Companies in the News

TWMA, an international environmental solutions provider, has secured two new projects in the central North Sea. Both projects, which were awarded by Maersk Oil UK, are reportedly already underway. The first project, onboard the Ocean Valiant semisubmersible, will carry on until March 2018. The second project, which is on the Maersk Gallant jackup rig, is due to be complete this July. TWMA is supplying its EfficientC skip and ship solution for both projects, in addition to its newly developed Air Transfer System. According to TWMA, the system is designed as a primary method for safely transporting drill cuttings from the shakers to various discharge points onboard. A vacuum hopper then discharges the drill cuttings into skips, which are transferred onshore for treatment, reuse or disposal. Photo: TWMA.

Aquaterra Energy, a global offshore engineering solutions provider, has designed, fabricated and installed a new Sea Swift platform for PICO Petroleum Integrated Services at Amal field, in Egypt’s Gulf of Suez. The Sea Swift is a conductor supported platform, installed in 23 m of water. Installation included a 385-tonne topsides, featuring a helideck and emergency accommodation, with provision for six wells. According to Aquaterra, the new topsides facility for the Amal-C platform involved design, piping, electrical, instrumentation, a control system and technical safety scopes of work, as well as the design of new subsea production pipelines to the Amal-A platform. The entire project reportedly took 18 months to complete.

Schlumberger and Saudi Aramco have signed an MOU for the development of an “In-Kingdom Total Value Add” roadmap, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s economic vision for 2030. The roadmap includes the creation of jobs and development opportunities for Saudis in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, it will strengthen the deployment of Schlumberger technology, reduce regional delivery times for major products and services, and increase local capacity and deployment capabilities.

A wholly owned affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corp. has signed a production sharing contract with the government of Equatorial Guinea for a deepwater block, which is 36 mi west of Malabo. Deepwater Block EG-11 contains about 307,000 acres and reportedly is adjacent to Zafiro field in Block B. Following final approval of the contract by the country’s government, Exxon Mobil has reported that it will carry out the work program as operator, with an 80% working interest. GEPetrol will hold the remaining 20% interest. According to Exxon Mobil, the agreement includes an obligation to acquire new, and reprocess, existing 3D seismic data.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded its 2017 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award to Flint Hills Resources Houston, a Koch Industries company. The award recognizes organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. It is considered the highest honor bestowed by the EPA. According to the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory Report, Koch Industries has undergone a 33% reduction in production-related waste since 2012.

PCM, a manufacturer of positive displacement pumps and systems, has begun construction of a 32,000-ft² extension of its existing 22,000-ft² Houston facility. According to the company’s president, the new facility will increase capabilities for local production, assembly and sourcing. This is expected to accelerate the company’s delivery time to market. The facility reportedly is ISO 9001-certified, and will significantly enhance operational efficiency in the region. 

Proserv has invested in a new purpose-built technology center for subsea controls and communications at Great Yarmouth, England. According to the company, the facility is being built in preparation for future growth. Approximately 190 employees from two sites will be consolidated into a single Beacon Park site. The 65,000-ft² facility will feature modern office, manufacturing and yard space, as well as an additional 20,000 ft² of workshop area. Construction is scheduled to begin in July, and the building is expected to be complete in March 2018.

Wild Well Control, Inc., has purchased subsea capping equipment from Shell EP Wells Equipment Services BV. According to the company, the added inventory enhances its global equipment and response capabilities for the WellCONTAINED subsea containment systems—providing a comprehensive package of subsea emergency response services. Additionally, the new inventory provides added capabilities for its 7Series Subsea Well Intervention group. The newly purchased equipment reportedly will be staged in Houston, Aberdeen, Singapore and elsewhere, as needed, for global deployment. Photo: Wild Well Control, Inc.

ConocoPhillips has been recognized for its contributions to North American conservation. The company was presented with the inaugural Ducks Unlimited (DU) Corporate Conservation Achievement Award. According to DU, ConocoPhillips’ numerous projects in the Gulf Coast region have exemplified the company’s commitment to coastal restoration. The projects reportedly help provide waterfowl habitat, infrastructure protection, water quality enhancement and community resilience.