XACT Downhole Telemetry Inc., with offices in Houston and Calgary, ended a landmark year that included six deepwater Gulf of Mexico deployments, delivering an industry first, by providing real-time downhole data during a deepwater completion installation with BP.

BP successfully accessed real-time downhole data throughout the well’s completion, using XACT’s acoustic telemetry network, which was seamlessly integrated into the operation.

Six downhole measurement nodes from XACT spanned the 22,700-foot well, enabling BP to monitor critical parameters including downhole weight on the crossover tool, and pressures and temperatures during the well’s completion.

“XACT is thankful to BP for once again giving our team the opportunity to demonstrate the value of our Network,” said Jason Roe, President and CEO of XACT. “The success of this application illustrates the ability of the XACT Acoustic Telemetry Network to provide critical downhole parameters during complex operations.”

XACT has worked with BP’s Upstream Technology group to further develop and deploy the acoustic telemetry network. BP has provided investment funding to XACT through BP Ventures.

“BP partners with XACT to help develop technology that enhances well construction and completions,” said Issam Dairanieh, managing director at BP Ventures. “We view this as a promising digital technology and are pleased to support its deployment and wider industry acceptance.”

XACT achieved multiple industry and application firsts in 2015, including: transmitting real-time data; during a liner installation, cementing operations and while tripping. XACT delivered these operations in the Gulf of Mexico with major operators and demonstrated the value of real-time applied acoustics to enable decisions for lower cost wells.

OneSubsea^®, a Cameron (NYSE: CAM) and Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB) company, has been awarded a contract from BP Exploration (Delta) Ltd., and partner DEA (Deutsche Erdoel AG), to supply subsea production systems for the West Nile Delta Giza/Fayoum and Raven fields, situated offshore Egypt.

Giza/Fayoum will be tied-back to modified onshore Rosetta facilities and integrated with a new onshore plant for Raven. The scope of supply for the long-distance gas fields includes large-bore subsea trees, manifold systems incorporating high-integrity pressure protection systems (HIPPS) for the high-pressure Raven field, connection systems, and controls systems, along with project engineering, management and testing. The booking was recognized in the fourth-quarter of 2015.

“BP continues to be successful in driving its standardization philosophy, and this is the third award to OneSubsea that will utilize the jointly-developed large-bore tree already being deployed to other BP projects,” said Mike Garding, Chief Executive Officer of OneSubsea. “OneSubsea continues to support BP in its West Nile Delta development goals, and we are proud to be a part of its long and successful track record in Egypt.”

NYC-based PIRA Energy Group reports that recent Oklahoma wastewater directives not likely to have material impact on crude production. In the U.S., hefty crude imports propelled U.S. crude stocks higher. In Japan, crude runs recovered, imports rose and stocks built. Specifically, PIRA’s analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:

Hefty Crude Imports Propel U.S. Crude Stocks Higher

Recent crude import have averaged about 0.88 MMB/D higher than last year, roughly the same magnitude as the decline in domestic crude supply. Crude runs being about 550 MB/D higher have restrained the increase in crude stocks. Gasoline and jet demand have been growing, but distillate has been very weak. The gasoline balance sheet cleaning up relative to the distillate balance sheet is reflected in distillate prices weakening versus gasoline. Looking forward, a strong increase in CDU maintenance should reduce crude runs and contribute to another crude stock build. Gasoline demand and seasonally declining yields should drive a steeper-than-average draw, as distillate demand results in an average draw.

Potential Producing Region High Storage Alarm Bells

Though the books have only just opened for March, the month already may have seen its final double-digit withdrawal of the heating season. Preliminary balances suggest next week’s report will feature at best a minor withdrawal, followed by a sizable 30-40 BCF injection for the week ending March 18th. Consequently, U.S. balances are on pace to end the month with a storage position near ~2.5 TCF, a remarkably similar tally to end-February and the record set in 2012. Thursday’s reported draw also resulted in a steep expansion to 911 BCF in the year-on-year storage surplus. With additional gains looming, the overhang will soon top the 1 TCF threshold.

German Lignite Is Now Cash-Flow Negative

The latest earning calls by major power generators confirm PIRA's view that the Continental markets continue to be on an unsustainable path, with utilities now feeling increasing pressure from rating agencies (a sign of growing credit concerns). More specifically for Germany, the slump in commodity prices is keeping wholesale prices at historically lower levels, with current prices unable to cover large portions of the baseload fleet — lignite and nuclear. Going forward, while power prices may be stabilizing as a result of gains in oil and coal prices, the lack of retirements will continue to squeeze margins.

Coal Price Rebound Continues on Strike Risks and Higher Oil

Seaborne coal pricing generally moved higher last week, with a looming strike at the Cerrejón mine in Colombia and rising oil pricing providing some upward momentum to coal pricing. There is a fundamental rebalancing that is (slowly) going on, with some discipline on the supply side and strengthening on the demand side. This is expected to lead to a more structural recovery in pricing in late-2016 into 2017. Additionally, we believe that the coal market is underestimating the impact that a recovery in oil prices will have on coal production costs and pricing. PIRA retains a bullish outlook relative to the market starting in 4Q16.

RGGI Carbon Auction Reflects Lower Pricing

RGGI’s carbon allowance auction saw strong demand with compliance-oriented buying, but it cleared below the secondary market. PIRA continues to expect that this year’s Program Review process will result in a tightening of caps post-2020. Price volatility may also lead to consideration of a more robust price floor. The prospect of continued operation of Maryland coal units could mean higher-than-expected emissions.

The U.S. Exports First Ethane Cargo

The first ever long-range ethane cargo loaded last week at Sunoco’s Marcus Hook, PA, terminal in the Northeast United States. The cargo loaded and departed midweek (March 9th) and headed for its destination in Rafnes, Norway, where it is expected to arrive on March 29th. The JS Ineos Intrepid has a 172 MB (27.5 thousand cubic meter) cargo capacity. The ethane cargo will be used as feedstock for Ineos’s Norwegian petrochemical facility.

U.S. Output Declines

Despite a drop in U.S. ethanol production for the second consecutive week, stocks built by 683 thousand barrels to a record 23.3 million barrels. Total inventories are up a remarkable 2.1 million barrels from 21.2 million at this time last year.

Way Ahead of Schedule

Pictures of heading wheat the second week of March caused more than a little concern for many. The HRW crop was pushed way ahead of schedule with the recent warm snap and is now at risk of damage due to cold or wet conditions over the next month or so. The already massive short position obviously didn’t help either, and while we’re bearish flat price, it’s best to sit this one out.

Financial Stress Continues to Ease

For the fourth straight week, the S&P 500 rose Friday-to-Friday and on a weekly average basis. While volatility was little changed, all of the other indicators, such as high yield debt and emerging market debt, again posted solid gains. The U.S. dollar lost ground on the week against a host of currencies. Commodities ex-energy are looking significantly better the past several weeks (an eight-week uptrend). Energy has also moved higher the last few weeks.

Japanese Crude Runs Recovered, Imports Rose and Stocks Built

Crude runs recovered about one third of the decline posted the previous week. Crude imports rose sufficiently to build crude stocks 6.7 MMBbls. Finished product stocks drew, largely due to end-of-season kerosene stock declines and lesser draws in naphtha, gasoil, and gasoline. This was despite across-the-board demand declines in all the major products. The indicative refining margin remains good. This week saw higher gasoline and kero-jet cracks, while naphtha and fuel oil cracks eased.

Why Is TTF So Weak and What Does That Mean for Spreads Going Forward?

Gas price spreads around Europe are a series of levers. You push down on one side, spreads will open up. Push down on another, spreads will close. We are seeing this levering already at play on the TTF relative to other Continental European hubs and expect more, as increasing volumes of LNG dock on European shores. TTF is looking weak so far this March vs. nearly all N.W. European Hubs despite Groningen production dropping to historically low levels (for this time of year) and low LNG deliveries into the Dutch pipeline system. Storage, namely the 4 BCM Bergermeer facility, has really stepped up to fill the void created by lost production volumes. While these extra volumes don’t fully replace Groningen, between the historically low demand, extra storage volumes, more Norwegian volumes, and extra Russian volumes this difference has been made up.

Coal Supply Cuts Increase

While underlying demand conditions for coal — and natural gas prices — have weakened further, production cuts have accelerated. In addition, generators are turning more to “forced coal burn” in order to assist in trimming burgeoning inventories. This is setting the stage for an expected normalization of market balances in 2017.

California Carbon Slipped Below Floor; Auction Decision Looms

Sharp declines observed in the CA ETS have seen secondary market prices dipping below the auction floor price, particularly for prompt delivery. More information regarding the validity of allowance auctions could come any day — even in the event of a negative decision, consigned allowance auctions could continue.

U.S. Refiners Paid over $1 Billion in RIN Costs in 2015

U.S. refiners paid 1.27 billion to comply with RFS2 last year.

Funds Keep Selling Corn

In a week when grains and oilseeds enjoyed noticeable price appreciation, corn participation was limited and one look at last week’s Commitment of Traders showed the reason as Funds just keep selling, seemingly oblivious to any possible planting disruption.

The Expanded Panama Canal Set to Open for Trade in 3Q16

The expanded Panama Canal will benefit U.S. exports of LPG and help support U.S. LPG prices. But for crude/condensate exports, VLCC exports around the Cape of Good Hope are still generally more attractive than Canal voyages.

LNG's Generation X Comes to Life

The specter of production shut-ins remains a constant whisper throughout the industry unless demand growth surges in the short term. Lower prices do suggest a lift in the demand curve is possible, but it is still difficult to place all of the world’s emerging LNG supply without an extremely low price that cracks open more coal-to-gas switching.

Global Equities Post Another Positive Week

Global equities posted a fourth straight week of gains. Many of the tracking indices continue to display significantly better looking trends. In the U.S., almost all the tracking indices were higher on the week. Energy, materials utilities, and retail did the best, while banking lagged. Internationally, the tracking indices were a bit more mixed. The best performers were Europe and Latin America. Japan, emerging Asia, and China lagged.

Ethanol Prices Slide

U.S. ethanol prices tumbled last week as inventories were near record highs. Manufacturing margins were stable as corn costs also declined.

What Ails U.S. Distillate Demand?

Weekly distillate demand has been running about 700 MB/D below forecast. PIRA has pointed to the adverse impact of a strong dollar on U.S. industry as well as the crippling impact of low commodity prices on mining as likely causes for this demand weakness. We estimate their combined negative impact on diesel demand is roughly 320 MB/D, leaving the remaining 380 MB/D to be explained by other factors such as bad weekly demand data. The recent 278 MB/D upward revision in the December PSM of the DOE weekly demand data is testimony to the kind of upward revisions that are possible. There will be more upward revisions to the weekly numbers when the PSM monthly data for January and February are released.

Will the Rio Olympics Help Brazil’s Economy and Oil Demand?

Historically, the summer Olympic games have tended to support economic activity in host countries, and there has also been a positive historical pattern between hosting the Olympics and oil consumption. This year, Rio de Janeiro will host the first Olympics in South America, but the typical Olympic effects on the economy and oil demand have not evident in Brazilian data. Recent encouraging signals from financial markets, however, suggest that the Olympic lift may materialize after all.

Egypt Reduce Gas Prices for Industrial Users

Egypt will reduce the price it offers natural gas to steel and iron factories, Minister of Industry Tarek Kabil told a news conference last Wednesday. The reduction brings gas prices for the industries back to their 2014 levels, before prices were hiked as part of a broader government plan to cut subsidies, including those to heavy industry. At the time, the government increased gas prices by 30-75%. Egypt in December relaxed a commitment made by the previous government to abolish subsidies on gasoline, diesel and natural gas, and said lower global oil prices and the discovery of a massive offshore gas field meant it could move more slowly on the pledge.

Recent Oklahoma Wastewater Directives Not Likely to Have Material Impact on Crude Production

On March 7th Oklahoma’s oil and gas regulatory body issued a directive to reduce the wastewater injected into disposal wells in an area covering 5,000 square miles and over 400 disposal wells. This follows on the heels of a directive issued on February 16th impacting over 200 wells. Both the February and March actions represent an expansion in scope from directives issued in the state over the past year. However, PIRA does not see a material impact on oil production. The directives are largely voluntary and aim to reduce water disposal, not production. At most, we estimate a potential impact of 30 MB/D of crude. But the actual impact will likely be much less as operators come up with other ways to dispose of produced water.

Iraq Oil Monitor, 1Q16

Rising insecurity and worsening regional tensions resulted in multiple attacks and a 25-day shutdown of the ~600 MB/D Iraq-Ceyhan pipeline from mid-February. In the south, rising tribal violence and organized crime could deter investment and slow oil development. Southern exports averaged nearly 3.3 MMB/D from November to February, but further gains will likely be difficult as 2016 investment plans were reportedly reduced from $23 to $9 billion. The KRG-Baghdad oil export deal remains effectively dead, and PM Abadi’s plans for a major cabinet reshuffle has the potential to alleviate months of political paralysis or intensify a power struggle within the government.

Growth-Friendly Policy Announcements from China and Europe

Economic targets announced at this week’s Chinese National People’s Congress pointed to a growth-friendly policy stance. But policymakers also paid attention to structural issues, such as reforming state-owned enterprises. Chinese economic data for January/February were mixed, and a slowing in industrial production growth is likely to alarm policymakers. Easing measures that the European Central Bank introduced this week went beyond markets’ expectations. Positive manufacturing data from Germany and the U.K. suggested that industrial activity in the developed world may be starting to turn around.

The information above is part of PIRA Energy Group's weekly Energy Market Recap - which alerts readers to PIRA’s current analysis of energy markets around the world as well as the key economic and political factors driving those markets.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS), a leading global provider of products and services to the shipping industry, is launching a lifejacket specially designed to safeguard workers in the harshest offshore environments. The Unitor Inflatable Lifejacket features class leading buoyancy, a Hammar automatic hydrostatic release system, and a design that is rugged, yet also light and comfortable to wear when performing demanding offshore tasks.

“There’s no shortage of lifejackets on the market, but few that are created to match the unique requirements of working offshore,” comments Philip Gatland, WSS Western Australia Manager.

“The Unitor Inflatable Lifejacket is very light, easy to put on and easy to wear, allowing both free movement and optimal protection. It features a patented interlocking lobe bladder that inflates automatically – although only when needed, not in rain, spray or humid conditions – and self-rights the user in under five seconds, even when unconscious.

“It is high visibility, heavy duty and compliant with ISO 12402-3 regulations, offering what we believe is the best protection on the market today. Full stop.”

The innovative design of the life jacket forms an effective wave barrier. This ensures that, regardless of whether the wearer is conscious or not, water is not channelled towards their face, protecting airflows. In addition, its 170N buoyancy rating compares favourably to the industry standard 150N, providing extra safety for larger operators or those carrying tools.

“Our global network and longstanding customer relationships have helped inform this new product, ensuring that we create something that is tailored specifically for the marketplace’s needs,” adds Gatland.

“Safety is always the first priority for offshore operators, so it’s our priority too. We are committed to providing solutions that are first class, available and cost effective, and The Unitor Inflatable Lifejacket is the epitome of that proposition.”

The lifejacket, which was unveiled to customers for the first time at the recent Australasian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (AOG) in Perth, is protected by a heavy duty nylon cover, offers manual inflation, features reflective tape and also comes with a whistle for attracting attention.

Unitor is a proprietary brand owned and supplied worldwide by WSS. Other leading Unitor products include marine chemicals, fire fighting and safety equipment, and an extensive range of high quality marine equipment.

Harkand has been awarded a multi-million pound contract with Maersk Oil North Sea UK Ltd to deliver subsea support services to the operator including a commissioning support campaign for the Flyndre development located in the south-eastern part of the Central Graben Basin in the North Sea.

The Aberdeen office of the global inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) company will oversee the mobilization of its sister dive support vessels the Harkand Atlantis and Harkand Da Vinci. The Flyndre campaign will see personnel carrying out choke valve replacement work as well as delivering umbilical tie-in operations.

David Kerr, Managing Director

David Kerr, managing director for Harkand Europe said: “We have a well-established relationship with Maersk Oil having delivered successful diving scopes for the company last year including decommissioning work at the Leadon field and also completing their subsea inspection campaign in 2013.

“We look forward to working once again with Maersk and delivering their scopes to the high standards they expect from Harkand.”

Tiburon Subsea announces they are now working with T. Baker Smith to provide AUV systems and support. The company is looking forward to providing the latest technology and support to T. Baker Smiths ongoing Gulf of Mexico and overseas projects. AUV surveys are the perfect solution for modern site clearance and are now being used in water up to 200 meters deep.

Since 1913, T. Baker Smith has provided solutions that have improved the quality of life in the communities they helped build. Today, T. Baker Smith continues to provide tailored solutions through a professional and integrated approach that continue to enhance those same communities.

Tiburon Subsea's provides underwater technology rental, services and support. They equip marine service providers and companies with the latest technologies and engineering support. With a focus on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and a strong network of affiliates our technical team trains, supports and services our custom fleet of 100m and 200m AUV’s.

In recent years, fishing communities in North West Europe have reaped numerous benefits from the rise of offshore wind – fishing vessels and their crews have been regularly employed for the transfer of technicians and equipment to wind farms off the coast. As the industry has evolved, there has been rapid growth in the use of purpose-build Personnel Transfer Vessels (PTV) for the same purpose. This remains a viable and low-cost option for many projects, but developers are now exploring innovative logistics solutions for rapid access to wind farms – the industry is modernizing rapidly and looking to the sky.

In the UK, use of helicopters for offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) is still relatively rare – limited to the Greater Gabbard and Westermost Rough projects. However, for our North Sea neighbors, it is more commonplace. In Germany and Denmark, helicopters regularly service offshore wind farms – rapid response time and lack of dependence on sea conditions are both key motives for use. As such, helicopters are expected to feature in many future projects within the region, factored into a new style of O&M strategy.

The next phase of offshore wind farms in the UK are expected to drive increased use of helicopters offshore. Upcoming projects like Hornsea are both larger in scale and farther from shore, requiring a strategy beyond the use of personnel transfer vessels. There is no one-size fits all O&M approach for these giant windfarms, and risk-averse operators may see helicopters as a high risk alternative to vessels. However, the benefits are clear – time saving on turbine repair (i.e. minimizing downtime) is crucial and helicopters enable rapid access to turbines in harsher weather conditions.

DW expect helicopters to become an integral part of the offshore wind industry’s O&M mix. Consequently, we forecast steady growth in helicopter demand to 2025, primarily in Western European markets with experience in offshore aviation derived from a long history of oil and gas.

IRM Systems (IRMS), the independent authority in emergency pipeline repairs, announced that it has opened its first office in Aberdeen. The new office is home to “IRMS UKWA,” a new division dedicated to serving clients in the UK and West Africa.

“Our clients in the UK and West Africa now have a much more effective frontline interaction with IRM Systems,” said David Obatolu, General Manager of IRMS UKWA. “With personnel based in the UK and West Africa who are familiar with the specific regulations, processes and policies in these regions, we are in a much better position to provide clients with the same – or higher - quality of service that they’re used to.”

David Obatolu and Lee Dudbrige, IRMS UKWA

In addition to the UK, the company is focusing on Ghana, Nigeria and Angola, where projects will kick off this year. All basic services, including pipeline inspection, repair, maintenance and risk management are available. Plans are in place to introduce specialist services to clients in West Africa, which will provide them with a break-through solution to critical integrity and maintenance issues that are particularly serious in the region. This will be announced in Q2 2016.

With 19 years in the pipeline industry, Lee Dudbridge is the Engineering Manager. He has experience in pipeline pre-commissioning, decommissioning, deep water pigging and flooding, and project management. Dudbridge specializes in pipeline assurance, technical evaluation, inline inspection (ILI) vendor selection, pipeline risk management, and failure investigation.

Ismail Lawal is a Senior Pipeline Engineer with 12 years of experience in subsea and onshore pipelines, risers, subsea manifolds and umbilicals. His areas of expertise include pipeline design, design verification, certification, third party design review, pipeline consultancy services, pipeline integrity and Fitness for Service (FFS) assessment. A Chartered Engineer, Lawal holds a Master’s Degree in Pipeline Engineering from University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Located in Riverside House overlooking the River Dee, the new office in central Aberdeen is easy to access.

iSURVEY Group, a leading provider of survey and positioning services to the global oil and gas and telecommunications sectors, has boosted its North Sea presence following a number of contract wins and the appointment of a new business development manager.

Following the recent announcement of a contract extension with Nexans Norway AS, iSURVEY has also been awarded a second contract extension with AGR to provide rig move and positioning services for the company and its clients, Faroe and Engie, during their exploration-drilling campaigns in 2016.

The semisubmersible rig, Transocean Arctic, will be used for the drilling campaigns on these two wells. iSURVEY has provided rig positioning services on board the Transocean Arctic since 2012, working with AGR during the same timeframe.

Stuart Murray, Business Development Manager

Øivind Røegh, group CEO at iSURVEY said: “With the current challenges faced in the offshore industry, iSURVEY continues to build strong, successful relationships with clients in order to further expand our operations. Securing these contracts with such highly regarded companies in the North Sea is testament to the high quality of service iSURVEY provides, and we are delighted that our solutions are being recognised across the industry.”

To continue this North Sea growth is the appointment of business development manager, Stuart Murray. Over his career spanning more than ten years, Mr Murray has undertaken a variety of business development roles within the industry. Mr Murray joins iSURVEY from Bibby Offshore where he held the position of subsea business manager, prior to this managing business development for Subsea7.

Andrew McMurtrie, managing director at iSURVEY said: “With an impressive track record in business development, Stuart brings a wealth of invaluable industry experience to iSURVEY. I have no doubt that he will be an asset to our team, supporting our growth plans which remain ambitious during the current industry environment.“

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Murray said: “I am delighted to join iSURVEY and become part of a company which has such a successful international track record. My previous business development experience will be a valuable asset to the team, allowing me to identify new opportunities for iSURVEY to continue expanding its business.”

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Demands for increased collaboration in the oil and gas industry are being reflected through a record rise in vessel shares, according to Peterson, the international energy logistics provider.

The company, which is leading the way in collaborative vessel sharing, has seen a record number of vessel sharing arrangements since the turn of the year.

Seven shares were arranged between operators in the central and Northern North Sea throughout January and February. All were facilitated by Peterson through the Aberdeen Marine Logistics Alliance (AMLA), a vessel sharing initiative designed to maximise efficiency and reduce marine logistics costs.

Left to right: Kees Wouters, Marine Project Supervisor; Jekaterina Mjackova, Marine Business Analyst, Eric Witton, Marine Manager; Loek Sakkers, Director Projects

As the facilitator of AMLA, Peterson helps members source cost effective solutions for their unscheduled shipping requirements by arranging vessel shares with other companies operating in the North Sea, thus reducing both financial costs and environmental impact.

During 2014 and 2015, despite increasingly challenging market conditions, the combined financial benefit for companies participating in ALMA shares was £2 million, together with a reduction in CO₂ emissions of approximately 800 tonnes, the equivalent of removing 275 cars from the road for a year.

With 15 years of experience in combining sailings via an efficient pool of supply vessels and shared supply bases, Peterson has developed in-depth knowledge and expertise of vessel sharing which is supported by the continuous development of supporting software solutions.

Loek Sakkers, Director of projects, Peterson said: “As was recently highlighted by Oil & Gas UK and others, there is an urgent need for widespread collaboration in the North Sea. We share this view and believe significant opportunities exist within the supply chain to do just that through increased vessel sharing. We believe the recent unprecedented number of vessel shares indicates that the industry is not only listening to the calls for greater collaboration but responding positively.

“We have a long established record in providing vessel sharing initiatives, including the successful Southern North Sea pool, and are delighted to be transferring this expertise to the wider North Sea region.”

Commenting on the arrangement, James Crawford, managing director of Wood Group PSN in the UK and Africa, said: “Our commitment is to contributing to the industry’s long-term sustainability and we are focused on working in collaboration with partners across the sector to find new opportunities to work together.

“Working with AMLA/Peterson is a strong example of this, and we are confident of the mutual benefits created by this model of combined sailings, which we believe can become best practice for the industry in the long-term.”

As well as addressing operators’ reactive vessel requirements through AMLA, Peterson is working with a number of UKCS operators to establish a formal pool for scheduled cargo movements. The pool offers members significant efficiency gains together with maximum fleet flexibility. When an operator charters a vessel independently, it is usually hired on a per day basis regardless of requirements. In a pool, the operator can use a vessel one day and the next day the vessel can be used by another operator. When the fleet available comprises of multiple vessels, the flexibility and availability is increased. Peterson’s role is to focus on maximum fleet utilisation and optimising vessel use per individual operator to reduce overall idle time.

Vessel sharing is one of a range of services offered by Peterson’s Integrated Marine Services (PIMS). Based at new premises within Peterson’s existing quayside base at Waterloo Quay, Aberdeen, the team provides services including all types of marine and vessel audits, inspections and surveys, the provision of expert marine personnel, dynamic positioning and marine engineering.

Blackhawk Specialty Tools LLC has expanded its international operations in Mexico with the opening of a new subsidiary and operating facility in Villahermosa, Mexico, in the heart of the expanding Mexican oil and gas market.

The new facility will be at Cardenas S/N KM 8 R/A. Anacleto Canabal 2da. Seccion, Centro, Villahermosa, Tabasco C.P. 86280 Mexico.

Besides investing in infrastructure within Mexico, Blackhawk will hire and train local employees with a goal to build strong partnerships with both national and independent oil and gas companies. Blackhawk brings the latest technology in well construction, surge reduction and well intervention products and services to the Mexican market.

“As Blackhawk continues to become better known outside the United States and respected throughout the oil and gas industry, the demand for our services continues to grow,” said Billy Brown, Blackhawk’s president and CEO. “I am extremely excited about our new Mexico facility and believe the rapidly growing international market is a perfect complement to our significant market position in the U.S. onshore and offshore Gulf of Mexico markets.

“As the leading provider of cementing tools and products in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, expansion into the Mexican Gulf of Mexico is a natural next step for Blackhawk. The recent efforts to allow exploration to leading operators around the world has opened the door for innovation and new technology and will allow both operators and service companies like Blackhawk to share and gain expertise; invest in the local economy and workforce; and improve safety, efficiency and quality to improve oil and gas operations throughout Mexico.”

Tekmar Energy Ltd, a leading supplier of subsea cable protection, has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Barry Cooper as Operations Manager.

Bringing more than 15 years of experience in the offshore sector, Barry has served in several senior management and leadership roles in businesses including Technip Umbilicals, GE Wellstream and more recently, DeepOcean.

In his new role, Barry will be responsible for all operations working closely within the Senior Management Team to ensure products are manufactured to the highest quality, processes are efficient, and the history of excellence in quality and safety is further enhanced.

Prior to joining Tekmar, Barry was Capex Manager at Technip Umbilicals and GE Wellstream where he lead major investment programs developing both manufacturing and research & development facilities as part of global strategic growth plans. Locations included Brazil, Angola, Houston, Malaysia and the UK as well as leading process improvement initiatives in those manufacturing environments and subsea installations with DeepOcean.

Barry Cooper commented, “I am delighted to join Tekmar at a time of significant growth and opportunity across renewables and subsea SURF products. Tekmar are strategically well positioned to take advantage of market opportunities in both sectors and have fantastic facilities already in place to support those plans. I look forward to working with the team to maximize the potential of an already successful brand”.

James Ritchie, CEO, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Barry to our team of highly experienced executive managers. Despite the pressures of the market conditions Tekmar is still focused on growth and our future success depends on putting operations safety first, continually improving product quality and reducing the overall cost of production. By appointing Barry as our Operations Manager, with his track record in offshore operations and manufacturing from some of the leading oil and gas players, we hope to capitalize from that experience to make Tekmar the clear market leaders and the supplier of choice”.

Tekmar’s recent growth has seen the company continue to secure multiple renewables contracts, including Race Bank, Rampion and Formosa. In addition to this, Tekmar has experienced consistent growth in the oil & gas subsea sector, despite the recent downturn, and continues to secure work with new and existing customers.

Sparrows Group has partnered with leading engineering and manufacturing firm INNOVO to provide the offshore industry with the first fully electric-drive flexible cable and pipe lay system for rental.

The wider collaboration between the firms will see them deliver full back-deck equipment packages for sale and rental to suit both the oil and gas and offshore wind markets globally.

As part of the agreement INNOVO’s electric drive 700 Te multi-reel drive system will be rented alongside Sparrows Group’s wide range of electric drive tensioners as a fully packaged and managed lay system.

Stewart Mitchell, chief executive officer at Sparrows Group, said: “Combining an electric tensioner with an electric reel drive means we can offer the market a uniquely sophisticated system that delivers greater control and therefore better precision and accuracy than traditional hydraulic drive appliances which can dramatically reduce the risk of damage to the product. Both pieces of equipment are fitted with the same control systems, allowing easy system synchronization which also improves the control of lay operations.

“Compact in size considering its high capacity, INNOVO’s real drive is one of the most robust systems on the rental market which can be used with multiple reels if required. Combined with our 50 Te tensioner that works in both horizontal and vertical configurations, the system offers customers a high degree of versatility.

“Over the past 12 months, we have seen a rise in demand for packaged rental solutions as companies try to maximize efficiencies and reduce capex costs. The agreement with INNOVO will see us offer engineering services for the mobilization, installation and commissioning of any lay system as well as new build design and supply.”

Stefano Malagodi, managing director of INNOVO, said: “In partnering with the market leader in tensioners we are bringing together a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of specialist back deck equipment. The full lay system package is easily delivered anywhere in the world and with our 700 Te reel drive system on its way to Aberdeen just now it will soon be available for immediate mobilization in the North Sea.

“Together we will be providing engineering and technical support before and during operations through our qualified offshore technicians. By combining our expertise we will have the capability to offer specialist engineering services such as OrcaFlex analysis, point load seafastening, according to DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register and ABS codes, stability calculations and ship stability reports which all help optimize efficiency and save costs.”

INNOVO is devoted to providing high value professional services and high technology equipment for the renewables, oil and gas and marine business sectors. They are a member of DNV GL’s joint industrial panel for offshore equipment used for the laying and recovery of pipes and cables.

Established originally in 1946, the Sparrows Group moved into the oil and gas market in 1975 and has more than 40 years’ experience working offshore. The company provides engineered products and services, primarily to the offshore sector, specializing in lifting and handling, cable and pipe lay, and fluid power solutions.

Subsea IMR provider, N-Sea, has signed a letter of intent with CERES Recherches & Expertise Sous-Marine and TechSub Industrie Environement, to provide subsea survey, installation and remediation services to the French offshore wind industry.

Gerard Keser, CEO of N-Sea, said: “N-Sea has developed a strong track record in UXO management, construction support and IMR services in the offshore renewables market. Together with CERES and TechSub, we will be best placed to help developers and contractors understand and deal with the risks of the installation of a power grid and windfarm foundations on the seabed.

Representatives of N-Sea, CERES Recherches & Expertise Sous-Marine and TechSub Industrie Environement with the King and Queen of the Netherlands at the Dutch Trade Mission.

“This partnership is a significant step forward for N-Sea in our international growth plans and simultaneously ensures that our shared expert knowledge of French regulations and subsea operations can be utilized to provide the best possible service to our customers.”

The partnership will also include the provision of unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection, identification and removal services and will allow all three companies to utilize their international experience, vessels and specialized equipment.

The agreement was signed at the Dutch Trade Mission on 11 March in Paris and was witnessed by Ministry officials and the King and Queen of the Netherlands.

N-Sea is known for its innovative work as an independent offshore subsea contractor, specializing in IMR services for the oil and gas, renewable and telecom/utility industries, as well as for civil contracting communities. N-Sea provides near shore, offshore and survey services to major operators and service companies alike.

Seatronics, an Acteon company, and Norwegian associates RTS, have achieved 100 successful global installations with the Subsea Deflection Monitoring system (SDM).

The SDM system aims to reduce the risk associated with both large and small installations. The system has an extensive history of successful operations in comparison to newer alternatives in the market.

The SDM is a time-saving monitoring solution used for the deployment and installation of subsea structures. Time-stamped data from pressure and attitude sensors are transmitted through an ROV hot stab connection or an acoustic modem. When installing the structure, the operator has full online feedback of its heading and deflection. The hotstab serves as a contingency solution where power and telemetry from an ROV can run the SDM. Additionally, subsea displays provide gyro, pitch and roll data. The SDM also includes remote control of all connected sensors, optional differential pressure monitoring of suction anchors, external sensor capabilities and customized logging intervals for long-time structure surveillance.

Phil Middleton, group managing director, Seatronics, said, “The SDM system has an impeccable track record, setting the industry standard for such deployments. It is the solution of choice for all leading global subsea engineering contractors. It is due to the reliability of the SDM package that we have achieved 100 successful installations. The SDM has been developed by listening to feedback from many key clients. Our 12-year partnership with RTS has been marked with new developments addressing efficiency and timesaving efforts offshore. The next generation is already in development."

Freddy Knutsen, general manager, RTS, said, “The first initiative to develop the SDM system came from one of the oil majors in Norway in 2007. The need for an instrument package that could give them safer, faster and more accurate structure installations was crucial. Since then, the SDM has become the industry standard for structure installations by all the major oil companies.”

The SDM system, manufactured and developed by RTS, is available for rental throughout Seatronics’ global bases, provided with offshore expertise and technical support.

Horizon Geosciences has announced the introduction of Cathodic Protection (CP) Surveys to its list of Survey services as demand for maintaining existing subsea assets rises in the oil and gas sector. CP Surveys are used to assess and control the integrity of metal subsea assets as environmental and time related factors can cause corrosion of important offshore and nearshore infrastructure and components.

A full package of services is being offered to Horizon’s clients, from data acquisition to processing and reporting with CP Survey options including ROV and Trailing Wire (proximity and contact). Horizon also confirmed they use a new, cutting edge CP system considered to be one of the smallest in the world.

Horizon Geosciences Project Manager Sean Lowe commented;

“The CP System we use is very compact and robust. Due to its size, the CP can be deployed in smaller ROV models. It’s compatible with any ROV and industrial communication protocols (RS485 and RS232). It produces very low noise data, highly accurate results and can be mobilized in less than an hour with no surface equipment required.”

Horizon recently completed its first CP Pipeline Survey for Halul Offshore Services nearshore, Qatar. The Trailing Wire method was used, whereby teams of engineers made hard wire connections at test points along a beach, these ran to the water line where the trailing wire was connected. The Survey vessel ran 6 X 3KM survey lines individually towing a dummy fish with a AG/AGcl cell attached. Both the cell and Trailing Wire were connected to online data acquisition software to record the data, against the provided navigation. The results were then processed and presented to the client in a comprehensive report.

Horizon Geosciences Project Manager, Sean Lowe concluded;

“Corrosion is an electrochemical process that occurs in stages and if left untreated, subsea infrastructure can become hazardous and restoration costly. Horizon’s CP Survey services enable clients to assess important subsea assets and make informed maintenance decision.”

Dedicated to quality marine science, Horizon Geosciences is a leading provider of marine survey and geotechnical services to the offshore industry. Working across sectors including oil & gas, renewables, civil, subsea and offshore construction, Horizon can support every stage of offshore and nearshore projects across continents. With offices in the UAE, India and the UK Horizon’s fleet of offshore vessels are primarily dedicated to the North Sea and Atlantic region plus the Middle East and Indian Ocean.

Quick facts about Horizon’s assets & history: