Case study: Decommissioning

Challenge

Safehouse Habitats recently assisted with the decommissioning of an offshore platform for a leading operator. We were involved in the early engineering contract and in the preparation of the heavy lift of topside items, including the helideck.

In this early phase of the decommissioning plan, the wells were still connected to the reservoir and the associated topside connected to the riser. Both these systems contained hydrocarbons and therefore all hot work needed to be controlled by the operator’s ‘Permit to Work’ system and the zone rating remained as per standard site hazardous area drawings during a live plant scenario. Our habitats were utilised to provide engineered protection so as to ensure the preparation works could proceed in accordance with the plan.

Planning

The platform was unmanned, so we addressed this issue by scheduling our part of the work to fit in with existing plans. Our personnel also made use of an accommodation vessel that was already located on the field at the same time. These plans ensured cost implications were minimised.

Solution

We offered a practical and flexible solution that could be quickly assembled to suit the exact location and its dimensions, as well as any other specific requirements which needed to be incorporated into the geometry of the habitat structure, for example, access to a live escape ladder. This meant the essential hot work needed to complete this project could be delivered efficiently and ahead of schedule in a safe, controlled and pressurised habitat environment.

Outcome

Our innovative technology supports operators and contractors throughout the life cycle of offshore production platforms as well as onshore sites. Coupled with our experience of feeding in to plans within the supply chain, and delivering services in this environment, our alternative technologies are helping to deliver safe, efficient and cost effective measures to support decommissioning.

We are currently in the early planning stage of two additional offshore decommissioning projects, and will provide bespoke engineered protection for the early phase decommissioning and platform removal.

Safehouse Spotlight on Maintenance and Repair

Oil & Gas UK Aberdeen – 27th April 2016

Safehouse will be attending the first of Oil & Gas UK’s Share Fair Spotlight events on 27th April 2016 at Oil & Gas UK Aberdeen.

In the first of a series of events, the topic under the spotlight is maintenance and repair, and how operators and supply chain companies can engage in constructive dialogue to identify ways to cost-effectively optimise safe operational performance and increase the ‘up-time’ of offshore production facilities.

Stuart Gray, International Technical Support Manager and Andy Roddie, Business Development Manager at Safehouse, will be in attendance.

This new event supports the objectives of the industry’s Efficiency Task Force to promote co-operative business behaviours which help drive down cost escalation on the UK Continental Shelf.

Stuart said: “Our SAFEHOUSE habitats are already widely used by operators throughout the UKCS, and globally, with asset repair and maintenance being core to our business. We are already providing proven cost efficiencies and increased ‘up-time’ on our clients’ projects – that’s why they continue to use us over and over again.

“We hope the event will offer an invaluable opportunity for us to share our best practice in this area, and explain to new audiences how our innovative technology and approach is cost effectively optimising safe repair and maintenance projects.”

As a new way to bring operator and supply chain communities together in conversation on key industry challenges, Oil & Gas UK’s Share Fair Spotlight events aim to encourage the development of a demand-led supply chain. The event aligns with other efficiency initiatives focusing on delivering the services, expertise and equipment that address the most pressing needs of the UK oil and gas industry as it works towards maximising economic recovery and restoring competitiveness to the UK Continental Shelf.

To find out more, or to book a ticket, visit https://oilandgasuk.co.uk/eventcal/share-fair-spotlight-27-april-2016/

If you would like to contact either Andy or Stuart in advance of the Share Fair, please email andy.roddie@2j3.959.myftpupload.com or stuart.gray@2j3.959.myftpupload.com.

Topsides UK talks efficiency, productivity and cost effective

Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th March

Andy Roddie, Business Development Manager at Safehouse, is set to attend this week’s inaugural Topsides UK 2016 which takes place at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th March.

Topsides UK is the UK and Europe’s first and only annual topsides focused conference and exhibition, focusing on operating topsides facilities more efficiently through enhanced production, increased productivity and lowered operating spend.

Andy Roddie said: “We’re pleased to be part of Topsides UK, which we hope will be a key platform for facilitating collaborative conversations between operators, contractors and the wider supply chain. We all have a part to play in thinking differently, and finding new ways to drive efficiencies so as to generate maximum value across operations, safely. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how our SAFEHOUSE habitats are already making a difference to global operations.”

The event welcomes a variety of headline speakers covering topsides relevant topics, including late life extension projects, TAR/turnaround, obsolescence, skills and new careers, cost and production efficiency and new technology.

There will also be numerous supply chain presentations provided by topsides-related contractors, service companies and equipment suppliers and installers – all focused on creating value.

To find out more about this new event visit https://topsidesuk.com/ and to pre-arrange a meeting with Andy Roddie contact Andy.Roddie@2j3.959.myftpupload.com.

Safehouse Attends StocExpo 2016

Antwerp Expo, Antwerp 15th – 17th March 2016

Safehouse will be attending StocExpo, the world’s leading international event for the tank terminal industry, at Antwerp Expo, Antwerp from 15th – 17th March 2016.

Located in Hall Four, sharing stand H8 with our partner Eqin, Safehouse’s International Technical Support Lead, Willem Olgers, will be on hand throughout the event. He said: “Antwerp is home to Europe’s most central and fastest growing seaport in the region, making StocExpo well placed in the most important hub in the Western European pipeline network. We’re looking forward to connecting with industry peers here, and showcasing our SAFEHOUSE habitat technology to the wider industry.

“We’re always working with our clients to develop cost-effective safe solutions for hot-work in hazardous environments, and believe this proposition will be eagerly received at StocExpo.”

StocExpo attracts visitors from all over the world, from the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. This year’s move to Antwerp sees the Expo attract official support from the Port of Antwerp, as well as a new partnership with the Federation of European Tank Storage Association (FETSA). FETSA is the umbrella association for the tank storage associations in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, Turkey, Poland and Hungary.

With high profile support from industry, a number of renowned speakers will share their insights and experiences, including presentations from Vopak, Port of Antwerp, National Bank of Belgium, Botlek and Gulf Petrochem. These experts will provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the storage sector in Europe, the US and the Middle East, and the impact of market conditions and future growth plans for the industry.

The conference will cover topics, case studies and challenges affecting the industry, focusing on the following subject areas; market analysis, opportunities and finance, innovative technology to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and downtime, and increase profit margins.

If you’d like to pre-arrange a meeting with Safehouse at StocExpo, please contact Willem.Olgers@2j3.959.myftpupload.com.

Energy: A balanced future 2016

8th – 9th March at Sage Gateshead, North East England

Safehouse will be attending the forthcoming NOF Energy National Conference and Exhibition which takes place from 8th – 9th March at Sage Gateshead, North East England.

Hundreds of energy sector supply chain companies are set to attend this high profile event to hear what’s happening in the energy sector, and to gain a strategic outlook on the industry. Covering numerous hot topics within the energy sector including highlighting future opportunities and challenges for the supply chain, the conference addresses the need for a balanced energy mix and covers oil, gas, nuclear, offshore renewables and shale gas.

Michael Jones, International Business Lead at Safehouse Habitats, sits on the NOF Energy Scotland Steering Group which has been fundamental in helping to launch the ‘Smarter Supply Chains Initiative’, a project bringing together operators, contractors and suppliers to discuss improved working practices to bring down costs and introduce efficiencies. Michael said: “NOF Energy is an excellent organisation, and we are delighted to be supporting the annual conference. I am looking forward to hearing from this year’s speakers to specifically learn more about new potential sectors and to take the opportunity to network with likeminded attendees.’’

NOF Energy welcomes a variety of presentations throughout the conference including Efficiency and Effectiveness of Oil & Gas Supply Chains in Today’s Environment, from Mark Richardson, Apache North Sea; and an update on The Oil & Gas UK Efficiency Task Force, by John Pearson, Group President Northern Europe and CIS, Amec Foster Wheeler.

If you’d like to pre-arrange a meeting with Safehouse, please contact Michael.Jones@2j3.959.myftpupload.com

About NOF Energy

NOF Energy is a pro-active business development organisation working on behalf of 500 within the oil, gas, nuclear and offshore renewable sector. Find out more here www.nofenergy.co.uk

Safehouse Australia Enjoys Success at AOG

Perth Convention Exhibition Centre

Safehouse Australia enjoyed a very successful three days of exhibiting at the AOG Exhibition in Perth last week.

With over 500 exhibitors from across 25 countries showcasing the latest developments in offshore service and supply, the AOG 2016 Conference featured a theme of ‘collaboration’ with over 100 experts from leading companies providing input on how the industry should continue to work closely together to reduce costs and improve productivity.

Although exhibitor and visitor numbers were visibly lower than previous years, the Safehouse team was certainly busier than ever in our larger and more centrally positioned booth.

The addition of the new SAFEHOUSE Habitat miniature model attracted a lot of attention and it gave us a really good opportunity to explain the functionality and safety benefits of using our specialised system in hazardous atmospheres. We received particular attention from some of the key oil producing majors so it was really encouraging for them to understand our system better, and the valuable cost savings we can make for them. Another highlight of the show was the filming of our habitat technology and interview of Senior Habitat Technician, Chris Webster, talking about the benefits of the system and his thoughts on the exhibition.

The overall feeling at the show was that the oil and gas industry is currently going through harder times in comparison to the previous few years, and there seems to be a much higher emphasis on cost saving efficiencies from the producers.

As such, we were delighted to be able to talk to visitors about the cost savings we can make for large production companies when using our system. This was well received, and we look forward to progressing with deployment of our technology over the coming year.

If you’d like further information about our products and services in Australia, please contact the team on E: australia@2j3.959.myftpupload.com or T: +61 (0)8 93533752

SAFEHOUSE to attend Hazardex UK

SAFEHOUSE will be attending the forthcoming Hazardex 2016 Conference and Exhibition which takes place at the Holiday Inn, Runcorn, Cheshire, from 24th to 26th February.

The two-day biennial event features a varied programme concentrating on the experiences of leading end-users in the oil and gas sector, both upstream and downstream, energy, chemicals and other process industries where hazardous areas exist and safe operational procedures must be adopted.

With attendees from government agencies, regulators and certification bodies meeting up with senior engineers and safety managers from across a variety of process industries, it is expected that there will a strong contribution from regulators, safety consultants and industry associations, as well as detailed standards and legislation updates.

SAFEHOUSE attendees Michael Jones, International Business Lead, and Scott Wharton, International Technical Support Lead, will be well placed to discuss how we are involved with process safety, and are helping businesses across the world to safely conduct ‘hot work’ in hazardous environments both onshore and offshore across the oil and gas, chemicals, distilling and utilities sectors.

Michael Jones, International Business Lead at SAFEHOUSE Habitats, said: “We’re looking forward to attending Hadardex 2016, and are keen to continue to be able engage with the regulators and to explore any new innovative technologies that may be exhibited on the day.’’

If you’d like to pre-arrange a meeting with SAFEHOUSE, please contact Michael.Jones@2j3.959.myftpupload.com

Creating Safe Environments for Cost Effective Brownfield Development

The average age of drilling rigs across the world is 25 years old and mature fields account for over 70% of the total oilfield resources in production today. With increasingly aging assets and inhospitable operating environments, it is becoming more important than ever to enhance asset integrity and extend the lifespan of maturing infrastructure.

The last month has seen Brent crude continue to fall and analysts are divided as to when prices will recover. As the industry continues to look at ways of maximising production whilst minimising costs, the challenge of brownfield development is topical.

The lack of new projects is leading major operators to adapt to the changing economic landscape and adopt brownfield development strategies. This current climate, as a result of the oil price, is driving operators to focus on reducing cost, whilst the issues of safety, reliability, integrity, and the environment, also require careful consideration.

Brownfield developments come with unique challenges characterised by a complex set of interdependencies between aging and new technologies. These fields also exhibit more environmental and safety challenges, and differing cost implications to Greenfield development.

Brownfield hook-up, completions and tie-ins, which involve hot works such as welding, grinding and heat treatments, along with general maintenance, refurbishment and repair work being undertaken alongside the adjacent ‘live’ plant. This means that there is a high risk associated with any potential ignitian source within an environment designated to be hazardous.

General hot work such as small repairs involving welding and grinding, right through to major plant and pipe-work refurbishment, can all be carried out safely with careful planning and use of an ATEX certified pressurised SAFEHOUSE habitat and Safehouse technician. This will not only reduce the potential for ‘run away’ costs, but prevent forced shutdowns, and vitally keep the workforce safe.

Our ATEX Certified pressurised habitats are engineered to allow these brownfiled work scopes to be carried out safely whilst the plant is still live, thus providing flexibility and options to plan and execute small repairs through to major plant and pipe-work refurbishments cost effectively by avoiding the need to work within a planned or emergent shutdown.

The combination of pressurised habitats, gas sensors, automatic shut off systems and the on-going presence of a habitat technician (who is responsible for continually managing the integrity of the overall habitat system), ensures personnel are aware of the safety mechanism in place and provided with peace of mind; thus safeguarding against productivity losses, and safety or environmental release concerns.

Using our proven ability and expertise in the upfront planning stages of maintenance works can save hundreds of thousands in the budget. Consulting with our project engineers and our habitat installation technicians, jointly surveying and taking advice on necessary build designs and the required capabilities can both save time and increase productivity. Our project engineers can help reduce shutdown days and eliminate the need to engineer out hot work.

For example, designing in the preference to mobilise a single, larger habitat rather than lose time demobilising and re-mobilising to relocate one small habitat a number of times in order to accommodate hot-work in multiple locations not only saves money, but time too.

To find out how we can help maximise the productivity and profitability of your brownfield project, contact our global HQ on T: +44 (0) 1382 814 122

AOG 2016

The AOG 2016 Conference will feature a theme of ‘Collaboration’ with over 100 experts from leading companies providing input on how the industry should continue to work closely together to reduce costs and improve productivity. The 2016 Conference program allows delegates to maximise their time at AOG with shorter and more affordable quarter and half day sessions available. With a full program featuring over 20 streams, the 2016 AOG Conference is suited to anyone who works within the oil and gas industry, both in Australia and abroad.

Visit the Safehouse team on stand P20, 24th-26th February in at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, Australia.

Safehouse to join ADIPEC Conference

9-12 Nov, Abu Dhabi

The team at Safehouse will be joining over 1,800 exhibitors to present its range of fully ATEX certified products to over 75,000 attendees at this year’s ADIPEC conference from 9 until 12th November in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the tangible benefits that SAFEHOUSE Habitats can deliver their businesses from the dedicated team in Abu Dhabi, who have direct expertise in the hot work solutions.

To find out more, visit the team on stand 12236 in hall 12 and follow us on Twitter: @Safehouse_Ltd