AnTech Ltd has held a day of celebration to recognise successes throughout the company. Last week, over 50 staff and guests gathered to celebrate over 115 years of long service, international patents and internal departmental achievements at the company’s head office in Exeter.

AnTech’s in-house team organised and designed awards to commemorate individuals that have helped bring the company to its success.

The event celebrated 11 loyal and dedicated employees who have all reached milestones within the company, beginning at five years’ service and with the longest serving member of the team achieving 17 years’ service. Certificates were also awarded to the engineers whose work on the AcrobatTM Gyro has been internationally patented.

Special guest and MasterChef finalist Pete Hewitt was in attendance and helped mark the occasion by cooking a specially created dinner.

Toni Miszewski, Managing Director, AnTech said: “We are incredibly proud to have such an established team at AnTech, their loyalty is a fundamental factor in the company’s continued success. We are lucky enough in this area to have access to an impressive, local talent pool and I feel it’s important that employers can foster it.”

“A number of those celebrating long service awards initially joined AnTech as student placements, who returned to us on a full time basis after graduation – which we believe is testament to the support and opportunities within the company.”

AnTech also has been shortlisted as a national finalist in the Technology Innovation of the Year Award category at this years’ UK Private Business Awards, which celebrates the best of UK private businesses and their contribution to the UK economy.

The company is proud of its committed workforce and look forward to other team members achieving long-service status. For more pictures and a round-up of social media from the day, visit AnTech’s social media channels.

Founded in 1992, AnTech operates across two divisions, providing innovative product technologies, directional coiled tubing drilling services and specialist training for the global upstream oil and gas industry both in onshore and offshore environments. Headquartered in Exeter, AnTech has doubled in size, in terms of personnel and space and is the only company in the world solely dedicated to Coiled Tubing Drilling.

The Board of Directors of DNV GL Group has appointed Remi Eriksen as the company’s new Group President & CEO. He is succeeding Henrik O. Madsen, who is retiring on 1 August.

Since October 2014, the Board of Directors has undertaken an extensive executive search and selection process to find and appoint the new DNV GL Group President & CEO, due to the planned retirement of the current Group President & CEO Henrik O. Madsen. Candidates from many countries, both inside and outside of the organization, and both men and women, have been reviewed.

Leif-Arne Langøy, Chairman of the Board of DNV GL Group says; “On behalf of the Board, I am very pleased to announce that Remi Eriksen has accepted the position as DNV GL’s new Group President & CEO. Eriksen has a solid track-record in leading positions within the company for two decades. He has gained extensive international experience in the oil & gas, maritime, and renewable energy industries, and has led our operations in Asia, Europe and the Americas. His success in these positions led him to his current role as DNV GL Group Chief Operating Officer. In addition to his strong performance in managing the integration of DNV and GL, Eriksen has deep knowledge of our core markets and key industry technologies. Not least, he has displayed an acknowledged ability to foresee industry challenges and drive responsive solutions.”

“I am also glad that after a thorough executive search and selection process, the best candidate is found among our own people. This will ensure the continuity of the company’s values, culture and strategic direction. I really look forward to working with Remi Eriksen in the next phase of DNV GL’s development,” says Langøy.

Remi Eriksen says, “I am very humble and thankful for the opportunity to lead this company I have worked for the past 22 years.”

“We now see challenging market developments in both the maritime and oil & gas industries. DNV GL will not remain unaffected, but I have strong confidence in our ability to constantly improve and develop our services. Even in tough markets, there will be a need for expert advice and services that can help improve efficiency, qualify new cost-effective technologies, and that can help drive standardization of specifications and work processes – just to mention a few examples. In the energy sector and the business assurance market, I expect positive development in the next few years,” says Eriksen.

“I believe the future will be characterized by a very complex and fast-changing world and a period of slower global growth. However, the world economy is still on track to more than double in size over the next 40 years. I see a future where trusted independent parties are increasingly needed to enable safe and responsible business performance and sustainable value chains. In this context, DNV GL’s innovation capabilities, as well as our role as a standard setter and driver of joint industry collaborations, will be an increasingly relevant strength. It will be important for me that we continue our investments in people, R&D and innovation to develop new thinking, insights and solutions to the benefit of our customers and society,” Eriksen explains.


“As Henrik O. Madsen is retiring after more than 30 years of service with us, the last 9 years as Group President & CEO, I want to sincerely thank him for his commitment and extraordinary achievements in heading the company towards the world-leading positions we are in today,” says Chairman Langøy.

Independent global leader in underwater rental equipment now offers cost-effective, environmental friendly leak detection systems

Ashtead Technology has secured a deal with Neptune Oceanographics Limited, adding innovative underwater leak detection products to its rental fleet.

The world’s number one independent provider of subsea equipment rental, sales and services will now offer Neptune’s leak detection systems and sensors including long range fluorescence and passive acoustics for rent to customers.

Neptune Oceanographics is a global leader in subsea pipeline leak detection services. With a major research and development program, Neptune ensures its products represent the latest advances in finding leaks underwater in a way that is cost-effective while not harming the environment.

Tim Sheehan, commercial director of Ashtead Technology, said: “With billions invested in installing subsea infrastructure around the world, inspection, repair and maintenance of pipelines becomes increasingly important. As part of the need to ensure pipeline integrity, periodic inspections deploying leak detection systems alongside other tools are required to identify and prevent problems. Neptune’s best-in-class leak detection systems are therefore a welcome addition to our rental fleet.”

The deal with Neptune comes as Ashtead Technology ramps up its efforts to add technology and services which help customers reduce cost and increase efficiency.

Mr. Sheehan added: “Our industry must address the underlying cost base and efficiency challenges and, at Ashtead, we are striving to play our part by helping our customers to drive down costs and increase efficiency. Today’s announcement follows our introduction of a proprietary web based portal called Aperto which offers major savings and efficiencies in how subsea companies order, track and monitor subsea equipment rentals.”

From its offices in the UK, Houston and Singapore, with agents in Abu Dhabi, Perth (Australia) and Stavanger, Ashtead Technology will promote and supply Neptune’s leak detection equipment to a global market, providing customers with access to a range of fluorescent, acoustic, methane and hydrocarbon detection tools.

Following the acquisition of a substantial shareholding in Neptune by Norway based subsea equipment and services company, Innova, a comprehensive R&D program was launched for further development of leak detection technology. Ashtead, which already has an established partnership with Innova will support market expansion of global subsea pipeline leak detection services whilst providing valuable access to the market and further strengthening its global links.

To develop its large fleet, Groen Offshore, Guard & Support has selected the first Damen Twin Axe Fast Crew Supplier 2610 to be customized with Offshore Oil & Gas standby capabilities. The Netherlands-based company will deploy the new vessel on long-term charter for a major E&P operator in the Danish part of the North Sea, following quick delivery this summer from Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam.

On 13 May, Henk Groen, Director of Groen Offshore, Guard & Support (in Dutch known as Rederij Groen), signed the contract for the new FCS 2610 with Frits van Dongen, Director of Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam – the Damen yard in the Netherlands that will finish the vessel from stock. The FCS 2610 is the first Damen Twin Axe Fast Crew Supplier in Groen Offshore, Guard & Support's modern fleet of 27 vessels and 37 charter vessels.

New twist to Twin Axe success story

Damen has built more than 40 vessels from the highly successful Damen Twin Axe FCS 2610 design. Thanks to its proven seakeeping performance in demanding North Sea conditions, the popular workboat is already a mainstay of Europe's Offshore Wind construction and maintenance sector. The order for the first FCS 2610 customised for Offshore Oil & Gas highlights the design's multipurpose functionality as well as Damen's ability to quickly tailor the built-from-stock vessels to client specifications.

Groen Offshore, Guard & Support, with more than 40 years of experience in Offshore Oil & Gas, specified a number of plug and play features including a davit for a fast rescue craft on the fore deck, a 10-foot offshore container outfitted as a hospital/office, a multipurpose deck crane and Dacon Rescue Scoop. The vessel also meets the highest safety standards specified by Groen Offshore, Guard & Support.

"The Twin Axe Fast Crew Suppliers stand out for their speed, maximum seaworthiness, excellent fuel economy and high stability," a spokesperson for Groen Offshore, Guard & Support stated. "That means they can also be deployed in harsher weather conditions."

Maersk Drilling is live on IFS Applications and will continue the rollout and further development of advanced maintenance planning functionality in collaboration with IFS

IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces that Maersk Drilling has signed an agreement for the development of new advanced maintenance planning functionality. The agreement includes additional licenses worth approximately $1.8 million US.

In October 2012, IFS announced that Maersk Drilling signed an agreement for the deployment of IFS Applications as its ERP system.

With Maersk Drilling’s ERP implementation going into the roll-out phase, Maersk Drilling and IFS have agreed to extend the companies’ collaboration—both in the ongoing ERP roll-out program and as partners developing new advanced maintenance planning functionality.

“We are seeking ways to increase efficiency, improve quality and reduce operational cost,” Maersk Drilling CIO, Jesper K Hansen said. “And with IFS Applications, we are set to use ERP as one of the enablers striving for operational excellence.”

IFS Scandinavia CEO Glenn Arnesen said, “There is no doubt that the partnership with Maersk Drilling has improved IFS’s position in the oil and gas service market. We are very pleased to enhance our partnership to support Maersk Drilling with their plans going forward.”

The IFS solution purchased by Maersk Drilling in 2012 includes components for financials, project management, supply chain management and maintenance.

Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon") (NYSE: PGN) announces that Alejandra Veltmann has joined the company as Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer reporting to Steven A. Manz, Paragon's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Veltmann will be responsible for overseeing corporate accounting and financial reporting.

"We are excited that Alejandra has elected to join Paragon," said Mr. Manz. "Her depth and breadth of experience across the oil service industry will strengthen our finance team, and her leadership will enhance our ongoing commitment to transparent financial reporting and maintaining our cost efficient operations."

Ms. Veltmann's most recent role was Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Geokinetics, an independent international land and shallow water geophysical services firm. Prior to this, she founded an international financial consulting practice for clients in the oil and gas services industry. She also held various positions at Grey Wolf Drilling and Precision Drilling and has consulted in the role of Chief Financial Officer for a number of entrepreneurial companies. Ms. Veltmann has worked as a senior manager for KPMG LLP and began her career with Arthur Anderson LLP in 1992. She is a certified public accountant and holds a BBA degree in Accounting from The University of New Mexico.

Highlights:

• Providing turnkey telecommunications solution for offshore project

• Solution integrates 22 systems

• Enables audio/video conferencing, satellite and wireless communications

Harris CapRock Communications, a premier global provider of managed communications services for remote and harsh environments, has been selected by Hess Corporation to provide a turnkey, integrated telecommunications solution to support the Stampede offshore field development project, which is operated by Hess Corporation in the Green Canyon area of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

The agreement represents Harris CapRock’s large-scale operations project with Hess, a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. Harris CapRock will procure equipment and conduct factory acceptance testing, project engineering and detailed design and project management for the 22-system telecommunications project. The integrated solution supports audio/video conferencing, satellite and wireless communication.

“Choosing Harris CapRock as a single-source telecom provider for comprehensive systems integration improves responsiveness as well as saves time and money for Hess,” said Tracey Haslam, president, Harris CapRock Communications. “Reliable customer service throughout the integration process will lead to reliable network communications for operators in the field.”

Integrators play a key role in delivering products and technologies to the energy market. Harris CapRock has provided service in more than 120 countries and employs field technicians, engineers and project management personnel across a variety of IT and telecom systems specialties. Harris CapRock recently was named the most impactful services provider in the oil and gas sector by Via Satellite’s 2014 Excellence Awards Program.

Harris CapRock Communications is a premier global provider of managed satellite, terrestrial and wireless communications solutions for the maritime, energy and government markets. Harris CapRock owns and operates a robust global infrastructure that includes teleports on six continents, five 24/7 customer support centers, a local presence in 23 countries and more than 275 global field service personnel supporting customer locations across North America, Central and South America, Europe, West Africa and Asia Pacific. Harris CapRock blogs about company news and satellite communications trends in the energy, government and maritime markets at http://www.harriscaprock.com/blog/.

Wintershall is ceasing its activities in Qatar and is returning Block 4 North near the North Field off the Qatari coast on 25 May 2015. Wintershall’s office in Doha will be closed. In 2013, Wintershall made the “Al Radeef” gas discovery off the cost of Qatar.

“During the development planning, it was always clear to us and our partners that an economic development of the discovery, including the processing of the gas, would only be possible if we have access to local infrastructure. This access was not granted. That is why we have decided to take this step”, explains Wintershall Board Member Martin Bachmann, who is responsible for exploration and production in Europe and the Middle East.

Further activities in the Middle East region are not affected by the withdrawal from Qatar. The current focus of Wintershall is on the United Arab Emirates. “We are also closely following the developments in other countries in the region”, explains Bachmann. “The challenges in the region are increasing with local energy consumption growing rapidly. In order to maintain production in the long term, fields must be exploited more efficiently and technically more complex fields need to be developed.”

Wintershall has considerable experience in deploying ‘Enhanced Oil Recovery’ (EOR) technology, which is used to increase the yield from complex reservoirs, especially in mature fields in Germany and Europe. “In combination with modern exploration techniques, it is precisely this experience that we want to increasingly utilize in the Middle East region.”

Apache Corporation (NYSE, Nasdaq: APA) has announced a reorganization of the company's operating regions and key leadership changes.

"Today's announcement marks the formation of our operational leadership team and a reorganization that will position Apache for continued success. These changes represent a significant step toward streamlining our operations in a way that will greatly enhance our ability to maximize recovery and minimize costs. This new structure will enable us to allocate resources and personnel expediently as industry conditions dictate. In addition, we have consolidated our technical expertise into centers of excellence, which will support each operating region and strengthen our ability to share best practices around the globe," said John J. Christmann, IV, Apache's chief executive officer and president.

Streamlined organization

Following a series of acquisitions and divestitures over the last five years, Apache has completed a strategic repositioning of its portfolio that emphasizes the growth potential of its North American business and the strong free-cash-flow-generation of its Egypt and North Sea assets. To realign organizational resources with the company's updated portfolio, Apache is implementing a more integrated, super-region structure that will reduce redundancy and increase operational efficiency.

The new organization includes three super regions. In North America, the company is merging resources into two super regions: the Permian Region and the Houston Region. Apache's Egypt Region, North Sea Region and Gulf of Mexico Region will form the International and Offshore Region.

The newly formed Houston Region will consolidate operational activities for the Eagle Ford, Anadarko Basin, Texas Panhandle and Canadian properties into one region. The Canadian properties will continue to be operated out of the existing Calgary, Alberta, office. The Permian Region will continue to include the Midland Basin and the Central Basin Platform operated out of Midland, Texas, with the Delaware Basin receiving separate and individualized management in San Antonio, Texas, to realize the exceptional potential of these unconventional assets.

The Houston Region reorganization includes closing Apache's regional office in Tulsa, Okla., and relocating a number of Tulsa employees. This will consolidate employee expertise in a single office location to foster increased collaboration and technology transfer among asset teams.

Other organizational optimization is also underway consistent with the high-graded portfolio. By the end of 2015, Apache will reposition its overall cost structure to establish itself as a strong and efficient competitor. The company will provide an update on its plans and progress on its second-quarter earnings call.

Key leadership changes

Apache is realigning its senior operational leadership to support the organizational structure described above. The following key changes are effective immediately but will include a transition period through the end of July.

Timothy J. Sullivan has been appointed to the newly created role of senior vice president – Operations Support based in Houston. In this role, he will support the CEO in operational strategy, capital allocation, market intelligence and marketing.

Thomas E. Voytovich will assume the role of executive vice president – International and Offshore Region and Exploration and Production Technology. In addition to his current management of Apache's operations in Egypt, the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Voytovich will also oversee the Exploration and Production Technology and Engineering Technology service teams. Voytovich will remain in Apache's Houston headquarters.

James L. House has been named to the newly created position of senior region vice president – Houston Region and will be based in Apache's Houston headquarters. Grady L. Ables will assume the role of region vice president – Canada Region and president, Apache Canada, and report up through the Houston Region. Ables will be based in Apache's Calgary, Alberta, office.

Faron J. Thibodeaux will continue to oversee the company's operations in the Midland Basin and Central Basin Platform as the senior region vice president – Permian Region based in Apache's Midland, Texas, office.

Steven J. Keenan will oversee the North American Unconventional Resources Technology team, Unconventional Resources New Ventures team and the company's operations in the Delaware Basin as the senior region vice president – Delaware Basin. Keenan will remain in Apache's San Antonio, Texas, office.

Cory L. Loegering will assume the role of region vice president – UK Region and managing director, Apache North Sea, following House's relocation to Houston. Loegering will be based in Apache's Aberdeen, Scotland, office and continue to report to Voytovich. Thomas M. Maher will continue to oversee the company's operations in Egypt as the region vice president – Egypt Region and General Manager, Apache Egypt, from Apache's Cairo, Egypt, office.

Impact to operational reporting

The organizational changes and realignment of Apache's operating areas will not impact the reporting of production in the company's quarterly supplement. The company will continue to report production as Permian (Midland Basin, Central Basin Platform, Delaware Basin), Central (Anadarko Basin, Texas Panhandle), Gulf Coast (Eagle Ford), Canada, Gulf of Mexico, Egypt and the North Sea.

Efficient barrels are main focus of Ecopetrol's new strategy

• 

Harmonious development of our business segments: profitable growth in Exploration and Production; maximization of efficiencies in Transportation and Refining

• 

 Exploration: new exploratory doctrine, focused on high potential basins such as offshore Colombia and the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to a continuous and sufficient reserves growth

• 

Production: prioritizing efficient barrels, without volumetric targets, and generating value based on an increase of our recovery factor, our unique knowledge of the Colombian environment and a highly developed resource base

• 

 Efficiency and sustainability in transportation and refining: aggressive transformation program within the company to increase our efficiency and reduce our costs. Production of clean fuel for Colombia in an environmentally sound manner -

• 

Financial discipline: profitable investments; moderate debt consistent with our current credit rating; divestment of non-strategic assets; procurement optimization; and timely payments to our suppliers

• 

Labor welfare and social peace: achievement of an environment that promotes personal and professional growth and, in harmony with labor unions and contributing to the development of local communities and other interested groups where we operate

• 

Infrastructure, physical and personal safety: fulfillment of international HSE standards and protection of our staff and infrastructure from aggressions and intimidation

• 

 Cultural transformation: based on our principles of integrity, collaboration and creativity, and ensuring the observance of our Code of Ethics by all of our employees

Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC; TSX: ECP) announces that its Board of Directors approved a new corporate strategy aimed at guaranteeing the company's long-term sustainability, in which value generation based on efficient barrels and shareholder return become a priority.

Within a complex international price environment, the new strategy defines that Ecopetrol will be focused on oil and gas exploration and production, while seeking operational excellence in transportation, refining and petrochemical areas. The strategy also pursues the achievement of structural efficiencies, to allow the Group to increase its competitive levels in order to reach the best international standards.

In exploration, the Ecopetrol Group will build a portfolio that is robust and diversified, focused on high potential basins in Colombia and abroad, which is designed to increase significantly the Group's contingent resources and reserves. In addition, the exploratory team based in Houston and Bogota will be strengthened by the addition of world-class human talent with proven track record.

In production, Ecopetrol will be focused on efficient barrels production, in major profitable fields, while carrying out a comprehensive program to increase the recovery factor. It will seek to increase average annual production between 1% and 2%, reaching a total of approximately 870 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2020, with an EBITDA target of more than US$30 per barrel in a price scenario for Brent crude of between US$70 and US$80 per barrel.

As for the company's reserves, the objective is to increase proved reserves by 1,700 million barrels of oil equivalent by 2020.

In the transportation segment, the company will dedicate its efforts to increase efficiency in order to achieve international operating standards. The plan includes Cenit´s consolidation, the affiliate that will ensure the transportation of national crude, with a special focus on heavy crudes, as well as transportation of refined products for the Colombian market.

In refining and petrochemical, the strategy contemplates the start-up of the new Cartagena refinery during the last quarter of 2015, execution of an ambitious efficiency plan that will improve the competitiveness of existing assets and the promotion of the necessary regulatory conditions to ensure the business's profitability within a framework of financial self-sustainability.

Ecopetrol will focus on profitable investments, at an average estimated level of US$6,000 million per year through 2020, oriented toward high value projects that contribute to the execution of the new strategy.

The company will prioritize the protection of available cash for its operations, maintaining its access to local and international capital markets in competitive conditions. The preservation of business and finance metrics that credit rating agencies consider will be a priority to maintain our current credit rating.

The company will continue its program to divest non-strategic assets, as announced with regard its stake in EEB and ISA, among others, as well as non-strategic exploration and production assets.

The strategy is based on producing efficient, clean and profitable barrels, which generate returns for our shareholders, interested groups and Colombians. The perspective toward 2020 will be to attempt to double the 2014 return on capital employed.

To support its strategy, in the beginning of 2015, Ecopetrol initiated a transformation plan that provides structural efficiencies to obtain annual savings close to US$1,000 million in the period 2015-2020. This plan contemplates fundamental changes within the company, including its business, project management and technology segments as well as relationship with local communities and active portfolio management.

The plan also provides a cultural transformation that encourages and promotes the attainment of results and is based on the principles of integrity, collaboration and creativity.

Ecopetrol will prioritize innovation and knowledge generation. In the new strategy, technology and information systems will be focused on leveraging key business projects, especially in exploration and production.

The Ecopetrol Group is committed to production with zero accidents and environmental incidents, with a solid regional presence, prompt decision-making, with satisfied and committed employees, and a harmonious, mutually beneficial relationship with local communities.

Ecopetrol's new strategy and the transformation plan that supports it, have as their goal the company's reinvention in order to successfully compete in a challenging international environment.

Subsea IMR provider, N-Sea Offshore Ltd has moved into new, Norwich-based premises as business continues to grow.

An integral part of its growth strategy, the premises signify further expansion for N-Sea and will support the company’s increased activity in the oil and gas and renewable market in the Southern North Sea area.

Offshore renewable activity currently accounts for almost 30% of N-Sea’s business, through its bases in Aberdeen and Zierikzee, The Netherlands. The new office facility at Dragonfly House, Norwich will serve to maintain and grow this market, supported by the appointment of business development manager, Gary Thirkettle.

Explaining the strategic relevance of the expansion to East Anglia, N-Sea’s chief operating officer, Roddy James (photo) said: “Our investment in the Norwich office is a succinct illustration of our commitment to ensuring we continue to provide the very best service to our clients who are based - or plan to establish a presence - in the area.”

Commenting on the appointment of Gary Thirkettle, Mr. James continued: “We are delighted to welcome Gary to the company. With nearly 30 years’ experience in the offshore survey sector, he is ideally qualified to lead N-Sea within the oil and gas and renewable energy markets, building upon N-Sea’s excellent reputation as we continue to deliver effective and cost efficient solutions to our clients.”

N-Sea is known for its innovative work as an independent offshore subsea contractor, specializing in IMR services for the renewable, oil and gas 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.

The MacArtney Group is delighted to have signed a representative agreement with Vsense Technologies LTD - an industrious and innovative technology company based in Israel. The two companies will team up to offer cutting-edge underwater technology products and solutions to clients within relevant Israeli markets.

Vsense

Operating out of high-tech Kibbutz Einat in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, Vsense Technologies is a global leader in the design, development and marketing of innovative video, audio, data surveillance, recording and COFDM transmission systems serving government agencies, defence contractors, industrial clients and academic institutes. Through a dedicated representations department, Vsense represents leading manufacturers from Europe and the USA in fields of communication, optical, energy, maritime and underwater solutions. Vsense works closely with its clients supporting their needs and activities.

Unlocking potential beneath the surface

As an official MacArtney representative, Vsense will have access to the entire range of MacArtney products, systems and integrated solutions. As a dedicated provider of underwater technology, MacArtney holds decades of experience with advanced solutions for underwater applications. Empowered by MacArtney products and systems, hereunder especially SubConn® connectors, subsea cables and LUXUS cameras and lights, Vsense is enabled to move into new markets and unlock vast potential for integrating underwater and harsh environment solutions and applications for new and existing customers.

Globally local underwater solutions

Continuously strengthening its global outreach and customer support through strategic local presence in key markets is a long-standing cornerstone of MacArtney strategy. With an extensive network of local and regional contacts and clients within the realm of shipbuilding, defence, ocean science, offshore, diving and civil engineering industries, the partnership with Vsense is bound to be of great value to MacArtney. “Vsense holds a great reputation and is very well connected to relevant regional operators, stakeholders and markets. Moreover, the company boasts an extensive engineering capacity within electronics and optics and will be able to fully service MacArtney products locally” says MacArtney Sales and Marketing Director, Marco MacArtney. “We are delighted to work with Vsense and remain confident, that the partnership will aid to open even more doors for both our companies”, Marco MacArtney concludes.

Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) (SIX: RIGN) has announced that, as mutually agreed with the company, Esa Ikaheimonen is stepping down as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Mr. Ikaheimonen has also resigned his company-appointed position as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Transocean Partners LLC, a subsidiary of Transocean. Additionally, the company announced that Mr. Mark Mey has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective May 28, 2015.

"Esa brought a fresh and unique perspective to Transocean when he joined the company almost three years ago and he has contributed materially to the company's capital structure, fleet rationalization and cost management initiatives," said Jeremy Thigpen, Transocean's President and Chief Executive Officer. "On behalf of all of Transocean, I thank Esa for his service and wish him great success in his future endeavors."

Thigpen continued: "I have known Mark for a number of years, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to finally work with him. Mark brings extensive industry and leadership experience to the CFO role, and he will be a great addition to the Transocean team."

Mr. Mey most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atwood Oceanics ("Atwood"). Including his almost five years at Atwood, he has over 28 years of experience in the energy and financial services industries in both the United States and South Africa. Prior to Atwood, Mr. Mey was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Scorpion Offshore Ltd. He also held positions of increasing responsibility during his 12 years with offshore driller Noble Corporation, including Vice President and Treasurer. Mr. Mey earned an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He is a Chartered Accountant and attended the Harvard Business School Executive Advanced Management Program.

Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) has announced that it has reached an agreement with BP Exploration & Production Inc. to resolve remaining issues, which includes indemnities between the parties and dismissal of all claims against each other, relating to the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon well incident in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We are pleased to have reached an amicable resolution with BP, our valued customer, that allows us to close another chapter in the Deepwater Horizon case for Halliburton,” said Dave Lesar, chairman and CEO of Halliburton. “This agreement allows Halliburton to strengthen its relationship with BP by negotiating a global master services agreement between the companies.”

Halliburton previously announced that it reached an agreement to settle punitive damages claims against Halliburton by a class of plaintiffs who allege damages to property or associated with the commercial fishing industry arising from the Deepwater Horizon incident, and all claims against Halliburton that BP assigned to the settlement class in BP’s April 2012 settlement with the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee.

BP and Sinopec Fuel Oil have announced the formation of a 50:50 marine fuels bunkering joint-venture, BP Sinopec Marine Fuels Pte Ltd. Based in Singapore, one of the largest and busiest ports in the world, the joint venture will build out from its partners existing bunkering locations and activities. In addition to marine bunkering in Singapore, the joint venture will provide marine bunker sales in key global locations.

The ports served by BP Sinopec Marine Fuels Pte Ltd will be: Singapore; Fujairah, United Arab Emirates; Antwerp, Belgium; Rotterdam and Amsterdam in the Netherlands; Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen, China.

BP is an established and leading global provider of marine fuels, and Sinopec is a leading provider within China. Both companies have a long history of working together in China and overseas, and this agreement represents a significant continuation of the relationship.

Rising Demand for Cost-effective Pipeline Inspection, Repair & Maintenance Services Triggers Expansion

IRM Systems, the independent authority on emergency pipeline repairs, announced that it has opened a new base of operations in Houston, Texas.

Improving efficiencies in hydrocarbon recovery has meant the production cost per barrel using older, existing assets has dropped significantly. “The implications of this development are tremendous, bringing with them the need for a new perspective on pipeline inspection, repair and maintenance, which is where IRM Systems comes in,” said Rutger Schouten, General Manager of IRM Systems. “By having a permanent presence in Houston, we are in a much stronger position to provide customers with cost-effective, hands-on IRM engineering solutions; ones that will help to ensure that once accessed, these resources can be delivered efficiently at the lowest cost,” he added.

Assessing integrity, mitigating risks

Given the reduced cost and efficiencies offered by IRM Systems, it is experiencing increased demand for its integrity assessment, mitigation, inspection, repair and maintenance services. Already, the company is working on behalf of operators in South America and the Caribbean. It will support customers throughout The Americas, as far north as the Arctic. One of the primary aims of its Houston enterprise is to further develop its risk management services, particularly its integrity assessment and mitigation capabilities for pipelines, steel catenary risers, and fixed risers.

The new Houston base supports the expansion of IRM Systems’ project management engineering services, further complementing those supplied by the company from its headquarters in The Netherlands. “I look forward to offering the innovative, hands-on approach of IRM Systems to the Houston market,” said Danny Ling, recently appointed General Manager – The Americas for IRM Systems. “The company’s track record showcases its ability to adapt and develop workable solutions quickly, using a systematic approach. As a result, production downtime is significantly reduced and environmental impact minimized,” he added.

The new IRM Systems office is located in northwest Houston just off the Highway 8 at:

118 Vintage Park Boulevard Suite W

Houston, Texas, USA 77070

T: +1 (281) 406-5861

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web: www.irm-sys.com

Experienced engineers wanted

IRM Systems is confident that having a presence in Houston will dramatically improve customer support to those in the region. To achieve this, the company will be recruiting staff, particularly those with hands-on engineering experience.

About Independent Risk Management Systems B.V.

Independent Risk Management Systems B.V. (IRM Systems) is dedicated to helping pipeline operators and owners understand, mitigate and manage risks that could damage or interrupt the operation of critical pipeline networks. The company specializes in developing, implementing and operating Emergency Pipeline Repair Systems (EPRS) and pipeline integrity services. These services are provided by an experienced team of risk, marine and pipeline technology specialists. Founded in 2011 by Rutger Schouten, IRM Systems’ headquarters are in Delft, The Netherlands.