Tritech International Ltd, [Tritech], A Moog Inc. Company, announces that Seatronics, an Acteon Company, is the first rental company to choose its next generation Gemini 720is multibeam imaging sonar.

Seatronics will offer the Gemini 720is for rental as prompted by customer demand to provide high-quality, new and innovative rental products to the subsea market. Additionally, the multibeam imaging sonar will be used on Predator, a portable inspection class Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

The new Gemini 720is combines the benefits of high-definition imaging with long-range target detection making it ideal for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and ROV platforms, including installation on pan and tilt units. With a new body shape and enhanced electronics, the Gemini 720is continues to offer real-time visualization and a fast update rate of 30 Hz across a 120 degree field-of-view. Familiar features such as an integrated velocity of sound (VOS) sensor and near-range focus remain and the sonar is now integrated with Ethernet communications as standard (VDSL and dual communication units are also available).

To support the new model, Tritech’s standalone Gemini software package now enables operation of all Tritech multibeam Gemini imagers (from the 720i series to the NBI) and the Gemini profiler (620pd), from one dedicated software platform. New features include basic target tracking, (including SeeByte advanced target tracking), a distance marker tool and enhanced data recording/ playback and screen capture options. The introduction of an annotate function has also been added so that users can output depth, time and data screenshots for reporting.


Phil Middleton, Group Managing Director, Seatronics commented:

“The Tritech purchase provides our customers with the latest multibeam imaging technology from our rental pool. We are proud to be the first rental company to offer the new Gemini 720is from a successful and experienced sonar manufacturer.”

Scott McLay, Tritech Sales Director, commented:


“The anticipated launch of the new Gemini model has been welcomed by the market’s early adoption; first by Van Oord and now Seatronics. Tritech has performance at the heart of its sensor technology and the decision by Seatronics to choose the Gemini 720is for their Predator vehicle signals their confidence in its high-performance imagery and reliability.”

NYC-based PIRA Energy Group believes that Asian product demand shows improved growth, due to the recent Chinese data. In the U.S., crude stocks were moderately higher. In Japan, crude runs increased, imports fell back and stocks built. Specifically, PIRA’s analysis of the oil market fundamentals has revealed the following:

U.S. Stocks Modestly Higher

Relatively strong major light product demand led to inventory declines in both gasoline and distillate while higher-than-expected crude runs narrowed the crude stock build. Overall commercial, crude and Cushing stocks made new highs. The year-on-year oil inventory surplus narrowed 5 million barrels to 156 million barrels. Some 64% of the surplus versus last year is in crude and distillate.

Storage Capacity Limits Loom in South Central Region

The official arrival of spring, as marked by the vernal equinox, occurred this weekend. Yet, seasonal repositioning appears to be well under way, with the recent ~30¢ rally likely the result of closing out winter short positions and/or early injection season buying. The next leg of higher in prices, however, could prove more difficult to achieve without a significant shift in fundamentals. With end-March inventories aligning with the 2012 record, options for managing the surplus are becoming increasingly scarce, underscoring the need for prices to remain discounted.

Are the Lows in, Despite Weak Loads?

Spot power prices experienced moderate month-on-month declines in February in New England, MISO, SPP and ERCOT but were relatively flat in NY, PJM and the Southeast despite mild weather and weaker gas markets. Average loads in the East (U.S.) fell by 43 aGW (11.4%) from the prior year, and ERCOT raw loads were down 10.4%. Gas-fired generation in the East was down slightly from January but up year-on-year despite falling loads as gas prices averaged below $2 at most Eastern hubs. PIRA remains bullish to NYMEX Henry Hub gas through winter 2016-17. Barring adverse weather, PIRA believes that excess inventories are priced in, but future gas production weakness is not. We are bullish summer power relative to the forward curve as well as Northeast winter, but neutral on shoulder months.

European Coal Pricing Rises Despite the End of Colombian Labor Strike Threat

Despite the agreement that forestalled a labor strike in Colombia, API#2 (Northwest Europe) coal pricing moved notably higher last week, while API#4 (South Africa) and FOB Newcastle (Australia) prices lost ground. The declines recorded by API#4 and FOB Newcastle are more in line with what occurred last week in that supply will not be pulled offline and the prompt market should be softer. Generally, the market continues to search for direction, with seasonal peak demand fading and the lack of a clear signal that the oversupply is near an end. We retain our general outlook that price weakness will continue though the next 90 days, but we believe that rising oil pricing in late-2016 and 2017 will lead to a strengthening in the coal market.

European Carbon Links to Oil, But Downside Risks Remain

The EU Allowance (EUA) price decline has halted for now, with Brent oil prices serving as an anchor. However, the currently strong relationship between EUAs and oil could weaken, as bearish ETS indicators outweigh a connection to increasing Brent prices. Downside price risks remain: higher incoming supply, warm weather, and low gas prices reducing coal-fired generation competitiveness. We expect some price support during the upcoming 2015 emissions compliance period, but prices should then decline through Summer 2016.

Fed’s Dovish Turn Is the Latest in String of Policy Surprises

Last week’s U.S. economic statistics were constructive: manufacturing indicators were better-than-expected, consumer spending data pointed to a modest acceleration, and housing starts registered improvements. Somewhat surprisingly, however, the latest CPI data showed a broad-based gain in prices. At this week’s meeting, the Federal Reserve stayed put, as expected. But the outcome of the meeting was clearly dovish, as policymakers penciled in fewer rate hikes during 2016 than before. The Fed’s new plan represented the latest in string of growth-friendly policy announcements.

Wait and See

With the Dollar Index below 95, having been pushed lower by the FOMC Minutes, there is some bullishness appearing in the markets. Option volatility, which had been hammered of late, is starting to show some life, especially in corn. The unrest in Brazil continues to take center stage as beans were the feature this week.

European LPG Prices Turn Lower

European propane prices fell in line with Mt Belvieu, and thus the premium over the U.S. benchmark remained around $41/MT, a level at which the arbitrage of volume into the region is economically unworkable. Large cargo butane prices managed a gain of $10 to $320/MT — buoyed higher by rising naphtha prices.

Ethanol Prices Rise

U.S. ethanol prices strengthened the week ending March 11, supported by advancing oil and corn values, which overshadowed the buildup of stocks to a record high. Manufacturing margins dropped slightly, partly due to the decline in DDG prices.

Japanese Crude Runs Increased, Imports fell Back and Stocks Built

Crude runs posted a second straight week of increase and have now recovered almost two-thirds of the end-February drop. Crude imports fell back but still produced a stock build of 2 MMBbls. Finished product stocks were slightly higher with increases in all the major product categories, other than naphtha. Gasoline demand was disappointing. Gasoil balances were little changed and kerosene moved into seasonal stock building mode. Margins were modestly higher and remain good.

The Return of Gas Demand in Europe Will Be an Uphill Battle

As we hunt for new demand to consume all the new LNG coming to Europe, we may be losing sight of the slow but steady and accumulating impact of efficiency gains across the Continent. While the focus these days is on natural gas trying to reclaim demand from coal in the power sector, that is not the only sector where gas demand has eroded. None of the five biggest industrial demand sectors have experienced growth in gas demand in the last 10 years. Overall, these sectors have lost over 16% of their demand. However, the story here is not necessarily the economic weakness of European industry, but the growth in its energy efficiency across all parts of the economy.

Weakening Power Sector Emissions in 2015 May Imply Sagging Role for Co-generation in Germany

German thermal demand has been relatively better supported so far this month, due to a lack of wind and solar relative to our assumptions built in our balances, leading to some price support in the day ahead markets. As for the fossil fuel units, the EEX data show an increase so far in coal-fired dispatching, with a 2 GW year-on-year increase. According to EEX, the role of gas remains relatively weak, with growth of only about 800 MWs year-on-year, even with efficient spot gas units more in the money at current spot prices. Early data on 2015 German emissions hint at some interesting dynamics in the power sector, with some signs of decreasing fossil fuel CHP generation. This is an extremely relevant point, as CHP generation (or the lack of it) typically is more influential in price formation at this time of the year.

2015 EU ETS Emissions Expected Higher, With Short Term Price Bump

The 2015 EU ETS emissions data will be released on April 1st; PIRA expects them to be up 1% year-on-year, driven by increases in grid-connected power and refining. An EUA price bump on the bullish data is likely, with a potential rise coming in the days before the release. Higher emissions could impact potential ETS reform efforts by diverting attention from fundamental market oversupply, with emissions declines resuming in 2016.

Global Equities Post Another Positive Week

Global equities posted a fifth straight week of gains. Many of the tracking indices continue to display significantly better looking trends. In the U.S. almost all the tracking indices were higher on the week. The “growth” indicator, industrials, and housing did the best, while banking again lagged. Internationally, the tracking indices were a bit more mixed. Other than Japan and Europe, all the tracking indices posted gains to varying degrees.

U.S. Ethanol Scorecard and Supply Report

U.S. ethanol production rose for the first time in three weeks, advancing to 999 MB/D from 978 MB/D during the previous week. Inventories declined by 454 thousand barrels to 22.9 million barrels, though they remain 2.0 million barrels higher than at this time last year.

Weekend Wheat Freeze

Going into the weekend forecasts were cold for some sections of Kansas and Oklahoma, but not as cold as materialized. Even with this overnight freeze event opinions vary widely on the ultimate effect on this year’s HRW crop. Current HRW production estimates range from the mid-800’s to 925 million bushels. According to local sources, maybe 8-10% of this year’s crop has been affected by weekend temperatures.

PIRA’s Crude Oil Arbitrage Calculator Provides Insight into Changing PADD I Crude Fundamentals

PIRA’s new Crude Oil Arbitrage Calculator is a useful tool for evaluating more than 30 key crude arbitrage incentives. This report shows that the incentive to ship Bakken to PADD I turned negative versus Bonny Light. As a result of changing economic incentives, rail movements of crude to PADD I fell sharply, even as waterborne imports picked up.

East Wing Asia-Pacific Projects Crash and Burn as Australia Takes Flight

The proposed liquefaction projects that were once popping up all along the northeastern rim of the Pacific from Kitimat to Coos Bay in Oregon now appear to be dropping off in rapid succession as both market forces and regulatory barriers converge to create insurmountable hurdles.

March Weather: U.S. Warm, Europe Cold and Japan Normal

At midmonth, March looks to be 1% warmer than the 10-year normal for the three major OECD markets, with +45 MB/D as the net effect on oil-heat demand since Europe has a larger contribution. The markets are 9% warmer than the 30-year normal.

Polish Gas Users to Get Price Cut

Polish energy market regulator URE approved price cuts for natural gas sold by the country's dominant gas company, state-controlled PGNiG, the regulator. The new price tariff, which reduces prices of natural gas by 8.3-9.5% percent from current levels, will be binding from the second quarter of 2016, URE said. The price cut, which URE said is the result of lower prices of natural gas on European markets, is the second this year and the fifth since the start of 2015.

Spring 2016 Nuclear Outages: Fewer but Possibly Longer

This spring, nuclear outages in the U.S. are significantly fewer in number as compared to spring of 2015. However, it is likely that some of these outages could be longer given the weak gas price environment. Operators may be more willing to address non-critical repair issues, even if doing so would extend an outage, due to the low opportunity cost of lost generation.

Asian Update: Stronger Demand Growth, Led by China

PIRA's latest update of Asian product demand shows improved growth, mostly due to the recent Chinese data. PIRA’s February update of Asian demand had shown growth of 294 MB/D, a slowing down from over 1 MMB/D seen in the December update. The latest average three-month data indicate growth has risen to 643 MB/D. China and India both showed faster growth and incorporate the latest three-month actuals through February. China posted growth of 394 MB/D (vs. 48 MB/D in last update), while India grew 358 MB/D (vs. 335 MB/D, previously). The Chinese improvement is not necessarily actual consumption, as it is based on apparent demand calculations and reflects a very strong crude import figure of 7.8 MMB/D in December and record imports of 8.0 MMB/D for February. Looking at individual products, gasoline accounts for 219 MB/D of the Asian growth, but is down marginally from our last assessment.

Financial Stress Continues to Ease

For the fifth straight week the S&P 500 rose Friday-to-Friday and on a weekly average basis. All the other key indicators improved, including volatility, high yield debt and emerging market debt. The U.S. dollar lost ground on the week against a host of currencies. Commodities continue to gain, both overall and ex-energy. The Cleveland Fed released its inflation expectations for March, which showed a decline across all time frames.

U.S. Federal Regulatory Calendar

The biggest development impacting the regulatory agenda came from the Supreme Court, which decided to put EPA's Clean Power Plan on hold. We have also seen a renewed regulatory focus on methane emissions. Proposed regulation of methane in oil and gas operations on federal lands was published in February and final rules impacting oil and gas production on private and state lands are still expected this summer. As part of a joint announcement with Canada, President Obama directed the EPA to put forward new methane regulations targeting existing oil and gas wells, starting with an Information Collection Request. The next federal Regulatory Agenda is expected in May, offering clarity on timelines for regs such as the next PM NAAQS review and Secondary NAAQS for SO2/NOx. An initial draft of EPA’s midterm review of current CAFE standards for vehicles (for model years 2022-25) is expected this summer.

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.

Subsea IMR provider, N-Sea, has won the Safety Innovations award at this year’s SPE Aberdeen Offshore Achievement Awards. Winners were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony last night at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

The Safety Innovations Award recognises excellence in innovative technology and products that have been developed in the UK and which contribute to offshore safety. N-Sea has received the accolade by demonstrating an on-going commitment to safety by upgrading its already-revolutionary TUP Diving System® (TUP).

Roddy James, Chief Operating Officer of N-Sea, accepts the award

Originally developed in 2005, the TUP’s main objective is to provide a safe way to increase workable bottom time, relative to other surface-oriented diving techniques, which is achieved through the combination of unique safety and technical features. N-Sea has taken diver safety to the next level, with a significant system upgrade, taking place in 2014/15. The TUP now provides even further improved diver safety and efficiency through the upgrade of its safety features and the introduction of Nitrox diving from a closed bell.

N-Sea’s chief operating officer, Roddy James, said: “We are delighted to have won the Offshore Achievement Safety Innovations Award, which is testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire N-Sea team.

“Whilst the TUP Diving System® has always been unique in the service it provides clients, this most recent upgrade launches it – and N-Sea - into a new league in terms of diver safety and client cost efficiency. Whilst the N-Sea philosophy has always been to produce a “safe, sound and swift” service, at no time in recent years has this been more pertinent to our client relationships than during the past 18 months.”

The SPE Aberdeen Offshore Achievement Awards (OAA) is the biggest and longest established industry awards for the UK offshore energy sector, covering all aspects from supply to upstream operations and offshore renewables.

For thirty years, the awards have been celebrating and encouraging innovation and collaboration in the North Sea.

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

With the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) expected to soon make a final decision on which areas will be included in its proposed 2017-2022 offshore oil and gas-leasing plan, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) has released a comprehensive analysis that debunks assertions by anti-energy groups suggesting widespread opposition to U.S. offshore energy development.



This is particularly the case in Alaska and in key Atlantic coastal states where BOEM is considering opening up leases for exploration and production, the report, titled “A Hollow Groundswell: Debunking the Myth of Widespread Opposition to Offshore Energy,” says.



A few vocal anti-energy organizations have highlighted that communities in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia – at the urging of anti-energy groups using incomplete or inaccurate data – have adopted anti-drilling and/or anti-seismic resolutions. Despite claims that these resolutions show widespread opposition to offshore energy, they in truth represent just 3.8 percent of all four states’ combined populations, according to CEA’s analysis. 

And, in each instance, the decisions were based on incomplete or inaccurate information. 

“

Image courtesy: CEA

Business community leaders – from chambers of commerce to farm bureaus to manufacturing have repeatedly stressed the economic, job creation, and long-term energy security benefits that offshore energy development could bring to the Atlantic coast states, CEA President David Holt said. “Despite attempts by anti-energy groups to convey the false appearance of widespread opposition to these much-needed activities, our findings show that significant majorities overwhelmingly support the opportunity associated with the future development of our offshore energy resources.”

“

And in the wake of what Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has called the most aggressive and comprehensive offshore oil and gas regulatory reforms in the nation’s history, we can be assured of developing our natural resources in a way that also safeguards our environment, Holt added.



Democratic polling firm Hickman Analytics found last year that voter support for expanded drilling stood at 61 percent in Virginia and 55 percent in North Carolina, the CEA report finds. A Harris Poll conducted in 2015 also found that 77 percent of registered voters in Georgia support offshore oil and gas drilling.



Earlier this month, a new Harris Poll found that support among registered voters for offshore drilling stood at 65%in Virginia , 64% in North Carolina and 67% in South Carolina.

In Alaska in 2014 and 2015, Hickman Analytics similarly found extremely high levels of support for offshore drilling, with 73% of registered voters voicing support for drilling in the Arctic and 72% in support of expanded offshore drilling in general. Support for Arctic offshore drilling extends to Louisiana 66%. Georgia 59% Iowa 52%, New Hampshire 54% and South Carolina 63%.

About Consumer Energy Alliance


Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together consumers, producers and manufacturers to engage in a meaningful dialogue about America's energy future. With more than 400,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices for consumers and energy security. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all consumers to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop and diversify our energy resources and energy's importance to the economy. CEA promotes a thoughtful dialogue to help produce our abundant energy supply, and balance our energy needs with our nation's environmental and conservation goals. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.


OceanWise has recently added an advanced wave processing algorithm to its online environmental data sharing and publishing system, Port-Log. The algorithm has been developed by a market leading provider of waves processing software to the oil and gas industry. OceanWise’s MD, Dr. Mike Osborne, said “It was important for us to implement a system that was already proven and could provide continuity and consistency to organizations wishing to extend a long-term data record or compare their measurements with modeled data or data processed by proprietary systems. This new capability allows users to browse and view wave parameters, such as directional spectra, and partitioned time series, in real-time or historically, alongside other environmental datasets contained within the Port-Log system.”

Output from Port-Log’s new waves processing capability.

Port-Log is already processing real time data streams from a range of industry standard instruments, including directional wave buoys, downward looking radars, and upward looking pressure and motion (puv) recorders. The system utilizes the raw and/or partly processed data from the sensor or multiple sensors, then extracts, transforms and loads it to Port-Log’s backend data storage system, Ocean Database. Here the wave data can be combined with other environmental parameters where available.

Historical datasets can be processed and stored making Port-Log an ideal long-term storage and web based display option. Port-Log is totally instrument independent and can accept data from multiple sensors from a range of different manufacturers such as Datawell, Nortek, RBR, RS Aqua, Teledyne RDI and Valeport.

As the main driver of global energy demand growth, China accounted for 23% of world energy use in 2014. BP expects this share to rise to 25% by 2035. According to National Bureau of Statistics of China, despite a decline of 3.7% in coal consumption in 2015, the energy source still supplied 64% of primary energy use, with China accounting for half of global coal consumption.

Without doubt, a fossil fuel-intensive strategy has helped the world’s largest economy achieve years of astronomical growth. However, this has resulted in major environmental pollution. Late last year, Beijing issued two environmental red alerts – the highest level in a four-tier warning scale – due to high levels of air pollution. The concentration of PM2.5 particles reached levels 30 times the WHO’s recommendation of 25 micrograms per cubic meter – spurring traffic restrictions and closures of factories and schools in the country’s capital. To tackle environmental problems, China has tightened its air pollution and environmental protection laws over the past few years. On March 5th, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced that the government will “deal with industrial pollution at the source and conduct online monitoring of all polluting enterprises”. While the government has yet to unveil detailed actions, by strictly enforcing revised laws, China may begin to reduce levels of pollution.

Li’s speech set the tone for the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan – due to be passed without major amendment this week. Under the new economic, social and environmental blueprint, China plans to reduce its energy intensity (energy consumption per unit of GDP) and carbon intensity by 15% and 18% by 2020 respectively. This change will require rapid growth in non-fossil energy sources such as renewables and nuclear. Integrating renewable energy into the energy mix is still at an early stage, however, the new plan makes clear China intends to strengthen efforts to move from coal to non-fossil energy sources over the next five years.

Non-fossil energy accounted for 12% of primary energy consumption in 2015 up from 9.4% in 2010 – passing the 11.4% target under the previous Five-Year Plan. With the updated blueprint, the nation has set new targets of 15% by 2020 and 20% by 2030. DW’s World Offshore Wind Market Forecast suggests continued growth in renewable energy installations – China is expected to be a key offshore market, installing over 10GW of offshore wind capacity to 2025.

Wang Yunjiao, Douglas-Westwood Singapore

UTEC Survey, an Acteon company, announce a key appointment to head up its new branch office in Abu Dhabi as it seeks to broaden support to its growing client base in the Middle East region.

Noel Cowley, with the UTEC group since 2007 in various operational and senior management positions, will head up the Abu Dhabi office as General Manager. UTEC is currently supporting several high-profile projects in the Middle East region.

“Having participated the company’s phenomenal growth in international markets I look forward to playing a key role in expanding UTEC’s quality services into the Middle East region” commented Noel, who brings 30 years’ experience ranging from the Royal Australian Navy to upstream energy management roles.

Sean Fowler, UTEC’s Regional Manager remarked “We are delighted to have Noel Cowley leading our continued growth in the Middle East region. His track record of creating value for our clients is indisputable. He solidly represents UTEC’s mission to support customers who have come to expect excellence as a hallmark of UTEC’s service offering.”

Shell and its joint venture announce the start of oil production from the third phase of the deep-water Parque das Conchas (BC-10) development in Brazil's Campos Basin. Production for this final phase of the project is expected to add up to 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) at peak production, from fields that have already produced more than 100-million barrels since 2009.

Espitito Santo. Image courtesy: Shell

"The safe, early delivery of this production is a testament to the efficiency of our deep-water project execution," said Wael Sawan, Executive Vice-President, Deep Water, Shell. "With this phased project, we have again demonstrated value from standardization, synergies from contractual relationships, and the strategic deployment of new technologies. These barrels, like other subsea tieback opportunities across our deep-water portfolio, have development cost advantages and will contribute to the strong production growth we expect from offshore Brazil."

Shell is a global leader in deep water with a strong development pipeline following last month's completion of the BG combination, across offshore Brazil, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Nigeria, and Malaysia.

Operated by Shell (50%) and owned together with ONGC (27%) and QPI (23%), Parque das Conchas Phase 3 comprises five producing wells in two Campos Basin fields (Massa and O-South) and two water-injection wells. The subsea wells sit in water depths greater than 5,900-feet (1,800-meters) and connect to a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Espirito Santo, located more than 90-miles (150-kilometers) offshore Brazil.

Parque das Conchas Phase 3 is the latest, major deep-water project for Shell. Shell deep-water sanctioned projects currently in development include, the Stones project, whose FPSO vessel is now on location in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Appomattox project, also a Gulf of Mexico project, now under construction. Shell is also part of a consortium exploring and developing the giant, pre-salt Libra field, offshore Brazil, and recently completed the acquisition of BG, which includes significant deep-water Brazil positions.

Subsea technology company Sonardyne International Ltd., has announced that it is making available to hire its new deep water hydrostatic pressure testing chamber, one of the largest in the UK. Located at its headquarters in Yateley, 40 miles south-west of London, the facility is now open to third party companies and organizations to test the integrity of their underwater components and instruments by simulating water depths up to 6,300 meters (20,670 feet).

Sonardyne’s deep water pressure chamber is able to test the integrity of underwater components and instruments by simulating water depths up to 6,300 meters (20,670 feet).

Hydrostatic testing is the most reliable and cost-effective way to validate the integrity of subsea equipment before it is deployed in the field. With an internal diameter of 0.76 meters and internal length of 2 meters, Sonardyne’s chamber is able to accommodate large single instruments or multiples of smaller instruments and components at the same time. It can be programmed to meet the requirements of specific industry standards including pressure cycling, ramping and holding.

A dedicated Test Engineer supervises all testing activities, providing clients with full reports which include applied pressure graphs, test certificates and photographic records. Full technical and custom engineering support is also available on-site.

BMT ARGOSS (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group, the leading international maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy, has been appointed by Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. (Sakhalin Energy) to deliver weather forecasting services to support their onshore and offshore operations in the Sakhalin region, off the east coast of Russia.

As part of a long-term contract, BMT’s 18 strong team will provide weather, wave and current forecasts, as well as tidal information to help support offshore drilling operations. Marie-Jette Wierbos, Forecast Manager at BMT ARGOSS explains: “The conditions are very harsh in Sakhalin and forecasting the weather can be extremely challenging. Topography, shallow boundary layers, sea ice and large differences in temperatures between land surface and sea create strong local effects. By running high resolution models we are able to capture more effectively these local effects such as ice that can cover the water around the offshore platforms in winter time.”

BMT will deliver twice daily updates on weather and wave conditions and once daily update on the current and tides. This information is presented in an easy to use and understandable format which is bespoke to the customer and its specific requirements.

Feddo Vollema, Account Manager at BMT ARGOSS comments: “We have a proven track record of delivering weather forecast services in this region which fully meet the customer requirements. Accurate, real-time forecasting is a prerequisite to planning and carrying out day to day operations. We help customers utilise the full potential of available weather windows, allowing them to reduce operational risk and save time.”

Aquatic Engineering & Construction Ltd, an Acteon company, has expanded its team based in Houston. Bob Terrell joined Aquatic last month as regional manager, while Andrew Blaquiere has moved permanently from the Acteon group to Aquatic as proposals and project engineer. Both will focus on growing Aquatic’s business in the Americas.

Bob Terrell(left) joins Aquatic with more than 30 years’ experience in the onshore and offshore oil and gas industry, with a substantial focus on subsea operations, having held roles in business development, sales and operational management. He has operational experience working in West Africa, the UK, Brazil, Canada and the US. Terrell holds a degree in international management from Louisiana Tech University, and joins Aquatic’s leadership team reporting to Martin Charles, managing director.

Terrell said, “I am looking forward to developing and enhancing Aquatic’s global footprint through capital growth and personnel development in North and South America, as well as supporting the development of new and existing client relationships in the region.”

Andrew Blaquiere(right) has eight years of experience in the offshore oil and gas industry, and holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri. Blaquiere was seconded from the Acteon group to work with Aquatic in early 2015, where he has been providing local key customer support for projects in Houston. He has been successful in securing a number of recent project wins in the Gulf of Mexico.

Blaquiere said, “I am looking forward to working closely alongside Aquatic’s new regional manager, Bob Terrell. With a large range of modular equipment at Aquatic’s Morgan City facility, our aim is to deliver the complete flex-lay solution across the Americas region.”

Martin Charles, managing director, Aquatic, said, “With two highly experienced personnel leading our business activities in the Americas, customers can be confident in Aquatic’s commercial offering for their flexible product operations. Our global footprint continues to grow, and our investment in the Americas region remains an area of strategic focus for Aquatic.”

Eni has started production of the Goliat field, located 85 kilometers northwest of Hammerfest, within Production License 229, in a ice-free area in the Barents Sea off Norway.

Goliat, the first oil field to start production in the Barents Sea, was developed through the largest and most sophisticated floating cylindrical production and storage vessel (FPSO) in the world. The Unit has a capacity of 1 million barrels of oil and was built with the most advanced technologies in order to tackle the technical and environmental challenges linked to operations in the Arctic’s context.

The daily output will reach 100,000 barrels of oil per day (65,000 boed net to Eni). The field is estimated to contain reserves amounting to about 180 million barrels of oil.

The Goliat field is located in production license 229 (PL229) which was awarded in the “Barents Sea Round” in 1997. The licensing round was initiated by the authorities in order to promote interest in the Barents Sea as an oil and gas region. The discovery was made with the first exploration well in 2000. Image courtesy: Eni Norge

Production will take place through a subsea system consisting of 22 wells (of which 17 are already completed), and of which 12 are oil producers, 7 water injectors and 3 gas injectors. Goliat, also, adopts the most advanced technological solutions in order to minimize the impact on the environment. Goliat receives power from shore by means of a subsea power cables, hence, reducing CO₂ emissions by 50% compared to alternative solutions, while water and gas products are re-injected into the reservoir.

Goliat’s start-up is an important milestone for Eni’s growth strategy and will significantly contribute to the cash flow generation.

In the Production License 229, Eni holds a 65% stake (operator), while Norway's Statoil holds the remaining 35%.

Eni has been present in Norway since 1965, where it operates through its subsidiary Eni Norge AS. In the country, the company has interests in exploration licenses and production fields, including Ekofisk, Åsgard, Heidrun and Kristin with a total equity production in 2015 of 106 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Life today demands a 24/7 connection, but reception on the water is notoriously uneven. Dropped calls and marginal service are a thing of the past for users of Shakespeare®'s SuperHALO™ 5-Band Cellular Booster. The new 100+ Mbps device will increase cellular reception for 10+ users simultaneously.

A marine-grade onboard voice and data solution, SuperHALO is compatible with all US and Canada 2G, 3G and 4G networks. It doesn't need to be connected by a licensed installer. This keeps it within the reach of those who need a simple and cost-effective way to access high speed Internet on multiple devices.

Running on 12V DC, the energy efficient device draws a meager 2.1 amps. It features stealth technology—the uplink becomes dormant when not in use to save on power—and has automatic shutdown.

SuperHALO has automatic gain control and won't overpower or interfere with cell sites. It's also manually adjustable, providing flexibility in placement and fine-tuning of the antennas. This booster is RoHS compliant, FCC certified and carrier approved.

Compact, it's only 7-7/8" L x 5" W x 1-3/16" D and weighs a mere 2 lbs. 3 oz., even with its durable metal construction. The external antenna's standard 1-1/4" thread makes it compatible with a broad range of Shakespeare mounting options. Each SuperHALO kit contains one external and two internal antennas—only one internal antenna is needed— a cell booster and two lengths of coax. Longer cables and signal splitters for additional indoor wireless applications are available.

Aberdeen-based Ashtead Technology has become the first subsea services company to be accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for its state-of-the-art calibration laboratory.

This official seal of approval from UKAS demonstrates that Ashtead delivers professional and technically competent calibration of survey, positioning and oceanographic sensors crucial to their customers’ subsea operations.

UKAS assesses a laboratory’s calibration and measurement capability to produce precise and accurate test results by scrutinizing the technical competence of staff, the validity of the test methods, and equipment used through a vigorous audit and validation process.

A global leader in specialist subsea technology and services, Ashtead which also has a calibration facility in Singapore calibrates equipment for both its customers and its own rental fleet.

Allan Pirie, chief executive of Ashtead Technology said: “The achievement of UKAS accreditation is a further endorsement of the high quality, value adding service which Ashtead is delivering to reduce customers’ operational risk. The calibration of subsea instruments is of critical importance in subsea operations and this accreditation gives our customers absolute confidence that this is being carried out to the highest standard.”

UKAS is the national accreditation body for the United Kingdom, appointed by government, to assess organizations that provide inspection, testing and calibration services.

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Abigail Ross Hopper announced on Tuesday, March 15, the proposal for the nation's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017-2022.

After receiving extensive public input and analyzing the best available scientific data, the Proposed Program released evaluates 13 potential lease sales in six planning areas – 10 potential sales in the Gulf of Mexico and three potential sales off the coast of Alaska. The Proposed Program does not schedule any lease sales in the Mid- and South Atlantic Program Area due to current market dynamics, strong local opposition and conflicts with competing commercial and military ocean uses.

Image credit. BOEM

“This is a balanced proposal that protects sensitive resources and supports safe and responsible development of the nation’s domestic energy resources to create jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Secretary Jewell. “The proposal focuses potential lease sales in areas with the highest resource potential, greatest industry interest, and established infrastructure. At the same time, the proposal removes other areas from consideration for leasing, and seeks input on measures to further reduce potential impacts to the environment, coastal communities, and competing ocean and coastal uses, such as subsistence activities by Alaska Natives.”

Release of the Proposed Program follows the publication of the Draft Proposed Program (DPP) in January 2015 and is one of several steps in a multi-year process to develop a final offshore leasing program for 2017-2022. Before the program is finalized and before any lease sales occur, the Department will consider another round of public input on the proposal and its accompanying Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Today's proposal was informed by more than one million comments, 23 public meetings and extensive outreach with members of the public, non-profit organizations, industry, elected officials and other interested parties across the country.

“Public input is paramount to our planning process, and the proposal benefits from extensive stakeholder engagement,” said Director Hopper. “We will seek additional input from citizens, industry, other Federal and state agencies and elected officials as we develop the proposed final program.”

The OCS Lands Act requires the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a Five-Year Program that includes a schedule of potential oil and gas lease sales and indicates the size, timing and location of proposed leasing determined to best meet national energy needs, while addressing a range of economic, environmental and social considerations.

BOEM currently manages approximately 5,000 active OCS leases, covering more than 26 million acres – the vast majority in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2015, OCS oil and gas leases accounted for about 16 percent of domestic oil production and five percent of domestic natural gas production. This production generates billions of dollars in revenue for state and local governments and the U.S. taxpayer, while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

A REGIONALLY TAILORED APPROACH

The Proposed Program continues a tailored leasing strategy set forth in the current 2012-2017 Program that takes into account regional differences and information from each planning area.

Gulf of Mexico:

The Proposed Program includes 10 sales in the Gulf of Mexico - one of the most productive basins in the world - where resource potential and industry interest are high, and oil and gas infrastructure is well established. The proposal continues a new approach to lease sales by proposing two annual lease sales that include all of the Western, Central, and the portion of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico not subject to the current Congressional moratorium. To provide greater flexibility for investment in the Gulf, this shifts from the traditional approach of one sale in the Western Gulf and a separate sale in the Central Gulf each year.

Alaska:

The Proposed Program evaluates one potential sale each in the Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, and Cook Inlet planning areas, while taking comment on other options, including an alternative that includes no new leasing, as well as other measures to protect natural resources and reduce conflicts with other ocean uses, such as subsistence activities.

During the public meetings to scope the Environmental Impact Statement, several North Slope communities noted additional areas that may not be appropriate for oil and gas leasing. Using significant input and traditional knowledge from these communities, as well as other public comments and the best available science, BOEM has identified several areas where there is potential conflict between oil and gas activities and important ecological resources and subsistence activities. These areas are labeled “environmentally important areas” in the EIS and are analyzed therein. BOEM is seeking additional public input, particularly from Alaskan communities, regarding the resources and activities in those areas.

Additionally, in a Joint Statement with Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau last week, President Obama announced principles for Arctic leadership, including a commitment to ensure that any commercial activities in the Arctic will occur only when the highest safety and environmental standards are met, including national and global climate and environmental goals, and Indigenous rights and agreements. As BOEM moves forward with offshore oil and gas planning, the agency will work with Canada to meet the world-class standard for Arctic stewardship set by the two nations.

“We know the Arctic is a unique place of critical importance to many – including Alaska Natives who rely on the ocean for subsistence,” added Jewell. “As we put together the final proposal, we want to hear from the public to help determine whether these areas are appropriate for future leasing and how we can protect environmental, cultural and subsistence resources.”

President Obama in January 2015 designated portions of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas off limits from consideration for future oil and gas leasing in order to protect areas of critical importance to subsistence use by Alaska Natives, as well as for their unique and sensitive environmental resources. In December 2014, President Obama similarly placed the waters of Bristol Bay off limits to oil and gas development, protecting an area known for its world-class fisheries and stunning beauty.

Atlantic:

After an extensive public input process, the sale that was proposed in the Draft Proposed Program in the Mid- and South Atlantic area has been removed from the program. Many factors were considered in the decision to remove this sale from the 2017-2022 program including: significant potential conflicts with other ocean uses such as the Department of Defense and commercial interests; current market dynamics; limited infrastructure; and opposition from many coastal communities.

“We heard from many corners that now is not the time to offer oil and gas leasing off the Atlantic coast,” added Jewell. “When you factor in conflicts with national defense, economic activities such as fishing and tourism, and opposition from many local communities, it simply doesn’t make sense to move forward with any lease sales in the coming five years.”

Pacific:

Areas off the Pacific coast are not included in this proposal, consistent with the Draft Proposed Program and the long-standing position of the Pacific coast states in opposition to oil and gas development off their coast.

NEXT STEPS

In conjunction with the announcement of the Proposed Program, the Department is also publishing a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The Proposed Program and Draft Programmatic EIS will be available for public comment following the publication of the documents in the Federal Register. BOEM will hold public scoping meetings for areas included in the Proposed Program and will accept comments for 90 days on the Proposed Program and for 45 days on the Draft Programmatic EIS.

Following this opportunity for public comment and environmental review, the Department will prepare a Final Programmatic EIS with the Proposed Final Program (PFP).

For more information, including maps, click here.

Technip Angola Engenharia Limitada, a joint venture between Technip and Sonangol, was awarded by Total E&P Angola a three-year engineering services contract. This contract covers services for the existing Girassol, Pazflor, Dalia and CLOV floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units and associated subsea field development. These FPSOs are located in Block 17, offshore Angola.

The scope of work can comprise engineering, technical assistance, management, supervision and coordination, as well as procurement-related activities.

Technip Angola Engenharia Limitada will carry out the contract, which is scheduled for completion at the end of 2018.

Hallvard Hasselknippe, President Subsea of Technip, commented: “We have been entrusted by Total E&P Angola to deliver quality engineering services. It is the result of our sustainable presence in Angola with skilled engineering resources and comprehensive knowledge of our client’s technical referential and working methods. This contract reinforces our activity in Africa, an area with good dynamics. It also fits into our strategy to engage with our clients at early stages of their projects and build on long-lasting successful relationships.”

About Technip in Angola

As a local partner focused on onshore, offshore and subsea engineering solutions, Technip’s activities in Angola include:

- engineering services through Technip Angola Engenharia Limitada, the first engineering company in Angola, a joint venture between Sonangol (40%) and Technip (60%),

- umbilical manufacturing with Angoflex Limitada, created in 2002, through an association between Sonangol (30%) and Technip (70%),

- a reeled steel pipe spoolbase with Angoflex Limitada, inaugurated in 2006 and located in Barra do Dande, North of Luanda.