Offshore Center for Jobs And Finance

Offshore wind supply chain to exceed demand for the next decade

2012-01-15T06:10:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2012 - LONDON In relation to the renewable energy industry is news that the utility giant RWE has announced its plans to invest €5bn in both the UK and Poland. There is also to be an additional €1bn investment in offshore wind developments in the German North Sea.

The news confirms Germany’s commitment to switch off all 17 nuclear reactors in the next 10 years as a reaction to the Fukushima disaster from 2011 proving once again that the renewable energy sector and more specifically the offshore wind industry is rapidly turning into a profitable business.Many companies are already hoping to get their share of the significant investment RWE is planning to make in the renewables sector by winning key long term contracts with the company in 2012 and beyond. Given the shutdown of the German Nuclear industry, many manufacturers in the country who now supply parts or services to nuclear plant developers and operators will soon be short of business, and looking for new opportunities such as that which the RWE investment represents.

Furthermore, other industries such as the oil and gas or aviation industry are also looking to enter the offshore wind market and according to the EWEA ‘’the supply of offshore wind turbines will meet and exceed demand for the next decade, leading to healthy levels of competition within Europe with the potential for export to emerging North American markets’’.

With new players constantly entering the offshore wind market, the competition for the procurement managers’ attention will become increasingly harder to achieve leaving the least adapted companies out of business. With more businesses offering supply chain products and services in 2012, knowing exactly what procurement managers are looking for will be a critical factor for companies’ survival in the market.

To address these issues, the 2nd Annual Offshore Wind Supply Chain Conference taking place in London this February 28-29 is bringing leading contract and procurement managers from Europe’s main utilities to discuss their selection criteria for choosing supply chain partners for the next round offshore wind projects. RWE is presented by Mr. Bjoern Przygodda, Head of Procurement, Offshore and Mr. Thierry Aelens, Head of Projects & Operations, Offshore who will be giving some vital insight about the RWE offshore experience and the main factors they will be looking for in their current and future business partners across Europe.

With more than 150 C level executives attending the event last year and even more expected to join this year, the 2nd annual offshore supply chain conference is the largest, most important business to business gathering entirely dedicated to offshore wind supply chain industry matters in UK and Europe. source: www.renewableenergyworld.com

Moving Jobs Offshore Becoming 'Harder to Justify'

2012-01-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

Economic conditions, natural resources and technological innovation are making it harder for manufacturers to "justify moving jobs offshore," according to a new report by Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management.

Three drivers are responsible for "breathing life back into manufacturing," according to "Workforce Rising: Why U.S. Manufacturing is Poised for a Comeback," authored by Charlton Reynders and Patrick McVeigh.Offshoring to Homeshoring
Companies are turning from offshoring to homeshoring as the cost advantages of moving production to China and other locations become less significant. The wage gap between China and the U.S is shrinking, the report notes. Wages in China are rising at a predicted 15% to 20% annually while U.S. wage rates are growing at only 2%.

Higher oil prices have pushed transportation costs dramatically higher, the report notes. "By reallocating resources to the U.S., companies can reduce the distance to the point of sale and eventually benefit from more accessible, cheaper fuel in domestic natural gas," the report states.

Industries are adopting a more holistic view of production, according to the study, by using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). TCO includes in cost evaluation "the burden of controlling quality and delivery, transportation, oil consumption, inspection of labor, inventory carrying, and freight and packaging." Companies that use TCO "find it is cheaper and more predictable to keep manufacturing close to home," the report states.

Resources Spur Momentum
Water stress is a global issue and the U.S. is well-positioned to address it. The report notes that the U.S. has the largest reserves of water on the planet. Moreover, there is "significant growth in domestic companies focused on conservation and desalination technology - both of which will be critical to augmenting the fresh water supply."

Natural gas, much of it coming from shale formations, could generate domestic supplies for 120 years. The report states this would not only help with transportation costs but also may give "U.S. manufacturing a competitive refooting, which will in turn stoke industrial demand." The report cites an estimate by PricewaterhousCoopers that natural gas investments could create 1 million U.S. manufacturing jobs in the coming 15 years.

Technology & Innovation
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, could "transform entire industries," the report notes. It may streamline manufacturing and make it more efficient by "vastly" reducing production liens and wasted material. The report argues that 3D printing could unleash a wave of innovation, with "millions of innovators in millions of garages - each with a 3D printer on hand."

While the report does not foresee a "quick fix" for U.S. manufacturing, it argues that manufacturing will return as "China struggles with growing infrastructure and the emergence of its middle class; as industries built around U.S.-based resources solidify; and as innovation brings production to new levels of efficiency."source: www.industryweek.com

Plans for Maine’s first offshore wind turbine moving quickly

2011-12-09T03:22:00.000-08:00

Dec. 09, 2011 - SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A deep water wind farm off Maine’s coast moved closer to reality Thursday as state and federal officials got a more detailed look at a Norwegian energy company’s proposal.

Statoil North America Inc., a division of the Norwegian company Statoil ASA, submitted an application in October for a commercial lease to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for an area of ocean that’s about 22 square miles for full assessment of environmental impacts, sea bed conditions and wind speeds. The lease area is about 12 nautical miles offshore of the Boothbay area.

The eventual size of the “Hywind Maine” project would be narrowed down to an area of between 2.32 and 3.86 square miles.Ned Farquhar, deputy assistant secretary at the Department of the Interior, talked Thursday about the Obama administration’s goals to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources.

“Opportunities like Atlantic wind, where there is significant potential, don’t come along every generation,” said Farquhar. “This is a huge opportunity to develop clean energy sources responsibly.”

The official interest by a major industry player in offshore wind immediately accelerates the potential development of the sector in Maine. The state, largely through the efforts of private industry and the University of Maine, has been developing prototypes, studying environmental and commercial issues off the coast and setting up the process for approving such projects.

“The proposal galvanizes the commercial deep-water development in Maine and the United States,” said Habib Dagher, the UMaine professor who has been at the forefront of offshore wind research in the state. “It’s currently an international race to deep water, and Maine is in the middle of that race.”

Farquhar confirmed Dagher’s assessment: “Deep water has not been implemented very much around the world. It’s got tremendous potential and Maine is at the vanguard.”

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has been involved with the offshore wind effort in Maine for years, sending members of her staff with former Gov. John Baldacci to Norway in 2009. She noted in a statement Thursday that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar toured the new deep-water offshore wind laboratory at UMaine during the summer at her invitation to learn more about the work being done in the state.

“I am very pleased to see the department take this next step in convening the BOEM Maine Renewable Energy Task Force today, and I thank Secretary Salazar for his commitment to work with other federal agencies in pursuing the most efficient path forward to establish deep-water, offshore wind as a viable energy source,” Collins said.

The federal agency has reviewed and approved the legal aspects of the application. It still has to review the technical and financial merits of the program.

The project would be in water from 460 to 520 feet deep. Because of the depth, the wind turbines would be floating, tethered to anchors on the sea floor — not embedded in the ocean bed.

Aditi Mirani, the bureau’s project manager for Maine, said the initial project Statoil has proposed is a pilot plan. It would include four 3-megawatt turbines, she said. The company is proposing a similar deep-sea pilot program off the coast of Scotland.

“What they’re proposing here is a test facility, a small-scale project. They just want to demonstrate the commercial potential of that floating turbine technology,” said Marini.

Ken Fletcher, head of Gov. Paul LePage’s Office of Energy Independence, noted the development of offshore wind in Maine was still in the very early stages.

The administration is keeping an open mind regarding the different energy opportunities that exist, he said, and ocean energy is “one of those great potentials.”

“The real test will be how well we can implement and achieve that potential with minimal impact,” said Fletcher.

Marini said Statoil plans to submit construction plans and operations plans by the end of next year, with the bureau making a decision on the lease request and approval of those plans by 2014. The plan is to start installation of the turbines in summer 2016, she said.

Statoil has responded to a request for proposals from the Maine Public Utilities Commission for companies that wanted to produce offshore energy, and the company also has applied to the New England electric grid to connect at the Boothbay substation.

Sen. Christopher Rector, R-Thomaston, head of the Legislature’s Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee, said he saw great potential for Maine companies like Bath Iron Works, Cianbro Corp., Reed & Reed Construction and others.

“We’ve been focused on jobs for as long as I’ve been in the Legislature. What’s exciting about this is the opportunity for jobs in areas where we have some levels of native skill,” Rector said. “Saltwater runs in our veins.”

Rector said he was thinking of not only jobs making the turbine towers and parts, but also the installation and continuing maintenance of the wind farm.

Paul Williamson, director of the Maine Wind Energy Initiative, said his group has been working with Statoil to determine what parts of the supply chain exist here in Maine and where there are gaps.

The company’s interest in Maine waters takes his group’s efforts to a different level, he noted.

“This is beyond tire-kicking,” he said.

Statoil developed the first deep-water floating turbine off the coast of Norway in 2009. Former Gov. John Baldacci, University of Maine researchers and others visited the site that year, signing an agreement to cooperate in exploring the technology’s potential.

The company has operations in 34 countries and is valued at $85 billion. Company officials visited Maine after the gubernatorial mission to Norway and said at the time they were exploring numerous deep-water sites around the globe for their first commercial wind farm.

About 100 state and federal officials, as well as members of the public and interested parties, gathered Thursday for the meeting in South Portland.

Expected to last for much of the day, the session included numerous comments from agencies including the Coast Guard, Department of Defense and National Marine Fisheries Service on how they plan to study the proposal and what problems may exist.

Several officials gave initial assessments while describing the additional studies and tests they would undertake concerning the feasibility of the Maine Hywind project.

“Statoil picked a fairly decent location as far as traffic goes,” said George Detweiller, a marine transportation specialist with the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard data show relatively light traffic in that area, he said, though they don’t necessarily track smaller fishing vessels or recreation craft.

Representatives from the DOD said they would need more studies to determine possible impact on radar, and noted the area was in the general vicinity of pathways used by BIW and the Navy to test new destroyers, as well as submarine routes for vessels being serviced by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

A fisheries officials said they would study impacts on habitat, marine mammals, fish stocks and others.

Linda Welch, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist who works with the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, raised a number of concerns regarding offshore turbines and their potential impact on birds and bats.

Both the roseate tern and the piping plover are endangered species and migrate from Nova Scotia to Maine using unknown routes. They could be affected by a wind farm, she noted.

Maine has about 4,600 coastal islands and 382 are nationally significant seabird nesting islands, she said.

For example, 96 percent of the Arctic terns in the lower 48 states breed on four islands in the Gulf of Maine. Ninety percent of Atlantic puffins breed on three of Maine’s islands, she said.

Bald eagles congregate on the coast in the winter, feasting on seabirds, traveling to islands up to 20 miles off the coast, Welch said.

She suggested that in-depth studies would be needed to address potential impacts.

Rep. Bruce MacDonald, D-Boothbay, a member of the task force, said he was a proponent of wind energy, but added that a lot more study and information was needed.

“We have to look at a complete picture — can you do it without hurting the fishermen?” he said.

After the presentations, the task force took comments and questions from members of the audience. Some, including Dagher and Beth Nagusky of Environment Northeast, urged an expedited process for approving the pilot project lease.

A number of others with questions represented Maine’s fishing community, including Chris Weiner, a senior fishery analyst with the American Bluefin Tuna Association.

Weiner said the area eyed by Statoil is a “hot spot” for tuna, as well as for groundfish, lobsters and whale watchers.

“There are much better places to put something like this,” said Weiner. “You’re never going to please everybody, but don’t pick a hot spot.”source: /bangordailynews.com

Retail jobs to fall sharply: Gerry Harvey

2011-12-09T03:19:00.000-08:00

9 Dec 2011 - Consumer goods king Gerry Harvey says 20 per cent of retail jobs could be lost if tough trading conditions continue.

The Harvey Norman co-founder and chairman predicts that the sector, which employs 1.2 million people, could shrink to one million workers next year due to the parlous state of retailing.

"We employ 1.2 million people and next year we'll be employing one million - it's getting bad every day and just gets worse," Mr Harvey told AAP on Friday.Mr Harvey said traditional store-front retailers were increasingly losing out to online sales, with shopper dollars flying offshore.

"Now it's starting to bite because so many retailers are going out of business.

"And then you've got so many Harvey Norman shops that are in serious trouble.

"We're losing money in more shops than we've ever lost money and that's (the same for) every retailer right across the country."

Australians are keeping purse strings tight and hoarding savings as global economic woes weigh on sentiment, and retailers are feeling the pinch.

Losing sales to online stores is a double whammy.

PayPal Australia this week said online commerce in the nation had grown at 11 per cent over the past year and sales were expected to be $30 billion by the end of calendar 2011.

Harvey Norman last month launched an online shop, following its Harvey Norman Big Buys website that started in April, after feeling the effect of internet shopping on its traditional stores.

Harvey Norman reported a 3.8 per cent fall in global sales in the September quarter, compared to the prior period.

The franchise was doing it tough in the lead-up to the all-important Christmas season, and it was not alone, Mr Harvey said.

The retailer expected "a reasonable Christmas, but not great".

Mr Harvey also renewed his call for the introduction of the GST and duties on foreign goods bought online for less than $1,000.

Currently, imported goods must be valued at more than $1,000 to attract such levies.

Mr Harvey said the existing system didn't appear to be enforced because the retailer had tested it by buying a $1,500 item online and was not charged GST and duties.

"They put $1,500 on your credit card and send you an invoice for $990 so it goes through customs, and the credit card company doesn't say anything because it's good for them, too.

"This has been going on for ages."

A Productivity Commission report on Friday recognised that competition from overseas online sellers was a challenge to the retail sector.

However, the commission said the low value threshold for exemption from GST and duty on imports was only a "minor part" of the competitive disadvantage traditional retailers faced and it would cost more to lower it than retain it.

According to the commission, the retail sector is worth around $60 billion a year to the economy.source: www.businessspectator.com.au

Vestas warns of ‘catch 22’ offshore

2011-12-09T03:17:00.000-08:00

08 December 2011 - Vestas Offshore president Anders Soe Jensen advised of a “catch 22” for offshore wind at yesterday’s Countdown to 2020 conference in London.

He said that in order to maintain support for the sector costs must continue to fall, yet the industry requires a greater level of certainty before it can commit to further investment.

Soe Jensen said Vestas has dedicated itself to bringing more offshore wind to the UK in order to help the sector grow and to help the country’s economy expand.

He said the company has three priorities: it aims to reduce the cost of offshore wind, it wants create more jobs in the sector and it wants to keep the public on board as the industry grows.In order to maintain momentum the industry must demonstrate that the long term cost of energy for offshore can fall to £100 per megawatt-hour.

Soe Jensen said the industry needed a sufficient pipeline of projects going forward to justify investment saying that no one in their right mind would build a factory to employ 2000 people without it.

He added that operation and maintenance jobs require highly skilled workers for long periods of time but a lack of growth in the sector is limiting how many people can be employed.

“We cannot bring down costs alone,” said Soe Jensen, adding that it will require cooperation between the industries and banks to fully recognise the potential of offshore wind in the UK.source: renews.biz

Noble, Shell Debut New Offshore Rig Design in the Gulf of Mexico

2011-12-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

They first thing you’ll notice looking at the Noble Bully I is what it’s missing. Unlike a conventional drilling rig, it has no derrick. Instead, it sports a compact, box-type drilling tower.

Shell spokesperson Kelly op de Weegh says it’s the tower that gives the Bully rig its edge.

“That multi-purpose tower allows you to be drilling as well as moving some pipe around and preparing for the next phase of the well simultaneously. And it also improves safety, in that dropped objects are always considered a safety hazard in the offshore industry. This Bully rig, because it really removes that threat, there’s just a much cleaner layout of the drill floor with clearer visibility.”The Noble Bully I has just arrived in the Gulf from Singapore. Following acceptance tests, it’ll start drilling in Shell’s Mars B field, about 150 miles south of New Orleans. Its sister ship, the Noble Bully II, is scheduled to begin operations off the Brazilian coast early next year.
source: app1.kuhf.org

Drilling Down

2011-12-09T03:08:00.000-08:00

In June 2010, in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, President Obama put Michael Bromwich in charge of reforming the Interior Department’s offshore oil and gas programs. Yet, the two men have met only once, in September 2010, shortly before the department lifted the moratorium it had placed on issuing deepwater drilling permits. “I’ve been given a remarkably free hand in running this agency,” says Bromwich, who is leaving as director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management at year’s end. (He says he doesn’t know what he’s doing next.) In an interview with National Journal at the Interior Department, Bromwich reflects on the last 18 months. Edited excerpts follow.

NJ Your expertise is not in energy and environmental issues. How was this job different from past positions you’ve held, including inspector general of the Justice Department?

BROMWICH [With] the bulk of what I’ve had to do, you have not needed to have a wealth of specific technical information about offshore drilling. The important challenges that I faced in coming in here at the end of June of 2010 were ones of leadership and direction—of being able to take the reins of a troubled organization, being able to help lift it up, move it forward, and take care of the many significant tasks that were assigned to the agency.

There were plenty of technically smart people in the agency who could provide me technical information when I needed it. That’s not what the director of an agency like this needs to have, first and foremost. Does it hurt? No. Does it help? Marginal amount. But you can get that from people lower down in the agency.

NJ You had some difficult relationships with a few oil-state Republicans, especially Rep. Jeffrey Landry and Sen. David Vitter, both from Louisiana.

BROMWICH I understand that they feel the need to represent their constituents in an aggressive and sometimes highly rhetorical way. There are fantasies some people in the industry and some politicians have about who exercises control over what—everything ranging from the White House telling me what to do, which has never happened, to me telling the permitting people what to do and not to do, which has never happened. Some of the Gulf State representatives would be shocked about how little communication there has been, for example, between the White House and me. I have not talked to anyone in the White House for six months.

NJ What was the hardest part about this job?

BROMWICH The hardest part was dealing with the external pressures and the external focus on the agency from Day One. That continued for a longer period of time than I expected it. I thought once the well was capped, once the deepwater-drilling moratorium was over, once deepwater wells began to be permitted again—which was in February—that we wouldn’t be as much of an interest to you and your colleagues and the Congress and the outside world. That just turned out not to be true. We were not able to dig into some of the internal issues as we would have if we didn’t have the incredible array and continuing stream of external things to respond to: 15 congressional hearings, 19 external speeches.

NJ Why so much external pressure?

BROMWICH The companies—which were being harmed by the moratorium and the fact that we were processing plans and permits at a slower pace than we had historically—have a loud public voice. People pay attention to them. They make contributions to congressmen. They have very vocal trade associations. That’s why there continued to be a steady drumbeat of information coming out, much of it critical about what we were doing. And that explains the sustained attention that our operations got.

NJ What advice would you give to your successor, Rear Adm. James Watson?

BROMWICH Don’t worry about the pressures you’re getting from the external world, whether they be from trade associations or politicians or operators. Just do what you think is the right thing to do. Make decisions that you can justify to yourself and that you can justify to the outside world.

NJ What would you do differently?

BROMWICH What I wish I had had time to do was spend more time bringing in a couple of additional senior staff people, because the crushing burdens of this office fell on an incredibly small number of people.

NJ While your focus has been on offshore oil and gas production, your agency also regulates offshore renewable energy, such as wind.

BROMWICH I would say a generous estimate of how much time I spent on offshore-renewable issues is 2 percent. I regret that. I think there are some interesting and some promising things that can be done in terms of offshore renewables, but I did not have the luxury of time to get as involved in those issues as I would have liked.

This article appeared in the Saturday, December 10, 2011 edition of National Journal. source: www.nationaljournal.com

Offshore drilling watchdog stepping down

2011-12-09T03:04:00.000-08:00

December 08, 2011 - When Michael Bromwich took over the helm of the agency overseeing offshore drilling 17 months ago, oil was still gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, and a handful of ethical lapses had shattered public confidence in the ability of federal regulators to police the industry.

Now, Bromwich is leaving the Interior Department after leading a major overhaul of the government's offshore drilling oversight programs and imposing a swath of new regulations designed to improve the safety of coastal oil and gas exploration.

But he is not confident that all of the changes imposed since last year's Deepwater Horizon disaster will stick."People have short memories," Bromwich said. "We have done everything we possibly can to institutionalize these reforms (and) to create new substantive rules. But there are a lot of people who have amnesia, who make believe that Deepwater Horizon never happened or (think) it was a total anomaly."

Bromwich warns that major challenges remain for the offshore drilling industry and the regulators who monitor it, especially as federal agencies struggle to compete with oil companies to recruit top-notch petroleum engineers. Some industry leaders and their allies in Congress also are pushing to roll back new regulations imposed since last year's oil spill.

Bromwich also is campaigning for extra dollars for the two federal bureaus that were created to replace the former Minerals Management Service.

"This agency for 28 years fought a losing battle for resources," he said. "We have now started to make up for lost ground over the last year and a half," but possible across-the-board budget cuts and planned congressional spending "make me quite concerned about whether the agency will have the resources and tools it needs to do the job that the public expects it to do."

Bromwich formally stepped down as head of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement on Thursday, but he will serve as a special adviser to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar through the end of the year.

His successor is retired Coast Guard Rear Adm. James Watson, who led the government's response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster after June last year.

Bromwich became a lightning rod for criticism from industry leaders and some lawmakers, who said the government's approval rate of offshore drilling projects slowed unnecessarily under his watch.

source: articles.sfgate.com

‘One-stop-shop’ could create offshore jobs

2011-10-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

MAJOR employers are joining together to protect and create jobs in the North East.

A&P Tyne and the Port of Tyne are among a group of 19 companies backing a new industrial engineering group which aims to cash in on the offshore renewable energy business.

The new group – Energi Coast – aims to provide a “one-stop shop” of skills to cover every aspect of renewable energy projects.

A&P, based in Hebburn, see offshore windfarm work as a logical extension of the traditional shipyard and heavy manufacturing skills available in the region.Neil Jarvis, sales and commercial director at A&P Tyne, said: “Our traditional engineering skills in shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing and engineering are easily transferable to building, operating and maintaining large offshore wind farms and our geographic location is ideal.”

He added: “The region can literally be a ‘one-stop shop’ for the offshore renewables sector. We have companies that can provide services and solutions that extend right across the offshore wind supply chain.”

The collaboration was announced the day after South Tyneside Council made public its plan to bring together a high-powered economic “think tank” to help boost the borough’s economy.

The other companies involved are Able UK, Barrier Ltd, CTC Marine Projects, Heerema Fabrication Group, JDR Cable Systems, McNulty Group Holdings, Mech-Tool Engineering, MPI Offshore, NOF Energy, OGN Group, PDL Solutions (Europe) Ltd, Reef Subsea, SMD, Tag Energy Solutions, Tata Steel Europe, Technip UK Ltd and Wilton Engineering Services.

Mr Jarvis added: “Like others in Energi Coast, A&P Tyne has successfully diversified in recent years into new sectors such as offshore oil and gas and renewable energy.

“We’re proud to be a founding member of Energi Coast. All the companies involved will be working collaboratively to ensure a first-rate supply chain that we believe can effectively compete against anywhere in the world.”source: www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com

Southern Jobs for Offshore Wind Energy

2011-10-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

This week, Simon Mahan is attending the American Wind Energy Association/Offshore Wind Development Coalition’s conference on offshore wind energy in Baltimore, Md. This is the first of a series of three blogs from the conference.
Marylanders prefer Café to Coal

I’m attending the American Wind Energy Association/Offshore Wind Development Coalition’s Offshore Wind Expo this week. As you may recall, I blogged about this event when it was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey last year.

Today, I’ve mostly attended presentations on offshore wind turbine manufacturing and supply chains. The discussions have tended toward a conclusion that without many planned offshore wind projects, manufacturing and shipbuilding would not occur.Nevertheless, some evidence is available that flies in the face of this seemingly foregone conclusion. Already several U.S. companies have provided their expertise to the global offshore wind industry, and several more companies are building new manufacturing - without a clear market demand, and mostly here in the South.

Perhaps the gem of the offshore wind industry here in the South is Clemson University’s new drive-train test facility in Charleston, South Carolina. The $98 million drive-train test facility is the biggest single investment in the Palmetto State’s history, and has proven to be a magnet for manufacturers of offshore wind turbine. IMO USA, a German-based company that manufactures slew rings for wind turbines, built its manufacturing plant near the Clemson facility. The $47 million IMO facility employs approximately 190 workers.

Wind turbines are connected to the ocean floor and can be done so using different foundation technologies. Many offshore foundation technologies, such as the tripod foundation, have been utilized in the offshore oil and gas industries, as well. A Texas company, Offshore Wind Power Systems of Texas, recently announced that it would be providing foundations for an offshore wind energy project in Brazil.

Offshore wind turbine blades can be significantly longer than onshore wind turbine blades and require specialty manufacturing. Last year, Blade Dynamics, a wind turbine blade manufacturer, announced it would be building a new blade manufacturing facility specifically for the offshore wind industry. The facility is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. At present Blade Dynamics is planning on selling their blades primarily to the European market.

After the turbines are manufactured, offshore wind installation vessels place the turbines in the ocean. The specialty vessels are similar to vessels used in the offshore oil and gas industries, but several ships have been built with wind energy specifically in mind. A Danish company, Knud E. Hansen USA L.L.C., recently opened shop in Florida with the capability of designing these specialty ships. However, the US has already built these specialty ships before. Take for example the KS Titan II. This specialty-built vessel has helped install several wind farms off the UK coast. The KS Titan II was the second specialty offshore wind installation vessel built in Louisiana by SEMCO LLC. The vessel flies a Singaporean flag and operates in the UK waters.

Turbines are connected onshore via sub-sea electric cables. Those cables have to be manufactured by specialty companies and installed by specialized vessels. Prysmian Power Cables is located in South Carolina and manufactures transmission and distribution cables to the electric power industry, including sub-sea cables. ABB Cable, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, also develops AC and DC export cables for offshore wind farms and offshore electrical substations. Trico Marine, a Texas-based company, has been selected to install sub-sea cables for offshore wind farms in the European market.

These are just a few of the companies already operating in the offshore wind energy industry, even though there hasn’t been a single offshore wind turbine installed here in the U.S. I can’t help but note that all the companies listed above are here in the South. Just imagine how many jobs could be created in our region if our country stepped up to the plate and supported strong national policies to promote offshore wind energy. One such measure is currently making its way through the U.S. Senate. The Incentivizing Offshore Wind Act (S. 1397) is a bi-partisan piece of legislation that, if passed, will help incentivize offshore wind and provide a stable policy to promote offshore wind. Contact your U.S. Senators and ask them to co-sponsor this important piece of job-creating legislation to help support robust wind energy manufacturing and generation in our region.source: blog.cleanenergy.org

Offshore Balance of Plant Engineer (Maintenance Contracts)- Grimsby

2011-10-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Job Type: Permanent
Location: Grimsby
Salary: £35,000 to £45,000
Start Date: ASAP
Duration:
Reference: 251722-OFFSHORE-ENGINEER RES is one of the world's leading renewable energy developers. Drawing on decades of experience in the renewable energy and construction industries, RES has the expertise to develop, construct and operate large-scale wind farms of outstanding quality. RES has now passed the 5000MW milestone and our enviable track record in project delivery has given us a reputation for excellence that is second to none.

RES has a dedicated offshore development, engineering, construction and operations team which successfully participating in UK Rounds 1, 2 and 3 RES is expanding to meet the future opportunities in the UK and European offshore wind sector.

We are currently looking for a Balance of Plant Engineer (maintenance contracts), to work at our Grimsby Office based on Grimsby Docks. This interesting role within renewable energy, encompasses the creation and management of a set of contracts that ensure that high standards of mechanical and electrical maintenance are adhered to, both onshore at substations and on offshore structures and submerged HV cables. The scope of works also includes ensuring that all statutory insurance inspections are completed on time and within budget. The role would ideally suit an existing maintenance engineer with experience of working with engineering contracts. Part of the role will include working both offshore and at height. Full offshore survival and working at height training will be provided. The successful candidate will be required to produce reports on a weekly and monthly basis.

The successful candidate would join the small team based in Grimsby but would also be part of the larger RES organisation based in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. We require an individual who can be flexible both in working patterns and tasks undertaken. Previous, relevant experience with electrical HV systems would be advantageous, however training will be provided. The successful candidate will already be commensurate in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.

The role will offer the successful candidate the chance to become involved in other aspects of renewable energy management, particularly wind turbine maintenance management.

To apply for this position please email your CV by clicking on the apply now button below stating 'Offshore BOP Engineer' in the subject box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 26th November 2011.

Apply Now

Capito seeks to use offshore drilling to fund road repairs

2011-09-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

Monday September 26, 2011 - Rep. Shelley Moore Capito wants to expand oil and gas drilling off the United States' coasts and use some of the returns to help repair the country's roads and bridges.

Her office said the money from leases oil companies pay the government to drill offshore would amount to $435.5 billion over 30 years.

Capito, R-W.Va., said she thought the idea had support from leaders in the Republican-majority House and "we're going to work on the Democratic side."

The bill is consistent with Capito's desire to broaden as much possible the country's energy portfolio, she said, while also helping to shore up the dwindling road repair budget."I've been on an 'all of the above' energy plan, so let's tap these resources," she said in a telephone interview Friday.

Offshore drilling is currently prohibited in most places around the United States, though there are several exceptions. Environmentalists generally oppose the drilling, pointing to the danger of spills like that of April 2010 at a BP oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico.

Still, the notion isn't without bipartisan support. In March 2010, President Barack Obama said, "in the short term, as we transition to cleaner energy sources, we've still got to make some tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development."

But a move toward expanding drilling was put on hold and reversed three weeks later when the BP rig began belching oil into the gulf.source: www.dailymail.com

Ground broken by offshore drilling platform

2011-09-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

NOBLE Energy broke ground yesterday in exploratory drilling for natural gas off Cyprus’ southern coast, as the government again defended the Republic’s right to exploit the country’s natural resources.

The drill of the ‘Homer Ferrington’ oil rig penetrated the seabed, at a sea depth of 1,700 m, said Energy Service director Solon Kassinis.

Drilling would continue to the depth of around 5.8km below sea level, and the process could take up to two or three months, he said.

“It’s going well, without any glitches,” Kassinis told the Cyprus Mail.During this time samples will be taken from the bedrock and analyzed for their hydrocarbon content and quality.

Once the process is complete, the borehole is sealed with cement. If the samples are promising, the borehole would be reopened for commercial extraction at a later date.

Drilling is taking place in a field designated as Block 12 (or “Aphrodite”); energy officials say it could hold up to 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Texas-based Noble Energy holds the exploration concession for Block 12 that lies very close to a gas field in Israeli waters.

Noble's Israeli partner, the Delek Group, has an option to participate in the Cypriot project.

Delek subsidiaries Avner Oil and Gas LP and and Delek Drilling LP have just received a precedent-setting provisional licence to invest in the Cypriot oil and gas exploration projects. The two companies have an option to buy 15 per cent each of Cypriot offshore Block 12 concession from Noble Energy.

The Cypriot government will have to give Avner and Delek Drilling permission to exercise their option to the concession.

According to business website Globes, Israeli authorities have banned Avner and Delek Drilling from investing in foreign projects due to concerns that their controlling shareholders will abuse the difference between their knowledge and other investors' knowledge about developments in foreign markets. For this reason, the companies' permit is provisional and limited to Cyprus.

Kassinis confirmed yesterday that Noble has asked Cypriot authorities for permission for Avner and Delek Drilling to exercise their option.

He said the request is being assessed by an advisory panel to the Commerce Ministry. Final decision rests with the Cabinet.

Turkey has threatened to send gunships to protect its own planned exploratory work off the island’s northern coastline.

Acting government spokesman Christos Christofides said the President and the government are “closely monitoring developments and are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that our efforts proceed unhampered.”

Appealing for calm in the face of Turkish actions in the eastern Mediterranean, Christofides said there was no cause for “unnecessary alarm” and called on the media to play their part.

Reiterating that Cyprus is well within its rights to explore for hydrocarbons, Christofides added that the Republic has had the unequivocal backing of the international community on this.

The President and the administration would continue efforts overseas to build “a shield” of international support around Cyprus, he said.source: www.cyprus-mail.com

Drilling mud spills from offshore rig east of St. John's

2011-09-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

Thousands of litres of synthetic drilling mud spilled at the White Rose oil development hundreds of kilometres southeast of St. John’s on Tuesday, officials say.

Husky Energy said the spill of about 5,000 litres of drilling mud from the GSF Grand Banks oil rig occurred during normal drilling operations.

The White Rose oil project is about 350 kilometres from the island of Newfoundland. Drilling was suspended Tuesday and an investigation was launched, the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board said.

Drilling mud is used in the oil industry to prevent oil or gas from escaping during drilling operations.The news release suggested the spill is not expected to have a serious impact on the environment near the rig.

“Synthetic based mud is a heavy, dense fluid used during drilling operations to lubricate the drill pipe and balance reservoir pressure. Because of its weight, the mud sinks rapidly in the water column and rests on the sea floor. The synthetic base oil used is a food-grade oil of extremely low toxicity,” said a C-NLOPB news release Tuesday.

Late last March, more than 26,000 litres of drilling mud spilled from another oil rig operating east of St. John's. The Henry Goodrich rig was drilling an exploration well for Suncor at the time.

According to the C-NLOPB, the incident in March was the largest spill of drilling mud since 2007, when 74,000 litres of drilling mud were spilled in the Orphan Basin area of the North Atlantic Ocean.source: www.cbc.ca

Bill aimed at using BP fines to restore Gulf goes to full Senate

2011-09-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hours after the oil rig explosion in April 2010, fireboats try
to extinguish the blaze on the Deepwater Horizon rig
south of Venice. The BP oil company faces fines,
which a Senate committee said should be used to restore
the Gulf Coast.

A bill that calls for 80 percent of BP penalties to go toward restoring the Gulf of Mexico has moved to the full U.S. Senate.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed the bill, called the Restore Act. Next, it goes to the full Senate for a vote.

Under the bill, a restoration plan would have to be drawn up and a special council set up to oversee restoration. The bill also calls for money to be set aside for long-term studies of the Gulf.

The bill has been pushed by Gulf Coast senators and backed by environmental groups.The BP spill occurred after the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded April 20, 2010, off the coast of Louisiana, leading to the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.source: www.nola.com

Oil Plays: Why Drill When You Can Integrate?

2011-09-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the stock market, not all oil companies are created equal. For instance, drillers like Transocean (NYSE:RIG) and Diamond Offshore (NYSE:DO) have fallen 18% and 14%, respectively, in 2011 while integrated energy colossus Chevron (NYSE:CVX) has only dropped 1%. Why?

The answer can be found by looking at what drives their profits. Offshore drillers operate platforms that float over oil deposits beneath the ocean floor. Companies like BP (NYSE:BP) pay offshore drillers a daily rate to drill in search of oil. The goal of companies that hire the offshore drillers is to find the oil and get it pumped out as fast as possible so they can minimize the day rate they’re paying.Of course, BP and Transocean got into a bit of trouble back in 2010 when Transocean’s Deepwater Horizon rig — which BP had hired — blew up, killing 11 crew members. This led to a massive cleanup and a moratorium on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. That moratorium on drilling cut way back on the number of rig days that Transocean and its competitor, Diamond Offshore, got paid.

The financial results are not pretty. In 2010, Transocean’s net income plunged 69% to $988 million thanks to the loss of that rig’s income and the moratorium in the Gulf. And in the second quarter of 2011, Transocean’s net income plunged 50% to $155 million while only 55% of its fleet was being used.

The numbers for Diamond Offshore are not that much better. Its net income has fallen 31% in the last year while its revenues are down 9%. But in the second quarter of 2011, it reported higher profits of $267 million — up 8%. The bad news, which spooked its stock, is that management forecast more rig downtime — 1,004 days in 2011 and 869 days in 2012.

Chevron is a different story. It has many different ways to make money — including the refining and marketing of oil. If Chevron can keep its cost of buying crude oil low enough and keep its refineries operating close to full capacity, then it likely will make a big profit when it subtracts these costs from the price it gets from consumers at the pump.

That spread worked quite nicely for Chevron in the second quarter. Its profit spiked 43% to $7.7 billion on revenue that climbed 31% to $66.7 billion as higher oil and gasoline prices made up for a decline in oil production.

But that’s all history. Should you buy any of these stocks? Consider Chevron but avoid the offshore drillers. Here’s why:

Chevron: Profitable company, possibly expensive stock. Chevron revenues are up 19% in the past year, and it earns a solid 9.9% net profit margin. Yet its price/earnings-to-growth ratio is a high 3.95 — 1.0 is considered fairly valued — on a P/E of 7.9 on earnings forecast to grow 2% to $13.75 in fiscal 2012 after a 42% rise in 2011. If you think Chevron’s 2012 earnings growth will be better, then the stock might be cheap.
Transocean: Unprofitable company, expensive stock. Transocean loses money: It has a -1% net profit margin. And its PEG is undefined because it trades at a P/E of -129, but its earnings are forecast to rise 63% in 2012 to $5.75. If you like betting on a turnaround, this could be one to consider.
Diamond Offshore: Profitable company, overpriced stock. Diamond Offshore earns a whopping 29% net profit margin. And its PEG is undefined because it trades at a P/E of 8 on earnings forecast to tumble 20% in 2012 after a 10% decline in 2011.

If you had to bet on one of these, I’d go with Chevron. But if we have a recession coming up, then its earnings growth might be on the low end, and that would make its stock overpriced. The offshore drillers look questionable unless demand for their services spikes.

Peter Cohan has no financial interest in the securities mentioned.source: www.investorplace.com

Innovative Technologies in Offshore Drilling

2011-07-05T04:42:00.000-07:00

With much of the ‘easy’ oil and gas in the world found and recovered, energy firms increasingly have to push to extreme frontiers to make new discoveries. This often means moving further offshore, drilling in waters up to 3000 meters (10,000 feet) deep, which until recently had been beyond the capabilities of even the most

accomplished exploration companies. Technological advances and an expanding pool of knowledge, however, have meant that previously inaccessible reserves can now be tapped, which is opening up a realm of new opportunities for those companies on the leading edge of innovation in the industry.

Below are three technologies that have the potential to push the boundaries of offshore drilling in the near future.Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities

Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facilities package all the components required to extract and process natural gas – drilling rig, treatment system, cooling plant for liquefaction, storage facilities – into a single floating vessel that can be towed out and left semi-permanently at an offshore deepwater gas field. The advantage of these titanic FLNG facilities is their ability to work geographically complex fields that that would otherwise be inaccessible by traditional floating or jack-up rigs.

Natural gas is often cooled to a liquid in order to facilitate its transportation, but this must be done at an onshore facility, which in turn requires a pipeline connection to the gas field. A permanent rig and pipeline system to the onshore facility is simply not feasible for some fields though, due to the distance from shore and ocean floor features such as trenches that can’t be crossed or that are too expensive to avoid. An FLNG facility skirts this pipeline problem by extracting and processing the gas onsite.

Shell (NYSE:RDS.A) is pioneering the development of FLNG facilities, working closely with Technip (EPA:TEC), a French company that specializes in gas technology, and Korean ship-builder Samsung Heavy Industries (SEO:010140). Shell’s first FLNG vessel is scheduled for completion in 2017, after which it will head to their Prelude gas field off the North West coast of Australia where it is expected to produce upwards of 3.6 million tonnes of LNG and per year.

Underwater Power Grids

For those oil and gas fields that can be connected by pipelines to onshore facilities, a particular challenge posed by deepwater operations is establishing a power system that can run the vast network of pipes, pumps, and compressors needed to get the oil and gas from the well to the processing plant. Onshore, such a system is fairly straight-forward to construct, but building a similar system underwater has always proven to be significantly more challenging.

German engineering conglomerate Siemens (ETR:SIE) has designed a power grid that will enable deepwater pipeline networks to operate properly, and which increase the effectiveness of processing components. The grid can power processing systems in water up to 3000 meters (10,000 feet) deep, and Siemens have already developed power grids for use in deepwater offshore fields by Petrobras at their Carapeba field in Brazil and Statoil at their Snorre project in Norway.

Siemens have also recently acquired two sub-sea specialist companies, Poseidon Group AS and Bennex Group AS, to strengthen their position in underwater power generation market.

Deepwater Containment Systems

Though well containment systems prevent oil and gas from flowing, rather than facilitate it, they are, nonetheless, a key development for the offshore drilling industry. The Deepwater Horizon spill of 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico highlighted some of the risks involved in offshore drilling, and threatened the long-term future of the industry. Under pressure from regulators and shareholders, however, many large exploration companies have responded. The result is the development of containment systems that can be used to cap blown out wells in depths of up to 3000 meters (10,000 feet).

Trendsetter Engineering Inc. has designed a capping stack with a pressure capacity of 15,000 pounds per square inch as part of a containment system that is able to capture up to 100,000 barrels of oil or 200 million cubic feet of gas per day. These systems have so far been acquired by at least two groups, the Marine Well Containment Company, and the Helix Well Containment Group, whose members include most of the oil majors and large independents operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Members of these two groups have access to the containment systems should their own equipment fail.

Securing deepwater drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico now requires access to a containment system, which not only satisfies regulators and shareholders, but could also provide some measure of financial security for companies in the event of a blowout.source: resourceinvestingnews.com

Escape UK: Find Jobs Abroad and Get Work Overseas

2011-07-05T04:40:00.000-07:00

Ironically, when we created Shelter Offshore much of our focus was on living abroad and how to achieve the dream life overseas, but we failed to focus on working abroad sufficiently until our readers drew our attention to this lack on our part.

We focused on where to live, how to live, how to invest to make your money go far further, and even where to buy stunning property overseas – but the key to all of this is of course having the financial means to enable you to relocate. Of course we redressed the balance and introduced the working abroad section to our living abroad channel and the rest is history…

…or not quite! You see, we recently read that 1 in 4 Britons would move abroad for work reasons. However, many are restricted by lack of knowledge about how to find jobs abroad and get work overseas so that they can escape UK. Which means that this guide to securing an income abroad is required reading. Why Do So Many Britons Want to Escape UK and Work Abroad?

The latest British government statistics, as quoted on Expat Forum.com, reveal that work reasons account for about 57% of relocations away from the UK.

Britons want to move because the economy in the UK is so bad, job security is a thing of the past, and because there is no hope on the horizon that things will improve.

Whilst other nations have also faced their own share of economic issues, Britain is doing particularly poorly with high inflation, a weak pound and a stagnant yet still overpriced property market. Therefore to escape al of this, Britons want to move abroad and find a better working environment, improved job prospects and a better lifestyle.
Where Can You Earn the Most Money From Working Overseas?

Last year we produced a report on the 10 best countries to work in abroad if you want more money.

The countries that rank highest include a really diverse mix of nations around the world. If you don’t want to venture too far then Switzerland comes in at number 7, if you want to earn the most then consider Singapore or Russia, or if you want to take more of your salary home without the erosion of personal taxation, look to the UAE and perhaps work in Dubai for example.
Should You Focus on Income or Lifestyle?

In talking about the amount of money you can potentially earn if you go overseas for work however, we’re perhaps missing a fundamental fact. Many who choose to move abroad and look for jobs overseas do so to buy into an improved lifestyle.

So, is it all about the money? For some people working abroad is about a short-term contract and banking as much as possible. But for others who simply want a better quality of life, the work is secondary. As long as they earn enough to indeed enjoy an improved lifestyle, that’s sufficient.

You need to think about what’s important to you, as this will drive elements of your relocation such as your country choice and the work you’re willing to do for example.
Should You Seek Employment Abroad or Work for Yourself?

If you have a burning desire to branch out and start your own business, you could combine a relocation abroad with the realisation of your self-employment dream.

However, self-employment is tough – the bottom line is that you’re on your own in terms of making a business work. This reality can add stress to an already stressful time in your life. I.e., moving abroad is stressful, do you really want to add a new business venture on top?

Only you can answer this question for yourself.

If you decide that you do want to go it alone then perhaps the International Chamber of Commerce or the Chamber of Commerce local to your new nation will assist you as you set up and start trading.

If you want to work abroad for an employer then you need to decide whether it’s easier to get a job before you move, or relocate and then begin job hunting.
Think About Visas, Permissions and Qualifications

You need to determine whether you need a visa to work in your chosen nation. You also need to work out whether you need special permission to trade if you want to start a business – perhaps you even need a license?

The embassy of your new nation in the UK may be able to help. Or hop online to expat forums and get asking. Finally, factor in that your qualifications may not translate. You may need to re-qualify locally or have your skills, qualifications and experience documented and translated officially.
How Can You Find Work Overseas?

If you want to look for jobs before you move abroad, consider the following methods: -

- Use international recruitment agencies, all of which are online
- Use specialist recruitment agencies for your business sector, many have an international division for recruitment abroad
- Directly target potential employers. Do this by looking to see who’s recruiting, or by sending in a CV on spec
- Use forums and any contacts you have to begin networking before you relocate – find out if anyone’s hiring
- Sometimes there are international or country specific expos in major cities in the UK, recruiters often attend, so should you!

There are pros and cons associated with finding work before you go as opposed to relocating and then seeking employment. It can be easier to get a visa to live in some nations like Canada and Australia if you have an offer of employment before you apply. However, it can be easier to get a job if you’re on the ground and available to attend an interview.

Have a think about what suits you best…then go for it.
Factor in Business Viability and Job Security

The final aspect to consider when you’re thinking about finding jobs abroad or going overseas to work for yourself is the long-term viability of your plan.

If you’re starting a business you need to ensure the idea works locally to where you’re moving, or if it’s an online business for example, that you can make it pay. If you’re going to find a job overseas then you also need to know that there are plenty to go around!

If you rely on there just being 1 job or 1 opportunity for your business to succeed, you’re putting too much pressure and strain on yourself.

The more options you have the better. If you don’t like your first job you need to know you can apply for others. And if your business idea doesn’t take off immediately, it’s good to know that you can perhaps diversify or modify your idea and adapt it to the market. source: www.shelteroffshore.com

Job boost for Scottish offshore renewables industry

2011-07-05T04:36:00.000-07:00

World-leading wind energy company Gamesa will create around 40 high-value jobs by this summer for its planned Offshore Wind Technology Centre, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has revealed as he announced £1.5m regional selective assistance to support the development of the renewables base on the outskirts of Glasgow.

Having selected Scotland, Gamesa announced earlier this year that Glasgow was its preferred location for the centre, subject to final agreements on financing.

Following a meeting between the First Minister and Gamesa Chairman and CEO Jorge Calvet, in Edinburgh this week, the company has confirmed that the Centre will be located at Strathclyde Business Park, about eight miles east of the city centre, and that it has started the recruitment process.

Gamesa expects to be employing around 40 engineering staff by July/August, with the potential to grow this to more than 100 by the end of this year - rising to 180 within three years of the Centre beginning operations. It is due to be officially opened in the autumn.Gamesa have indicated they are also prepared to invest in manufacturing, logistics and operations & maintenance (O&M) in Scotland, conditional upon development of offshore wind projects in the area, securing government support and the availability of sites for prototypes. If implemented successfully, Gamesa's offshore plan could represent an investment of around 50 million euro in Scotland and create 300 direct jobs in the country.

First Minister Salmond said: "I was delighted again to meet Sr Calvet and to hear about his plans for the company to develop its next generation wind turbines. Gamesa is one of the world's leading turbine manufacturers and the decision to establish its Offshore Wind Technology Centre at Strathclyde Business Park is a huge boost for the Greater Glasgow area and for Scotland's rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

"I'm very pleased that Gamesa has secured premises for the new Centre and the recruitment process is already underway, with around 50 people expected to be employed there within the next few months, and many more to follow. The Scottish Government, together with our partners in Scottish Development International and our enterprise agencies, are committed to maintaining optimum conditions for continued inward investment in our world-leading renewables industry."

Jorge Calvet added: "Our commitment is strong and we are preparing to play a role in the offshore wind market. Our Offshore Technology Centre in Glasgow represents an important step in this strategy. Our offshore plans could generate significant local, skilled and sustainable jobs over the coming years. I would like to recognise the support and commitment from the Scottish Government and its development agencies during the ongoing discussions around these investment plans."

Adrian Gillespie, Senior Director of Energy and Low Carbon Technologies, Scottish Enterprise, said: "Gamesa has made speedy progress in securing a suitable location for its Offshore Wind Technology Centre and it is extremely encouraging that recruitment is already underway for the initial intake of engineering staff. Such progress is a clear demonstration of the favourable business environment Scotland has to offer the renewables sector. We are pleased to back the company with a Regional Selective Assistance grant and will continue to work closely with Gamesa to support the development of their business in Scotland."

The company is working to launch two offshore platforms (the G11X-5.0 MW and G14X-6/7 MW) and it has also announced that the UK will be the centre of its offshore wind business. It plans to invest over 150 million euro there by 2014. Gamesa estimates that the construction and development of its offshore wind business in the United Kingdom will create over 1,000 direct jobs and another 800 indirect jobs at local suppliers.

Exclusivity agreements for developments amounting to up to 10GW of offshore wind generation capacity in Scottish waters over the next decade have been granted through the Crown Estate's Round Three and Scottish Territorial Waters leasing rounds.

Over its previous four-year term, the Scottish Government consented 42 renewable energy projects and in 2009, more than a quarter (27.4 per cent) of electricity demand came from renewables. There are around 7 GigaWatts (GW) of renewables capacity installed, under construction or consented around the country. In May the Scottish Government's raised its target for renewable electricity generation in 2020 from matching 80 per cent to 100 per cent of consumption levels.

Scotland has some of the greatest renewable resources in Europe, with as much as a quarter of the continent's offshore wind and tidal energy potential and an estimated 10 per cent of its wave power capacity. The Offshore Valuation Study published in May 2010 estimates Scotland's practical offshore renewables resource at 206 GW. Harnessing just a third of this generation potential could enable Scotland to meet its own domestic electricity needs seven times over by 2050 - positioning the country as a massive net exporter of renewable energy.

Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) is the main national scheme of financial assistance to industry. It provides discretionary grants to investment projects that will create and safeguard employment in areas designated for regional aid under European Community law. Payment of RSA is made in instalments, typically over several years as job and capital expenditure targets are met.
source: www.clickgreen.org.uk

Technology development and status of wind power

2011-07-05T04:24:00.000-07:00

Onshore wind turbines are typically grouped together into wind power plants, sometimes also called wind farm projects. These wind power plants are often 5 to 300 MW in size.

Technology development and status of wind power
Modern, commercial grid-connected wind turbines have evolved from small, simple machines to large, highly sophisticated devices. Scientific and engineering expertise and advances, as well as improved computational tools, design standards, manufacturing methods, and O&M procedures, have all supported these technology developments.

As a result, typical wind turbine nameplate capacity ratings have increased dramatically since the 1980s (from roughly 75 kW to 1.5 MW and larger), while the cost of wind energy has substantially declined. Onshore wind energy technology is already being manufactured and deployed on a wind farm commercial basis. Nonetheless, additional R&D advances are anticipated, and are expected to further reduce the cost of wind energy while enhancing system and component performance and reliability.
Offshore wind farm technology is still developing, with greater opportunities for additional advancement. This section summarizes the historical development and current technology status of large grid connected on- and offshore wind turbines, discusses international wind energy technology standards, and reviews power conversion and related grid connection issues; a later section describes opportunities for further technical advances.

Basic design principles

Generating electricity from the wind requires that the kinetic energy of moving air be converted to mechanical and then electrical energy, thus the engineering challenge for the wind power industry is to design cost-effective wind turbines and wind farm plants to perform this conversion. The amount of kinetic energy in the wind that is theoretically available for extraction increases with the cube of wind speed.

However, a wind turbine only captures a portion of that available energy. Specifically, modern large wind turbines typically employ rotors that start extracting energy from the wind at speeds of roughly 3 to 4 m/s (cut-in speed). The Lanchester-Betz limit provides a theoretical upper limit (59.3%) on the amount of energy that can be extracted.

A wind turbine increases power production with wind speed until it reaches its rated power level, often corresponding to a wind speed of 11 to 15 m/s. At still-higher wind speeds, control systems limit power output to prevent overloading the wind turbine, either through stall control, pitching the blades, or a combination of both. Most wind turbines then stop producing energy at wind speeds of approximately 20 to 25 m/s (cut-out speed) to limit loads on the rotor and prevent damage to the turbine’s structural components.

Wind turbine design has centred on maximizing energy capture over the range of wind speeds experienced by wind turbines, while seeking to minimize the cost of wind energy. Increased generator capacity leads to greater energy capture when the turbine is operating at rated power (Region III). Larger rotor diameters for a given generator capacity, meanwhile, as well as aerodynamic design improvements, yield greater energy capture at lower wind speeds (Region II), reducing the wind speed at which rated power is achieved.

Variable speed operation allows energy extraction at peak efficiency over a wider range of wind speeds (Region II). Finally, because the average wind speed at a given location varies with the height above ground level, taller towers typically lead to increased energy capture.

To minimize cost, wind turbine design is also motivated by a desire to reduce materials usage while continuing to increase turbine size, increase component and system reliability, and improve wind power plant operations. A system-level design and analysis approach is necessary to optimize wind turbine technology, power plant installation and O&M procedures for individual wind turbines and entire wind farm plants.

Moreover, optimizing wind turbine and wind farm design for specific site conditions has become common as wind turbines, wind power plants and the wind energy market have all increased in size; site-specific conditions that can impact turbine and plant design include geographic and temporal variations in wind speed, site topography and access, interactions among individual wind turbines due to wake effects, and integration into the larger electricity system. Wind turbine and power plant design also impacts and is impacted by noise, visual, environmental and public acceptance issues.

Onshore wind energy technology

In the 1970s and 1980s, a variety of onshore wind turbine configurations were investigated, including both horizontal and vertical axis designs. Gradually, the horizontal axis design came to dominate, although configurations varied, in particular the number of blades and whether those blades were oriented upwind or downwind of the tower.

After a period of further consolidation, wind turbine designs largely centred (with some notable exceptions) around the three-blade, upwind rotor; locating the turbine blades upwind of the tower prevents the tower from blocking wind flow onto the blades and producing extra aerodynamic noise and loading, while three-bladed machines typically have lower noise emissions than two-bladed machines. The three blades are attached to a hub and main shaft, from which power is transferred (sometimes through a gearbox, depending on design) to a generator.

The main shaft and main bearings, gearbox, generator and control system are contained within a housing called the nacelle. In wind turbines without a gearbox, the rotor is mounted directly on the generator shaft.

In the 1980s, larger machines were rated at around 100 kW and primarily relied on aerodynamic blade stall to control power production from the fixed blades. These wind turbines generally operated at one or two rotational speeds. As turbine size increased over time, development went from stall control to full-span pitch control in which turbine output is controlled by pitching (i.e., rotating) the blades along their long axis.

In addition, a reduction in the cost of power electronics allowed variable speed wind turbine operation. Initially, variable speeds were used to smooth out the torque fluctuations in the drive train caused by wind turbulence and to allow more efficient operation in variable and gusty winds. More recently, almost all electric system operators require the continued operation of large wind farm plants during electrical faults, together with being able to provide reactive power: these requirements have accelerated the adoption of variable-speed operation with power electronic conversion.

Modern wind turbines typically operate at variable speeds using full-span blade pitch control. Blades are commonly constructed with composite materials, and towers are usually tubular steel structures that taper from the base to the nacelle at the top.

Over the past 30 years, average wind turbine size has grown significantly, with the largest fraction of onshore wind turbines installed globally in 2009 having a rated capacity of 1.5 to 2.5 MW; the average size of wind turbines installed in 2009 was 1.6 MW. As of 2010, wind turbines used onshore typically stand on 50- to 100-m towers, with rotors that are often 50 to 100 m in diameter; commercial machines with rotor diameters and tower heights in excess of 125 m are operating, and even larger machines are under development.

Modern wind turbines operate with rotational speeds ranging from 12 to 20 revolutions per minute (RPM), which compares to the faster and potentially more visually disruptive speeds exceeding 60 RPM common of the smaller wind turbines installed during the 1980s.

Onshore wind turbines are typically grouped together into wind power plants, sometimes also called wind farm projects or wind farms. These wind power plants are often 5 to 300 MW in size, though smaller and larger wind farm plants do exist.

The main reason for the continual increase in turbine size to this point has been to minimize the levelized generation cost of wind energy by: increasing electricity production (taller towers provide access to a higher-quality wind resource, and larger rotors allow a greater exploitation of those winds as well as more cost-effective exploitation of lower-quality wind resource sites); reducing investment costs per unit of capacity (installation of a fewer number of larger wind turbines can, to a point, reduce overall investment costs); and reducing O&M costs (larger turbines can reduce maintenance costs per unit of capacity).

For onshore wind turbines, however, additional growth in wind turbine size may ultimately be limited by not only engineering and materials usage constraints, but also by the logistical constraints (or cost of resolving those constraints) of transporting the very large blades, tower, and nacelle components by road, as well as the cost of and difficulty in obtaining large cranes to lift the components into place. These same constraints are not as binding for offshore wind turbines, so future turbine scaling to the sizes are more likely to be driven by offshore wind turbine design considerations.

As a result of these and other developments, onshore wind energy technology is already being commercially manufactured and deployed on a large scale. Moreover, modern wind turbines have nearly reached the theoretical maximum of aerodynamic efficiency, with the coefficient of performance rising from 0.44 in the 1980s to about 0.50 by the mid 2000s.

The value of 0.50 is near the practical limit dictated by the drag of aerofoils and compares with the Lanchester-Betz theoretical limit of 0.593. The design requirement for wind turbines is normally 20 years with 4,000 to 7,000 hours of operation (at and below rated power) each year depending on the characteristics of the local wind resource. Given the challenges of reliably meeting this design requirement, O&M teams work to maintain high plant availability despite component failure rates that have, in some instances, been higher than expected. Though wind turbines are reportedly under-performing in some contexts, data collected through 2008 show that modern onshore wind turbines in mature markets can achieve an availability of 97% or more.

These results demonstrate that the technology has reached sufficient commercial maturity to allow large-scale manufacturing and deployment. Nonetheless, additional advances to improve reliability, increase electricity production and reduce costs are anticipated. Additionally, most of the historical technology advances have occurred in developed countries.

Increasingly, however, developing countries are investigating the use of wind energy, and opportunities for technology transfer in wind turbine design, component manufacturing and wind power plant siting exist. Extreme environmental conditions, such as icing or typhoons, may be more prominent in some of these markets, providing impetus for continuing research. Other aspects unique to less-developed countries, such as minimal transportation infrastructure, could also influence wind turbine designs if and as these markets grow.

Offshore wind energy technology

The first offshore wind power plant was built in 1991 in Denmark, consisting of eleven 450 kW wind turbines. Offshore wind energy technology is less mature than onshore, and has higher investment and O&M costs. By the end of 2009, just 1.3% of global installed wind power capacity was installed offshore, totalling 2,100 MW.

The primary motivation to develop offshore wind energy is to provide access to additional wind resources in areas where onshore wind energy development is constrained by limited technical potential and/or by planning and siting conflicts with other land uses. Other motivations for developing offshore wind energy include: the higher-quality wind resources located at sea (e.g., higher average wind speeds and lower shear near hub height; wind shear refers to the general increase in wind speed with height); the ability to use even larger wind turbines due to avoidance of certain land-based transportation constraints and the potential to thereby gain additional economies of scale; the ability to build larger power plants than onshore, gaining plant-level economies of scale; and a potential reduction in the need for new, long-distance, land-based transmission infrastructure to access distant onshore wind energy. These factors, combined with a significant offshore wind resource potential, have created considerable interest in offshore wind energy technology in the EU and, increasingly, in other regions, despite the typically higher costs relative to onshore wind energy.

Offshore wind turbines are typically larger than onshore, with nameplate capacity ratings of 2 to 5 MW being common for offshore wind power plants built from 2007 to 2009, and even larger turbines are under development. Offshore wind farm plants installed from 2007 to 2009 were typically 20 to 120 MW in size, with a clear trend towards larger wind turbines and wind power plants over time.

Water depths for most offshore wind turbines installed through 2005 were less than 10 m, but from 2006 to 2009, water depths from 10 to more than 20 m were common. Distance to shore has most often been below 20 km, but average distance has increased over time.

As experience is gained, water depths are expected to increase further and more exposed locations with higher winds will be utilized. These trends will impact the wind resource characteristics faced by offshore wind power plants, as well as support structure design and the cost of offshore wind energy. A continued transition towards larger wind turbines (5 to 10 MW, or even larger) and wind power plants is also anticipated as a way of reducing the cost of offshore wind energy through turbine- and plant-level economies of scale.

To date, offshore wind turbine technology has been very similar to onshore designs, with some modifications and with special foundations. The mono-pile foundation is the most common, though concrete gravity-based foundations have also been used with some frequency; a variety of other foundation designs (including floating designs) are being considered and in some instances used, especially as water depths increase.

In addition to differences in foundations, modification to offshore wind turbines (relative to onshore) include structural upgrades to the tower to address wave loading; air conditioned and pressurized nacelles and other controls to prevent the effects of corrosive sea air from degrading turbine equipment; and personnel access platforms to facilitate maintenance.

Additional design changes for marine navigational safety (e.g., warning lights, fog signals) and to minimize expensive servicing (e.g., more extensive condition monitoring, onboard service cranes) are common. Wind turbine tip speed could be chosen to be greater than for onshore wind turbines because concerns about noise are reduced for offshore wind farm plants—higher tip speeds can sometimes lead to lower torque and lighter drive train components for the same power output.

In addition, tower heights are sometimes lower than used for onshore wind power plants due to reduced wind shear offshore relative to onshore. Lower power plant availabilities and higher O&M costs have been common for offshore wind energy relative to onshore wind both because of the comparatively less mature state of offshore wind energy technology and because of the inherently greater logistical challenges of maintaining and servicing offshore wind turbines.

Wind energy technology specifically tailored for offshore applications will become more prevalent as the offshore market expands, and it is expected that larger wind turbines in the 5 to 10 MW range may come to dominate this market segment.

International wind energy technology standards

Wind turbines in the 1970s and 1980s were designed using simplified design models, which in some cases led to machine failures and in other cases resulted in design conservatism. The need to address both of these issues, combined with advances in computer processing power, motivated designers to improve their calculations during the 1990s.

Improved design and testing methods have been codified in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and the rules and procedures for Conformity Testing and Certification of Wind Turbines relies upon these standards. Certification agencies rely on accredited design and testing bodies to provide traceable documentation of the execution of rules and specifications outlined in the standards in order to certify turbines, components or entire wind power plants. The certification system assures that a wind turbine design or wind turbines installed in a given location meet common guidelines relating to safety, reliability, performance and testing.

Insurance companies, financing institutions and power plant owners normally require some form of certification for plants to proceed, and the IEC standards therefore provide a common basis for certification to reduce uncertainty and increase the quality of wind turbine products available in the market.

In emerging markets, the lack of highly qualified testing laboratories and certification bodies limits the opportunities for manufacturers to obtain certification according to IEC standards and may lead to lower-quality products. As markets mature and design margins are compressed to reduce costs, reliance on internationally recognized standards is likely to become even more widespread to assure consistent performance, safety and reliability of wind turbines.

Power conversion and related grid connection issues

From an electric system reliability perspective, an important part of the wind turbine is the electrical conversion system. For large grid-connected turbines, electrical conversion systems come in three broad forms. Fixed-speed induction generators were popular in earlier years for both stall-regulated and pitch-controlled turbines; in these arrangements, wind turbines were net consumers of reactive power that had to be supplied by the electric system.

For modern wind turbines, these designs have now been largely replaced with variable-speed machines. Two arrangements are common, doubly-fed induction generators and synchronous generators with a full power electronic converter, both of which are almost always coupled with pitch-controlled rotors. These variablespeed designs essentially decouple the rotating masses of the turbine from the electric system, thereby offering a number of power quality advantages over earlier turbine designs.

For example, these wind turbines can provide real and reactive power as well as some fault ride-through capability, which are increasingly being required by electric system operators. These designs differ from the synchronous generators found in most large-scale fossil fuel-powered plants, however, in that they result in no intrinsic inertial response capability, that is, they do not increase (decrease) power output in synchronism with system power imbalances. This lack of inertial response is an important consideration for electric system planners because less overall inertia in the electric system makes the maintenance of stable system operation more challenging.

Wind turbine manufacturers have recognized this lack of intrinsic inertial response as a possible long-term impediment to wind energy and are actively pursuing a variety of solutions; for example, additional turbine controls can be added to provide inertial response.
source: www.evwind.es

Sail Port Stephens 2011 Performance Divisions Champions crowned

2011-04-17T04:03:00.000-07:00

The final day of Sail Port Stephens 2011 dawned fine and clear and with good breeze.

There was a collective smile on the Race Committee’s faces this morning as they briefed the Performance Racing and Cruising Divisions skippers and competitors.

With the NSW IRC Fleet sailing an offshore course and the SB3's continuing their National Championship at Salamander Bay, the Performance Racing and Cruising fleets were assigned the inshore course 8, starting in Nelson Bay, then to Salamander Shores, Pindimar Mark, Corlette Mark and back, to the finish line in Nelson Bay.

The starts for all three divisions were clear, the breeze coming in at around 10-15 knots and with the sun shining, there were smiles everywhere. A great job by the Race Committee and officials to get the three divisions away in tide.

On the breakwater wall, which had a great start line view, the various teams had their supporters and as the starter's guns fired, the gathered crowd cheered as the yachts cleared their respective start lines.

In the Performance Racing Division Wasabi, (Bruce McKay) was first across the start line. Marta Jean, (Steve Rae), Iota (John McNamara), Menace (Niven James) and current Series leader, Steven Ford’s modified Sydney 39Cr Fathom were closely bunched as the group opened a gap back to the rest of the fleet. Wasabi obviously enjoying the gusty conditions opened a sizeable lead on the rest of the fleet as they headed towards the Salamander Shores mark.

The Cruising Division 1 start was led by Dances with Waves, Jim Thomas’ Beneteau 40.7. She seemed to have a jump on the fleet but eXcapade (Noel Gough), Bear Necessity (Andrew Dally), Tailwind (Shaw Russet), Joie De Vie (Peter Byford) and Margaret Rintoul V (Graham Mobuckson) were quickly in pursuit. Bear Necessity popped her blue kite, however Amante (Dennis Cooper) and Tailwind did not as the three sailed in close company towards the first mark. Good Form (Joachim Fluhrer) and Antipodes (Greg Newton) joined eXcapade, who had dropped back but was now hoisting her kite.

This fleet too headed towards the Salamander Shores mark, as grey clouds started to appear in the sky.

The Cruising Division 2 start was led by Negotiator (Wayne Taylor). Saga (Patrick Hurley), Navita (Mark Wharton), No Regrets (Ian Billington) and Kahoona (Derek Sheppard) were sailing together.

The sun appeared as the fleet rounded their first mark at Salamander Shores. The breeze continues to build and the word from the race course is that ‘today’s a great day for sailing.’

In the Performance Cruising Division 1, Tailwind was enjoying the ever strengthening breeze as the fleet headed towards Salamander Bay.

But boat after boat was having trouble with the gusts and Tailwind was no exception as she teetered on the edge of the broach. Behind her it was synchronised swimming as Bear Necessity and Amante hit by a gust did a synchro broach.

First across the finish line in race 3 was Margaret Rintoul V, Graham Mobuckson’s Custom 18.5m German-Frers, ahead of Shaw Russett’s Beneteau First 40cr Tailwind. Third was Greg Newton’s Beneteau 523 Antipodes.

Margaret Rintoul V took the double, winning on handicap from Paul Ley’s Kaufman Pilgrim. Antipodes completed the podium.

The Overall performance Cruising Division 1 Series winner was Margaret Rintoul V, on a count back from Tailwind, with Peter Byford’s Joie De Vie, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey7 42i, third.

Margaret Rintoul V (Graham Mobuckson) winner of Performance Cruising division 1 Sail Port Stephens 2011 - Sail Port Stephens Event Media Click Here to view large photo

Performance Cruising Division 2 line honours went to Matt Bosner’s Elliott 7, Nervous. Second was Derek Sheppard’s Cavalier 395 Kahoona, with Alistair Bailey’s Beneteau Oceanis 46 Champagne on Ice taking third.

Champagne on Ice took the handicap win, from Accountability, the Jeanneau 40ds skippered by Murray Thompson. Third was velocity, Brian Carrick’s Beneteau First 31.7.

The Overall Performance Cruising Division 2 winner for 2011 was Alistair Bailey’s Champagne on Ice, winning on a count back from Matt Bosner’s Nervous, with Brian Carrick’s Velocity just two points further back.

Champagne on Ice (Alistair Bailey) winner Performance Cruising division 2 Sail Port Stephens 20 - Sail Port Stephens Event Media Click Here to view large photo

The results were close with the two Performance Cruising Divisions both being decided on a count back.

Excitement too in the Performance Racing Division.

By the time the fleet had hoisted their kites the breeze had lifted to 18 knots and the green Sayer 12, Bruce Mackay’s Wasabi, a noted downwind flyer was fast down the course, so too was John McNamara’s Farr 40 Iota. But the little boat that could, Bob Dempsey’s lightweight GP26 Rapid Transit blasted into the lead. She led Wasabi round the bottom mark, ahead of Iota and Ian Humphris' Rhumb.

Upwind Wasabi took the lead, ahead of Iota.

However Iota found the breeze and sailed back into the lead taking line honours in race 4, ahead of Rhumb and Wasabi.

On handicap the winner was the GP26 Rapid Transit, skippered by Brett Van Munster. Rhumb was second, with Wasabi third.

The 2011 Performance Racing champion is Fathom, the modified Sydney 39CR, skippered by David Berryman. Second was Rapid Transit, with Rhumb third.

GP26 Rapid Transit (Bob Dempsey) second in Performance Racing Sail Port Stephens 2011. - Sail Port Stephens Event Media Click Here to view large photo

source: www.sail-world.com

Charleston Race Week sailors kept ashore

2011-04-17T03:48:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2011 - Charleston Race Week - While every sailor's first concern is having enough wind for exciting racing, today Mother Nature served up a helping of southerly breeze that for the majority of sailors was too hefty to handle. Certainly, the race committee saw it that way and canceled competition for all of the sailors in this 270-boat fleet.'With forecasts of winds into the 30s by early afternoon, we made the tough decision to abandon racing this morning at 8:30 a.m.,' said Randy Draftz, Race Director for 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week. While a few hardcore sailors grumbled at the loss of a day's racing, the vast majority appreciated the race committee's prudence.

'Most of the teams here don't get to race in this much wind with these strong currents, and trying to get around the course on a day like today could really ruin the week for a lot of sailors,' said San Francisco Olympic 49er hopeful Jonny Goldsberry, whose Brick House team leads the Melges 24 Class.

'We love these conditions, but most of our team sails hundreds of days a year in this stuff, and we're totally comfortable in these winds. But we're probably not representative of the majority.' Draftz, a long time racer himself, said that he 'knows how important it is to get races in after traveling a long way, but not at the expense of the safety of all of our friends out there.'

Flags snapped to attention in stiff gusts on the end of the Charleston Harbor Marina - Charleston Race Week 2011 - © Meredith Block/ Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week 2011

Goldsberry and a few other crews showed just what professional sailors can do in near-gale conditions., His team, along with six other Melges 24 sportboats (including the top three competitors in that class at the regatta), headed out around 11:00 for some makeshift racing. Fortunately for them, these are the kind of winds that are routine in Corpus Christi, TX, the location for next months Melges 24 World Championship.

Following the Melges in the blustery conditions, an eight boat cadre of photography, coach, and media boats had difficulty keeping up with the sailboats as they raced downwind from Fort Sumter to Mt. Pleasant. The boats' hulls crashed through the waves and left roostertails rising up out of the water as they flirted with speeds up to 21 knots of speed. 'I haven't seen anything this exciting in ages,' said renowned sailing photographer Billy Black. 'What a great way to spend a morning.'

Tomorrow's forecast calls for a much more manageable 5 to 10 knots of northerly wind. That's something that competitor Keith Magnussen of San Diego said he'll be happy to see. 'The heavier boats had a real upwind advantage on us yesterday, but our boat, Rented Mule (a Viper 830), just flies in the light air.'

Full Throttle (Chicago, IL) crosses Hedgehog (Bermuda) practicing in 20-25 knots - Charleston Race Week 2011 - © Meredith Block/ Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week 2011

Most of the teams were quick to re-plan their days after the racing was cancelled. 'I think a few dozen Detroit-based sailors were headed to a nearby sports bar to watch the Redwings NHL game,' said Thac Nguyen, of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Others were off to enjoy go cart racing at a nearby amusement park, go shopping on Charleston's famed King Street, or try their hand at bowling. 'There's certainly no lack of things to do on a Saturday in Charleston,' said another Detroiter, Karl Kuspa.

The mood around the regatta headquarters at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina remained light and positive, especially among the two dozen sailors who braved the conditions for some white-knuckle practice rides. Multiple J/24 World Champion Anthony Kotoun of Newport, RI was one of them, and the Virgin Islands native who has sailed the past four Charleston Race Weeks, shared his thoughts on Charleston Race Week:

'I just love this regatta,' he said. When pressed on why, he mentioned the parallels with Caribbean regattas. 'I just came back from sailing in St. Thomas at the Rolex Regatta, the BVI at the Spring Regatta and St. Maarten for the Heineken event, and Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is the only event in the country that's got a flavor like those.' Kotoun cited 'great breezes, beautiful surroundings, and the regatta village here on the beach that's really something you don't see anywhere but the Caribbean.'

Charleston Race Week 2011 - © Meredith Block/ Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week 2011

Koutoun also praised the variety of conditions that Charleston Harbor presents due to the changing tides and the harbor's singular geography. 'Yesterday, we had an ebb in the morning and all the guys in our fleet had to figure out that left was the way to go, but in the afternoon, we all needed to change our strategy and sail as close to the beach as we could. That just keeps it interesting from a tactical perspective.'

Racing will resume tomorrow, with inshore racing moved up to a 10:30 a.m. start to guarantee the maximum number of races run on the final day of Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week 2011. Those sailors racing offshore will begin sailing at 10:00 a.m. as before.
source: www.sail-world.com

Charleston Race Week: Today's sailing canceled due to weather

2011-04-17T03:46:00.000-07:00

April 16, 2011 - All sailboat races scheduled for today as part of Charleston Race Week have been canceled. Race Director Randy Draftz made the decision this morning not to send the sailors out after conferring with the Coast Guard regarding both the offshore and inshore conditions.

Conditions offshore were expected to be 30 mph winds and seas from 6 to 9 feet. Inshore, the winds are expected to build similarly in strength and the harbor is apt to be very choppy during the ebbing tide.

Plans are to resume racing on Sunday. Check back here for updates.
source:

First to show herself

2011-04-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

April 17th 2011 - This morning, almost a year to the day that Camper and Emirates Team New Zealand confirmed their entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12, Camper, the team’s Volvo Open 70, was towed out of the shed at Cookson Boats where she has been in build for the past nine months.Designed by the Emirates Team New Zealand design team led by Principal Designer Marcelino Botin, Camper has been under construction since August at the world's leading boat builder in Auckland, owned by Mick Cookson.

For the past 12 months a core group from Emirates Team New Zealand has been working hard to ensure that the build has been kept on time, and on budget.
“This is a great day for us as a team. Everyone has given 100% to ensure that we have met all our deadlines and have been able to deliver Camper on time, just nine months after we first started the build project,” commented Emirates Team New Zealand Managing Director Grant Dalton.

“To be able to stand back and see the amazing job that they guys have done and now see her in her full livery, is quite humbling. I am very excited about going out sailing towards the end of this week,” he concluded.

For Camper, this is their first foray into ocean racing, and the company’s Founder and Chairman, Lorenzo Fluxá is equally excited about today’s event: “This is quite an historical moment for everyone at Camper and the start of a new adventure for our brand. The boat build has been a great experience for all of us, so precise in its execution that all we can do is congratulate all those involved in bringing ‘ the Camper’ to life.”

It was a short drive over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge to the shore base in the Viaduct, where the team is now entering the final phase of the build. The shore crew will bring the final components together from the team’s base in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. The remaining systems and keel will be fitted before Camper is lowered in the water by travel lift, where the mast will be stepped and the sails loaded. The team look forward to the boat’s first sail, when the full extent of her new livery will be revealed.

So experts - what do we think of her design?
source:

Tasmanian selected as skipper for 2011/12 Clipper Race

2011-04-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Richard Hewson, 31, from Hobart, Tasmania has been selected as one of ten elite skippers who will each lead a team in this year’s Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race. Richard will be the only professional sailor on board one of a matched fleet of stripped down, 68-foot ocean racing yachts and will command a non-professional crew as they compete in the gruelling 40,000-mile race around the globe.Richard has always had a love of sailing and when the race sets off from the UK in August this year he will be on his way to fulfilling a lifetime ambition.

Richard says, “To race around the world has been a dream since I was a small child and a goal I have been preparing for my entire life. There are few opportunities available where you get given a racing yacht and a crew to compete in one of the most challenging yacht races in the world.
“Not only is the Clipper Race an awesome challenge, but the comradeship and friendships developed in a race like this are amazing. I cannot wait until the gun goes off at the start of the first leg in August.”

Under Richard’s professional guidance will be a crew who come from all walks of life, from train drivers to IT specialists, nurses to chief executives, many of whom had never sailed before applying to take part. To date more than 40 different nationalities are represented by Clipper crew and Clipper 11-12 will see 28 Australians compete in the challenging eleven month race.

Richard was first introduced to sailing by his family. “I began sailing on our family yacht before I could crawl and spent most of my early years on the water. At the age of six I found a small dinghy on the rocks and my father and I patched it up and I used to bob around the local bay but it didn’t go fast enough,” recalls Richard.

From this point onwards there was no turning back and soon the Tasmanian sailor was racing dinghies on a regular basis, competing at local, state, national and international regattas.

“I started racing keel boats when I left school and have been focusing on ocean racing ever since,” explains Richard. “When I was 14 a friend and I bought an old 30-foot wooden boat and restored her. I had always wanted to sail offshore, so as soon as she was relatively seaworthy I sailed her up the east coast of Tasmania and as far offshore as I could until I could not see land.”

A love of being on the water led to Richard’s first career in the Royal Australian Navy where he started as a Seaman Officer before qualifying as a Mine Clearance Diving Officer. This was followed by work on super yachts in the Caribbean before going on to work on large tankers as a Chief Mate. Richard now wishes to make sailing his full time career.

“Clipper skippers have a fantastic reputation of sailing good campaigns throughout the Clipper Race and progressing into their sailing careers. Many have gone on to conquer some of the most competitive and toughest races in the world.

“My ultimate ambition is to sail solo around the world,” he adds. “Clipper in itself is a massive challenge and provides a fantastic platform for developing a solo round the world campaign.”

The Clipper Race celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, the first edition having been run in 1996. It was established by legendary yachtsman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston who, in 1969, became the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world. He wanted to make ocean racing available to everyone, regardless of nationality or background, and since that first race almost 3,000 ordinary people have taken the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and do something truly extraordinary by taking on nature in the raw and racing around the world under sail.

Sir Robin comments, “Leading a team in a race around the world is one of the hardest and most challenging jobs that any skipper could ever undertake and we’re confident Richard and the other nine skippers are up to this challenge. They have all been through a lengthy and rigorous selection process and we have chosen a group of exceptional individuals as our race skippers. They have the ability to draw the line between competitiveness and safety while, at the same time, motivating the crew to retain their focus during races lasting several weeks at a time, whether it be through roaring gales and towering seas or the frustration of tricky calm spells.”

Followers of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race can look forward to some exciting and exhilarating racing when the event gets underway this August. During the 40,000-mile race the fleet will stop at 15 ports around the world before arriving back in the UK in July 2012. For the first time the route includes an extra leg that will take the fleet from the west coast of Australia rounding Cape Leeuwin en route to New Zealand and then on to Australia’s east coast.

The search is already underway for suitably qualified men and women to follow in the footsteps of these ten skippers in the next edition of the race which will start in 2013 and will be raced on the brand new fleet of 70-foot yachts that have been specially commissioned. Skippers wishing to register their interest in applying for one of the most prestigious positions in sailing should email sirrobinknoxjohnston@clipper-ventures.com.
source: www.mysailing.com.au

Loki leads fleet to Newcastle

2011-04-17T03:36:00.001-07:00

A fleet of 18 lined up for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s 213 nautical mile Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race today for the midday start and Stephen Ainsworth’s Loki powered off the start at the pin end to lead the yachts as they left Sydney Harbour and turned left for Newcastle on the NSW coast. With the breeze just east of south at around 10-12 knots blowing, Loki and Syd Fischer’s Ragamuffin, which was mid line, looked the boats to beat. However, Loki reach North Head and swapped the Code Zero, for a big masthead kite and found her legs, putting more time between herself and the rest of the fleet.

Loki headed out to sea averaging 11 knots reaching a maximum of 14 knots,” navigator Michael Bellingham reported at 1.14pm.

Sailing towards Watsons Bay, some two minutes behind already, Ragamuffin was fending off a challenge from Colin and Gladys Woods’ Pretty Fly III, as the two set kites off South Head and also headed out to sea.
Southern Excellence, the Volvo 60 owned by Andrew Wenham, was next to exit Sydney Heads, her Audi backstay flag flying gaily in the breeze as she hugged the coastline.

Sam Haynes did a good job with his Rogers 46, Pirelli Celestial, sailing her to fourth place, with Santana 3 (Nick Johnston) following in Pirelli’s wake.

“As we head north, the breeze has settled at around 10 knots from the south-east. Inshore, forward and to leeward there’s a large rain cell and the observations say ‘no wind there’, so the strategy is to stay wide,” Bellingham reported from Loki.

“We have Ragamuffin to leeward and aft and Pretty Fly III to windward and aft. The yachts offshore appear to be doing better.”

At 8.00am this morning, Michael Logan Senior Duty Forecaster for the Bureau of Meteorology did not give the fleet the news they wanted to hear, although conditions for the latter part of the race on Sunday did bring a smile to the faces of those sailing on smaller yachts, who realise the advantage of late stronger winds.

Logan told those assembled at the CYCA official briefing this morning: “expect a light east-sou-easterly for the start, around 5 knots, but no more than 10. By 7.00pm this evening there still won’t be a lot of strength, you’ll be lucky to get 10 knots.”

From there, Logan said, the breeze would swing east-nor-east and that when the sun went down, winds would drop right out and the fleet could expect a light land breeze tonight and tomorrow.

By Saturday afternoon, a light sea breeze will hit the fleet, coming to those boats further north first. Logan said it would be a little stronger, perhaps up to 12 knots, rising to possibly 15 knots on Sunday, favouring the smaller yachts still racing.

Loki, the Reichel/Pugh 63 is in the race of her life, sailing master Gordon Maguire explaining after the official briefing that Loki winning the prestigious Blue Water Pointscore for 2010-2011, was not a foregone conclusion. “We need to finish ninth overall or better in this race and have Victoire finish second or worse. There’s eight points between us,” he said.

“Blue Water Pointscore victory is not pre-destined – the deal isn’t done,” Maguire said. “This is not the ideal scenario for us, it’s actually the worst, with the forecast we got. We’ll have to be putting our best foot forward; we won’t be taking our foot off the gas.

Maguire, at the helm of Loki, was doing exactly as they planned, trying put as much distance between them and the smaller boats in the fleet before the winds drop out tonight, if predictions prove correct.

“We’ll have to make our own destiny, it’s not about what Victoire does, it’s about what we do. We have to sail smart the whole way. With the current forecast, there’s a 50/50 chance between us and Victoire,” he said.

Victoire’s Phil Eadie responded: “There will be opportunities with the forecast. Between the light and skittish breeze and the current, it’s a matter of whether to stay in close to the coast or go out – that will be the key,” the well-established navigator said.

For Tasman Pointscore leader, the Radford 12, Copernicus, the weather forecast is a blessing. “We’re looking forward to the stronger breeze late in the race to pull us in,” crew member Duncan McRae. “The forecast’s good for us,” he said.

Darryl Hodgkinson’s Beneteau First 45, Victoire, is second in that pointscore too, so will be breathing down the neck of both Loki and Copernicus. Syd Fischer’s TP52, Ragamuffin, leads the Cape Byron Pointscore from Colin and Gladys Woods’ Cookson 50, Pretty Fly III.

The Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race, organised by CYCA, is the final race of the Blue Water Pointscore and the Tasman Series for the PHS trophy.

The Yellowbrick tracker units have access to over 66 satellites worldwide that will continue to deliver yacht positions to the race website every 10 minutes. Line honours positions and provisional handicap results can be viewed at any time from the Standings section of the race website.

To follow the race from the start visit the official race website http://sydneynewcastle.cyca.com.au or on follow it on Twitter http://twitter.com/asonyr
source: yachte.com

Jersey still top offshore finance centre

2011-04-17T03:03:00.000-07:00

Jersey's place among financial centres has fallen but it is still the highest ranked offshore centre according to the Global Financial Centres Index.

The index rates how financial centres perform in relation to others in the world.

Overall Jersey is placed 23rd in the world, four places above Guernsey and 12 above the Isle of Man.

The offshore centres faced greater scrutiny and that was being blamed for the drop.London is named as the number one finance centre, ahead of New York and Hong Kong.

The report said that the Channel Islands are the only offshore centres to achieve a rating over 600.
'Maintain our marketing'

The rankings examine major financial centres in terms of competitiveness by calculating a set of ratings for each jurisdiction.

It uses data available from each centre as well as responses to a global survey.

Geoff Cook, chief executive of Jersey Finance Limited, said: "The report highlights how Jersey is regarded on the global stage as a market leading international finance centre and that it is recognised as one of the top 10 centres to grow in significance over the next few years.

"It is also important to note the continual improvement in performance of the Asian centres in the rankings, particularly Hong Kong and Shanghai which are in the top five.

"This evidence emphasizes the importance of these jurisdictions and how we need to maintain our marketing efforts overseas in order to drive Jersey's future success." source: www.bbc.co.uk

Jersey ranked as top offshore finance centre

2011-04-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

Jersey has retained its position as the world's top offshore financial centre, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). The GFCI, which is published twice a year by the London-based think tank Z/Yen Group, ranks 75 financial centres around the world on both how well they are performing against their competitors, and how highly they are rated by financial services professionals.

Although Jersey slipped one place from the last index in September 2010, from 22nd to 23rd place, it was still ranked more highly than all its offshore competitors – including Guernsey (in 27th place) the Isle of Man (in 35th place) and the Cayman Islands (38th place).
Many financial centres scored lower than in the last index, with 47 countries receiving a lower ranking. Offshore centres fell further than the average – reflecting, Z/Yen suggested, a mistrust in offshore financial dealings which has been growing since the beginning of the financial crisis.

The Cayman Islands and Malta were the offshore centres which dropped most in the index, by four places each, while the Isle of Man dropped three. The only offshore centre out of the 11 included which was not ranked lower in this index was the British Virgin Islands, which remained in 40th place.

Geoff Cook, chief executive of Jersey Finance Limited, said that the report highlighted how ”Jersey is regarded on the global stage as a market leading international finance centre and that it is recognised as one of the top 10 centres to grow in significance over the next few years.”
source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Thomas Anderson Advisory: Why Make Investments Offshore

2011-04-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/17/2011 -- What are the benefits readily available to you from the entire world of offshore savings, investment, finance and banking?

Through the Thomas Anderson Advisory Private Clients Divisions, we provide our clients with services that include Investment Management Services, Merger and Acquisitions and your other financial need.

Excellence in market execution and the provision of the suitable details at the ideal price, at the right time has offered Thomas Anderson Advisory a valued globally respected of being able to make sure that our clients gain their financial goals and aspirations.
Even with this day and age of enlightenment thank you on the pervasive nature of information and facts dissemination through the online market place, many people are nonetheless concerned regarding the legalities and legitimacy of your offshore entire world of finance and banking. For some explanation other people only suppose that onshore equates to a ‘safe haven’ for funds and offshore equates to a ‘risky tax haven.’

Effectively, you and I am aware that that may be simply just not the circumstance! On the other hand, though it is now clearer to more people the offshore planet holds quite a few possible taxation positive aspects, you will discover even now issues for being answered about why a single should invest offshore and with this guide we check out the advantages.

Initially things first…here’s another myth I wish to dispel - many people say that offshore investments and bank accounts are a lot more lightly regulated than their entity-type-counterparts onshore…now, that’s not automatically correct!

Yes, particular jurisdictions give fund managers, bankers and traders just about free rein to ensure the rewards and challenges are most likely much larger - but some jurisdictions are very very regarded among monetary industry experts basically as a consequence of the extremely substantial standards of safety they afford investors and account holders through insurance coverage schemes and authorities regulation specifications such as:

The Isle of Guy as well as the Channel Islands are examples of offshore jurisdictions where offshore investment and conserving coverage or bank account holders are afforded superior ranges of safety. Just taking the Isle of Guy - it presents policyholder protection schemes, additionally, it has the greatest monetary services rating issued through the OECD, FATF and FSF and it's got an impartial Economical Solutions Ombudsman scheme to not mention the fact that equally Normal and Poor’s and Moody’s have offered the Isle of Guy AAA ratings.

So - myth dispelled, let’s move on.

In terms of the advantages accessible when investing offshore they are going to constantly, continually depend on the distinct conditions of your individual investor - but offshore fiscal solutions and structures can be utilized as component of an total asset protection method for instance, investing offshore can pay for an investor increased flexibility with regards to global accessibility as well as the commodities, equities, derivatives, stocks, shares or firms they can invest in, as well as there are of course often sizeable taxation rewards obtainable to an account holder depending on their countries of tax residence and domicile.

Other solutions into the query posed by this article - namely ‘why invest offshore?’ - are because you can find standard advantages available including much more effective estate arranging possible, privacy and confidentiality, much better interest returns, the opportunity to exploit active business interests abroad in low or no tax places and world wide accessibility to property and earnings.

So, though the world wide web may be excellent when it comes to allowing far more individuals to be far far more broadly informed - particularly about topics as seemingly taboo as all things offshore - it's nevertheless absolutely inside of a government’s interests to prevent advising folks the offshore globe is open and readily available to them because they may well eliminate out on taxation earnings because of this! What this means is it's approximately impartial web pages such as Planet Economic Asset Advisory to offer you free accessibility to details and standard facts and to suit your needs to then see how and why this sort of information and facts is or isn't relevant for your private own circumstances. At which stage you'll be able to then get unique and professional guidance from a professional person as to how you can very best utilize the offshore earth.

And on that last notice there exists only one extra point to say! A potential investor (you) has to be certainly positive that the actions they may be about to get when it comes to placing property offshore are going to be of advantage to them. Furthermore they really need to make sure that they are acting legally, that a corporation these are entrusting with their dollars is legitimate and they realize the pitfalls involved with their judgements.

To that stop we will usually advise that you ought to to perform your own personal due diligence to the jurisdiction encouraged for you or picked by you, the business you happen to be looking at investing or banking with as well as the policy or account you are taking out. Widespread sense is definitely the principal primary to making certain you do not come up with a error when entering the entire world of offshore finance and typical feeling is a thing we pride ourselves on!

TAA's achievement in bringing in top quality members and directors has helped the development of our solid connections and exceptional track record among investors in Alternative Strategies. Thomas Anderson Advisory are convinced that this framework has established the phase for effective and profitable capital raising efforts in the future.

TAA realise that the level of quality of TAA alliance with particular individual associates and clients, along with accompanying awareness of their administrator requires enhancement, the chance that capital inflows increases and the probability of redemptions will likely be decreased.
source: www.sbwire.com

Regulation of Offshore Rigs Is a Work in Progress

2011-04-17T02:51:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON — A year after BP’s Macondo well blew out, killing 11 men and spewing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the much-maligned federal agency responsible for policing offshore drilling has been remade, with a tough new director, an awkward new name and a sheaf of stricter safety rules.It is also trying to put some distance between itself and the industry it regulates. But is it fixed? The simple answer is no. Even those who run the agency formerly known as the Minerals Management Service concede that it will be years before they can establish a robust regulatory regime able to minimize the risks to workers and the environment while still allowing exploration offshore.

“We are much safer today than we were a year ago,” said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who oversees the agency, “but we know we have more to do.”
Oil industry executives and their allies in Congress said that the Obama administration, in its zeal to overhaul the agency, has lost sight of what they believe the agency’s fundamental mission should be — promoting the development of the nation’s offshore oil and gas resources. Environmentalists said the agency, now known as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, has made only cosmetic changes and remains too close to the people it is supposed to regulate.

Even the officials who run it, Mr. Salazar and the new director, Michael R. Bromwich, admit that they have a long way to go before government can provide the kind of rigorous oversight demanded by the complex, highly technical and deeply risky business of drilling for oil beneath the sea.

The blowout preventers in use today remain incapable of handling a well rupture of the force of the BP blast. The containment system developed by the industry to respond to another blowout has not been tested in real-life conditions and, by the industry’s own estimate, could still allow hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil to spew before a runaway well could be capped.

The seven-member commission named by President Obama to investigate the BP accident looked at the regulatory failures that contributed to it, and its conclusions were blunt.

“M.M.S. became an agency systematically lacking the resources, technical training or experience in petroleum engineering that is absolutely critical to ensuring that offshore drilling is being conducted in a safe and responsible manner,” the panel said in its final report, issued in January. “For a regulatory agency to fall so short of its essential safety mission is inexcusable.”

Many of those flaws remain, according to William K. Reilly, a former Environmental Protection Agency administrator who was one of two chairmen of the commission. He said last week that Mr. Bromwich was doing a creditable job, but that the agency still lacked the technical expertise needed to oversee such a specialized industry. “They changed the name, but all the people are the same,” Mr. Reilly said. “It’s embarrassing.”

The job of repairing the agency has fallen to Mr. Bromwich, a former federal prosecutor and Justice Department inspector general who was pressured into leading the agency by Mr. Obama. While defending the employees of the agency, Mr. Bromwich, who took over last June, made no excuses for its past misbehavior, including a scandal at the Denver office that involved agency officials and oil company employees having sex and sharing drugs.

Mr. Bromwich acknowledged that accident rates for offshore drilling were several times higher in the United States than in Australia, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom, in part because those countries imposed effective new rules after major accidents.

After the Deepwater Horizon spill, the regulatory agency was broken into parts, dividing the revenue collection office from the oversight division to eliminate conflicts of interest. A series of new rules involving well design, spill response and environmental review were imposed. Permitting and production were set back months while the industry absorbed the changes.

But Mr. Bromwich says his agency still lacks the resources, personnel, training, technology, enforcement tools, regulations and legislation it needs to do its job properly. He lays a large part of the blame on insufficient financing.

The bureau’s budget has been basically flat since it was created in 1982, even as drilling activity in the deep-water gulf has drastically increased and the technology has grown more complicated.

“Without more resources, we can keep doing what we’re doing, but we can’t grow,” Mr. Bromwich said in an interview during a recruiting trip to nine West Coast universities, where he was trying to lure young scientists and engineers to apply for relatively low-paying government jobs. “We need more people, and we need new people.”

Mr. Bromwich has asked the Office of Personnel Management to adjust pay schedules so his office can compete with oil companies, which in some cases are paying twice the government salary for petroleum engineers. Mr. Obama has asked for an increase of more than $100 million to the agency’s roughly $250 million annual budget. Congress provided about half that amount in the short-term budget deal reached last week, but discussions have not begun on next year’s budget.
source: www.nytimes.com

Is this man's job really under threat?

2011-04-17T02:46:00.000-07:00

The big polluters warn a carbon tax would be a disaster - jobs would go offshore, and so could whole industries. But is it true, or a giant con?
LAST weekend, some of the Canberra Press Gallery's most senior members found themselves on a helicopter tour over Australia's north-west coast. Not a politician was in sight - just the nation's vast bounty of offshore gas. Later in Perth, they had a special briefing from Don Voelte, head of gas and petroleum giant Woodside.

The journalists were flown to Perth and entertained by the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, the oil and gas industry body. Its annual conference was on and, not unusually, the industry paid the airfares for business reporters to attend.
But this year was different. This year it invited senior political reporters too. The reason, it turned out, was entirely political: the industry wanted to send a message to Canberra.

And there it was in Monday's newspapers. The Sydney Morning Herald ran it on the front page. The story also led The Australian. Don Voelte, that article said, had declared a carbon tax could be the ''breaking point'' in deferring or cancelling $130 billion of gas investment. It was a plea and a threat: the liquefied natural gas industry, the political journalists reported, wanted out of Julia Gillard's carbon scheme.
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In the next few months, the government will decide on a compensation package for Australia's big polluters, including the gas sector. Billions of dollars in profit are at stake. Powerful union leaders, such as the Australian Workers Union's Paul Howes, are threatening to withdraw support if ''one job'' is lost in these companies. But how many projects and jobs really are at risk? Are these warnings of economic damage, issued with increasing frequency and emotion, genuine?

It's no surprise industry is doing everything it can to secure the best deal, but its claims are often accepted without question or context. Recently, for example, a number of reports have emerged from respected investment analysts, including Macquarie Equities, Citigroup and JPMorgan, on how a carbon price will affect LNG projects and Woodside. They found that there would be a ''minimal'' impact on the sector, and a shaving of around 2 per cent from Woodside's net profit by 2013. These pieces of analysis rarely figure in the mainstream media, but you can find them in the financial press. They take into account both the whack of the tax and the cushion of the expected compensation, designed to shield Australia's energy-hungry industry from global competitors unburdened by a carbon price.

The compensation is still being negotiated, but Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has a baseline: Kevin Rudd's 2009 industry assistance package under the abandoned emissions trading scheme. The LNG industry got a special deal under that scheme - $3.6 billion worth of free pollution permits, or a carbon subsidy of $103,344 per job, according to an independent analysis by economists at Melbourne's Grattan Institute.

LNG is not alone in crying foul over the carbon tax. Aluminium giant Rio Tinto described it as ''disastrous'', coal producer Anglo American said the job impact will be ''severe''. BlueScope Steel's Graham Kraehe addressed the National Press Club last month to say the government's agenda would ''condemn us to a rusting museum''.

These comments feed the opposition's attack on the tax, which it opposes as ''economic vandalism''. Shortly after Kraehe's comments, shadow industry minister Sophie Mirabella issued a warning that the tax ''will decimate Australian manufacturing and send a tide of Australian businesses offshore''. Recently, while pedalling up the east coast, Liberal leader Tony Abbott visited a ceramic tile business and declared the tax ''will virtually shut down manufacturing in this country''.

A carbon tax will impact three broad categories of business. The power supply sector will take the biggest hit, because a carbon tax is designed to price some existing practices - such as brown-coal electricity stations - out of the market. The power industry is negotiating separately with the government. Then there's a group of companies that are trade-exposed and energy-intensive. These are the ones a carbon scheme needs to protect because they face overseas competitors not yet saddled with a carbon price, yet nudged towards cleaner practices.

Then there's the rest of business, and for them the key is energy use - the more energy a business uses, the more it will pay. An Australian Industry Group survey of its members found that, for the vast majority of businesses, energy represented just 4 per cent of sales revenue. About 70 per cent of respondents to this survey were manufacturers. Aimee Kaye, an analyst at Macquarie Securities, recently calculated the carbon tax risk for companies listed on the Australian stock exchange. Once she factored in compensation and the ability to pass on costs, no listed company had a carbon cost greater than 5 per cent of pre-tax earnings. ''So less than 5 per cent is saying it's not material for their earnings,'' says Ms Kaye.

Some companies, such as Australia's biggest, BHP Billiton, have long seen this tax coming. Several days after Ms Mirabella warned of a flood of jobs offshore, BHP announced a $US9.5 billion expansion of its iron ore and coal operations in Australia. Marcus Randolph, BHP's head of ferrous and coal, brushed off carbon tax concerns, telling the financial media the company had factored in a carbon price for years. Indeed, in contrast to its fellow heavy polluters, BHP has declared that Australia should move to price carbon, even before the rest of the world does.

But without compensation, a carbon price will push some of Australia's trade-exposed, emissions intensive industries to the wall. These companies - which dig coal, refine oil, smelt aluminium, make cement and steel and tap gas deep under the ocean - constitute about 8 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product, but produce 30 per cent of its emissions.

In April last year, the Grattan Institute - a public policy group based at the University of Melbourne and funded by governments as well as BHP Billiton - released the most comprehensive analysis of these sectors under a carbon price. The institute, which estimated these sectors employ 70,000 people, used company emissions and financial data to come to a remarkable conclusion: only two of the seven industries analysed genuinely deserved the $22 billion Rudd government compensation package.

These two industries were steel and cement. The core ingredient of cement, clinker, requires large amounts of heat. A carbon price would make imports from plants in south-east Asia and Japan - which tend to be more efficient - cheaper than locally produced cement.

Meanwhile, a carbon price is not the biggest problem for Australian steel, which produces two tonnes of greenhouse gas for every tonne of steel. But underlying issues in the industry - including ageing plants, high labour costs and the soaring price of iron ore and coal - mean a tax could make OneSteel and BlueScope marginal, leading to carbon leakage, the institute found. (Carbon leakage is when a business closes down in one place and opens in another country where pollution standards are lower, thus defeating the point of a carbon tax designed to curtail emissions).

Australia's oil refining industry, the institute said, should not be compensated because its economics were ''precarious''. For years, the industry has struggled against imports from Asian ''mega refineries''. This decline reached its logical conclusion last week, with Shell's announcement that it was closing Australia's longest running oil refinery, at Clyde in Sydney's west. Shell did not blame a carbon price.

The institute also found that Australia's $6 billion alumina refining industry, which turns bauxite ore into a white powder used to make aluminium, would remain healthy, even with a carbon price. Australia is one of the world's largest producers of alumina and does so cheaply because refineries are near high quality bauxite deposits.

LNG was not worthy of compensation either, the institute said, because it was about to boom, with or without a carbon price. And what of coal, so often the bogeyman of climate politics? The report found that a carbon price would have little impact on 90 per cent of Australia's mines, but would significantly impact the profitability of so-called gassy mines, which release large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. But they are unlikely to close, the report said, because the prices of metallurgical coal are so high.

The Rudd package was so generous, the institute said, that most of these heavy polluters would have no incentive to start moving to cleaner processes, only having to pay, in many cases, for 5.5 per cent of their pollution. It also, controversially, said that instead of compensating the Australian aluminium industry at a rate of $161,000 a job, it should be allowed to shift offshore, because its long-term future in Australia was shaky, and we make the most carbon-intensive aluminium in the world. Shifting aluminium offshore would, it said, lead to global emissions going down, not up.

Climate change minister Greg Combet, who has two aluminium smelters in his New South Wales Hunter Valley electorate, told The Sunday Age there was ''no way in the world'' the government would support that analysis. ''That's a lovely academic analysis, I say with a hint of sarcasm,'' said Mr Combet. ''Go and try and explain that to the people who have made that investment and the workers and their families.''

The aluminium industry, which employs 5000 people, also disputes the analysis - saying production will move to China, where emissions will be greater. The coal industry, meanwhile, describes the report as ''absolute tripe''. Says the Australian Coal Association's Ralph Hillman: ''Last time round we were going to see the closure of 16 mines between 2010 and 2020 and they were right across the spectrum.''

But elsewhere the report is respected. Even Keith Orchison, a former head of the oil and gas industry association, told The Sunday Age it was a ''pretty professional'' attempt at identifying the sectors ''in the gun'' and ''as good an understanding of the industry pressures as you are going to get''. An influential business figure, who declined to be named, also told The Sunday Age the analysis was the best around based on publicly available information, although it suffered from looking at risks to existing jobs and production, not those in the future.

The Greens' Christine Milne, who has signalled she wants some sort of compromise on the generosity of the Rudd package, describes the Grattan Institute analysis as ''the kind of comprehensive analysis the government needs to be doing to get to a principled approach on compensation''. That generosity was one of the reasons the party decided not to support the abandoned emissions trading scheme, arguing that the more money that goes to business, the less goes to households. The Greens also point to Treasury's finding that there was ''little evidence'' of carbon leakage under their modelling for the emissions trading scheme.

Investors, meanwhile, are watching some of the pronouncements from people such as Mr Voelte with a sceptical eye. ''Behind closed doors, companies have expressed a view that they need some certainty around a price on carbon,'' says Phillip Spathis, manager of strategy and engagement with the Australian Council of Super Investors, whose members manage more than $400 billion.

''If companies aren't dealing with it and immersing themselves instead in some sort of rhetorical table tennis, they are letting the company, investors and the whole community at large down.''
source: www.smh.com.au

New Zealanders prepared to move offshore for right job

2011-04-17T02:41:00.000-07:00

Many New Zealanders would be willing to move for the right job, even if meant relocating offshore, a new survey suggests.

The findings are contained Kelly Global Workforce Index, which surveyed almost 2000 New Zealanders.A total of 79 per cent of respondents said they were prepared to move for the right job and 40 per cent said they were prepared to move within New Zealand.

More than a one-third (38 per cent) said they would be willing to relocate to another country or continent, with the most likely candidates being those working in the IT sector.

Perhaps not surprisingly the most mobile workers were those aged 18 - 29, with almost half saying they would travel offshore for a new job.
More than a third of workers aged 30-49 and 31 per cent of respondents aged 50 - 65 said they would move overseas for the right job.

Kelly Services managing director Debbie Grenfell said an environment where the market for talent was becoming global, more and more people were assessing job opportunities offshore to advance their career.

"Many skills that were once specific to a region or country are now able to be carried out in varied parts of the globe, meaning that job mobility becomes important for career advancement. In fast-growing sectors such as engineering, science, finance and healthcare, there is diverse global demand that can present personal rewards and career opportunities for those willing to travel," Grenfell said.

Europe was flagged as the most appealing destination for globetrotting New Zealand job seekers (39 per cent) well ahead of Asia Pacific (18 per cent), North America (14 per cent) South America and the Middle East (3 per cent) and Africa, 1 per cent.

Meanwhile respondents said the desire to move to a different continent was driven by "the experience" rather than setting up permanent residence, with 48 per cent prepared to stay for three years or less.

The survey, conducted from October 2010 through January 2011, also revealed that a significant number of people were working in "unconventional arrangements," involving long or unusual hours, multiple jobs, living away from home or excessive travel.
source: www.nzherald.co.nz

Offshore jobs boost GE, a W.H. ally

2011-04-17T02:38:00.000-07:00

The results of GE’s tight relationship with the Obama administration are starting to show.

The company’s CEO, Jeffrey Immelt, went from being an Obama ally on green energy to being one of his top outside advisers on the economy in the last two years.n the process, The New York Times reports, GE had one of its best years in 2010, in part by getting a huge tax benefit from Uncle Sam.

Last year, the company paid nothing to the government. Instead, the government paid GE $3.2 billion in tax breaks.

“Its extraordinary success is based on an aggressive strategy that mixes fierce lobbying for tax breaks and innovative accounting that enables it to concentrate its profits offshore,” according to The Times.
Some combination of aggressive lobbying for green energy tax incentives — for which the administration had pushed aggressively in the Recovery Act and in President Obama’s budgets to Congress over the last two year — and strategies run out of its in-house tax department have made GE one of the leading companies in reducing its corporate tax burden.

When Immelt was named the chairman of Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness in January, he acknowledged that his company has a reputation for running most of its business overseas, the result of more than three decades of reducing its domestic operations to minimize costs.

“I know that despite the fact that 60 percent of GE’s revenues are outside of the United States, I personally and this company share in the responsibly and the accountability to make sure that this is the most competitive and productive country in the world,” Immelt said in January.

But he neglected to mention that GE’s offshore operation also allows it to avoid paying most of its taxes to the federal government. GE’s spokesman told the Times that reducing its tax burden is part of the company’s “responsibility” to its shareholders.

But it also appears to run contrary to Obama’s rhetoric about slowing the rapid offshoring of American jobs.
source: www.politico.com

Offshore officials get in-depth look

2011-04-17T02:33:00.000-07:00

The top U.S. officials in charge of offshore oil and gas exploration on Wednesday got a close-up look at the first deep-water drilling project approved since last year's oil spill.nterior Secretary Ken Salazar and his chief offshore regulator, Michael Bromwich, spent two hours examining new safety systems - including one spurred by the spill - on the Ensco 8501 rig that is about to begin drilling a bypass well for Noble Energy in the Gulf of Mexico.

They touched drilling fluids hauled from pits on the semisubmersible rig, interviewed workers about their jobs and studied the systems used as a last line of defense against surging oil and gas.

Afterward, Salazar said he was impressed that "testing capabilities have been significantly enhanced since a year ago."
"We're starting to see the beginning of a significant change in the culture that holds great promise," Salazar added.

Within days, the Ensco 8501 is set to begin drilling the well in Noble Energy's Santiago prospect 70 miles southeast of Venice, La., resuming work that started just four days before the blowout of BP's Macondo well and destruction of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig last April 20.

Houston-based Noble drilled more than 7,000 feet below the seafloor in 6,500 feet of water before it was forced to plug the well under a moratorium on deep-water drilling that took effect weeks after the Macondo blowout.

The new bypass drilling is meant to get around the plugs in the original well.

Although Noble Energy is the operator of the project, with a 23.25 percent working interest, BP owns 46.5 percent of it. The other partners in the project are Red Willow Offshore and Houston Energy Deepwater Ventures.

Noble Energy secured its permit to resume work at the site on Feb. 28, becoming the first of 10 deep-water projects blocked by last year’s ban that now have gotten the green light. So far, drilling has begun on two: a well in Shell Oil’s Cardamom Deep discovery 137 miles off the Louisiana coast and one in Exxon Mobil Corp.’s Hadrian North field about 240 miles from the Louisiana coast.

One hundred twenty-three people now are working at the Noble Energy well, including 78 who work for Ensco and others employed by about a half-dozen other contractors.

Workers on the rig - built as a collaboration between Ensco and Noble two and a half years ago - stressed the safety practices onboard. At one point, an Ensco worker reminded Salazar and Bromwich to don protective glasses and earplugs.
Blowout preventer

Inside the drilling shack at the heart of the rig, the two officials pressed workers to answer questions about the blowout preventer designed as a final barrier against loss of well control. A four-month examination of the blowout preventer used at BP's well concluded it was unable to slash through off-center drill pipe, seal the well hole and trap oil underground.

Although blowout preventers are built to shear through drill pipe, they can't cut through thick joints connecting pipe. That means drillers must know whether narrow pipe or joints are passing through the device.
'Give me comfort?'

Salazar wanted to know what would ensure that pipe joints weren't in the way.

"What will give me comfort that in this rig, that will not happen?" he asked.

Don Williamson, the rig manager, stressed that the driller always knows the position of the pipe.

The Hydril blowout preventer being used at the Noble Energy well is two and a half years old - the same age as the rig itself.

After last year's spill, the government stepped up testing requirements for blowout preventers, including access points called hot stab panels that allow remote controlled vehicles to operate equipment deep beneath the surface.

On the Ensco 8501, that meant installing new equipment from Oceaneering that allows the workers on the surface to conduct quicker, more efficient tests of the hot stab function.

"It's greatly enhanced our ability to test the stabs on the surface," said Rusty Critselous, a drill site leader for Noble Energy. "With this little unit, our hot stab lines are shorter and the testing process is quicker."
'New and better ways'

Bob Bemis, Noble Energy's vice president of environmental, health and safety, said the federal mandate prompted the change.

"That regulation is causing us to develop new and better ways to develop these testing techniques," Bemis said.

Bromwich, director of the Interior Department's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, observed later that it was gratifying that the federal requirements had spurred innovation, but said he would prefer the industry to have its own incentives for safety improvements.

"What's been missing from the industry over the last several decades has been the drive to innovate for safety without new requirements," Bromwich said.

The backdrop for the visit Wednesday was continuing tension between the oil industry and the Obama administration.

Oil industry representatives have complained that the administration is moving too slowly to restart offshore drilling following last year's spill. source: www.chron.com

Offshore Jobs

2011-03-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

17 March, 2011

Mechanical Engineer / Ventilation Engineer

Location:
Huddersfield , West Yorkshire
Salary:
Unspecified
Date posted:
17/03/2011 13:01
Sector:
Building services jobs
Job role:
Mechanical engineer jobs
Job type:
Permanent
Company:
Green Building Store
Contact:
Camilla Govan
Ref:
CareerStructure
Job ID:
49982568

We are looking for an Engineer to join the growing Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) team with the skills and aptitude to take on design tasks and contribute to product development for leading sustainable building company. Solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering required with design aptitude and methodical nature. Ventilation design experience an advantage, but not essential.

We are a specialist team working at the leading edge of MVHR in the UK with high demand for our services. We focus on delivering Passivhaus standard systems mainly in a housing context. Green Building Store is an innovative ethical company specialising in low energy building.

This role is about the delivery of a high quality specialist service. We are looking for someone with the skills and aptitude to take on design tasks, contribute to product development and potentially to be involved in commissioning systems. You will be interested in developing your career in an innovative growing company committed to energy efficient and sustainable construction.

Experience in ventilation design or a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering required. Office based, permanent.

Applications to this job will only be considered once an application form has been filled in. To apply please click on the apply now button below.

the closing date for this role is the 21st March.

APPLY NOW !!!

BID MANAGER

2011-03-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

Location:
Euston, North West London (NW1)
Salary:
£Attractive plus excellent benefits
Date posted:
17/03/2011 11:55
Sector:
Traffic and Transport jobs
Job role:
Civil engineer jobs
Job type:
Permanent
Company:
Morgan Sindall PLC
Contact:
The Recruitment Team
Ref:
CareerStructure/MS/BM/I
Job ID:
50097434

As Bid Manager, you’ll take responsibility for the overall management and delivery of customer proposals for major projects. Involved fully in the commercial, quality and technical aspects for bids across the rail, highways, energy and waste sectors, you’ll co-ordinate bid resources, champion best practice and establish winning bid strategies. We’re looking for someone with the energy and expertise to drive continuous improvement throughout the bid process. You must have the credibility to lead presentations, interviews and negotiations with customers, as well as the capability to initiate peer review process of bids, tender reviews and lessons learned capture. Educated to degree-level in a relevant field of expertise, you must be professionally qualified (Chartered Engineer or similar) with a demonstrably successful senior-level track record of winning quality-led bids in the highways, rail, waste or energy sectors. You’ll already have:

* A network of customer contacts within your fields of expertise
* Experience of delivering major projects in an operational role
* An understanding of project commercials and procurement models
* Hands-on participation in major tender submissions.

Morgan Sindall plc is a UK construction, infrastructure and design business with a national network of local offices. We employ over 4,800 people who work for private and public sector customers and our activities range from small works and repair and maintenance to the design and delivery of complex construction and engineering projects. The work delivered ranges in value from £10 million to £500 million and includes major road and bridge works, wind farms, rail works, clean and wastewater treatment, and power stations; undertaken either as a sole contractor or as part of a joint venture with other major civil engineering contractors.

We’re therefore able to offer customers a total service capability from initial design and conception to project handover. The breadth of our operation means we also offer exceptional career development opportunities. In every part of our business, we’re looking for people who share our commitment to ‘Perfect Delivery’. If you want to bring your expertise to an organisation that can match your ambitions, your aspirations and your dedication to outstanding service, we should talk.

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter quoting your current salary and package and notice period.

Morgan Sindall is an equal opportunities employer.

Morgan Sindall is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.

Due to the Coalition Government's interim immigration limits, Morgan Sindall's ability to sponsor employees under Tier 2 (General) of the Points Based System is very limited. Applicants from outside the EEA are therefore encouraged to explore immigration routes which will allow them to work in the UK without such sponsorship.

In the recruitment process all applicants are required to provide the necessary right to work information and documentation.
No agencies please. APPLY NOW !!!

PROJECT ENGINEER

2011-03-17T04:49:00.000-07:00

17 Mar, 2011

Location:

Salary: Negotiable

Company: Setsquare

Job Type: Permanent

Date posted: 16/03/2011 15:39:18

Job Description:
Our client, a major marine construction company, requires an experienced Marine Project Engineer.

The role
Based in The Netherlands but requiring periods of travel overseas, the successful candidate will manage and execute the project's engineering activities, and will carry out onshore and offshore field engineering.

Additional responsibilities include:

- Drafting project method statements to assist operations and tender processes and to support operations at sea.

- Coordinating the engineering activities.

- Monitoring project progress, identifying deficiencies and initiating corrective actions.

- Managing and control the performance of subcontractors and fabricators / suppliers of specialised offshore equipment.

- Coordinating engineering and supply of project specific equipment such as lifting gear, pile grippers and sea fasteners.

- Coordinating project specific engineering calculations / reports for mooring, anchorage, towage, load tests, rigging and sea fastening.

- Developing in house knowledge, expertise, standards and methods

- Offshore field engineering

The Candidate

- HTS (BSc) or equivalent

- Minimum 10 years experience in the design and engineering of marine projects of which at least 5 years must be gained in a lead position

- Civil background with mechanical experience

- Experienced in designing anchor plans, and in writing working methods for lifting, rigging and hoist plans.

- Excellent communicator at project management level

- Experienced user of basic engineering software such as AutoCAD, Arena and MS Project

- Experience of marine engineering software such as MOSES and AQUA

- Fluent English speaker

Contact:
Tony Flitton
Reference:
CareerStructure/TF/388/0903/CS

APPLY NOW !!!

ExxonMobil pioneers use of indigenous pipes in offshore operation

2011-03-17T04:46:00.000-07:00

ExxonMobil last week became the first International Oil Company (IOC) to use made-in-Nigeria pipe for its offshore field operation.

Major stakeholders in the industry gathered at the weekend to witness the historic laying of the firstever set of made-in-Nigerian oil and gas grade steel pipes in ExxonMobil’s Edop-Idoho offshore field after over 50 years of operations in the country.

The Helical Submerged Arc Welded pipes were manufactured by SCC Mill Abuja and coated by Adamac Pipes Coating and Services Limited.

The event, which was a landmark in the implementation of Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, was celebrated at the quayside of Onne Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and atop Crawler barge at Edop-Idoho field.

At Onne FTZ, the pipes were loaded on a vessel transporting them to the field and at Crawler barge, officials of Saipem Nigeria, the contractor to ExxonMobil Nigeria exhibited the marine operations for welding and laying the pipes on the sea bed. Speaking at the quayside of Onne FTZ, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Ernest Nwapa, an engineer, explained that the deployment of the pipes was of national economic significance and a confirmation that inputs sourced from Nigeria can be successfully utilised in hi-tech operations of the oil and gas industry.

He said it was also proof that the 24 inches by 30 kilometers pipes, which ExxonMobil bought from SCC were not dumped in the ocean as insinuated by some critics.

Shell, Agip and Chevron had in the past month advanced their order placements of about 100 kilometres of line pipes to SCC and according to Nwapa, this will sustain the employment of Nigerians in the mill and create more opportunities for training.

He said: "Nigerian workers must be happy because once the industry begins to accept local products and place work in Nigerian pipe mills, it will just be a matter of time for tens of thousands of jobs to be generated directly and indirectly from operations of SCC and other existing facilities."

Nwapa expressed the hope that the deployment of the pipes and sustained patronage of SCC would unlock the flood gate of other prospective investors, who will set up other pipe mills with alternative specifications such as longitudinal welded and seamless pipes to meet some operators’ preference for smaller diameter line pipes.

He said the event should clear doubts in the minds of investors in pipe mills and other critical facilities and infrastructure about the Federal Government’s determination to implement the Nigerian Content Act.

"We expect that you should be emboldened to progress with investments in pipe mills, threading plants, fabrication yard upgrades, machine shops and other facilities with the assurance that the NCDMB will insist on utilising any capacity in Nigeria before importing pipes or products," he said.

Nwapa also noted that Jiangsu Yulong Steel Pipe of China is at the point of acquiring a site location to set up a 250,000 tonne Longitudinal Submerged Arc welded (LSAW) pipe mill in a coastal location with natural gas supply in its proximity.

He said NCDMB and Shell are also collaborating to comprehensively study the options for optimum deployment of mills in the country based on the future demand of the Nigerian and regional market with the Gas Master Plan infrastructure in mind.

The Executive Secretary commended ExxonMobil for pioneering the placement of orders for line pipes in SCC in 2006, even when it was only a directive that all pipes used in the industry be procured in-country.

He added: "Without the will and technical backing from the ExxonMobil team, we will not be making oil and gas pipes in Nigeria today given the lethargy other international oil companies employed to avoid placing orders in the mill."

Nwapa stated that the model used by ExxonMobil to ensure that industry quality and safety standards were met had been used in creating capacity in other areas such as Oil Country Tubular Goods threading and will also be adapted when the building the new pipe mills starts.

The Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Cyril Odu, recalled that when the company got involved with SCC Mill, it had only produced double submerged arc welded helical pipes, which were suitable as water pipes, but not for oil and gas applications.

He said: "Working extensively with SCC Mill and National Petroleum Investment Management Services over the next four years, Mobil Producing Nigeria was able to produce new specifications for DSAWH pipes that would meet international standards for low pressure and shallow water applications in the oil and gas industry."

The General Manager, Materials Management Department, NAPIMS, Mr. Usain Tahir, who represented the Group General Manager, NAPIMS, hailed the deployment of the pipes by ExxonMobil, which he described as a major plus for the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act. He assured that NAPIMS is in alignment with the aspirations of government on the implementation of the Act, and would collaborate with NCDMB to ensure that Nigerian facilities are patronised. source: thenationonlineng.net

Field Service Engineer

2011-03-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

Job Description Progressive are curently working with a rapidly growing organisation within the Oil & Gas sector to aid in their recruitment of Electrical & Instrumentation engineers who have had all round experiece both on and offshore.

Due to company expansion, my client requires the following:

- PROJECT ENGINEERS ( Instrumentation & Electrical)
- You will be based here in Aberdeen working on & offshore, locally & internationally.
- The scope of work requires an excellent level of practical engineering and problem solving skills.
- Tasked with handling various projects the role will include client liaison, project engineering and documentation, manufacture and installation and commissioning of electrical instrumentation systems.
- You will have extensive offshore experience with electrical instrumentation systems.
- PLC knowledge is desirable. A minimum of HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering essential.
- Excellent remuneration offered.

Print this job

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Agency Name:

Progressive Recruitment

Reference Number: 319405

Job Category: Energy

Job Type: Full Time

Job Country: United Kingdom

Job Location: Aberdeenshire

Created: 14 March 2011

source: www.infogrok.com

Banks reducing offshore funding reliance

2011-03-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

17 Mar 2011 - Lower credit growth and a rise in national savings are contributing to a reduction in the reliance of Australian banks on international funding markets, according to The Australian newspaper.

According to the report, top Australian bankers believe this year lenders will need to raise 30 to 40 per cent less in wholesale funding, on the back of a six to eight per cent increase in household credit growth, as opposed to the regular 10 to 15 per cent.

This lower demand, along with a jump in consumer savings, had led to an lift in bank funding from retail deposits.

The Australian reports that the major banks are still expected to raise more than $100 billion on international markets this year, despite the increase in deposits.
source: http://www.businessspectator.com.au

Analysis: U.S. offshore drillers still reeling from spill

2011-03-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

11 March, 2011 - (Reuters) - Oil drilling in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico is still stuck in neutral even after U.S. regulators last month issued the first new drilling permit since the deadly 2010 Macondo well blowout.

Nearly a year after BP Plc's mile-deep Macondo well ruptured in April 2010, triggering an explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig that killed 11 people, executives at the high-profile CERAWeek energy conference in Houston marked few reasons for optimism about a recovery of drilling in the Gulf.

"The deepwater drilling moratorium has been lifted in name only," said John Hess, chief executive of Hess Corp, referring to U.S. regulators' move on February 28 to approve a permit for Noble Energy Inc to drill about 70 miles off the Louisiana coast.

The Obama Administration imposed a temporary ban on drilling at depths greater than 500 feet shortly after the BP disaster. The moratorium was officially lifted last October, but Noble has received the only deepwater permit since then.

Noble Chief Executive Charles Davidson said at the conference that regulators need to approve permits for more wells, new ones as well as ongoing drilling projects like the Noble well that was interrupted by last year's ban.

"One permit does not make a deepwater industry," Davidson said. "We have to do more than just these few wells that were drilling before the moratorium."

At CERAWeek, BP's chief executive made his first post-Macondo conference appearance to issue an apology to his industry colleagues and a warning that such disasters are not a one-in-a-million occurrence.

"One company's calamity quickly becomes every company's concern," Dudley said.

Big offshore producers like Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron Corp and Anadarko Petroleum Corp need no such reminders, as deepwater drilling remains largely idle.

The Gulf of Mexico is key factor in U.S. energy supply, providing about 30 percent of U.S. domestic oil production and 13 percent of its natural gas production.

Nexen Inc's CEO Marvin Romanow, who hopes to see permits issued for its Appomattox project in second quarter for appraisal drilling, said he is confidant of new permits since Noble's well was approved.

"It's clear they're committed to doing their work, doing everything they need to do, and moving to granting licenses to drill," Romanow said.

"We've been in the deep water of the Gulf of Mexico for 10 years. It's not a short-term game," he said.

Offshore industry frustration over drilling delays is mounting, said Gary Adams, U.S. oil and gas leader at consultancy Deloitte.

"The term I heard was that the Gulf of Mexico was on life support," Adams said.source: www.reuters.com

China says it controls offshore oil field disputed by Japan

2011-03-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

Thu Mar 10, 2011 - BEIJING, March 10 (Reuters) - China on Thursday reasserted its control over a disputed area in the East China Sea where its leading offshore oil firm said it has been producing oil despite objections from Japan.

"China has complete sovereignty over the Chunxiao oil and gas field and administrative authority," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters at a regular news briefing.

"China's relevant activities in the Chunxiao area are reasonable and lawful," Jiang said, adding that China's control over the waters meant they were "not disputed". She did not say if China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) had actually been pumping oil from the Chunxiao field.

On Tuesday, Song Enlai, chairman of CNOOC's board of supervisors, told media in Beijing that the state-owned company had been producing oil from the field, known as Shirakaba in Japan, prompting Japanese officials to cry foul.

Asia's two largest economies agreed in 2008 on principle to resolve the territorial feud by jointly developing gas fields, but efforts have foundered since then and Japan has accused China of drilling in violation of the agreement.

Japan's foreign minister on Thursday said China had denied Song's comments.

"China has told us that the report is not true. They said the person named in the report has retired from ... the company and that the comments do not represent the position of the Chinese government," Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto, who took over the post on Wednesday, told reporters.

"On the East China Sea, we have agreed to reach an international deal, so we would like to see progress on this," Matsumoto said.

Ties between China and Japan chilled in September following a territorial spat over a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea, and the two governments have also been at odds over China's search for natural gas and oil.

Tensions in other Asian waters have also been high as China seeks resources to feed its booming economy.

The Philippines filed a complaint with China over an incident in early March in a disputed area of the South China Sea where Manila says two Chinese patrol boats threatened to ram a Philippines-contracted survey ship exploring for natural gas.

China and the Philippines are among six countries that claim the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a territory believed to be sitting on rich deposits of oil, gas and minerals. (Reporting by Michael Martina; Additional reporting by Chisa Fujioka in Tokyo, editing by Miral Fahmy)
source: af.reuters.com

SSE scraps impractical Kintyre offshore wind farm

2011-03-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) has scrapped plans for a 378MW wind farm located two kilometres off the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland, after initial surveys revealed poor wind resources and strong opposition from local communities.

The utility announced last week it had stopped work on the Kintyre offshore wind farm project, but insisted it will continue with plans for a 690MW sister project 13km off the west coast of the Isle of Islay.

"Initial site survey work and consultations relating to the wind farm planned to be developed 2km off the west coast of Kintyre have identified a number of factors that have led SSE to decide not to proceed further with the development of this site," the company said in a statement. "These include: the wind resource, the proximity to Campbeltown Airport and local communities, and the impact on recreational sailing in the area."

Feedback from a series of public exhibitions showed 72 per cent of people were either against, or strongly against the Kintyre project. By comparison, nobody was against proposals for the Islay project and 60 per cent were in favour.

SSE now plans to submit an application to the Scottish Government to develop the Islay wind farm at the end of 2013, although it notes that there will be a number of challenges resulting from difficult weather and seabed conditions, which it predicts will apply to many of the Round 3 and Scottish Territorial offshore wind farms.

Colin Hood, chief operating officer at SSE, insisted the utility remains committed to the offshore wind sector, despite the decision to scrap the Kintyre project.

"Having assessed the wind resource, listened to the concerns of local residents, businesses and other stakeholders, and having regard to the impact on Campbeltown Airport and the recreational sailing community, we believe our decision to halt the development of the Kintyre site is the responsible course of action to take," he said.

He added Islay has "massive potential" to contribute to the government's renewable energy targets and said he expected the industry will have developed technology to cope with many of the challenges expected for Round 3 projects by the time it is built.

"Our proposed timetable for developing [Islay] will allow time for the innovative development of the offshore technology and construction techniques necessary to build a wind farm in such a challenging environment."

The news came as SSE yesterday announced that a new joint venture backed by the company has been named as the preferred bidder to acquire the Skykon Campeltown wind turbine plant, which is currently trading in administration. The facility is expected to be used to produce turbine towers for SSE's offshore wind developments.
source: www.businessgreen.com

Why IT Jobs Are Never Coming Back

2010-12-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

CIO - The combination of more automation, increased offshoring, and better global IT infrastructure has taken its toll on the U.S. IT profession, resulting in a net loss of 1.5 million corporate IT jobs over the last decade, according to recent research from IT consultancy and benchmarking provider The Hackett Group.

The barely bright side for the American IT worker is that the total number of annual job losses will diminish slightly in the coming years, down from a high of 311,000 last year to around 115,000 a year through 2014, according to Hackett which based its research on internal IT benchmarking data and publicly available labor numbers. The really bad news? It's unlikely that IT will contribute to new job creation in the foreseeable future. "To succeed over the next five years, companies need to understand how to reposition existing talent; jettison or rationalize current jobs that have no place in the leveraged organization; and source, develop and retain still others to fill the need for new skills, both offshore and in retained onshore staff," reads the Hackett report, which itself was written in part by offshore researchers according to co-author and Hackett Chief Research Officer Michel Jannsen.
CIO.com: Your study looks at the decline in IT job growth based on private and public data from corporate IT departments at billion-dollar-plus companies, but ignores the jobs eliminated by IT service providers. How much greater would the figures be if the likes of IBM or HP were included?

Janssen: It would be huge. If you look at HP or IBM, India is their either second or third largest geography [in terms of hiring]. They have mammoth offshore organizations.

CIO.com: If IT is unlikely to contribute to U.S. job creation in the foreseeable future, what does that mean for America's standing in the IT universe?

Padron: Everyone wants to be like IBM, which started the strategy of having the right resource in the right place at the right time. Companies are becoming truly global. At the same time, IT is becoming more utilitarian and more standardized. And broadband is making all of this easier to do. When you put all of those things together, there's inertia in terms of creating jobs in the U.S. The jobs that you used to think of hiring in large numbers-help desk, network management, data center operations, disaster recover, programming-all of those are going to migrate or have already migrated to places other than the U.S. There's no need to be local today. You can work on anyone's problems from anywhere.
page 2 >>

Offshore Atlantic wind farms providing jobs and new energy supply

2010-12-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

According to the National Wildlife Federation media report, the Atlantic coast shows much promise in the advancing of offshore wind projects. Besides the proposal of six gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind projects along the coast — the equivalent of about five coal-fired power plants — Florida has a total of 40 GW of wind potential that can be added in the clean energy wave hype as well. Ultimately, the report reveals significant potential for the Atlantic Coast to help in the efforts of offshore wind energy, creating numerous jobs. Just one GW of wind-generated energy would create 800 permanent new jobs in addition to 20,700 direct job-years in manufacturing and installation. The potential job increase and the ability for wind energy to supply power to homes along the coast has government officials buzzing with wind energy plans.
The report continues its announcements by making the following key findings:

* Every state with significant offshore wind resources from Maine to Georgia has taken some steps forward on offshore wind.

* The Atlantic’s shallow water characteristics combined with excellent wind speed make it an ideal location for offshore wind farms.

* While the most extensive European study concluded that offshore wind farms do not appear to have long-term or large-scale ecological impacts, major data gaps for the Atlantic Ocean still exist and site-specific impacts need to be evaluated.

According to Tom Larson, Florida Energy Policy Manager for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy:

“Florida’s offshore wind energy resource can provide clean energy, and green jobs, without the risk of a major catastrophe like an oil spill,” said Larson, “The National Wildlife Federation’s report reinforces the proposition that offshore wind energy is a safe, smart energy choice for our region.”

Curtis Fisher, the Offshore Wind Initiative Leader at the National Wildlife Federation, adds the following:

“984 offshore wind turbines are spinning right now in Europe and not one in the Atlantic. The six gigawatts of proposed Atlantic offshore wind projects are a great start, but we need a coordinated and comprehensive effort of government and the market to bring these and other projects over the finish line in a way that values the precious Atlantic Ocean ecosystem and its fish and wildlife resources. This new industry holds great potential to create jobs, cut pollution, and reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels.”

All information was provided by the National Wildlife Federation Report. Picture provided by geteconow.com.

Jobs created by Cumbria offshore wind farm

2010-12-09T17:52:00.000-08:00

A total of 60 new technician jobs are being created by a new offshore wind farm off the coast of Cumbria.

It is envisaged all the new jobs at the Walney Offshore wind farm will be filled by local people.

Work began on the 52 turbine Walney One project in March.

The technicians will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the turbines, and based in Barrow. The wind farm has already created about 100 local jobs.

The wind farm is expected to make its first contribution to the National Grid before Christmas.

It should generate power for more than 320,000 households - more than the whole of Cumbria.

More than 100 turbines make up the wind farm, situated 9.3 miles (15km) west of Barrow-in-Furness.

Danish company Dong Energy and SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) are behind the project, which is being built in two stages, each consisting of 51 turbines.

A second wind farm is also being built about 6.2 miles (10km) off Walney Island, called The Ormonde Offshore Wind Farm.

It will have 30 turbines and is being built and operated by Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company.

Once both projects are complete, at the end of 2011, they will together produce enough renewable energy for about 445,000 households.
source: http://www.bbc.co.uk

Project Manager – Sewage Treatment Plant Design/Build

2010-11-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

Location: Qatar jobs
Salary: Expat Package
Date posted: 11/11/2010 18:50
Sector: Water jobs
Job role: Project manager jobs
Job type: Permanent jobs
Company: KEO International Consultants
Contact: Mark Salisbury
Ref: CareerStructure/INFRA/PM/MS/QT
Job ID: 49011526

KEO International Consultants is a world ranked and leading Design, Engineering, and Project and Construction Management Consulting Firm. Founded in 1964, we deliver world-class consulting services and have expanded our regional reputation to include many global clients. KEO has offices in the Middle East and throughout the world. KEO is the fastest growing consulting firm in the region with an unparalleled reputation for professionalism.
To succeed as the project manager on this major design/build project in Qatar, you need to be able to demonstrate a minimum 20 years experience, of which the most recent 10 years is in a leadership capacity, in design (concept to detail design), project management and all aspects of supervision and project construction of sewage treatment plant projects.

Heading the design and build team, the Project Manager will have extensive experience in end to end project management of sewage treatment plant projects from initial design stage to client hand over.

Previous experience must include an awareness of all environmental protection aspects of the construction and operation of sewerage treatment plant projects. Experience in managing similar sized Design Build projects will be an advantage.

Applicants will hold a Bachelors Degree in Engineering from an accredited University preferably with Chartered Engineer status recognized by a Professional Institution.

Prior experience in the Gulf Region would be advantageous.

While the person we are looking for will gain strong personal satisfaction from working on the most exciting projects, the benefits of working at KEO are considerable. We provide competitive expatriate remuneration packages, as well as long term career opportunities. In addition, KEO provides full assistance in relocation with a team of experienced HR professionals trained to support you through the relocation process.
For a complete listing of Positions, please visit our website at www.keoic.com/careers.asp
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click apply

Senior Project Manager - Utilities - Abu Dhabi

2010-11-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

Location: United Arab Emirates jobs
Salary:Unspecified
Date posted:11/11/2010 18:50
Sector:Water jobs
ob role:Project manager jobs
Job type:Permanent jobs
Company:KEO International Consultants
Contact:Michaela Neill
Ref:CareerStructure/KIN/MN/Infra
Job ID:49019814

Location: Abu Dhabi

KEO International Consultants is a world ranked and leading Architectural, Engineering, and Project and Construction Management Firm with offices in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Dubai, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Working within KEO’s Infrastructure Division as a Senior Project Manager you will be expected to manage projects from inception to completion whilst interfacing and coordinating across all infrastructure disciplines, delivering some of the most prestigious projects across the Gulf Region.

Qualified candidates will be required to demonstrate experience in the following:

·Significant experience in performing utilities planning and design activities throughout the Master Plan, Concept, Preliminary and Final Design stages inclusive of water, sanitary, irrigation, telephone and electrical networks.

·Understanding of regional utility design criteria and ability to effectively liaise with relevant authorities and stakeholders at various stages of the design to ensure compliance to the technical aspects of the project.

·Proven experience of the design and tender process required plus full comprehension of regional design codes, specifications and contractual terms and conditions along with the preparation of bids and pre-qualification materials.

·Significant proficiency in the design of gravity and pressure mains covering potable water, foul water, irrigation/fire and stormwater trunk mains and distribution systems including pump stations and ideally treatment plants.

·Proven ability in the supervision and management of a team with regard to all aspects of Concept, Preliminary and Final Design stages.

·Knowledge of design software such as WaterCAD, SewerCAD and StormCAD is required and familiarity with sustainable design techniques would be an advantage

Qualification: Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering with a minimum of twelve years post graduate experience in utilities design associated with mixed use development and highways/roads projects. Membership of an internationally recognized professional Engineering Association is preferred.

Previous experience gained within a Consultancy would be beneficial, whilst prior experience in the Gulf Region is advantageous.

KEO offers long term career opportunities, generous expatriate salary packages and dynamic career development opportunities. In addition, KEO provides full assistance in relocation from A-Z with a team of experienced HR professionals trained to support you and your family through any relocation process.

All applications will be treated confidentially.

We invite you to visit our webpage which also includes a comprehensive listing of all our career opportunities.http://www.keoic.com/careers.asp
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Quantity Surveyor

2010-11-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

Location : Peterborough jobs , Cambridgeshire jobs
Salary : £25,000 - £45,000
Date posted: 11/11/2010 22:00
Sector : Water jobs
Job role : Quantity surveyor jobs
Job type : Permanent jobs
Company : Biwater
Contact : Paul James
Ref : CareerStructure/BWQS122
Job ID : 49012478

Biwater Treatment Ltd brings together complete design and construction teams of process, civil design, construction, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering expertise that are uniquely dedicated to water industry. As a group our turnover has increased significantly over the last 4 years from £65m to £145m. We have recently won several major long term framework agreements throughout the UK, and have an order book of £800m over the next 5 years. We have also recently been awarded company of the year from the Manchester Evening News.

Due to awards within the Anglian region we are looking to strengthen our Commercial team with an experienced Quantity Surveyor. You will provide Quantity Surveying services and to ensure that all contractual and financial entitlements are fulfilled. You will report directly to the Commercial Manager and duties/responsibilities of this role will include;

·Prepare applications for payment and ensure payment is received on time.

·Prepare variations including consequential costs and agree with client.

·Ensure all instructions are properly received in accordance with the requirements of the contract.

·Prepare contractual correspondence.

·Prepare, submit and agree final accounts.

·Study and understand the contract conditions and provide contractual advice to members of staff.

·Maximise payment recoveries under the contract.

·Carry out comparison of actual monthly costs with forecasted costs and report any variances.

·Undertake evaluation of variations and enter the analysis into contract reviews.

·Assist Project Managers in ensuring financial targets set by contract review are achieved.

·Assist in production of and agreement of subcontract final account.

·Advise the site team on the financial management of sub-contracts.

·Ensure that company procedures are implemented.

·Implement latest Health & Safety legislation.

Knowledge/Experience

·Civil Engineering background with appreciation of M&E contacts.

·5 – 10 years Quantity Surveying experience.

Education/Qualifications

·Member of (or studying towards) an appropriate recognised professional institution.

·Educated to B-tech – Higher level (Preferably degree level in Quantity Surveying).

In return the company offers attractive remuneration packages, and the opportunity for career development within a progressive Group committed to the concept of personal and management development.

We are an equal opportunities employer and offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package and a proactive approach to development of our staff.
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GEOPHYSICAL FIELD ENGINEER

2010-11-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

Location: Unspecified jobs

Salary: Negotiable

Date: 04/11/2010 14:34
Sector: Commercial jobs
Job role: Other construction roles jobs
Job type: Permanent jobs
Company: Setsquare
Contact: Matthew Conick
Ref: CareerStructure/MC/87566/2109/CS
Job ID: 48921734

Our client is an international company that provides geotechnical, geophysical, survey and metocean services around the world.

They are currently seeking to recruit a number of experienced personnel in a variety of key positions to join the offshore Engineering Team. The positions will be offshore based with occasional travel to office for briefings pre/post mobilisations.

Responsibilities will include:
• Geophysical engineering activities
• Working offshore to carry out site investigation fieldwork, as required.
• Executing packages of work as required by the company.
• Keeping abreast of state-of-the-art knowledge and developments in the industry, if necessary by proposing education/training programmes for management approval.

Ideal candidates will preferably have marine/offshore experience in geophysical surveys, although other suitability qualified/experienced candidates will be considered.

Qualifications/ Experience in at least three of the following systems will be advantageous:
• Edgetech Side Scan Sonars
• Deepwater Multi Beam systems.
• Digital SEAL Systems - Mini Air Gun and Streamers
• Sparker Systems
• Magnetometers (SeaSpy and Geometrics)
• Drop coring
• PCPT Systems
• SVP
• Calibration of instruments and re terminations of control cables / wires.

Candidates with a background in electrical controls, communications, IT infrastructure and networking will ideally be of benefit to the operational needs of our client.

In return, they are able to offer a challenging, interesting and rewarding career to employees keen to develop their abilities and grow themselves within a rapidly expanding group of companies.

A competitive salary is on offer, plus additional offshore site pay and employees benefit from a company bonus and contributory pension scheme.

Responsibilities will include:
• Geophysical engineering activities
• Working offshore to carry out site investigation fieldwork, as required.
• Executing packages of work as required by the company.
• Keeping abreast of state-of-the-art knowledge and developments in the industry, if necessary by proposing education/training programmes for management approval.

Ideal candidates will preferably have marine/offshore experience in geophysical surveys, although other suitability qualified/experienced candidates will be considered.

Qualifications/ Experience in at least three of the following systems will be advantageous:
• Edgetech Side Scan Sonars
• Deepwater Multi Beam systems.
• Digital SEAL Systems - Mini Air Gun and Streamers
• Sparker Systems
• Magnetometers (SeaSpy and Geometrics)
• Drop coring
• PCPT Systems
• SVP
• Calibration of instruments and re terminations of control cables / wires.
Apply now: Activate one click apply

Senior Strutural Engineer

2010-11-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Date posted: Nov. 4, 2010

Organization: Spencer Ogden Energy

Location: United Arab Emirates, UAE

Experience: Experience (Non Manager)

Description:

Our client is a leading UAE operating company; we are currently looking for an Offshore Structural Design Engineer.

Responsibilities:

• The role involves carrying out engineering as well as hands on analysis and design work mainly for offshore structures.

• Should provide structural arrangement and installation schemes and check structural drawings.
• Should carry out offshore site surveys and prepare survey reports.
• Lead a team of offshore structural engineers and designers and interact with clients for engineering activities
Remuneration: Salary+ excellent benefits package

Status: Staff

Required Skills/Experience:

• Design Experience is a must

• Should have extensive experience (7 years+) in Concept, Feed and Detail engineering of offshore structural activities involving Greenfield and Brownfield on/offshore oil & gas projects
Experience in all Structural activities: Analysis, design, checking of drawing and documents from contractors, specifications, Materials, procurement support etc.

Worked as Structural Lead Engineer in Engineering consultancy involving planning deliverables, design of engineering package, monitoring.

Experience of reviewing & approving the engineering consultant/EPCM, EPC, Construction contractor and vendors.

Experience in preparation of scope of work for engineering consultant/EPCM, EPC, PMC, Contractors and vendors, reviewing their bids, issue clarifications, technical recommendation and support up to contract award stage.

Should be capable to develop structural arrangements and schemes for various types of platforms.
Experience in topsides of FPSO’s shall be an added advantage.
Required Qualifications: Must have a degree in Engineering, ideally in Civil / Structural Engineering Master Degree in Structural Engineering an advantage

Location: Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Salary: GBP1 - 2 per annum

Contact Name: Rex Makin

Contact Phone: 020726859300

Contact Address:
5th Floor, 33 Charlotte Street, London

Reference code:
41386_24660spenc_000

Offshore Wind Structures Engineer

2010-11-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Location: City jobs , London jobs
Salary: £60000 - £80000 per annum + Pension + Negotiable Benefits
Date posted: 04/11/2010 18:50
Sector: Oil / Gas / Power jobs
Job role: Structural engineer jobs
Job type: Permanent jobs
Company: Amida Recruitment Limited
Contact: Stuart Jolley
Ref: CareerStructure/SJO
Job ID: 48863936

An excellent opportunity to join an international market leader in Wind Farm Development. A highly competitive package and benefits for candidates with the following experience.
The Role.

You will be involved on a range of offshore wind projects which are industry and public high profile. The roles will be challenging, demanding, varied and offer fantastic opportunities for skill set and career development.

Job Description.

Responsible for Pile design and associated foundations.
Requiring a thorough understanding of Geotechnical conditions and their stability.
Impacts of sediment transport and fluid loadings.
Dealing directly with clients and developing client relationships at the working and strategic levels.

Writing the specifications for the projects and establishing the schedules for design resources.
Working within a Quality Assured environment to produce technically correct results.
Maintain the application of ethical and professional practices
Writing proposals and making presentations to clients.
Drafting technical reports across a wide range of offshore activities.

Apply Now: Activate one click apply

It's time to get back to work on offshore oil

2010-11-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 30, the Department of the Interior announced two new rules that will help improve drilling safety by strengthening requirements for safety equipment, well control systems, and blowout prevention practices on offshore oil and gas operations.

Additionally, the new regulations address workplace safety concerns by mandating companies follow the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice 75. This was previously a voluntary program to identify, address and manage safety hazards and environmental impacts in offshore oil & gas operations.

Last week, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar noted, "These new rules and the aggressive reform agenda we have undertaken are raising the bar for the oil and gas industry's safety and environmental practices on the Outer Continental Shelf."

The offshore industry welcomes these new rules to raise security standards and improve workplace safety in the Gulf of Mexico. Companies stand ready to meet the requirements of these new rules, but BOEM must provide an adequate process for industry to attain permits necessary to restart their drilling operations. Compliance with these rules, coupled with decades of safe drilling practices in the Gulf, clearly show it is time that the President and Interior Secretary lift the moratorium on deepwater drilling.

While the Administration prolongs the moratorium and works to enact adequate rules and regulations concerning offshore drilling practices, there still exists a substantial problem. There is a silent moratorium affecting independent oil and gas operators who develop and explore the shallow waters of 500 feet or less, a de facto moratorium on shallow water drilling permits. In the five months since the April 20 Deepwater Horizon accident, BOEM has issued only six permits for new shallow-water wells.

This is unacceptable, considering that these operations were not to be affected by the deepwater moratorium.

In a report from the SMU Cox School of Business' Maguire Energy Institute released on Oct. 4, statistics show the marked slowdown in the issuance of permits to drill new shallow-water wells in the Gulf of Mexico will have serious implications for the Gulf states' economies. According to the Maguire Energy Institute associate director Dr. Bernard L. (Bud) Weinstein, "Studies have found that over the course of one year, should 75 percent of the rigs become stacked as a result of BOEM inaction on issuing permits, the direct economic losses to the nation's businesses and workers would exceed $4.3 billion, with Louisiana taking the biggest hit and Mississippi second. Adding in the ripple effects of lower indirect and induced spending, the nation's income losses could exceed $12.5 billion."

The Administration must act now to lift the moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico. Safety regulations have been put in place. It's time to move forward and allow companies to invest, explore, and develop our vital energy resources in the Gulf of Mexico.

At a time of economic uncertainty, limited job growth, and rising unemployment, it would be in the President's best interest to let a true job-creating industry get back to work.

Don Briggs is president of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association based in Baton Rouge. He is a frequent contributor to The Daily Advertiser.
source: www.theadvertiser.com

Do Expats Need an Offshore Bank Account?

2010-11-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that until you’ve lived abroad for quite some time and met many other expats and learned from them, or unless you work in a financial services facing business abroad, most expatriates don’t learn about their realoffshore options for a long time.

This is a genuine shame because it means that expatriates are missing out on the myriad benefits available to those who can legitimately bank, save and invest offshore.
As a writer constantly commissioned to cover issues related to the offshore financial industry, I could run the risk of becoming blasé about the benefits and advantages of ‘going offshore’ if it weren’t for the one thing that keeps my feet firmly on the ground. And that one thing is the reader enquiries I receive every single day from those who really don’t know where to begin, and who aren’t sure whether what they’re reading about is really applicable to them.

It’s all very well for offshore banks and international financial services providers to pitch their marketing material at those who are already sold on the concept of investing in a different jurisdiction, but what about those who are beginning from the position that they’re not even sure whether all expats need an offshore bank account? A reader asked me today whether they needed such an account now that they’re working overseas, and it’s a totally valid question that needs a proper answer. So, if you’re new to the offshore world of banking, saving and investing, read on to find a way in to what can seem a confusing business.
Do Expats Need an Offshore Bank Account?

There is a difference between an offshore and an international bank account as far as I am concerned. Bank accounts that can provide transaction privacy and confidentiality to the account holder should reserve the right to be called offshore bank accounts. Such accounts are usually owned by a company and/or trust structure, and come with a fee attached for establishment and on-going management every year.

Most expats are not looking for such a solution. Most expats want a personal account that they can utilise now that they’re living abroad. Therefore in my humble opinion, such accounts should be referred to as international accounts rather than offshore accounts.

So, according to my terms as defined above – no, most expats don’t actually want or need an offshore bank account, most expats want an international account!
So…Do Expats Need an International Bank Account?

An international account, such as those offered by HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds TSB and so on, are designed to be of maximum flexibility and use to an expatriate who needs access to ATMs abroad, who needs to set up direct debits/standing order type payments to institutions and individuals in different locations in the world, and who perhaps earn their money in one currency and withdraw it in another.

These accounts can be exceptionally useful to some expats. However, they are not an account you should necessarily favour if you want a) the secrecy some people associate with a bank account in another jurisdiction or b)you hold a lot of money on account on which you could potentially be earning interest. What’s more, if your banking needs are straight forward, you may not even need an international account.

Even the ‘best’ international personal accounts offer ridiculously low rates of interest on balances – therefore, if you hold a lot of money on account you’re probably not going to be advised to put that money in an international account.

Some of the better banks can offer you a structure whereby you have an international account for your day-to-day transactions, and this is linked to a savings account where money deposited can earn some interest. However, you may actually get a better rate of interest on a dedicated term-account for example, or from an offshore bond, or an offshore investment product…

And this is where it can get unnecessarily confusing for expatriates.

Think of it like this if it helps…

In the UK for example, most people have a current account and they do all of their main banking through this account. Their salary goes into it, their bills go out of it.

Ideally they then have ‘other’ money saved or invested in an ISA, a bond, a dedicated savings account or whatever. They perhaps make annual deposits from excess wealth left in their current account, or if they earn a bonus they may put the balance into an investment or savings policy.

Well, exactly the same methods of approach can work for an expatriate – but as soon as you throw the word ‘offshore’ into the mix some people become distinctly uncomfortable.
How an Expatriate Could Potentially Manage Their Banking and Savings Requirements

An expat can potentially, (if they are best advised to do so by an independent professional for example), bank day-to-day in an international personal, current account. They can receive their wages into that account, pay their mortgage back in the UK from that account, pay their international credit card and their rent in their new nation all from the same account.

They can have 24 hour access, (no matter what their time zone), to their money thanks to the international nature of their account.

At the same time, any money they have already saved onshore and any future lump sum or regular amounts they want to earn interest on can be saved or invested in a range of products, accounts and solutions to suit everything from their risk profile, the term they wish to invest for, their tax status and so on.

An expat does not therefore have to put all of their money into one international account! It doesn’t make sense to do so for the vast majority of expats either.

This means that yes, an expat does have to change their mindset when it comes to the management of ALL of their money and each of their financial dilemmas…but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

If you separate out your thinking when it comes to your banking and your savings you will find the offshore world much easier to understand.

1) Determine whether you need the massive flexibility an international bank account can offer you, or whether you can continue to manage your day-to-day banking from your old onshore current account…

2) You can then slowly but surely turn your attention to making the most of your money offshore. By this I mean you can look at how you as an individual can benefit from going offshore. Are there ways you can a) save tax, b) get better returns, c) have access to more flexible savings accounts or investment products offshore?

In other words you do not need to find an immediate solution in the form of ‘an offshore bank account’ to throw all your money into now that you are living abroad. Instead you need to find a banking solution and a savings path.
More About Making the Most of Your Money Offshore…

As an expat you can almost always potentially benefit your wealth by going offshore. (NOTE: how and why you can potentially benefit is dependent on you and your unique financial and taxation position. Determining how and why you as an individual can potentially benefit is something to work out with an independent, qualified and reputable wealth adviser. This article does not constitute advice.)

Offshore saving and investing is different to offshore or international banking. The former is about making the most of your money and the latter is about the day-to-day management of your financial affairs and liabilities. To make the most of your money you will need to look at the products and solutions available that will help you save and invest excess wealth in the most tax efficient, high returning manner as possible.

If you work with a reputable financial or wealth adviser who understand expats needs and who is fully au fait with the offshore financial marketplace, you can sort out your short, medium and long-term money management and wealth advancement needs.
To Conclude

Those seeking a secure, private and confidential offshore solution for their money may benefit from an offshore bank account that forms part of an offshore company/trust structure.

Expats who need very flexible banking now that they are living and working abroad may benefit from an international bank account.

Anyone living abroad who wants to make the most of their money in terms of its potential growth should explore the offshore savings and investment products available and suitable to their individual needs and taxation position. They should consult a reputable, regulated, qualified and experienced offshore wealth adviser specialising in assisting expats if they want qualified advice.
source: www.shelteroffshore.com

Demystifying the Practice of Offshore Banking

2010-11-04T19:23:00.001-07:00

The idea of owning an offshore bank account is a glamorous one for many people--it brings to mind images of billionaires in tuxedos, spy movie villains and mobsters in need of money laundering. Ask your everyday Joe what the purpose of offshore banking is and he may reply with something along the lines of keeping your wealth a secret or tax evasion.

However, there are actually quite a few logical and totally legal reasons someone would invest their money overseas rather than with an American bank account. Holding an offshore account certainly isn't for everyone, but it's not quite what's depicted in the movies. Surreptitious accounts and Hollywood-inspired scenarios aside, here's what the everyday investor should know about offshore banking.

Offshore Banking Definition

The term "offshore" developed from depositors in the United Kingdom referring to accounts held in the Channel Islands. However, offshore banking is now more loosely used to refer to holding any out-of-country account regardless of where it's located, including within landlocked countries.

Benefits of Offshore Banking

When it comes to offshore banking services, the actual types of accounts don't really differ from what's available from the average bank in any country. However, there are quite a few reasons why someone may want to open an account in a foreign country:

Economic and Political Stability: It may not be much of an issue in the U.S., but in places where economic and political turmoil threatens the safety of funds in financial institutions, offshore banking provides a more stable account out of harm's way.

Privacy: High-net worth individuals who wish to keep their wealth private appreciate that many foreign banks are much more secretive about their customers' accounts. While this trait may be what contributed to the stigma that offshore banking protects criminals, it also greatly helps to guard law-abiding citizens in an increasingly litigious society from being targeted for their high level of wealth.

Potential Tax Advantages: While you can't legally escape paying income taxes on the money you deposit in an offshore account, you might end up paying less on any earned income overseas. These tax-advantaged foreign accounts are referred to as tax havens and provide a huge incentive for anyone looking to avoid things like capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, etc.
Disadvantages of Holding an Account Overseas

Limited Access: Anyone who travels knows how costly it can be to visit another country, or even make a phone call for that matter. You may find that communicating with the bank where your money is held or visiting the actual branch is quite difficult if you don't want to spend a fortune.

No FDIC: For the very reason that some choose to bank offshore, you may find to be a disadvantage, or at least an unnecessary risk. While some foreign banks are much more stable and financially secure than those found in other countries, you won't find the same government protection as in the United States. For instance, the FDIC insures all qualifying accounts up to $250,000, but if that money is held outside the U.S., that insurance disappears in the event your offshore bank fails.

Opening an Offshore Bank Account

Interestingly enough, you can access the world of offshore banking right here at home. HSBC, which touts itself as "the world's local bank," is living up to the title by providing accounts based in Jersey, Channel Islands, through HSBC Bank International. In fact, several national banks are making offshore accounts available to U.S. customers.

However, just because your money is placed "offshore" doesn't mean you will reap huge financial benefits. The idea that offshore banking is the solution to any legal, tax or other financial issue is greatly exaggerated. Your local bank or credit union probably offers the same security and competitive interest as an offshore account without the hassle of limited access and foreign rules and regulations.

The best way to find out if offshore banking could really benefit you is by discussing it with a financial professional to determine whether your individual financial goals would best be met with a foreign bank account.
source: www.gobankingrates.com

Germany, Swiss to Negotiate on Taxing Offshore Bank Accounts

2010-11-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Germany and Switzerland will negotiate a withholding tax that raises revenue from offshore Swiss bank accounts while keeping client identities secret.

The talks, starting early next year, will aim to resolve the issue of stolen client data, the two countries’ finance ministries said today. Swiss Finance Minister Hans-Rudolf Merz and his German counterpart, Wolfgang Schaeuble, signed a tax agreement in Bern, allowing investigators to request assistance in tracking down undeclared money deposited by German nationals.

“Switzerland is eventually managing to escape the ‘bad guy’ image as a safe haven for tax dodgers,” said Stefan Bach, a tax analyst at the DIW economic institute in Berlin. “The country is yielding to international pressure as they weren’t able to continue the previous policy of harboring tax evaders.”

The withholding tax proposed by Swiss banks on the interest, dividends, capital gains and investment income earned by foreign citizens with offshore accounts could raise about 1.6 billion euros ($2.2 billion) a year for the German government, according to Bach. The deal with Germany follows a similar accord that Switzerland signed with the U.K. two days ago.

Schaeuble declined to comment on how much revenue the tax could raise for Germany.

“This deal helps to satisfy the needs of Switzerland as a financial center and the needs of the German fiscal authorities,” Merz told reporters in Bern. “What the automotive industry is to Germany, the banking sector is to Switzerland.”

Biggest Customers

Germans are the biggest cross-border customers of Swiss banks with about 280.6 billion Swiss francs ($284 billion) of assets, of which an estimated 69 percent is undeclared, Geneva- based broker Helvea SA estimated last year. Only 16 percent of the 863 billion francs held in Swiss banks by European nationals were declared, according to Helvea.

The Swiss wealth-management industry was shaken on March 13, 2009, when the government agreed to work with countries investigating tax evasion to avoid being blacklisted as a tax haven by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Switzerland has initialed or signed almost 30 tax treaties over the past 19 months to implement international standards and help track down tax evaders.

The accord may help Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government in its efforts to shrink the budget deficit as well as tackle a decades-old dispute on how to deal with German tax dodgers hiding funds in Swiss accounts. The two sides will also discuss the Swiss request of getting better access for the country’s financial institutions to the German market.

Legacy Assets

Germany and Switzerland have been discussing ways to tax legacy assets since March. German officials over the past two weeks have dismissed as speculation a report in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that a tax agreement could yield 30 billion euros in tax revenue next year.

“I don’t expect German clients to withdraw money from Switzerland,” said Peter V. Kunz, head of the business law department at the University of Bern. “This will come as a relief as the parties have found a solution for the legacy assets that preserves bank secrecy.”

Relations between both countries deteriorated last year when former Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck said Switzerland encouraged Germans to evade taxes. At the time Blick, a Swiss mass-market newspaper, called Steinbrueck one of the “most hated people in Switzerland.”

Tensions were strained again this year as German prosecutors began to buy CDs containing stolen data as a way to pursue tax evaders.

“I think it won’t be necessary any more to buy stolen data as we will have other means to prevent abuse of the different tax systems,” German Finance Minister Schaeuble said today in Bern. “It’s the intention of both Germany and Switzerland that depositing undeclared funds is a thing of the past.”

To contact the reporters on this story: Klaus Wille in Zurich at kwille@bloomberg.net Patrick Donahue in Berlin at at pdonahue1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Hertling at jhertling@bloomberg.net John Fraher at jfraher@bloomberg.net
source: www.bloomberg.com

Feds powerless to halt offshore drilling alone

2010-11-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Canada's natural resources minister has been warned by officials in his department that the federal government would be powerless to unilaterally halt offshore drilling projects in areas where regulatory oversight is shared with the provinces, Postmedia News has learned.

For now, the limit on federal powers applies only off the coasts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. But documents obtained exclusively by Postmedia News also reveal the federal government has entered into "informal" discussions with other provinces with coastal waters where oil exploration could one day take place, including Quebec, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

The documents suggest the federal government could run into jurisdictional battles with the provinces if it sought to impose a national moratorium on offshore drilling, as the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama did in the wake of this summer's massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

A blowout at BP's Macondo well on April 20 unleashed the biggest oil spill in history. In late May, Obama suspended the issuance of new deepwater-drilling permits and shut down all such drilling under way in the Gulf. BP sealed the well in July, but only after it had spewed more than 4 million barrels of crude oil.

The U.S. government finally lifted the moratorium last month, while at the same time announcing tough new drilling rules.

Internal emails show that, as the Gulf disaster unfolded, the office of Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis -as well as the Prime Minister's Office -took a keen interest in how Canada might handle a spill on the same scale.
source: www.montrealgazette.com

YACHT OOW NAVIGATION & RADAR (STCW 95 II/1)

2010-11-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

Course code YONR
Duration 3 Weeks
Approvals MCA
Prerequisites Successful completion of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore course. For information on how to gain your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification at WMA, click here| .
Assessment Practical in-course assessment throughout. This will allow students entry to a final written examination.
Teaching Methods Theory and Practical exercises including chartwork and use of Electronic Navigation Aids.

Course Description

The course consists of ten topics:

1. Compass work
2. Gyro compass
3. Chartwork
4. Chart correcting
5. Notices to mariners
6. Tides and tidal calculations
7. International regulations for prevention of collision at sea
8. Buoyage system
9. Navigation aids
10. Radar

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

YACHT OOW NAVIGATION & RADAR (STCW 95 II/1)
Start Date 08-NOV-2010	Places Available 0	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £2300	Fees for Overseas Residents £2300

10-JAN-2011	8	0	£2300	£2300

07-FEB-2011	12	0	£2300	£2300

11-APR-2011	11	0	£2300	£2300

02-MAY-2011	11	0	£2300	£2300

12-SEP-2011	12	0	£2300	£2300

31-OCT-2011	12	0	£2300	£2300

YACHT OOW GENERAL SHIP KNOWLEDGE (STCW 95 II/1)

2010-11-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Course code - YOGSK
Duration - 5 Days
Approvals - MCA
Assessment - Written 2.5 hour examination. Pass Mark is 60%
Teaching - Methods Classroom based, guided study

Course Description

The course is divided into four sections:

1. Ship Construction
2. Stability
3. Meteorology
4. Seamanship

The following topics are covered:

* Methods of yacht construction and local stresses due to static and dynamic loading
* Bilge-pumping systems
* The functions of classification societies
* Basic principles of hydrostatics and related terms
* The concept of initial stability
* Global and local meteorological effects
* Meteorological instruments and weather information
* The principles for safe navigational watchkeeping
* Safe Working Practises
* International Code of Signals

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

YACHT OOW GENERAL SHIP KNOWLEDGE (STCW 95 II/1)
Start Date 01-NOV-2010	Places Available 8	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £895	Fees for Overseas Residents £895

31-JAN-2011	14	0	£895	£895

28-FEB-2011	16	0	£895	£895

04-APR-2011	15	0	£895	£895

23-MAY-2011	15	0	£895	£895

05-SEP-2011	16	0	£895	£895

21-NOV-2011	16	0	£895	£895

YACHT MASTER STABILITY (STCW 95 II/2)

2010-11-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Course code YMS
Duration 5 Days
Approvals MCA
Assessment Written 2.5 hour examination with a pass mark of 60%
Teaching Methods Classroom based, guided study

Course Description

The course consists of five topics:

1. Basic principles and transverse stability
Basic principles of hydrostatics and related terms. Fineness of hull form and resistance to forward motion. The concept of statical stability and the concept of initial stability.
2. List and related problems
List, the inclining experiment and rolling test. The effect of slack tanks on the centre of gravity.
3. Curves of statical stability
4. Loll and related topics
5. Dry-docking and longitudinal stability.
Dry-docking, stability data supplied to yachts, Terms used in longitudinal stability.

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

YACHT MASTER STABILITY (STCW 95 II/2)
Start Date 22-NOV-2010	Places Available 9	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £895	Fees for Overseas Residents £895

17-JAN-2011	13	0	£895	£895

16-MAY-2011	16	0	£895	£895

10-OCT-2011	16	0	£895	£895

12-DEC-2011	16	0	£895	£895

YACHT MASTER SEAMANSHIP & METEOROLOGY (STCW 95 II/2)

2010-11-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

Course code YMSM
Duration 5 Days
Approvals MCA
Assessment Written 2.5 hour examination with a pass mark of 60%.
Teaching Methods Classroom based, guided study

Course Description

The course consists of five topics:

1. Seamanship
Including heavy weather precautions, towing, ship handling, anchoring and emergency situations.
2. Navigation and Passage Planning
Including watchkeeping principles, record keeping and communications.
3. Meteorology
Including regional and local weather, ice navigation, tropical revolving storms and weather forecasts
4. MARPOL
Including SOPEP and Oil Record Book, garbage and oil pollution prevention and spillage procedures.
5. Code of Safe Working Practices
Including personal safety, safe working practices, role of safety officer and accident reporting.

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

YACHT MASTER SEAMANSHIP & METEOROLOGY (STCW 95 II/2)
Start Date 15-NOV-2010	Places Available 9	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £895	Fees for Overseas Residents £895

24-JAN-2011	13	0	£895	£895

26-APR-2011	16	0	£895	£895

03-OCT-2011	16	0	£895	£895

14-NOV-2011	16	0	£895	£895

YACHT MASTER NAVIGATION ARPA & RADAR (STCW95 II/2)

2010-11-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

Course code YMNAR
Duration 10 Days
Prerequisites Completion of the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate
Approvals MCA
Assessment In course practical assessment will allow entry to a written examination
Teaching Methods Classroom and Simulator based

Course Description

The course consists of five topics:

1. Passage planning
2. Knowledge of international regulations for the prevention of collision at sea
3. Search and rescue
4. Radar
5. ARPA

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

YACHT MASTER NAVIGATION ARPA & RADAR (STCW95 II/2)
Start Date 31-JAN-2011	Places Available 9	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £1925	Fees for Overseas Residents £1925

02-MAY-2011	12	0	£1925	£1925

12-SEP-2011	12	0	£1925	£1925

21-NOV-2011	12	0	£1925	£1925

YACHT MASTER BUSINESS & LAW (STCW 95 II/2)

2010-11-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Course code	YMBL
Duration	5 Days

Approvals	MCA
Assessment	Written 2 hour examination with a Pass mark 60%
Teaching Methods	Self study and classroom based.

Course Description

The course consists of three topics:

Legal Framework
including arrival and departure, security and international law
Safety Management
including safety certificates and documents, statutory safety duties, safety organisation, seaworthiness and safe manning
Contracts
including contracts of salvage, contracts of employment (crew agreements), yacht charter agreements and marine insurance

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

YACHT MASTER BUSINESS & LAW (STCW 95 II/2)
Start Date 08-NOV-2010	Places Available 9	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £895	Fees for Overseas Residents £895

10-JAN-2011	15	0	£895	£895

23-MAY-2011	16	0	£895	£895

26-SEP-2011	16	0	£895	£895

05-DEC-2011	16	0	£895	£895

CH ENG (Y4) - AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT (STCW 95 III/3)

2010-11-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

Course code	CEY4AE
Duration	5 Days

Approvals	MCA to STCW'95 –A-III/3
Prerequisites	MCA Letter of Initial Assessment obtainable on application from MCA Southampton office (details from the MCA website).
Assessment	2 hour written examination
Teaching Methods	Classroom based

Course Description

This course prepares the candidate to sit the MCA/SQA written examination in Auxiliary Equipment. The course is based on 4 ½ days lecturer led learning and revision, followed by the examination, which normally takes on the afternoon of the 5th day. A full set of study notes will be provided on application and 6 weeks preparatory study should be undertaken prior to attending the college. A syllabus giving the study content for the course can be found in the MCA 'M' notice – MIN 208, which can be accessed from the MCA website.

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

The next suite of courses after those listed below will be offered in the autumn (October - November, exact dates to be agreed in the summer). As soon as dates are confirmed they will be published here.

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

CH ENG (Y4) - AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT (STCW 95 III/3)
Start Date 08-NOV-2010	Places Available 1	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £950	Fees for Overseas Residents £950

21-FEB-2011	18	0	£950	£950

CH ENG (Y3) - STATUTORY & OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS (STCW 95 III/2)

2010-11-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Course code	CEY3SOR
Duration	5 Days

Approvals	MCA to STCW'95 – AIII/2
Prerequisite	MCA Letter of Initial Assessment, obtainable on application from the MCA Southampton Office (details from the MCA website).
Assessment	2 hour written examinations
Teaching Methods	Classroom based

Course Description

Areas covered include health and safety at work, pollution control regulations, 'M' notices, and international conventions, dry docking, procedures, planned maintenance and hull and machinery surveys.

Voyage planning, fire prevention, ship construction, damage control and fuel consumption are also covered.

Note: A Chief Engineer holding the Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (Yacht 3) will not be required to retake this module if he/she subsequently wishes to obtain a Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (Yacht 2).

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

CH ENG (Y3) - STATUTORY & OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS (STCW 95 III/2)
Start Date 15-NOV-2010	Places Available 0	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £950	Fees for Overseas Residents £950

28-FEB-2011	19	0	£950	£950

CH ENG (Y2) - GEN ENGINEERING SCIENCE II (STCW 95 III/2)

2010-11-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Course code CEY2GES2
Duration 5 Days
Approvals STCW'95
Prerequisites MCA Letter of Initial Assessment obtainable on application from the MCA Southampton office (details from the MCA website).
Assessment 2 hour written examination
Teaching Methods Classroom and mandatory distance learning

Course Description

This course prepares the candidate to sit the MCA/SQA written examination in General Engineering Science II. The course is based on 8 days lecturer led learning and revision, followed by the examination which normally takes place on the afternoon of the 10th day. A full set of study notes will be provided on application and there is a requirement for 12 weeks preparatory study to be undertaken prior to attending the college – evidence of this study, in the form of worked examples must be submitted to the college.

A brief syllabus giving the study content for the course can be found in the MCA 'M' notice – MGN – 156, which can be accessed from the MCA website.

Note: This course is run concurrently with the General Engineering Science.

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

CH ENG (Y2) - GEN ENGINEERING SCIENCE II (STCW 95 III/2)
Start Date 13-DEC-2010	Places Available 13	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £950	Fees for Overseas Residents £950

28-MAR-2011	20	0	£950	£950

CH ENG (Y2) - GEN ENGINEERING SCIENCE I (STCW 95 III/2)

2010-11-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Course code	CEY2GES1
Duration	5 Days

Approvals	STCW'95
Prerequisites	MCA Letter of Initial Assessment obtainable on application from the MCA Southampton office (details from the MCA website).
Assessment	2 hour written examination
Teaching Methods	Classroom and mandatory distance learning

Course Description

This course prepares the candidate to sit the MCA/SQA written examination in General Engineering Science 1. The course is based on 8 days lecturer led learning and revision, followed by the examination which normally takes place on the afternoon of the 9th day. A full set of study notes will be provided on application and there is a requirement for 12 weeks preparatory study to be undertaken prior to attending the college – evidence of this study, in the form of worked examples must be submitted to the college.

A brief syllabus giving the study content for the course can be found in the MCA 'M' notice – MGN – 156, which can be accessed from the MCA website.

Note: this course is run concurrently with the General Engineering Science II.

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

CH ENG (Y2) - GEN ENGINEERING SCIENCE I (STCW 95 III/2)
Start Date 06-DEC-2010	Places Available 13	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £950	Fees for Overseas Residents £950

21-MAR-2011	20	0	£950	£950

CH ENG (Y2) - APPLIED MARINE ENGINEERING (STCW 95 III/2)

2010-11-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Course code CEY2AME
Duration 5 Days
Approvals MCA to STCW '95 –AIII/2

Prerequisites MCA Letter of Initial Assessment, obtainable on application from the MCA Southampton Office (details from the MCA website).
Assessment 2 hour written examination
Teaching Methods Classroom based

Course Description

The course prepares the candidate to sit the MCA/SQA written examination in Applied Marine Engineering. The course is based on 4 ½ days lecturer led learning and revision, followed by the examination, which normally takes place on the afternoon of the 5th day. A full set of study notes will be provided on application and 6 weeks preparatory study should be undertaken prior to attending the college. A syllabus giving the study content for the course can be found in the MCA 'M' notice – MIN 208 that can be accessed from the MCA website.

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

CH ENG (Y2) - APPLIED MARINE ENGINEERING (STCW 95 III/2)
Start Date 22-NOV-2010	Places Available 7	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £950	Fees for Overseas Residents £950

07-MAR-2011	1 9	0	£950	£950

CH ENG (Y2) - ADVANCED HOTEL SERVICES & SHIP CONSTRUCTION (STCW 95 III/3)

2010-11-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:

Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

Course Availability

CH ENG (Y2) - ADVANCED HOTEL SERVICES & SHIP CONSTRUCTION (STCW 95 III/3)
Start Date 29-NOV-2010	Places Available 6	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £950	Fees for Overseas Residents £950

14-MAR-2011	19	0	£950	£950

CH ENG (Y2) - ADVANCED HOTEL SERVICES & SHIP CONSTRUCTION (STCW 95 III/3)

2010-11-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

Course code CEY2AHSC
Duration 5 Days
Approvals MCA to STCW'95 –AIII/2

Prerequisites MCA letter of initial assessment confirming requirement to complete the course, obtainable, on application, from the MCA Southampton office (details from the MCA website).
Assessment 2 hour written examination
Teaching Methods Classroom based

Course Description

This course prepares the candidate to sit the MCA/SQA written examination in Advanced Hotel Services and Ship Construction. The course is based on 4 ½ days lecturer led learning and revision, followed by the examination, which normally takes place on the afternoon of the 5th day. A full set of study notes will be provided on application and 6 weeks preparatory study should be undertaken prior to attending the college. A syllabus giving the study content for the course can be found in the MCA 'M' notice – MIN 208, which can be accessed from the MCA website.

Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:
Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk|

The next suite of courses after those listed below will be offered in the autumn (October - November, exact dates to be agreed in the summer). As soon as dates are confirmed they will be published here.

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.

CH ENG (Y2) - ADVANCED HOTEL SERVICES & SHIP CONSTRUCTION (STCW 95 III/3)
Start Date 29-NOV-2010	Places Available 6	Number on waiting list 0	Fees for EU Residents £950	Fees for Overseas Residents £950

14-MAR-2011	19	0	£950	£950

YACHT (MCA CERTIFICATE)

2010-11-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Course code AEC
Duration 4½ Days

Prerequisites

Candidates must be:

a. Not less than 18 years of age

b. Be in possession of an in date Medical Fitness Certificate - ENG1

and have completed

c. (i) For candidates with no formal engineering craft training, not less than 1 month's service as a yacht engineer; or

(ii) For candidates with MN MEOL basic engineering craft skills training or MCA - approved formal engineering craft training, no yacht engineer service is required.

d. The ancillary courses listed below

- Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code A-V1/1-1);
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-V1/1-2);
- Elementary First Aid (STCW Code A-V1/1-3);
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code A-V1/1-4).
Course Description

The objective of this course is to provide students with the basic theoretical knowledge and some practical hands on experience of diesel engines to enable them to meet the requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice for the Safety of Large Commercial Sailing and Motor Vessels.
Booking a Course

Please contact the course administrator if you require more information about this course:
Pamela Stevens / Bernadette Smallshaw
Telephone: +44 (0)1489 556214
Fax: +44 (0)1489 576908
E-mail: wma.yachts@solent.ac.uk|

Find out more about application and booking on the Course Application and Booking| page.
Course Availability
APPROVED ENGINE COURSE - YACHT (MCA CERTIFICATE)
Start Date

17-JAN-2011
Places Available - 6

Number on waiting list - 0

Fees for EU Residents - £685

Fees for Overseas Residents - £685

Go-ahead for wind to generate 70,000 jobs

2010-10-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Offshore wind will create 70,000 “green jobs”, the government said on Monday, as hundreds of millions of pounds of planned investments in turbine manufacturing were confirmed.

The investments by companies including General Electric, Siemens and Gamesa of Spain had been in doubt as the coalition considered whether to continue with support promised by Labour ministers.

David Cameron said £60m of spending earmarked for upgrading British ports to make them suitable for handling large offshore turbines would go ahead.

“I want us to be a world leader in offshore wind energy,” he said, announcing the national infrastructure plan. “We are making these investments so that major manufacturers will decide that this is the place they want to come and build their offshore wind turbines. This investment is good for jobs and growth, and good for ensuring we have clean energy.”

GE will invest £100m in a manufacturing plant, creating about 1,900 jobs by 2020. Jeff Immelt, chief executive, who visited Downing Street on Monday, said: “The UK has ample offshore wind resources that can provide clean energy for the UK as well as providing new, high-skill jobs for both GE and our suppliers in the UK.

“We . . . reinforce the importance of the government continuing to create long-term certainty for offshore wind manufacturers and developers by committing to a sustainable financial structure.”

Gamesa will spend €150m (£133m) setting up its worldwide centre for offshore wind in Britain, including a research and development centre and a turbine-manufacturing plant, generating 1,000 jobs, with another 800 indirectly at local suppliers.

Siemens announced an £80m plan for a turbine factory, creating 700 jobs at a site in the east or north-east.

The spending on ports was vital to securing the wind investment. During the summer, Siemens told the Financial Times it was unlikely to continue with its plans without this reassurance.

Gordon Edge of RenewableUK, the wind industry body, said: “This is a great day for the UK’s wind industry. We are set to realise the full potential of offshore wind both in terms of energy and job creation, and are happy that the government has shown vision and drive over this issue.”
source: www.ft.com

Hopes of eco-jobs windfall

2010-10-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

26 Oct 2010 - Hopes are rising that Scotland will benefit from a multimillion-pound investment announced yesterday by a Spanish wind turbine manufacturer.

After months of speculation, Gamesa said it would open a research and development centre for offshore technology, build a manufacturing plant in the UK and base the global headquarters of its offshore division in London.

The company said the £133 million investment would create more than 1000 jobs, with another 800 jobs generated indirectly at local supplier firms.

Last month the Herald reported that Gamesa, was formally considering potential factory sites in Scotland. While the company has not announced a specific location, it is understood to be focusing on Dundee.

A spokeswoman for Scottish Development International said: “Gamesa’s announcement that it will place its global offshore wind headquarters in London is only one part of a wider investment programme by the company expected to involve a number of port areas in the UK.

“The Scottish Government and Scottish Development International have been in discussion with Gamesa at the highest levels with the aim of attracting elements of this investment programme into Scotland.”

Niall Stuart, chief executive of industry body Scottish Renewables, said: “This very much confirms the company’s commitment to the UK market.

“For Gamesa we believe everything is very much still to play for in terms of R&D and manufacturing and Scottish facilities such as Dundee and Nigg are incredibly well placed to help Gamesa achieve its ambitions in the UK offshore wind market. It also confirms that offshore wind is a massive opportunity and will create thousands of jobs.”

Gamesa’s announcement came as David Cameron said he would make available £60m for an improvement programme for ports to boost offshore wind projects.

Creating the necessary infrastructure at key port locations is seen as essential to ensuring the UK benefits economically from the anticipated increase in renewables investment in the coming years.

While the country is expected to see a proliferation of offshore wind farms, there is currently very little manufacturing capacity to build the new installations.

Mr Cameron said the move could create up to 70,000 new jobs, as the potential for Britain to lead the world in the offshore wind industry was “immense”, especially as thousands of turbines would be needed in the next decade.

“Manufacturing these needs large factories which have to be on the coast, yet neither the factories nor the large port sites exist and that, understandably, is putting off private investors,” David Cameron said.

“To help secure private-sector investment we are providing up to £60 million to meet the needs of offshore wind infrastructure at our ports.”

In other news, Siemens said it was well on track to build its UK wind turbine factory ready for 2014, creating about 700 new jobs, while GE reaffirmed its plan to invest £100 million to develop offshore wind turbine manufacturing facilities in the UK.

Meanwhile, former energy minister Brian Wilson said last night Scotland had to take a far tougher line on linking consents for renewable energy projects to the development of a local supply chain.

He said that the record of the past decade had been deeply disappointing and that “all the talk about Scotland being the renewable energy capital of Europe has not been matched with jobs or investment”.

Mr Wilson, speaking at an SCDI dinner in Aberdeen, suggested that the Scottish Government should appoint a single minister with responsibility for all aspects associated with renewable energy.
source: www.heraldscotland.com

Job hopes soar after £60m fund to boost wind turbine plan honoured

2010-10-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

26 October 2010 - THE Government has ended five months of uncertainty by confirming it will honour a £60m fund that could help the Humber become a world-leading hub for offshore wind turbine manufacturing.

The Prime Minister's announcement that the Government will help fund infrastructure upgrades at ports was warmly welcomed by three major manufacturers who immediately reiterated their desire to build factories in the UK.

Potential sites have alrea
ADVERTISEMENT
dy been identified on the north and south banks of the Humber and thousands of jobs could be created if Siemens, General Electric and Gamesa choose to build massive factories in the region to construct the giant turbines and their components for offshore wind farms around the British coast.

The announcement will ease fears that manufacturers would walk away from the UK as the coalition stalled on whether to honour the £60m fund proposed by Labour, and raise hopes that 70,000 jobs could be created over the next few years.

Speaking to the Confederation of British Industry, David Cameron said: "We need thousands of offshore turbines in the next decade and beyond, yet neither the factories nor these large port sites currently exist. And that, understandably, is putting off private investors. So we're stepping in.

"To help secure private sector investment in this technology, we're providing up to £60m to meet the needs of offshore wind infrastructure at our ports. And to help move things forward, the Crown Estate will also work with interested ports and manufacturers to realise the potential of their sites."

Mr Cameron's speech came as the Government launched the first national Infrastructure Plan, which is designed to show how the Government can lever in £200 billion of long-term investment from the public and private sectors. He also pledged £200m towards a network of innovation centres to tap into creativity from universities.

Today the Government will also reveal the fate of several other transport schemes which have been under review since the general election, although the future of the £200m trolleybus scheme in Leeds is expected to be left uncertain.

The scheme has already been scaled back by £35m but its omission from last week's Spending Review and yesterday's Infrastructure Plan has led to fears it will not yet be approved.

The decision to go ahead with the £60m port fund means manufacturers or port owners – or a partnership of the two – can bid for money. The fund will only be available to disadvantaged areas.

Able UK, on the south bank of the Humber near the port of Immingham, and Associated British Ports (ABP), which runs the ports of Hull, Grimsby and Immingham, both have suitable sites which manufacturers are considering.

Siemens, the largest provider of wind turbines to the UK, said it wants to build a factory along the east coast on the UK by 2014 to build a new generation of 150metre-tall turbines, creating 700 new jobs.

Rene Umlauft, chief executive of Siemens Renewable Energy Division, said: "The positive signal from the UK Government means we can push ahead with our strategy of investments in growth areas for renewable energy. We will extend our market leadership with this new UK production plant for the next generation of offshore wind turbines."

General Electric (GE) also said it wanted to invest £100m to develop an offshore wind turbine manufacturing base in the UK, which could create nearly 2,000 jobs in the UK by 2020, and said it was "very pleased" by yesterday's news.
source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Offshore Wind Power: Cleaner, Cheaper, More Jobs Than Oil

2010-10-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

A recent report from the U.S has found that focusing investments in that country on offshore wind power would be cost effective, generate more jobs and be better for the environment and ocean than offshore oil and gas exploration and development.

The study from Oceana says offshore wind can generate nearly 30% more electricity than offshore oil and gas resources combined while costing around USD $36 billion less than offshore oil and gas production. Additionally, approximately three times as many jobs per dollar invested could be created than in fossil fuel production.
New Jersey, Virginia and South Carolina could supply 92%, 83% and 64% respectively of their current electricity generation requirements with offshore wind. In each state, wind energy could provide more power than the states currently get from fossil fuels.

On the Atlantic Coast alone, the United States could install at least 127 gigawatts of wind power, creating between 133,000 and 212,000 jobs annually - more than triple the jobs that new offshore oil and natural gas development is expected to create.

The U.S is yet to install any offshore wind farms and Europe is currently the leading supplier of offshore wind turbines. Oceana points out that building a domestic manufacturing base would allow related investment to stay within the nation's shores and also allow the U.S. to become an offshore wind technology exporter.

An interesting aspect of the study is that it is based on conservative assumptions for offshore wind and generous assumptions for offshore oil and natural gas.

The group also says a small fraction of U.S. renewable energy resources is enough to provide power for the nation the country several times over.

Oceana is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation.
source: www.energymatters.com.au

Ireland and offshore wind jobs potential

2010-10-18T01:38:00.000-07:00

Ireland is missing out on job creation by not fully capitalising on its offshore wind potential, according to NOW Ireland.

Failing to follow the lead of the German and other EU governments and use Ireland's natural offshore wind resources as a driver of jobs and export growth means Ireland is losing out on creating new employment streams, according to NOW Ireland president Michael McBennett, who was speaking during an industry-led trade mission to the German town of Cuxhaven in Bremerhaven last week.

Cuxhaven is home to a cluster of offshore wind supply chain companies that are now directly employing in excess of 1,700 people after two years.

According to NOW Ireland, offshore wind developers here are in the process of planning in excess of 2,500MW of clean wind power projects in Irish waters. About one-third of this will be needed to meet Ireland’s 2020 energy targets, with the remainder set to become the core of Ireland’s renewable exports.
Irish Sea potential

The Irish Sea is seen as a key development zone, with substantial projects also planned for UK waters. The offshore lobby group has identified the potential of both Irish and UK projects as being a key driver to create jobs in Irish ports.

Speaking during the trade mission, McBennett said: “Governments around Europe have recognised the opportunity that this sector offers. A small town such as Cuxhaven, which suffered from significant unemployment, was identified as being an ideal base for development as a supply chain cluster. The Lower Saxony government allocated part of its port facilities as an offshore wind centre of excellence, which has resulted in significant direct investment. The same is happening in ports throughout the UK and the same could happen in Arklow, Dublin, Bremore, or Killybegs.”

The NOW Ireland trade mission included representatives from Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Forfás, Invest NI and the Construction Industry Federation, in addition to members of the Irish offshore sector.

“The main purpose of this journey was to show what is achievable. With political will, with leadership, these projects can and do take off. Our wind resource is considerably better than that of Germany. What has been created here is due to the determination of national and regional government in Germany to put in place a regime which takes advantage of the renewable resources which are here,” added McBennett.
Delegation host

The NOW Ireland delegation was hosted by Dr Klaus Weber of Strabag Wind, one of the key companies in the Cuxhaven cluster. He said that companies such as his are looking to Ireland, among other countries, as a potential venue for investment.

Following discussions with German supply chain companies, McBennett said such firms will not locate in Ireland unless the offshore projects exist.

“There needs to be some sense that the Irish offshore industry is going to fulfil the undoubted potential it has before supply chain companies such as Strabag Wind locate here. In the last six months the UK, thanks to their positive attitude to offshore wind, have seen announcements by multinationals such as Siemens, Clipper, Multibrid, Iberdrola and others bringing thousands of jobs in manufacturing. Ireland badly needs these jobs and we could have them,” he added.

NOW Ireland will be holding its third annual conference – Offshore Wind Energy in Ireland – From Policy to Reality – on 14 October at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin. For further details, visit NOW Ireland.source: www.siliconrepublic.com

Why Offshore Oil Rigs Explode

2010-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Only mere weeks had passed since BP finally capped its rupturing Deepwater Horizon well before a fire broke out on another rig in the Gulf of Mexico this week. Fortunately, the Mariner Energy platform – a production, not a drilling rig like BP's ill-fated vessel – did not explode, nor does it appear to have leaked oil, contrary to early reports.

Nevertheless, the incident goes to show that harvesting "black gold" and natural gas from beneath the ocean floor is a high-risk endeavor, despite oil companies' assurances of using the latest and greatest in safety tech.

"You would think that technological advancements would have reduced the number of incidents over the years," said Markus Huettel, a professor of oceanography at Florida State University.

Yet according to the National Wildlife Federation and other groups, accidents have indeed not let up.

As far as official statistics go, from 2006 up through last year,

Fire boat response crews battle the blazing remnants of the off shore oil rig Deepwater Horizon April 21, 2010. Credit: USCG
the U.S. Mineral Management Service (MMS, and now the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement) recorded 23 "loss of well control" incidents – blowouts, essentially – and some 500 fires on the nearly 4,000 oil and gas drilling and production rigs in the Gulf. (The former MMS changed its incident reporting guidelines in 2006, resulting in a three- to fourfold uptick over the first half of the decade.)

The vast majority of these fires lasted just a handful of seconds before rig workers extinguished them. The Mariner Energy incident, however, rather like a three-alarm blaze on land, required several boats with fire hoses to douse its rollicking flames.

Source of fire undetermined

The exact source of that fire remains under investigation. Many fires since 2006 were the result of minor equipment failures or welding procedures that led to nuisance fires, and only 26 exceeded $25,000 in damage.

Big, dangerous explosions, though rare, come about due to the very nature of offshore petroleum prospecting. Squeezing the complexity of oil drilling on land into a size-limited vessel atop storm-tossed waters with equipment descending into the blue for many hundreds of feet is about as easy as it sounds.

"One of the things that is really different about offshore oil production is that everything is in this very confined space; you can't spread out like you can in a cow pasture," said John Rogers Smith, an associate professor of petroleum engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU). "There's this balance between trying to separate ignition sources from fuel sources that is really difficult."

The fuel sources, of course, are the crude oil and natural gas burbling up from the hole drilled into a fossil fuel reservoir buried in the Earth's oceanic crust.

And the ignition sources include all the heavy equipment needed to locate, contain and draw these highly pressurized gas and fluids to the surface.

"Simply put, we're dealing with extremely high pressures, and it's hard to design equipment that doesn't leak," said Martin Chenevert, a senior lecturer in petroleum engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.

Chenevert notes that the pressure of gas in a typical home is only about five pounds per square inch (.35 kilogram per square centimeter). In contrast, the pressure of gas in an offshore field can be around 20,000 pounds per square inch (1,406 kilograms per square centimeter).

"You're moving these inherently flammable materials . . . and you have to have mechanical and electrical equipment to move them," LSU's Smith said. "So you inherently have got this combination of potential ignition sources and big fuel sources that are right there in close proximity."

Safety precautions

Smith said some basic examples of efforts in keeping possible ignition sources safe include thick insulation around heated exhaust pipes and specially-designed fireproofed electronics. Another is "negative" air pressure in sensitive electrical areas so flammable vapors do not seep in.

An exposed circuit panel is suspected of igniting the spark that triggered the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion, killing 11 workers and unleashing the biggest oil spill in United States' history.

A sensor designed to let personnel know that the blowout preventer control panel in the driller's cabin was under negative pressure had been bypassed, Smith explained.

Arcing electricity here could have lit the burp of methane gas that shot up the riser pipe to the Deepwater Horizon rig and exploded on deck around 9:56 PM Central time on April 20.

Investigators continue to probe what in turn led to this natural gas bubble from the abyss; the ongoing raising of the failed blowout preventer by BP for inspection might help answer these questions.

Human error

Human error, of course, can and has contributed to oil rig explosions at sea, Smith said. This error can come in the form of an administrative decision – for example, the myriad safety shortcuts BP managers stand accused of making to cut costs and time on the Deepwater Horizon – to worker negligence and everyday "oopses."

Despite the degree of risk involved in drilling for petroleum offshore, Smith said he never felt scared all the times he worked and slept out at sea on rigs. "You’re very conscious of where you are, and it's deserving of a lot of respect and attention," he said.

When asked, however, if a flicker of danger exists in the back of one's mind – floating in a pipe-riddled, building-sized platform over a long, thin tube thrusting into a vast, flammable sea of goop and gas deep below – Smith said, "Oh yeah, it's there."
source: www.technewsdaily.com

Offshore drilling ban's impact on jobs minimal, says government

2010-09-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

The deep water drilling ban imposed on the Gulf Coast after the BP oil rig disaster in April did not affect the Gulf economy or lead to massive job losses, the Obama administration said in a report.

A report submitted to the Senate Small Business Committee said job losses resulting from the offshore drilling ban was minimal. It said only 2,000 of the total 9,700 people working on 46 offshore rigs in the area had lost their jobs.

However, between 6,000 and 10,000 workers in related sectors have lost jobs since the moratorium on drilling was imposed in May, the report said.

The overall jobs scene in the area remained stable on account of the alternative employment options provided by the cleanup activities, the study has said. BP has already spent close to $8 billion in compensations and environmental cleanup efforts so far.

However, the report was attacked by Louisiana lawmakers and drilling companies. The study did not take into account the losses suffered by small businesses in the region, said Democratic Senator Mary L. Landrieu, who is also the chairwoman of the Small Business Committee.

The Shallow Water Energy Security Coalition said the report was "an attempt to glaze over the real, devastating impact of the ban on deep water drilling."

The coalition has maintained that over 7,000 jobs would be directly impacted by the drilling ban.

The Gulf oil industry has been spooked by the drilling moratorium, as well as the planned legislative action targeting offshore drilling which they say will kill jobs, cut output and affect firms’ profitability.

“If this moratorium continues, or extremely difficult policies like unlimited liability go into effect, the Gulf would be a less desirable place to operate,” Bruce Thompson, president of the American Exploration and Production Council, said last month.

The oil industry will be hit badly if Obama administration’s proposals to roll back several oil industry tax breaks get through the legislature. President Obama had proposed tax increases to the tune of $31 billion on oil companies in his first budget, and he raised tax proposals to $37 billion in last year’s budget.
source: www.ibtimes.com

A Stand in the Sand Against Offshore Drilling

2010-06-28T01:26:00.002-07:00

June 28, 2010 - On an overcast morning Saturday, 23 people gathered at the 4th Street lifeguard tower to take a stand against the harmful effects of offshore oil drilling and to support clean energy. As the group linked hands for 15 minutes, two oil rigs north of the Manhattan Beach pier could be seen from the shore.
Manhatttan Beach resident Tory Haslinger organized the event as part of Hands Across the Sand, a group that supports the protection of coastal economies, marine wildlife and the fishing industry. More than 650 Hands Across the Sand sites around the world were reported to have participated simultaneously.

Concerned for California's coast, Haslinger and boyfriend Jacob Watt took action after seeing the devastation of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

"I can't go out there and fix the pipeline," said Haslinger, "but I can make our leaders aware that they need to find alternative energy sources or at least have safety procedures in place so this doesn't happen again."

Participants were hopeful the event would help increase awareness and that eventually the government would implement clean energy solutions that do not harm the environment.

"Tragedy wakes people up," said Rita Powell, who came to the gathering from her home in Long Beach. "It raises people's consciousness of their lifestyle and the marine life."

Residue from offshore oil tankers ends up on California beaches, said Chris Gray, a Manhattan Beach lifeguard who sometimes sees tar washing up onshore.

"It's a bummer that [the spill] happened," Gray said. "It ruins beaches, the town, the whole vibe."

Other participants acknowledged their own continued dependence on oil, especially in Southern California, where getting anywhere without driving is difficult.

"We all use a lot of oil and energy," said Shannon Schaefer, who drove from Echo Park. "We all need to find ways to reduce the amount."
source: manhattanbeach.patch.com

Judge says 150,000 jobs tied to offshore gulf operations

2010-06-28T01:17:00.000-07:00

The offshore industry is crucial to the economies of communities along the Gulf of Mexico, US District Judge Martin Feldman of New Orleans notes in his ruling blocking a 6-month deepwater drilling moratorium in the gulf.

The moratorium stemmed from the Apr. 20 explosion and fire on Transocean Ltd.’s Deepwater Horizon semisubmersible rig, which was drilling the Macondo well in 5,000 ft of water for BP PLC and its partners. Eleven people were killed and a massive oil spill resulted.
US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar believes industry needs to refine blowout prevention, containment, and response planning before deepwater drilling should resume. DOE is appealing the temporary injunction that Feldman granted, blocking the drilling moratorium.

In his June 22 ruling, Feldman discussed how gulf drilling activities rely upon a vast and complex network of technology, assets, people, and experience.

“Indeed, an estimated 150,000 jobs are directly related to offshore operations,” Feldman said. “The government admits that the industry provides relatively high-paying jobs in drilling and production activities.”

Hornbeck Offshore Services Co. of Covington, La., and some 30 other companies requested the preliminary injunction against the moratorium. Feldman said plaintiffs own and operate vessels, shipyards, and supply service companies that support deepwater exploration and production.

“In addition to the vessels and facilities involved in their work, the plaintiffs together employ over 11,875 people,” Feldman said. “At least 19 other companies, aside from BP’s operations involved with Deepwater Horizon, are presently operating deepwater drilling rigs.”

Labels: Hornbeck Offshore , Judge Martin Feldman , oil spill , Interior Secretary Ken Salazar , drilling moratorium

100623 :Judge says 150,000 jobs tied to offshore gulf operation
source: www.ogj.com

Libya Approves Drilling Deal With BP

2010-06-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2010 - While troubling news of a tropical storm worsening the BP oil disaster hits the States, thousands of miles away over the Atlantic a country plans to drill in its locations of offshore waters for oil next month. The country of Libya has struck up a contract with the same exact oil company that was responsible for the current and historically the biggest oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
As part of its recent efforts to attract foreign investors, the Libyan government’s oil minister, Shokri Ghanem, confirmed the 2007 contract with BP and will oversee the drilling in the Mediterranean which is due to happen next month. Answering questions of incredulity at the fact that BP will be drilling, Minister Ghanem stated that although the deaths of those working on Deepwater Horizon and the resulting oil spill were “tragic accidents”, Ghanem is confident that the British oil baron with its “good experience” can successfully retrieve Libyan oil.

Additionally, Shokri Ghanem referred to the huge untapped oil reserves as a “new frontier” and emphasized the need “to go on with life and learn the lessons from it.” After meeting with Tony Hayward, the former chief executive officer of BP who was ‘scapegoated’, Ghanem’s confidence was bolstered after being reassured the British oil company will do its best.

Typical of a Middle Eastern OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) member, Libya has a very large amount of oil and is estimated to have the ninth largest oil reserve in the world. While BP is noted to be the first ever foreign company to drill in offshore waters for an OPEC member, its fortunes have been drastically waning in the markets.

The shocking drop and the more-than-possible future decline in BP’s stock value has led various analysts to speculate the BP plc is “expected” to become a ‘takeover target’.

The future of BP remains clear to those who insist that it will fall as the company has been the #1 producer of oil for the U.S since 2000 and last year’s statistics showed BP to very dependent on the United States for profits even though it has been very active in waters off of almost every continent and countries like Egypt and Brazil.

Others are saying BP will not die off even if their business prospects in the U.S flicker out as it has numerous contracts with other world powers and access to large oil reserves.source: inewp.com

Hopewell Highway pioneers offshore renminbi bonds

2010-06-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

28 June 2010

Hopewell Highway Infrastructure is set to become the first company to sell bonds denominated in renminbi to international investors. The Hong Kong-based toll road company will start marketing the bonds today and will use the proceeds to help finance the construction of a project in China's Pearl River delta region.

The deal marks another important step in China's internationalisation of its currency and was made possible after Chinese regulators relaxed the rules on cross-border renminbi flows on June 17.
Hopewell Highway has moved quickly to be the first to market corporate renminbi bonds and said yesterday that the funds will be used to finance the third phase of its Western Delta Route, a highway project that will connect Guangzhou to Macau and pass through cities such as Foshan, Panyu, Shunde, Zhongshan and Zhuhai.

"The issuance of the first renminbi corporate bonds by HHI marks a milestone in the development of renminbi business in Hong Kong," said He Guangbei, vice-chairman and chief executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong), which arranged the deal. "It not only helps diversify the renminbi bond offerings and deepen the local bond market, but also strengthens Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre."

The new relaxed framework follows a pilot programme launched in July 2009 that allowed authorised institutions in five Chinese cities to use renminbi for trade settlement. Under those rules, cross-border renminbi flows were only approved for Hong Kong, Macau and Southeast Asia.

The June circular extended the rules to all foreign-invested enterprises and included cities in an additional 18 Chinese provinces. Cross-border settlement is also now widened to include all countries and regions, and is no longer restricted solely to trade finance but can be used for other transfers, including dividends from onshore businesses. This will pave the way for foreign companies to fund their operations in China through offshore renminbi bonds -- and, crucially, to use the profits from those projects to repay investors.

The Hong Kong government announced supervisory principles for the issuance of renminbi bonds in February, but until the June announcement it was not clear how issuers could either spend the money or service the debt. "Everyone had been puzzling about that," said a source with knowledge of the transaction. "This deal is an answer to that question."

Banks have been able to issue renminbi bonds since last year, but the extension of the rule to all companies is a significant development that will lower funding costs for foreign firms' Chinese operations. Hopewell Highway still needs approval to transfer the proceeds of its renminbi bonds into China, but the speed with which it has moved on this deal demonstrates the government's encouragement of such transactions.

"In the past, it was unthinkable for companies to get such approvals," said the source. "But this deal signals that if you're a good company, in an industry encouraged by the government, you can now do the unthinkable."

As such, it is no surprise that Hopewell Highways has won the coveted first deal. The highway it is building in the western Pearl River delta is a key infrastructure project in the heart of China's export industry. But, according to the source, there are a string of deals in the pipeline and prospective borrowers are enjoying the encouragement of governments in both Hong Kong and China.

"Everyone wants to get these deals done before Hong Kong's national day on July 1 because it's a symbolic date that marks the return of Hong Kong to the motherland," the source said.

Officials in Hong Kong have spent months researching the development of the Eurobond market in the 1960s and hope that this deal marks the opening of a market that might one day rival the offshore dollar market.

Linklaters is acting as legal adviser to Bank of China.

© Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.source: www.financeasia.com

No California offshore drilling for now

2010-04-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 1, 2010
President Obama's decision to block new oil drilling off the West Coast while allowing it elsewhere hasn't calmed the fears of California environmentalists, even if it helps build support for the kind of comprehensive energy bill they so badly want.

Obama announced Wednesday that he would permit offshore oil drilling along much of the East Coast, from Delaware to Florida. Swaths of ocean along Alaska's North Slope and in the eastern Gulf of Mexico also will be opened for exploration.

California's coastal waters, however, will remain closed, in large part because of public opposition to offshore drilling, federal officials said.

That was welcome news to California politicians. Days before Obama's inauguration last year, the Bush administration unveiled a plan that would have allowed offshore oil drilling along the West Coast for the first time in decades.

On Wednesday, California Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein praised Obama's move.

"President Obama's decision to block the Bush administration's plan to expand drilling off the California coast recognizes the importance of protecting our state's $23 billion coastal economy, thousands of jobs and the beauty of our state," Boxer said.
Drilling someday?

But some environmentalists said Obama's plan offers the state little protection. By allowing oil exploration in other previously protected waters, they said, Obama might have opened the door to drilling someday off California's coast.

"You get people used to it, and then you go after the rest of the country," said Dan Jacobson, legislative director for Environment California. "While California is spared for the moment, we are in no way out of harm's way."

Some oil industry leaders on Wednesday called Obama's plan a good first step that didn't go far enough.

Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president of the Western States Petroleum Association, said she hopes the administration will eventually allow new drilling off the California coast. The seabed along the state could hold more than 10 billion barrels of oil, according to federal estimates. For comparison, the nation consumes 7.14 billion barrels a year.

"We are disappointed," Reheis-Boyd said. "When you look at the resources here, they're considerable."

Drilling along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts had been banned since 1981, protected by a congressional moratorium. But as gasoline prices soared above $4 per gallon in 2008, Congress let the moratorium expire. Meanwhile, oil platforms built along the Southern California coast before the moratorium are operating, and produced 35.2 million barrels of oil last year.

Obama's move puts some of his staunchest supporters in a bind.

On Wednesday, he cast offshore drilling as one piece of a broader energy policy that also includes expanding the use of renewable power and alternative fuels, and improving the fuel efficiency of cars.
Wooing Republicans

Much like his support for new nuclear plants, drilling represents one way for Obama to woo Republicans when the Senate begins debating a comprehensive energy and climate-change bill. Legislation developed by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., John Kerry, D-Mass., and Joe Lieberman, independent-Conn., could be unveiled this month.

"It's an olive branch," said Whitney Stanco, energy analyst for research firm Concept Capital. "The question is whether the olive branch works."

Federal legislation to fight global warming has become a holy grail for environmentalists as well as California's growing green-tech industry. They want a system to cap carbon dioxide emissions and wean the nation's economy off fossil fuels.

The House of Representatives passed such a bill last year, but it stalled in the Senate as the fight over health care reform pushed other issues into the background.
Bitter compromise

Obama may be trying to give energy and climate-change legislation a boost by showing his willingness to meet Republicans half-way. But for many of his allies, the expansion of offshore drilling is a hard compromise to accept.

"Where's our half in all of this?" said Jim Metropulos, senior advocate for the Sierra Club in California. "Promoting offshore drilling and nuclear energy crowds out the chances that something like renewable energy gets developed."

Nor is it certain that Obama's drilling plans will win any Republican votes. Several drilling advocates in Congress on Wednesday blasted the plan as insufficient.

Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., said the administration was "attempting to pull the wool over our eyes" with a plan that "closes off more areas than it opens." And Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said the president's proposal "will delay more than drill."

Obama's outline for offshore exploration through 2017 allows previously scheduled lease sales in the central and western Gulf of Mexico and in 2.9 million acres off the Virginia coast - although the latter probably will be delayed past the November 2011 sale date scheduled by George W. Bush's administration.
Opening the gulf

The Obama administration on Wednesday endorsed opening more of the eastern Gulf of Mexico for drilling, including areas at least 125 miles off the Florida Coast, that the Interior Department estimates could boost annual gulf production by 100 million barrels of oil in 2030.

But that idea depends on lawmakers reversing a moratorium on drilling in the area.

The administration also is planning seismic studies along South and Mid-Atlantic state coastlines that would update decades-old geologic data and help guide leasing decisions on the East Coast, said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

"That fact that we're scoping in the South Atlantic or the Mid-Atlantic doesn't necessarily mean there will be developing there," Salazar cautioned. "We're taking a look at it."

source: www.sfgate.com

Well Engineer

2010-03-04T03:30:00.000-08:00

Company	Schlumberger	Experience	6-10 years
Date	2010-03-03	Salary	Excellent Package
Category	Exploration and Production	Start date	Immediately
Region	Middle East	Duration	Long Term
Location		Country	Iraq
Description of Well Engineer	Job Summary: • Responsible for well engineering and operations support for one or more rigs including preparing Well Proposals, Basis of Designs, Well Programs (Drilling, Completion, Workover), AFE’s ( Authorization for Expenditure ) and End of Well Reports. Supervises and mentors FET’s and junior engineers. Attends critical operations at the wellsite as necessary. Relationships: • Reports to the Senior Well Engineer or Drilling/Project Manager. • Acts as Mentor to Junior Engineers Essential Responsibilities and Duties: General- • Performs offset well analysis • Prepares the Well Proposal and Basis of Design and follows the execution of programs technically • Performs casing and tubing design including using TDAS software • Prepares Well Programs and timely End-of-Well reports • Prepares well operations procedures e.g. Casing running and cementing • Prepares well time estimates and AFE’s ( Authorization for Expenditure ) in Osprey RISK • Prepares project well control briefing • Participates in selection and evaluation of service companies, suppliers and equipment • Ensures proper communication with relevant parties (client, segments, third parties, etc) • Participates in cost control of programs Vs AFE ( Authorization for Expenditure ) by analyzing solutions. • Reviews new technology for possible application to project • Uses Schlumberger Database (InTouch) for best practices, lessons learned and technical alerts QHSE- • Participates in Risk Identification and Mitigation (HARC) • Prepares requests for exemptions to Standards in Schlumberger Reporting system (QUEST) • Enters SQ ( Service Quality ) RIR’s resulting from well operations in QUEST • Prepares Management of Change to well programs Planning- • Forecasts and plans medium and long term needs to meet program requirements • Anticipates operational changes and needs and revises plan accordingly • Participates in Daily Operations Meetings Performance & Cost Monitoring • QA/QC of data in Daily Drilling Report • Monitors daily Time/Depth progress • Monitors daily Cost/Depth progress Vs AFE ( Authorization for Expenditure ) • Record and monitor operational NPT ( Non- Productive Time ) trends • Evaluates results Vs goals and performance of service companies • Initiates engineering corrective action to ensure a process of continuous improvement • Performs engineering studies to solve recurring problems (wellbore stability, lost circulation, washouts, etc)
Skills required for Well Engineer	Previous Experience and Competencies: • BSc Engineering Degree, preferably in Petroleum Engineering, 5 years experience Behavior: • Initiative/Self Learner • Stamina • Goal Oriented • Planning and Organizational Ability • Team development • Cost Control and Profit Focus • Impartiality • Priority Management
Remarks	Job Rotation 5 weeks on/off
Reference Nr	www-110021
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Senior Well Engineer

2010-03-04T03:29:00.000-08:00

Company	Schlumberger	Experience	11-15 years
Date	2010-03-03	Salary	Excellent Package
Category	Exploration and Production	Start date	Immediately
Region	Middle East	Duration	Long Term
Location		Country	Iraq
Description of Senior Well Engineer	Job Summary: The Senior Well Engineer position has overall responsibility for well engineering on a project and requires both detailed and broad well engineering and operations knowledge including the ability to design wells for a wide range of well types and different rig operations. The Senior Well Engineer is typically expected to supervise and mentor more junior Well Engineers on a project and requires management skills in addition to technical competency. Relationships: • Reports to Drilling / Project Manager. Reports functionally to Well Engineering Manager. Typically has Well Engineers for several rigs reporting to him/her (except on a single string project). Acts as a mentor to other Well Engineers. Essential Responsibilities and Duties: General- • Reviews and approves the Well Proposal and Basis of Design and follows the execution of programs technically • Reviews and approves Well Programs and End-of-Well reports • Reviews and approves well operations procedures e.g. Casing running and cementing • Participates in selection and evaluation of service companies, suppliers and equipment • Ensures proper communication with relevant parties (client, segments, third parties, etc) • Participates in cost control of programs Vs AFE ( Authorization for Expenditure ) by analyzing solutions. • Assures Technical Integrity of Well Operations programs. • Reviews and approves project well control briefing • Reviews new technology for possible application to project • Uses Schlumberger Database (In-Touch) for best practices, lessons learned and technical alerts • Ensures best practices and lessons learned are transferred between all rigs on a project • Approves invoices for service companies • Deputize for Project Manager as required QHSE- • Participates in Hazard & Risk Identification and Mitigation (HARC) • Ensures compliance to Standards and Procedures • Reviews requests for exemptions to Standards in Schlumberger Reporting System (Quest) • Reviews SQ ( Service Quality ) RIR’s resulting from well operations in QUEST • Participates in and leads SQ ( Service Quality ) investigations • Reviews and approves Management of Change to well programs Planning- • Forecasts and plans medium and long term needs to meet program requirements • Anticipates operational changes and needs and revises plan accordingly • Participates in Daily Morning Meetings Performance & Cost Monitoring- • Evaluates results vs goals and performance of service companies • Monitors daily Time/Depth progress • Monitors daily cost/depth progress Vs AFE ( Authorization for Expenditure ) • Reviews performance trends including NPT ( Non- Productive Time )across all rigs • Initiates engineering corrective action to ensure a process of continuous improvement • Initiates engineering studies to solve recurring problems (wellbore stability, lost circulation, washouts, etc)
Skills required for Senior Well Engineer	Previous Experience and Competencies: • BSc Engineering Degree, preferably in Petroleum Engineering, 10 years relevant experience Behavior: • Control of costs and profit focus • Goal orientation • Impartiality • Initiative • Team Development • Supervisory skills • Planning and Organizational ability • Priority Management • Energy level • Leadership • Excellent communication skills
Remarks	Job Rotation 5 weeks on/off
Reference Nr	www-110046
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Well Superintendent

2010-03-04T03:28:00.000-08:00

Company	Schlumberger	Experience	11-15 years
Date	2010-03-03	Salary	Excellent Package
Category	Exploration and Production	Start date	Immediately
Region	Middle East	Duration	Long Term
Location		Country	Iraq
Description of Well Superintendent	Job Summary: The Well Superintendent has overall project responsibility for the execution of well programs (drilling, completion, workover) to ensure that operations are performed in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. Focal point for the Wellsite Supervisors for reviewing daily operations and program changes. Relationships: • Reports directly to the Project Manager Wellsite Supervisors report to and are mentored by the Well Superintendent. Interfaces with Drilling Contractor / Rig Management Essential Responsibilities and Duties: QHSE- • Demonstrates QHSE leadership in the project including regular visits to the wellsite • Ensures compliance with Schlumberger Policies and standards. • Attends office and wellsite safety meetings • Conducts QHSE / rig audits with the QHSE Coordinator • Ensures HSE and SQ ( Service Quality ) incidents reported in a timely manner • Participates in HSE and SQ ( Service Quality ) event investigations • Reviews wellsite RIR’s (Risk Identification Reports), follows up and provides feedback • Leads SQ ( Service Quality )meetings with key contractors e.g. rig company Planning and Operations- • Attends / conducts a Pre-Spud Meeting at the rig site with all operation staff and involved parties (service company representatives) • Forecasts and plans medium and long term to anticipate resources to meet program requirements e.g. forward rig schedule, Wellsite Supervisor assignment etc • Daily follow up of operations, assesses and reports physical progress against plan • Anticipates operational changes and needs, revises appropriate plans to ensure continued successful operations • Discusses program changes with Wellsite Supervisor and project team • Follows Management of Change (MOC) process • Participates in the selection and evaluation of service companies, suppliers and equipment • Ensures cost control of the program versus AFE ( Authorization for Expenditure ) • Coordinates the operational activities of Schlumberger Segments and Third Parties to ensure compliance with work program, optimum efficiency and service quality • Manages incentive programs • Attends the rig as need for critical wellsite activities e.g. well control events • Assures the proper training and development for the Wellsite Supervisor and other personnel under his/her direct supervision Communication- • Conducts daily meetings with rig (s) • Communicates with rig as needed to review operations • Ensures proper communication with project organization including progress Vs plan Training and Development- • Mentors Wellsite Supervisors • Mentors Well Engineers in operations
Skills required for Well Superintendent	Previous Experience and Competencies: • BSc Degree in Engineering, preferably in Petroleum Engineering Competencies to be kept current: • 10 years experience in Well construction activities as a Well Site Supervisor and Well Engineer Behavior: • Leadership • Task Oriented • Forward Looking Problem Solving • Deductive Reasoning • Team Development • Mentorship • Communication skills • Energy Level and Stress Management
Remarks	Job Rotation 5 weeks on/off
Reference Nr	www-110041
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Logistics Manager

2010-03-04T03:24:00.000-08:00

Company	Schlumberger	Experience	6-10 years
Date	2010-03-03	Salary	Excellent Package
Category	Logistics	Start date	Immediately
Region	Middle East	Duration	Long Term
Location		Country	Iraq
Description of Logistics Manager	Job Summary: Manage all Import/Export and movement of material, supplies and assets within the GeoMarket and its locations, that are associated with the Project. The primary objective would be to manage logistics activity taking into account cost and cycle time considerations while meeting operational objectives. Relationships: • Reports to the Project manager and functionally to Supply Chain Manager of the location and maintains a close working relationship with the following: Operations, Finance, QHSE and TCC Essential Responsibilities and Duties: • Reporting - All sea, land & air freight, customs duty, FMT and GOLD / Non GOLD shipments covering specific performance indices and to work towards continuous improvement goals • Standard Operating Procedure/Process Flow - Development & Management for intra GeoMarket/Regional shipments on all modes of transportation covering all Shipments including Dangerous Goods Cargo (explosives & radioactive goods). • Customs - Scope includes compliance to customs requirements in respective countries in which SLB operates as well as managing customs duty costs to a minimum of exposure and conducting regulatory self audits / compliance to the latest customs regulations. Proper maintenance, retention and compilation of customs documents. • Shipment Tracking & Supports the field with effective tracking methods/system of all in transit purchase orders. • Warehousing & Monitoring of all Project Based inventory turns as well as stocking frequencies against logistics movements. Developing joint solutions with operations/segments and procurement team on inventory reduction initiatives. • Logistics Provider Performance Management & To run and manage LP KPI and Performance Management meetings. Ensure continuous improvement activities are identified and managed. Scope includes contractual, regulatory and QHSE compliance of the LP. • Cost Management & Ensure effective management of costs relevant to logistics activity via - Periodic Freight Rate Benchmarks, Identification of Freight Consolidation Opportunities, Process Flow Reviews, Annual Freight Rate Cost Negotiations • Health, Safety & Environment- Ensure full compliance with HSE policies, in all aspects of the Supply Chain activity.
Skills required for Logistics Manager	Previous Experience and Competencies: • BA/BS/MBA Degree in Supply Chain Management, or Equivalent • 5-7 years experience in Supply Chain Management. Competencies to be kept current: • Interpersonal skills: High collaboration with others • Negotiating and Presentation skills • Must have good management skills and possess Strategic thinking abilities • Must be Analytical and structured and be able to influence change and Behavior: • Must have strong ethics in dealings with Suppliers & Contractors
Remarks	Job Rotation 5 weeks on/off
Reference Nr	www-110026
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Logistics & Support Coordinator

2010-03-04T03:22:00.000-08:00

Company	Schlumberger	Experience	Not Specified
Date	2010-03-03	Salary	Excellent Package
Category	Logistics	Start date	Immediately
Region	Middle East	Duration	Long Term
Location		Country	Iraq
Description of Logistics & Support Coordinator	Job Summary: The Logistics Coordinators are responsible for ensuring safe and efficient logistics operations for Schlumberger Product Segments and other subcontractors. Relationships: Report directly to the Logistics Manager. Essential Responsibilities and Duties: Coordination- • Participate drilling morning meetings to review equipment and personnel requirements • Support drilling operations by coordinating material/supply/personnel activities with well site supervisors, drilling contractors, third party contractors, and the operator to execute the work program with optimum efficiency. • Establish processes to efficiently receive, handle, respond to, track, and close-out material requests. Operations- • Utilize daily forecast and activity plan to help schedule transportation requirements to meet project demands and provide needed material/equipment/personnel on time. • Help identify and ensure proper dispatching of equipment and tools. • When applicable assist in planning supply and crew mobilizations and demobilizations with the Operator’s Logistics Expediter. Communication- • Communicate regularly with Well Superintendents and onshore team members. • Communicate daily with Well Engineers & Logistics Manager. Administrative- • Evaluate and modify material/personnel forms needed for efficient operations. • Track and monitor utilization of supply trucks and crew transport. • Manage and improve the rig Material Request system. QHSE- • Ensure QHSE procedures are followed. • Ensure that QHSE standards are communicated to all vendors and acknowledged. Finance- • Ensure cost control procedures are followed for all Material/supplies Requests. • Ensure proper management and control of material inventories. • Negotiate the best deals on all logistics and material procurements
Skills required for Logistics & Support Coordinator	• An ideal Candidate should posess 4-5 yrs of exposure towards ensuring Logistic support at RIG Site • Should have experience in handling different supply contractors Local and overseas. • The candidate shall posess a Graduation from a Reputed Institution and a International certification in supply chain management and logistics
Remarks	Job Rotation 5 weeks on/off
Reference Nr	www-110031
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Recruitment Consultant

2010-03-04T03:21:00.000-08:00

Company	Worldwideworker BV	Experience	Not Specified
Date	2010-03-03	Salary	Negotiable
Category	Human Resources	Start date	Immediate
Region	Asia	Duration	Long Term Permanent
Location	Mumbai	Country	India
Description of Recruitment Consultant	Worldwideworker BV, Leading Oil and Gas Recruitment Service Provider Company is looking for Recruitment Consultant to be a part of their India Team. The Job Offers the following responsibilities: • Recruitment Support • Posting the Jobs, Screening the Applications and Shortlisting • Candidate Interaction
Skills required for Recruitment Consultant	Ideal candidate must possess the following skill sets • Good Communication Skills in English • Good Personality and understanding in Recruitment • Knowledge of Oil and Gas and EPC Recruitment • Ability to take the challenge and grow • Can work independently The Position is looking for smart and effective professionals who can work independently and have good understanding in Recruitment and interest to grow.
Remarks
Reference Nr	www-110091
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Exciting New Job Vacancies

2010-03-04T03:20:00.000-08:00

Company	Graduate and Young Professionals	Experience	0-1 year
Date	2010-03-03	Salary	Competitive
Category	General	Start date	To be agreed
Region	..worldwide..	Duration	Long Term
Location	Worldwide Locations	Country	Not Mentioned
Description of Exciting New Job Vacancies	If you do not see a job that you are interested in at this time, but would like to receive details of future Graduate and Young Professionals vacancies, please click on the ‘apply for this vacancy’ button and upload your CV onto our database, if you have not already done so. This way we will be able to send you an e-mail alert, when a company advertises a suitable new vacancy.
Skills required for Exciting New Job Vacancies	A Bachelor's degree in one of the following or associated subjects: • Mechanical Engineering • Petroleum Engineering • Chemical Engineering • Electrical Engineering • Computer Engineering • Engineering Technology • Industrial Technology • Math • Science
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Reference Nr	www-109826
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Applications Engineer

2010-03-04T03:19:00.000-08:00

Company	Wood Group ESP	Experience	3-5 years
Date	2010-03-03	Salary	Excellent Package
Category	Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC)	Start date	Immediately
Region	Africa North	Duration	Long Term
Location	Tripoli	Country	Libya
Description of Applications Engineer	Duties: • Technical marketing, business development and sales. • Provide technical support for new and existing business. • Obtain and submit price quotations, considering related matters such as design, application, delivery and service. • Assist with bid preparation. • Answer questions concerning product specifications and maintenance, upto and including inquiries of a complex and technical nature. • Investigate and resolve routine customer complaints, service problems or other difficulties, referring more complex problems to appropriate source for consideration.
Skills required for Applications Engineer	Qualifications: • BS Degree in Petroleum Engineering/Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. • Minimum 3-5 years oilfield experience in relevant disciplines. • ESP experience essential. • Excellent in Arabic language with fluency in both written and spoken English preferred. • Excellent interpersonal skills.
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Reference Nr	www-110056
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