Norwegian seabed seismic services company, Magseis, has selected acoustic positioning equipment from Sonardyne International Ltd, UK, to support its upcoming deep water ocean bottom seismic survey of the Red Sea.
Danos announces the hiring of Tom Broom as executive account manager. In this role, Broom will be responsible for overseeing and maintaining Danos’ long-term relationship with Shell.
“Tom is a perfect fit for Danos, said Executive Vice President Paul Danos. “His experience in the industry and long career with Shell make him the ideal person to oversee this relationship that has endured for 45 years.”
In 2015, Broom retired from Shell after a 35-year-career, most recently serving as director of coastal issues for Shell Exploration & Production Company. In that role he served as the inaugural director of a 25-person international team focused on collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on coastal management issues. Prior to that position he oversaw workforce development and construction risk mitigation and managed operations training for the United States, Canada and Brazil. He also supervised the daily operations of Shell’s Robert Training and Conference Center, the company’s primary operations training facility.
As an executive account manager for Danos, Broom will draw upon his experience with Shell and industry knowledge to provide leadership and strategic guidance for the partnership. His hiring is part of Danos’ ongoing strategy of investing in new opportunities and planning for future growth.
GRAY, La. – Danos’ fabrication facility in Amelia now features on-site instrumentation and electrical services, including automation, safety and control systems.
“As a result of adding I&E capabilities to our Amelia yard, our customers can now access an even broader range of services – all in a single location,” said Mark Danos, vice president of project services.
Danos' Amelia fabrication facility offers an integrated line of services, including materials management, storage facilities, coatings services, project laydown areas and covered warehouses. With the addition of I&E services, the Amelia facility can also offer customers on-site integration of automation systems, control panels, and installation and maintenance for a broad range of control and electrical systems. This allows Danos to better serve customers in the upstream, production, midstream and hydrocarbon processing markets.
Located on 175 acres along Bayou Boeuf, the facility features 120,000 square-feet of under-roof fabrication area that can accommodate large-scale custom fabrication projects of more than 1,000 tons. Five thousand linear feet of bulkhead and 18 feet of water depth enable easy loading and receiving via barge. Danos also has a second I&E office located in Carencro, La.
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.
Wood Group has been awarded an extension to its master service agreement (MSA) contract with Apache Corporation in the North Sea. Wood Group will continue to deliver subsea engineering and consultancy services, in support of Apache's routine operation and maintenance works, as well as detailed engineering for future subsea developments across its entire North Sea portfolio; the Forties and Beryl areas, Scottish Area Gas Evacuation (SAGE) pipeline and the onshore SAGE facility at St Fergus.
Effective immediately, the contract includes two one-year extension options. Wood Group has held this service agreement with Apache since 2012 and supported on a number of key projects in the North Sea, including the Forties Subsea Isolation Valves (SSIV) project, the Aviat development and most recently the Ness Nevis development.
Robin Watson, Wood Group chief executive said: “The extension of this contract to provide our technical solutions support across Apache’s North Sea portfolio is testament to our strong, collaborative working relationship with Apache and their confidence in our high standard of service delivery. We look forward to bringing Wood Group’s breadth of subsea consultancy and detailed engineering knowledge and expertise to support this key client in enhancing and optimizing their current assets and effectively delivering future subsea developments in the North Sea.”
(Houma, La.) – Chet Morrison Contractors is pleased to announce that the company’s Harvey-based fabrication facility has been assessed by Hartford Steam Boiler Registration Services and has been found to be in conformance with ISO 9001:2008. With this registration, Chet Morrison Contractors’ fabrication services is certified to provide the highest standard of quality fabrication services in the industry by utilizing procedures guided by ISO requirements.
Fabrication services is the second Chet Morrison Contractors division to attain ISO 9001:2008 Registration. The company’s Deepwater Riser division received the registration in 2014, along with API Q1.
“This certification is important for Chet Morrison Contractors as we seek to grow our fabrication and coatings business. It signals our ability to offer traceability and quality control systems that our clients require,” said Derick Bourg, general manager of fabrication.
Chet Morrison Contractors’ Harvey facility is also ASME “U” and “R” stamp-certified to manufacture and repair/alter boilers and other pressure vessels as authorized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). “These achievements are proof of our continued commitment to operational excellence and an example of the strides we are making to ensure we can provide the premier support our clients expect,” said Bourg.
Offering 24-hour service, on-demand deployment of on-site installation teams as well as in-house custom fabrication, the fabrication team is experienced in handling projects for onshore and offshore facilities and structures. Thanks to its waterfront location, the shop can handle transportation of complex assemblies with ease.
Subsea IMR provider, N-Sea, has appointed Rienk De Vries as Chief Commercial Officer.
Currently based near Rotterdam, Mr. De Vries joins N-Sea with more than 20 years’ experience in the energy industry. Having spent a significant amount of time with Applus+ RTD, one of the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification companies, Mr. De Vries has experience of global leadership, driving businesses strategies and new product and technology innovation.
Commenting on Mr. De Vries’ appointment, N-Sea’s CEO Gerard Keser, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rienk to N-Sea’s management team. His depth of knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the company, helping to ensure we identify and pursue the most effective market opportunities, and remain resilient in a competitive marketplace.
As part of its continuing global growth strategy, N-Sea has also announced the opening of a new office in Dubai, with operations due to commence as early as August 2016.
The new base will support N-Sea’s increased presence in the region, allowing the company to conduct diving, ROV and survey projects in the civil engineering and offshore markets throughout the UAE.
The company has appointed Asa Gamble as Managing Director for the Middle East region, who will be responsible for the establishment and growth of all N-Sea services and products in the region.
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.
OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company, has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction contract totaling approximately $300 million from Woodside Energy Ltd.
OneSubsea will supply a subsea production system and a dual multiphase boosting system for the Greater Enfield Project, offshore northwest Australia.
The scope of contract includes six horizontal SpoolTree* subsea trees, six horizontal trees for the water injection system, six multiphase meters, a high-boost dual pump station with high-voltage motors, umbilical, topside, subsea controls and distribution, intervention and workover control systems, landing string, and installation and commissioning services.
For more information, visit www.onesubsea.slb.com
UTEC Survey, an Acteon company and one of the world’s largest independent offshore and onshore survey providers, has successfully completed a significant ROV navigation and seismic node positioning project in deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
The project, carried out for seismic nodal technology leader FairfieldNodal and undertaken in 2425m of water, involved use of the latest software and navigation technologies available to simplify operations, increase cost savings on an original scope of work, provide greater precision, increase efficiencies and thereby reduce job time.
UTEC conducted the project using a combination of acoustics and inertial positioning technology. A key element was the creation of an improved navigation software package incorporating the latest NavView technology from data and positioning analysis expert 4D Nav. The system provided enhanced and precise positioning awareness along with the management of inertial sensors and a bespoke link to FairfieldNodal’s data acquisition system. The innovative, real-time software enabled UTEC to integrate three separate positioning modules into one comprehensive package to increase efficiency and streamline user operations. It also provided enhanced graphics capabilities, following the replacement of existing online navigation, inertial navigation and node management software.
UTEC Regional Manager (Americas) Dave Ross said: “The successful completion of this project underlines the value in applying innovative solutions to increase operational efficiency and address costs, which is critical in the modern industry.
“Our excellent relationship with 4DNav meant that we were able to provide a bespoke solution to FairfieldNodal, which exceeded expectations, eliminated the need for multiple computers, streamlined activities and created a much more efficient operation. We are delighted at the successful outcome achieved by this exciting solution.”
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.”
Since 2008 the Maersk Group has successfully gone through a phase of operational optimization in each of its businesses to the point of top quartile performance in most units.
In order to leverage this position the Board of Directors have initiated a process to further develop the strategic options for the Maersk Group.
To lead this phase the Board of Directors has appointed Søren Skou as new Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S, replacing Nils S. Andersen, who will leave the Maersk Group. The changes are effective as of July 1, 2016.
Søren Skou. Photo credit Maersk Group
The Board of Directors acknowledges Nils S. Andersen’s dedicated and persistent contribution to A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S since 2005, first as Member of the Board of Directors and subsequently as Chief Executive Officer since December 2007, where he has been a driving force in building a focused and lean global conglomerate of five core businesses within shipping, logistics and energy.
“On Behalf of the Board of Directors I thank Nils S. Andersen for considerable results in fronting the Group’s international growth, strengthening the customer focus and competitiveness of the businesses, as well as simplifying governance and increasing transparency and communication with our stakeholders,” says Chairman of the Board of Directors, Michael Pram Rasmussen.
”I am proud of the results we as a team have achieved in the Maersk Group during my leadership and after 8 years as CEO of the Group and 15 years as CEO altogether, I find it is the right time for both me and A.P. Møller - Mærsk to make a change. Søren has all the qualities it takes to take the Group through to the next strategic step and I wish him and the whole management team all the best of luck,” says Nils S. Andersen and continues:
“I've been incredibly happy and proud to work for A.P. Møller – Mærsk and it has especially been a privilege and a daily joy to work with so many very competent colleagues around the world. On a personal level I am at a point in my life where I look forward to having a bit more time with my family after many years of constant work and I look forward to entering a new phase in my life.”
Søren Skou has been employed with A.P. Møller - Mærsk since 1983 and member of the Executive Board of A.P. Møller - Mærsk since 2006. In 2012 he was appointed CEO of Maersk Line. Søren Skou will remain in this position in addition to his position as CEO for the Maersk Group.
“Søren has strong business acumen and thorough knowledge of the Group’s various businesses and has successfully restructured the businesses he has led. The Board of Directors knows Søren as a respected and knowledgeable leader with the ability to adapt quickly to market changes in close collaboration with the Board of Directors, the executive management and his employees,” says Michael Pram Rasmussen.
The Board of Directors has tasked the new management to investigate the strategic and structural options to further increase agility and synergies. The Board of Directors will communicate on the progress before end of 3rd quarter 2016.
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead A.P. Møller – Mærsk into the next phase of our strategic development. The fast-paced changes of this world demand that we can adapt quickly, easily and at a minimal cost while retaining the focus on each Business Unit. Our future set-up must effectively respond to these challenges” says Søren Skou, CEO of Maersk Line.
ELA Container Offshore GmbH announces that they gained the DNV 2.7-2 certification for their ELA Offshore Accommodation Containers. With this, ELA Offshore is continuing its commitment to deliver high quality products for the offshore oil and gas and wind industry, which are manufactured in Germany to international standards and requirements. The latest modules are now certified according to DNV 2.7-2, a recognized international standard of requirements for offshore service modules and living quarter containers. The DNV 2.7-2 certification addresses key safety aspects required for the offshore container in order to comply with the industry standards like SOLAS and MODU codes.
The high quality ELA Offshore Containers are “Made in Germany” according to German quality standards and possess all necessary certifications such as DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079-1, DNV 2.7-2, based on SOLAS, IMO FSS Code and MLC as well as CSC and are approved from several IACS-companies.
“DNV 2.7-2 describes safety requirements for temporary offshore container modules. Whereas DNV 2.7-1 is focusing on lifting and transportation of offshore modules, accordingly is addressing the structure and strength of the module; DNV 2.7-2 incorporates these structural aspects relating to in service operations. Besides fire protection, the main focus is on electrical installations and requirements, based on international IEC standards and safety related topics in order to maintain a safe working environment on offshore platforms or vessels”, explains Hans Gatzemeier, Managing Director of ELA Container Offshore GmbH.
Flexibility is still provided by the ELA modular system. Depending on customers’ requirements all ELA Offshore Accommodation Units can be delivered including the DNV 2.7-2 certification. Due to the different accommodation possibilities, the units can be provided as for instance office room, recreation room, galley and dining rooms as well as living quarters and changing rooms.
The high quality ELA Offshore Containers are “Made in Germany” according to German quality standards and possess all necessary certifications such as DNV 2.7-1 / EN 12079-1, DNV 2.7-2, based on SOLAS, IMO FSS Code and MLC as well as CSC and are approved from several IACS-companies. In terms of fire resistance, an A60 insulation provides high safety standards. Every container will be checked before delivery. Depending on customer requirements, ELA Offshore Containers are individually customized, immediately operational and are available at short notice.
The main features of ELA offshore accommodations include:
Trelleborg’s marine systems operation has launched a new survey aiming to assess the digital maturity of global ports. The Terminal Automation Audit is intended to determine how future ready international facilities are by examining how advanced the use of smart technology and data is across the industry.
The results of the survey will set the benchmark for a new industry assessment tool and feed into a report on the state of play in the industry now, with predictions for the future.
Richard Hepworth, President at Trelleborg’s marine systems operation, says: Changes in the shipping industry are posing new challenges to ports which automated technologies are very well placed to solve. As well as improving safety, reliability and efficiency, and reducing human error, automation can help to speed up loading and unloading: ultimately increasing efficiencies and saving money.
We’re keen to understand exactly where ports and terminals around the world sit in terms of their progression towards The Port of the Future whether they are preparing now to embrace and take advantage of new technologies. By developing a deeper understanding of the way they operate now, we hope to evolve our offering to best support them in future.
The Terminal Automation Audit takes the form of two surveys: one for terminal and port stakeholders, and a second for ship owners, builders and shipping lines. From terminal and port owners and operators, Trelleborg wants to understand the current uptake of automated technologies, ongoing optimization, data use and future planning.
From shipping stakeholders, Trelleborg is keen to learn how much importance is placed on digital technologies at marine facilities, and how much automation plays a role on board.
To have your say and set the industry benchmark, visit:
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.
As part of MacArtney’s continuous global commitment to bring underwater technology, service and products to the local marine communities around the world, MacArtney Inc. is expanding its Northeast operations in Massachusetts, US to larger office space and adding new workshop capacity.
In response to the ever-growing customer demand for local sales support and services, MacArtney is expanding the existing operations in Northeast USA with workshop services. The new workshop will feature moulding and termination capabilities designed to support customers and empower MacArtney’s ability to provide custom cable assemblies and turn-key connectivity solutions with short lead times to the local marine community in North America.
Lars F. Hansen, President of MacArtney Inc.
To MacArtney, being close to the customer is paramount. According to the President of MacArtney Inc. Lars F. Hansen, being able to provide effective local service and support to present and potential customers, is the overarching incentive for the continuous expansion in North America, which recently also led to the inauguration of a new MacArtney operation on the east coast of Canada.
"As the leader in providing turnkey solutions for interconnect cabling and cable handling systems, MacArtney is committed to supporting our customers with quick, efficient and superior solutions to their connectivity requirements, says Lars F. Hansen and continues: Availability, quick turn-around time and high quality is key to our customers, and our new moulding and termination workshop together with our substantial connector inventory will accommodate this".
With inauguration of the new workshop facility MacArtney move their Pembroke, Massachusetts office to a new 7,700 sq. ft. facility, located in Rockland, Massachusetts. The expected move-in date is August 1. The new office address is: 11 Commerce Rd Unit D, Rockland, MA 0237. Other contact information remains the same: telephone +1 781 829 4440 and email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Jennifer A. Stewart, General Manager of MacArtney Inc., Northeast Operations, expresses her profound contentment with the strengthening of the Northeast Operations: - Expanding our operations by adding new workshop capacity to our current portfolio is a guarantee of MacArtney’s customer focus – at all times – and a token of our ambition to offer optimal value to the end users.
Local sales and service support across North America
MacArtney Inc., a member of the international MacArtney Underwater Technology Group, was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Today, MacArtney Inc. operates a number of separate sales offices in strategic locations across North America offering an extensive product portfolio focusing on system solutions, after-sales service and maintenance to the offshore oil & gas, ocean science, marine renewables and navy and defense markets.
MacArtney Underwater Technology has supplied products and engineering solutions for almost four decades.
Offshore Source keeps you updated with relevant information concerning the Offshore Energy Sector.
Any views or opinions represented on this website belong solely to the author and do not represent those of the people, institutions or organizations that Offshore Source or collaborators may or may not have been associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated.