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InterMoor UK Operations Achieves LTI Free Milestone

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InterMoor UK Operations Achieves LTI Free Milestone

InterMoor UK Operations, part of Acteon’s foundations and moorings business, has surpassed eight years and more than 2,520 projects without a single lost-time incident (LTI).

The safety record is held by InterMoor UK Operations – InterMoor Ltd, InterMoor Marine Services Ltd and ChainCo. Company operations span three bases, five storage yards and numerous quayside locations in the UK and globally.

Alan Duncan, managing director, InterMoor UK Operations, said: “Providing safe working environments and high-quality training for employees are vital for InterMoor. This milestone highlights the extent of our commitment to safety and the professionalism of our staff. It was achieved with the participation of the entire workforce, from quayside support personnel to senior management.”

In 2015, InterMoor UK Operations opened a new base in Aberdeen harbour and continued its focus on safety. The new equipment at the facility was assembled with a focus on safe, effective and efficient operations.

Bruce Strachan, quality assurance and health, safety and environment manager, InterMoor UK Operations, said: “Eight years without an LTI places InterMoor UK at the forefront of worldwide safety performance. Very few businesses of a comparable size have conducted operations for this length of time without recorded incidents. Of course, the aim is to continue the trend. Our target is, and will always be, zero accidents or incidents.

“InterMoor’s main focus is on nurturing our culture of safety. We do this by encouraging employees to get involved and contribute positively through developing hazard awareness and personal accountability.”

EMGS Inks Acquisition Agreement with DGH in India

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EMGS Inks Acquisition Agreement with DGH in India

Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) has signed a multi-client acquisition agreement with the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) in India.

The agreement grants EMGS a two year permit to acquire 3D EM multi-client data within a 325,000 square km area off West coast India, crossing eight different tectonic provinces from Kutch-Saurashtra in North to Ratnagiri in South.

The agreement also gives the DGH access to EMGS’ 3D EM multi-client data acquired going forward within the permitted area.

“We are encouraged by the Directorate’s interest in how the use of our technology can improve the understanding of the sub-surface and reduce drilling risk in the defined areas. Some of the proposed areas are very challenging to explore due to the presence of basalt from lava flows that created the DeccanTraps. We believe our EM technology can play an important role in the improvement of sub-basalt imaging in these areas,” says Stig Eide Sivertsen, CEO of EMGS.

In conjunction with oil companies in India, EMGS has identified 8 potential survey areas to evaluate different geologic scenarios within the permit area.

TransCanada Says Cutting 20% Of Senior Management Positions

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TransCanada Says Cutting 20% Of Senior Management Positions

Pipeline company TransCanada Corp is cutting 20 percent of its senior management positions as a result of the continuing slump in oil prices, a company spokesman said on Thursday.

TransCanada is the company behind the controversial and long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline to the United States, and the cross-Canada Energy East project. 

 

 

 

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Cefas Heads Research into Underwater Noise Impact

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Cefas Heads Research into Underwater Noise Impact

The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has teamed up with Marine Scotland Science and the University of Exeter to analyse underwater noise data from subsea sound recorders located around the UK coast.

Sources of noise in the ocean include shipping, seismic exploration, and construction activity, such as port extensions or offshore wind farms. There is concern that rising levels of underwater noise pollution worldwide may have an impact on marine life by interfering with communication, causing changes in behaviour, and raising stress levels.

Marine scientists will work together to produce an initial baseline assessment of background noise levels in UK coastal waters, including seasonal and annual patterns, as well as spatial differences. The work, funded by Defra and Marine Scotland, will help to inform the development of a UK-wide noise monitoring strategy, as part of the UK’s commitment to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which seeks to attain Good Environmental Status in European seas by 2020.

A range of government, academic and marine science organisations in the UK are being consulted to scope the potential for a partnership-based approach to establishing a noise-monitoring programme. The findings and recommendations of the project will be available early next year.

Cefas Senior Scientist and Project Lead, Dr Nathan Merchant, said: “This collaboration between leading UK marine science organisations enables us to share data, expertise and research findings in this increasingly important field. A partnership approach to marine noise monitoring will help us gain a deeper understanding of underwater noise and its impact on the marine environment, as well as providing a more cost-effective solution to establishing a UK-wide monitoring network.”

Dr Ian Davies, Renewables and Energy Programme Manager, Marine Scotland Science, said: “Marine Scotland scientists have several years’ experience of monitoring noise levels in the sea, and using underwater noise to research the distribution of key marine mammal species such as bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoise. An acoustic network for UK seas is an ambitious target best addressed through a partnership approach, and will help us meet international monitoring requirements and also to manage protected marine mammal species.”

Dr Matthew Witt, Lecturer in Natural Environment, University of Exeter said: “The University’s involvement in this project is important given our increasing concern regarding the influence of human-derived noise on coastal marine species and habitats. We have been gathering near-continuous information on the marine soundscape in the south west UK since 2012. This Cefas-led project will bring together data from around the UK to improve our understanding of underwater noise and help to advise on how we best manage human activities in the sea while promoting healthy coastal habitats from which we all ultimately benefit.”

Santos: GLNG Project Produces First LNG

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Santos: GLNG Project Produces First LNG

Santos announced Thursday that the GLNG project has started producing its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) on Curtis Island, Australia, on schedule and within budget.

The two-train LNG plant on Curtis Island will have the capacity to produce 7.8 million tons of LNG per year when fully operational, according to Santos. LNG is currently being produced from Train 1, with Train 2 expected to be ready for start-up by the end of the year. The GLNG project produces natural gas from Queensland’s coal seams and converts it into LNG.

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Knox commented in a company statement:

“We said we’d produce first LNG around the end of the third quarter, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. Our upstream facilities are fully operational and performing well, we’re producing LNG on Curtis Island, and we’re now looking forward to safely delivering our first LNG cargo in the coming weeks. Project revenue is underpinned by binding long-term LNG sales contracts covering more than 90 percent of the plant’s capacity. I would like to thank our joint venture partners, Petronas, Total and Kogas for their support in the successful delivery of this major milestone. Production from GLNG will be a significant addition to Santos’ growing LNG portfolio, which already includes the Darwin LNG and PNG LNG projects.”

Santos is the operator of the GLNG project with a 30 percent interest. PETRONAS holds a 27.5 percent interest, as does Total, and Kogas holds a 15 percent interest.

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Aker’s Road to Åsgard Subsea Gas Compression Delivery

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VIDEO: Aker’s Road to Åsgard Subsea Gas Compression Delivery

The world’s first subsea gas compression system went on stream September 17 at the Statoil-operated Åsgard field. Aker Solutions delivered the subsea compression system for this field development.

“We’re immensely proud to be part of this achievement, which is a major milestone for our industry,”said Aker Solutions’ Chief Executive Officer Luis Araujo. “The close collaboration we’ve had with Statoil and our suppliers has been essential to ensure the successful delivery of this break-through technology.”

Aker Solutions in December 2010 was awarded the contract by Statoil to deliver the system, which consists of modules for two identical sets of compressors, pumps, scrubbers and coolers fitted together in an 1,800-metric ton steel frame. These components were delivered to Statoil ready for installation on the seafloor of the Åsgard field in the Norwegian Sea.

Placing the compressor on the seabed near the wellheads, rather than on a platform, improves recovery rates and reduces capital and operating costs. Subsea compression also leaves a smaller environmental footprint and is safer to operate than a platform.

The Åsgard field’s operator is Statoil and license partners are Petoro, Eni Norge, Total E&P Norge and ExxonMobil E&P Norway. Aker Solutions has supported Statoil on installation, testing and start-up activities.

 

 

 

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UK Subsea Companies to Strengthen Ties with Mexico

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UK Subsea Companies to Strengthen Ties with Mexico

UK subsea companies will be heading to Mexico at the end of this week on trade mission which aims to match British expertise with the requirements of the emerging oil and gas sector in Latin America’s second largest economy.

Subsea UK, in partnership with UKTI, and support by EIC, NOF Energy and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, are leading the mission which will bring UK companies with experience in field performance and efficiencies, asset integrity management and deepwater subsea technology to the Mexican market.

These companies will be given the opportunity to showcase their products and services to operators, potential customers and partners, and get the chance to network with government and industry officials.

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK said: “As part of the UK Government’s strategy to help double British exports by 2020, we are seeking to promote partnerships with UK companies in Mexico. Since 2014, the Mexican Energy Reform has opened up new opportunities in Mexico for UK oil and gas companies. There are currently more than 25 British companies active in Mexico’s oil and gas sector, with many more looking at the emerging opportunities.

“Mexico’s deepwater oil projects are crucial to the optimal recovery of the country’s reserves. UK subsea firms could play a major role in helping to maximize Mexico’s oil output, exporting the wealth of skills, innovation and experience honed in the North Sea.”

Gordon added: “UK companies are quickly realising that they need to look beyond the North Sea and capitalise on the benefits to be gained from expanding into international markets. For many, the only thing holding them back is not knowing the route to take. At Subsea UK we work hard to support companies in fast-tracking their international growth by exploring new business prospects around the world.

“The UK is recognised as a global centre of subsea excellence in terms of skills, expertise and technology. By continuing to work closely with UKTI, Subsea UK is making sure that Mexico turns to the UK’s subsea industry to meet its deepwater challenges.”

Fire and Water: Top 10 Underwater Welding Videos

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Fire and Water: Top 10 Underwater Welding Videos

By the Book

Measure, then weld in a stable position. This underwater welder does it by the book, and it’s a darn good wet welding job.

Perfect, Pristine Environment

Most underwater welding videos are difficult to see because of the conditions. This is a controlled environment that’s well lighted, so you can see everything that’s happening.

A Different Angle

This diver is just a few feet below the waves which allows us to see one’s work from the surface. Like fireworks in the fog…

Dry Welding…Underwater

One of the few hyperbaric welding videos out there. Hardly any are available, since the camera has to be up and out of the way since the chambers are only big enough for the welders and their project.

Prepped and Ready

One of the few videos that shows the “preparation” stage for a welder-diver. Hoses, suit, helmet, gauges – the equipment is complex and everything double-checked before the diver hits the water.

Aluminum Welding: In-Depth

Documentary style view from several underwater welders and underwater construction experts. Aluminum is one of the best materials to use in the water, but it takes a specialized skill set to repair it.

Light it up and Cut it to Pieces

Commercial divers do just as much torching (burning) as they do welding underwater. Here’s a look at how fast metal falls apart when divers start their cutting torch.

The Sound of Awesomeness

Kind of hard to see, but the sounds in this are incredible. The camera puts you right there with the welder-diver, especially when he scratches his stick on the metallic hull; it’s almost like lighting a match.

Yeah…Science!

An underwater welding instructor contrasts topside with underwater welding with a small science lesson. Few people think about this, but it your environment creates a huge impact on the strength and technique of your weld.

Underwater Welding at its Best

My favorite underwater welding video. Josh McLafferty, a commercial diver that I’m acquainted with, has an incredible range of certificates and amazing skill in underwater welding. It shows in his work.

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Gazprom First-Half Net up 50 Pct, Boosted by Weaker Rouble

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Gazprom First-Half Net up 50 Pct, Boosted by Weaker Rouble

Russia’s top natural gas producer Gazprom said on Monday its net profit rose 50 percent year-on-year to 675.9 billion roubles ($10.5 billion) in the first half of 2015, thanks to increased sales and a weaker rouble.

Revenue for January through June edged up 1.4 percent to 2.9 trillion roubles, the company said, noting: “The increase in sales is mainly driven by an increase in gas sales to Europe and other countries.” Gazprom’s revenue has increased on the back of a falling rouble, while sales volume declined amid sluggish demand. Supplies to Europe and other countries fell 6.5 percent to 80.4 billion cubic metres in the first six months of the year.

The company is facing stiff competition at home from other gas producers such as Rosneft and Novatek, while its production is set to hit a new all-time low this year. Gazprom also said its second-quarter earnings rose 29 percent to 293.79 billion roubles, beating an average forecast of 260.6 billion from analysts polled by Reuters.

The company, restricted from borrowing by Western sanctions over Moscow’s role in the Ukraine crisis, said it raised a $1.5 billion five-year loan from a bank consortium at Libor plus 3.5 percent. ($1 = 64.4710 roubles) 

 

 

 

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Antarctic Bryozoans Capture Carbon as Sea Ice Melts

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Antarctic Bryozoans Capture Carbon as Sea Ice Melts

Colonies of tiny filter-feeding Antarctic marine creatures (bryozoans), that appear to be thriving in response to a reduction in sea-ice cover, are playing an important role in carbon draw-down according to new research published this week.

A British Antarctic Survey (BAS) investigation into biological change on sea beds of six continental shelf areas around Antarctica analysed bryozoan skeletons that were collected during ship-borne research cruises. Data from over 20 years included photographic studies that helped calculate how abundant they are. The most recent research cruises on board the RRS James Clark Ross used a custom built high-resolution camera lander.

Less sea-ice stimulates more growth in the algae that feeds the bryozoans, providing longer meal times. The data reveal that the annual production of carbon in the bodies of these bryozoans has increased due to a combination of the animals growing more, living for longer and being more abundant. According to author Dr David Barnes from BAS these animals now take up 75,000 tonnes of carbon more than 20 years ago.

Dr David Barnes said: “The results from this study are an important step towards improving understanding of the impact of environmental change in Antarctica. It is well-known that the Southern Ocean is an important ‘sink’ for atmospheric carbon dioxide, but it was not realised that the seabed played such an important and increasing part. These changes to marine life in Antarctica’s continental shelf areas – where the water is hundreds of metres deep – may help evaluate life’s role in carbon draw-down. If this increased carbon capture applies to other sea-bed life then millions of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere may be being transported to polar sea beds. This is equivalent to tens of thousands of hectares of tropical rainforest.”

An unexpected find was that the South Orkney Islands—the world’s first High Seas Marine Protected Area (MPA)— was identified as a place where the bryozoans were thriving most. A new international, BAS-led scientific cruise to the South Orkney Islands MPA in early 2016, should give researchers a close up look at why that particular location is so important, BAS noted.

Barnes concludes: “The rain forests on land you can see are important with respect to the carbon cycle and climate change, but two-thirds of our planet is ocean, and below it the life you can’t see is also very important in climate responses.”

This research was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Darwin Initiative (DEFRA) and the Pew Charitable Trusts.

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