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News
NOVEMBER 2012
Health & Safety
Top priority for members
East of England:
World leading all energy hub
EEEGR SNS2013
Ambitious plans for event
Skills for Energy
Help shape next conference
Photo at Sheringham Shoal taken by CHPV
and supplied by Scira Offshore Energy

WELCOME
Contents
November 2012
HEALTH & SAFETY
03.........Oilennium revitalises Seajacks’ training
Crown Estate's safety message
04-05...Bartech's expansion driven by H&S
New occupational health clinic
06-07...Triple success for supersafe SSI
08.........SafeHouse plans regional growth
09.........Health of offshore workers vital
ALL EEEGR
13.........Supply chain roadshow success
14-15....Ambitious plans for SNS2013
EEEGR chairman steps down
EEEGR MEMBERS
17..........Sheringham Shoal's royal launch
18-19....Calorex paints master art class
20.........Clipper South delivers first gas
21.........New base for Fendercare
22-31....What other members are up to
SKILLS FOR ENERGY
33.........Military in the Energy sector
34-35...Promising start for UEA students
Coming soon –
EEEGR events
november 2012
22nd – Decommissioning Special
Interest Group:
OrbisEnergy, Lowestoft
29th – Offshore Europe Launch Event:
Beacon Innovation Centre,
Gorleston
december 2012
13th – EEEGR Christmas Ball:
Ocean Room, Gorleston
januARY 2013
18th – EEEGR Breakfast Club:
TBC
FEBRuARY 2013
TBC – Nuclear Special Interest Group
MARCH 2013
5th – Platform for Innovation:
Norfolk Showground, Norwich
5th – EEEGR Gala Dinner:
Norfolk Showground, Norwich
6th – SNS2013 - The Sea of
Opportunity:
Norfolk Showground, Norwich
22nd – EEEGR Breakfast Club:
TBC
MAY 2013
17th – EEEGR Breakfast Club:
TBC
Next issue:
the global gateway
In the next issue we'll be focusing on the
East of England as a global gateway in the
energy world.
We want to emphasise the world-class
capabilities of our regional supply chain to
export products, services and expertise
around the world.
At the same time, our assets and
resources are attracting international
companies who want to do business in a
thriving region with potential spanning many
decades ahead.
We feature examples of such news in
every issue but for the February 2013 edition,
we'll be demonstrating the strength and
value of our region within the global market.
Let's hear your stories of international
success whether it is selling abroad or
encouraging overseas business into our
region. No more than 300 words, please,
and with a relevant good quality picture
where possible.
February will also have a full preview of
our SNS 2013 Conference and Exhibition at
the Norfolk Showground which will also be
flying the flag for the excellence of our region
and its supply chain.
www.eeegr.com
Visit our website to keep up-to-date with
the latest energy stories and events, and
to download this and previous versions of
EEEGR News.
Editorial deadline is Friday January 18th.
Email: news@eeegr.com
Contact
EEEGR (East of England Energy Group)
Now representing more than 380 members
T: 01493 446535
F: 01493 446536
E: info@eeegr.com
www.eeegr.com
Front cover image: Safety tops every criteria list in
the energy world. Photo at Sheringham Shoal by
CHPV and supplied by Scira Offshore Energy.
Designed and produced by TMS Media
www.tms-media.co.uk
The publisher cannot accept responsibility for
accuracy, legality or reliability of information in this
publication although the utmost care is taken.
Opinions expressed by contributors are not
necessarily those of EEEGR.
EEEGR News is printed on 80% recycled paper
02 – NOVEMBER 2012

HEALTH & SAFETY
Safer than houses!
C Simon Gray, EEEGR chief executive
It would be obvious to say that three top priorities
for the energy sector are - safety, safety
and safety.
AREVA's Andrew Fox put it as simply at
the EEEGR 2012 Conference when he said
supply chain businesses were assessed on
quality, cost, delivery and safety. “But safety
is everything.”
Health is inextricably linked with safety.
Unhealthy, unfit personnel can make dangerous
mistakes or decisions. Lack of attention to
safety can lead to catastrophe.
Our high risk energy sector has a remarkable
record for safety. But that is not enough.
We must always strive to improve.
That's why this issue has a special focus
on H&S; the many companies involved in a
whole range of aspects - the new initiatives,
the training, the protection, the supervision
and the equipment.
It forms a critical element to our supply
chain and one, without which, our industry
could not operate.
Oilennium revitalises
Seajacks’ training
C Samantha O’Hara, Oilennium
C 01508 522 700
C sam@oilennium.co.uk
C www.oilennium.com
Oilennium Ltd has successfully completed
a series of customised eLearning training
programmes for Seajacks, the Great
Yarmouth-based operator of purpose-built,
self-propelled jack-up vessels.
Initially, Seajacks asked Oilennium to
provide effective, cost-effective training for its
employees.
The first requirement was to help enhance
the company’s health and safety training
programme and the primary objective was to
revitalise Seajacks’ existing programme by
offering a more dynamic, interactive training
experience.
To achieve that, Oilennium provided
Seajacks with access to a wide range of
health and safety courses through its Learning
Management System (LMS), an online
user-friendly system that features interactive
training tools.
These courses, currently being taken
by 150 employees around the world, provide
training in confined space entry, task-based
risk assessment, COSHH, manual handling,
lifting operations, and noise awareness.
Bespoke programmes were devised
for Seajacks featuring lively animations and
meaningful graphics that provide delegates
with a clearer, more immediate understanding
of the subject matter.
Delegates demonstrate what they’ve
learned through a series of knowledge checks
and a final exam.
“The health and safety courses proved
to be so popular and effective, we decided
to bring Oilennium in to revitalise our vessel
induction video for the harsh environment
installation vessel Seajacks Kraken,” said
Max Paterson, sales and marketing manager
for Seajacks.
“Their work on the Kraken vessel video
was so impressive, we decided to have
Oilennium develop bespoke videos for two
more vessels: the Seajacks Leviathan and the
Seajacks Zaratan. Since we began training
our employees via the new safety training and
vessel induction programmes, there has been
a marked improvement in employee appreciation
of safety, and of the unique characteristics
of each vessel.”
Kevin Keable, managing director of
Norfolk-based Oilennium, added: “Developing
a culture that is vigilant and truly dedicated
to best practices in HSE requires hard work,
dedication and sheer persistence”.
Above: Seajacks retained Oilennium to revitalise its
vessel induction video for the harsh environment
installation vessel Seajacks Kraken.
New focus as
windpower reaches
deeper waters
C 020 7851 5311
C www.thecrownestate.co.uk
As the offshore wind industry moves truly
‘offshore’ into deeper waters - now similar to
the southern sector oil & gas developments -
the focus on health & safety has dramatically
intensified to ensure that projects can be
delivered safely.
The Crown Estate’s health and safety
champion Peter Hodgetts said: “Now, after
more than 12 years of offshore wind, we are
continuing to learn vital lessons even as we
move further offshore. Deeper water creates
changes in our risk profile but we can learn
from other sectors, including oil & gas.
“The Crown Estate is championing many
of these initiatives with a range of strategic
workstreams which reflect areas that concern
our development partners. We also
reward good practice through our Health &
Safety Award.”
A unique element of the offshore wind
sector is the very large number of vessels
utilised throughout the lifecycle, numbering
up to 35 or 40 vessels on site during the
construction phase, requiring rigorous marine
co-ordination.
Recently published by The Crown Estate
was a Vessel Safety Guideline designed to
support developers in selecting vessels ‘fit
for purpose’ through the development phase
and a further guideline is planned to address
vessels that will be used during the
construction phase.
Its Safer by Design workshops brought
together a large cross-section of industry
experts to discuss lessons learned as well as
looking ahead at the factors that will influence
the whole lifecycle of projects.
“An important step is that the industry
is now moving from a ‘day trip’ scenario to
a format similar to the oil & gas sector with
personnel living offshore for extended periods
and this brings another range of factors that
must be managed and the industry is rolling
out the first offshore wind training courses,”
said Mr Hodgetts.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 03

HEALTH & SAFETY
Bartech Marine’s
expansion driven by
health & safety
C Paul Douglas
C 01206 384677
C pdouglas@bartechmarine.com
C www.bartechmarine.com
As Bartech Marine Engineering enters its
25th anniversary year, it remains committed
to its founding principles of supplying both
high quality products and service that’s built
on a vision of ‘Providing Safety Through
Mechanical Excellence’.
It is a first port of call for global companies
needing mechanical equipment for
marine, offshore and industrial engines.
With success have come many new
opportunities. In recent months, Bartech has
supplied fuel pipes for the boats that shuttled
spectators to and from Olympic venues, and
it has been appointed one of only five UK
service dealers for global engine manufacturer
MTU.
As the company has grown, Bartech’s
insistence on the highest standards of
health & safety has allowed it to take new
demands in its stride. It uses RBS’s Mentor
consultancy service to ensure its H&S provision
goes far beyond simple compliance with
the regulations.
Top & centre:
Safety’s always first
for Bartech Marine
The result is a company that has H&S
underpinning all aspects of its work. Its design
and manufacturing of fuel pipes conforms
to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and the
company is proactive in reducing the risk of
engine fires — 66% of all marine fires start
in the engine room, and most of them can
be avoided. Bartech also offers a 24-hour
response window in which to reach clients’
vessels, assets and sites, but they undertake
full risk assessments and compile method
statements every time.
When it comes to offshore work, all staff
undertake specialised training, while in the
factory there are regular H&S meetings and
internal poster campaigns. Now it is moving
into much larger new premises in Colchester,
Bartech will be training employees to use new
cranes and lifting equipment and will update
its H&S policies to meet the demands of its
new building and operations.
Director Paul Bleck said: “We put our
people first and we’re determined to create a
healthy, safe environment for all. If you only
pay lip service to health & safety you not
only endanger your employees and reputation,
but you miss out on a whole range of
benefits such as better motivation, staff
retention and productivity.”
New occupational
health clinic for East
of England
C 01603 274460
C info-norwich@abermed.com
C www.abermed.com
Abermed/International SOS Medical Services
NEU opened a new occupational health clinic
in Norwich last month.
Located at Norwich Research Park, it is
part of a thriving science and innovation business
park that is continuing to put Norwich on
the map as a centre of research and scientific
excellence.
The clinic is easily accessible with good
transport links to locations across East Anglia
and it is based within a newly furbished unit
and offers a full range of occupational health
services from medical assessments, occupational
health consultations, travel health
services to seasonal flu vaccinations.
Occupational health is sometimes mistakenly
taken to be simply to provide advice
once an individual is sick or there is a medical
problem impacting on work. At its simplest
04 – NOVEMBER 2012
this can be thought of as ensuring a good fit
between an individual’s medical capability
and the work they do – ensuring that work
does not cause harm, and the individual’s
health does not adversely impact on work.
Prevention is always better than cure –
avoiding problems or fixing them before they
become serious is usually easier, more effective
and cheaper than waiting until health
problems start to occur.
In occupational health, prevention
focuses on health screening, surveillance
and health promotion. These services seek
to encourage awareness and early action to
control identified health problems or risks
and to monitor health over time to reduce risk
of deterioration. A good occupational health
provider will work pro-actively with a business
to help identify risk factors in the work
or workplace and support risk reduction to
avoid harm to workers.
Effective occupational health is a part
of good business management and has a
significant contribution to make to help a
business deliver high performance and effective
cost control.
Above: Abermed/International SOS
Medical Services NEU
Right: A Tideland Syncrolan light
station with an MLED-180 15 NM
main light and an MLED-150 10 NM
secondary light.

Altor’s new course
to handle offshore
conflicts
C Altor Risk Group
C 01224 588442
C enquiries@altor-risk-group.com
C www.altor-risk-group.com
Tom Marchbank
A global risk management group specialising in
offshore crisis resolution is to pass on its extensive
expertise in bringing peaceful solutions to
conflict situations.
Altor Risk Group, which has a new
emergency response hub for the oil and gas
industry in Aberdeen, launched a three day
crisis intervention skills and protester response
course targeted at those working offshore.
The training will be led by former police
negotiators experienced in dealing with
hundreds of such situations and aims to raise
awareness of ways to successfully resolve
flashpoint situations.
Setting of strategy, suicide intervention,
communication skills, use of force, demands,
deadlines and threats, working with an intermediary,
influencing behaviour, protestor response
and police expectations will all be covered.
The event culminates in a half-day exercise
where delegates put their newly acquired skills
to the test in a mock emergency situation.
Former police officer Tom Marchbank is
a project manager at Altor and developed the
Offshore Crisis Intervention Skills Course after
identifying a shortage of knowledge among
those offshore who might have to deal directly
with a person in crisis.
“ SADLY, SOME TRAGIC INCIDENTS
MAY HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF
THERE HAD BEEN APPROPRIATE
INTERVENTION. ”
He said: “There is an acknowledgement
from companies that incidents had occurred on
their installations in the past. Sadly, some tragic
incidents may have been prevented if there had
been appropriate intervention.
“The Emergency Preparedness Offshore
Liaison Group (EPOL) agreed there needs to be
suitable personnel trained to deal with people
in an emotional crisis offshore until support
can be obtained from the police. This is not
confined to the oil & gas industry but equally
applies to vessels where either passengers or
crew may be affected.”
Established in July 2010 by Jim Walker,
the Altor Risk Group provides a complete risk
management service
Mr Walker said: “Major events in the North
Sea and Gulf of Mexico have underlined the
importance of planning for and testing various
scenarios to ensure that an organisation is well
equipped to deal with any potential situation.”
Tideland warning
systems for Gudrun
platform
Aibel AS of Norway has chosen Tideland
Signal to supply a comprehensive package
of Syncrolan LED light stations for the new
Gudrun development in the Norwegian sector
of the North Sea.
The Tideland LED warning systems to be
installed on the Gudrun platform comprise a
main Syncrolan light station with a range of
15 NM, two subsidiary lights, battery banks, a
central alarm and monitor panel and intermediate
structures. All the principal equipment is
ATEX certified for use in Zone 1 (Cat 2) hazardous
areas.
The equipment will be built by Dabbrook
in Great Yarmouth and Dabbrook technicians
will commission the system offshore.
Tideland's Syncrolan light stations
combine an MLED-180-HI EX main light and
a MLED-150 EX secondary light wired to an
Exe junction box and mounted on a stainless
steel pedestal. The subsidiary beacons are
Tideland MLED-150 EX units with a range of
10NM, also wired to an Exe junction box and
mounted on a stainless steel bracket.
Tideland’s MLED-180Hi and MLED-150
lantern offers minimal maintenance requirements
and an expected service life in excess
of 25 years on station in the most demanding
environments. Long-life LEDs and high-integrity
electronics are employed to maximise
reliability and minimise maintenance.
Gudrun is located in the central Norwegian
North Sea, about 55km north of Sleipner A,
to which it will transport partially stabilised oil
and gas. The NOK 21 billion field development,
licensed jointly to Statoil as operator (75%)
and GdF Suez (25%), will centre on a jacketsupported
production platform with process
facilities for partial stabilisation of oil and gas.
Due to come on stream in 2014, the platform
will have 16 well slots and the plan calls for
seven production wells.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 05

HEALTH & SAFETY
Business in triplicate
for supersafe SSI
C Margaret Jessop
C 01493 659411
C Margaret.Jessop@ssiuk.net
C www.survivalsystemsinternational.com
Survival Systems International UK (SSI) has
completed the refurbishment of three 50-man
lifeboat capsules from the Global Sante Fe
Galaxy rig at its UK base at Great Yarmouth.
All three were transported together by
road from Scotland to be worked on simultaneously
in Norfolk while the North Sea rig was
being revamped in the Nigg fabrication yard
on the Cromarty Firth.
It’s another feather in the cap for a company
which reminds its workforce daily that
more than 2000 lives have been saved to date
using SSI equipment.
“We were delighted to be given the work
by Transocean, the world’s largest drilling
contractor, and even happier to report that
we finished on schedule within a tight
deadline,” said Andy Dickson, SSI UK’s
operations manager.
“It’s meant the workshop has been
particularly busy with all three capsules being
worked on alongside another major contract.”
Every component from each of the
capsules was thoroughly checked through
SSI’s ‘traffic light’ assessment – green for
OK, yellow for potential refurbishment and
red for replacement. Safety testing was also
incorporated into the six-week project.
“It was ideal for us to get the job as the
capsules were all built by our parent company
in the United States so we were very familiar
with their design, equipment and layout,”
said Andy.
The GSF Galaxy, a harsh environment
deepwater jack-up platform, was undergoing
a three-month refurbishment, the first oil rig
for nine years at the Nigg yard.
Risks involved in
driving to work
C Mike Weatherstone
C 01508 488181
C info@drivexcel.co.uk
C www.drivexcel.co.uk
It's worth reminding everyone of Health & Safety
Executive rules relating to driving at work.
Essentially, an employer requiring anyone
to drive, however rarely and even if driving is
not normally part of their work, has a legal duty
to complete a risk assessment and keep it
under review.
This applies equally to directors and
sub-contractors, but excludes commuting
unless the employee is travelling from their
home to a location not their usual place of
work. It applies to company vehicles and those
owned by the employee.
If there are fewer than five employees the
employer is not required to record anything, but
it is probably unwise not to do so.
There is no obligation to use an outside
person to risk assess but, should disaster
strike, clearly the employer must be able to
demonstrate they were competent to do it
06 – NOVEMBER 2012
Top: Triple triumph for
Great Yarmouth’s Survival
Systems International
Top right: Surface
workers keep in touch
with personnel working
underground 500m away
themselves. This may be very difficult if one
ordinary driver with no special background or
expertise is risk assessing another.
If an employer fails to risk assess and a
serious accident occurs, a charge of corporate
manslaughter against the director and/or
manager responsible can result. The law
allows for lengthy jail terms and closure of the
company on conviction, so this is not a duty to
be lightly ignored.
EEEGR member Drivexcel, based near
Norwich and run by ex-traffic police officer
Mike Weatherstone, specialises in low-cost “on
the road” driver risk assessment for cars, vans
and HGV to Class1 and covers the whole of the
UK. Combined with a mini-police advanced
driving course, eco-driving and speeding
point avoidance tips, employees enjoy them
immensely and always take away something
new which may save their life.
Drivexcel

Fern’s FRX-1 proves a
hit in Romania
C Jennifer Cushion
C 01502 560800
C jennifer@FernCom.com
C www.FernCom.com
A Suffolk company’s pioneering two-way
radio communications system is proving vital
in making life safer for people working deep
underground or in other hazardous areas by
ensuring they can maintain contact.
The latest test for Fern Communications
Ltd saw its FRX-1 Portable Radio Repeater
dramatically enhance communications
for personnel carrying out inspections in
underground sewage and water systems in
Romania.
In trials carried out on behalf of water and
wastewater management company Apa Nova
in central Bucharest, the FRX-1 was placed in
strategic locations where the radio signal is
normally disrupted, causing a breakdown in
communications between personnel inspecting
and surveying tunnels and pipelines. With
the FRX-1 in place, radio 'black spots' were
eliminated.
Normally, Apa Nova personnel working
in the 150ft deep tunnel lose the radio signal
completely not long after entering it. But with
the FRX-1 in operation, they could, for the
first time, maintain radio signal and
“ WITH THE FRX-1 IN PLACE,
RADIO 'BLACK SPOTS'
WERE ELIMINATED. ”
communication with co-workers located
above ground 500m away.
“It was very impressive,” said Raluca
Niculae, economist and project manager for
Centrul pentru Servicii de Radiocomunicatii
(CSR). “For Apa Nova, this trial demonstrated
that maintaining quality communications
with personnel who are carrying out critical
inspection of the sewage network and tunnels
is possible.”
Apa Nova has now purchased the
FRX-1 as a standard component of its radio
communications kit for personnel working
underground, the first time the system has
been adopted for use in Romania.
A major oil and gas operator in Romania is
also in discussions with CSR about field trials
with the FRX-1 in the Carpathian Mountain
tunnels and on oil rigs in the Black Sea.
During recent years, Fern’s radio repeaters
have been successfully trialled by Technip
in the Gulf of Mexico, QServ in Scotland, and
Qatargas, offshore Qatar. Staff at Thetford
Power Station in Norfolk also use Fern's
system during planned shutdowns.
Centre: Going down: The FRX-1
Radio Repeater goes on trial with the
Apa Nova inspectors watched by
(centre) Clive Cushion, Fern technical
director, and Raluca Niculae, of CSR.
Above: Fugro’s offshore survey
training team
Fugro Survey’s success
in RoSPA Awards
C Eric Robertson
C 01224 257500
C e.robertson@fugro.com
C www.fugrosurvey.co.uk
Fugro Survey Limited has been recognised
for its excellent approach to the prevention
of accidents and ill health in the RoSPA
Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2012.
The Order of Distinction is the highest
merit of continuous HSE performance excellence
as it is awarded only after 15 consecutive
gold awards are achieved.
The award scheme recognises commitment
to accident and ill health prevention
and is open to businesses and organisations
of all types and sizes from across the UK
and overseas. It looks not just at accident
records, but also entrants’ overarching health
and safety management systems, including
important practices such as strong leadership
and workforce involvement.
David Rawlins, awards manager at
RoSPA, said: “We congratulate Fugro Survey
on its success and encourage it, and all our
other winners, to remain committed to safety
and health, an approach that is well recognised
to be good for workers and the bottom line.”
Alistair Sutherland, QHSE manager for
Fugro, which has bases in Aberdeen and
Great Yarmouth, said: “The award from RoSPA
is testament to the considerable commitment
and effort made by everyone in our workforce
towards the provision of a safe and healthy
working environment over many years.”
There was more good news from Fugro
Academy which has celebrated delivering
1,000 instructor-led training courses since its
creation in 2006, benefiting more than 7,600
staff and representing about 35,000 days
of training.
Courses are developed to support
the training and development of Fugro’s
surveyors, engineers, geophysicists and data
processors.
They are designed and delivered by
experienced professionals who pass on their
knowledge and experience to colleagues.
As well as classroom training courses,
Fugro Academy also provides a wide range
of online courses to staff covering health and
safety, surveying, human resource development,
office software applications, leadership
and management and interpersonal skills.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 07

HOT
WORK
Needs a SafeHouse Habitat
The ONLY Internationally
ATEX Accredited ‘Hot Work’ Habitat
SafeHouse Habitats
plans regional growth
C Andrew Cossey C acossey@safehouseltd.com
C www.safehousehabitats.com
SafeHouse Habitats Ltd, Dundee-based international safety
engineering services company, has opened a new office in Great
Yarmouth to further develop its interests in the region.
The company has long-term plans to create further job
opportunities in and around the East of England and further afield
as local business develops.
Its new office at Great Yarmouth’s Gapton Hall industrial
estate will help meet the growing demand for its services in the
southern offshore sector and onshore petrochemical & gas plants.
Established ten years ago, SafeHouse has experienced
significant growth and development in recent times; employing
around 80 staff, with further representation via subsidiaries,
partners and agents across the globe.
Providing services to oil, gas & petrochemical industries,
its pressurised habitats are used to perform hot work (cutting,
welding, grinding etc.) in areas having a potentially hazardous
atmosphere due to the presence of hydrocarbons.
Performing hot work in these areas is extremely dangerous
for workers and the surrounding environment as the heat and
sparks generated can ignite hydrocarbons, leading to potentially
catastrophic explosive chain reactions.
The habitat system provides an isolated atmosphere by
generating an internal pressure greater than the external, preventing
the ingress of hydrocarbons while stopping the egress of hot
sparks etc. This system effectively controls and reduces risks,
while providing further options to operators and contractors for
maintenance work and project planning.
Andrew Cossey, business development/operations engineer
for SafeHouse in Great Yarmouth, said: “Our aim is to progressively
develop our services as far as is practicable so that we can
provide the safest possible working environment for personnel
carrying out hot work in industry.”
Better news on H&S offshore
C oilandgasuk.co.uk
NOW OPEN
GREAT YARMOUTH OFFICE
TEL: 01493 658564
Oil & Gas UK's first ever Health & Safety Report launched earlier
this year reported a number of recent major improvements to
offshore safety in the UK oil and gas industry.
It also recorded an overview of the various safety-related
projects being carried out across the industry; an explanation
of how the safety agenda is being effectively managed by Oil &
Gas UK and its members; and a look ahead to the future.
On safety performance, the report finds:
C Despite being a major hazard industry, in terms of non-fatal
accidents the sector is the third-best performer in the UK, with
only finance/business and education performing better.
C A noticeable and steady reduction in the incidence of overthree
day injuries, reaching an all time low in 2010/11.
C Two years into a three-year programme to reduce hydrocarbon
releases (HCRs) by 50%, there has already been a 40%
reduction in major and significant releases.
C Major and significant hydrocarbon releases in 2011/2012 at
an all time low.
Oil & Gas UK's Robert Paterson later welcomed publication
of the Health & Safety Executive’s 2011/2012 Offshore Safety
Statistics Bulletin whose findings matched its own report.
08 – NOVEMBER 2012

HEALTH & SAFETY
Health of offshore
workers is great asset
C 0870 0505 3456
C www.rsoh.co.uk
Patricia Douglas
Much more can still be done to look after
the physical and mental health of offshore
employees on an ongoing basis, according
to leading company RS Occupational Health.
Statistics show that whilst accidental
death offshore is now rare (only one incident
in UK waters in the last five years), there were
five ill-health related deaths on installations in
the Northern North Sea last year – all caused
by heart attack or stroke in the over 50s age
group. The Southern Sector is unlikely to be
any different.
“The majority of companies correctly
view employees as their greatest asset, so
addressing their overall health and wellbeing
is vital,” explains RS Occupational
Health business development manager,
Patricia Douglas.
“There are many things that employers
can do to help promote a culture of health that
could assist in reducing illness and ultimately
enhance productivity.
“Health and wellbeing campaigns can
offer early identification of potential employee
health issues and provide potential solutions
through informed lifestyle choices: employers
can offer individual lifestyle assessments,
cholesterol checks, lunch and learns on
health-related topics, run team fitness challenges
and a great deal more.”
She added: “Employers should also
remain alert to mental health issues which
are one of the most common reasons for
referrals to occupational health physicians.
Recent UK research shows that one in four
people will experience some mental health
problem in the course of a year but just four
in ten say they would feel confident disclosing
a mental health problem to their employer.
Stress awareness training is only one of many
options to consider.”
RS Occupational Health operates from
bases in Great Yarmouth, Inverness and
Aberdeen and holds the contract to administer
the registration of oil and gas doctors,
worldwide, on behalf of Oil & Gas UK.
Established in 1999, the company employs
50 people.
Charity initiative by
AID Rope Access
C Simon Page
C 01953 454383
C simon@aidropeaccess.com
C www.aidropeaccess.com
AID Rope Access launched its charity Rope
Aid in September to help people gain access
to industry related skills, primarily within the
rope access, work at height, renewable and
oil & gas sectors.
The charity is aimed at individuals who
have been unable to progress socially and/or
professionally due to disadvantage from low
income, unemployment, previous offending
or educational exclusion.
Access Inspection Development (AID)
was founded in 1998 by Tjebbe Roestenburg
who - having spent 20 years as a commercial
saturation diver in the oil industry - transferred
his skills to the working at height industry,
forming AID Rope Access Ltd.
As a training facility, the company hosts a
fully functional 25m tower at Great Yarmouth
which is constantly being upgraded to meet
changes in demand. AID is also in the process
of developing a new training facility on
the outskirts of Norwich near to the A11.
AID delivers approved training in IRATAapproved
rope access, work at height,
rescue, SCAPE offshore evacuation system,
ladder safety, confined space, drops awareness,
rooftop safety and competent person
PPE equipment inspection.
Initially, Rope Aid will support people in
the East of England - with plans to spread
across the UK and, in time, to Africa. The aim
is to put back into communities where our
industries have prospered.
Rope Aid does not intend to throw money
at people, but rather provide the necessary
skills that will, eventually, give individuals the
ability to help themselves by improving their
employment prospects.
To date, ‘Rope Aid’ has meetings
arranged with other support organisations
in order to find the best possible route to
the people that are in the greatest need of
our help, and to identify the most suitable
candidates. There are plans for a sponsored
bike-ride in July 2013 and a cross-channel
canoe event in the summer, to raise money
for Rope Aid and to enhance its profile.
New marine wireless
headset systems
C David Ash
C 01621 853003
C david@mantsbrite.com
C www.mantsbrite.com
Effective communication between skipper
and crew plays an important role in the safe
passage of vessels of all types and sizes,
and a new range of products from specialist
electronic navigation and communication
distributor Mantsbrite will make on-board
communication much more effective.
The David Clark Company has pioneered
air and space crew equipment design and
manufacture for over 70 years, and its new
Marine Wireless Headset Communication
Systems provide maximum mobility and clear
communication without crew members being
tethered to the vessel.
Mantsbrite has chosen the BMEA conference
and exhibition to launch these systems
to the UK and Ireland marine industry, and
managing director David Ash believes wireless
headsets will quickly prove very popular, saying:
“They are ideal for a wide variety of work
boats, barges, tugs, and ferries as well as
harbour patrol, coast guard and pilot vessels.
“David Clarke headsets have been in use
in the aviation industry for many years, and
have a great reputation for clarity and reliability,
and I am delighted that Mantsbrite is now able
to offer them to the marine sector.”
Providing crisp clear communication over
a 100m range, the wireless headset systems
offer totally hands-free communication using
lightweight battery packs with up to 24 hours
use between re-charges. The stylish, yet rugged
headset systems are manufactured using
marine grade components, and the range features
versions which are specifically designed
to be worn under protective hard hats.
They will shortly be available from
Mantsbrite's 175-strong UK and Ireland dealer
network to which it already supplies navigation
and communication products from manufacturers
including AMEC, ComNav, Cristec, ENAG,
Interphase Technologies, Koden Electronics,
Lorenz, Navicom and North Invent.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 09

HEALTH & SAFETY
Staff can pave way to
a safer workplace
C Step Change in Safety
C 01224 577271
C les@stepchangeinsafety.net
C www.stepchangeinsafety.net
Step Change in Safety, an organisation
dedicated to improving safety in the UK oil and
gas industry, has launched a ground-breaking
suite of guidance which promises to transform
the way companies interact with staff and
improve safety at worksites.
The Workforce Engagement Toolkit is
the first of its kind and has been designed to
help companies measure workforce engagement
at individual worksites, identify areas of
improvement and provide practical guidance
on how to achieve them.
The toolkit will help companies enhance
their 'safety culture' at worksites by helping
foster a culture where the workforce is encouraged
to actively lead efforts to improve safety
performance.
The toolkit contains a unique worksite
survey, which can be completed online or on
paper by every employee at a worksite, with all
input confidential.
The answers can help determine the level
of workforce engagement at a site. Questions
include, for example, how visible workers
think leaders are, how much they feel they are
encouraged to participate in safety and how
well they think leaders communicate and act
on safety issues.
Data is submitted directly to Step
Change and a summary report is then issued
back to the worksite to help resolve areas
of strength and weakness and develop
improvement plans.
Step Change in Safety team leader
Les Linklater said: “Improving workforce
engagement is crucial to Step Change's longterm
vision of making the UK the safest place
to work in the worldwide oil and gas industry.
“The workforce has to feel able and
willing to challenge and participate fully- which
means influential people such as supervisors,
site leaders and senior managers have to be
visible, communicate effectively, encourage
involvement and provide support creating a
culture of engagement in health and safety.”
Find out more at:
www.stepchangeinsafety.net/about/workgroups/WorkforceEngagementToolkit.cfm
10 – NOVEMBER 2012

Far Left: Les Linklater
Left: Ready for the TDW
ILI run, achieved in less
that 21 hours
TDW’s rapid inline
inspection for
Perenco pipeline
C Dean Ellis
C 01793 603 600
C dean.ellis@tdwilliamson.com
T.D. Williamson (TDW) successfully completed
the inline inspection (ILI) of a key North
Sea pipeline on behalf of Perenco UK.
It was carried out on the 24-inch line
that links the Trent platform with the Bacton
Terminal pipeline. TDW conducted this intelligent
inspection and associated pipeline
service operation as part of Perenco’s strategic
programme to ensure the integrity of its
pipelines and assets.
The pipeline inspection was carried out
to comply with Health, Safety & Environment
(HSE) obligations.
“We are a solutions provider,” said Dean
Ellis, senior ILI field technician for TDW. “Our
ability to offer the full range of services that
Perenco required meant that we could create
a custom solution, and carry out the kind of
efficient and seamless operation that is only
possible when all services are concentrated
under one roof.”
“ WE ARE A SOLUTIONS PROVIDER.
OUR ABILITY TO OFFER THE
FULL RANGE OF SERVICES THAT
PERENCO REQUIRED MEANT
THAT WE COULD CREATE A
CUSTOM SOLUTION. ”
TDW’s team was tasked with identifying
and responding to Perenco’s precise needs
and devised a comprehensive plan after a
site visit. It included progressive pigging,
KALIPER ® 360 geometry inspection, 24-inch
gas magnetic flux leakage (GMFL) inspection,
ILI reporting, fitness-for-purpose, run comparison,
corrosion growth analysis reports,
and other services.
“We are very pleased with TDW’s ability
to successfully deliver the total project,
despite the challenges imposed upon them,”
said Stephen Southgate, integrity & fabric
maintenance superintendent for Perenco UK.
In spite of working in high winds, driving
rain, sleet and snow, the offshore phase,
during which all site work was carried out,
was completed in just 23 days. Support
and equipment were supplied by the TDW
operations and projects team based at the
company’s facility in Swindon, England.
The ILI run - from launch to trap - was
achieved in less than 21 hours. No metallic
components were brought in, and only a
small quantity of viscous black residue was
produced. The gauge plate showed no signs
of any deflection at any point around its
circumference.
It makes sense to
get staff on board
C www.britanniaits.com
C 0800 0149016
The Health and Safety executive press
reported 27 major cases of so-called neglect in
September with firms fined tens of thousands
of pounds for staff accidents that should, and
probably could, have been prevented.
According to the HSE, major injuries
within the offshore industry have fallen from
41 to 36 over the period 2011/12 at a time
when staffing levels have increased by 5%
to 29,058. The figures show a rate of 130.77
per 100,000 workers, the second lowest rate
in ten years - suggesting that the offshore
industry takes heath and safety extremely
seriously.
Involving staff in health and safety planning
and training them to deliver is beneficial
for everyone concerned. It gives the business
an element of protection against claims and
can often contribute to cheaper insurance
cover. The staff are educated on right practices
and can see a contribution to their career
development. Customers of the firm will know
they are dealing with a competent company
and in many industries the customer will insist
on evidence of training staff to comply.
Colin Wright, managing director of
Britannia Safety and Training, started
the company 12 years ago after a career
in construction.
“Our business has grown to employ 20
trainers across two purpose-built centres
through our vision of offering off-site or onsite
training with individuals or groups, he said.
“My vision, when I started the business,
was to deliver a common sense approach to
the health and safety of staff in the workplace,
whilst ticking all the boxes. Once staff explore
the reasons for working in the proper fashion
they are much more motivated and inclined to
practice it in the workplace.
“ OUR BUSINESS HAS GROWN TO
EMPLOY 20 TRAINERS ACROSS
TWO PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRES
THROUGH OUR VISION OF OFFERING
OFF-SITE OR ONSITE TRAINING WITH
INDIVIduALS OR GROUPS. ”
“Having worked in a manual industry I
appreciate how tough working conditions can
be and I can empathise with many of those
we work with. We also know how to speak
the language to get messages and a better
understanding across”.
Britannia already works with major
players in the offshore industry including
CLS Offshore, Petrofac, Haliburton, UK PN,
EDF and SLP and has a range of over 100
accredited courses on offer.
It started life offering health and safety
for the construction industry but has since
branched out, with experienced trainers delivering
a broad range of courses for all sectors.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 11

12 – NOVEMBER 2012

ALL EEEGR
Supply Chain Development Programme
Right: John Balch
(second left) and
Johnathan Reynolds
(right) from the Nautilus
Associates team
Roadshow steers
supply chain to success
C 01493 446535
C supplychain@eeegr.com
The EEEGR Supply Chain Development
Programme goes from strength to strength,
boosted by the hugely successful roadshow
which has been taking the message across the
region over the last two months.
Part-funded by the European Regional
Development Fund, the programme gives
SMEs a chance to meet with industry and
business development specialists who can
offer guidance, assistance and contacts
to help grow within an ever developing
energy industry.
“The Supply Chain Roadshow meant
we could take the initiative out to businesses
rather than expect them to come to us,” said
Nikki Collings, EEEGR's membership and
marketing manager. “It's a format I'm sure we
will use again.
“There has been tremendous interest
both from companies looking to get involved
in the energy sector and those already there
and looking for new opportunities.”
Nearly 200 people attended the series
of roadshows which visited locations across
Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
EEEGR is working with a specialist team
from energy industry consultants Nautilus
Associates who have the insight and expertise
to help deliver growth within individual businesses
and across the supply network.
“We’re offering the tools and support to
help companies win those contracts,” said
Nautilus director Johnathan Reynolds.
“Many are aware of the vision, of the big
picture of billions of pounds to be invested
into our region. But they must also recognise
the harsh realities of a tough and competitive
business world and the state of the economy.
“They will need resilience, thorough
preparation and great determination. Everyone
is aware of what’s on the horizon but it’s not
being constructed yet. Someone likened it to
waiting for the delivery of an order which has
not yet been placed.”
The free consultancy can include a highlevel
strategic review with additional focused
attention on strategic planning, funding and
finance, marketing and operations.
By the end of September, through the
Supply Chain Development Programme,
EEEGR had:
C Supported 102 companies
C Helped create 191 jobs
C Helped to safeguard 27 jobs
C Helped 7 business start-ups
Programme
boosts AJ Woods
AJ Woods Engineering Limited, a marine
engineering company heavily involved in
the wind energy and construction industry,
contacted EEEGR for growth support consultancy
from the Supply Chain Development
Programme.
The Harwich based firm, currently
involved in the construction of the Greater
Gabbard Wind Farm, was also commissioned
for the reworks of the Seajacks
Leviathan blade rack in which it assisted in
the design adaptation to enable significant
improvements in loading time and safety.
Through the programme, the company
sought high-level property expertise and
consultancy to help it search for suitably
located facilities to meet expansion requirements
in Lowestoft and incubation advice
for the newly purchased Miranda Renewable
Energy Centre in Harwich.
Jason Wells, Nautilus Associates’
chartered surveyor, conducted a detailed
property search and site analysis for the
AJ Woods directors. Directors Tony Woods
and Robert Day were shown sites around
Lowestoft that were not being marketed
through agencies, and were amazed at the
quality of space and facilities on offer.
The directors also received incubation
consultancy from John Balch concerning
their newly purchased building along the
quayside in Harwich - Miranda Renewable
Energy Centre. The centre is now attracting
tenants and occupancy levels are increasing.
“The support we received from Nautilus
Associates has been invaluable in the
search for locations and facilities; their local
knowledge will be key in ensuring we are
strategically located so we can deliver efficiently
to our clients,” said Mr Day, business
development manager.
Support for PDS
Recruitment
PDS Recruitment, a specialised recruitment
agency, accessed high-level consultancy support
through the Supply Chain Development
Programme.
The Beccles-based agency, seeking to
raise its profile in the energy industry, was
looking to develop a full and robust marketing
strategy to reposition itself as the main recruitment
contractor of choice within the sector.
Through the programme, it sought
high-level marketing expertise and consultancy
to help gain market share and to
increase turnover.
A full marketing strategy and rebranding
report was completed by senior marketing
consultant, Julie Broadley, and as a result PDS
has since updated its website and business is
heading for growth.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 13

ALL EEEGR
International flavour
for SNS 2013
EEEGR's SNS conference moves to the Norfolk
Showground for the first time in 2013 with ambitions
to make the biggest ever impact on the
national and international energy scene.
The two-day event will have space for up to
90 exhibition stands and is expected to attract
500 delegates.
“Although the emphasis remains on
the potential of the East of England and the
opportunities for our supply chain, we no longer
see this as a regional event but as a national
conference held in our region,” said EEEGR
chief executive Simon Gray.
“It is an opportunity to showcase our skills
and assets to the rest of the country and beyond
and our speakers will reflect the growing international
significance of the East of England to
the energy world.”
Among key speakers already announced
is Gareth Lewis, head of development at
Forewind, who will be talking about developing
the world’s largest offshore wind project at
Dogger Bank and the lessons learned.
Windpower and the oil & gas sectors
will again be the principal focus of the Sea of
Opportunity Conference on March 5th and 6th.
The first day will play host to ‘Platform for
Innovation’ supported by DECC (Department
of Energy and Climate Change). Speakers will
discuss the innovation and technology available
to help the supply chain tackle arising issues in
the offshore wind and oil & gas sectors.
In the evening, there will be a gala
dinner with a principal guest speaker and the
EEEGR member of the year and special
recognition awards.
The following day will see a full line-up of
leading specialist guest speakers across the
SNS industry. The exhibition will run throughout.
“Using the impressive redeveloped premises
at the Norfolk Showground will double the
space available to us and take the conference
and exhibition to a new level at the very hub of
the regional energy sector,” said Mr Gray. “We
believe it will bring invaluable expertise, ideas
and information to our members and everyone
else involved in the SNS energy business.”
The growth and changes mean that the
EEEGR Energy Innovation Awards will now
move forward to accompany the EEEGR 2013
all energy conference in summer instead of the
SNS event.
Alan Barlow
EEEGR chairman
set to move on
Alan Barlow is stepping down as chairman of
EEEGR, the East of England Energy Group,
after a two-year stint helping steer the
association through a period of change and
development.
He became the first executive chairman
of the 380-member group in 2010 and the
formal announcement of his departure came
at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting.
“It was a two-year fixed contract and I'm
delighted we have achieved so much in that
time frame,” said Mr Barlow.
“I'm grateful that EEEGR allowed me
to put something back into industry after
completing 25 years of work in international
business, with much of it being in the
energy sector.
14 – NOVEMBER 2012
“I look forward to retaining contact with
EEEGR and follow its invaluable work for the
region's energy sector with great interest as
I concentrate my efforts on my charity work.
I firmly believe that EEEGR is eminently placed
to assist industry and the public sector to bring
forward successfully over £30bn of investment
opportunities in the sector across the region”.
During his time in post, Alan has helped
to achieve significant funding for the group
through the European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF). The funding has enabled EEEGR
to expand its vital work in supporting the
development of the energy supply chain.
Alan has also been instrumental in
developing a wider political, international and
influential role for the group with a new initiative
launched in the House of Commons; and a longterm
business plan. He was closely involved in
the formation of NSEA (the Norfolk and Suffolk
Energy Alliance) to introduce a dedicated
programme of inward investment promotion
and related public relations campaign for the
region as a world-leading all-energy hub.
EEEGR chief executive Simon Gray
added: “I'd like to thank Alan for his commitment
and endeavour for EEEGR and wish him
well in future. I'm grateful for his support during
the time I have been settling into my new role.”
Former chairman Mark Goodall said:
“Over the last two years, Alan has provided
EEEGR with excellent leadership in his role as
executive chairman. On behalf of the board, I
would like to thank Alan for the commitment,
expertise and energy he has given to the
organisation and the East of England. We wish
him well in continuing his charity work.”
At the annual meeting, it was announced
that the three people elected to the board this
year were Mark Goodall, Aker Solutions area
manager; Richard Jenkins, vice-president of
operations for Claxton Engineering Services;
and Mark Frith, technical director for Mott
MacDonald.

EEEGR chief demands
Government clarity on
energy policy
EEEGR chief executive Simon Gray has joined
the growing clamour for the Government to be
crystal clear on its future commitment to the
UK windpower industry.
He spoke out after major companies
like Siemens and Areva warned that a lack of
decision-making and inconsistent comments
from ministers meant they would reassess the
level of political risk in the UK.
They are among international energy
companies with plans to invest hundreds of
millions of pounds on projects which will create
thousands of jobs in the UK.
Simon sought clarification after the latest
comments from new environment secretary
Owen Paterson and Tory climate change
minister Greg Barker about concerns over
high subsidy levels for the renewables sector.
“The industry needs to know what subsidies
and tariffs will apply before investors will
consider business plans for the development
of renewable energy sources,” he said.
“All sectors of the energy industry get
subsidised through one route or another. The
Wind turbine
manufacturer
meets suppliers
One of Europe’s biggest wind turbine
manufacturers was expected in Lowestoft - as
EEEGR News went to press - to meet potential
suppliers and partners.
French company AREVA was holding
a meet-the-buyer event at OrbisEnergy to
outline its products and plans for the UK
offshore market and hold one-to-one sessions
with selected companies in the regional
supply chain.
The event is part of EEEGR's extensive
work to support the development of the
regional energy supply chain, part financed
by the European Regional Development Fund.
Simon Gray, EEEGR chief executive,
said: “AREVA is going to be a major player
in the later Round Two and Round Three UK
offshore wind farms and this offered a major
Far left: Simon Gray
expects SNS2013 to
make a big impact
Left: The SNS2012 event
“ ONE THING IS CLEAR, AND
THAT IS WE WILL NEED
TO GET OUR ELECTRICITY
FROM SOMEWHERE... ”
oil and gas sectors enjoy tax benefits and
nuclear benefits from the decommissioning
and storage of materials, so none are quite as
transparent as it might first seem.
“The industry can respond to any changes
in government strategy if it actually has a clear
understanding of the policy and associated
time frames,” he added.
Through NSEA, both Norfolk and Suffolk
County Council already planned to seek clarity
from the Government - and EEEGR was urging
a much clearer and more consistent message
from political leaders.
“One thing is clear, and that is we will
need to get our electricity from somewhere
and this is particularly true if industry emerges
from recession and requires more energy
to grow.
“We are fortunate in this region in that
we have gas, offshore wind, nuclear and the
potential for carbon capture and storage,” said
the EEEGR chief executive, whose thoughts
were reported in the Eastern Daily Press and
other local media.
opportunity for companies in the region to
engage with them at an early stage.”
AREVA was providing information on its
M5000 turbine and talking about its operations
and maintenance plans.
Julian Brown, Areva’s head of wind in the
UK, said: “We are keen to develop our position
here. We have to get stuck in on the ground
and do the best we can in the confidence that
the government will make the right decisions
for the industry in the long term.
“The UK long term is the biggest market
by far but it is not all happening in the next five
minutes, it is happening over a period of time.
We encourage companies to get to know us
and meet us. Round Three is going to take 20
years to build.”
But he said there were opportunities for
regional companies in Germany now.
“There are turbines in the yard. If UK
suppliers are competitive then there is business
they can do now. They should come and
explore the opportunities now and not wait for
it to happen in the UK and the region.”
Positive start for
Special Interest Group
More than 50 industry professionals attended
the first Decommissioning Special Interest
Group (SIG) launched by EEEGR and Decom
North Sea.
And the depth of interest is growing with
around 100 people keen to follow the development
of the group which is due to meet again
on November 22nd.
Initial responses from delegates suggested
existing good all-round capability
in the oil & gas industry, with multi-skilled,
competent management and workforce, and
both knowledge and experience of the assets
in the SNS.
Key weaknesses recorded included a
lack of knowledge of project timescales and
future resource requirements, and also a
desire for greater understanding of operators’
contracting strategies. It was felt that further
infrastructure development would be required.
Members hoped the SIG would strive
to make the region a centre of excellence for
decommissioning, building on its competitive
and co-operative strengths.
It should also become a conduit for
information and knowledge flow, promote
business opportunities through networking
events and workgroups, and facilitate greater
co-operation across the sector. Part of that
could be achieved through closer engagement
with organisations such as DECC and Oil &
Gas UK.
Meanwhile, plans are progressing to
develop a nuclear industry SIG through cooperation
with the Nuclear Industry Association.
An event is being planned for next year.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 15

16 – NOVEMBER 2012

EEEGR MEMBERS
Christian Rynning-Tønnesen
meets the media
Crown Prince Haakon
of Norway at the
official opening
Sheringham Shoal
opened by Norway’s
Crown Prince
C Liz Hancock, Scira
C 07557 264326
C www.scira.co.uk
The 317MW Sheringham Shoal Offshore
Wind Farm was officially opened by His Royal
Highness, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.
The ceremony was staged at Norfolk’s
Holkham Hall where the Crown Prince arrived
by helicopter with representatives from
the windfarm’s owner companies, Statoil
and Statkraft, along with Norwegian and
British Ministers and Ambassadors. He was
greeted by students from local high school,
Alderman Peel.
Holkham Hall owners Viscount and
Viscountess Coke welcomed the Crown
Prince, dignitaries and around 100 guests to
their stately home just outside Wells-next-the-
Sea, where the windfarm will have its operations
and maintenance base.
Sheringham Shoal is owned equally by
the two Norwegian energy leaders through
joint-venture company, Scira Offshore
Energy Limited.
Scira general manager Einar Strømsvåg
said his team had worked for more than three
years to prepare for the windfarm’s operation.
“In late 2010 we started to recruit locally
to fill all the positions necessary to operate
and maintain the windfarm. Two years later
Scira has, together with our contactors and
partners, established an organisation of 60
highly motivated people,” he said.
Also speaking at the official opening
were the UK Secretary of State for Energy and
Climate Change, Edward Davey; Norwegian
Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Ola Borten
Moe; Minister of Trade and Industry, Trond
Giske; and the owners’ presidents and
CEOs, Helge Lund from Statoil and Christian
Rynning-Tønnesen from Statkraft.
The opening event included musical
performances by local students, mediated
interviews by BBC presenter Sonali Shah and
a show entitled A Windy World by girl group
The Boxettes and dancers from Cirque Bijou.
Global growth prompts
CIS expansion
C Andy Penman
C 01493 849680
C andy.penman@c-i-services.com
C www.c-i-services.com
Increasing demand for Conductor Installation
Services (CIS) has led to the company moving
into a new larger global headquarters in
Great Yarmouth, launching its first apprentice
scheme and making two key personnel
appointments overseas.
The Acteon company provides conductor
installation services associated with construction
projects for the oil and gas industry.
Great Yarmouth man Phil Borley has been
promoted to the post of Middle East and North
Africa operations manager, responsible for the
company’s base and operations in Qatar.
He launched his career in the oil and gas
industry with BJ Tubular Services in 2001 in
Great Yarmouth, where he worked in hammer
“ PHIL AND JON WILL HELP
STRENGTHEN OUR PRESENCE
IN THE MORE MATURE REGIONS,
AND SUCCESSFULLY PENETRATE
EMERGING MARKETS. ”
conductor-driving services for four years.
Since joining CIS in 2005, Borley, 48, has
been instrumental in carrying out conductor
installation operations in Papua New Guinea,
the UK, Qatar, West Africa and Trinidad,
among others.
Meanwhile Jonathan Bullock has been
appointed business development manager –
Asia Pacific Region, taking with him 14 years
experience in the civil engineering sector,
Yarmouth-based Andy Penman, group
managing director, said: “I’m confident that
with their unique competencies and proven
track records, Phil and Jon will help strengthen
our presence in the more mature regions, and
successfully penetrate emerging markets.”
Jonathan Bullock
Phil Borley
The company’s first apprentice scheme
allows trainees to earn while they learn
valuable on-the-job skills. Since its launch last
winter, CIS has welcomed two apprentices:
Tamara Bustos, an apprentice receptionist and
administrator from Great Yarmouth College,
and Steven Hindry, an apprentice accountant
from Norwich City College.
Earlier this year, CIS moved into a
new headquarters at the Eurocentre, Great
Yarmouth, which serves as a global operations
centre, providing greater resources and services
for customers involved in construction
of, for example, new wells, platforms, bridges
and jetties.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 17

EEEGR MEMBERS
Calorex Century
paints master
art class
C 01621 856611
C sales@calorex.com
C www.calorex.com
Six Century 4 humidifiers, supplied by
Calorex Heat Pumps, are playing a vital role
in protecting priceless exhibits on display
at the Turner Contemporary Gallery in
Margate, Kent.
Attracting an A-list celebrity following,
as well as senior politicians, and recently
visited by The Queen, the multi-award
winning landmark building on the Margate
seafront is a dynamic visual arts venue.
As well as a heavy emphasis on community
arts, recent headline displays have
included selected works of the gallery’s
namesake, JMW Turner, Rodin’s The Kiss
and the works of contemporary artists like
Tracey Emin.
Helping to maintain optimum environmental
conditions, Calorex’s Century
humidifiers gently put moisture into the
atmosphere that is often dried out by harsh
“ THE CENTURY HUMIDIFIERS ARE
BEING USED AT THE TURNER
CONTEMPORARY GALLERY AS
A BACK UP TO THE IN-HOUSE
SYSTEM AND THEY ARE DOING
AN EXCELLENT JOB. ”
heating systems especially during the winter
months. The plug-and-go Century machines
are fully portable and easy to use as they can
be quickly and efficiently repositioned.
“The Century humidifiers are being used
at the Turner Contemporary Gallery as a
back up to the in-house system and they are
doing an excellent job,” said David Yard of the
seafront venue.
“Not only do they help protect the
priceless exhibits, they help improve the air
quality for both staff and visitors, noticeably
helping to prevent dry eyes, dry skin and sore
throats,” he added.
Capable of humidifying space volumes
of up to 400m³, the Century 4 is ideal for use
not just for art galleries, museums but also
for hospitals, computer rooms, laboratories
and storage.
Media training for an
energy sector crisis
C Karen Ainley
C 01206 548100
C Karen@mosaicpublicity.co.uk
C mosaicpublicity.co.uk
A death offshore, an industrial accident, an
employment dispute – a crisis can take many
forms.
Many organisations within the energy
sector will already have risk management
procedures and crisis plans but if something
was to happen, would you know how to deal
with the media if they were camping on
your doorstep
With your whole company’s reputation
and future at stake, handling the media
in times of crises can be a tricky and
delicate matter.
Mosaic Publicity has been providing
bespoke crisis support and training to
organisations across the UK for over a
decade and has a dedicated division for the
energy and utility sectors. The Essex-based
agency is run by former BBC TV and radio
reporters Karen Ainley and Kevin Bentley,
whose expertise in crisis management is
sought after by organisations across many
different sectors.
18 – NOVEMBER 2012
Karen said: “Many occupations within
the energy sector are high-risk and this is
on the increase with more off-shore wind
developments in the eastern region. It is
therefore essential that companies within
this industry have sufficient crisis plans in
place that include a media element to protect
reputation.
“Crises often come as a nasty shock
and can be extremely stressful. With the support
of a specialist agency and by ensuring
spokespeople are media trained, the fall-out
can be managed to reduce the impact.”
Mosaic Publicity offers bespoke
crisis management training with relevant
scenarios, crisis planning and crisis management
services. The company’s media
training division, Mosaic Media Training,
offers a dozen different training courses,
including broadcast skills, integrated marketing,
social media, video production for
the web, podcasting and presentation skills.

New £77m vessel
ordered for
Seajacks fleet
C Max Paterson
C 01493 841400
C info@seajacks.com
C www.seajacks.com
Seajacks has placed an order with Lamprell
for the construction of a new self-propelled
jack-up vessel, specifically designed for
installation and maintenance services in the
offshore wind and oil and gas sectors.
Named Seajacks Hydra, the new
Seajacks vessel will be a £77m modified
Gusto MSC NG2500X self-elevating and
self-propelled jack-up. The vessel will be
equipped with dynamic positioning, high
speed jacking system and a 400t crane.
The vessel will be constructed at Lamprell’s
Hamriyah facility in the United Arab Emirates
and will be delivered in 2014.
Blair Ainslie, chief executive of the
Seajacks Group, said: “She will be Seajacks’
fourth vessel and a similar design to Kraken
and Leviathan. Hydra will be an excellent
“ SHE WILL BE SEAJACKS’ FOURTH
VESSEL AND A SIMILAR DESIGN
TO KRAKEN AND LEVIATHAN.
HYDRA WILL BE AN EXCELLENT
AddITION TO THE STATE-OF
THE-ART FLEET THAT WE ARE
BUILDING HERE AT SEAJACKS. ”
addition to the state-of the-art fleet that we
are building here at Seajacks.”
Seajacks Kraken is currently undertaking
a two year well intervention and maintenance
campaign for Shell UK and NAM
in the Southern North Sea, while Seajacks
Leviathan continues to perform effectively
in the offshore wind sector, having recently
completed turbine installation at Sheringham
Shoal Wind Farm. She is now working on the
Meerwind Wind Park project off Germany
with new sister ship Zaratan, following its
voyage from Lamprell in Dubai.
In March 2012, Marubeni Corporation
and the Innovation Network of Japan (INCJ),
announced the acquisition of Seajacks from
Riverstone Holdings.
Fees plan for
Employment
Tribunal
C Harriet McInnes, Howes Percival
C 01603 281948
C www.howespercival.com
The government has confirmed that a twostage
fee structure for individuals issuing
claims in the Employment Tribunal will be
introduced in summer 2013.
The amount of the fee will be dependent
on the complexity of the claim and as
well as an initial fee payable when the claim
is issued, individuals will also have to pay
a separate fee approximately 4-6 weeks
before the final hearing.
As an example, an individual who
wishes to bring an unfair dismissal claim will
have to pay £250 when he/she submits the
claim, and a further £950 as a hearing fee.
The intention behind the introduction of
these fees was to pass some of the costs
of the Employment Tribunal system from
the taxpayer to the user. The government
is also hopeful that it will encourage early
settlement of claims.
The introduction of fees will come as a
welcome relief to employers who are hopeful
that the reform will go some way to deterring
ill-founded or unmeritorious claims.
That said, employers should be aware that
individuals on benefits or low incomes may
be exempt from paying the fee or may be
eligible to pay a reduced fee.
In addition, there are fees payable
by employers as well, including when an
employer wishes to issue a counter claim
and where an employer wishes to enter into
judicial mediation.
Top: Calorex humidifiers help
protect priceless exhibits
including Rodin’s The Kiss,
seen here with celebrities
Tracey Emin and Stephen Fry
Far left: Mosaic’s highly
experienced trainers
Left: Howes Percival's
Harriet McInnes
NOVEMBER 2012 – 19

EEEGR MEMBERS
RWE Dea's Clipper South
delivers first gas
C Mark Hughes C 020 3116 0600
C Mark.Hughes@rwe.com C www.rwedea.co.uk
Charity and Taylor
For charts, publications and
marine electronics
RWE Dea UK announced the delivery of first gas from the Clipper
South field in the Southern North Sea in August. The field contains
around 13.4 billion normal cubic metres of gas in place.
The first Clipper South well came on stream at initial rates of
1.2 million cubic metres per day. Production is expected to peak at
2.8 million cubic metres per day in early 2013.
The gas is located in a tight Permian age Rotliegend reservoir
which contains approximately 13.4 billion normal cubic metres of
gas in place. RWE Dea holds 50% interest in the Clipper South gas
field as operator.
“The United Kingdom is one of the key regions of RWE Dea's
upstream business,” explained Ralf to Baben, chief operating
officer of RWE Dea AG. “We are delighted to have reached this
key milestone on the Clipper South project, which is the first of our
current growth projects in the UK coming onstream. RWE Dea's
commitment to the future of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) is
demonstrated by its investment in both the Clipper South and
Breagh field developments, where it acts as operator.”
Rene Pawel, managing director RWE Dea UK added: “I am
particularly pleased that we have undertaken this development
without any incidents and just under a year and a half from securing
Government sanction.
“We benefited especially from our broad experience with fracture
technology. Multiple fracture technology is becoming more
widespread in its use offshore in the UK Southern North Sea, but it
is still a relatively new technology. The Clipper South field is being
developed by drilling up to five horizontal multi-fractured wells.”
The Clipper South Gas field lies 100km east of the Lincolnshire
coast. Gas is transported about 15km to the Lincolnshire Offshore
Gas Gathering System (LOGGS) and then about 100km to the
onshore Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal in Lincolnshire, where it
enters the UK grid.
£60m contract for Cygnus field
C Frank Stokes, AMEC C 01452 872121 C frank.stokes@amec.com
• Marine Electronics
Sales and service for all major brands
• Charts and Publications
World Wide stockist of the complete Admiralty range
• Satellite Communication
Hardware, sales and service, airtime provision
Our offices:
Lowestoft office
Tel: 01502 581529
Woodbridge office
Tel: 01394 382600
(servicing Felixstowe and Harwich)
www.charityandtaylor.com
International engineering and project management company
AMEC has been awarded a detailed design contract for GDF SUEZ
E&P UK’s Cygnus gas field development.
It follows on from the FEED work and is valued at an estimated
£60m. The contract will create almost 200 new jobs at peak and will
safeguard a further 160 who are already part of the London-based
team. The work is scheduled for completion in 2014.
Cygnus is the UK North Sea’s largest gas discovery in the last
25 years and is due to meet the demand for nearly one and a half
million UK homes at peak production, accounting for around 5%
of the UK’s gas production by 2016.
The detailed development concept consists of two drilling
centres, four platforms and initially ten development wells; the
planned export route is through the Esmond Transportation
System pipeline system to the Bacton gas terminal. First gas is
expected in late 2015.
“We are delighted to be continuing to deliver successfully
for GDF SUEZ E&P on their strategically important Cygnus field,”
said John Pearson, managing director of AMEC’s Europe & West
Africa business. “This latest award confirms both our and GDF’s
commitment to the long term future of the North Sea.”
20 – NOVEMBER 2012

New base just the
start for Fendercare
C 01508 482691
C www.fendercare.com
It’s been a busy few months for Norfolkbased
Fendercare Marine after the opening
of its Great Yarmouth offshore wind turbine
support base, previewed in the last issue of
EEEGR News.
The new base on the Old Bure Marine
site follows the success of the company’s
first base in Lyness, Orkney, and will provide
an extensive range of support services
and equipment to the expanding offshore
wind industry.
Costing in excess of £1m, it includes
a large set down and storage area as well
as quayside frontage and office facilities. It
was officially opened by Great Yarmouth MP
Brandon Lewis who said it was a pleasure
to welcome such a good investment into
the town.
Fendercare Marine managing director Eric
Plane said: “This base is part of Fendercare’s
overall strategy to becoming more involved
in the energy industry worldwide, both in
terms of the oil and gas industries as well
as renewables.”
A few days later, Strainstall Marine
announced it had become a subsidiary of
Fendercare Marine, both being members
Brandon Lewis
MP (right) with
Fendercare
managing director
Eric Plane at the
opening of the
new Great
Yarmouth base
Work at the new offshore support base
of James Fisher and Sons plc. With over 45
years’ experience, Strainstall specialises
in the development and manufacture of
products that measure load, strain and
stress, as well as total jetty monitoring and
management solutions.
Together, Fendercare and Strainstall
have since received excellent results working
with Submarine Technology Ltd (STL) to test
and validate a new Vessel Motion Monitoring
System developed to provide accurate information
for safer vessel transfer operations.
Testing was on STL’s “6 degrees of
freedom” motion platform, evaluating the
system’s performance when subjected to the
pitch, roll, yaw, heave, surge and sway motions
normally experienced at sea.
Meanwhile Finnish renewable technology
developer, Wello Ltd, successfully installed
its Penguin wave energy converter to Orkney
waters, having chosen Fendercare Marine as
one of its key partners.
Working from its Lyness Harbour base,
Fendercare provided shoreside project management,
as well as shoreside labour support,
final ballasting and mooring equipment supply.
Gilmar Camolesi de Souza
Prisma64 set to provide
gateway to Brazil
C Gilmar Camolesi de Souza
C 01953 455669
C gilmar@prisma64.com
Brazilian-born Gilmar Camolesi de Souza
is setting up a new Norfolk business to
help regional energy companies cash in on
his native country’s rapidly emerging oil &
gas industry.
It’s a far cry from around 30 years ago
when Gilmar headed from Brazil to England
in the hope of becoming a Formula One
racing driver.
He couldn’t afford to sustain that challenge
but instead built a career on his long-held
expertise in electrical equipment. Now he is
launching his Prisma64 business to support
companies keen to export to Brazil with strategic
advice, contacts, research, marketing
and planning.
“I know the business and the culture so I
have much to offer as a facilitator or consultant
for any energy company keen to export there,”
he said. “Brazil can be difficult and frustrating.
There are peculiar laws and much bureaucracy.
You need good knowledge to get around that.”
He first worked for a major energy
company in Sao Paulo and then, 17 years
ago, launched Prisma Components near
Attleborough, Norfolk. Since then he has continued
working with Brazilian manufacturers
and kept close links there.
And his international work has helped
build further close relationships with groups
ranging from UKTI to the Brazil Consulate.
But his man on the ground for Prisma64 is
Brazilian-based contact Paolo Camolesi who
offers personal help with local knowledge,
market research, access to business professionals
and other ‘nitty-gritty’ issues.
Also, as business development manager
for Woodbridge-based Neftemer Ltd, Gilmar
has already helped sell their pioneering oil well
multi-phase meters into Brazil.
Prisma Components remains busy,
continuing to supply complete packages for
electrical transmission and distribution equipment
to substations and renewables and oil
and gas systems.
“Sao Paulo and now Rio de Janeiro are
growing massively in offshore oil & gas with
extensive finds in deep water off much of the
coast and Brazilian-based Petrobras is now
a global leader in the energy world. There are
many opportunities for UK specialist and niche
companies to capture a new market.”
NOVEMBER 2012 – 21

EEEGR MEMBERS
Export cable
milestone for
Global Marine
C Laura Denny
C 01245 702201
C Laura.denny@gmsel.com
C www.gmsel.com
Global Marine Systems Energy Ltd (GME) has
landed the first export cable at the Gwynt y
Môr offshore windfarm.
The cable was landed by GME’s recently
launched vessel, Cable Enterprise, and is the
first of four export cables to be installed at
the project site. Each of the export cables
are between 18km and 22km in length linking
the north coast of Wales to the offshore wind
farm in Liverpool Bay.
Gwynt y Môr is one of the largest windfarms
currently in construction in Europe and
is being built by RWE nPower Renewables.
The project is a shared investment between
partners RWE Innogy, Stadtwerke München
GmbH, and Siemens AG.
Once operational, Gwynt y Môr will have
an installed capacity of 576MW. It will be
capable of generating enough energy to meet
the average annual energy needs of around
400,000 homes.
“This achievement marked a significant
milestone of the project as the first cable was
landed on the beach at Pensarn,” said RWE
npower renewables’ Gwynt y Môr project
director, Toby Edmonds. “We are looking
forward to working closely with Global Marine
Energy to complete the installation of these
crucial cables.”
“The first shore end went as planned,
always a good sign,” said Kevin O'Donnell,
director of projects for GME. “Cable
Enterprise is an important new vessel in our
fleet. The vessel is designed specifically for
export cable installation and the challenging
environments they bring. We are happy to
see her and the team get the project off to a
strong start.”
In total, Global Marine Energy with Cable
Enterprise is laying four 132kV export cables
with built in fibre optics, from onshore to two
offshore substations on the Gwynt y Môr
wind farm.
Britain's Strongest
Man gets the
Gee-Force!
C Nick Thomson
C 01493 603797
C nick@gee-force.co.uk
C www.gee-force.co.uk
Britain's Strongest Man Laurence Shahlaei
has teamed up with Great Yarmouth company
Gee-Force Hydraulics to help promote their
high pressure, high strength hydraulic tools
and equipment.
Gee-Force specialises in the sale and
hire of hydraulic bolting equipment, flange
alignment and spreading equipment and sale
of other hydraulic tools and equipment.
Laurence is a professional strength athlete
and won the coveted Britain's Strongest
Man 2012 title in May. Before that, he finished
fourth in the World's Strongest Man competition
in 2011 and has a string of podium places
to his name over the last two years including a
first place in Giants Live Finland 2012 and third
place in Europe's Strongest Man 2012, both
competitions due to be shown on Channel
22 – NOVEMBER 2012
“ HE IS ONE OF THE SMALLER
COMPETITORS ON THE
STRONG MAN CIRCUIT BUT
REGULARLY OUTPERFORMS
HIS LARGER OPPONENTS. ”
4 this Christmas. He also holds an official
Guinness World Record in the Farmers Walk
event, carrying 150kg in each hand over 20m
in 6.73 seconds.
Gee-Force managing director Graeme
Cook said: “We are really excited about the
prospect of working with Laurence to help
build our presence in the East of England
energy sector. We think there are obvious
synergies with the power and strength of our
equipment and we hope that our customers
will enjoy the opportunity to meet with Britain's
Strongest Man.
“He is one of the smaller competitors
on the Strong Man circuit but regularly outperforms
his larger opponents, putting his
success down to commitment and smarter
thinking - qualities we hope we too can emulate
in our chosen activities. Aside from all that,
he is a really nice guy too.”
Top: Cable Enterprise
and plough on beach,
working on Gwynt y Môr
Above: Strong support
for Gee-Force from
Laurence Shahlaei

Aquaterra Energy
success with bespoke
dewatering riser
C Angela Broom
C 01603 788233
C angelabroom@aquaterraenergy.com
Aquaterra Energy has successfully completed
the design, supply and installation of a platform
supported dewatering riser system for a
platform in the Southern North Sea (SNS).
It’s work which confirms the Norwich
based company’s growing profile as a market
leader in specialist offshore engineering
solutions.
Approached initially by Petrofac to conduct
a FEED study ensuring the feasibility of
a dewatering riser system, Aquaterra Energy’s
subsequent demonstration of engineering
experience, creative in-house design and
the ability to provide customised solutions,
secured the company the full scope contract.
The new dewatering riser system comprises
four flanged riser sections, complete
with integral centraliser fins and landing shoulders,
and allows for the controlled drainage of
water from the unmanned platform’s degasser
unit to the sea.
Petrofac required a dewater riser system
with a minimum design life of 10 years, that
would withstand the bending moments
encountered by the tidal and environmental
conditions of the SNS, with little ongoing
maintenance requirement. To ensure this
longevity, all riser sections were sprayed with
a corrosion resistant coating and the two
subsea riser sections were covered with an
additional marine friendly anti-fouling coating,
containing no biocides or harmful toxins, to
prevent substantial marine growth.
Aquaterra Energy also designed and
manufactured a cellar deck assembly which
was used as a support structure for swift and
safe assembly and installation of the riser
system joints. The dewatering riser system
proceeded to be run through a spare platform
slot, positioned via the existing conductor
guides to secure the system in place.
Karim Ouaddane, project manager at
Petrofac, said: “I would like to congratulate
Aquaterra Energy for their teamwork, solution
focused approach, and their commitment to
Petrofac safety culture.”
Left: Signing the
agreement (from left):
Jeremy Clarke and Chris
Cooper, directors,
Computer Service Centre,
with Tony Brooks and
John Busby of MigSolv
Norfolk firm leads
way in IT security
and resilience
C www.computerservicecentre.co.uk
The highest levels of data security and IT
resilience are now available to businesses
of all sizes with the introduction of a second
standalone data centre by Computer Service
Centre in Norwich.
The new data centre is hosted by
MigSolv (formerly known as Sentry 42), also
in Norwich, with Computer Service Centre’s
equipment, software and staff access.
Chris Cooper, Computer Service Centre
director, said: “Two of the biggest challenges
for companies are keeping their IT systems
‘always on’ and making sure their data is
always secure. With more services moving
into ‘the Cloud’, companies must have diversity
of data across multiple centres – and
that’s what we can now offer, entirely under
our control.”
The second site will duplicate the storage
and computational clusters at Computer
Service Centre’s own highly resilient onsite
data centre.
Chris continued: “Not many IT companies
offer this level of security. Some might
offer backup using a third-party provider
but that can jeopardise data ownership and
“ COMPANIES MUST HAVE DIVERSITY
OF DATA ACROSS MULTIPLE
CENTRES – AND THAT’S WHAT WE
CAN NOW OFFER, ENTIRELY UNDER
OUR CONTROL. ”
retrieval, with the risk of losing historical
data. Our approach is always ‘your data - our
centre’ so clients know they’re contracting
with the holder of their data.”
Computer Service Centre has signed a
three-year agreement with MigSolv, recognising
the strategic nature of the relationship.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 23

24 – NOVEMBER 2012

EEEGR MEMBERS
New contracts
mean more jobs
for CLS Offshore
C Scott McMillan
C 01493 668730
C S.McMillan@clsoffshore.com
C www.clsoffshore.com
CLS Offshore has been awarded a contract
with new client Wood Group for remedial
works following the completion of Scira’s
Sheringham Shoal windfarm off the North
Norfolk coast.
A crew of electricians, platers, welders,
painters, and technical workers, operating
from an offshore accommodation vessel, has
started a 41-day contract to carry out the work
on the windfarm’s two sub-stations.
Along with two new long-term contracts
for operations and maintenance support
work for the Greater Gabbard wind farm off
Lowestoft, the extra business will mean at
least 25 new jobs for the Great Yarmouthbased
energy sector services company.
“The Sheringham Shoal contract is a
great opportunity for us to work with the Wood
Group project management team for the first
time and is a further stage of our growing
status in the windpower sector,” said CLS
managing director Scott McMillan.
One of the Sheringham Shoal substations.
Photo by CHPV, courtesy of Scira
The company has already extended its
own team with six new workshop apprentices,
two trainees and two trainee project engineers
this year.
“We’re hoping to offer similar opportunities
in 2013 so, along with the extra recruitment,
we are offering increasing career potential for
skilled local people and for young people coming
out of education,” said Mr McMillan.
CLS has also been awarded an ECITB
technical testing licence which allows it to
further train and develop existing and incoming
workforce members to NVQ level three in
their particular trades.
Assessment for qualifications will also
be carried out by CLS and will earn workers a
certificate from ECITB (Engineering
Construction Industry Training Board) which
monitors the scheme.
“It’s a great step forward in enhancing
and recognising the skills of our team,” said
Mr McMillan.
ASCO’s new
Canadian investment
C Lyndsey Ogilvie
C 01224 564779
C Lyndsey.ogilvie@ascoworld.com
C www.ascoworld.com
The ASCO Group has acquired EJR Trucking,
Manatokan Oilfield Logistics Ltd and Docktor
Oilfield Transport Corporation – three Alberta
based specialist oilfield services companies.
The acquisitions have significantly
increased ASCO’s capacity in Canada and
support the group’s international investment
and growth plans.
Derek Smith, ASCO Group’s chief operating
officer, said: “Supported by increased
investment from private equity firm Doughty
Hanson, our board has ambitious plans which
we are currently realising through organic
growth and acquisitions. Our primary focus will
always remain the oil and gas services market,
but we want to reach new clients as well as
provide more services to our current clients,
particularly services which fit and complement
our current portfolio. The acquisition of these
oilfield services companies in Alberta support
this strategy.”
The acquisitions take total employee
numbers from 130 to over 260 in Canada, where
ASCO already has operations in Bonnyville,
Alberta as well as Halifax and St Johns in
Eastern Canada.
EJR Trucking and Docktor Oilfield
Transport Corporation are oilfield logistics
companies, specialising in drilling logistics and
infield services. The acquisitions of these companies
were made through ASCO’s Canadian
onshore oilfield services company MOKO,
which is based in Alberta. Both new companies
will be fully integrated into the MOKO brand.
Manatokan is a specialist oilfield waste
management company. Its brand will remain
and the company will become Manatokan
Oilfield Logistics Inc.
Through these acquisitions and the
acquisition of North Sea Lifting, ASCO has
grown from 1,600 employees to over 2,000
employees worldwide.
ASCO announced in June that it had
acquired North Sea Lifting Limited (NSL) – an
international safety training and lifting specialist
headquartered in Aberdeen and with bases in
Texas and Louisiana in the USA.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 25

Offshore Wind. Delivered.
With over 200 turbine installations to date, Seajacks has the
knowledge, experience and people to ensure your wind farm
project is installed successfully and safely.
For more information on Seajacks and the services we offer,
call +44 (0) 1493 841 400 or email marketing@seajacks.com
seajacks.com
26 – NOVEMBER 2012

EEEGR MEMBERS
Large Project Award
proves major boost
for ODE
C Hayley Oakes
C 0208 481 1190
C hayley.oakes@ode-ltd.co.uk
C www.ode-ltd.co.uk
ODE played a key role in helping Vattenfall's
Ormonde Offshore Wind Farm win a major
new national Large Project Award.
It was one of the inaugural energy awards
staged by trade association RenewableUK.
ODE were the developer's engineers
and project managers throughout the consenting
and implementation phases with
responsibility for all design, procurement,
construction, installation, commissioning and
hand-over activities.
The award recognises exceptional
achievement in a large-scale project during
all the stages of project development. Built on
schedule, Ormonde was the first large offshore
wind farm in the UK to use jacket foundations
and 5MW turbines.
Mike Hulton, ODE project manager,
said: “It is fantastic that the success of the
Ormonde project has been recognised by
industry experts. The award recognises
the hard work and dedication of Vattenfall,
ODE, RePower, FoundOcean and all other
parties involved. This has shown that the UK
is capable of designing and building lattice
tower foundations in significant numbers and
bringing on the largest commercially available
wind turbine model. This is a great marker
for successful future offshore large scale
wind developments.”
Chairman and managing director Peter
Godfrey added: “ODE has shown the benefit
of the long-term and consistent application of
smart engineering and interface management
in increasing certainty and delivering on time.”
ODE, which is headquartered in London
with a marine base at Great Yarmouth, was
involved in the Ormonde project since inception
by Eclipse Energy in 2002. Following
conceptual engineering and FEED, ODE
arranged for the WTGs to be supplied from
Germany to installation off Cumbria, on time
and on budget.
Ormonde had an extremely low accident
frequency rate and an incident free environmental
record. Only two minor H&S incidents
were reported in two million manhours.
With UK Round 3 projects on the horizon,
ODE is well placed to provide wind farm developers
with the benefit of practical engineering
and project management experience gained
from such successful projects.
ODE at work on the Ormonde project
“ THIS IS A GREAT MARKER
FOR SUCCESSFUL FUTURE
OFFSHORE LARGE SCALE
WIND DEVELOPMENTS. ”
Spirit of Enterprise
2013 launched
C Sally Pearson
C 01493 846632
C sp@great-yarmouth.gov.uk
C www.soea.co.uk
Thriving small and emerging businesses are
being urged to step into the spotlight alongside
the major companies for Great Yarmouth’s
Spirit of Enterprise Awards 2013
New and revised categories have been
introduced to widen the scope and further
raise the profile of the borough’s most prestigious
and exciting business awards, now in
their sixth year.
The enterpriseGY competition will
conclude with a sparkling awards ceremony
on March 15th 2013 at Potters Leisure
Resort, Hopton.
“The 2013 awards will have their highest
profile ever,” said Peter Wright, from enterprise
GY and Great Yarmouth Borough Council.
“We want to showcase both innovative
or inspiring young businesses alongside successful
existing firms. Together, they will be
responsible for the economic wellbeing of the
borough in the years ahead.”
As well as encouraging entries, enterpriseGY
is looking for some category sponsors to
share the event's limelight and play a part in the
awards. PKF Accountants are again the main
sponsors with Itron, Norse, Great Yarmouth
College and Paul Robinson Partnership confirmed
among the category sponsors.
The 2012 Business of the Year Award
went to offshore crane maker Seatrax UK.
Business development manager Graham
Manning said: “The success was a great fillip
and created a feel-good spirit for our team
here. Many of our customers are located away
from Great Yarmouth but the award raised
awareness locally as to who we are and what
we do. We believe that this spotlight has also
helped with the recruitment of staff. Since
winning we have taken on an additional 20
full-time local people to cope with an everincreasing
order book.”
Michael Muskett (centre) of PKF
Accountants - the main sponsor for
Spirit of Enterprise 2013 - with the
Seatrax team, winners of the 2012
Business of the Year
Spirit of Enterprise 2013 categories are:
C Great Manufacturing/Engineering
Business Award
C Investing in Young People Award
C Great Business-to-Business Service Award
C Great Business to Customer Service Award
C Great Business Engagement in the
Community Award
C Great Environment and Sustainable
Practice Award
C Great New Enterprise Award
C Great Growing Enterprise of the Year Award
C Great Innovative Business Award
C Business of the Year
NOVEMBER 2012 – 27

EEEGR MEMBERS
Lion invests £3m
in long-term future
C www.lioneng.com
A 4,000sq.ft workshop extension and installation
of the state-of-the-art Mazak Integrex are
the latest developments in a £3m investment
by Lion Engineering Services over the past
four years.
The new workshop at the Great Yarmouth
base will house some of Lion’s existing hightech
Mazak CNC mills and lathes along with
the latest acquisition, the Mazak Integrex
e-H 670 II mill/turn with a 3-metre bed and
maximum turning diameter of over 1 metre.
Overhead cranage up to 3.5 tonnes complements
the size and scale of parts Lion can
produce with its new machine.
Managing director Martin Brown said:
“We are looking towards the long-term future
of Lion Engineering and this will not be the end
of our investment. We are currently considering
a new multi-axis plasma welding machine
and further Mazak Integrex multi-axis mill/
turn models to add to our already extensive
workshop capabilities.
“Additional members of staff are being
recruited, from new purchasing/project staff
through to inspection personnel and shop floor
labour. This will ensure that Lion Engineering
continues to offer world-class expertise in
specialist areas, such as the medium/large
subcontract manufacture of precision engineered
components and the development of
’hard facing’ techniques to reduce wear on
down-hole tools.”
A new welfare block to provide employees
with break-time facilities has also been
built, together with new offices for the
ever-increasing number of management/
administrative staff required to maintain Lion
Engineering’s status as a quality supplier to
the oil & gas industry.
During recent years, Lion’s investment
has created a total of 8,000sq.ft of extra floor
space and some of the most advanced CNC
machines on the market.
To ensure that its quality department can
keep pace with this extra workflow, Lion has
added a new portable, 3D computer-linked
measuring arm to its extensive portfolio of
inspection equipment.
Jungle PR strikes
gold again
C Danielle Howard
C 01362 694649
C press@junglepr.com
C www.junglepr.com
Jungle Public Relations Ltd has beaten
off stiff competition from East Anglia’s top
PR talent to retain the gold award for Best
Outstanding Small Consultancy for the
second year running.
Norfolk-based Jungle PR, which has just
celebrated its eighth year in business, represents
a number of organisations across the
East Anglian region, including Woodforde’s
Norfolk Ales, Pensthorpe Wildlife and
Gardens, Norfolk Hideaways, Visit Suffolk,
William Morfoot Ltd and Winter Flora.
The four-strong team headed up by CIPR
Member, Kate Morfoot, has expanded the
business by 25% in 2012 alone.
Mrs Morfoot, Jungle PR managing
director, said: “We are extremely proud to
retain this award for the second year. The
PR industry is fiercely competitive but we’ve
adapted to fulfill growth in these tough economic
conditions and are delighted to walk
away with this accolade, it’s a true testament
to the quality of our team.”
28 – NOVEMBER 2012
The judges said: “Jungle PR presented
a very clear mission with objectives that knit
together well. Impressive client retention and
growth in both activity and staffing is highly
commendable in the current climate”.
The awards were organised by the
Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
and held at Ickworth House in Suffolk on
October 11th.
The CIPR Awards is the only accredited
scheme that showcases the best PR work
being carried out across the UK regions and
nations and sets industry standards. There
are 22 award categories and the judging
process is rigorous, with a national panel of
industry experts who assess the shortlisted
entries and choose the winners.

Get ready to open
the patent box
C Simon Elsegood at Mills & Reeve LLP
C 01603 693449
C simon.elsegood@mills-reeve.com
New owners for
SLP Engineering
C www.slp-eng.com
Sembcorp Marine through its wholly-owned
subsidiary SMOE Pte Ltd (SMOE) has
acquired from Smulders Group the entire
share capital in its wholly-owned subsidiary of
SLP Engineering Limited.
Lowestoft-based SLP has 40 years of
experience in the oil and gas industry. It is
primarily focused on the oil and gas markets
for minimum facility platforms, accommodation
modules, process decks and PAUs,
along with the renewable markets for offshore
substations for wind farms, meteorological
weather masts and tidal energy projects.
SLP will be renamed Sembmarine SLP
Limited and will be held through newly incorporated
company Sembmarine North Sea
Limited. Sembmarine North Sea will be 70%
owned by SMOE and 30% owned by eight
members of the SLP management team led
by its managing director, Paul Thomson.
Far Left: The new
Mazak Integrex e-H
670 II mill/turn
Left: Custom designed
Automatic Multi Axis
TIG Welding Unit
Bottom: Golden
moment for the
Jungle PR team
SMOE will pay about £2.5m for both
shares and settlement of the intercompany
loans of SLP. The deal will be completed only
upon certain conditions being met. The net
tangible assets of SLP is about £0.7m.
Ho Nee Sin, managing director of SMOE
said “Following the acquisition, Sembcorp
Marine will now have a footprint in the UK,
providing synergistic support and reaching
out to its North Sea clientele. Sembmarine
SLP offers the opportunity for future growth
in new business areas within the renewable
energy sector as well as in the fabrication
of minimum facilities platforms for marginal
oil and gas fields in the North Sea and Asia
Pacific waters.”
Paul Thomson added: “We are delighted
to be part of the Sembcorp Marine Group,
a leading offshore engineering group with
diverse capabilities in rig building, ship
construction, ship conversion, ship repair
and offshore engineering and construction.
With SMOE’s extensive experience in building
major offshore structures, it will greatly
enhance our objective of becoming the leading
UK supplier of EPC services to the offshore
energy market.”
From April 1st, 2013, the “patent box” tax
regime will allow companies to apply for
corporation tax of 10% on profits earned
from its patented inventions and certain
other inventions.
As with many tax savings, the rules
are detailed and complex, and this article
can only summarise the key principles.
However, businesses should act now to
ensure they are ready to take full advantage
of this regime.
A company can benefit from the patent
box if it:
C Owns or is an exclusive licensee of a UK
or European patent
C Made a significant contribution to either
the development of that patented invention
or a product incorporating that
invention
C Takes an active part in the management
and exploitation of the patented invention
(“active ownership”).
Only the profits earned from exploiting
patented inventions can benefit from the
patent box (“IP income”). The patent box is
being phased in from next April. For the tax
year commencing April 1st 2013, only 60%
of IP income can benefit from the lower tax
rate, but this increases by 10% each year
so that from April 1st 2017 100% of the IP
income can benefit.
A company must proactively choose
to benefit from the patent box, either in its
tax return or separately in writing, within
two years of the end of the financial year for
which the patent box is claimed. There are
also provisions for groups of companies
and companies with “patents pending”.
There are a number of steps that
businesses owning (or exclusively licensing)
patents should take to prepare for the
introduction of the patent box:
C Audit of any qualifying patents and
products
C Consider patenting innovations that have
not been patented yet but which are not
public knowledge
C Check any licences of patents, are they
exclusive or can they be renegotiated to
be so
C Document the business’s involvement in
the management and exploitation of the
patented invention to demonstrate active
ownership.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 29

EEEGR MEMBERS
Minister's boost
for biomass
investors
C www.decc.gov.uk
the
Roaring 20s
EEEGR
Christmas Ball
Ocean Room, Gorleston
Thursday 13th December 2012
Book now for the biggest
EEEGR ball ever!
www.eeegr.com/events
Join us for a 1920s
themed extravaganza
with jazz orchestra,
casino tables, dinner
and dancing from the age
of the first cinema talkies,
flappers and Chicago speakeasies.
Investors are interested in converting
coal plants to renewable biomass
facilities, and those that co-fire a high
proportion of biomass with coal, were
given a boost under new plans set out
by Energy Minister John Hayes.
The Government has introduced a voluntary reporting
process under the Renewables Obligation for these generators.
This will minimise regulatory burdens on generators and enable
Government to better estimate how much financial support these
schemes will need.
Mr Hayes said: “Energy is central to our economic recovery.
We must deliver investment in new infrastructure while keeping
costs down for consumers. The solution set out today means less
new red tape for developers and enables Government to manage
cost to consumers.
“Converting from coal to sustainably sourced biomass is
good news for both investors and consumers. It provides a new
beginning for our existing power stations, enabling them to achieve
radical reductions in emissions, whilst providing affordable, secure
and clean energy.
“I hope that by setting a simple process, we can help safeguard
jobs and encourage new investment in biomass generation.”
To provide further long-term certainty to investors and increase
the stability of the RO budget, the fact sheet sets out full details
of the new ‘grandfathering’ arrangements to provide assurance of
the levels of subsidy that converted plants will receive over their
life-times.
Subsidies for converted plant which switch back to using
some coal will not be assured at original levels, but will be regrandfathered
after each switch at the subsidy rate which applies
at the time.
Aker Solutions secures
three-year contract
extension with Perenco
C www.akersolutions.com
Aker Solutions secured a three-year contract extension worth
£18million to provide onshore and offshore operations and maintenance
services to Perenco UK.
The agreement includes provision of operations, maintenance
and technical support personnel for Perenco at its on and offshore
assets in the Southern North Sea. The contract is valid for three
years, with an optional two-year extension.
More than 80 Aker Solutions employees are currently involved
in delivering work for Perenco UK with the majority based offshore.
Mike Forbes, UK managing director of Aker Solutions' MMO
business, said: “We are very pleased that Perenco UK, an important
and expanding player in the North Sea, renews its trust in
our services. This extension ensures the basis for the continued
development of our relationship with the company.”
Aker Solutions has worked with Perenco UK since 2003.
30 – NOVEMBER 2012

Dutch Ambassador
builds on Norfolk
business links
C www.birketts.co.uk
Business relationships between Norfolk and
the Netherlands were strengthened during
a recent visit to the county by the Dutch
Ambassador to the UK.
Among topics discussed was a further
conference on North Sea offshore wind
opportunities and collaboration with Dutch
companies, building on the success of the
Anglo Dutch Wind Conference organised by
EEEGR in Cambridge in 2011.
Ambassador Pim Waldeck and Tessel
van Essen, senior commercial attaché at the
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
were invited to attend a special dinner at
Birketts’ offices in Norwich.
They met representatives from local
businesses and organisations interested in
increasing connections to the Netherlands
and from Dutch companies already doing
business in the UK.
Among those attending were Paul Chun,
managing director of KLM Engineering, Andy
Wood, chair of the New Anglia LEP and Simon
Gray, CEO of EEEGR.
Dutch Ambassador Pim
Waldeck meets guests
at the Birketts’ dinner
The next day the special guests were
taken on a tour of the county which included
a visit to the Norwich Research Park. Later
they went to Great Yarmouth for an informal
networking event at EastPort UK, followed by
a tour of the outer harbour.
The visit was organised by Andrew
Wood in his capacity both as a member of the
Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce
and head of the Anglo Dutch Desk at Birketts.
Mr Wood said: “It was an extremely
useful visit which further increased goodwill
and strengthened connections. Businesses in
Norfolk in particular are well placed to work
with companies in the Netherlands.”
Ambassador Waldeck said: “I much
appreciated this very informative visit putting
great emphasis on the important historic,
current and future economic links between
East Anglia and the Netherlands. We will
continue our efforts in assisting companies
that are looking to work on either side of the
North Sea.”
Birketts has also been busy advising the
management teams and SLP Engineering
Limited on the acquisition of the Lowestoftbased
company by Sembcorp Marine.
The Birketts team was led by Andrew
Wood and included partner Adrian Possener
and senior associate Nathan Muskett.
Simon Hall at the
Innovation Awards
Innovation Awards
prove catalyst for
new EEEGR link
C 0844 272 2011
C info@ecostyle.co.uk
C www.ecostyle.co.uk
The 2012 EEEGR Innovation Awards generated
two valuable partnership opportunities
for finalist EcoStyle Ltd.
The Luton-based company designs and
manufactures Renewable Energy Kits to
educate users about wind and solar power.
The fully-functioning desktop models are
used in schools, colleges, in industry, and
as sales tools to help promote the largescale
technologies. Although EcoStyle did
not win the Innovation Award, it did provide
the opportunity to meet two other EEEGR
member organisations: NWES World of
Work (NWES WoW) and Cranfield University.
While listening to EcoStyle director
Simon Hall’s presentation, Emma Chapman,
head of enterprise in education at NWES
WoW, realised that there could be a strong
potential partnership between the two
organisations.
The Norwich-based NWES WoW team
is dedicated to improving employability
skills and developing enterprise capabilities
in young people. It is now running a pilot
scheme to provide EcoStyle’s Renewable
Energy Kits to 10 schools within Norfolk and
Suffolk, accompanied by training sessions
run by the NWES WoW education team. The
kits have been sponsored by the Adnams
Charity, which means the schools can
keep the equipment on a permanent basis.
Following the pilot scheme, NWES WoW
intend to promote the project throughout
Norfolk and Suffolk.
During the awards evening, Simon also
met Dr Andrew Shires, course director of
the Renewable Energy Engineering MSc at
Cranfield University. EcoStyle will now work
with the university in supervising a group
project using the Renewable Energy Kits as
a theme.
The university is working on a number of
exciting developments such as bio-fuel from
algae and tidal power barrages and there
may be potential for design and development
of educational models to demonstrate
and promote these technologies.
EcoStyle director Simon Hall said:
“I am extremely pleased to have made
these valuable connections as a result of
being selected as a finalist for the EEEGR
Innovation Awards. Some fantastic opportunities
have arisen and I am excited to see
how they develop.”
NOVEMBER 2012 – 31

Quality training for
highly skilled people
Lowestoft College is renowned for its expertise in offshore, maritime and
engineering training, providing a wide range of courses to the global energy sector.
Offshore
■ Management of Major Emergencies
■ Command & Control for ERRVs
■ Offshore First Aid
■ Competence Management
■ Offshore Wind Emergency Response
Engineering
■ B.Eng Operations Engineering
■ FdSc Operations Engineering
■ Fabrication & Welding
■ Mechanical & Electrical
■ Engineering Apprenticeships
Learn more about how we can help your business
www.lowestoft.ac.uk
(t) +44 (0) 1502 525025
(e) maritime@lowestoft.ac.uk
Maritime
■ Navigation
■ Dynamic Positioning
■ Radio Communications
■ Deck Officer Training
■ MCA Medical & First Aid
■ STCW Basic Safety Training
■ Marine Safety Training
Management and Safety
■ Management Development
■ Health & Safety (NEBOSH/IOSH)
■ First Aid at Work
■ Electrical Safety and Regulations
Lowestoft College is approved by:
32 – NOVEMBER 2012

SKILLS FOR ENERGY
Help shape next
year's conference
C Celia Anderson, executive director, EEEGR
C 01493 446535
C celia.anderson@eeegr.com
I'm delighted to announce that the next longawaited
Skills for Energy conference will be in
the first week of July 2013.
We are already considering the audience,
speakers and subjects. We'd love to hear
from you if you wish to provide a paper for
consideration (an official call will go early next
year) or know of a speaker you'd like to hear.
We've had useful meetings with the
Jobcentre Plus of both Great Yarmouth and
Lowestoft where, as a starting point, we were
invited to talk to all the advisors about the
industry and its opportunities and to dispel
some of the myths. We will further develop the
relationship to ensure those unemployed, but
with the right skills and experience to be able
to work in the industry, are helped into suitable
jobs as quickly as possible.
At the time of writing, we were preparing
for the Military Industry Awareness event.
It has been a case of using a full range of
media and networks to get the message out.
But we've also reaffirmed the importance of
managing expectations – no point winding
people up when there aren’t sufficient jobs.
Fabulous news from the University
of East Anglia, and Lowestoft and Great
Yarmouth College. We have an excellent
cohort starting on this year’s MSc Energy
Engineering. There is much interest in the
BEng that starts next year and we have full
cohorts at Lowestoft and, for the first time,
at Great Yarmouth College of Energy Skills
Foundation apprentices.
We are also delighted to be working
with Camouflaged Learning with its innovative
approach to enthusing and inspiring
young people into engineering. Camouflaged
Learning also work closely with Opito and The
Mason Trust.
Last but by no way least – the EPISCentre.
I said last year that I wanted to have it built this
year! We have been exploring options which
have delayed that but we still intend a flagship
building, housing an independent energy
industry skills centre.
Speakers at the Military in the
Energy Industry event in Norwich
Military manoeuvres to
support energy industry
C Louise Jenkins, project co-ordinator, EEEGR
C 01493 446519
C louise.jenkins@eeegr.com
Skills for Energy held an Energy Industry
Awareness event last month for military
personnel interested in getting into the energy
industry after leaving the forces.
The event was sponsored by 3sun,
ECITB, Forces4Energy and PDS Recruitment.
Over 80 attended from RAF, Army and Royal
Navy as well as industry.
A range of speakers from the gas, offshore
wind and other sectors presented on
the opportunities available.
There was also a CV speed-dating
session with HR and local recruitment
companies, where delegates could spend
some time getting feedback and help tailoring
their CV to suit the energy industry.
An Ex-military in the Energy Industry
Network meeting was also held in late september
which helped Skills for Energy determine
the direction of the project for the future.
We will be developing the advice offered
on the Skills for Energy website and run more
industry awareness events in the future.
If anyone who is ex-military and working in
the energy industry is interested in becoming
part of an ever-expanding network as well as
helping us shape the military projects, please
get in contact.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 33

SKILLS FOR ENERGY
Promising start for
UEA's MSc students
C Dr Lawrence Coates, Skills for Energy
senior lecturer in engineering, UEA
C Lawrence.Coates@uea.ac.uk
Building on last year’s intake of 10 students,
UEA has taken on 12 new entrants to the MSc
in Energy Engineering with Environmental
Management - 10 full-time and two part-time
- meaning there are 18 students registered.
The 10 full-time students will be seeking
placements in industry for their dissertations
that start in earnest after Easter. Example
projects from last year were:
C Analysis of grouted connections to
monopiles
C Scoping of tidal energy device, power
production and impact
C Noise abatement for offshore piling
operations.
The MSc at UEA enters its second year
having just received accreditation from the
Energy Institute. This allows students with a
bachelor’s degree in engineering to use the
course to achieve the required academic
level for chartered engineer status.
We are grateful to the many EEEGR
companies who are offering support. A
highlight of last academic year was Perenco
sponsoring a significant amount of laboratory
equipment which has enhanced the
student experience. We intend to add to that
this year, ready for the new undergraduate
programme.
Attracting undergraduate students in the
current fees climate requires various financial
incentives. At UEA, the SELECT sponsorship
scheme is becoming established with half
of the dozen or so companies needed close
to confirming. This scheme offers companies
the opportunity to work with our best
students and, from second year onwards,
using summer placements and sponsorship
money to test for future employment.
There will also be opportunities for a longer
placement as part of the BEng with a Year in
Industry. Companies wishing to secure our
best undergraduates during the early stages
of their degree should contact Lawrence
Coates to join the SELECT scheme.
Professor Paul Rijks (Choicce ltd) was
welcomed last month as our visiting professor
of innovation. Paul is sponsored for four
years under the visiting professors scheme
run by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
As part of the induction of the new MSc
students, Paul, Peter Haynes (Peter Haynes
Associates) and Lawrence Coates (UEA)
decided to emphasise the importance of
safety and risk in its broadest sense.
Paul and Peter exposed the students to
several models of risk and disaster prevention
as well as frameworks for encapsulating risks
of different types using oil and gas as case
studies. The teams of four were tasked with
scoping the risks in one sector from offshore
wind, solar or marine energy and delivering a
10-minute presentation to a panel of industry
experts. A Dragon's Den format was adopted,
with the willing support of Stephen Gregory,
a specialist from Harnser Risk Group, Mark
Aspinall of 4NRg, Simon Coward of Hethel
Engineering Centre, and Sam Alexander,
commercial manager of Windcrop.
Paul said: “With a diverse group of
cultures and academic backgrounds, I think
the whole session panned out really well. I left
the UEA proud of what they did today.”
Young message from
Camouflaged Learning
C Matt J. Bagley, creative director
C matt@camouflaged-learning.com
Camouflaged Learning: It's education, but not
as we know it!
With activities that are designed to be fun,
noisy and exciting and that appeal to youngsters
and the young at heart, Matt Bagley and
his team deliver every project they create in a
relentlessly upbeat and positive manner.
But, beneath all the fun and excitement,
there is a very serious point to the company
and that is to raise aspiration, inspire and
engage the employees of tomorrow through
experiential, real-world, hands-on learning.
The best way of inspiring and enthusing
anyone is to make sure they enjoy what
they're doing, but that enjoyment has to be
balanced with effective outcomes. Through
careful design and consultation with its clients,
Camouflaged Learning aims to do just that by
34 – NOVEMBER 2012
creating precisely what is wanted, but also
exactly what is needed to create an indelible
and sustainable impact.
Camouflaged Learning activities are
always easy to spot, even at large events
such as OPITO’s Energise Your Future, Mason
Trust’s Climate Run or on behalf of the UTC at
Norfolk Show. And even if you can't hear all the
noise, you can always see the crowds.
“At the Climate Run this year we worked
with the Norfolk UTC, using our 60 second
submarine challenge,” said Matt. “As ever, we
were mobbed from start to finish with people
competing to create a working submarine
that submerged and re-surfaced in exactly 60
seconds.
“Lots of companies don’t really know
what to do at events like this, but they are
real winners for everyone involved. It's easy
to attract young people to your stand with a
bowl of sweets but that’s a missed opportunity
to actually engage. Communication with students
follows different rules to engaging with
the business community so it makes good
sense to ensure you're speaking the right
language. That's where we come in.”

Network goes from
strength to strength
C Louise Jenkins, project co-ordinator, EEEGR
C 01493 446519
C louise.jenkins@eeegr.com
Top left: Student challenge for (back row) Yunbo Li, Henry Ross,
Jonathan Davison, Tolulope Ugandare, Toby Simnett;
(middle row) Amine Hadjer, Peter Kerrison, Nehssen
Sockalingham, Andrei Stanica; (front row) Matthew Henderson,
Toufik Hadjer, Julia Docampo.
Above: The Dragons Den team
Below: Fun time at Camouflaged Learning
Bottom: Students from Great Yarmouth College visit Pasta Foods
The Education and Training Provider Network
(ETPN), as part of the East Coast Energy Skills
Partnership, is going from strength to strength.
Skills for Energy held a third meeting at
Colchester Institute in early September to look
at where the network could input and what the
outputs of the group could be. One of the first
results will be a directory and a prospectus
to encourage inward investment. Included in
both of these documents will be the Capability
Matrix, a list of capabilities required by
industry, available from the ETPN. This information
will be available on the EEEGR website
once completed.
Energy sector support
from Jobcentre Plus
C Anne Rawstron, relationship manager
Great Yarmouth & Waveney, Jobcentre Plus
C anne.rawstron@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk
Jobcentre Plus is working closely with
Skills for Energy. Together they will focus
on delivering skilled people to the energy
industry when they need them for longterm
careers and ensuring the existing
workforce continues to meet the industry's
need for the future.
The network is not just producing documents,
however, there is a strong emphasis
on shared learning and collaborative working
during the meetings.
Following from EEEGR’s 2012 Summer
Conference, where we had the largest number
of education and training providers present
in the exhibition, Skills for Energy is now
looking further afield to other events such as
GetEnergy next year as well as the Skills for
Energy Conference 2013 to further promote
the collaborative working between the ETPN
by joint exhibiting.
The project is to identify clients with
transferable skills who would be suitable
to work in the engineering and energy
sector industries.
Skills for Energy has attended
Jobcentre Plus offices in Great Yarmouth
and Lowestoft to help advisers gain a
better understanding of the energy sector
in the local area. As Skills for Energy works
closely with industry it can help Jobcentre
Plus advisers identify training and skills that
a client may require to enable them to have a
career in the energy sector.
More success
for Energy Skills
Foundation Programme
C Louise Jenkins, project co-ordinator, EEEGR
C 01493 446519
C louise.jenkins@eeegr.com
After three years piloting at Lowestoft College,
the Energy Skills Foundation Programme has
now been taken up by Great Yarmouth College
for the first year.
Lowestoft College has 16 students this
year and Great Yarmouth College has 19 students
in its first cohort.
The programme has proved a great success
for the region and the popularity of the
course is increasing amongst those wanting to
find out if a career in energy is for them.
To further boost the collaborative working
of two local colleges, Lowestoft and Great
Yarmouth College have agreed to host both
the speed dating with industry HR and gala
dinner elements of the course together. Great
Yarmouth College has also been working
closely with Pasta Foods to allow its students
workplace experience for the processing elements
of the course.
We will be running a number of employer
engagement events, including presentation
evenings from the students of the two cohorts,
so anyone interested in engaging with these
young and aspiring students should contact us.
NOVEMBER 2012 – 35

SNS
2013
The Sea of
Opportunity
The Conference for Offshore Energy
Southern North Sea Conference
5th & 6th March 2013, Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich
Book online at www.eeegr.com
Our biggest exhibition
and conference so far
National and international
delegates & speakers
Prime networking opportunities