Author Archives: Colene Woolcott

1. Penspen Forms an Alliance With Crestech Engineering Ltd

   December 21, 2016 6:16 pm Comments Off on Penspen Forms an Alliance With Crestech Engineering Ltd

   Penspen, a leading provider of engineering and project management services to the energy industry, announces that it has signed a strategic alliance agreement with Nigerian engineering firm Crestech.

   The partnership will enable the two businesses to provide engineering, project management and asset integrity services and operation and maintenance services for oil, gas and energy assets in Nigeria. This project will combine Penspen’s global expertise with Crestech’s strong domestic reputation.

   Penspen has been active in Sub-Saharan Africa since 1972 and carried out a number of strategic projects in Nigeria including the Escravos – Lagos Gas Transmission System and Nigeria’s National Petroleum Products Pipelines and Depots. Over the past 12 months, Penspen has been working on a number of vital regional projects including the West Africa Gas System project for ECOWAS.

   Crestech currently offers engineering and project management services to oil & gas companies and other energy assets across Nigeria and West Africa.

   Penspen’s Vice President Europe & Africa, Neale Carter, said: “We are very pleased to be joining forces with Crestech to bring new opportunities to the Nigerian market. We see this alliance as the ideal way to further build on our presence in Nigeria.

   “The skill sets of the two companies are very complimentary; Penspen can offer services across an entire project lifecycle, from engineering design to asset management and integrity, and covering the full range of offshore production facilities, from subsea production systems to oil and gas transportation networks, as well as expertise in offshore engineering for floating production units, platforms and subsea structures. Crestech, meanwhile, have excellent local market knowledge and experience. We look forward to exploring many new possibilities together”.

   The Managing Director of Crestech, Peter Tabiowo, adds: “Crestech is delighted with this joint alliance with Penspen to further enhance and consolidate our expertise in the network of crude oil, multi-products, gas pipeline, depots/terminals as well as the onshore, offshore and deep water platforms in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This alliance will undoubtedly bring the requisite technical skills gaps locally and eventually reduce costs of engineering projects in the industry in the very near future.”

2. Penspen Collaborates With the Industry to Enhance Standards for Pipeline Integrity

   November 29, 2016 2:57 pm Comments Off on Penspen Collaborates With the Industry to Enhance Standards for Pipeline Integrity

   Penspen, a leading global provider of engineering, asset management and integrity services to the energy industry, is pleased to announce the launch of its Pipeline Defect Assessment Manual (PDAM), second edition. This 456-page best-practice guide is a collaborative industry venture, involving a number of leading oil and gas companies, which collates expert advice and guidance for pipeline engineers.

   The PDAM project commenced in 1999 and was originally developed to address the industry need to have a single document that contained definitive advice to assist pipeline engineers in maintaining pipeline integrity. Since its creation, the manual has become widely recognised as leading reference material in the pipeline industry and as a result the content has been embedded into the standard procedures of many of its sponsors.

   The manual contains the detailed methods needed to assess a variety of defects commonly found in pipelines. The best available methods are presented in a simple and easy to reference manner. The pipeline defect assessment literature reviews are written and peer reviewed by internationally recognised experts within the pipeline integrity industry to provide a sound technical basis for the recommended methods contained within PDAM.

   The updates in this second edition include the following:

   • A new chapter on fatigue assessment guidance.
   • A new literature review of mechanical damage, fatigue, weld defects, cracking, fracture propagation and subsea integrity issues and associated assessment methods.
   • A general update of the manual to improve guidance clarity and additional worked examples.

   Nigel Curson, EVP Technical Excellence, Penspen, said:

   “We have put a lot of work into ensuring that this guide contains the go-to reference material for assessing pipeline defects. Many of our sponsors have saved a considerable amount of time, effort and money by referencing PDAM, which has in many instances enabled them to avoid unnecessary and costly damage repairs.

   It’s a collaboration which works and which benefits everyone involved.”

   PDAM membership currently stands at 33 international sponsors comprising operators, regulatory bodies, consultancies and inspection companies. The project continues to be updated and developed as more sponsors join. Sponsors are able to dictate the direction of the manual in order to address their current pipeline integrity topics and concerns.

   Current sponsors include: ADMA-OPCO, Atteris, BG Group, BP plc, Canadian Natural Resources International, Centro Sviluppo Materiali SpA, Chevron Energy Technology Company, China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Corporation, China Petroleum Pipeline Inspection Technologies, Compania Operadora de Gas del Amazonas, DNV GL, Equity Engineering, ExxonMobil, Engie, HSE, MACAW, Mero, FGSZ Ltd, National Grid, Open Grid Europe, Petrobras, PII Pipeline Solutions, PGN, Promigas, , Saipem UK, Samarco, SASOL, Shell,, SNAM Rete Gas SpA, Statoil ASA, Toho Gas Company Ltd, Total and Woodside Energy Ltd.

3. Penspen awarded Detailed Engineering Services contract for works on ADCO’s Bab and Asab fields

   October 4, 2016 2:49 pm Comments Off on Penspen awarded Detailed Engineering Services contract for works on ADCO’s Bab and Asab fields

   Penspen, a leading global provider of engineering and project management services to the energy industry, has signed an agreement with Matrix Construction to provide modification works at Bab and Asab fields, located west of Abu Dhabi. The fields are owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations Ltd (ADCO).

   Earlier this year, ADCO commissioned a project to upgrade the facilities at the fields, in order to improve reliability, integrity and performance. Penspen has been sub-contracted the detailed engineering works by Matrix Construction, the EPC contractor.

   The works on Bab and Asab fields comprise of planned modifications and improvements on non-associated gas facilities.

   Penspen previously carried out the FEED work for this project and is therefore well positioned to deliver a highly successful outcome.

   Chafic Mansour, Project Manager at Matrix Construction, says: “We chose to work with Penspen because they presented a highly competent team to us, with a strong mix of skills which will complement our requirements, particularly in the Instrument and Control arena. What’s more, since Penspen had already completed excellent work on the FEED, we had confidence that they were the best team for the job.”

   Michael Simm, EVP Middle East and APAC, Penspen, adds: “We have worked on a number of ADCO projects and I’m delighted to be working with Matrix Construction in helping to upgrade the instrumentation and controls performance of these two key fields.”

4. Penspen and Dar Al Handasah sign a new USD $10m deal with Kuwait Gulf Oil Company

   July 5, 2016 3:30 pm Comments Off on Penspen and Dar Al Handasah sign a new USD $10m deal with Kuwait Gulf Oil Company

   Penspen and Dar Al Handasah, operating as a joint venture, have been awarded a new project management contract by Kuwait Gulf Oil Company to manage the engineering, procurement and construction of a new gas and condensate pipeline.  The pipeline runs both offshore and onshore from Khafji in Saudi Arabia to the final destination of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait.

   The two companies, both members of Sidara, have been providing FEED and project management services for this new pipeline since March 2010.  The project is now at an advanced stage and will be completed under this new contract, which is set to run for 18 months.

   Penspen’s EVP for Project Performance Chris Williams said:

   “We have had a really good relationship with KGOC since we started on the FEED and we look forward to being involved right through to commissioning. We see this as a really interesting project involving facilities, multi phase flow and both onshore and offshore pipelines.  The combined strengths of Dar’s track record in the region and Penspen’s broad technical expertise have made our partnership a real success”.

   

5. Penspen awarded Design Consultancy Services contract by ADNOC Distribution

   May 3, 2016 1:31 pm Comments Off on Penspen awarded Design Consultancy Services contract by ADNOC Distribution

   Penspen, a leading global provider of engineering and management services to the energy industry, has signed an agreement with ADNOC Distribution to provide detailed engineering services for the modification and upgrade of various terminals and depot facilities in the United Arab Emirates.  These include Al Ain Zakher Terminal, Mussafah Multi-Product Depot, Madinat Zayed (Beda Zayed) Depot, Dhow Harbor Depot and Saneyah Plot in AI Ain.

   The Terminals and Depots within the scope of this project are ADNOC Distribution’s main downstream facilities which store key fuel products (petroleum products and liquified petroleum gas).

   ADNOC Distribution intends to upgrade and modify its existing terminals and depots to meet the increasing demand for fuel products within the UAE.  The proposed works will also allow ADNOC Distribution to upgrade the safety and security of storing their fuel products and integrate their system with the latest fire-fighting technology.

   Penspen’s services will cover design and detailed engineering and the company will work together with other contractors to ensure successful completion of the entire project scope.  This includes taking an active role in studies, reports, analysis, engineering, detailed design, system integration, documentation, calculations and engineering support.

   Penspen’s Executive Vice President Middle East Michael Simm, said: “Penspen has enjoyed working with ADNOC Distribution for many years now and we are proud to be given this opportunity to continue to support them. We are driven to deliver high quality engineering services, on schedule, whilst adhering to our client’s strict safety and quality guidelines.  We are delighted to be involved in this latest project, which will ultimately lead to a safer and more reliable delivery of fuel products for the UAE.”

   Please click here to download a copy of the press release.

6. Comalcalco Superior Institute of Technology Student Joins Penspen Following Completion of Asset Management Internship Programme

   March 23, 2016 12:32 pm Comments Off on Comalcalco Superior Institute of Technology Student Joins Penspen Following Completion of Asset Management Internship Programme

   Last year, Penspen joined forces with the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Comalcalco (The Comalcalco Superior Institute of Technology) in Mexico, to offer second year engineering students the chance to undertake a six-month Asset Management internship in Paraiso, Mexico.

   The programme has proven to be a great success and the first student to complete their six-month internship has now been offered a job with Penspen’s Americas team.

   Cristhian de jesus De la cruz Carrillo shares his thoughts on his internship and subsequent job offer:

   “The knowledge I acquired as a student with the Penspen has been invaluable.  The support and expertise provide to me by the team has been hugely beneficial for both my professional development and my studies.  I’d like to particularly thank  Ing. Boris Eduardo Conde Castillo and Ing. Mayra Evelia Cambara Palmeros for their guidance, which has helped me to progress so well.

   By joining Penspen’s Asset Management team, I know that my professional growth  will continue, as it has a great group of people who will motivate and encourage  me to improve my skills every day.  I’m also proud to be part of a company which understands the value of recruiting students. Thank you Penspen for believing in the youth of this country!”

   We are also pleased to announce that three new students from Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Comalcalco embarked upon their learning journey with Penspen this year and will be with us until June.

   Throughout their internship, students become a part of the Penspen team, working on a range of activities and receiving coaching and guidance from a Penspen manager.

   With a limited number of international internships on offer in Paraiso, working with Penspen in this way provides students with a coveted opportunity to build valuable experience.

7. Penspen Awarded Project Management Consultancy Contract by ADMA-OPCO for Das Island Projects

   March 8, 2016 11:29 am Comments Off on Penspen Awarded Project Management Consultancy Contract by ADMA-OPCO for Das Island Projects

   Penspen, a leading global provider of engineering and management services to the energy industry, has been appointed as project management consultant to Abu Dhabi Marine Operation Company (ADMA-OPCO) for the ongoing work on Das Island in the United Arab Emirates.

   There are four key areas where Penspen will advise and lead:

   • The upgrade or replacement of various pipeline networks
   • Studies to be conducted on an oil spill response hub, to serve Das Island and offshore
   • A major overhaul of crude oil storage tanks
   • Installation of three COL pumps and associated modification

   The project management consultancy contract, which went live in January 2016, will run for four years.  Penspen’s team of 10 will be responsible for the management and administration of the respective project activities on behalf of ADMA-OPCO.

   Das Island is the main industrial centre of offshore oil and gas production for ADMA-OPCO, where oil and gas produced from the Umm Shaif and Zakum Fields is processed, stored and exported. As a result of its strategic location, lying in the centre of the Arabian Gulf, approximately 165 km north-west of Abu Dhabi, it is currently the region’s main oil storage site.  Das Island is also the export terminal for oil from the offshore fields of ADMA-OPCO, and for liquefied natural gas produced by the Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company (ADGAS), both part of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC Group.

   Penspen’s Michael Simm, Executive Vice President Middle East & Asia Pacific, said: “This is a great win for us as we are currently seeing good levels of growth in our offshore business.  We have worked extensively with ADMA on a number of key projects and we look forward to continuing the partnership with this varied and interesting set of developments on Das Island.”

8. Penspen awarded FEED contract for the development of Ghana’s Natural Gas Interconnected Transmission System (NGITS)

   December 10, 2015 12:03 pm Comments Off on Penspen awarded FEED contract for the development of Ghana’s Natural Gas Interconnected Transmission System (NGITS)

   Penspen, a leading global provider of engineering and management services to the energy industry, has been awarded a contract from Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) to conduct a Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study for further development of the Ghana Natural Gas Interconnected Transmission System.

   BOST, the holder of Ghana’s Natural Gas Transmission Utility license, has a mandate to operate, maintain and further develop the nation’s first country-wide gas transmission network, as part of Ghana’s national agenda to exploit gas as an efficient and cost-effective means of augmenting power supply. The first phase of this build-out will be the addition of approximately 750 kilometres of pipeline from Aboadze to Tema, and from Prestea to Buipe, via Kumasi.

   Penspen will be involved in all aspects of the engineering and project management.  The engineering work will take place over a twelve month period and will be carried out by Penspen’s team in London and Accra.

   Peter O’Sullivan, CEO of Penspen said: “We are pleased to have been selected by BOST to provide our engineering expertise for this significant project, which will increase availability and improve accessibility to energy across Ghana.

   This major investment in the country’s energy infrastructure will help boost its economic growth over the next decade. Our team’s experience in conducting many similar projects worldwide, accompanied by our strong commitment to developing Ghanaian local expertise and capabilities as part of this contract, will ensure that Ghana’s gas network derives the maximum value from this investment.”

   Kwame Awuah-Darko, managing director of BOST, said: “Our team has been working hard to develop BOST into a credible Natural Gas Transmission Utility for the nation. This major development, which is an integral part of our long term strategic plan, is an important step forward not just for BOST, but for the country – and will serve as a catalyst to help boost economic growth. We selected Penspen – following an extensive, international open tender – on the basis of its team’s deep experience and high calibre, and we look forward to working together.” 

   Please download a copy of the full release here:  BOST press release

    

    

    

9. Penspen Awarded Engineering Study for the Development of Offshore Field in Southern Nigeria

   November 25, 2015 12:23 pm Comments Off on Penspen Awarded Engineering Study for the Development of Offshore Field in Southern Nigeria

   Penspen, a leading global provider of engineering and management services to the energy industry, has been awarded a contract from Sirius Group to conduct an engineering study for the monetisation of gas reserves from oilfields offshore Niger Delta. A key element of this agreement is the development of gas reserves of the OML 122 field, located in the offshore Niger Delta region 40km from the coastline of Southern Nigeria.

   The study is being conducted as part of Project Dawn, a three year development project worth US$1.2billion that includes the construction of a pipeline network to deliver natural gas to the Escravos – Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), which was designed and constructed under the supervision of Penspen more than two decades ago. The gas from Project Dawn will feed power plants and different industrial applications in Nigeria.

   Project Dawn is expected to introduce 250mmscf/d of natural gas under the Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) between Sirius Oilfield Support Services Ltd and Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) a Subsidiary of NNPC.

   The project will include an evaluation of the OML-122 field development, subsea gas pipeline and onshore central processing facility. The study will seek to determine the extent of new pipeline and facilities required, and quantify the overall investment required for the project.

   The work is planned to include workshops in Nigeria to cover the screening of options, as well as decision and risk analysis.

   Peter O’Sullivan, CEO of Penspen said: “We are pleased to have been selected by Sirius Group to provide our engineering expertise for this significant study, which will increase availability and improve accessibility to energy across the region. I am confident our team’s reputation and experience in conducting similar engineering studies worldwide will benefit and deliver value in developing infrastructure for Nigeria’s gas network.”

   Download news release