THE GLOBAL ENERGY GROUP MAG AZINE issue two
A NEW DAWN Group plans new future for Nigg
REEL INNOVATION Pioneering techniques
POWER OF SCOTLAND Offshore renewable energy Chairman’s Foreword
Welcome to the latest issue of ENERGY , the magazine of the Global Energy Group . Without a doubt the biggest piece of news for us since the last issue is being named as preferred bidders of the Nigg yard on the Cromarty Firth. You can read more in the magazine on our plans to transform this superb site into a modern multi-sector energy industry hub.
We have also continued to be extremely busy with other projects in the UK and elsewhere in the world, as you will see from the pages that follow.
ENERGY reflects the five key markets in which the Global Energy CONTENGTroS up works, illustrating the range of activities in which we are involved through a mix of project reports, features and news stories.
I hope you find it a useful and informative read.
Roy MacGregor
CONTENTS Global Energy Group Headquarters 04 New future for Nigg In-Spec House Wellheads Drive Dyce, Aberdeen Scotland, AB21 7GQ 08 Europe’s Energy Capital Tel: +44 (0) 1224 356500
13 Henderson Road Inverness 16 Borgsten Dolphin Scotland, IV1 1SN Tel: +44 (0) 1463 725400 Email: [email protected] 20 Galaxy II Turnkey project Web: www.gegroup.com
Editor: Alistair Gordon Editorial Content: Stan Arnaud 22 Floating Assets Photographer: Derek Gordon Design: Andrew O’Connor & Alistair Gordon Enquiries/Feed back: [email protected] E-ON Ruhrgas Huntington Cover image: PGS Films & Graphics 32 Photography: All images copyright dgordonphotography unless otherwise stated 40 Scotland’s abundant assets This magazine is published in-house by the Global Energy Group. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the publisher. Issue two © Global Energy Group 42 Capturing the Power
2 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 03 Group plans new future for Nigg
In January, the Global Energy Group A dedicated Global team is currently working closely with the site’s current owners, KBR and the Wakelyn Trust, during a period was named as preferred bidder for of due diligence, with the aim of completing the purchase.
Nigg yard on the Cromarty Firth, The Cromarty Firth, the arm of the North Sea at the head of the Moray Firth, forms one of the most convenient and expansive signalling a major step forward in the deep water anchorages in the north of Scotland. group’s plan to re-develop the site as a In the early 1970s, the firth found a key role in the development multi-user energy industry hub, serving of the North Sea oil industry, with Nigg, on its north-east shores, becoming the focal point of construction activity on a scale the renewables and oil and gas sectors. never before seen in the area.
In 1972 the Nigg fabrication yard was opened as a joint redeveloping the yard could create in excess of 1,500 skilled venture between the then Brown & Root and construction giant jobs on the 238-acre site and deliver a huge, sustainable boost George Wimpey. for the supply chain and local businesses.
The roll call of platforms that emerged from the yard between Chairman, Roy MacGregor, said the plans “offer the opportunity then and the 1990s reads like a who’s who of Scotland’s offshore of a real step-change in the Highland and Scottish economies”. oil and gas industry. At the height of production the yard’s workforce was around 5,000-strong. Some 40% of the topsides He said: “We are committed to realising the vision of creating currently in use in the North Sea were built at Nigg and the an international manufacturing and service hub in the Highlands’ other fabrication yards. Highlands, building on the region’s unrivalled expertise and experience in both oil and gas and renewable energy. This plan Although the yard is now mainly “mothballed,” Isleburn have has the potential to put Nigg – and Scotland – firmly on the been tenants there for a number of years, making use of the global energy map, creating jobs and prosperity for generations facility to fabricate, assemble and load out large pieces of to come. s c i
h equipment. p a r G “There is a real window of opportunity for this development. The &
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l Since Global was named as preferred bidder for the site several Cromarty Firth’s important role in the oil and gas industry is well- i F
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G major international companies have indicated interest in the established and the renewable energy sector is predicted to P
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e future use of Nigg as a modern, multi-user, multi-sector energy expand hugely in the years ahead and Nigg is perfectly g
Chairman Roy MacGregor discusses future plans for Nigg with the First Minister a m I industry manufacturing and servicing centre. Global predicts positioned to capitalise. w
04 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENEENREGRYG TYH TEH ME AMGAAGZAINZIEN E 057 The best deep- “ “water po rt in Europe
Santa Fe Monarch jackup rig in the dry dock
Elf Elgin jackup under construction at Nigg, Year 2000 Amerada Hess (AH-001) undergoing pontoon modification, Year 1987 Santa Fe Monarch jackup Santa Fe Rig 140 semi-submersible, Year 2001 Santa Fe Rig 140 semi-submersible, Year 2001 Load out of Shell Sole Pit, Year 1990 Load out of Marathon Brae B module, Year 1987 Load out of BP Miller jacket and Cellar deck, Year 1991
Load out of Shell Sole Pit, Year 1990
Elf Elgin jackup under construction at Nigg, Year 2000 w “It has the ideal location, with deep-water berths, a local workforce, with the necessary range of expertise and experience Nigg yard was last and, in the Global Energy Group, a locally-based major international company with unrivalled commitment to the area.” “year named as one of Nigg yard was last year named as one of the key sites in the Santa Fe 140 semi-submersible rig in the dry dock, Year 2001
Scottish Government’s National Renewable Infrastructure Plan (NRIP). Global’s proposals for the yard envisage it playing a key the key sites in the
role in servicing the emerging industry through: fabrication of Nigg wins First Minister’s vote sub-sea equipment for offshore wind developments; on and Scottish Government’s offshore wind structure assembly; turbine manufacturing; wave “ The importance of Nigg as a key strategic asset for the Scottish and tidal device fabrication and associated research and energy industry was underlined by a recent visit to the site by development. National Renewable Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond. Load out of Marathon Brae B module, Year 1987 Infrastructure Plan During the visit, Mr Salmond described Nigg as “the best deep- water port in Europe”.
Services at the facility for the oil and gas sector would include: As part of an election campaign tour, Mr Salmond arrived at rig inspection, repair and maintenance; topside module Nigg by helicopter on Tuesday 26 April. He was met by Global fabrication; sub-sea module fabrication and rig conversion and chairman, Roy MacGregor, and members of the board and was modification. given a guided tour of the yard during a two-hour visit. He took time to chat to a number of Isleburn staff working on projects in Mr MacGregor added: “Global is already one of the UK’s largest the yard’s fabrication shops. fabricators of equipment for the offshore oil and gas industry and we have led the way in manufacturing and assembling Mr Salmond was given an insight into both Nigg’s proud history s c i h
demonstrator devices for the offshore renewables industry. Much p as a fabrication yard for the North Sea oil industry and the a r G
of that work has been carried out in our facility at Nigg. & Global Energy Group’s plans to revive the yard and develop it
s m l i into a new hub for the energy industry. F
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“We want to build on that expertise and help create a truly P
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world-class facility which will compete on a global basis. The e The First Minister gave his public support to the proposals at a g
Amerada Hess (AH-001) undergoing pontoon modification at Nigg, Year 1987 a Load out of BP Miller jacket and Cellar deck, Year 1991 m opportunities for this facility are enormous .” I well-attended media conference held as part of his visit.
06 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 07 Aberdeen Europe’s Energy Capital
The local stone that shaped Aberdeen over hundreds of years led it to be known far and wide as the Granite City and also the Silver City. Recently a month-long festival has been taking place in the city, celebrating its once- thriving granite industry and the beautiful buildings that are its legacy.
While that industry may be all but consigned to history another As a leading service and contracting company to the that arrived in the 1970s and led to a new title for the area – international energy industry the Global Energy Group has a Europe’s Energy Capital – continues to thrive and develop. major presence in Aberdeen. As well as head offices in Dyce, the group has eight other dedicated facilities around the city. A gateway to the North Sea, Aberdeen provided the ideal base from which to develop the offshore oil and gas industry in those Aberdeen is the focal point of Global’s offshore marine services, waters. The city’s harbour was transformed from a fishing port to situated at the heart of the industry. With the customer base on a bustling base for the vessels supplying the oil fields while the our doorstep we are ideally situated to deliver the integrity and airport became a constantly busy terminal for the helicopters enhancement their offshore assets require. However, as a truly that ferry workers to and from platforms and rigs. international operation, we also undertake projects wherever they are required in the world. The huge network of businesses that developed in the area to support oil and gas exploration and production activities firmly The group specialises in major construction projects and integrity established Aberdeen as the hub of the energy sector in the UK services associated with fixed and floating production, drilling and further afield. and marine assets. The brands within our group of companies operating in this sector are synonymous with high quality, The industry in the north of Scotland has also proved its resilience, efficient and cost-effective project delivery. evolving and adapting in response to its ever-changing market. Skills and services developed in the area are now in demand With highly experienced and skilled project managers and around the world. teams, the services we deliver include: (continued overleaf...)
08 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 09 Aberdeen Europe’s Energy Capital CASE STUDY
Survey and engineering • Dimensional control services using state-of-the-art equipment Forties Charlie • 3D laser scanning, using Z+F 5006 HD scanners • Conceptual design, using 3D laser scan output to support replacement or new structural and piping integration accommodation Inspection Non destructive testing, using MPI, DPI, eddy current and ultrasonic to test: • Drilling and rotary equipment upgrade • Mechanical handling equipment • Lifting equipment • Structural and piping systems The Forties Charlie platform has a special place in the history of offshore fabrication in the Highlands. Manufacture and fabrication Manufacture of bespoke production, utility and support equipment, encompassing Built at Nigg and completed in 1974, the 19,800 tonne structure, steel fabrication, architectural outfitting, electrical/instrumentation and HVAC affectionately known as Highland One, was the first of the giant steel capabilities. lattices constructed for the North Sea.
• HP/LP pipework manufacture in carbon and exotic materials Since Apache Corporation took ownership of the giant Forties field in • Primary and secondary structural steelwork 2003, they have been working to achieve higher production, improved • Integrated living, recreational and welfare modules reliability and lower costs. • HVAC/control modules As part of that ongoing programme, Global companies CPS and Rigfit Construction and upgrade have recently been working on significant upgrade and refurbishment Extensive experience in the management of the services below to mitigate projects on Forties Charlie. schedule risk. Rigfit were contracted directly to Apache to convert the existing DMT • HP/LP piping systems Store into a new locker/changing facility along with existing smaller • Primary/secondary structural steelwork locker rooms within the accommodation into 2 x 2 man • Mechanical/hydraulic system overhaul living quarters. • Environmental protection systems • E&I, HVAC system integration They also worked in partnership with CPS for the design, installation Access and outfitting of a new gym Supply of specialist access services to help facilitate safe inspection and module, situated below the heli construction activities, including: deck in the north east corner of the platform. • Rope access • Diving access Rigfit are carrying out refurbishment of • Scaffold access the existing gym within the • Specialised mechanised systems accommodation into a total of five 2 man living quarters with an area designated Logistics for future works to install a sixth cabin. • Agency services: vessel mob/de-mob, customs clearance, stevedoring and welfare requirements Again working in partnership with CPS, Rigfit are responsible • Yard services: marine and port management, office and communications, for the design, installation and outfitting of new module facilities. storage and project support to clients and contractors • Craneage and transportation: project management. The existing Fabrication workshop, Drillers and Mud Loggers offices are • Contract lifting services for ad hoc or turnkey projects to be removed and replaced with new stand alone, fully fabricated pressurised units. In every contract, our objective is to deliver projects on schedule, efficiently and safely, mitigating the risks of asset downtime through a comprehensive understanding of those assets and industry drivers.
Oil rig in North Sea RICHARD FOLWELL/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
10 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 11
Brogsten Dolphin Client: Dolphin Drilling Exploration Drilling & Marine Support Facilities ” The Global Energy Group specialises in the ongoing integrity of mobile drilling rigs & marine vessels, including inspection, repair, maintenance and major CAPEX upgrades. from oilfield to renewables, executing quality and reducing risks ”
PB150L PowerBuoy Client: Ocean Power Technologies
New Age Renewable Energy The Global Energy Group has emerged as a leader in the construction of new age renewable energy. This includes the fabrication of offshore wind, wave and tidal technologies.
12 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE EENNEERRGGYY TTHHEE MMAAGGAAZZININE E 1133 Contracts show strong working relationship
A centre of The Global Energy Group has been carrying out IRM and upgrade projects on three jackup rigs owned by Ensco at excellence Hartlepool, in the north-east of England.
The contracts, with a total value of The Scottish Highlands has one of the UK’s leading facilities £15million, involved: for inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) of offshore mobile drilling rigs. • Ensco 80 – tank steel replacement. The Invergordon Service Base, in the Cromarty Firth, has • Ensco 92 – tank steel replacements, been used by all major drilling contractors working in the docking plug installation and pipework. North Sea and West of Shetland, with an annual IRM usage • Ensco 72 – tank steel replacement, rate of 300 rig days alongside. accommodation extension and refitting, legwell reinforcement works and new Used continuously by the Global Energy Group for IRM lifeboat platforms. projects, the base is an open-user facility, accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some of its key features are: Teams from Global Energy Services, Rigfit and Reel arrived at the Hartlepool yard in • 300m of quayside, with water depths up to 14m alongside mid January. • 1000t load-out capacity • Hard standing with hydro-carbon interceptors The projects on the Ensco 80 and Ensco • Mobile cranes up to 1000t 92 are now complete, with the work on • 30,000sqm. of prime hard-standing for secure storage the Ensco 72 due to be completed in June. • 4000sqm. warehouse/workshops • All trades available The three recent projects were another indication of Global’s strong working IRM work is demanded by owners and their marine relationship with Ensco. The group has classification societies, typically DnV and ABS, who require carried out a number of other contracts the mobile drilling rigs to have periodical surveys, which are for the company in the past 18 months, typically scheduled to be undertaken between drilling including work on the Ensco 101 and contracts. Ensco 70 in Hartlepool, on the Ensco 105 in Malta in July last year and the Ensco 85 These classification societies monitor standards in in Tunisia. construction and classification of ships and offshore structures, and survey vessels in service to ensure compliance.
14 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 15 Industry Update: Environmental inspections stepped up
In January this year UK Energy Secretary, Chris Huhne, announced the Government was increasing the number of offshore environmental oil and gas inspectors. The move will see the number of offshore inspections undertaken each year to increase from 60, to 150.
The additional staff will allow annual environmental inspections of all manned fixed installations and about 24 drilling rigs every year, as a minimum. It will also enable inspections of deepwater and more complex projects to be made by two rather than one inspector.
Mr Huhne said: “The UK’s safety and environmental regime is one of the most robust in the world. But we are not complacent and more environmental inspections should provide further assurance that Government and industry are alert and working hard to ensure that a spill like Macondo doesn’t happen in UK waters.”
Borgsten Dolphin
16 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 17 Lifting expectations
Global Energy Group companies were recently involved in a joint upgrade project on the Borgsten Dolphin semi-submersible.
Global Energy Services (GES) has just completed the successful installation of a new Port crane on the Borgsten Dolphin, which involved removal of the old crane and pedestal, followed by installation of a new crane pedestal and associated stiffening.
The rig, owned by Dolphin Drilling, docked at Invergordon during yard stay for essential upgrades. Global Logistics were responsible for the contract lift, shore-side craneage and personnel, helping to deliver a highly successful turnkey project.
GES were supported by other members within the Group mainly Global Logistics who supplied the cranes for the duration of the project and CPS who assisted with pre fabrication of the new pedestal and steelwork. Various other minor works were completed during the yard stay which was completed without a single LTA.
The Global Logistics team worked alongside Global Energy Services and crane manufacturers Seatrax on the project to remove the existing 17 tonne and 63 tonne chasis cab. Finally, the new seatrax crane was assembled on the quayside, then, through a series of lifts they installed a new 17 tonne pedestal, 27 tonne crane post, 60 tonne chassis cab and 42 tonne boom, with Global Energy Services carrying out fabrications and installation work on the project.
Rigfit were involved in assisting with various works to include insulating the steel bulkheads & fitting new decorative wall panels to the store and office area, replacing the marine rated doors & windows. The flooring within the store and office area and external walkway were also replaced with a new coat of screed and rubber stud tiles.
Teams from Reel executed fabric maintenance works on the Port crane and rig, and also provided inspection services to the project.
18 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 19 Ga laxy II turnkey REEL INNOVATION
project Drilling assets such as semi-submersible rigs and jackups are designed for harsh ocean environments. Such environments often promote corrosion in hard to reach The Global Energy Group has been carrying out a turnkey areas of the asset. The ability to perform works on the legs, project on Transocean’s Galaxy II jackup rig during a 40 day underside of the deck and the hull of a typical rig is a yard stay in the Cromarty Firth. The rig docked at Invergordon specialist skill; and one where Global are stretching in April, with Global Logistics acting as the vessel’s agent, traditional boundaries. providing shore-side support services, including accommodation and rig requirements for the project. Through many years of experience, Global’s inspection and access division, Reel, has identified a recurring Global Energy Services have been carrying out inspection, problem with the length of time it takes to remove mud repair and maintenance on the derrick and are replacing from the top of jackup rig’s spud cans. the starboard aft crane boom with Kaymas carrying out the electrical installation. Kaymas are also involved in various Normally, cleaning them would require a large team of work scopes to include installation of a new ballast tank divers working round the clock and to ensure productive gauging system, environmental monitoring system and dive times, it would also require the rig to have two legs drillers talk-back system. pinned down with the third raised while the rig is floating.
Reel have been involved in a range of diving and inspection A time consuming and inconvenient method, this can programmes, including inspection of the spud cans using take anything up to four weeks to complete. It causes a specialised equipment to clean the mud off the cans, period where productivity on other workscopes suffers as under deck surveys and painting the rig’s hull. while the rig is floating, crane movements are severely restricted and access to the rig by gangway is not possible. Also, 24-hour jacking operations are required to “chase the tide”.
Reel have devised a method for removing mud from the spud cans that allows the rig to pin down all three legs and to jack the rig up out of the water, allowing for normal crane activities, gangway access and other operations.
The completion of this work scope represented significant cost savings to the client and also reduced the risk of downtime through an accelerated delivery, and significantly reduced the environmental and safety hazards associated to such a scope.
20 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 21 and originally all platforms sat on the seabed, with the oil being Processing equipment aboard an FPSO is similar to that used on Floating assets – transported to the mainland by pipeline or tanker. But as production platforms. Usually built in modules, it can include exploration moved into deeper waters and more remote water separation, gas treatment, oil processing, water injection locations during the 1970s, floating production systems started and gas compression. Processed hydrocarbons are transferred to be used. The first floating production, storage and offloading to the double hull for storage. vessel (FPSO) for oil, the Shell Castellon, was built in 1977. the role of FPSOs in the Crude oil stored on FPSOs is often transferred to shuttle tankers or FPSOs are offshore production facilities that house both ocean-going barges, while gas may be transferred ashore by processing equipment and storage for produced hydrocarbons. pipeline or re-injected into the field to boost production. Most are ship-shaped vessels, with processing equipment or energy industry topsides on deck and hydrocarbon storage below in the double Because FPSOs can be disconnected from their moorings, they hull. After processing, the FPSO stores oil or gas before offloading provide a solution for areas where bad weather such as to shuttle tankers or by way of pipelines. cyclones and hurricanes is an issue. They also provide an economically viable solution for more marginal fields as they Global Project Services (GPS) has an impressive track record of The Skarv, developed and engineered by Aker Solutions for BP FPSOs provide effective development solutions for deepwater can be moved to another development and redeployed once successful work on FPSO projects, providing managed site Norge, is the most advanced and largest FPSO deployed in the and ultra-deepwater fields. Using a central mooring system, the the original filed has been depleted. services allied to specialised skills and a highly experienced Norwegian Sea. The vessel has a length of 292m, breadth of vessels rotate freely to best respond to weather conditions. workforce in niche markets. 50.6m and depth of 29 m, and can accommodate 100 Alternatively spread-mooring systems anchor the vessel from There are now two main types of FPSO in operation – converted people in single cabins. various locations on the seabed. oil tankers and purpose-built vessels. The design of the FPSO is Playing a key role to support their client during the construction dictated by the area in which it is to operate. In relatively benign of the Marathon Alvheim FPSO during a 16-month period in Skarv is a gas condensate and oil field development, offshore Usually tied in to multiple subsea wells, FPSOs gather hydrocarbons waters, the FPSO may be in the form of a simple box shape, or 2006/07, the GPS team supported the project in Norway through mid-Norway. The development will tie in five sub-sea templates from sub-sea production wells. These are carried through flowlines be a converted tanker. In harsher environments, such as the construction, installation, commissioning and testing of and the FPSO has the capacity to include several smaller wells to risers, which transport the oil and gas from the seabed to the Floating assets – the role of FPSOs in the energy industry mechanical and piping systems. At peak, 140 GPS personnel nearby in future. The process plant on the vessel can handle vessel’s turret, then on to the FPSO on the surface. North Sea, the turret tends to be located internally. The majority were involved in rotation on the project. around 19MSm3/d of gas and 13,500Sm3/d of oil. An 80km gas of ship-shaped FPSOs in use in the North Sea are purpose built export pipe will tie in to Åsgard transport system. Aker Solutions and permanently moored. Although most FPSOs are Last year, operator Marathon reported the FPSO had achieved developed the front-end design for the new floating production shipshaped, they may also be semi-submersible type platforms an historic milestone of 100 million barrels gross production from facility as well as the overall system design for the field and or have a cylindrical shape. the Alvheim fields in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. preparation for procurement and project management of the Production form the fields began in June 2008. total field development. The production start for the field is scheduled for August this year. k c o t
S GPS are also currently supporting their client on the BP Skarv i
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e FPSO during its yard stay in Norway, with around 20 personnel The search for oil moved from land to sea more than 70 years g a m
I involved in specialised commissioning and instrumentation work. ago. Production from offshore locations began in the late 1940s
22 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 23 CASE STUDY Delivering the BP Andrew goods for the Towheads Project
Located approximately 230km north-east of Aberdeen, the subsea sector Andrew field covers an area of 27 square kilometres. Discovered in 1974, the Andrew reservoir lies at a depth of 2,430m below sea level. With estimated recoverable reserves of 150 million barrels of oil and natural gas liquids and 245 billion cubic feet of associated gas, production from the field began in 1996. Field life is expected to be around 19 years.
The 7,500 tonne steel jacket for the Andrew fixed platform was built by Highland Fabricators at Nigg yard and has permanent accommodation for 80 people. The Andrew topsides include facilities to operate the nearby Cyrus satellite development.
The development comprises the tie back of 3 production wells via a new 4 slot manifold towhead and pipeline bundle system to the Andrew Platform.
In 1943, Lake Erie – one of America’s five Great Lakes – was the together in one specially fabricated structure. Oil from the wells A wellhead sits on top of an oil or gas well leading down to scene of a breakthrough in the quest to extract oil and gas from is transferred to a fixed platform or floating facility, or, if the the reservoir. A wellhead may also be an injection well, used beneath the earth’s surface. Thirty five feet below the lake’s location permits, directly to an onshore installation. to inject water or gas back into the reservoir to maintain surface the first underwater oil well was completed, using pressure and levels to maximise production. equipment normally used on land and specially adapted for the Subsea oil field developments are usually split into “shallow purpose. The event marked the birth of subsea oil and gas water” and “deepwater” categories to distinguish between the Once a well is drilled, it must be “completed” to allow the technology and ever since the industry has worked tirelessly to different facilities and approaches that are needed to extract flow of petroleum or natural gas up to the surface. This develop equipment and techniques capable of efficient use at the oil and gas. The term “shallow water” or “shelf” is used for includes strengthening the well hole with casing, evaluating increasingly great depths. shallow water depths, where bottom-founded facilities like the pressure and temperature of the formation and installing jackup drilling rigs and fixed offshore structures can be used and the proper equipment to ensure an efficient flow of natural Oil giant Shell completed its first subsea well in the Gulf of where saturation diving is possible. gas from the well. Mexico in 1961. Now equipment is being produced that is capable of working at depths of more than 5,000 feet. Around “Deepwater” is the term used for offshore projects in water There are two distinct types of completion: “dry completion”, 70% of the projects currently carried out by Global’s fabrication depths of more than 600 feet, where floating drilling vessels and which is on the deck of an offshore structure and: “subsea division are for the subsea oil and gas sector. floating oil platforms are used and unmanned underwater completion” below the surface. The wellhead structure – Subsea 7 recently awarded Isleburn a £4.5 million fabrication vehicles are needed as manned diving is not possible. often called a Christmas tree – must allow for a number of contract back in December for the fabrication of 9 No Pipeline Subsea production systems Most of the new oilfields being developed today are in operations relating to production capacity and well Bundle Towheads. The structures range in sizes with the largest Subsea production systems are wells located on the sea floor, as deepwater areas. maintenance. measuring 28m long x 6m wide x 4m high and weighing 220 opposed to on the surface. The oil and gas is extracted at the tonne. sea bed and can then be “tied back” to production facilities. These systems can be used to develop reservoirs, or parts of For offshore dry completion the wells on the main field feed The well is drilled by a moveable rig and the extracted oil and reservoirs, which require drilling of the wells from more than one directly in to production manifolds, while outlying wellhead The work scope was split between Nigg, Deephaven, Evanton natural gas is transported by undersea pipeline and riser to a location. They are also used in deepwater and ultradeep water towers and subsea installations feed via multiphase pipelines with the final assembly and testing carried at the Invergordon processing facility. This allows one production platform to service conditions where surface facilities such as on a steel-piled (carrying a combination of gas, oil and water) to the facility. many wells over quite a large area. jacket are unfeasible or uneconomical. production risers. Risers are the system that allows a pipeline to rise up to the topside structure. The first four towheads are due and on schedule for loadout on k c o t the 21st May with the remaining mid July.
S Subsea production systems range in complexity from a single Developing subsea oil and gas fields requires highly specialised i
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e satellite well to several wells on a template or clustered around a equipment reliable enough to safeguard the environment, while g a m
I manifold, which is a collection of pipes and valves brought still making the extraction of oil and gas economically feasible.
24 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 25 Apache Bacchus Towheads
Isleburn has won glowing praise for its work on the SSIV and towheads for the Forties Development Bacchus Field in the North Sea.
Construction of the towheads, which have now been loaded out, was split among three of Isleburn’s fabrication shops in the Scottish Highlands to successfully meet a highly demanding schedule. Main assembly was carried out at Invergordon, with the pipework fabricated at Deephaven and sub-assemblies at Evanton.
Excellent teamwork from the Isleburn workforce working closely with clients Subsea 7 helped overcome a number of challenges to meet the target load-out date in April. In total delivering the project involved 34,000 man hours of work for the Isleburn team and the project was completed with no HSE incidents or accidents.
Andy Hoggarth, a Project Manager with Apache, who operate the Forties field, commented: “Congratulations to all that contributed to the safe and successful transit of the Bacchus towheads from Isleburn's premises.
“Isleburn's delivery has been exemplary, in terms of HSE performance throughout fabrication and high out-turn product quality. Let's not underestimate the extensive planning, commitment, dedication and team work that underpins such a great achievement. Thanks to all at Isleburn, from the project manager to the welders, blasters and painters. You have done a great job! Your contributions combine to represent a significant Bacchus project milestone.”
Discovered close to the Forties field in 2005, the Bacchus field development is based on recovering significant
e quantities of oil and gas. Drilling on three producing wells is g a m I expected to start shortly and it is anticipated the field will k c o t
S have a 15-year life.
26 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 27 I would like to add my own thanks and praise for an exemplary job. “Congratulations to all. It shows what can be achieved by teamwork Dave Dargie – Subsea 7 (S”ite QC)
28 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 29 Bacchus Towhead Client: Subsea 7
Oil & Gas Production The Global Energy Group partners with EPC contractors and operators in the execution of major & minor topside CAPEX as well as new build subsea equipment. The Group also support duty holders with OPEX pipework/ structural maintenance of fixed production platforms.
30 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 31 E-ON Ruhrgas Huntington project
Isleburn have completed the manufacture of subsea equipment that will play a key role in E-ON Ruhrgas’ Huntington development in the North Sea.
The £2.2million contract involved fabrication of a drilling template, a template spool skid, including super duplex pipework, a wellhead protection structure, weighing a total of 212 tonnes.
A trial installation of the wellhead equipment was carried out onshore prior to the load-out. All the equipment, apart from the piles, was successfully loaded out in March. The piles are currently in storage until they are required early next year.
The Huntington field is located in Block 22/14b in the UK part of the Central North Sea. Involving six wells – four producers and two water injections – it will be tied back to the Sevan Voyageur FPSO.
Production at the field is expected to commence in the early part of 2012.
32 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 33 Shell Pierce approaching completion Isleburn are currently building a gas lift manifold and seven tie-in spools for the Pierce field, in a £1.5million contract for Shell.
In recent weeks the team at Isleburn’s Invergordon Smelter facility has been installing pipework, valves, control tubing and equipment into the manifold.
The completed structure is due to be transported to Invergordon quayside around 21st May for a week’s site integration testing prior to it being loaded out onto a vessel on st June.
The completed manifold will weigh 90tonnes and will be accompanied by four 10.5m long piles.
The 2’’, 6’’ and 8’’ gas lift/production tie in spools are being fabricated in super duplex and Alloy 625 materials.
The Pierce Field is located in Block 23/22a and 23/27 of the central UKCS, approximately 260km east of Aberdeen. It is located in approximately 84m of water at a location some 15km south-east of the Lomond Platform.
34 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 35 Integrated Skill Sets
Isleburn’s capability to deliver integrated technical solutions is tailored to meet the demands of the subsea sector.
The typical manifold comprises structural steel fabrication with high grade pipework, hydraulic control tubing, and mechanical skill sets .
36 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 37 N The Global Energy app has been created to E allow you to download a selection of company W literature. You’ll receive up-to-date editions of ‘ENERGY’, the Global Energy Group Magazine, focusing on current projects within our five core markets. We’ll also include brochures and presentations from App our four operating divisions.
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App Store free download Search: “Global Energy Group downloads” Making the most of one of Scotland’s abundant assets
Scotland is seldom short of water. As a nation, we have the A publicly owned company, answerable to the Scottish seven communities. The Scottish Government has expressed Our experience in the sector includes public water treatment, wettest climate in the UK and the Western Highlands have the Parliament, Scottish Water is the fourth largest water and confidence that the improvements will continue. waste water treatment, water distribution networks and process unenviable record of being one of the wettest places in Europe. wastewater service provider in the UK and is one of Scotland’s water projects, providing complete solutions from all associated Ninety per cent of the volume of all the UK’s inland surface water largest businesses by turnover. Operating thousands of assets Targets set for the period between 2010-2015 include improving civil works through to installation, testing and commissioning of is found north of the border, with the amount contained in Loch around the country, Scottish Water provides two billion litres of the quality of drinking water through upgrading 85 water equipment. Our expertise includes provision of electrical Ness alone nearly twice that in all the standing waters of England drinking water every day and is responsible for removing nearly treatment works; improving the treatment of discharges to the engineering, control system integration and design services. and Wales combined. one billion litres of wastewater, treating it and returning to rivers water environment by upgrading 99 wastewater treatment and the sea. works; and facilitating economic growth by providing strategic And the quality of our bountiful water is amongst the best in capacity to meet all new housing development and domestic Scotland’s water assets: facts and figures the world – a vital factor for some of our key industries, such as Efficiencies achieved through the creation of Scottish Water requirements of commercial and industrial customers. whisky production, agriculture, aquaculture and tourism. have been followed by a period of increased capital investment • 70,000 acres of catchments around reservoirs; Significant improvements over recent years have seen more to bring much-needed modernisation to the infrastructure and The Global Energy Group is supporting Scottish Water in its • 113 reservoirs and 45 lochs; than 60% of supplies meet new European water quality improve the services delivered to consumers. continuing programme of investment and improvement, having • 47,000 km of water pipes; standards. been selected to deliver a number of important projects in the • 50,000 km of wastewater pipes; Between 2006 and 2010 Scottish Water reduced leakage by north of Scotland. • 280 water treatment works, plus pumping stations, sludge Scotland’s water is managed by Scottish Water, which was created more than one third, improved more than 250 overflows, mainly treatment centres and reservoirs; in 2002, when the three previous Water Authorities (North of from the sewer network, upgraded more than 40 wastewater Key to our selection was our proven track record in providing a • 1,842 wastewater treatment works. Scotland, East of Scotland and West of Scotland) were merged. treatment works and extended the public network to a further high quality, cost-effective services throughout the utility sector.
40 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 41 Capturing the Power of Scotland’s offshore renewable energy
The plan sets out the Government’s vision for developing “a significant step forward” for Scotland’s potential of offshore 3 offshore wind sites in Scotland’s offshore zone (offshore beyond offshore wind energy up to 2020 and beyond. It was developed wind energy projects. 12 nautical miles). These two sites have a potential generating The Scottish Government following a successful consultation process during 2010 and He said: “Scotland has a huge potential to be Europe’s leader in capacity of 4.8 gigawatts. The six Scottish Territorial Waters and informed by a substantial evidence base. clean, green energy generation. Offshore wind offers massive the two round 3 sites amount to 10 gigawatts of potential recently published a plan for business opportunities and allows us to be at the forefront of generating capacity. It identified: emerging technology and development. Scotland also has an estimated 10% of Europe’s wave power offshore wind development in and 25% of tidal power, putting it at the forefront of the • Six areas for development of offshore wind up to 2020, with a “The Scottish Government is committed to the successful and emerging wave and tidal power sectors. Scotland’s seas. potential to deliver almost five gigawatts of electricity sustainable development of an offshore wind sector which generation capacity could lead to a potential generation of over 7 billion pounds In 2007 a Strategic Environmental Assessment of marine • 25 areas for further exploration beyond 2020, to harness to Scotland’s economy and support up to 28,000 direct jobs renewables was published which provided an assessment of Entitled, Blue Seas, Green additional capacity from Scotland’s considerable offshore by 2020. the impact wave and tidal devices have on the marine wind resource environment. Since then Marine Scotland has been developing Energy, the plan confirms that “Realising and harnessing this must be done in a sustainable programmes of work to inform the industry, regulators and Developers can now move forward to the licensing stage and way that ensures communities can also benefit from the new stakeholders on the most appropriate and best locations to offshore renewable potentially deliver enough electricity to power more than three economic opportunities presented by this growing industry. place wave and tidal devices around the coast of Scotland. million households. “Offshore renewables represent a huge opportunity for Scotland; This programme of work will support development of projects developments are viable in at an opportunity to build up new industries and to deliver on our competing for the Saltire Prize and the projects identified within Working with The Crown Estate, the Scottish Government is ambitious renewable energy and carbon reduction targets. It is the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters strategic leasing area. least six sites, with a potential continuing to discuss with industry the huge potential for offshore estimated that Scotland has 206 gigawatts of practical offshore wind projects around Scotland. The process is being carried out wind, wave and tidal resource – almost 40% of the UK total. In March, the Scottish Government provided consent to the to deliver almost five gigawatts in a way that best meets developers’ ambitions, but remains Harnessing just one third – 69 gigawatts – would result in net Sound of Islay tidal stream array, the largest consented tidal of electricity generating consistent with the results of the Strategic Environmental value of £14billion in electricity sales alone by 2050. array in the world. Assessment and public consultation.
e The Crown Estate was asked by the Scottish Government in g capacity by 2020. a m I Richard Lochhead, Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary in 2007 to undertake a leasing round in Scottish Territorial Waters. k c o t
the previous Scottish Government, said the report signalled S The Crown Estate has awarded lease agreements for two round
42 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 43 Poised for the power revolution
The Global Energy Group underlined The device was fabricated in four sections at Isleburn’s Nigg erected and loaded out two of the world’s largest offshore wind going buoy to capture and convert wave energy into low-cost, facility, before being transported to the Invergordon Base for turbines for the Beatrice demonstrator project. clean electricity. its credentials in the emerging assembly and load out to the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney for trials and testing. Isleburn’s chief operating officer Neil MacArthur said: “Like our The rising and falling of the waves off-shore causes the buoy to offshore renewables market with the customers in the more established energy sectors, companies move freely up and down. The resultant mechanical stroking is fabrication of a demonstrator The PowerBuoy was the fourth offshore renewables project in that are developing these new renewables devices recognise converted via a sophisticated power take-off to drive an which the group has played a key role. Previous successful the value we bring to their projects through the combination of electrical generator. The generated power is transmitted ashore PowerBuoy wave energy device for projects, carried out by Isleburn, include the fabrication of a our experience, expertise and excellent facilities. We are proud via an underwater power cable. prototype Oyster wave energy device for Aquamarine Power to be working at the forefront of the development of this very Ocean Power Technologies. and a tidal device for OpenHydro. Isleburn also assembled, important sector.” The PoweBuoy system uses a “smart” ocean-
44 ENERGY THE MAGAZINE ENERGY THE MAGAZINE 45 Global Resources is synonymous with cost- effective delivery of high quality, fully-integrated resource management solutions.
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