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.”

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.

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.

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.

Thalassa RNS

For further information please contact:

Mark Burnett, CEO

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

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.

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.

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.

“The Best Leaders Focus on Excellence Without Arrogance”

The Offshore Technology Conference’s (OTC) new event, d5: The Next Big Thing, debuted Friday after OTC 2015 at the University of Houston.

As promised, d5 was unlike any other energy industry event before it. Born out of the realization that the offshore energy industry is in the midst of a global technology boom, d5 brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, economists, and other thought leaders to jumpstart the creative process, highlight emerging developments and inspire leadership.

“We are entering a period where the technological possibilities are beginning to exceed our imagination,” said Steve Balint, chair of the OTC d5 Advisory Board. “This means there are tremendous opportunities just waiting to be plucked if we can get beyond the ‘this is how we have always done it’ mindset.”

The day-long event attracted more than 300 global energy professionals and featured a collection of 10 non-energy industry luminaries, each of whom discussed game-changing technologies to help foster new ideas about “the next big thing” for offshore. Serving as master of ceremonies was Helge Hove Haldorsen, d5 Advisory Board member. “There are challenges, and there are solutions,” he said. “I do not worry about the future of energy when I see these bright minds here.”

Speaker Recaps:

• When it comes to leadership, former U.S. Navy commander Mike Abrashoff said he has been successful by focusing on excellence without arrogance. “You cannot order excellence,” he offered. “You must create a culture of engagement and ownership.”

• Former NASA astronaut and ex-officio member of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board Mike Bloomfield talked about safety and how space exploration and oil and gas exploration face similar challenges.

• Futurist Lisa Bodell stated that “simplicity is the new norm,” as a company culture of clear vision will be the efficient ones moving forward.

• Genomic researcher Juan Enriquez shared how programmable cells will transform systems for fuel, biomedics and even human evolution.

• Consultant Partha Ghosh encouraged attendees to connect the dots of all the speakers to take back to their own companies and “make crazy ideas prosper.” He added that the industry should change return on investment (ROI) to return on inspiration.

• Frans Johansson, author and entrepreneur, described how disparate disciplines have connections if they are viewed through the perspective of intersections. He noted, “The unexpected is what makes us stand apart.”

• Political scientist Bjorn Lomborg said the most vital tenant that will help change the world is free trade.

• Jane McGonigal, an expert on the engagement economy, encouraged attendees to consider games for collective problem solving. In addition, she suggested using gamification to predict human behavior in a possible crisis.

• Economist Michael Porter described his research demonstrating how the energy industrymore than any otheris making the US more globally competitive.

• Avi Reichental, president of 3D Systems, said redefining printing is reinventing the American dream. He asserted, “The technology is here now, and it is exciting to disrupt your own business model since 3D lets you make great things happen.”

Throughout the day, there were breakout sessions for questions and answers with the presenters. The event concluded with a networking reception.

During the event, OTC announced that d5 will return in 2016 at Rice University on Friday, 6 May.

“Following d5’s initial success we are excited to begin planning next year’s endeavor,” said Art Schroeder, OTC d5 Program Committee Chair.

For more information about d5, click here.

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."

The 12-position rosette and 10-liter water bottle system are part of a specialized inventory of environmental monitoring equipment.

Okeanus Science and Technology (Okeanus) is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new 12-position water sampling rosette and 10-liter water bottle system to its portfolio of oceanographic and scientific research rental equipment.

The Sea-Bird Electronics SBE 32 sampling rosette, operable to a depth of up to 7,000 meters, can be outfitted with up to 12 10-liter General Oceanics GO-FLO sampling bottles to retrieve water samples in any position. The unit is easily integrated with Okeanus’ corresponding CTD and auto fire module (AFM) rentals for automatic firing of bottles based on time or depth, and is the newest addition to Okeanus’ comprehensive catalog of environmental monitoring equipment.

In addition to water quality sampling systems, Okeanus’ marine environmental monitoring inventory features Bongo and Neuston nets and 1-meter and 10-meter MOCNESS plankton collection systems, as well as a diverse selection of sediment sampling equipment that includes box cores, Van Veen and Ponar grab samplers, 12-position multi-cores, handheld push cores and a comprehensive suite of ROV sediment sampling equipment.

“We are very excited about the addition of the new 12 position rosette and 10 liter water bottle system to our rental inventory,” stated Benton LeBlanc, Vice President and General Manager of Okeanus. “This acquisition adds a new dimension to our existing rental pool of environmental monitoring equipment, further demonstrating the commitment that Okeanus has made to our customers and to our environment. By our investment in this broad spectrum of marine environmental monitoring equipment, we enable customers to focus on their core competencies and maximize their profitability by allowing them to lease these assets rather than purchase them.”

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.

Great Yarmouth support hub for offshore wind farms in Southern North Sea

As part of its continuing strategy to focus on growing business sectors in the UK, GAC has opened a new quayside office in Great Yarmouth to meet the needs of the renewable energy sector in the Southern North Sea for integrated shipping and logistics services.

Offshore energy


Great Yarmouth, along with neighboring Lowestoft, has supported offshore energy companies for over 45 years. The two ports constitute England's largest concentration of offshore energy businesses and have been involved with many Round 2 projects. Round 3 includes three of the world's largest offshore wind farms which represent over 60% of the UK's Round 3 developments.

Adrian Henry, GAC UK’s Offshore Manager, says Great Yarmouth has been identified as being one of the key locations for development and notes that the new facility there reinforces GAC’s national network with an office ideally situated to meet the needs of oil and gas customers working in the Southern North Sea.

The area is also home to some of the UK’s largest renewable energy projects, including offshore wind farms at Gunfleet Sands and Thanet. The United Kingdom ranks as the world’s sixth largest producer of wind power. In January 2015, the country had 5,968 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of just under 12 gigawatts, one-third of which is generated by offshore wind farms.

Prime location

GAC’s efforts to meet the growing demand of the renewable energy sector for support, including the transportation of large project cargoes like turbines, is now being spearheaded by the Great Yarmouth team led by Jeanette Shoebridge.

"GAC's presence in Great Yarmouth brings our unique single-source combination of shipping and logistics services to a wide range of energy clients,” says Shoebridge, who has worked on major installations at London Array, Walney 1 & 2, West of Duddon Sands over the past four years.

“Our prime location means we can offer all renewable clients an integrated support package tailored to their needs, including a quay for their support vessels, ship agency, project logistics, warehousing and other related services.”

“Combined with the local expertise, workforce, deep water facilities and hinterland, this enables us to provide unrivalled response, flexibility and - ultimately - cost savings. GAC's global expertise and commitment to delivering our customers' strategies will be a significant factor in the successful completion of Round 2 in the Southern North Sea, through Round 3, and beyond."