The RPSEA Ultra-Deepwater (UDW) Program is proud to announce the annual Technology Conference to be held on Wednesday, September 3 through Thursday, September 4, 2014 at the Norris City Center in Houston, Texas.

The RPSEA UDW Program conducts research that targets technologies that are beneficial to offshore operators working in the Gulf of Mexico and other deepwater environments. The mission of the UDW Program is to identify and develop technologies, architectures, and methods that ensure safe and environmentally responsible exploration and production of hydrocarbons from the ultra-deepwater portion of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in an economically viable (full life cycle) manner. Ultra-Deepwater is defined as water depth that is equal to or greater than 1,500 meters (~5,000 feet). The program also includes technologies applicable to formations in the OCS deeper than 15,000 subsurface.

The annual UDW Technology Conference presentations address the research results of 32 projects with topics ranging from autonomous underwater 3D laser imaging and deepwater monitoring technologies to improved cementing technologies, advanced seismic modeling; and design criteria for intervention, specialized materials, HTHP environments; as well as hurricane prediction. The projects focus on preventing safety risks and environmental protection of the marine ecosystem.

RPSEA's UDW Program aims for the integration of technologies that address the challenges of exploration for, or production of, natural gas or other petroleum resources located at ultra-deepwater depths. One of the goals of the research is to develop enabling technologies that help to lower overall cost and risks, and technologies that leapfrog over conventional strategies.

Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch buffet and breaks on both days and a reception on September 3rd following the day's presentations.

The workshop cost is $100 for RPSEA members and $500 for non-RPSEA members.

Pulse Structural Monitoring Inc., (Pulse), an Acteon company, has opened a new, purpose-built facility in Katy, Texas, that will provide modern office, production and testing facilities in an established industry hub.

The modern 740-m2 facility will support Pulse's expansion plans in the North American market, while enabling the company to maintain exceptional levels of customer service for all its integrity monitoring projects.

Staff at the new facility will be responsible for Pulse's engineering, project management and testing operations in the USA and Canada, including ongoing drilling and production riser monitoring projects in the Gulf of Mexico.

Wolfgang Ruf, vice president, Pulse Structural Monitoring, said, "The new fully integrated facility provides modern and state-of-the-art office, assembly and testing facilities with room for future growth. This prime location, close to our clients and in the extended energy corridor, will provide us with the space and utilities we need to deliver excellent customer service and develop long-term growth."

The address of the new facility is 22330 Merchants Way, Suite 190, Katy, Texas 77449, USA.

Claxton Engineering Services, an Acteon company, has appointed Martin Jolley as vice president sales and commercial to spearhead its global sales and commercial strategy.

Providing leadership and vision to direct the company's sales, marketing, commercial and tendering divisions, Jolley will be based in Claxton's UK head office, overseeing commercial development aimed at expanding the business worldwide.

Jolley's appointment underlines Claxton's commitment to global expansion and growth of operations. Claxton recently secured its biggest ever riser contract – for the development of the Hanz field, offshore Norway.

Jolley, who has a master's degree in industrial economics and a degree in engineering science, was previously business development director for Camellia plc., where he was responsible for AKD Engineering Ltd and five other companies within the Camellia group.

Laura Claxton, managing director, Claxton, said, "Our ongoing aim is to extend the responsive, high-quality engineering services that we deliver in the North Sea into new markets. Martin will play a leading role in this and ensure that we deliver the same high levels of customer and market focus in Norway, South East Asia and the UAE. His experience and leadership capabilities will prove invaluable in our continuing international expansion and we are delighted to have him onboard at Claxton."

Claxton holds one of the largest stocks of subsea risers with a wide array of bore, pressure and complete system options. The company has also pioneered rigless well abandonment operations and has installed approximately 5,000 structural centralizers globally.

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (NYSE: DO) has announced that Ronald Woll has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately. Based in Houston, Mr. Woll will have oversight of company marketing and contract acquisition activities.

Mr. Woll has an extensive background in the oil-field services arena in a career covering business development, manufacturing, supply chain, and business process re-engineering. Prior to joining Diamond Offshore, Mr. Woll served as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain at Halliburton, and he has previously worked for Bertelsmann, PricewaterhouseCoopers and General Electric. Mr. Woll graduated Summa Cum Laude in Industrial Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and later obtained a Master's Degree in Engineering Management at the same college.

"Ron brings with him a successful track record where he has brought value to both service company and operator alike in a win-win manner," said Marc Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer. "His extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience will be an important addition to an already strong marketing team."

Survivex, a market leader in the provision of offshore survival training and safety skills courses to the global energy industry, announces Andrew Green (photo) as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) [August 2014], replacing former CEO George Green, who is appointed as non-executive director.

Established in 2011, Survivex has since trained over 130,000 candidates, seen employee numbers rise to 100 and has trebled its turnover in the last three years. Previously, as Managing Director, Andrew Green played a key role in establishing Survivex and building its reputation as a leading provider of survival training within the industry.

Following his appointment as CEO, the ambitious 30 year old will lead the company into its next phase of growth, with a focus on developing its portfolio of industry safety skills courses to complement its existing offshore safety training capabilities, whilst driving Global initiatives.

Speaking of his recent appointment Andrew Green, CEO Survivex said: "Survivex has become a clear leader in the provision of survival and safety training, with a reputation for the delivery of quality courses in realistic environments. We have established our world-class training facility in Aberdeen and future strategies will continue to focus on flexibility and value; meeting customer training requirements onsite at their premises, overseas or offshore.

"Our success to date is testament to our commitment to developing a vast portfolio of training courses, in response to industry demand for enhanced safety in every element of offshore operations. As the experts in what we do, Survivex is dedicated to setting standards for safety, with the extensive knowledge and expertise of our skilled staff and specialist trainers key to our continued growth."

Survivex is OPITO, STCW, HSE, CAA, RYA, HSE, FPAL, BAC, RTITB and IOSH approved. Its range of courses include: Survival (including BOISET and EBS), Fire, Forklift, Helideck Operations, Lifting Operations, Working at Height, Mobile Access, Gas detection and Confined Space.

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET) is pleased to announce the completion of the expansion of its DYNACON facilities in Bryan, TX. The expansion effectively doubles the square footage of manufacturing space to 110,775 sq. ft. which includes larger welding and assembly shops. Additionally, a new 53,000 sq. ft. testing facility has been added as well as a new state-of-the-art environmentally controlled blast and paint booth which will speed associated processes.

The implementation of multiple shifts, coupled with the new larger facilities, has enabled a significant reduction in cycle time for new equipment builds with additional cycle time reductions on the horizon. This investment by Forum in the DYNACON facility emphasizes Forum's commitment to our customers by both reducing build time as well as increasing capacity to take on additional projects.

Since 1986 DYNACON has specialized in the design and manufacture of winches and handling systems for a wide variety of offshore applications ranging from ROV Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS), to oceanographic winches, a-frames, electro-hydraulic power units, motion- compensated cranes, and other deck equipment that is used around the globe for launch and recovery missions.

To accommodate the future needs of the rapidly growing Angola offshore oil and gas industry Fugro has opened its new facility in the SONILS Oil Service Centre in Luanda. Angola is now the second largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria.

The official opening of the facility on 10 July by Mrs Lilianne Ploumen, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, was attended by the Angolan Minister for Construction, Waldemar Pires Alexandre as well as the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Petroleum, Eng. Anibal Silva; the Dutch Ambassador to Angola, Mrs Susanna Terstal; and local dignitaries and clients.

"Our new site demonstrates Fugro's strong commitment to the Angolan market," said Ms Christina Brokahne, Managing Director of Fugro Angola as she took Mrs Ploumen and guests on a tour of the facility, which comprises a building area of approximately 7,000 m2.

The new site hosts a double storey administrative building housing offices, conference rooms, a training facility and staff canteen. Attached to the office building is a large warehouse facility of 2,500 m2 with a 20-ton overhead crane and ample storage space, as well as workshops for equipment testing and maintenance, a dedicated area for subsea equipment and ROV tooling and a large state-of-the art geotechnical laboratory.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for Fugro Angola to demonstrate its practical support for the 'Challenge the Silence' programme of the Forum de Mulheres Jornalistas para a Igualdade no Genero. Mr Herivaldo Augusto, Director Fugro Angola Limitada and Mr Wilhard Kreijkes, Fugro Regional Director Africa together with Mrs Ploumen presented a cheque to the charity, which raises awareness of gender equality and domestic violence in Angola.

Houston and New Orleans-based law firm Bland & Partners P.L.L.C. is pleased to announce that Crain Wilson, P.L.L.C.'s Houston office merged with its firm as of July 1, 2014.

The merger results in meaningful growth for the firm, including the addition of six attorneys and four legal support staff, as well as expanding its client base. The firm is currently home to 31 attorneys and legal staff. Crain Wilson attorneys joining Bland & Partners include Susan Noe Wilson, Deborah Busby, Doug Hammond, Michael Hogue, Tom Deen and Of Counsel Alan Folger.

"The merger will create value for our clients in that it will add depth, breadth, and greater resources for us to continue rapidly responding to our clients' needs and to represent them in the most efficient manner," said David Bland of Bland & Partners.

The merger builds upon the decades of collective experience in the areas of admiralty/maritime, marine and energy construction, transportation, commercial litigation, and insurance. The merger joins attorneys with well-recognized reputations for excellence and professionalism as well as common core values and a commitment to zealous representation of clients.

"We are excited about the opportunities the merger provides for our clients. Bland & Partners allows us the ability to expand our core practice areas, while maintaining the fundamental principles we have cultivated in our practices over the decades. Our dedication to the principle 'our clients' needs come first' will remain our top priority at Bland & Partners," said Susan Noe
Wilson of Crain Wilson.

Seattle and New Orleans offices welcome new talent

EBDG is pleased to welcome two new Marine Engineers to its team: William Summers (Bill) in its New Orleans office and Eileen Tausch in its Seattle office.

Summers is a seasoned marine professional with more than three decades experience in the offshore and oilfield industry. His varied background encompasses the development and planning of marine engineering vessel modifications and new construction vessel operations. He holds a MBA from Tulane University and a BS in Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Tausch graduated with a BS in Naval Architecture from the University of Michigan (U‐M) and minored in Electrical Engineering. She previously worked as an intern at EBDG's Seattle office and was part of the project teams working on a multipurpose supply vessel for one of the firm's offshore clients.

The additions of Summers and Tausch bring the total number of EBDG employees to 63. This includes 17 Professional Engineers, many of whom are registered in the states of Washington, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Alaska, Texas and Louisiana.

Danos recently added an Environmental Services Division to the company's collection of oilfield related services, which includes production workforce, construction, fabrication, coatings, instrumentation and electrical, and shorebase and logistics.

Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Larose, La., the Environmental Services Division provides full-service environmental cleaning – from spill kits to tank cleaning and small releases to large magnitude spills.

Executive Vice President Paul Danos said, "Adding environmental services to our family of capabilities, positions Danos to better serve our customers' oilfield needs. The prime, waterfront location increases our response capabilities while decreasing our response time – critical during an environmental situation."

Danos' environmental services team, led by Operations Manager Farrell Lafont, has over 74 years of combined experience in environmental response and is also skilled in plan writing, ground audits, disposal services, product sales and consulting services.

Lafont, a Golden Meadow, La. native, joined Danos in 2013 as an incident manager for BP during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, bringing with him 27 years of experience in environmental response. Prior to joining Danos, Lafont held environmental response management positions at ES&H Consulting, Oil Mop and Halliburton.

Danos is a classified as an OSRO (Oil Spill Removal Organization) by the U.S. Coast Guard capable to respond to facility or vessel releases on land, rivers and canals.

DeepFlex announces the signing of an agreement with Offshore Inland Marine & Services, Inc. (OIMO) to establish a new unbonded flexible pipe manufacturing and qualification testing facility to be located in the Port of Pensacola, Florida. The industrial complex will have direct access to the existing deep water quay-side, which is strategically located for optimized access to serve the flexible pipe markets in the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, Europe and Asian regions. The state of the art manufacturing and qualification testing facilities will create job opportunities in excess of 100 direct jobs and make a significant contribution to the City of Pensacola's industrial and business growth.

Felipe Lamego, DeepFlex President & CEO, said: "Our new plant in Pensacola, benefiting from its strategic location and our leadership in composite fiber reinforced flexible pipes, will strengthen our global leadership in the research, development, industrialization and commercialization of advanced technology for the delivery of deep water enabling flexible pipe solutions. We look forward to the bright future ahead for this facility's growth with the City of Pensacola and Offshore Inland. We recognize the assistance provided by the Greater Pensacola Chamber, who actively guided the project through the competitive site-selection process and helped our company navigate both the local, regional and state incentive approval process."

Lamego continued: "Other local, regional and state partners instrumental in facilitating our project included Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Florida Department of Transportation, Escambia County and the City of Pensacola. The project was also supported by two special regional initiatives – Gulf Power Company's Job Creation Rate Incentive, which offers discounts to new and existing customers who add jobs, capital investments and new electrical loads to the region – as well as the Industry Recruitment, Retention and Expansion Fund, a regional economic development initiative administered by the University of West Florida and appropriated by the state legislature."

Aquatic Engineering & Construction Ltd, an Acteon company, has appointed Martin Charles (photo) as regional general manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). This appointment contributes to Aquatic's business strategy for 2014 and its ambitious expansion programme, which will improve customer service worldwide.

Charles will lead the company's market development and project delivery across the EMEA region from Aquatic's headquarters in Aberdeen, UK. He has a wealth of experience in oil and gas and associated market sectors, most recently with JDR Cable Systems Ltd, as the global services director responsible for developing the installation, aftermarket and maintenance business worldwide for JDR.

Group president of Aquatic, Chris Brooks, said, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome Martin to the Aquatic team as regional general manager for the EMEA region. The breadth of this region, which is critically important to Aquatic, requires high-level strategic management and hands-on detail focus. I know that Martin's experience will bring new rigour and energy as we seek to achieve further growth and win new customers across all markets and sectors."

This appointment follows the successful recruitment and appointment of Nick Dale as regional manager, Aquatic Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, who is based in Singapore.

Aquatic Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, an Acteon company and a subsidiary of Aquatic Engineering & Construction Ltd, has relocated its regional headquarters. The new office suite is part of the existing operations base on the east coast of Singapore, where all Asia-based Aquatic equipment is stored and mobilized.

This move brings the local Aquatic team closer to key clients and the equipment, enabling them to oversee key processes in the operations side of the business, and offering clients a first-hand look at a vital part of the business.

Nick Dale, regional manager Asia Pacific, said, "This new office location enables us to provide a more immediate service to our clients, while benefitting from the offshore-focused services that the supply base brings. The move is a major step forward in our growth strategy, which is to offer a complete local service supported by our existing range of reel drive and tensioner rental equipment and flagship 1,500-te modular carousel system."

The new office address is:
Aquatic Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Loyang Offshore Supply Base
25 Loyang Crescent
Mailbox No. 5046
Tops Avenue 1
Block 103 #04=03
Singapore 508988
Tel: +65 6681 5633

JDR, a leading provider of technology connecting the global offshore energy industry, is opening a new offshore engineering technology center in Cambridge. Building out from JDR's global HQ in North Cambridgeshire, the new center will put JDR at the heart of Cambridge's growing oil and gas innovation community as energy research seeks to exploit reserves in deeper and harsher offshore environments. The new center will be officially opened by Cambridge MP Julian Huppert on
28 July.

JDR's products are used by major energy companies and offshore service providers around the world as part of infrastructures that manage subsea energy production. The new Cambridge R&D team – from experienced engineers to graduates – will evolve JDR's specialist knowledge of subsea production umbilicals and subsea power cables to take on exploration challenges faced by oil, gas and offshore wind operators. They will focus on new technology development, from innovative product concepts to subsea materials development, developing collaborative relationships with other Cambridge-based technology companies and academia.

Andrew Norman, JDR's chief executive officer commented: "Subsea energy production is one of the fastest growing sectors of the international oil and gas industry; JDR has a strong track record in this field. Our new Cambridge Technology Center will strengthen our focus on advanced technology, for example products that enable production equipment to operate on the seabed, close to hydrocarbon sources.

"Our Cambridge Technology Center is an important development for JDR's international site and customer network. At the same time we want to build strong and mutually beneficial relationships in the Cambridge technology network, becoming part of the 'Cambridge effect' working with business and academia on new solutions for our industry."

Julian Huppert MP added: "I am delighted that JDR have chosen Cambridge as the base for its new

technology center and I am honored to be asked to officially open the center.

JDR is a leader in research in this highly specialized area and its work in Cambridge could result in exciting future developments in sustainable energy. This is encouraging for all of us as we work to find ways to lessen our dependency on fossil fuels and find greener alternatives.

"It is encouraging to hear that the company has plans to grow the center over the next year, opening up job opportunities in the city. I wish it every success for the future."

James Young, JDR's engineering director added: "We plan to grow our Cambridge team over the next

12 months, expanding the group with experienced and graduate engineers. This is a great time to join the JDR; our international client base is pushing exploration into increasingly challenging subsea environments. With our industry track record, we are ideally positioned to take on these challenges and help secure long-term energy supply.

"Our Cambridge Technology Centre has been custom-designed to support the work of our research and development team. It is also equipped with technology to enable cross site and functional team working across national boundaries and time zones. Our Cambridge team will be innovating the vital connection technologies to make our future customers subsea energy projects both technically and commercially successf

Danos recently named Larose native Glenn Gros General Manager of the company's Fabrication Division. In addition to the day-to-day management and oversight of Danos' nearly 30-year-old fabrication yard at the company's headquarters' in Larose, Gros will also be responsible for establishing the company's new, waterfront fabrication yard.

Prior to joining Danos, Gros, an LSU graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, has held leadership positions at J. Ray McDermott, Cameron Process Solutions, Unifab International, Oil States Skagit SMATGO, and RCI.

"Glenn brings over 40 years of fabrication and project management experience to Danos, and we're proud to have him lead our growing fabrication division," said Mark Danos, Construction and Fabrication Division Manager.

With capabilities to handle carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex steels, copper-nickel and aluminum, Danos' fabrication division offers customized solutions for both the structural and process piping demands of the oil and gas industry. The addition of a new waterfront facility will allow Danos to pursue large structures and modules, adding to its current fabrication capabilities.

"It's a great time to be joining the Danos organization," said Gros. "Danos has built a solid, well-respected fabrication business over the past three decades, and I'm ready to get to work helping expand the business and creating job opportunities with our new waterfront facility."

CSA joins a network of firms recognized for geospatial expertise and GIS services

CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) announces that through its GeoSpatial Services (GSS) business line it has recently become an Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.) Business Partner, joining a network of some of the most innovative and successful companies employing Esri geospatial technology and services worldwide.

Esri develops and markets its proprietary geographic information system (GIS) software, data, web, and professional services solutions, and the Esri Partner Network was created as a global network of companies employing strategies to deliver cutting-edge geospatial solutions utilizing Esri technology as the foundation of their services. As a member, CSA will be able to leverage Esri's technological and marketplace resources to develop and expand its own business offerings derived from the Esri software platform.

Keith VanGraafeiland, CSA's GSS Business Line Manager, explains, "This partnership is monumental for CSA. It provides a great opportunity as we move forward in crafting our own vision for providing superior quality solutions that capitalize on the support offered by a distinguished corporation such as Esri."

This partnership is a testament to CSA's consistent pursuit of advanced geospatial work and dedication to high-quality science that is the backbone of the firm's success. As an Esri Business Partner, CSA is accredited by a worldwide leader in geospatial technology and is recognized for its technical expertise, unique GIS services and solutions, and commitment to implementing Esri technology for the success of its clients and end users.

For more information on CSA's GeoSpatial Services capabilities, visit our website at www.csaocean.com, call 772-219-3000, or follow us on twitter at @CSA_GSS.