The International Well Control Forum (IWCF), the independent organization that sets international well control standards, is attending the oil & gas industry APPEA conference in Melbourne this week (17-20 May) to showcase its well training and accreditation capabilities.
With an active branch in Australia, IWCF now plans to expand its presence by opening its first local office in the region. Expected to be ready by the middle of the year, the new office will be located in Brisbane and will support all 20 accredited centers in Australasia.
Professor Sheik Rahman, Director, National Drilling & Well Control Program at the School of Petroleum Engineering, University of New South Wales said: “IWCF opening an office in Brisbane is a great boost for the industry. As well as being of significant benefit to us in our daily operations, it demonstrates to operators that IWCF takes well control safety seriously. Over the years, IWCF has proven very responsive to the changing needs of the industry. It has developed its training courses to deliver a balance of theoretical and practical work and having support from a local office will ensure we can continue to offer the best service to our candidates.”
The not-for-profit organization will be appointing a Brisbane-based Regional Manager for Australasia who will be responsible for managing and administering test sessions as well as supporting the centers with their day-to-day activities.
The School of Petroleum Engineering at the University of New South Wales was the first center in Australia to become IWCF accredited in 1998. Since then, the organization has grown to have 20 centers across Australia and New Zealand.
David Price, CEO of IWCF said: “Some of the world’s largest oil and gas megaprojects are based in Australia, including Ichthys and the Gorgon joint venture project. Such large-scale projects demonstrate the need for a continued focus on well training and accreditation to ensure the safety of oil and gas personnel. While improvements in technology and management systems have reduced safety incidents, a culture shift in behavior and attitude is still needed.
“A local office in Australia will help us provide better support to our accredited centers in Australasia and ensure they can continue to deliver the high standard of training that we expect. We don’t want candidates to turn up, sit an exam and go away, we want a continual style of learning where we can change behaviors and make individuals feel empowered to act.”
IWCF is also investing in new facilities at its headquarters in Montrose, UK to improve training for well control assessors and instructors who address drilling operations and well intervention activities. The organization is actively recruiting for new members, anyone who is interested in having a say in well control safety should visit http://www.iwcf.org/ for more information.
1. Statoil Snorre & Grane Permanent Reservoir Monitoring (PRM) Project
WGP has completed the re-mobilisation of the Dual Portable Modular Source System (D-PMSSTM) onboard the ‘Siddis Sailor’ as part of the ongoing 4D/4C Permanent Reservoir Monitoring project over the Statoil operated Snorre and Grane fields in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.
The projected program of work will see repeat source surveys undertaken over both the Snorre and Grane trenched seabed cable systems through spring and early summer, with subsequent surveys to be completed in early autumn.
Image: D-PMSSTM installed on the back deck of the ‘Siddis Sailor’
2. P-CableTM HR3D Contract Award with TGS
WGP has completed the re-mobilisation of the ‘Bergen Surveyor’ and has commenced a program of work in the South East Barents Sea on behalf of TGS.
An initial program of 3 month’s High Resolution 3D (HR3D) will be acquired utilising P-CableTM technology and will comprise both regional and localised data acquisition to consolidate TGS’ multi- client data library in the Barents Sea.
For further information please contact:
Mark Burnett, CEO
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Ceona, SURF contractor with heavy subsea construction capabilities, has been awarded a new deepwater contract with Houston-based Bennu Oil & Gas LLC in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) on their Mirage field. This contract comes after a first contract was awarded and completed last year for operations on their Clipper deepwater field.
The agreement will see Ceona deploy its newest vessel, the Amazon, to install a flexible flowline of approximately 2.4 miles (3.8 kilometers) and an umbilical of about 2.6 miles (4.2 km) from Bennu’s Mirage well location, which is located in Block 941 of the Mississippi Canyon Field. Each will be tied-back to Bennu’s Titan Production Facility at a depth of approximately 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).
The contract is the second that Ceona has won with Bennu after previously being selected to install a 1.1 mile (1.7 km) umbilical and two 15 mile (24 km) electric quad cables at a depth of 3,000 ft (914 m) on the Clipper pglenroject in spring 2014.
Offshore work is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2015 and, as with the previous operation, the project management and engineering work will be coordinated from Ceona’s Houston offices.
Janelle Pence, VP Commercial Americas, commented: “We have established a strong relationship with Bennu following our previous work together and this latest contract gives us the opportunity to build on this as well as our track record in the GoM. We are also pleased to be able to deploy the Amazon on this project because it provides another opportunity to demonstrate the vessel’s deepwater capabilities.”
The project is the second that Ceona has been awarded in the GoM to be carried out by its flagship field development vessel, the Ceona Amazon. In March, the company announced a Letter of Intent for a major rigid pipelay project in the Gulf of Mexico for leading US independent oil & gas operator, Walter Oil & Gas Corporation.
The unique Ceona Amazon will be deployed on the Coelacanth export pipelines project with the scope of work involving the vessel laying both an oil and gas export line, totaling more than 22.5 miles (36km).
The Ceona Amazon is a multi-functional vessel capable of operating in multiple pipelay (rigid/flexible pipe and umbilicals) and operational mode (heavy subsea construction). At 655 ft (199m) long, it is equipped for heavy lifting with two 400mt deepwater cranes, and has capacity to carry 9,500mt of pipe.
Helix Well Ops’s, new intervention semi-submersible, the Q5000, set sail from Singapore on her journey of over 13,000 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stopping at Mauritius, Namibia and Curacao en route, she will arrive in United States’ waters in the summer of 2015.
Helix is in discussions with various parties for work for the vessel for the period from her arrival date until the commencement of a five year contract in April 2016. Based upon the Q4000 design, the Q5000 is a much larger second generation intervention semi with enhanced capability for subsea intervention, construction and life of field services.
NYC-based PIRA Energy Group believes that Brent crude prices will continue to gradually strengthen for the next few months. In the U.S., commercial crude and product inventories both declined this past week. In Japan, crude runs decline while crude and product stocks rise. Specifically, PIRA’s analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:
European Oil Market Forecast
Brent crude prices will continue to gradually strengthen for the next few months reflecting improving crude balances with higher refinery runs, increased shipments to Asia, flattening United States/non-OPEC crude production and rising geopolitical concerns. Refinery runs will ramp up as maintenance winds down, peaking in June-August in the Atlantic Basin.
First Major U.S. Stock Draw of 2015
U.S. commercial crude and product inventories both declined this past week. The strongest weekly product demand of the year combined with relatively low crude imports to push stocks lower. The year-on-year stock excess narrowed by 9 million barrels to 157 million barrels or to a still large 14.4%.
Japanese Crude Runs Decline, While Crude and Product Stocks Rise
Two weeks of data were released this past week covering the traditional May holiday period. Crude runs eased both weeks, while crude and finished product stocks rose both weeks. Gasoline demand was higher, while most other product demands eased. Kerosene stocks began to build seasonally. The indicative refining margin remains good, but it has been coming off its highs.
Asia-Pacific Oil Market Forecast
Oil balances are tightening. A global crude surplus has been built, but it is about to be reduced as runs continue to rise supported by healthy refining margins. The balances will be increasingly helped by slowing non-OPEC supply growth as 2015 plays out, and then outright year-on-year declines in non-OPEC supply as we move towards year-end. Over the summer, Middle East producers, particularly Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, will have limited additional barrels for sale as new refineries continue their ramp up and increased summer burn absorbs supply. Strategic reserve purchases of crude oil in India and China will add to crude demand.
Energy Commodities Continue to Strengthen
On a weekly average basis the S&P 500 rose modestly, and closed at a record high on Friday. Emerging market debt prices fell slightly with higher yields. Bond yields on Greek debt eased modestly as a resolution to the Greek debt problem continues to be worked through. The total commodity index rose on the week, as did energy. The U.S. dollar has continued to weaken against many currencies with noted declines against the euro, British pound, and Russian ruble. The Shanghai Interbank Offer Rate eased for the tenth straight week. Bond yields for longer term maturities have risen in the U.S., Europe, Canada, UK and Japan. The Chinese policy interest rate (1-year banking lending rate) was cut again.
European LPG Imports Saturating Demand
Well supplied markets are facing limited incremental demand in Europe. Coaster sized lots of propane were called a significant $50/MT (13%) lower on the week near $320/MT while the spread to larger cargoes widened to $60, indicating that prices on the latter will face increasing pressure in the coming weeks. Large butane cargoes fell 7% to $399, while barges were little changed.
U.S. Ethanol Prices Higher
The rally in U.S. ethanol prices continued the week ending May 8 as many plants were shut down for spring maintenance. Higher petroleum values also provided support.
Ethanol Production Rebounds
U.S. ethanol production rebounded from a six-month low the week ending March 8 as several plants came back online following spring maintenance. Output rose to 912 MB/D from 887 MB/D in the previous week.
The information above is part of PIRA Energy Group's weekly Energy Market Recap - which alerts readers to PIRA’s current analysis of energy markets around the world as well as the key economic and political factors driving those markets.
The Board of BP plc announces that it has appointed Mrs. Paula Rosput Reynolds and Sir John Sawers as Non-Executive Directors with immediate effect.
Mrs. Rosput Reynolds has over 25 years’ experience in the energy sector, including as president and chief executive officer of AGL Resources. Sir John Sawers has had long experience in government, most recently as Chief of the UK Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and is now Chairman of Macro Advisory Partners.
Carl-Henric Svanberg, Chairman of BP said “We are delighted to welcome Paula and John to the Board of BP. Paula has deep experience in the energy and financial services sectors. John brings extensive experience of international affairs and geopolitics. They are both strong additions to the BP Board.”
Paula Rosput Reynolds
Paula Rosput Reynolds began her career as an economist before spending over 25 years in the energy sector in a variety of operational and corporate roles, including at the Duke Energy Corporation and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Mrs Reynolds was President and Chief Executive Officer of AGL Resources, a Fortune 500 natural gas distribution, services and trading company which serves the eastern US. She has also previously served as a non-executive director of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation.
Mrs. Reynolds was Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of Safeco Corporation, a US insurance company, until its acquisition by Liberty Mutual Group in 2008. She was then appointed Vice Chairman and Chief Restructuring Officer of American International Group Inc. (AIG), overseeing the company’s divestiture of assets and serving as chief liaison with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Mrs. Reynolds currently serves as a non-executive director of BAE Systems plc, TransCanada Corporation and Delta Airlines where she will be stepping down shortly. She is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre. She was previously a non-executive director of Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. and of Air Products and Chemicals Inc. In 2014, Mrs. Reynolds was recognized with a lifetime achievement award for exceptional contributions as a board member by the National Association of Corporate Directors in the US.
Sir John Sawers
Sir John Sawers spent 36 years working for the British Government in international affairs and security. He completed his five year tenure as Chief of MI6, the UK Secret Intelligence Service, in November 2014. Prior to that, he was the UK’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Political Director of the Foreign Office, Special Representative in Iraq, Ambassador to Egypt, and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister. In his early career, he worked in the Middle East, South Africa and Washington.
Sir John is now Chairman and Partner of Macro Advisory Partners LLP. He is also a Visiting Professor at King’s College London and a Governor of The Ditchley Foundation.
Addressing wellhead fatigue issues and proving sufficient margin for drilling operations has been a growing challenge for the oil and gas industry over the last decade. Wellhead fatigue can have significant technical, financial and safety implications for the system. In close cooperation with industry partners, DNV GL is addressing this issue through an ongoing joint industry project (JIP). This has resulted in a new recommended practice (RP) addressing the structural loading of offshore well systems.
Fatigue loading has increased as blowout preventer (BOP) systems are getting bigger due to regulatory development and the need for deep water functionality. Furthermore, the rigs are spending more days to drill multilateral wells and install complex completions. DNVGL-RP-0142 for wellhead fatigue analysis provides a framework for assessing fatigue of wellhead and casing systems due to wave-induced loading. It provides an overview of the different analysis methods, challenges and modeling details to consider.
Schematic example of the dynamic system when the rig is connected to a subsea well during the drilling operation.
Ole Rengård, senior vice president and project manager at DNV GL–Oil & Gas, said: “During all riser-connected operations, the well system is subjected to fatigue loading induced by environmental conditions and associated rig motions. Analysis of a connected riser system, including the well system, is both complex and multidisciplinary”. Furthermore, the JIP Steering Committee Chairman, Buba Kebadze, BP Exploration, added: “The RP will become an important industry reference and provide a methodology for assessing the fatigue of the subsea wellhead and associated riser systems forming a common basis for exchanging data between the wellhead supplier, rig owners, analysis houses and operators”.
The ongoing JIP work involves the following participants: BP, Centrica; Chevron; Det Norske; Eni; ExxonMobil; GDF Suez; Hess; Lundin; Marathon; Nexen; Shell; Statoil; Talisman; Total; and Woodside. The JIP’s Advisory Board, chaired by Statoil and consist of BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Hess, and Marathon, is actively working with the development. Currently, the JIP is preparing for detailed studies of the uncertainties in the analysis methodologies, and is investigating when and how to use the different modeling methods. The studies will be carried out by different analysis houses and the results will be documented in technical reports and further annexes to the RP.
“Every year DNV GL invests up to 5% of revenue into research and innovation and manages 100 ongoing joint industry projects annually. Providing a neutral ground for the industry to meet and discuss its most complex challenges means we can quickly find solutions for the whole industry. Our openly accessible industry standards and recommended practices can help ensure safety, increase predictability throughout the supply chain and help the industry to manage costs, without hindering innovation,” said Elisabeth Tørstad, CEO of DNV GL – Oil & Gas.
The assessment of wellhead fatigue damage under this RP is applicable during all stages (or types) of operations when riser systems interface to the well, including drilling, completion, production, workover and plugging and abandonment. Fatigue accumulation continues until the riser is ultimately disconnected from the wellhead.
DNV GL has a broad experience in analysis and in helping the industry assessing the integrity of drilling systems and wells.
DNV GL will be presenting technical papers at OTC in Houston on Dynamic Risers for Floating Production Systems and a Case Study of Asset Integrity and Risk Assessment for Subsea Facilities and Equipment Life Extension. See here for details of times and location.
Lightning is the most dangerous and frequently encountered weather hazard across Australia. Tragically, people die, key assets are damaged, operations are disrupted, and businesses incur losses measured in millions of dollars every year.
When the price of oil started its tumble late last fall so too did the oilfield services (OFS) market. The rig count in the U.S. has been halved compared to this time last year and operators are struggling across the board to cut costs in this low price environment. Some of the major U.S. shale plays are being hit harder than others, some will bounce back quickly while others may start to fade away.
DW expects a 34% decrease in total U.S. oilfield services spend in 2015 for the 20 services that we cover. On a basin-by-basin level, the Barnett and the Bakken will be hit hardest. The Barnett rig count has continued its steep decline from a 2008 peak, now with only four rigs drilling for gas. With the fall in oil price, operators in the Bakken will spend 40% less on services in 2015. The Bakken is one of the more expensive shale plays and the low price environment will lead to fewer wells being completed and intense cost cutting pressure on services companies. Conversely, the Marcellus is likely to be hit the least as recently the gas drilling market has not suffered to the same extent as the oil plays.
To give one key OFS example, proppant is the sand or ceramic material designed to keep an induced hydraulic fracture open during or following a fracturing treatment. Here we expect Operators’ spend to fall by 42% in 2015 as a result of a strong decrease in demand and a shift away from ceramics towards cheaper sands. While all drilling and completion-led services will suffer in 2015, those driven more by the active wellstock will suffer less than new drilling activity. Historically, services such as artificial lift and slickline services for example have been less directly correlated to oil price and are less affected by downturns.
As the oilfield services industry continues to rebalance over the course of 2015, some basins and service lines will feel the pressure more than others.
Jacob Halevy, Douglas-Westwood Houston
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Statoil (OSE:STL, NYSE:STO) appoints new chief financial officer (CFO), and launches business area for New Energy Solutions (NES). Three new executive vice presidents (EVPs) are appointed as members of the corporate executive committee (CEC).
CFO Torgrim Reitan is appointed EVP for Development & Production USA (DPUSA) after Bill Maloney decided to not prolong his contract with Statoil. Hans Jakob Hegge is appointed new EVP and CFO. Hegge comes from the position as senior vice president for Operations North in Development & Production Norway.
Irene Rummelhoff is appointed EVP for New Energy Solutions, and Jens Økland new EVP for Marketing, Midstream & Processing (MMP). Rummelhoff and Økland start in their new positions 1 June 2015. Reitan and Hegge will start in their new positions 1 August 2015.
CEO Eldar Sætre
“I am glad that Torgrim Reitan has accepted the opportunity to lead DPUSA, and pleased to welcome Hans Jakob Hegge, Irene Rummelhoff and Jens Økland as new members of my management team. Their deep and broad experience brings renewal to the CEC addressing our future challenges,” says Eldar Sætre, president and CEO of Statoil.
The new DPUSA will further focus the effort to strengthen the profitability of our offshore assets in the Gulf of Mexico and US onshore shale oil and gas operations. In combination, the offshore and onshore activities in the USA give Statoil a strong position in the world’s largest integrated energy market.
Statoil’s offshore and onshore business in Canada becomes part of the business area Development & Production International (DPI). The Canada activities add materiality and longevity in the DPI portfolio, and provides further opportunities to create synergies with offshore activities in Brazil, the UK and Tanzania.
Bill Maloney
“I am grateful to Bill, who joined Statoil in 2002 as head of global exploration. Leading our North America business since 2010 he has been instrumental in maturing our GoM portfolio and building Statoil’s position as onshore operator,” says Sætre.
The transition of the global energy systems to a low carbon society creates new business and growth opportunities within renewables and new energy solutions. Statoil will establish a new business area for New Energy Solutions (NES) to drive further profitable growth within these areas.
Establishing NES as a separate business area reporting directly to the CEO reflects the aspirations to gradually complement the oil and gas portfolio with profitable renewable energy and other low-carbon energy solutions. A more detailed plan for the business will be developed as an integrated part of Statoil’s strategy.
The development of the energy systems open opportunities to create new profitable solutions, combining Statoil’s oil and gas portfolio, project delivery capacity and ability to integrate technological solutions. As a starting point the existing offshore wind portfolio will constitute our activities in this area.
The ambition is to grow and potentially expand into other sources of renewable energy, while also considering appropriate financial structures. The business area will seek new opportunities to deliver attractive returns through technology and business innovation, as well as venture activities.
Irene Rummelhoff has been appointed EVP to lead the development of the business area. Rummelhoff comes from the position as senior vice president for Exploration Norway in Statoil.
Tor Martin Anfinnsen
Jens Økland has been appointed EVP and will head up the new Marketing, Midstream & Processing business area (MMP). The renewable business is carved out of the previous Marketing, Processing and Renewable Energy business area (MPR). Acting EVP for MPR since October 2014, SVP Tor Martin Anfinnsen will take the position as SVP marketing and trading in MMP.
“I thank Tor Martin, who took on the challenge at short notice and has led MPR effectively during a time of considerable change,” says CEO Eldar Sætre.
Background information on appointees
Torgrim Reitan
Torgrim Reitan has been appointed executive vice president (EVP) for Development & Production USA. He assumes his new responsibilities from 1 August 2015 and his office location will be Houston.
Torgrim Reitan has 20 years of Statoil experience. He has broad and diversified leadership experience, both in Norway and internationally. During his five years as CFO Reitan was a driving force in supporting the business areas’ strategy development, performance and improvement agenda. In the corporate executive committee (CEC) , Reitan took early moves to address the key challenges of our industry, reducing cost and increasing capital efficiency through corporate improvement programs to strengthen Statoil’s overall competitiveness and value creation. Reitan holds a MSc. degree in business from Norges Handelshøyskole, 1995.
Hans Jakob Hegge
Hans Jakob Hegge will succeed Reitan as EVP and CFO from 1 August 2015, located in Stavanger. Hegge is currently senior vice president for Development & Production (DPN) Operations North, based in Harstad, Norway.
Hans Jakob Hegge brings 20 years of experience from Statoil, and has delivered consistent leadership to drive change and efficiency, including the recent successful turnaround of operational performance at the Snøhvit plant in his current role. Heading up joint operations and Operations East in DPN, he had a leading role in the implementation of the new operating model after the merger with Norsk Hydro’s oil and gas division.
Prior to this Hans Jakob worked in Statoil’s natural gas business, and later led the development of Global Business Services (GBS) from 2005 to 2009. Hegge’s experience will be important for the CFO function going forward, transitioning Statoil to an even more efficient company and developing the global footprint.
Hegge holds a MSc degree in business from Norges Handelshøyskole, 1994.
Irene Rummelhoff
Irene Rummelhoff has been appointed as EVP of the New Energy Solutions (NES) business area from 1 June 2015. Her office location will be in Stavanger. Since January 2014 she has been SVP for Exploration Norway.
Rummelhoff has extensive commercial experience and broad value chain knowledge from her career in Statoil since 1991, particularly in the area of business development and natural gas.
The new business area will focus on developing commercial sources of alternative energy, as well as looking at investments in proven alternative and renewable energy. Irene Rummelhoff has seven years of international experience, heading up the strengthening of our asset base in North America, including the acquisition of Brigham Exploration Company in 2011.
Rummelhoff holds a MSc. degree in geology/geophysics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 1990.
Jens Økland
Jens Økland has been appointed EVP for the Marketing, Midstream & Processing (MMP) organization from 1 June 2015. His office location will be in Stavanger.
Jens Økland brings 21 years of experience from Statoil, mainly in the downstream sector. He was previously senior vice president in MPR where he was responsible for portfolio and supply and US gas in MPR natural gas.
In 2013 he moved to DPN to the position as VP of operations for the Åsgard area. His extensive experience in the downstream sector and varied exposure to both international and operational areas of the business gives him a strong background to lead the new MP organization and as a member of the CEC.
Økland holds a MSc. degree in business from Handelshoyskolen BI, 1994.
The Energy Department announces that it has issued a final authorization for Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. The Cove Point LNG Terminal in Calvert County, Maryland is authorized to export LNG up to the equivalent of 0.77 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas for a period of 20 years.
The development of U.S. natural gas resources is having a transformative impact on the U.S. energy landscape, helping to improve our energy security while spurring economic development and job creation around the country. This increase in domestic natural gas production is expected to continue, with the Energy Information Administration forecasting a record average production rate of 72.4 Bcf/d in 2015.
Federal law generally requires approval of natural gas exports to countries that have an FTA with the United States. For countries that do not have an FTA with the United States, the Natural Gas Act directs the Department of Energy to grant export authorizations unless the Department finds that the proposed exports “will not be consistent with the public interest.”
The Energy Department conducted an extensive, careful review of the Dominion Cove Point LNG applications. Among other factors, the Department considered the economic, energy security, and environmental impacts and determined that exports at a rate of up to 0.77 Bcf/d for a period of 20 years was not inconsistent with the public interest.
The full final authorization for Dominion Cove Point can be found HERE.
The Path Forward on LNG Export Applications
The Energy Department will continue to act on applications to export LNG from the lower 48 states after completion of the review required by the National Environmental Policy Act, and when DOE has sufficient information on which to base a public interest determination. During this time, the Department will continue to monitor any market developments and assess their impact in subsequent public interest determinations as further information becomes available.
A new innovative precision engineering company for the marine industry has launched as Ocean Marine Systems Limited. 
Ocean Marine Systems manufacture through-hull deployment machinery servicing the Offshore Oil and Gas, Subsea, Survey and Security sectors.
All the products are designed and manufactured at their UK based factory and exported worldwide. Ocean Marine Systems designs perform alongside and complement leading edge technology from subsea instrument manufacturers.
“Ocean Marine Systems is unique in offering customized deployment lengths with minimal deflection, whilst offering the ability to rotate and tilt the instrument head platform with absolute precision,” comments Mark Barwell Sales Director. “In 2015 we have already delivered multiple units, ranging from 2m – 7m in height, to vessels being used in both the survey and security markets worldwide.”
Ocean Marine Systems is a member of Subsea UK and the Company currently has a patent pending on their most innovative and unique design features.
InterMoor Inc., an Acteon company, has been selected as one of the New Orleans Times-Picayune’s Top Workplaces; a list of the best companies to work for in the Greater New Orleans area.
The Top Workplaces are determined solely on employee feedback. The employee survey is conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. Eight hundred companies were nominated for the Top Workplaces, and InterMoor was placed in the top 40 of the ‘Small Business’ category.
More than 285 professionals work in InterMoor’s modern, purpose-built Morgan City facility. Benefits for employees include life insurance and health plans, flexible working policies and regular onsite group cooking events to foster team morale. InterMoor supports individual involvement in occupational and industry-related organizations; and external employee training and certifications are encouraged and reimbursed by the company. Each individual completes an annual employee satisfaction survey.
Scott Thomas, vice president of finance, InterMoor, said, “We are proud to be recognized as a top workplace in the New Orleans region. We believe it is critical to invest in the well being of employees in order to maintain and grow a successful business such as InterMoor. With initiatives such as allowing for generous vacation accrual, providing free flu shots for employees and their spouses and subsidising gym memberships, we are helping our employees maintain a positive work/life balance and an all-round healthy lifestyle.”
New Orleans Times-Picayune, which is distributed to 120,000 households, published the complete list of Top Workplaces on May 17.
For more information about the Top Workplaces lists, please visit www.topworkplaces.com.
FMC Technologies, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Douglas J. Pferdehirt President of the company. Pferdehirt assumes this responsibility from John T. Gremp who remains Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"Doug has been integral to our company's success and a valuable partner to me and the executive leadership team. In the three years he has been with FMC Technologies, our company has improved execution, expanded and enhanced customer relationships, established a platform for industry standardization, and entered into an industry-changing alliance with Technip," said Gremp. "This appointment recognizes the performance, experience and leadership strength that Doug brings to our company."
Pferdehirt previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He will assume the role of President immediately, while retaining his position as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for leading the company's three business segments.
Pferdehirt has an extensive background in the oil and gas industry. Before joining FMC Technologies in 2012, he had a successful 26-year career with Schlumberger Limited where he held a number of leadership positions.
Global Marine Systems Limited has extended its subsea capability with the acquisition of a powerful jet trenching ROV. The new submersible compliments the existing burial equipment portfolio and is designed for pre and post-lay trenching as well as simultaneous lay and burial in the offshore subsea cable sectors.
Awarded Multi-Vessel Contracts - Containers to Caribbean Ports
Signet Maritime Corporation has completed Phase II of a $250M capital expansion program with the acquisition and integration of the Harvey Gulf OTV fleet. The corporate strategy was to design and own vessels for multi-disciplinary work, and diversify with the addition of the powerful offshore vessels. This has enabled Signet to broaden its services into new market segments and meet the global needs of our customers.
Continuing this US expansion, Signet has been awarded multi-vessel, long term charters by Trailer Bridge, Inc., an international freight service company, to perform weekly sailings from Jacksonville, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The contracts were brokered through Compass Maritime Services, LLC, specialists in the sale, purchase, and charter of ships and offshore vessels.
The particulars of the towing vessels are as follows: 
m/v SIGNET TROJAN, ABSXA1, Towing Service, XAMS, SOLAS Compliant, 75.70 MTBP
m/v SIGNET TITAN, ABSXA1, Towing Service, XAMS, SOLAS Compliant, 82.81 MTBP
m/v SIGNET LIGHTNING, ABS Loadline, Towing Service, 98.76 MTBP
Mr. Timothy M. McGriff has been appointed to the position of Marine Superintendent, Operations & Engineering in Jacksonville. This Signet office will provide 24-hour customer service with on-site management and control all aspects of the operation. The SIGNET TROJAN, SIGNET TITAN, and SIGNET LIGHTNING underwent a combined $2.3 million in upgrades for these projects. Signet Shipbuilding & Repair provided the labor, refurbishment and management oversight.
Mr. Joshua T. Ervasti, Manager, Ocean Towing Scheduling & Logistics, reported, “The expansion into Jacksonville exemplifies Signet’s commitment to going above and beyond in every aspect of our business. We are ensuring that we are there every step of the way to support our customer, our employees, our vendors and continually strive to exceed their expectations. I’m excited to see the partnership between the two companies expand throughout the years.”
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