OFFSHORE OFFICE

EBDG to Design Lightering Support Vessel

As a player in the Gulf lightering business, AET recognizes the need for modern, new lightering support tonnage to better serve its clients and aid safe operations. Although the new generation lightering support vessel (LSV) might look similar to a Gulf supply boat, several characteristics set it apart. It is designed to be easily built and operated. It also features less piping, ballast and cargo tankage. Since the vessel is mission-specific to handle Yokohama fenders and small cargos for tankers, there is no need for dry-bulk tankage and associated pumps for systems such as fuel oil cargo and drill water. The design calls for hi-lift rudders and modest power. The vessel’s bow design shows minimized flare and the side shell is canted inwards (known as tumble-home) to reduce appendages and surfaces. This minimizes the risk of damage in close-quarters maneuvering and promotes safety and ease of operations when working close-aboard tankers off-shore. EBDG’s LSV design measures 185 ft by 46 ft by 15 ft and estimated lightship weight is 1670 tonnes. Currently, Leevac Industries is constructing two LSVs with an option for additional vessels. Meanwhile, AET’s investment in its lightering operations also extends landside, with a major new warehouse, offshore office and home base for its workboat crews currently under construction in Galveston

IHC Merwede Opens Singapore Office

IHC Merwede B.V. launched its first regional office in Singapore. The setting up of this 38,000-sq.-ft. facility is part of IHC Merwede’s global strategy to provide its customers with optimal life cycle support and leverage upon the expanding Asia Pacific dredging and offshore markets. “With the rapidly increasing worldwide demand for oil and gas, we are seeing exciting opportunities, particularly within the Asia Pacific region. We are targeting to capture over 55%

Offshore Ship Designer Sets up in Singapore

IJmuiden-based Offshore Ship Designers (OSD) has opened a design office in Singapore. The office will provide a local liaison point for customers building ships in Asia which were designed in the Dutch and UK offices of OSD, and also provide a local solution for design projects for companies based in Singapore. “We already have a successful design and newbuilding supervision office in Shanghai,” said Michiel Wijsmuller, managing director of OSD

A&P Tyne Repairs OSVs

A&P Tyne has begun a series of repair projects involving Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs) owned by Norway’s Farstad Shipping ASA, Aalesund. The first in the series was the 4,680 dwt Far Swan, which was completed during early June, to be followed by the 3,053 dwt Far Supporter and the 3,050 dwt Far Server during June and July, all three vessels operated out of Farstad Shipping’s Aberdeen office. A&P has an agreement with Farstad Shipping’s Aberdeen office covering routine drydockings of OSVs

Bibby Offshore HQ in Final Stage of Construction

The new purpose-built headquarters for subsea installation contractor, Bibby Offshore is entering its final phase of construction. The new 53,427 sq. ft. office facility at Prospect Park, Westhill, which represents a multi-million pound investment, is on track to be completed by April 2013. Bibby Offshore staff are due to relocate from its existing offices at Waterloo Quay to the new premises by the end of May 2013.

WTS Opens Houston Office

Wilhelmsen Technical Solutions has established a new office in Houston, Texas in response to increased client demand for its newbuilding and aftermarket products and services. WTS is targeting increased business from the local offshore industry in the Gulf of Mexico and an expanded focus on Brazil, where deepwater offshore production is entering a new and dynamic phase. WTS Vice President, Americas Region, Philip Bannerman says the company is well placed to provide the mix of skills and

Aker Kvaerner to Create New Jobs on Teesside

Aker Kvaerner Offshore Partner, headquartered in Aberdeen, is to open a satellite office in Stockton-on-Tees, UK. The office will be responsible for a range of upstream oil and gas projects, and modification work. The office is located within the existing Aker Kvaerner premises at Ashmore House, Stockton-on-Tees and will be operational from January 2006. "In addition to servicing work arising from current and future clients

ABS Opens Office in Stavanger

Classification society ABS announces the opening of an office in Stavanger, Norway to further extend its global reach and provide dedicated support to its growing Norwegian client base.   Known for its leadership in offshore classification and technology, the society’s Stavanger office will be staffed with a professional team of offshore engineers and surveyors focused on delivering premium class service to the region.

Trelleborg Completes CRP Acquisition

Trelleborg´s acquisition of CRP through its Engineered Systems business area has now been concluded. CRP Group is an engineering company with annual sales of slightly more than $130 million and 500 employees, primarily in the UK and the US. This will make Trelleborg a global market leader in polymer systems and solutions for offshore oil and gas projects. The purchase price totals approximately $123.6 million in the form of cash and through the assumption of loan-repayment obligations.

Salazar Announces Renewable Energy Office

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) will establish a new regional office in 2010 to support renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off the Atlantic seaboard. “Given the enormous potential for renewable energy development, especially wind energy, in the Mid and North Atlantic,” Secretary Salazar said, “MMS needs a dedicated Atlantic Region office as we plan for offshore renewable energy