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SUT+ Site visit to the Balmoral Subsea Test Centre in Aberdeen

Thursday 28th April, 1700-1830hrs

Join SUT+ for a site visit to the Balmoral Subsea Test Centre in Aberdeen.

We are following government guidance regarding Covid-19 so request that attendees wear a face covering when moving around the buildings and sanitise when entering and leaving the buildings.

Although the Balmoral Subsea Test Centre is recognised for its hydrostatic testing capabilities, the comprehensive facility also offers wide-ranging mechanical, submersion and offshore wind component testing, with full on-site support services including transportation, fabrication and electrical services.

A wide range of equipment types have been tested at the centre over the years including Christmas trees, subsea control modules, flying leads/jumper cables, ball valves, composite pipes, subsea HPUs, transformers, riser bird cages, acrylic domes and underwater cutting tools.

Testing can be carried out in a variety of liquids including fresh and salt water, dyes, glycol, anti-corrosion and mineral oils and, with full support from Balmoral’s in-house fabrication and electrical services, clients regularly have their equipment tested, adjusted or repaired on-site avoiding the need to ship the items back and fore to their premises.

Additionally, clients can monitor their kit being tested via live data links anywhere in the world – a service we believe is unique to the Balmoral Subsea Test Centre.

Services available include:

  • Hydrostatic testing
  • Mechanical testing
  • Submersion testing
  • Offshore wind CPS testing

Perth – Materials & Corrosion Course

Materials & Corrosion – An Awareness Course

 

This two-day course has been specifically designed for people new to subsea or unfamiliar with the various corrosion considerations which need to be applied during design, construction, and operation of subsea assets.

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the various materials and corrosion issues which are applicable to subsea structures. The choices made which impact one area of corrosion and integrity will often impact the choices in other areas, and also affect the long-term inspection and monitoring which may be required to ensure the design life is met. Having a general overview of the interaction between the various factors and the impact that certain choices make, and the equipment used in inspecting and monitoring the structures will provide attendees with a broad knowledge on the interaction which needs to be considered in any installation.

The course will be presented by experienced personnel from both the supply and subsea industries.  Most of the course will be held in a classroom environment, with the session being interactive, with every opportunity to ask questions and discuss the material presented as well as two site visits to relevant facilities.

 

Registration & Flyer 

The course flyer and registration information is available here

To register your interest for this course please email our Events Team.

SUT+ Site Visit – DART Simulator at RGU

Join SUT+ for a site visit to the DART (Dynamic Advanced Response Training) simulation suite. On arrival, please report to the main reception at the Sir Wood Building.

The tour takes place on Thursday, 31st March, and starts at 12:00 pm lasting approximately 1 hour.

This event is free to attend; spaces are limited to 21 so please register in advance to guarantee a place.

The DART (Dynamic Advanced Response Training) simulation suite provides realistic, real-time training within a virtual drilling environment. DART represents a joint-venture between KCA Deutag Ltd and RGU. The learning space employs 3D graphics to represent a rig floor and the wide range of equipment and drilling processes currently used by the oil and gas industry. The learning environment consists of a 60-inch screen and a control cabin, fitted with two drillers’ chairs, offering you a realistic drilling experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perth SUT – OSIGp May 2022 ETM “Recent advances in offshore geotechnics – select outputs from the OFFshore Hub at UWA”

The Society for Underwater Technology invite you to the OSIGp May 2022 Evening Technical Meeting:

Recent advances in offshore geotechnics – select outputs from the OFFshore Hub at UWA

The evening will focus on the following three topics:

  1. New approaches to integrated site characterisation

Speaker: Fraser Bransby (UWA)

Characterising the mechanical properties of the seabed is a key part of geotechnical design, from which all further advice stems. It is particularly challenging to provide design inputs away from geotechnically investigated locations, and given that it is impossible to investigate all locations (e.g. all along a pipeline or cable) and that subsea layouts often change after the SI programme, this assessment is required more often than not.  Currently, site characterisation often involves simple statistical analysis of geotechnical measurements melded with engineering judgement, and backed up by (generally) qualitative information obtained from geophysical surveys.  This presentation will discuss these challenges and present preliminary quantitative geophysical interpretation and statistical approaches that are being developed as part of the OFFshore Hub and the new TIDE Research Hub thanks to the use of site investigation data from the North West Shelf and the engagement of geophysical experts and data scientists.

 

  1. Improved design of offshore conductors

Speaker: Mariajose Guevara (UWA, Fugro)

Offshore conductors are used to support the riser system that transports hydrocarbons from the reservoir to the floating vessel. Movement of the riser system translates to movement at the well head, resulting in stress cycles in the conductor. Upcoming international codes propose significant changes related to the fatigue design of conductors, specifically in terms of response from the soil to lateral movement – whereas recent testing by the OFFshore Hub suggests this guidance may over-estimate soil stiffness at the governing levels of motion.  In addition, current design methods do not account for changes in soil response over the life of the conductor, associated with progressive periods of cyclic softening and recovery.  A combination of numerical and physical model experiments has been undertaken to support new models for predicting fatigue performance of offshore conductors.

 

  1. A framework to capture strength and stiffness changes due to remoulding and consolidation

Speaker: Conleth O’Loughlin (UWA)

This brief presentation will introduce a new analysis framework to capture the effects of maintained and cyclic loads and the subsequent reconsolidation processes on the geotechnical capacity, based on estimation of the changing soil strength. The framework was developed using critical state concepts in the effective stress domain, and by discretising the soil domain as a one-dimensional column of soil elements. This framework is designed as the simplest basis on which to capture spatially varying changes in strength due to maintained and cyclic loads, and the associated remoulding and reconsolidation processes – and it can be used to interpret cyclic penetrometer tests as well as foundation behaviour.

REGISTER NOW

Contact OSIGp directly by emailing: Michael Cocjin ([email protected])

Many thanks to our event sponsor:

ARC Offshore HUB UWA

Aberdeen – Subsea Awareness Course

Do you want to know more about Subsea Technology and Operations in Offshore Energy?

– then the SUT’s Subsea Awareness Course is geared towards YOU.

The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) delivers a foundation-level Subsea Awareness Course (SAC) that is suitable for personnel across the full spectrum: Operators / Developers, Contractors, Technology suppliers and other interested organisations, for example; Government, Legal, Finance, and Engineering Houses.

This course provides underpinning knowledge for new entrants in the subsea sector of the offshore energy industry, as well as offering a refresher for experienced professionals seeking to update their knowledge.

Course Description

The course is delivered by experienced personnel from across the sector from Operators / Developers, Contractors and Technology Suppliers many of whom are recognised authorities within their organisations providing deep insight to the complete lifecycle of a subsea asset in both oil and gas and offshore renewables; covering design, installation, operations and ultimately decommissioning.

The course offers a balance of classroom and site visits to manufacturing plants and operating centres, thereby providing a broad spectrum of opportunity to engage and share knowledge with our highly experienced and respected industry personnel.

  • The course has been run by the SUT since early 1990s, with continual refreshing to reflect the changing technological developments over the period and is geared for industry personnel who wish to expand their knowledge of offshore energy subsea systems.
  • The modules are delivered by experienced personnel from Operators, Contractors and Technology System Suppliers to offer broad and ranging perspectives of the sector.
  • Whilst most of the course will be presented in a ‘classroom’ environment, the sessions will be interactive, with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what has been learned. In particular, hands-on and visual components have been included wherever possible to enable delegates to view software models and products designed for subsea service.

Who should attend?

  • New Entrants who are already technically qualified but are just entering the offshore energy industry and / or the subsea sector
  • Technically qualified, experienced personnel who require to undergo a technology transfer and conversion process from another relevant discipline into the subsea sector
  • Personnel who have worked in subsea earlier in their career and appreciate the benefit to be had from a refresher course that includes exposure to the latest technologies and techniques
  • Non-technical personnel from the likes of the Government, Legal or Finance sectors who are regularly dealing with the subsea sector will also find the course rewarding

Day 1 – Introduction to the Subsea Sector

  • Introduction & Course Overview
  • Oil & Gas Field Developments
  • Host & Facility Options
  • Offshore Renewables Developments
  • Development Decision Processes

Day 2 – Oil-field equipment & Flow Assurance

  • Oil-field equipment architecture
  • Flow Assurance and how it impacts system design and operation
  • Wellhead, Tree & Manifold Systems – Design Manufacturing and Testing (Site Visit)

Day 3 – Offshore Renewables Technologies & Subsea Control Systems

  • Offshore Renewables Structures – fixed and floating options
  • Subsea Power Cables in offshore renewables
  • Subsea Umbilicals in oil and gas
  • Subsea Controls (site visit) architecture, components, manufacture & test, operations

Day 4 – Pipeline & Riser Systems

  • Pipeline & Riser Options – Design and Manufacturing
  • Pipeline & Riser Options – Installation Methods
  • ROV & Diver Operations (Site Visit)

Day 5 – Subsea Operation, Decommission, and the Future

  • Subsea Operations – Inspection, Maintenance & Repair
  • Decommissioning – Regulations, Operations, Facilities, Re-use
  • Future Technologies – Hydrogen, CCS, Electrification

Cancellations/Refunds

Cancellations are subject to a 25% administration fee where the cancellation is made more than one calendar month before the date of the training course. No refund is payable for a cancellation made within the calendar month immediately prior to the training course – in this event the full sum shown on the invoice remains payable.

Delegates may wish to nominate a substitute in their place.

Click here for joining instructions

Special thank you to our supporting companies

Register

Registration has now closed.

Military Seabed Operations Forum – Oceanology International

At Oceanology International, ExCel – you must be registered for Oceanology International to attend.

South Gallery Room 5 – 1400 – 1530hrs

This session will consider Critical National Infrastructure on the Seabed (SBCNI), protecting the SBCNI, the threats, and impact of the threats. Hear from the Royal Navy and industry experts on this important subject as presentations consider what are the current challenges, the ways forward, the requirements for the future in the defence sector.

A moderated panel discussion will follow the presentations, including audience Q&A where attendees will be able to engage with panellists and their peers.

Nick Swift, SUT – Introduction

Commander Graham Mimpriss Royal Navy – Future Military Requirements

Lieutenant Commander Mark Butcher Royal Navy – Planned persistent surveillance of Oceanographic Data Gathering globally

Tom Rooney, Sonardyne – Autonomous Seafloor Sensor Monitoring and Communications

Gerry Goward, James Fisher Defence – Commercial Operations supporting Military Capability

Peter Alexander, Viper Innovations – Advanced Subsea Electrical Network Monitoring Technologies

Attendance is free. Seating will be limited, pre-registered delegates will be prioritised.

Click here for more information

 

Ocean Careers Panel – Oceanology International

Ocean Futures Theatre
Thursday, 17th March
12:40 – 14:40

Join representatives from industry, academia, professional and learned societies sharing insights on career opportunities, challenges and career development, transitions and progression in the underwater, subsea, and wider marine sectors.

Attendees will be encouraged to engage with the panelists and their peers in a moderated Q&A discussion.

Chaired by Sue John, Chair, SUT

Speakers

Cheryl Burgess, Chief Executive Officer, SUT
Hannah Ladd-Jones, Engagement Officer, MASTS
Simon Canning, Operations Director, DDK Positioning / Chair, The Hydrographic Society in Scotland (THSIS)
Andre Rose, Technical Adviser, International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA)
Andy Woolgar, Vice President Group HSEQ, Subsea 7
Dr Ajit Pillai, Senior Lecturer and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow, University of Exeter
Roger Scrivens, Ocean Consultant
Steve Hall, Freelance Ocean Consultancy
Mick Cook, MCL Consultancy

Click here for further information

SUT+ Site visit to the National Decommissioning Centre

Join SUT+ for a site visit to the National Decommissioning Centre (NDC)

17:00 – 18:30 GMT

This event is free to attend; spaces are limited to 21 so please register in advance to guarantee a place.

On arrival, please report to the main reception.

The tour takes place on Wednesday, 9th March, and starts at 5:00 pm lasting approximately 1 and a half hours.

You will be given an introduction to the National Decommissioning Centre (NDC), their current projects and future directions, a demonstration of the marine simulator, and a tour of other facilities.

We are following government guidance regarding Covid 19 so request our attendees to show proof of a negative lateral flow test on the day. We also ask that attendees wear a face covering when moving around the buildings and sanitise when entering and leaving the buildings.

London & South of England Evening Meeting – Something Old, Something New

1800-1930hrs BST
New Venue: St Andrew’s at Waterloo, Short Street, London SE1 8LJ

Overview of TechnipFMCs advanced Gemini® ROV System for drill support and completion activities

Presenter: Michael Green, TechnipFMC

Deepwater rigs and drillships have a total cost of ownership of up to $1 million per day, requiring a focus on all aspects of operational productivity to ensure optimal economics.

These rig operations require the support of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to perform subsea intervention tasks throughout the entire drilling and completion process.

In this SUT session, learn how advancements in machine vision, automation and precision robotics enable our GEMINI® ROV to optimize rig time through increased operational productivity and consistently high performance.”

Michael Green has for over a decade been in a variety of Technical Leadership and Commercial positions in the Subsea industry. Michael has driven a number of industry firsts from Front End through to Decommissioning gin many of the global regions. Recently as Subsea Services Director Africa, Middle East and India for TechnipFMC, he has been a focal point for Major Operators as partners to optimize their OPEX and drive further efficiency during the Life of Field operating phase. Michael’s passion is supporting clients to improve their asset economics and identifying the key drivers to support them through FID to minimising total installed cost and life of field value and now with added focus on the benefits of emissions reduction

 

Life Extension of Aged Offshore Structures with Retrofit CP

Presenter: Paolo Marcassoli, Cescor

Life extension and requalification process are nowadays required for a number of old oil & gas offshore structures, that are approaching or have exceeded their design life. As part of these activities, integrity of these structures against corrosion by seawater is ensured by cathodic protection retrofit. Criteria and approaches for design and execution of retrofitting may differ from those applicable to new structures manufactured at yard, being the existing structures already at site. Installation constraints and associated costs drive the selected solutions and configurations, and then a dedicated CP design expertise has been developed. Several parameters, including polarisation conditions, marine growth and calcareous deposits on the steel surfaces are conveniently taken into account. Finite Element Method (FEM) and Boundary Element Method (BEM) modelling contribute in design and optimization of protection system layout, galvanic anode or impressed current type (GACP or ICCP).

Paolo Marcassoli has fifteen years’ experience in materials and corrosion engineering and cathodic protection engineering gained in academic field and the onshore and offshore oil & gas industry, offshore wind, civil and infrastructures. After 6 years of academic and research work at University of Bergamo, he joined Cescor in January 2012 and he was Manager of business line Products in July 2012, Production Manager in August 2013 and Inspections and Production Manager in October 2014.

He currently holds the position of Cathodic Protection and Inspections Manager since April 2019. He primarily carries out activities in the fields of CP design, FEM/BEM modeling, permanent monitoring and inspections”

 

Please note the new venue location:  St Andrew’s is Just off The Cut, between the Young Vic and Old Vic Theatres, just minutes from Southwark and Waterloo tube/rail/bus stations.

Refreshments will not be provided during the presentations. We will decant to a local pub after the presentations.

Challenges in Offshore Wind Developments

Time: 1800 – 1930 hrs GMT – Online

The event is FREE to attend, but booking is essential

Mooring Sense Project: A Risk-based Integrity Management Strategy For Mooring System Of Floating Offshore Wind

Speakers: Roisin Harris, Graduate Asset Integrity Engineer & Alessandro La Grotta, Integrity & Reliability Team Lead, Worley

While Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) represents a significant opportunity to foster wind energy development and to contribute to CO2 emissions reductions, its associated operational costs are still substantially above grid parity, and significant innovation is needed.

MooringSense is a research and innovation project which explores digitisation technologies to enable the implementation of risk-based integrity management strategies for mooring systems in the FOW sector with the aim to optimise inspection and maintenance activities, reduce costs, and increase energy production.

A risk-based assessment methodology specific for the mooring system of FOW Turbines has been developed; this allows the development of a risk-based strategy that can result in more cost-effective inspection planning. The methodology shall utilise the information made available by numerical tools, sensors, and algorithms developed in the project to update the risk level of the mooring system and set the required plan to mitigate the risk.

Leveraging the additional information from monitoring technologies and predictive capabilities the risk-based strategy developed allows for optimal planning of inspection and maintenance activities based on dynamic risk level that is periodically updated through the interface with the Digital Twin.

Challenging Offshore Wind Limits Through Innovation

Speaker: Ioannis Skarakis, Senior Tender Executive

Parkwind NV is a private limited liability company incorporated in Belgium, developing, financing, constructing, and operating offshore wind farms. Parkwind currently operates 771 MW in the Belgian exclusive economic zone and secured a development pipeline of approximately 1.1 GW in Ireland and Germany.

On the framework of the SUT webinar, Parkwind will share its experience on the technical challenges of Arcadis OST 1 OWF project in Germany. On the momentum of our culture of innovation, the project is committed to the highest standards and will be using state-of-the-art construction methods for the installation of the foundations and turbines.

Alessandro La Grotta

Alessandro is an experienced Asset Integrity Consultant with 15 years’ experience, of which 11 in the energy sector working in several brownfield projects and in operational support roles for both onshore and offshore assets. Alessandro currently leads the Worley Integrity & Reliability team in the UK, this team works across all industries to help our clients realize the maximum value from their assets by ensuring mechanical integrity, increasing mechanical and production reliability and reducing inspection and maintenance costs during the whole lifecycle.

Roisin Harris

Roisin is an Asset Integrity Engineer in Worley Specialist Technical Solutions. With a background in Materials Engineering and Corrosion, she helps clients maintain the safety and integrity of their assets, and implement mitigation measures to decrease downtime, improve operational reliability and minimise cost, schedule and technical risks. She has worked across both the oil and gas and renewable sectors, in offshore and onshore projects.