keep downtime to a minimum.”

The Normand Cutter drydocking has further cemented the close ties between the Norwegian owner and Gibdock. Conrad Melhus, technical manager, says, “We chose Gibdock for this project because of the good relationship we have with them, their reliability, and the fact they have good 'hands on' management with short reporting lines. They are also a centrally positioned yard with easy access by road freight from the main spare parts hubs in Europe.”

Gibdock has secured a number of offshore vessel projects this year, despite the challenging market conditions in the offshore sector. At the time of Normand Cutter’s departure, three more offshore vessels were in the yard.

Richard Beards adds: “By focusing on QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety and the Environment) issues, which are a top priority for offshore vessel operators, and reliable on time delivery, we have been able to take full advantage of our favorable geographic location to serve this market, as companies mobilize and demobilize assets. Increasingly offshore operators in the Mediterranean and West Africa view Gibraltar not just as a shipyard, but as an offshore base to support their activities in this part of the world. On that basis we are optimistic about securing further offshore work in the second half of 2016.”

Blackhawk Specialty Tools, LLC, an industry leader in deepwater cementing innovations, has acquired the surge reduction business line of Allamon Tool Company and its related intellectual property.

The surge reduction business line includes Allamon’s industry-leading diverter systems and ancillary cementing tools as well as a number of patents that will complement Blackhawk’s existing portfolio. This business line will be operated from Blackhawk’s operations headquarters in Houma, Louisiana and other select markets worldwide.

“The acquisition of the Allamon surge reduction business reinforces Blackhawk’s leadership position in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and completes the Blackhawk Surge Reduction System for tight-tolerance casing running,” said Billy Brown, Blackhawk’s President and CEO. “We have worked with Allamon’s products successfully for many years, primarily outside of the United States, and are excited to have the opportunity to leverage Blackhawk’s leadership position in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico with the long proven and successful Allamon diverter system to enhance the value that we provide to our customers. We really appreciate the support and dedication we’ve received from Jerry Allamon over the years and his faith in us to take these products and grow them around the world.”

In addition, Blackhawk has added to its cementing tool technology with the UltraSeal™ auto-fill float equipment and the Blackhawk Single and Dual Dart-Released Plug system.

The UltraSeal is industry-leading with the highest bump and back pressure rating for large bore type auto-fill float equipment at 7,500 psi. It is fully PDC-drillable. The innovative design is the solution for problems encountered during running and cementing tight-tolerances of 9-5/8 in. and larger casing/liner strings. The UltraSeal™ will maximize cement column height for increased well safety and regulatory compliance.

The large ID through the valves and ball seat will not only allow for maximized running speeds, it also reduces surge pressures, which will decrease costly mud loss and improve well control. The increased running speed can result in a significant amount of rig time savings. Blackhawk’s UltraSealTM is stackable without the need for modification or costly baffle collars; one deactivation ball can trip two or more collars and only the activation ball falls downhole.

With its tapered landing surface, it is compatible with most subsurface release plug sets. The activation flow rate, pressure and ball retention can be adjusted “on the fly” just prior to running downhole, requiring lower inventory levels for more options. This universal design reduces customer-owned inventory and cost. The UltraSeal™ utilizes the latest generation composites to achieve performance that was once impossible. The engineering improvements are reflected in the field data.

The Dual Wiper Plug substantially increases cement slurry integrity by providing a fluid barrier on each end of the cement slurry while the cement is pumped through the casing. The Dual Wiper Plug incorporates the use of two drill pipe darts which provide a protective barrier for the cement in the workstring while wiping the inside of the drill pipe, and then launching the appropriate casing wiper plug in the Dual Wiper Plug system. The components of the Dual Wiper Plug are constructed mostly of composite material which enhance plug reliability and drill-out. Recent R&D on the elastomeric wiping fins has led to an extreme reduction in the volume of elastomer required in the new design, thus considerably reducing the amount of material that must be drilled out.

“Blackhawk has a reputation of revitalizing deepwater product offerings with cutting edge technology, and reliable tools”, Brown continued. “The surge reduction business acquisition and the launch of our two new products further cement Blackhawk’s position as an established industry leader with its ability to now offer the complete suite for cementing and surge reduction through its established industry-leading wireless cement head and centralizer subs, the newly acquired diverter tool suite and the recently launched dart-released plug systems and UltraSealTM auto-fill float equipment. ”The individual components of this Surge Reduction System have proven reliability, flexibility and compatibility and, now combined, represent the best-in-class system available on the market today. The system increases running speed, saves rig time and reduces mud losses, all of which result in more cost-effective and efficient operations for our customers. Blackhawk continues to invest through the downturn to broaden our portfolio of products that has, and will continue to benefit our customers and the industry throughout the years to come.”

The Law Offices of James W. Cox, P.C. acted as legal advisers to Allamon Tool Company Inc. Ropes & Gray LLP and Babineaux, Poche’, Anthony & Slavich LLC acted as legal advisers to Blackhawk Specialty Tools, LLC.

McDermott International, Inc. (NYSE:MDR) announced on Monday, June 27, it has been awarded a $454 million USD contract from PEMEX Exploracion y Produccion for engineering, procurement, construction & installation (EPCI) for the Abkatun-A2 platform.

McDermott will provide a vertically integrated, turnkey EPCI solution to build and commission the platform and associated structures utilizing its project management and engineering team in Mexico. The Abkatun-A2 platform is McDermott’s largest project in size and total value to-date for PEMEX. The platform will be located in Mexico’s Bay of Campeche in 124 feet of water and will provide replacement and expansion capabilities to the existing Ku-Maloob-Zaap, Cantarell and Ayatsil facilities.

McDermott will manufacture structures for the Abkatun-A2 project at the Altamira, Mexico fabrication facility, shown here during the successful load out of the PB Litoral A project. Photo credit: McDermott

“McDermott provided the most efficient and technically compliant solution leveraging our capabilities in Mexico and our recent experience with PEMEX on the successful completion of the complex PB Litoral project,” said Scott Munro, McDermott Vice President for Americas, Europe and Africa. “Our fully-integrated solution will be led by our team in Mexico, including project management, procurement, engineering, fabrication and installation. This allows us to optimize all phases of the project.”

McDermott will manufacture structures for the Abkatun-A2 project at the Altamira, Mexico fabrication facility. The yard is strategically positioned as a free trade zone and provides fabrication services for the Gulf of Mexico and Americas. The yard is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and exemplary safety standards. McDermott is expected to utilize the Derrick Barge 50 and the Intermac 650, the world’s second largest float-over installation vessel.

“McDermott has focused on several initiatives to lower costs and increase operational effectiveness to become more competitive in the market,” added Munro. “Those efforts, coupled with key strategic decisions that maximize operations and execution in Mexico, directly contributed to the positive outcome of this award and will differentiate McDermott from our competitors for continued growth and success.”

The contract award will be reflected in McDermott’s second quarter 2016 backlog. Engineering and procurement activities will commence immediately with fabrication scheduled to begin in late 2016 followed by offshore activities in 2018. Handover to Pemex is scheduled for fourth quarter of 2018.