Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a subsidiary of the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), has announced it has signed a Service Partner agreement with Elcome, one of the world’s largest marine technology system integrators. Elcome will provide Thuraya’s products and services worldwide across key vertical markets.

The application process for the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) DP Practitioner Accreditation Scheme opens today (1 May 2019). The launch sees additional support documentation added to the IMCA website and the first dates announced for examinations with further dates to follow.

Deepwater mooring rope manufacturer, Lankhorst Offshore, has been awarded a contract by TechnipFMC to supply the mooring lines for the ‘Energean Power’ Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) for the Karish and Tanin gas fields, located in the eastern Mediterranean, approximately 90km offshore Israel.

A new global study conducted by consulting firm Protiviti, in collaboration with ESI ThoughtLab, finds that companies are investing significantly in robotic process automation (RPA) and are planning to dedicate even more resources toward developing their RPA capabilities over the next two years.

Craig International has secured a contract with Spirit Energy, which is potentially worth £21million over seven years.

LLOG Exploration Offshore, LLC. and Repsol E&P USA Inc., have announced the signing of an Asset Exchange and Joint Participation Agreement in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The agreement provides for the drilling of a delineation well at Repsol’s Leon discovery and covers Keathley Canyon blocks 642, 643, 686 and 687. In addition, Repsol will acquire an interest in the LLOG-operated discovery Moccasin in Keathley Canyon 736.

Deep Trekker Inc, a Canadian based global provider and manufacturer of portable and durable submersible ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles), has announced that it has opened a new company office in Puerto Montt, Chile.

Offshore drilling sees a resurgence with billions planned for investment in new greenfield developments. Digital strategists in the oil and gas sector see the opportunity to leverage new projects to introduce new, more transparent digital workflow processes into their operations.

In 2018, at the time of acquiring Norway-based lifeboat, davit and hook maker Norsafe, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment already boasted the world’s strongest range of safety equipment, solutions and services to the offshore industry. Now, that range has evolved to encompass a truly comprehensive spectrum of safety solutions that brings new advantages to even the largest, most sophisticated offshore operators.

Global subsea equipment solutions specialist, Ashtead Technology, has appointed a new regional director for Asia Pacific and announced the completion of the firm’s six-figure sum investment to double the size of its Singapore facility as part of its international growth strategy.

Pipeline technology company STATS (UK) Ltd generated 80 per cent of its income in international markets as it posted 2018 revenues of £43.4 million compared to £30 million in 2017.

MacArtney’s sale successes have long put pressure on the production of SubConn® connectors, but now long-term plans for growth are in motion.

The Statfjord A platform in the North Sea will shut down production in 2022, 43 years after first oil. This more than doubles the expected lifetime of the platform. Now the contract for removal and disposal of the topside has been signed, and the topside will be demolished at Stord – where it was built in the 1970s.

To provide a more personalized interface for customers in need of tugs, barges and offshore project services in the Gulf of Mexico and internationally, Crowley Maritime Corp. has appointed Jonathan Zier manager of business development in Houston.

Oceaneering International, Inc. has recently secured a drilling and completion support contract for integrated services with Wintershall Norge AS.

Inmarsat and NAPA, a leading provider of maritime software, services and data analysis, have signed an agreement to enable ship owners and ship managers to access and analyze real-time onboard data more efficiently through a dedicated application hosted on Inmarsat’s new Fleet Data IoT service.