Working Offshore

OMSA Says Offshore Jobs Should Go to Americans

The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA),  the association representing the owners and operators of the U.S. Flag supply vessels that support offshore energy, has issued the following statement on the announcement by the Obama Administration to increase offshore energy production from oil, gas or renewable sources:   “We strongly support efforts to expand our offshore energy resources, whether through opening new areas for oil and gas leasing or alternative sources like wind power and wave generation.  This will help America achieve energy independence and create jobs at the same time.  Energy expansion offshore and American jobs are connected.   But we need to call attention to the fact that an alarming and growing number of foreign vessels are working offshore, taking jobs away from American mariners and work away from American companies. If we are now going to expand offshore energy, we must ensure that the work is done by Americans.   The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is engaged in a rulemaking process to review its interpretations of the Jones Act, a law that requires cargo transported between U.S. points be carried only on vessels that are owned by Americans, crewed by Americans and built in America.  An early analysis by Customs and Border Protection, a part of DHS

Canyon Offshore Appoint Stroud, Sparks

Canyon Offshore has announced the appointment of Doug Stroud to the position of vice president sales and marketing. In this newly created position, Stroud will be responsible for overseeing Canyon’s international marketing program, developing new markets and identifying new business opportunities for the company. Doug Stroud has an impressive track record marketing remotely operated vehicles and ROV services on an international basis

OMSA Testifies, Foreign Vessels Operating in U.S. Economic Zones

Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) President/CEO Ken Wells testified before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on June 17, with regard to foreign vessels operating in the economic zone exclusive to American vessels.  Testifying on the activities of  foreign vessels that carry cargo and do construction work at offshore energy projects in the Gulf of Mexico

Successful North Sea Methanol Monitoring Trial

LUX Assure launches chemical monitoring product after successful field trial with North Sea Operator. LUX Assure, a company specialising in the development of chemical monitoring technologies for the oil and gas industry, has launched its first product to market following a number of successful field trials with North Sea oil majors.   The Aberdeen-based firm is forecasting £100,000 of sales in 2012, with an expected accessible global market of over £1million per year.

Navcon Sells Stake to BMT Scientific

Navcon Navegacao e Controle Ltda, a Brazilian specialist in monitoring systems for the offshore oil and gas industry, entered into a formal partnership with BMT Scientific Marine Services Ltda. The company has an advanced R&D background and widespread experience of working offshore Brazil. Navcon’s current oil and gas activities align with those of BMT and include anchorage torpedoes and riser monitoring systems

Transocean Provides Fleet Update Summary

Transocean Ltd. today issued a monthly fleet update summary which includes newly signed contracts, significant changes to existing contracts, and changes in estimated planned out of service time of 15 days or longer for all rig classifications since the previously issued comprehensive fleet status report or fleet update summary.   Significant highlights include the following:   Deepwater Expedition - Awarded a two-year contract with an undisclosed customer commencing

Offshore Industry Leaders Invest Heavily In Safety Programs

The offshore oil industry market, by its very nature, is a challenging work environment that poses many safety hazards, particularly for individuals and companies which lack adequate safety training. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News sought the insight of two offshore industry leaders — Schlumberger and Halliburton — to discover how the industry leaders set the stage for a work environment that is safe for workers, equipment and investment.

Offshore Rig Count At 2-Year High

The offshore rig count in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico rose by four this week to 175, or an 85.9 percent utilization rate, the highest drilling activity in nearly two years, the Offshore Data Services (ODS) said. In its report for the week ending July 21, the Houston-based ODS said that of the 203 mobile offshore drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, 175 were under contract. In the European/Mediterranean region the rigs under contract remained steady at 89 of the 102 mobile offshore drilling rigs

Canyon Offshore Takes Delivery of Quest 3

Canyon Offshore has taken delivery of its third Quest electric work class ROV system. The Quest, depth rated to 3,050 msw, incorporates many new features and technology not previously found in work class ROVs. Increased efficiency, lower operating costs and greater reliability, have contributed to the success of these new systems. This environmentally friendly ROV can perform tasks for a wide range of functions, including offshore oil exploration and production support, salvage, mapping

Stolt Offshore Wins $120M in Contracts

Stolt Offshore S.A. received contract awards and Letters of Intent totaling approximately $120 million from various customers operating in the North Sea. In the UK sector of the North Sea, BP has awarded Stolt Offshore two contracts totalling $12.4 million for construction and installation of the gas import/export system for Clair Phase 1 and the tie-in of the Clair oil export and gas import/export pipeline systems. BP has also awarded Stolt Offshore a contract, valued at approximately $19