A special interest group for the marine industry in the east of England energy sector is to be launched next month.
The group will examine how the industry uses the diverse range of vessels across the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors in the Southern North Sea – from catamarans to huge jack-ups used to assemble offshore wind farm turbines to subsea support.
The group will be launched at the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR)’s flagship two-day conference and exhibition, SNS2015: the Sea of Opportunity at the Norfolk Showground on March 4 and 5.
With 153 active gas platforms, two interconnectors, 2,300 km of pipeline and, so far, 24 proposed offshore windfarms off the coast, the Southern North Sea is a significant region for marine energy.
To launch the group, EEEGR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) , which includes working together to establish and develop the group.
Also new to the event is a Meet the Buyer session offering the supply chain 10-minute appointments to pitch to companies including SSE, UKTI, Seatrax, Schlumberger, James Fisher and Sons plc, Baker Hughes, Fugro Alluvial Offshore Ltd and Siemens.
Simon Gray, EEEGR chief executive, said:”The marine SIG is about the industry deciding how it wishes to work, the supply chain identifying opportunities in the market place, looking at vessel types and different solutions, offshore wind and oil and gas, maintenance and engineering and operations and maintenance and engineering,” Mr Gray said.
“It will look at how you get personnel out to areas for wind farms or gas platforms – do you fly them or use a marine vessel?? Vast amounts of diesel are used to go backwards and forwards so it will look at hybrid vessels and a whole raft of ideas and innovation.
“Engineers are not mariners – they need to get working as soon as they get out to sites. It’s no good them being taken there in a vessel that makes them seasick and unable to work when they get there.”
At the conference, Dr Bev McKenzie, technical and policy director of IMarEST, will outline how the group will work and invite delegates to a break out session, led by marine specialists, to look at the terms of reference and form a steering group.
“This is a great initiative and both the IMarEST and EEEGR are well placed to deliver technical expertise and to facilitate discussion in this important geographical area for the benefit of the marine sector and the profession,” she said.
“With such a diverse topic, we need a strong steering group made up of representatives from energy companies, vessel operators, ports, marine supply chain and associated businesses and other organisations.”
Nominations are invited for candidates for a steering group to develop terms of reference and to ensure the SIG meets the needs of industry, society and the wider marine profession.
Delegates at the biggest event in the region for the oil, gas and renewables sectors will also be able to find out about the project to build the first 1000mph car, the BloodHound Supersonic Car project, from the Army’s team leader on the project, Major Oli Morgan, who is also guest speaker at the Gala Dinner on March 4.
The Bloodhound Project, inspiring young people into careers in science, technology and maths has given 40,000 children lessons on Bloodhound, is the chosen cause for fund raising at this year’s EEEGR event.
Mr Gray said major projects and opportunities in UK waters and worldwide were still under way despite difficult trading conditions caused by the oil price crisis.
The East of England’s low cost base compared to Aberdeen would help the region to ride the difficult times and collaboration on projects was crucial.
“It’s even more important than ever to be as competitive as we can. Cost control and contract management will be crucial to operators.
“This is the opportunity for the East of England to drive down costs and show
what we do is at the highest standard for the lowest price. Our region is best in the international market”
The event will start with EEEGR’s Skills for Energy programme, which focuses on the industry’s greatest resource – its people.
Skills for Energy sessions include innovative ways to attract the best people into the industry and celebrating those who have already chosen to train for energy careers will be themes of the day.
Chaired by John Sewell, an oil & gas professional for more than 30 years, the programme includes Matt Bagley, of Camouflaged Learning, who will speak about improving communication between the industry and schools and Prof Lawrence Coates, professor and director of energy at the University of East Anglia, asking if lecturers are needed in a modern world.
A University Challenge-style competition, the Energy Challenge, will run with Energy Skills Foundation Programme students from Great Yarmouth College and Lowestoft College and UEA engineering students pitting their industry and skills knowledge against each other on the stage.
In the afternoon, breakout sessions include offshore diving and subsea engineering in the marine industry by Red7Marine Offshore and offshore wind with Johnathan Reynolds.
SNS2014 is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Any companies wishing to enter a nomination to join the Marine Special Interest Group steering group should email their request to ruth.owen@eegr.com and to book a place at the conference click here or for further information call 01493 446535.
To book a place at the conference, contact Martine Watker or Ruth Owen on 01493 446535.
