Beier Integrated Systems (Beier) has purchased South Coast Electric Systems (SCES) of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, from American Electric Technologies (AETI). The acquisition expands Beier’s manufacturing capabilities in the marine market and strengthens Beier’s position as a global leader in integrated, turnkey technology solutions.

Beier will acquire SCES’s operations, including a manufacturing plant and equipment in Bay St. Louis, MS. SCES is a marine and industrial electrical switchgear manufacturer and service provider. The company has been in business for 14 years and is recognized in the industry as a high quality, cost effective provider of switchgear solutions to the marine and industrial industry.

Additionally, 13 highly-­‐qualified and committed employees of the South Coast Electric operation will be added to the Beier team. South Coast Electric Systems will now operate under a new name -­‐ South Coast Electric, LLC.

“We are very excited about refitting existing vessels and engineering new vessels with our new power and control products from South Coast Electric, ”says Beier Integrated Systems President Karl Beier. “This acquisition will allow Beier to add the only missing component -­‐ the switchgear -­‐ to our fully integrated packages in order to provide a complete turnkey electrical solution to shipyards and ship owners. We are confident this will result in a better engineered and integrated equipment package, reducing cost and eliminating risk for our customers.”

Det norske oljeselskap ASA (Det norske) has entered into an agreement with BP p.l.c. (BP) to merge with BP Norge AS (BP Norge) through a share purchase transaction, to create the leading independent offshore E&P company. The transaction will significantly strengthen the combined company’s operations, cost efficiency and growth potential, enabling the company to initiate dividend payment. The company will be named Aker BP ASA (Aker BP) and will be headquartered at Fornebuporten, Norway, with Aker ASA (Aker) and BP as main industrial shareholders.

“We are proud to announce this merger to create Aker BP, the leading independent offshore E&P company. Aker BP will leverage on Det norske’s efficient operations, BP’s International Oil Company capabilities and Aker’s 175 years of industrial experience. Together, we are establishing a strong platform for creating value for our shareholders through our unique industrial capabilities, a world-class asset base and financial robustness. We look forward to taking advantage of the attractive growth potential on the Norwegian Continental Shelf through this industrial partnership with BP and to deliver on Aker BP’s dividend story,” says Øyvind Eriksen, Chairman of the Board of Directors in Det norske.

Aker BP will be jointly owned by Aker ASA (40%), BP (30%) and other Det norske shareholders (30%). As part of the transaction, Det norske will issue 135.1 million shares based on NOK 80 per share to BP as compensation for all shares in BP Norge, including assets, a tax loss carry forward of USD 267 million (nominal after-tax value) and a net cash position of USD 178 million. In parallel, Aker will acquire 33.8 million shares from BP at the same share price to achieve the agreed-upon ownership structure.

“We have been in close dialogue with Folketrygdfondet, Det norske’s second-largest shareholder, which supports the transaction. From our start as an exploration company, we have developed the company into a fully-fledged E&P. With BP, we are taking another leap forward with the creation of Aker BP,” says Eriksen.

The transaction will strengthen Det norske´s balance sheet and is credit accretive through a 35% reduction in net interest-bearing debt per barrel of oil equivalent of reserves. Aker BP aims to introduce a quarterly dividend policy. The first dividend payment is planned for the fourth quarter of 2016, conditional upon the approval of creditors.

“BP and Aker have matured a close collaboration through decades, and we are pleased to take advantage of the industrial expertise of both companies to create a large independent E&P company. The Norwegian Continental Shelf represents significant opportunities going forward and we are looking forward to working together with Aker to unlock the long term value of the company through growth and efficient operations. This innovative deal demonstrates how we can adapt our business model with strong and talented partners to remain competitive and grow where we see long-term benefit for our shareholders,” says Bob Dudley, Group Chief Executive of BP.

Aker BP will hold a portfolio of 97 licenses on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, of which 46 are operated. The combined company will hold an estimated 723 million barrels of oil equivalent P50 reserves, with a 2015 joint production of approximately 122,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Det norske and BP had at the end of 2015 a combined workforce of approximately 1,400 employees.

“Aker BP will have a balanced portfolio of operated assets and a high quality inventory of non-sanctioned discoveries. The company has potential to reach a production above 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2023,” says Karl Johnny Hersvik, Chief Executive Officer of Det norske.

Aker BP has the ambition to leverage on a lean and nimble business model and will gain access to state-of-the-art technological know-how and capabilities, through the industrial collaboration with BP.

“We will implement simple processes across the combined entity, and build a fit-for-purpose organisational structure, with corresponding capacity and competence from both organisations. We expect to realise significant cost cuts and synergies, which will be implemented in close cooperation with employees and suppliers,” says Hersvik.

Øyvind Eriksen will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors and Karl Johnny Hersvik Chief Executive Officer of the combined company.

Please find presentation of the transaction and videostream here.

The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant Norwegian and European Union authorities. An extraordinary general meeting of Det norske will be scheduled to approve the transaction. BAHR and Arctic Securities has acted as advisors to Det norske on the transaction.

Facts about BP Norge:

Facts about Det norske:

International oil and gas turnkey contractor, Saipem, has extended the capability of its Sonardyne sixth generation (6G) acoustic positioning transponders, adding functionality that makes the equipment now suitable for a wide range of subsea autonomous monitoring tasks.

The work to convert the Compatt 6 instruments into Autonomous Monitoring Transponders (AMTs) was undertaken by engineers based at Sonardyne’s Brazilian headquarters in Rio das Ostras as part of a wider scope of work to inspect, service and re-calibrate Saipem’s inventory of Long BaseLine (LBL) acoustic technology located in the region.

Sonardyne’s AMT enables users to conduct long endurance, remote monitoring surveys without the need for a surface vessel and ROV to be present throughout the project. Photo credit: Sonardyne

Sonardyne’s AMT enables users to conduct long endurance, remote monitoring surveys without the need for a surface vessel and ROV to be present throughout the project. Applications for it range from a single instrument deployed to measure tidal variation, to a large, field-wide network capable of detecting subtle trends in structure movement, pipeline creep and seabed settlement.

The autonomous functionality built into every AMT enables it to operate for several years without operator intervention. Measurements from its suite of onboard sensors are logged in the unit’s memory and can be recovered at any time by an AUV, ROV or vessel-of-opportunity using high-speed wireless communications.

“The 6G technology platform on which both Compatt 6 and AMT are built is very versatile, and enables users to upgrade and switch capability as their operational needs grow and stretch,” commented Paul Smith, Operations Director of Sonardyne Brasil Ltda. He added, “The engineering and equipment testing facilities we have here in Rio das Ostras meant the work to service Saipem’s LBL hardware and convert some of their Compatts to AMTs, could be completed without the cost and delays associated with sending equipment out the country. For our customers, this means they can get back to work and keep their projects and budgets on schedule. Something that the entire offshore industry is focused on at the moment.”

For more information on AMTs, click here.

ACE Winches, a leading global deck machinery specialists, has been awarded a six-figure contract with an operator to support in connecting the Hebron gravity based structure (GBS) and topsides.

The project will see ACE Winches supply hydraulic drum winch packages for the deep-water Hebron oil field located off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, working at depths of 95m. The contract will include all winches, ancillary equipment and skilled personnel for the project.

ACE Winches will provide ACE 40 ton WLL hydraulic drum winches, two ACE 12.5 ton WLL hydraulic drum winches, a dedicated diesel hydraulic power unit for each winch and running line monitors to provide line and load monitoring.

Alfie Cheyne, CEO, ACE Winches said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this contract and look forward to working closely with our client in the coming months. ACE Winches has a successful track-record of projects in the region and we look forward to building on this success with the Hebron project.

“We pride ourselves on the ability to provide cost-effective and bespoke winch packages for our clients and we are delighted to have created a solution specific to their needs.”

The contract marks further work on the Hebron project for the company; in 2014 the company supplied a range of winches for use in the dry dock to tension the installation as it transitioned from dry dock into open water. The winches were then used to keep the GBS in position during the manoeuvre process.

Underwater communications equipment that enables video to be transmitted through the water and unmanned vehicles to be controlled without a tethered link to the surface, has been supplied to the Korean Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) by Sonardyne Asia Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, and its Korean agent, Insung.

The BlueComm 100-series optical modems will be used to stream high-definition imagery from cameras installed on seafloor sensor platforms and command Crabster, an autonomous walking and flying crab-like robot being developed by KRISO’s ocean systems engineering department.

Photo courtesy: Sonardyne

Transferring data using subsea modems provides a reliable alternative to using cables underwater which can be expensive to install and vulnerable to damage. However, unlike conventional acoustic-based devices that use pressure waves to send and receive relatively small packets of data at low bandwidths, Sonardyne’s BlueComm uses rapidly modulated light emitting diodes (LEDs) and high power lasers to quickly deliver very high volumes of data.

Typically operating in the 450 nanometer Blue Light region of the spectrum, data rates of up to 500 megabits per second are achievable making the technology suitable for a wide range of underwater applications that require a high bandwidth, low latency, bi-directional communications link. These include harvesting data from seabed landers using AUVs, remote video monitoring of science operations and piloting unmanned vehicles without the need for a control umbilical.

When deploying battery-powered subsea instruments and vehicles, operating life is always a major consideration for users. BlueComm’s unique method of optical data transmission is however, also highly efficient, enabling for example, one gigabyte of data to be transmitted with the energy contained within a single lithium ‘D’ sized cell over distances greater than 150 metres.

The BlueComm modem family is currently made up of three variants and to support its work, KRISO has selected the BlueComm 100 model. Featuring Ethernet connectivity and a deep depth rating, the design is optimized to offer a good balance between data rate and range in all conditions, including high ambient light.

Commenting on the contract, Anthony Gleeson, Vice President of Sonardyne in Singapore said, “Now that it’s possible to send and receive data underwater at speeds comparable to domestic broadband, it’s exciting to consider the huge range of potential applications for BlueComm.” He added, “KRISO are the first institute in our region to invest in BlueComm and we are delighted that this unique technology will help to advance their pioneering ocean research.”

For more information on BlueComm, click here.

Delmar Systems, Inc., a worldwide supplier of offshore mooring and subsea services, announces an expansion of products and services with the acquisition of privately owned InterOcean Systems, Inc. InterOcean will be operated as an affiliated entity of Delmar.

Since 1946, InterOcean Systems is the leader in the design and manufacture of high quality oceanographic and environmental equipment and systems, including its proprietary Rig Anchor Release (RAR), acoustic technology and releases, METOC buoys, current meters, transponders, transducers, hydrophones, subsea winches, and other specialized equipment including its proprietary remote oil spill detection system – Slick Sleuth™.

“Delmar is committed to providing the offshore industry with quality products and services,” said Brady Como, Delmar’s Executive Vice President. “InterOcean’s products, services, and long- standing customer service will enhance Delmar’s product offering beyond the traditional oil and gas industry customer base. Their excellent reputation for quality and innovative products will be a great addition to Delmar. We welcome the dedicated professionals as InterOcean has a long standing reputation serving the specialized marine equipment industry on a global basis.

“The synergies between Delmar and InterOcean make this combination of strengths a key benefit to our mutual customers,” says Mike Pearlman, President and CEO of InterOcean. “Our dedicated professionals look forward to continuing the tradition of providing the very best service and quality that has led to our success the last 70 years in business.”

InterOcean Systems will continue to operate with its existing management from its San Diego, CA headquarters as an affiliate of Delmar Systems, Inc., offering the same products and services the company has been known for the last 70 years.

Headquartered in Broussard, LA, Delmar Systems, Inc. has provided mooring and subsea installation services for over 48 years to every oil and gas region around the globe, with offices strategically located to serve the offshore industry in the world’s most challenging offshore environments. For more information on Delmar Systems www.delmarus.com.

Doug Whyte, managing director at Aberdeen-headquartered subsea cable and connector specialist Hydro Group, discusses the importance of investing time and effort into educating global partners on your company’s offering, outlook and ethos, to ensure standards are maintained and successful results are achieved when moving into international regions.

Businesses are constantly looking to grow and diversify into new regions and areas, with a recent study, carried out by Coleman Parkes Research on behalf of the Bank of Scotland, reporting that a quarter of UK oil and gas companies have managed to actually grow during the downturn by diversifying into new areas and by adopting new technology, and two-thirds have made international expansion plans. An ethos and ambition that Hydro Group has followed for the past three decades.

However, to ensure successful results are achieved when crossing international borders, companies need to invest in educating global representatives.

Madhukar Kulkarni, India; Benoit d’Alancon, France; Tik Sun, China; Alex Phan, Vietnem; Mike Swann, USA; Marianne Eleanor A. Catanyag; Philippines; Marek Narewski, Poland; Graham Wilkie, Hydro Group; Eric Pham, Vietnam; Steve Ang, Hydro Group Asia Singapore, Doug Whyte Hydro Group

Collaborating with global business partners and having an on-the-ground presence in an overseas region can help a company gain that essential competitive edge, and significantly support with developing client relationships.

It is important that, when a company moves into foreign regions, it retains business consistency and compliance over international borders, with the people employed to head up and promote a new division being proficient in company messaging and best practices from existing offices.

Having an international agent can help to expand your global portfolio and reach, and employing a local showcases your genuine ethical investment in a region. However, you must ensure they are adept in your company’s offering, ethos and outlook, and are portraying your messages in an accurate and representative manner. A mutual understanding of business culture is also essential.

This requires you to invest time and effort in training and communicating with your agents, so the company delivers a consistent service and quality product globally. Failing to do this could be detrimental to the entire investment, and lead to your company to being portrayed in an inaccurate and potentially damaging way.

At Hydro Group plc we recognise the importance in investing in local agents who are in tune with the language and culture of the region, having formed our Singapore based division Hydro Group Asia in 2013 as part of international expansion plans, which now has a staff of five and an annual increase of sales in the region of over £1.5million.

We know the benefit of having on the ground support in global locations, and of the importance in investing in making sure our business partners are conveying our products and services accurately.

Following our recent announcement of multiple new business partner agreements across the Asia Pacific region, allowing us to increase efficiency and ensure regular interaction with our customers as we continue to grow in the area, we invited nine of our new and established global representatives over to our facilities for a business partners forum.

With an investment of £2million in a new 13,700 sq ft bespoke facility earlier this year, business partners from Taiwan, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, France and America all visited our recently expanded headquarters to see and hear about the company’s activity, growth and future plans – information they were able to take back with them to share further.

Inviting agents and representatives to your office, manufacturing facilities or workshop to meet and feel part of the team, and see and understand first-hand the company’s offering and growth plans, can help inform and ensure the messages they convey when they return to their regions are on point. Resulting in the best business outcome all round.

Forums such as this can also lead to additional collaborations, with the agents having the opportunity to meet face-to-face to discuss potential business ventures – further benefiting the future of the industry.

Global expansion is key to ensure a company grows and evolves with the times and, as well as providing employment for locals, training up regionally based individuals and teams helps to develop staff equipped with your company’s skills and knowledge, resulting in company standards being retained.

Aker Solutions is making good progress in reaching a goal of boosting cost-efficiency in all areas of the company by at least 30 percent as part of a broader effort to strengthen its competitiveness amid current market challenges.

A quarter of the targeted improvement will be achieved this year, helping to achieve potential annualized cost-savings of at least NOK 9 billion by the end of 2017, based on the 2015 cost base and work volumes. The improvements are expected to speed up next year as longer-term processes take hold.

"We're simplifying how we work and standardizing our products and services to drive through savings and become more competitive," Chief Executive Officer Luis Araujo said in a presentation Tuesday to investors in Fornebu, outside Oslo. "These efforts are supporting our margins and we are winning new work through increased collaboration with customers and industry participants on key projects and technology."

Aker Solutions over the past two years formed alliances with peers including Baker Hughes, ABB, MAN Diesel & Turbo and Saipem. They span the entire subsea value chain from the reservoir, to the seabed and up to the topside. These are partnerships with leaders in their fields whose competence and technology complement Aker Solutions' subsea capabilities.

The company on Monday announced a contract valued at more than NOK 1 billion to deliver its longest-ever umbilicals system at the Zohr gas field offshore Egypt. Today it announced a three-year contract extension from Total to provide maintenance and operations services at the Elgin and Franklin fields in the UK North Sea. This work is valued at more than NOK 400 million.

"We have a healthy order backlog and solid financial position underpinned by our continuous improvement efforts and consistently strong execution on major projects worldwide," said Araujo. "We are building on all of this with key collaborations that boost our competitiveness, particularly in the subsea area."

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has launched a fibre-rope retrofit option for its subsea cranes. The modular upgrade replaces the crane's original steel wire rope with high-performance synthetic fibre rope, using the same technology as MacGregor's advanced fibre-rope crane, the FibreTrac 1500, which was introduced earlier this year.

These game-changing cranes combine MacGregor's proven offshore crane technology with the fibre-rope tensioning technology perfected by Parkburn Precision Handling Systems.

"We are proud to introduce our fibre-rope retrofit option to the market. This unique system offers a good investment to our customers to expand their operational window," says Alexander Nürnberg, Senior Vice President, Technology and R&D, MacGregor.

Heavier lifts at greater depths

Fibre rope's great advantage when used in this context is that it weighs virtually nothing in water, so regardless of the length of rope paid out; it does not add anything to the load experienced by the crane. This is in complete contrast to wire rope, where the increasing weight of wire paid out progressively and seriously limits the load permissible in relation to depth.

"MacGregor is always searching for new solutions that deliver a competitive edge for our customers," says Gaute Sjusdal, Director of Advanced Offshore Solutions, Global Lifecycle Support at MacGregor. "By employing this fibre-rope technology, a crane is able to use its full lifting capacity at maximum depths, so a smaller crane and vessel can be used for more assignments. The fibre rope crane can lift loads at practically any depth that is required, allowing these vessels to bid on a wider range of contracts."

Quick installations minimize downtime

The retrofit system is designed in modules for rapid installation. It includes a deep water capstan traction device, delivered in partnership with Parkburn Precision Handling Systems, which replaces the crane's original main winch and overcomes the problems traditionally associated with handling fibre rope. The system also includes a low tension fibre-rope storage drum.

The fibre rope can be inspected for wear, internally and externally. The ability to splice in new sections adds great flexibility to the system. "While the entire rope can be replaced if necessary, damaged sections can easily be replaced and the length can be increased as required," says Mr. Sjusdal. "Transportation is simple and requires no special equipment. In contrast, 3,000m of steel wire rope poses some significant challenges and has special transportation, handling and spooling requirements. With its low weight, a synthetic fibre rope can be shipped in a normal container; there is no need for a drum. Also unlike wire rope, fibre rope does not require lubrication, eliminating a source of pollution.

"The crane will be continuously connected to a monitoring system, which delivers real-time data used to detect conditions that could lead to a breakdown. We will distribute operational parameters to our customers, to ensure that the equipment works to its best potential," Mr. Sjusdal notes. "This is also a good example of how MacGregor customers can benefit from the broader experience that Cargotec has across the cargo and load handling industries in leveraging analysis to develop insights and value from data."

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A recently signed agreement will see Saipem lead the industrialization and commercialization of SPRINGS®, an innovative subsea water treatment technology designed for deep water application, developed in collaboration with major oil & gas company Total and water treatment specialist company Veolia.

SPRINGS® (Subsea PRocess and INjection Gear for Seawater) is a nanofiltration-based sulphate removal unit designed for subsea use in deep water environments. Saipem has entered into an agreement with partners Total and Veolia for the co- ownership and exclusive commercialization of the technology. A deepsea test was successfully completed last year to prove the validity of the process in a relevant environment offshore West Africa.

A cost effective alternative to conventional topsides water treatment and injection units, SPRINGS® moves the sulphate removal process subsea, thus enhancing the economics of oil recovery by:

• eliminating water injection sealines

• producing savings in terms of topsides weight and deck space, freeing up vital topside space for production equipment

• easing brownfield retrofits, especially on FPSOs

• making distant, deep injection wells economical.

Saipem’s Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Cao, commented: “The signing of the agreement is in line with Saipem’s commitment to develop innovative technologies and deploy its capabilities in the subsea environment with a view to reducing Clients’ overall costs and enabling new business opportunities.”

ROVOP has been awarded £3million worth of new contracts, which sees the company expanding into two new territories.

For the first time the company will complete projects in South East Asia and Mexico, signaling success for both its Aberdeen and Houston bases.

The company has also announced the appointment of Neil Francis as Vice President of Business Development in Houston.

Neil brings over 20-years of ROV experience to the role, having held various commercial and operational positions, and will drive and lead ROVOP’s business growth in the US.

Chief Executive, Steven Gray, said: “The market remains challenging but our ability to save operating costs for our customers, while using the best equipment and personnel on the market, means we continue to enjoy regular contract wins.

“These awards further encourage the successful establishment of our Houston office last year and build on the completion of several workscopes in the US Gulf of Mexico and Central and South America over the past three years.

“ROVOP has reduced its pricing to ensure we are competitive and meet our client’s requirements in this challenging market. The challenge the industry faces should not be underestimated but we are working to reduce costs for customers by reducing vessel time and increase efficiency.”

Commercial director, Euan Tait, explained the addition of Mr. Francis to the ROVOP team will be key:

“Neil’s appointment will act as a catalyst for our future ambitions. He has exceptional experience and knowledge of the industry. His role as Vice President of Business Development will further improve our reputation of providing excellence to our customers and is an important part of our plans to step into new territories to further strengthen our position.”

A new branch of the Fugro Academy Training Centre has been established in Abu Dhabi. The inauguration ceremony on 25th May was led by Mr. Samir Al Gharbi, GASOS General Manager, who was presented with a plaque of appreciation by Fugro management.

Located in the heart of the Middle East, the new Fugro Academy Training Center comprises three training suites, an engineering workshop, a simulation suite, a 7-function manipulator trainer and offices. It also has direct access to Fugro’s own quayside and equipment within the base area. Hundreds of Fugro staff from around the world, along with clients requiring specific training, are expected to visit the center each year.

Presentation of plaque by Massimo Brebbia, Fugro Subsea MD to Mr. Samir Al Gharbi, GASOS General Manager with Chris Blake, Director FS

The Fugro Academy was created in 2006 as a global group-wide standardized training initiative to develop staff and support recruitment. It provides office-based and field staff with both instructor-led practical courses and online hosted e-learning modules on a variety of technical, HSE and business-related topics. To date the Fugro Academy has presented over 1,500 trainer-led courses, training more than 12,000 staff from the many countries where Fugro has a presence. “Following the success of the Fugro Academy in Plymouth, which focuses on survey training, we decided to create a subsea training centre, to work in partnership with our UK colleagues,” explains Subsea Division Training Manager, Darren Walley. “Locating the facility alongside our highly successful ROV training centre here in Abu Dhabi builds on Fugro’s close ties with the United Arab Emirates and brings us the benefits associated with an abundance of local specialist personnel and equipment suppliers.”

Video available.

Hoover Container Solutions has announced three new changes to its senior management team, supporting its continued global growth. Joseph Levy has been appointed senior vice president and chief financial officer; Johan Wramsby has been appointed senior vice president and chief operating officer; and Arash Hassanian has been appointed senior vice president, global sales and marketing.

Levy will manage Hoover’s complex banking relationships, worldwide IT efforts, merger and acquisition activity, integration initiatives and extensive consolidation of international financial reporting. Levy has more than 25 years of capital investment experience and has served on the Hoover Materials Handling Group board since 2008.

Joseph Levy

Wramsby will be responsible for North American operations, which include manufacturing, service, technology and transportation. He will also be responsible for the continued integration of the TechOil and Hoover Offshore businesses. Wramsby has been with Hoover for 15 years, previously as financial analyst, controller and chief administrative officer.

Johan Wramsby

Hassanian will manage and oversee worldwide efforts to drive sales, marketing and business development. He will continue to ensure consistent global marketing messaging and branding, while managing operations in Malaysia, Brazil, the UAE and Australia. He will ultimately transition management of those businesses to operations once they reach a substantial size. Hassanian has been with Hoover for more than a decade, serving as purchasing manager, international business development director and vice president of international sales and global marketing.

Arash Hassanian

Hoover’s chairman and chief executive officer, Donald W. Young, said, “Within Hoover, upper executives guide our company towards our strategic goals, focusing on differentiating our product lines of fluids, cargo and waste supported by technology and services. Since 2010, Hoover has grown from two locations to 15 global locations; from 65 employees to more than 300 employees; and from $20 million to more than $100 million in revenue. As part of this ongoing process of growth, we have evaluated our organization to ensure optimum structure and processes that will deliver the highest value to our customers and shareholders. These appointments recognize the significance of each of their contributions to the organization’s success.”

Joint integrity specialist Hydratight has deployed all offshore equipment to its facility in Gonzales, Louisiana to improve flexibility for customers.

Hydratight is an OEM of bolting and machining equipment. The decision to move their stock from Deer Park, Texas means it will be closer to the center of the oil and gas industry’s current activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

It comes as the company has invested $500,000 in new equipment for its rental service fleet and announced a new recruit in a sales management role.

Photo courtesy: Hydratight

Leonard Brasseaux joins as product account manager and will be responsible for the upstream market in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, focusing on all offshore activity. His most recent career achievements were as part of Halliburton’s business development team over the last 10 years. He lives in Louisiana and will use Gonzales as his main base.

Chad Brooks, Product Market Leader – Upstream, Hydratight, said: “We’re delighted with the three streams of operational investment and are particularly glad that Leonard has chosen to join us as we expand operations in the Gulf of Mexico region.

“It’s vital we are prepared to meet any demands. We have a reliable, experienced team and a large stock of sales and rental equipment poised for use in offshore markets. We’ve refreshed our fleet and from Gonzales will have faster access to all key coastal locations for rental and service.”

Hydratight is wholly owned by Actuant Corporation, a diversified industrial company serving customers from operations in more than 30 countries and headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Actuant trades on the NYSE under the symbol ATU. For further information on Actuant and its businesses, visit the Company’s website at actuant.com.

Business acquisition of EMO Marine Technologies Ltd. (EMO Marine) consolidates MacArtney’s presence on the Canadian east coast. Acquiring the sound and well-established Canadian company ensures optimum positioning of the 6th regional operation in the North American market.

Canadian manufacturer of subsea communication systems, EMO Marine, is the latest acquisition of the MacArtney Group. EMO Marine is a technology company founded in 2012 specializing in engineering and manufacturing of a range of fiber optic video/data transmission systems appropriate for various marine and subsea applications.

MacArtney sees great potential in the ever growing marine sector on the east coast of Canada which is centered around Nova Scotia. The acquisition executes MacArtney’s commitment to being a global provider of underwater technology solutions with strong local presence.

Founder and President of EMO Marine, Tom Knox: EMO Marine and all of our EMO Marine team look forward to becoming part of the MacArtney Group. The company has a strong global reputation and history of providing best-in-class subsea products, technologies and integrated systems. We therefore all expect to be able to increase business in the Atlantic Canada territory.

Along with maintaining manufacturing of the current EMO Marine product line, MacArtney Canada Ltd. will be responsible for marketing and selling the entire MacArtney product and service portfolio, including some agency products.

International expansion is part of MacArtney’s expressed strategy. EMO Marine is a sound and well-run company which is well-established in our core activity field and fits in well with the rest of the MacArtney Group, says Niels Erik Hedeager, CEO of the MacArtney Group. We see many similarities between the two companies and considerable potential for creating synergies between EMO Marine and MacArtney’s other subsidiaries and activities.

In addition to enhancing the global presence of the MacArtney Group, EMO Marine/MacArtney Canada Ltd. will significantly boost the company’s product offerings in the various markets approached so far.

Being a privately owned corporation with group headquarters in Esbjerg on the west coast of Denmark, MacArtney has supplied underwater technology products and engineering solutions for almost four decades.

TWMA, a global leader in the provision of integrated drilling waste management and environmental services, has been awarded new contracts with a combined value of £500,000 for EfficientC^® skip and ship and onshore processing services.

One of the projects is for Zennor Pathway Limited (Zennor) and commenced in April 2016 with a duration of 90 days. This contract includes skip and ship services on the SEDCO 704 drilling rig in the North Sea.

Another project for LR Senergy on the Deep Sea Stavanger vessel, starts in April 2016 with a duration of 70 days.

Director of business development, Rob O’Neill, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to support Zennor and LR Senergy on these projects. These awards complement our current North Sea operations and highlight our strengths and capabilities to provide integrated drilling waste solutions both on and offshore.”

Both contracts will utilise TWMA’s integrated waste management solutions for the provision of skip and ship services, which use the company’s EfficientC^® collection and distribution system to relocate drill cuttings and associated drilling wastes into bins. The bins are then transferred to TWMA’s central onshore processing facility for treatment, reuse or disposal.

Rob added: “The contract with Zennor is also testament to the hard work of our experienced, skilled team currently working on the SEDCO 704 rig, which has allowed us to continue our skip and ship service provision on this asset. We pride ourselves on our innovative technology and integrated solutions which allow us to provide the most effective drilling waste management services.”