Wood Group Mustang promotes Tim Griffin to vice president, industrial operations leading the company's North American industrial division based in Greenville, S.C.

The division serves the automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturing, pulp and paper and engineered materials industries with a strong focus on providing high-quality, fit-for-purpose solutions for grassroots projects, revamps, facility expansions and modernizations.

"With Tim's 33 years of project management and controls expertise, Wood Group Mustang's industrial division will continue to excel in serving our North American clients from conceptualization through construction and start-up," said Wood Group Mustang Executive Vice President John Dalton, Sr.

Griffin joined Wood Group Mustang in 2011 and served most recently as director of operations for the industrial group and formerly as director of project controls & estimating. He previously was with Fluor Corporation serving their manufacturing and life sciences business unit. Griffin holds
a Bachelor of Science in construction science and management from Clemson University.

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has acquired Norwegian privately owned Deep Water Solutions AS, specialising in lifting applications utilising electric multi drive technology.

"Customer requirements for environmentally friendly solutions are increasing in offshore load handling applications, such as subsea cranes, module handling and LARS (launch and recovery) systems and having Deep Water Solutions' experts in the MacGregor family we enhance and strengthen our multi-drive (electric) technology know-how to be able better to serve and support our customers", says Tom Harald Svennevig, Vice President for MacGregor Advanced Load Handling business. "The owners and operators are looking for vessels designed for worldwide service with a 'clean design' and Green Passport. Clean Design requires minimum fuel consumption, requires no spill philosophy and makes electrical multi drive technology a preferred choice", Mr Svennevig continues.

Artificial Lift Company has moved its headquarters to Houston from Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom, Artificial Lift President and Chief Executive Officer David Malone announced.

Situated in the Westchase District near the Energy Corridor, the company's offices and warehouse total 28,000 square feet with 40 employees based at the location. While supporting global operations, its headquarters consist of engineering, manufacturing, operations and general support services.

Artificial Lift Company employees recognize the company's first shipment from its new Houston headquarters.

"As clients recognize the huge cost savings and increased production rates achieved with our unique, rigless ESP deployment system, we find it necessary to increase our engineering, operations and manufacturing capabilities," said Malone. "Our new headquarters provides access to a strong supply base, the required technical expertise and the ability to work more closely with our customers in the expansion of this new technology. Artificial Lift has made a large investment in new testing capabilities and manufacturing capacity, and our presence in Houston positions us to address the growing demand for our systems."

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (NYSE: DO) today appointed Marc Edwards as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective March 3, 2014. Mr. Edwards succeeds Lawrence Dickerson, who announced his intent to retire in September 2013 after almost 30 years of continuous service to the Company.

"We are very pleased to have a proven leader with Marc's experience taking the helm at Diamond Offshore," said James S. Tisch, Chairman of the Diamond Offshore Board of Directors. "Marc's broad experience during his 30 year career at Halliburton will be invaluable for continuing Diamond Offshore's operational excellence and charting the Company's future strategic course."

"I am honored by the opportunity to lead Diamond Offshore," said Mr. Edwards. "Diamond has an unparalleled history of value creation and superior service. I look forward to working with Diamond's leadership team, employees and customers worldwide to expand on Diamond's proud legacy."

Prior to joining Diamond Offshore, Mr. Edwards spent almost his entire career at Halliburton Company, one of the world's largest and most diversified oil field services companies. Starting as a field engineer in Kuwait in 1984, his career took him across the globe with progressively greater management responsibilities; as a member of Halliburton's Executive Committee, he most recently served as Senior Vice President, responsible for the Completion and Production Division, the largest of Halliburton's two Divisions.

Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC) has announced the award of a US$75 million three-year subsea construction services contract by ExxonMobil Canada Properties.

The contract supports the Hebron heavy oil field development, located in the Jeanne d'Arc
Basin 350 kilometres southeast of St. John's, Canada.

The contract scope includes the project management, engineering and installation of two Offshore Loading Systems in a water depth of 92 metres. Engineering and project management will begin immediately from Subsea 7's offices in St John's.

Stephen Henley, Managing Director of Subsea 7 Canada, said: "This contract award further enhances our construction capability across offshore Canada, building on the successes of our subsea engineering and construction work for our clients in the region."

Oceaneering International, Inc. (NYSE: OII) announces that Eric A. Silva has joined Oceaneering as Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Mr. Silva's career spans over 30 years, with more than 10 years of information technology services leadership experience, in the chemical, energy, and oil and gas industries. He was most recently the CIO at El Paso Corporation and, prior to that, at LyondellBasell and Lyondell. Mr. Silva holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas.

Marvin J. Migura, Executive Vice President, stated, "I am pleased to make this announcement regarding Eric's appointment at a time when Oceaneering is being challenged by our customers to deliver more technology-based services. Eric's experience has prepared him to provide us leadership to improve and expand our information technology capabilities and thereby enhance our global competitiveness. He has a record of accomplishing the strategic alignment of technology and services with corporate goals for maximizing bottom-line results."

Mr. Silva is replacing Gregg K. Farris, who will be retiring at the end of March 2014.

BMT Group Ltd, a leading international design, engineering and risk management consultancy, has announced that Mr Jan Kopernicki (photo) has joined the Board of Directors as a non-executive Director.

Jan has extensive experience in the shipping industry, with his career at Shell spanning over 40 years. As Head of Shipping until his retirement in 2011, his global team was responsible for Shell's portfolio of oil tanker, LPG and LNG vessels and for advising on safety and environmental aspects of shipping. He also served as a member of the Shell Trading Executive Committee and Group Executive Sponsor for shipyard procurement.

He was appointed CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George) in the 2012 New Year's Honours list for his services to the safety and security of the international shipping community, recognising his role as President of the UK Chamber of Shipping, Chairmanship of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and contribution to combatting the threat of international piracy.

Jan is a non-executive Director of J & J Denholm Ltd, Nordic Tankers Holding AB, and the UK Chamber of Shipping. A Leicester University graduate and Fellow of the Society of Biology, he has been active in a number of roles, including Chairman of Maritime UK, Co-Chair of the UK Shipping Defence Advisory Committee, Trustee of the Lloyds Register Foundation and a member of the British Airways International Business Advisory Board. He is an Honorary Captain in the Royal Naval Reserve and President of the Shell Pensioners Association.

Commenting upon his appointment, Jan said: "I am very pleased to be joining such an exciting, innovative and international group, rooted as it is in scientific excellence. I look forward to supporting the continued success of the company and its people."

Dr Neil Cross, Chairman of BMT Group, says: "I am delighted to welcome Jan to the BMT Board. His breadth and depth of industry knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the company as we focus on continued growth and development."

Subsea installation contractor, Bibby Offshore, won the Company of the Year award at the 2014 Subsea Expo Awards last night (Wednesday 5 February 2014).

Celebrating the highest performing companies and individuals in the subsea energy sector, winners were announced at the awards ceremony held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

The Company of the Year Award recognises excellence in overall company performance in the subsea sector based on developments to date, as well as plans for future success and growth, both within the UK and internationally.

Bibby Offshore's chief executive Howard Woodcock said: "Being presented with this award is excellent recognition for the continued growth and achievements the company has experienced over the past 10 years.

"Some of our recent successes include the opening of a new division and international base in Houston as part of our continuing global growth strategy, and winning a contract with Centrica Energy worth up to £40million in the largest inspection, repair & maintenance (IRM) contract Centrica has ever awarded. Our Bibby Offshore colleagues in Singapore have also secured significant contracts with Brunei Shell Petroleum, further highlighting the impressive international successes the company is experiencing.

"We have also expanded our fleet considerably with the charter of the Olympic Ares construction support vessel, the Mermaid Endurer and the EDT Jane. We continue to expand our offshore vessel fleet to execute large and complex projects in the UKCS, Denmark and elsewhere in the North Sea, offering our clients greater choice and availability and to gain a leading position in the North Sea market.

"In spring last year the company moved into a new multi-million pound purpose HQ to accommodate our growing workforce. Further growth has resulted in additional expansion this year to develop a nearby workshop and warehouse in order to accommodate our ever increasing staff numbers and services.

"This award really highlights the level of hard work and dedication the Bibby Offshore team put in, and everyone is delighted with the outcome."

Bibby Offshore's newest international division, Houston-based Bibby Subsea, has gone from strength to strength since its launch in October last year, having trebled the team in the past four months.

The subsea installation contractor developed the base in North America as part of its continued global growth strategy and to meet the growing demand of its clients in the region. In a bid to further strengthen ties with the region, Aberdeen-based Bibby Offshore last week hosted Houston based HM Consul General, Andrew Millar, the senior official representing the government in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Alongside Aberdeenshire Council Provost Jill Webster, Chief Executive of Subsea UK Neil Gordon, and senior members of Aberdeenshire Council; discussions were held regarding Aberdeenshire's extensive investment into the Subsea Industry and plans to further develop Bibby Offshore's presence in Houston and the Gulf of Mexico.

This expansion plan is already evident with Bibby Subsea having increased its initial Houston team of three to now include Barry Straughan as HSEQ Manager, Daniel Wheeler as Subsea Business Manager, and four offshore personnel. It plans to double the Bibby Subsea workforce by the end of the year.

Mr Straughan brings 37 years' health and safety experience to the team, having previously worked internationally in the subsea industry. Mr Wheeler also complements the team with several years' experience and will provide the team with a wealth of regional expertise and knowledge to develop the company's business opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico.

Andrew Duncan, President and Managing Director of Bibby Subsea, said: "We have received significant interest in the division since its launch, with Bibby Subsea being perfectly positioned to deliver enhanced capabilities and undertake subsea projects using our international fleet of subsea support vessels and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

"Bibby Subsea's preliminary $1million contract with Cal Dive International to mobilise a work-class remotely operated vehicle (WROV) on Cal Dive International's support vessel in Mexico, the Mystic Viking, is ongoing, with talks in place to increase our ROV presence in the region.

"Market demand for subsea services is forecast to grow by 43% over the next five years, and Bibby Subsea is positioning itself as a major player within the ROV market, with an increased level of in-house capabilities which we can offer to clients."

Bibby Subsea aims to deliver a diverse range of subsea construction projects for operators worldwide. Services include project management and engineering, innovative remotely operated vehicle support vessels (ROVSV) and survey capabilities, diverless intervention, advanced remote systems and tooling packages, in-house survey and data processing, subsea construction support services, and inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM).

CGG announces  the creation of two new business lines, GeoSoftware and GeoConsulting, within its Geology, Geophysics & Reservoir (GGR) division:

• GeoSoftware is the worldwide leader in advanced seismic reservoir characterization technology. It brings together CGG's commercial software including Jason, Hampson-Russell and TerraSpark, along with the associated sales, marketing and product services, such as training, product support and product mentoring

• GeoConsulting is a full-spectrum Geological and Geophysical consulting services organization. In addition to CGG's Seismic Reservoir Characterization services supporting its Jason and Hampson-Russell technologies, GeoConsulting offers the company's unique line of Robertson geoscience consulting services and multi-client products including a full range of geological, petroleum engineering and economic disciplines. It also contains NPA Satellite Mapping and all global training services relating to GeoConsulting.

This move consolidates and aligns CGG's expertise in a way that best reflects its customers' needs to help them achieve their E&P goals.

More specifically, through GeoSoftware, CGG will further improve its products and services to provide customers with the best understanding of their reservoirs and deliver unsurpassed expertise and workflows for optimizing decision-making. Through GeoConsulting, the company will further enhance its geological and geophysical multi-client products and reports and expand its high-end consulting services across the E&P value chain.

By bringing together this best-in-class geoscience expertise, this new organization will generate valuable synergies in development roadmaps, technology innovation and multi-client products. CGG will be able to better invest in and expand these key areas of its business, creating new and truly integrated geoscience offerings that draw on the unique knowledge of over 800 CGG professionals working in over 20 key oil and gas centers around the world.

Sophie Zurquiyah, Senior Executive Vice President, Geology, Geophysics & Reservoir (GGR), CGG, said: "Robertson, Jason, Hampson-Russell, TerraSpark and NPA Satellite Mapping are all globally respected brands that underpin CGG's reputation for excellence. Now, by creating a unified software business in GeoSoftware and adding Seismic Reservoir Characterization services to our GeoConsulting business, we have taken the logical next-step in CGG's progression as a fully integrated Geoscience group. Not only does this new organization consolidate and extend our existing businesses, it strengthens CGG's leading position in the high-tech integrated geology & geophysics and reservoir characterization market."

Seatronics Inc., an Acteon company, is moving to a new, purpose-built facility in Houston to expand its rental, sales and service work for customers throughout North and Central America.

The new plant, at 1319 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Suite 150, contains service facilities for cable moulding, connector assembly production and injection polyurethane moulding; along with a state-of-the-art calibration laboratory, an electrical and electronic repair centre and capabilities for gyro calibrations, inertial navigation and Doppler velocity log special services. It will also have an acoustic test tank and a current meter test tank. The facility has 15,000 square feet of floor space, which provides scope for expansion in all departments.

Mark Teles, Seatronics vice president for the U.S., said, “This move is about expanding services and capabilities and establishing a base for increased rental, sales and engineering activities across the Americas. More storage and state-of-the art calibration laboratories, testing bays and cable moulding facilities will mean quicker and more efficient operations, which will benefit existing clients and provide an opportunity for us to broaden our client base. We will be better positioned to take on additional agencies, develop joint ventures and partnerships and promote and support new technologies in new markets.”

David Currie, managing director, Seatronics, said, “Seatronics Inc. has seen exponential business growth across the region and is building on that success. We already have the largest rental fleet of subsea electronics and, I believe, deliver the most professional service of any rental company in the Americas. We offer 24/7 technical support and training on electronic products. This new facility sends a clear message: Seatronics Inc. is growing fast and is ready to move into a larger business arena.”

A grand opening will be held for the new office on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014. Seatronics will be presented with a DNV plaque to mark the company’s new ISO certification.

Hoover Container Solutions (“Hoover”), a subsidiary of Hoover Group, Inc., has named Matt Matis as director of sales for the Gulf of Mexico region. Matis is based in Thibodeaux, La., and will work closely with Hoover’s facilities in Port Fourchon, New Iberia and Scott, La.    

Matis will lead Hoover’s Louisiana sales efforts with a focus on the offshore industry while managing several major customer accounts. Additionally, he will work closely with the Hoover and Dolphin Energy Equipment (“Dolphin”) teams to develop an integrated product and service offering to better support customers. Hoover acquired Dolphin, a leading offshore equipment provider, in October 2013.     

“As the Hoover-Dolphin integration continues, we are eager to add Matt’s knowledge, relationships and leadership to our sales team,”said Donald Young, Hoover’s chief executive officer. “His industry expertise will serve as a valuable asset as we continue our expansion into the offshore chemical tank and cargo carrying unit (CCU) market.”

Prior to joining Hoover, Matis worked for Swire Oilfield Services in Houma, La., for seven years where he most recently served as the Louisiana sales manager. Matis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general studies and a minor in family and consumer science from Nicholls State University. 

Niche Products Ltd is pleased to announce that the formal establishment of Niche Produtos do Brasil is now underway. The coming Niche facility will provide in.country manufacturing of subsea control fluids as well as 24 hour technical support for present and future customers.

Mike Mahaney, Vice President at Niche Products LLC stated "We are very pleased to be a player in the most active exploration & production area of the world. The establishment of Niche Produtos do Brasil signifies a major commitment and investment by Niche Products to provide Brazilian customers more choices and value through increased competition and cutting edge field proven technology."

Brad Jeter of Niche Products added "Moving forward we fully anticipate Niche Produtos do Brasil will play a key global role as we support projects both inside and outside of Brazil from this facility. In addition, we are creating skilled job opportunities for Brazilians as we staff and train our manufacturing, laboratory, and support staff personnel."

Niche Products specialize in the offshore industry and have been supplying environmental fluids since the company was founded in 2001. The Pelagic range includes environmental fluids for subsea production control systems, drilling and umbilical storage. Niche currently has manufacturing facilities in Manchester UK, Houston TX and Perth Australia and the new facility in Brazil will ensure customers receive rapid delivery worldwide.

Claxton Engineering Services Ltd, an Acteon company, is launching an online promotion in which participants can win a new iPad Air™. Entrants will be asked to correctly identify three Claxton products or services through multiple choice questions. Anyone who works in the offshore industry is welcome to enter, and the products and terms featured in the questions will be recognisable to those working in jack up drilling, decommissioning and structural asset life extension. The competition will be open for entries until the end of April, 2014. Those wishing to participate can enter at www.claxtonengineering.com/ipad. The winner will be drawn at random from correct entries on 30 April, 2014 and notified via email.

No cash alternative is offered and no purchase is necessary. The competition is not open to Claxton Engineering Services Ltd or Acteon Group Ltd employees or their relatives.

PROMOTION:         Claxton Engineering Services Ltd iPad Air™ competition

CLOSING DATE:    Wednesday, 30 April, 2014

TO ENTER:              Visit www.claxtonengineering.com/ipad

About Claxton Engineering Services Ltd:

Claxton, an Acteon company, is the leading supplier of engineering and services for shallow water, jack up depth markets. The company draws on more than two decades of industry experience to provide services for well systems, structures and pipelines across the lifetime of the field – from pre-drilling to drilling, production and decommissioning. Claxton provides first-class tailored engineering and holds a large “on-call” rental inventory. Claxton’s responsive service, alongside numerous field-proven innovations, has established the company an enviable reputation. For more information, please visit www.claxtonengineering.com.

National private equity firm Lariat Partners has announced the formation of Ecoserv. By merging Houston-based Newpark Environmental Services, LLC (NES), the region's leader in offshore waste disposal, with Offshore Cleaning Systems, LLC (OCS), the Gulf of Mexico's leader in offshore cleaning services, Ecoserv will become a one-of-a-kind, integrated, turnkey environmental cleaning and waste disposal services provider.

Kenny DesOrmeaux, founder and CEO of Abbeville, LA based OCS, will become CEO of Ecoserv, which will be headquartered in Lafayette, LA and operate out of fourteen (14) locations throughout the Gulf Coast and Permian Basin of West Texas. "Ecoserv uses applied science to provide the safest and most environmentally friendly way of managing oilfield refuse. By combining the efforts of these two industry innovators, we have the scale, breadth, and capabilities to offer a streamlined and hyper-compliant waste disposal system," DesOrmeaux said. "We're pioneering a solution that includes EPA-approved processes but takes them a step further."

Lariat Managing Partner Kevin Mitchell says, "With its vertically integrated business model, Ecoserv will create the most compelling value proposition in the upstream oil and gas industry." Mitchell continued, "Lariat's strategy for all of its investments is to enhance value for our customers, and the formation of Ecoserv accomplishes that in every way."

A definitive purchase agreement has been signed for the merger between NES and OCS, with the full deal expected to be executed within thirty (30) days. The formation of Ecoserv is anticipated to create as many as 100 new jobs in Acadiana. "We believe the talented employees and management of both OCS and NES create a truly best-in-class company. We look forward to demonstrating to our customers the service and value of Ecoserv," DesOrmeaux said

Through water communication and positioning technology company, Nautronix, is pleased to announce a new appointment within the sales team.

Donald Thomson, VP Sales, Global Commercial Acoustics

Experienced Business Development Manager, Donald Thomson has been appointed as the company's VP Sales, Global Commercial Acoustics. He will assume direct responsibility for sales in the global marketplace of Nautronix' product lines; NASCoM Wireless Controls, NASDrill Vessels Systems and NASDive Diver Communications. Prior to joining Nautronix, Donald worked as a hydrographic surveyor before gaining his experience in sales and business development through previous positions at MDL, Nautronix, Schlumberger and latterly One Subsea.

Bob Barrett, Global Sales Manager – NASNet®

Bob Barrett who has been with Nautronix for several months will move into the role of Global Sales Manager for NASNet®. He will be responsible for sales and understanding of NASNet® positioning technology. Prior to joining Nautronix, Bob gained his experience in sales through previous positions within the aerospace and Oil & Gas industry.

Mark Patterson, CEO, comments, "Following a number of years of rapid growth we have recognised we need to increase our sales efforts within Nautronix. I am delighted to have Donald back at Nautronix and focussing his and Bob's efforts on the opportunities we have for our product lines. Their efforts will enable us to continue to grow and develop the business further."