Marsol International Ltd, a Dubai-based global marine solutions provider focused on the offshore oil terminal market and related infrastructure, has launched its holistic integrity management system to drive forward efficiencies in capital and operating expenditures.

As infrastructures and assets deteriorate over time, their long-term operational efficiency decreases. Marsol International’s Advanced Systems Integrity Management (ASIM) initiative relies on in-depth information gathering, which in turn allows its engineers to carry out the redesign and verification of components to achieve life extension, reduced cost and reduced risk.

Commenting on the importance of integrity management, Mike Young, managing director of Marsol International, said: “Over the last 47 years Marsol International has developed engineering solutions for the fabrication, commissioning and operation of offshore terminals and infrastructures. During that period, we have seen increased involvement in identifying and reengineering points of failure in different systems, generated not only by design and engineering but also through changing environmental conditions and operational practices.

“As a result, we have worked with clients, consulting engineers, contractors, original equipment manufacturers and operators. This has put us in a unique position to fully understand the differentiators between inspection, repair and maintenance and the intricacies of integrity management. Assessing the operational environment, and thus the operational integrity, Marsol is then able to extend its offering to cover life prediction and life extension programs, with resulting efficiencies in capital and operating expenditure. This has become even more relevant due to aging infrastructure and the current low price of oil.”

Marsol International has provided operational engineering and management solutions to clients, consultants and EPC contractors for new offshore terminal facilities, and operational integrity management and IRM services of existing facilities to offshore terminal owners and operators.

Leading subsea engineering and training firm Jee Ltd is offering delegates of SPE Offshore Europe 2015 free technical subsea workshops over the course of the four day event.

Hoover Container Solutions (Hoover), a global provider of chemical tanks, cargo carrying units and related products and services, has announced the opening of its new service facility in Brazil. The wash line facility allows Hoover to provide expanded cleaning services while handling all intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), ISO tanks and offshore equipment destined for oil and gas platforms, mining sites, islands and supply bases in the region.

Hoover’s new wash line facility is equipped with experienced staff who are licensed to clean a wide variety of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. The site hosts a full range of tank cleaning services including: easy clean (steam or flush), moderate clean (caustic or detergent), difficult clean (boosted caustic or pre-solve), exterior clean with internal process or exterior clean only.

The high power wash system generates 1,500 psi of pressure used for the washing and rinsing of fluid storage or transportation containers. The closed-loop system, designed to recycle wash water, allows for minimal waste water disposal while maximizing customer savings. Steam is used to aid in accelerating the cleaning process and in improving the cleaning power of the detergent. During the final stage of cleaning processes, the wash system uses a fresh water rinse that has been pumped through cartridge filters to thoroughly cleanse containers.

The Brazil facility is capable of washing four 5,000 liter containers or four 1,500 liter containers at once with a total cleansing time of 32 and 20 minutes, respectively, per complete cycle—interior, exterior and drying.

“The addition of this service facility allows us to efficiently and safely clean a wide variety of products while minimizing costly downtime,” said Arash Hassanian, vice president of Global Sales and Marketing for Hoover. “Hoover is committed to providing our customers with high quality, cost effective and environmentally conscientious solutions that meet industry standards and improve customer performance.”

UTEC Survey, an Acteon company, is strengthening its leadership team with two key promotions. In Houston, Cory Goodyear will become General Manager after eight years with the company. Additionally, UTEC NCS Survey in Aberdeen has promoted Simon Goldsworthy to Sales and Marketing Manager for its Europe and Africa (EA) region.

Between them, Simon and Cory offer combined industry experience totaling almost 40 years in a variety of settings and they will play key roles in driving forward UTEC’s ambitious plans for continued global growth in key marketplaces.

Cory has 18 years’ offshore-related experience having started as a Field Surveyor before becoming a Project Manager. He began his career at UTEC as Offshore Manager, and was responsible for the opening of UTEC’s Canadian office in 2011. He has recently moved to the U.S. to take up his new role where he will be primarily responsible for profitability, resource management and logistics.

Simon joined NCS Survey as a Business Development Manager in 2014 and was involved with its merger with UTEC subsequent to the Acteon purchase of UTEC in late 2014. Simon has 19 years’ offshore marketplace experience, including Sales Manager and International and Export Sales Manager for leading offshore operators.

UTEC Chief Executive Martin O’Carroll said, “When you face challenging market conditions, it is vital to have the correct personnel to drive the business forward – both Cory and Simon have the credentials and experience to do this and we look forward to their input in helping us achieve our corporate ambitions to define subsea services.”

WFS Technology Ltd announces the appointment of Bill as Vice President, Operations and General Manager, WFS Technologies (NI).

WFS Technologies supplies subsea wireless instrumentation and control products and solutions to customers in the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Environmental, Consumer and Defence markets.

Bill is an experienced Operations Manager with over 25 years in manufacturing, logistics, engineering, strategic and quality systems roles. He has delivered site start-ups, set strategies and led major change projects in telecoms, IT, construction and process industries. Bill Strahan has also developed individuals and teams to succeed both in periods of growth and cost reduction.

To meet market demand, Bill is tasked with transferring technology and knowhow developed at WFS’s R&D operations to a world-class manufacture, service and customer support facility in Belfast.

Bill’s comments “I am delighted to join Brendan and the talented team at WFS, and look forward to helping them to deliver the next phase of growth for this highly innovative leader in susbsea communications technology”.

Brendan Hyland comments “We welcome Bill to the team. His leadership, experience and skills will help WFS to build on its successes and scale its operations to meet the future demands of subsea instrumentation and ccontrol products and solutions.”

Reflex Marine continues to expand its global network of Accredited Service Centers with the addition of maritime safety company, Wiltrading, located in Australia. Wiltrading has been representing Reflex Marine as a regional partner for over ten years. The company has now achieved Accredited Service Centre status, which is the most comprehensive level of accreditation awarded by Reflex Marine.

Ashtead’s Subsea Technology Training Academy has secured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation.

CPD accredited courses include; Introduction to Offshore Survey Equipment, ROV Sensors and Multiplexors, Acoustic Positioning Systems and Pipe and Cable Tracking.

In addition to these regular courses, Ashtead Technology is able to design tailor-made training to meet specific needs of individual customers.

Tim Sheehan, commercial director at Ashtead, said: “In today’s environment and with increasingly sophisticated kit, it is crucial that companies have the skills and competence to install, configure and maintain this equipment. Maximising returns and minimising costs are priorities right across the industry and we are able to equip those on our courses with the knowledge to make best use of the tools available to them as the industry tackles increasingly complex projects in deeper and more hostile environments.

“We have seen significant demand since we launched the training academy with interest from some of the biggest names in the industry. Gaining CPD certification means that clients can be assured our courses will deliver the competence and confidence they need.”

Since its launch in October 2014, Ashtead’s Training Academy has delivered courses to companies including Shell, Subsea 7, Saipem, Bibby Offshore, Harkand, DOF, Nautronix, Canyon and UTEC Survey with delegates from both the UK and overseas.

The level 1 and 2 courses available at Ashtead Technology’s purpose-built facility cover the basics and the more complex functioning of subsea survey equipment and are designed in accordance with SQA guidelines. The certification also means the courses can support progression towards Chartered status.

Mr. Sheehan added: “Although the training centre is relatively young, it is already well-recognised in the industry. The courses we deliver are in line with recognised industry standard and involve a high percentage of practical work to deliver competence which can be measured.”

Jee Ltd, a leading subsea multi-discipline engineering and training company, has announced a number of key internal promotions to strengthen its capabilities and champion the delivery of projects.

The new structure, headed up by Jonathan McGregor, Head of engineering at Jee underpins Jee core services including Design, Integrity management, pigging and late life. The company has also appointed a Head of project management to increase business efficiency.

Commenting on the appointments, Mr McGregor, Head of engineering said: “As Jee grows, we need to adapt the company structure to support future business needs, ensuring we are capitalising on future opportunities.

Jee Ltd Head of Engineering, Jonathan McGregor

“The new structure and appointment of heads of service areas will not only support these opportunities but is vital in ensuring we are responding to our clients’ needs effectively and efficiently. I’m delighted to be heading up this new, highly skilled and ambitious team.”

With more than 20 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, Grant Adam has been promoted to Head of Integrity Management. Prior to joining Jee in 2013, Mr Adams held a number of engineering and integrity management positions in the energy sector, including Principal Pipeline Engineer at Oceaneering. Mr Adam also presents Jee’s ‘Advanced integrity management of deepwater pipelines and risers’ course focusing on route cause analysis and risk mitigation.

John French is stepping up to Head of Design, expanding his responsibilities from his previous role as Principal Engineer. As Head of Design, Mr French will oversee all design projects from the feasibility stage to detailed design. He is also focused on developing innovative low-cost solutions.

Graham Wilson is moving to the role of Head of Late Life from his previous position as Head of the Pipeline Discipline team. Mr Wilson is an experienced chartered Mechanical Engineer who has worked in the oil and gas industry since joining Jee as a Graduate Engineer in October 2004. As Head of Late Life, Mr Wilson is responsible for lifetime extension and decommissioning projects.

Paul Otway is taking on the role as Head of Pigging. Mr. Otway has extensive experience in subsea pipeline design and integrity projects for global operators, particularly in-line inspection (ILI) campaigns and offshore management. With niche skills in defining technical pigging campaigns, pig selection and design, Mr. Otway was announced as the winner in the young emerging talent category at the 2013 Subsea UK awards for his work.

In addition, Joe Gransden, has been promoted to Head of Project Management. Mr. Gransden is an experienced Lead Engineer who has worked on a variety of oil and gas projects since he joined Jee in 2008. Mr. Gransden remit is to focus on further service efficiency.

Jee is an independent subsea engineering and training company with offices in Aberdeen, London and Tonbridge. Jee’s multi-disciplined capabilities and integrated services span the whole life-of-field including design, integrity management, pigging, late life and training for the global oil, gas and renewables industries.

Bill Smart (photo) has joined the Delmar Systems, Inc. global business development team. Based out of Delmar’s engineering and subsea office in Houston, Texas, Smart will be focused on developing existing and potential new clients’ knowledge of Delmar’s subsea services capabilities.

Prior to joining Delmar, Smart served as Sales Manager for an international ROV provider. He has significant industry experience and has held business development, project management, and engineering positions. Smart holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University.

“Bill brings a unique balance of technical expertise and business development experience to the position,” said James Soliah, Delmar Subsea Manager. “His experience and knowledge are well suited to growing our subsea business and will undoubtedly open new and exciting opportunities for Delmar.”

Headquartered in Broussard, LA with engineering and subsea services based in Houston, TX, Delmar System, Inc. has provided mooring and subsea installation services for over 47 years to oil and gas regions around the globe, with offices strategically located to serve the offshore industry in the world’s most challenging offshore environments.

3sun Group, specialist provider of products and services to the global energy industry, has further enhanced its offering by launching a fully comprehensive asset integrity service.

The Group’s in-house capabilities for working at height support the repair, maintenance and decommissioning of all on and offshore structures, both in oil and gas and renewables sectors. Skilled IRATA approved rope access technicians are utilised for work including welding, pipe and plate non-destructive testing, painting, crane inspection, blade repair and fabric maintenance.

The service also covers detailed offshore surveys, risk assessments and design, through to the implementation of structural and piping modifications and the decommissioning of redundant equipment.

 A 3sun technician working at height on a wind turbine

Commenting on the importance of asset integrity, Graham Hacon, CEO, said: “Safe operation of ageing assets is one of the biggest challenges facing the energy industry, particularly in the North Sea, and even more so in the current climate when identifying streamlined and cost effective solutions is key. A well-managed asset integrity program can play a major role in extending the life cycle of fundamental assets.”

Mr. Hacon added: “Assets can deteriorate in many ways through corrosion, structural fatigue, impact damage and general wear and tear. Our integrity management team works with operators to ensure assets are effectively maintained to be safe, reliable and efficient across their life cycle.

“With our recent acquisition of AID Industrial, we can now offer complementary capabilities to the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors, allowing us to provide a full turnkey solution to our customers. Our services are adaptable as well as comprehensive and allow us to offer bespoke solutions for projects of any scale and specification.”

Since its inception in 2007, 3sun Group has grown rapidly to now employ over 350 people across six divisions, and has earned a global reputation for resolving some of the key energy engineering challenges facing the energy sector.

Its recent acquisition of AID Industrial, specialist PPE provider and expert in Industrial Rope Access, Work at Height and Global Wind Organization safety courses, marked a successful first quarter of the year for the Group. This follows major contract wins, a Top 20 position on The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table and a £10million investment from the Business Growth Fund last year.

New facility will meet increasing demand for operational excellence training in hazardous industries

Petrotechnics, the enterprise operations excellence management solutions provider, today celebrates the opening of its state-of-the-art competency and training centre. Located at the company’s Aberdeen headquarters, the new facility will address changing demands for operations excellence training in hazardous industries, including oil and gas, chemical and rail.

To date, over 70,000 people have been through Petrotechnics’ training programmes, with more than 4,000 delegates enrolled in the last year alone. The new centre will offer increased capacity to meet growing demand for a range of courses, including those focusing Petrotechnics’ leading software platform, Proscient.

The centre’s new classrooms feature state-of-the-art interactive facilities and a broader range of training programmes, from traditional classroom training to “self-paced” and “on-demand” options for online learning.

“Petrotechnics has been delivering training for over 25 years and during that time we have experienced a significant shift in industry demands from simple control of work to integrated operational risk and operations management best practices. Our investment in this new facility is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining quality competence practices and addressing complex training needs across hazardous industries,” says Iain Mackay, Executive Vice President, Petrotechnics.

Petrotechnics’ team of 26 veteran trainers and coaches have a combined industry experience of 460 years. Their global expertise and knowledge is unrivalled in helping companies in hazardous industries improve how they manage risk, hazards and operational safety. Petrotechnics’ trainers have supported over 48 major projects with courses delivered in 24 countries on every continent.

“Hazardous industries have long understood the value of having a competent, trained workforce, and its contribution to productivity and safety,” adds John Broomfield, Training Operations Manager, Petrotechnics.

“However, the means of achieving and maintaining a competent workforce have changed, and we have seen a steady evolution in industry training requirements, leading us to enhance our facilities and courses to meet this demand.”

Veripos, a leading supplier of high-precision GNSS positioning services to the world offshore and associated industries, has appointed John MacLeod as General Manager of its Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME) Region. Based at the Company’s Aberdeen headquarters, he will responsible for continuing development of the Region’s growing activities in response to increased demand for its facilities.

Until recently Vice-President Regional Operations with Forum Energy Technology, Mr. MacLeod has over 25 years’ experience within the global subsea oil and gas industries, working predominantly in the ROV, offshore survey and diving sectors in a senior capacity with other prominent organizations supplying both manufactured products and services; they include Ashtead Technology, Nautronix and Sonardyne International.

Commenting on the appointment, Philip Milne, Chief Operating Officer of Veripos, said “John’s wealth of experience and management skills will be invaluable and an important addition to our operational resources and expertise”.

TCO, leading provider of well completion technologies to the global oil and gas industry, has confirmed a continuation of strong sales results, leading to the expansion of its Aberdeen workforce by a third.

Within the past six months, the company has employed eight new personnel for its UK base, namely three engineers, a production scheduler, QHSE manager, administrative assistant and trainee produce, assembly and test technician as well as a new MD, Paul Betteridge (photo).

Mr Betteridge was appointed in March in response to company growth and to provide strategic vision, focusing on the expansion of TCO’s global presence.

Two further employees are expected to join the UK team this year, bringing the local headcount to 26 and accounting for 20% of the company’s personnel.

Earlier this year, TCO moved into its new, purpose built 1,000 square metre office and production facility in Altens. The new facility contains multiple pieces of state of the art equipment including two high pressure test systems for multi-line function testing and a heating chamber for thermal pressure testing.

Commenting on TCO’s 2015 performance so far, Mr Betteridge, says: “Given the current climate within the energy sector, we are exceptionally pleased to be able to maintain and grow the business. There is no doubt that this is down to the sound products and services we give our clients and we are keen to continue to expand our workforce, recruiting likeminded individuals to help us continue to prosper.

“2015’s turnover is predicted to match that of last year and we see real potential for international growth into 2016 and beyond.”

TCO serves the upstream oil and natural gas industry throughout the reservoir life cycle and specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of completion barrier plugs (laminated glass barrier plugs), chemical injection systems, topside chemical injection systems, multi-cycle valves and Annulus Pressure Relief Systems, as well as the provision of tubing-conveyed perforating (TCP) equipment and services.

The company currently employs 130 people across its bases in Aberdeen, Norway, North and South America, Australia, Russia, Africa and the Middle East. This number is expected to grow in the coming months as the company achieves its plans for global growth.

Ceona, SURF contractor with heavy subsea construction capabilities, regrets to announce that John Smith, Chairman of the company’s board, has stepped down with immediate effect due to ill-health.

A well-known industry figure, Mr. Smith has been involved in the oil & gas sector for more than 30 years and has been pivotal in overseeing the growth of Ceona since its inception in 2012.

Mark Preece, Ceona’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said: “John has been with Ceona since we started down the path to building the Ceona Amazon and his expertise has been vital in supporting the company to grow into the international organization that it is today.

“John is highly respected and everyone at Ceona is extremely sorry to see him leave. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John for the very significant contributions he has made to our organization.”

Mr. Smith, a chartered mechanical engineer with a degree from Glasgow University, worked for 20 years for engineering companies owned by Brown & Root and headed their Norwegian and Australian businesses.

After taking on responsibility for the organization’s subsea businesses, Mr. Smith led the strategic process that formed Subsea 7, serving as the inaugural CEO and on the Board of the company until June 2007 when he joined Clough as CEO. There, he led a successful turnaround before handing over to his successor and joining Ceona in the initial stages of its growth strategy.

Mr. Smith is a past president of International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), the international marine contractors association and was also chairman of Benthic Geotech and Competentia.

Well management and performance improvement specialist Exceed announced on Monday, August 3rd, that it has joined forces with eight former members of senior staff from Applied Drilling Technology International (ADTI).

ADTI ceased trading in May 2015, following a decision to close the business made by the company’s private equity owner, Sun European Partners. Resulting in the loss of 90 jobs, it also lead to the decision by eight senior members from across the ADTI business to actively look at ways to continue to operate. Following discussions with Exceed, a new venture was formed with the intention of continuing to serve former ADTI clients and the wider North Sea market.

This venture brings Exceed’s total number of staff to 30 people, with a further 20 contractors working on projects both locally in the North Sea, as well as internationally on projects in Canada, West Africa and South East Asia. All of the new positions will be based at Exceed’s existing headquarters in Aberdeen.

(L-R) Calum MacDonald (Well Engineering & Operations Director), John Anderson (Commercial Director Wells), Al Brockie (Head of Well Management) & Ian Mills (Managing Director)

The former ADTI staff bring a broad range of capabilities and have joined Exceed as stakeholders through a newly-formed subsidiary. They have taken on the following roles within Exceed:

Al Brockie, Head of Wells Management at Exceed, said: “There is a strong strategic fit between ADTI and Exceed, with both companies offering a range of wells management services in different markets.

“Traditionally, ADTI has had a strong presence in the North Sea whereas the majority of Exceed’s projects have been delivered internationally. This partnership not only bolsters our global credentials and renews our focus on the North Sea, but also allows Exceed to evolve internal systems and processes which will result in significant benefits for clients.

“The move also sends an important message to the industry in a time when thousands of jobs are at risk across all sectors and many talented professionals are being made redundant purely as a result of cost saving measures. Companies which are still in a position to continue expansion plans should be making the most of this opportunity. The events following the closure of ADTI have been a prime example of how collaboration within the industry can secure jobs and livelihoods.”

The new venture significantly expands Exceed’s service offering to include well abandonment, production technology and petroleum engineering, and will allow the company to drive operations into several new markets. Depending on future contracts, there may also be the potential to take on further ex-members of ADTI staff.

John Anderson, Exceed’s newly appointed commercial director for its well division, said: “This is an opportunity for us to continue servicing existing customers and preserve the ADTI bloodline, quality and levels of service. Our team brings strong historic client relationships with a number of North Sea based operators and we are very optimistic that this newly combined service offering and track record will re-open doors both locally and nationally.

“Feedback from clients has suggested that the loss of ADTI is a loss to the industry, and so we are extremely pleased that this merger has happened. Our combined strengths have set us up with a powerful platform for growth.”

Aqueos Corporation, a premier provider of subsea services to the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Coast, has announced the appointment of Jason Brink to the position of Project Manager-Special Projects.

“Aqueos is excited to have Jason onboard our Team. His experience in deep water ROV and diving operations adds depth to our team and complements our Gulf of Mexico operations. His ability to present technical solutions and support to our Houston based clientele is expected to enhance both our sales and project execution.” said Ted Roche, Aqueos President / Chief Executive Officer. Roche further states, “We look forward to Jason’s contribution and enhanced value to Team Aqueos.”

Aqueos Corporation, with offices in Broussard, LA and Ventura, CA, provides marine construction and specialty subsea services including a complete range of commercial diving, remotely operated vehicles (ROV’s) and vessel-related services primarily to the offshore oil and gas markets.