Extending crane wire rope replacement intervals to defer OPEX

Client: International offshore drilling contractor
Industry: Drilling
Asset: Drillship
Location: Cyprus
Year: 2021

Challenge

Wire ropes are one of the hardest working components of cranes. Despite suffering all manner of weather and working conditions, they continue lifting, thanks to their incredible design. However, even wire ropes have limits and continued fatigue and strain will eventually manifest as material defects, which reduce strength and increase the chances of critical failure.

As such, some crane owners implement time-based replacement intervals. However, in cases where intervals are too short given the operating history, third-party assurance is needed to verify that the wires are in good condition and can remain in service.

In this particular scenario, the client’s policy is to replace ropes every two years. With the costs, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) risks and time associated with wire rope replacements, they turned to Axess Middle East for a solution to retain the existing ropes in service.

Solution

Axess Middle East was subsequently contracted to perform condition-based inspection and maintenance on all major cranes on its drillship, including four lattice boom deck cranes and three gantry-type subsea cranes.

The personnel inspected the ropes using electromagnetic (eMAG) technology, otherwise known as Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT). The technology uses the principles of Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) to determine material discontinuities including corrosion, broken wires, and defects like bird caging. It is far more powerful than the human eye, allowing users to “see” inside the rope to the critical core strands.

(Photo: eMAG inspection on one of the wire ropes)

As the Project Manager of this project, Rod Matzdorff, Operations Manager of Axess Middle East, said, “Performing eMAG inspection of wire ropes in-situ provides quantitative data and helps to accurately determine the actual condition of the ropes. This leads to potential life extension, and in turn, defers replacement costs as the replacement intervals are extended.”

After identifying the ropes that were compliant for service life extension, a maintenance program was carried out to replace the “lifeblood” of the ropes – grease.

(Photo: Preparation for cleaning and lubrication)

Grease oxidises over time, drying out and loses its lubricity. Using pneumatic power-driven machinery, Axess mechanically removed old grease, and injected high-specification new grease into the rope core and strands – something only a purpose-built machine is capable of.

(GIF: Wire rope passing through the machine)

Results

With the ropes thoroughly inspected and freshly greased, the client gained the confidence and peace of mind to keep them in service, therefore, deferring OPEX and improving efficiency.

But the benefits went beyond this – huge cost savings was achieved since the same personnel also carried out multiple scopes while onboard, including annual crane inspection, DROPS surveys, general Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), as part of the larger re-activation campaign.

Due to dynamic project planning, Axess was able to reduce mobilisations, Personnel on Board (POB), therefore, achieving monetary savings and a reduction in carbon emissions.

If you are interested in eMAG inspection and lubrication for your wire ropes, please reach out to us. Reference will be provided upon request.

Alpa AS and Axess Engineering merge and rebrand as Axess Technologies AS

MOLDE, Norway, February 8, 2022 – Alpa AS and Axess’ Engineering department have merged to form Axess Technologies AS, a leading material handling technology company consisting of about 100 highly competent individuals.

Headquartered in Molde, Norway, Axess Technologies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axess Group and provides material handling systems and services such as redundant lifting, complex lifting, compliance, studies and analysis as well as maintenance.

Alpa is a specialist in design, manufacturing and maintenance of high-risk application winches, cranes, and advanced material handling equipment. The Engineering department in Axess is a specialist in material handling operations, advanced lifting and rigging operations.

By joining forces under one brand, Axess Technologies will be able to seamlessly combine the delivery of Alpa products and engineering services. They will have stronger concept development capabilities, a wider portfolio of products and services and increased capacity to provide turnkey solutions for our clients. Additionally, this merger will enable further expansion internationally by leveraging Axess’ growing global presence.

Trond Stokke, who previously headed the Engineering department in Axess, has taken up the role of CEO at Axess Technologies, while Leif Løken, previously the VP of Alpa, has taken up the role of COO.

“In recent years, both entities have experienced significant growth locally and internationally. With our combined experience, we will continue to develop innovative solutions with a focus on safety and maximum uptime for our clients worldwide,” Trond said.

“Since Alpa was first established, we have been working closely with the Engineering department to deliver a comprehensive range of products and material handling solutions for the offshore and maritime sector. Now, we have increased capacity to better serve clients in the Oil & Gas industry, and to expand further towards offshore wind and other strategic markets,” Leif added.

(Photo: Improved efficiency by using the Alpa Winch system for a thruster replacement project in 2020)

Axess Group expands regional presence with new office in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

MOLDE, Norway, January 26, 2022 – Axess Group has announced the opening of a new office in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), to boost its presence in the Middle East. Axess’ global presence now spans 16 countries worldwide.

The KSA entity will focus on providing Total Rig Integrity Management (TRIM) services to clients in the Oil & Gas industry. This streamlined approach leverages multi-skilled personnel and reduced number of mobilizations to benefit them in terms of cost and efficiency.

Axess is committed to developing local content and will be focusing on training local engineers to safely deliver the projects. Besides meeting clients’ expectations, this is also in line with the corporate goals of reducing the Group’s carbon footprint.

Ravi Mishra and Faisal Amir — (Photo: Ravi Mishra, Regional Manager of Middle East (left) and Faisal Amir, Operations Manager of KSA (right) at the iktva Forum & Exhibition in Dhahran, KSA)

Ravi Mishra, Regional Manager of Middle East at Axess Group, said, “KSA is one of the largest contributors to the global energy market. Having executed projects in KSA since late 2020, this is a strategic expansion in the region. With offices in both United Arab Emirates (UAE) and KSA, we are well-positioned to serve our existing clients and build new partnerships in the Middle East.”

“For Axess, the Middle East has been an area which has shown great promise, with KSA being one of the standout countries. The NOC and drilling contractors are moving towards automation and digitalisation of services, which ties in closely with Axess’ focus and our strategy of improving efficiency and safety via digital solutions in the asset integrity space. I wish Ravi and his team all the best of luck in this exciting new market,” Fergus Murray, VP of APAC and Middle East said.

Efficient inspection and maintenance of jacking systems

Client: Leading Jack-Up Drilling Contractor
Industry: Offshore Drilling
Assets: Jack-up rigs
Locations: KSA, Thailand, India, Bahrain, UAE, Nigeria, Croatia
Year: 2020 – 2021

Challenge

Jacking systems are the most critical component of jack-up rigs as they ensure their stability. The client required inspection and overhaul of the jacking systems on 20 of their jack-up rigs in multiple locations worldwide, as part of the 5-yearly Special Periodical Surveys (SPS).

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they faced challenges related to the mobilisation of personnel, cost and time. They then contracted Axess Group to carry out the inspection and maintenance of jacking systems due to its global presence and experience in this area.

Axess' personnel preparing for rigging — (Photo: Axess’ personnel preparing for rigging)

Solution

With Axess’ presence in multiple countries worldwide, local personnel were mobilised to the jack-up rigs in a timely manner. To minimise carbon emissions, mobilisations were kept to a minimum by having the team inspect multiple rigs in one region, one after another.

(Photo: Equipment for magnetic particle inspection)

The inspection and maintenance of jacking systems is one service that Axess offers as part of its Asset Integrity Management (AIM) service portfolio. It was carried out following guidelines by ABS and DNV.

With experience working on a range of jacking systems, the team of qualified inspectors utilised a wide range of traditional and advanced examination and testing techniques, including Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for examining gears and boroscopic inspection.

(Photo: Equipment for boroscopic inspection)

Results

All the projects were completed in time and on budget. Axess received excellent feedback across all 20 projects.

“I am very proud that we could support the client even during the pandemic, while ensuring the health and safety of our team members. I am also thankful to our team members who were willing to travel during this period,” said Ravi Mishra, Regional Manager of Middle East at Axess Group.

If you are interested in inspection and maintenance for your offshore assets, please reach out to us.

Axess Group signs distribution agreement with Inline-Test AS

MOLDE, Norway, January 4, 2022 – Axess Group has signed a global distribution agreement with Inline-Test AS, a fast-growing Norwegian technology company. With the agreement, Axess will deliver Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) testing service using Inline’s innovative technology, Inline X, on onshore and offshore assets.

The technology will enable Axess to accurately test and calibrate PSVs in-situ, when PSVs have historically been removed and tested separately. This greatly reduces the risks of damaging the PSVs during the process of dismounting, transportation and mounting. Moreover, since there is no longer a need to lift heavy valves, the risks of causing harm to people and assets are also lowered. As a result, maintenance costs, downtime and carbon emissions are reduced while safety is enhanced.

Inline X has automated test procedures and considers factors such as temperatures, volumes, and pressures. In addition, the cloud-based application will allow users to efficiently evaluate test results, monitor PSV performance, and utilize the data to optimize PSV selection and PSV maintenance. Overall, the technology will increase valve reliability, valve test integrity, ensure compliance, and improve Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) performance.

Headquartered in Molde, Norway, Inline-Test provides value to customers within the oil & gas and process industries by providing innovative technology to improve valve testing.

Commenting on this agreement, Jostein Tverdal, Vice President of Americas at Axess Group, said, “The technology from Inline-Test fits perfect into Axess’ strategy and the value propositions we offer to our clients. We stay committed to helping our clients increase uptime while reducing emissions and the cost of ownership. The technology from Inline-Test does just that. At the same time, it enables us to provide our clients with optimized valve integrity and maintenance programs based on data sets never seen before in this industry. In addition, we will use our global footprint to bring this technology into the world. We are very impressed with Inline-Test and the innovative technology they have developed, and we are excited to present this technology to our global clients.”

“We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Axess, a world-class Integrity and Engineering services provider. Inline is proud to be associated with a company that delivers the full range of technology differentiated integrity solutions. Our vision and values are aligned well with Axess’. We are confident that this collaboration will be a success for Axess, Inline X, and our clients,” Jan Gregor Høydahl Sørli, Chief Executive Officer of Inline-Test said.

Jaco Mouton: The Journey to Ironman

How many triathlons have you participated in so far?

The first triathlon I took part in was the annual Slanghoek Triathlon – sprint distance in South Africa in 2010, comprising a 650m swim, 20km mountain bike ride and 5km trail run. Since then, I have participated in numerous triathlons, 3 of which are Ironman races.

I would have loved to do more, but keeping up the training while working offshore proved to be very difficult. Since I started working in the office with Axess Africa, I have more time to pursue this passion.

What do you find most appealing about triathlons?

They encompass a whole lifestyle, requiring the athlete to have the dedication to maintain good health – both physically and mentally.

Triathlons are the perfect combination for me. I have a liking for running, and I am comfortable with open water swimming due to my experience with lifesaving as well as crayfish and abalone diving. In addition, I have always wanted to try cycling as a sport. I get to train for three disciplines for one race, so it does not feel repetitive.

(Photo: Jaco running during the Ironman 70.3 South Africa in East London in 2020)

Why did you participate in Ironman races?

I learned about the different Ironman races after participating in triathlons and I like how technical they are. The full Ironman race is rated as one of the world’s toughest endurance events and I enjoyed the thought of testing my mental and physical capabilities.

As such, I participated in the Ironman 70.3 races to prepare for the full Ironman race. The former comprises a 1.9km swim, 90.1km cycle and 21.1km run, while the latter comprises a 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycle and 42.2km run.

What is your goal for such races?

I have only taken part in two Ironman 70.3 races and one full Ironman race to date, over the course of the past two years.

My ultimate goal is to complete the races, no matter the time taken. I do set target times, and I view them as additional challenges. In the three races that I participated in, I managed to accomplish my goals of finishing around the 6h mark for the Ironman 70.3 races, and about 12-13h for the full Ironman race. With these experiences, I now know that I could aim to complete the Ironman 70.3 race in 5.5h or less and the full Ironman race in 12h or less, with decent training.

(Photo: Jaco completed the Ironman 70.3 South Africa with a time of 6h 12m 42s)

How difficult is it to complete the race?

It is crucial to have a well-designed training plan and discipline during training. If training was executed properly, the race itself is mind over matter. Mental strength on the day is very important because most of the disciplines require the athletes to cover the distances in two or more laps of the same route. Even with this awareness beforehand, there is nothing that will quite prepare athletes for the actual day.

For me, the four-loop 42.2km run in the full Ironman race was the toughest mentally. I found cycling the most physically challenging as I do not have a lot of cycling experience and still have to work on my endurance.

There are also a lot of unforeseen circumstances that must be dealt with on the day itself, such as rough sea conditions and strong wind, and these can affect the probability of success.

(Photo: Jaco cycling during the Ironman 70.3 Durban in Kwa Zulu Natal in 2021)

How did you train for the full Ironman?

I did the Ironman 70.3 Durban in July this year so I had a reasonably good base to start my training for the full Ironman. I started my dedicated training programme 18 weeks before the event, and I spent around 10 to 13 hours training weekly. I did most of the longer training rides before and after work, and ran over the weekends. On top of that, I did Pilates weekly to strengthen my core, and some strength training. I also went surfing whenever there is time.

During the peak training week, I swam 10 kilometers, cycled for 240 kilometers, and ran roughly 45 kilometers in total.

Aside from training, I also try to manage my diet. Ideally, athletes should not enter an endurance event carrying extra weight, but it is also very important to keep the energy levels up and the body’s reserves as well stocked as possible.

(Photo: Jaco completed the Ironman 70.3 Durban with a time of 5h 54m 4s)

What qualities do you have that enable you to complete triathlons successfully?

I have above average athletic capabilities, which does help a lot, but I would say that my strongest attribute is my mental resilience to overcome tough situations. I also enjoy training and the discipline that comes with it – working hard to reach the set goals.

What do you learn from each triathlon?

That the human body is an exceptional instrument. As soon as you think you have reached the pinnacle of your capabilities, your body shows you differently.

(Photo: Jaco heading towards the transition area in the Ironman African Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth in 2021)

Do you plan to participate in future races?

I do plan to enter future races but I have not decided on any specific ones. I would like to enter the SkyRun 100, which is a 100km ultra-trail run. Besides that, I would also like to enter another Ironman 70.3 race next year and really challenge myself to achieve a good race time and hopefully get an invitation to take part in the World Championship.

Is there any athlete you look up to?

Kyle Buckingham of South Africa. He is nowhere near the best in the world, but he started competing professionally at a very late stage in his life and with hard work, he managed to make his passion his profession.

(Photo: Jaco completed the Ironman African Championship with a time of 11h 13m 5s)

Do you have any advice to someone who is interested to start on this journey?

People from all walks of life participate in triathlons. Do not overthink it and just enter a short distance event. Even if you doggy paddle, struggle through the cycle, and walk half of the run course, it will be worth it. There is so much fun to be had with triathlons.

Axess Group expands business in Americas with new office in Georgetown, Guyana

MOLDE, Norway, December 7, 2021 – Axess Group has announced the opening of a new office in Georgetown, Guyana, to expand its business in the Americas. Headquartered in Molde, Norway, Axess is now present in 14 countries around the world.

With a focus on safety, the Guyana entity will offer a broad range of integrity and engineering services to clients in the Oil & Gas industry, including lifting gear inspections, DROPS surveys, hook-ups and commissioning, as well as flare tip replacements.

Chris Walker, Country Manager of Axess Mexico and Guyana, said, “We will train local engineers to take on the jobs offshore, reducing the number of international flights and our carbon footprint.”

Matthew Trichardt has been appointed as Operations Manager of Axess Guyana. Prior to this, he was the Regional Manager of West Africa, managing contracts in the region.

(Photo: Matthew Trichardt in Georgetown, Guyana)

Chris said, “Matthew is a seasoned manager with a strong business development background within the Oil & Gas industry. His wealth of experience will be critical for the success of the entity.”

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew said, “I am delighted to be taking charge of this entity. This expansion will enable us to serve our existing clients better and forge new partnerships. I look forward to leveraging the untapped opportunities in this market.”

In addition, Mahidhar Kumar has been appointed as Project Manager of Axess Guyana. He is currently the Operations Manager of Axess India.

Chris said, “Mahidhar will move to the Guyana office in late Q1 2022. His vast technical experience will complement Matthew’s sales ambitions, ensuring that we continue to deliver quality services to clients. I have no doubt that they will help Axess reach new heights.”

(Photo: Mahidhar Kumar, Project Manager of Axess Guyana)

Thruster replacement on Vantage Drilling International’s Platinum Explorer

Client: Vantage International Management Co.
Industry: Oil & Gas
Asset: Platinum Explorer
Location: East Coast, India
Year: 2021

Challenge

Vantage International Management Co., a subsidiary of Vantage Drilling International, wanted to replace two thrusters on its Ultra Deepwater Drillship, Platinum Explorer, during a narrow window of time between two drilling campaigns.

On top of the limited time available for the operation, the work had to be executed while the ship was at anchorage several miles from shore. As the cranes onboard the ship could not reach the thrusters, a marine spread covering the handling of the thrusters and the subsea operations was required. Finally, the operation was scheduled during a period of time with a high chance of adverse weather conditions.

Due to these challenges, the client was looking for a company with significant thruster replacement experience, that can manage the entire project in-house and plan the operation in detail.

(Photo: New and old thrusters on the barge)

Solution

Axess India was contracted to take on the project. They collaborated with the Engineering Solutions department in Norway, which developed a tailor-made method to execute the project safely, keeping within the defined project parameters.

“We tapped into our experience in carrying out complex lifting operations globally, to design a method involving a hang-off beam, which removed the need for a separate crane vessel. This significantly lowered the risk, cost and complexity of the project, and helped to reduce carbon emissions,” Jeroen van Boxtel, Director of Sales, International said.

Axess India also worked closely with all stakeholders to plan other facets of the project, including associated OEM internal work scopes, logistics and marine spread. Subsequently, the offshore team carried out the thruster replacements successfully despite weather and operational challenges.

(Photo: Thruster replacement in progress)

Results

Out-of-the box thinking, in combination with a meticulously planned methodology, risk assessment, excellent communication among all stakeholders have made this project a big success.

“We are thankful to have the trust and support of Vantage Drilling in this thruster replacement project, which has enabled its success. We hope to continue supporting the client in the years to come,” Rajib Bhowmik, Country Manager of Axess India said.

(Photo: Axess’ engineers with Platinum Explorer in the background)

If you are interested in thruster replacements for your assets, please reach out to us.

Successful thruster replacement carried out offshore

Client: Leading international energy company
Industry: Oil & Gas
Asset: FSU
Location: Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS)
Year: 2019

Challenge

Thrusters are part of vessels’ positioning systems, which are required to keep vessels in station either by heading control or Dynamic Positioning (DP).

At times, clients may require urgent replacement of thruster(s). In one particular example, a client required an urgent replacement of one of the thrusters on its FSU, due to a leaking shaft bearing. It was urgent as it was necessary to continue operating within safe environmental limits with an intact dynamic positioning system.

However, there was no documentation on the lifting equipment. Moreover, the thruster was not designed for dismantling in accordance with best practices and standards on the NCS. The asset could also not be taken off hire nor disconnected from the turret.

The client thus contracted Axess Group to perform the thruster replacement, as we have experience doing so offshore.

Solution

As the particular FSU did not have a spare thruster, the old thruster had to be sent onshore to be refurbished. Axess acted as a bridge, connecting all the involved parties, and planned the various aspects necessary for project success, including logistics, design and procurement. In addition, using the tailor-made winches from our subsidiary, Alpa, the engineering team performed the lifting operation to replace the thruster offshore, while the asset was still in operation.

(Photo: The old thruster that was sent onshore to be refurbished)

For this project, Axess utilised an in-house designed tool for handling the thruster. This removed the need for divers, who are typically used in this type of operation. The tool, designed according to NORSOK Standard R-002 Lifting Equipment, was remotely controlled by the engineers.

“We have carried out numerous thruster replacements offshore throughout the past 15 years for various types of vessels worldwide, including Europe and Asia-Pacific. We gain experience from each project to devise new methods and execute future projects more efficiently,” Tone Tomassen, Director of Sales, NCS said.

(Photo: Axess’ engineer and the client’s team with the new thruster)

Results

Axess completed the thruster replacement on time, before the arrival of the winter season, thus avoiding the harsher environment. As the operation was carried out offshore, it helped the client to save time and costs. Furthermore, the removal of divers from the operation helped to enhance safety.

“Out of all the thruster replacement projects we have done so far, this project had one of the greatest number of both technical and planning challenges, which provided many learning points for our engineering team. We are proud to have completed this project successfully within the stipulated time frame and most importantly, safely,” Paal Thorsager, Project Manager said.

(Photo: Axess’ engineer and the client’s team doing mechanical work on the thruster steering gear)

If you are interested in thruster replacements for your assets, please reach out to us.

Vendor inspections ensuring quality and compliance

Client: Santos
Industry: Oil and Gas
Asset: FPSO
Location: Offshore Western Australia
Year: 2021

Challenge

The equipment hired by Santos arrived at one of their offshore assets in poor working condition, posing safety risks to personnel and the asset itself. As such, they had to return the equipment to the vendor and get a replacement, which was not cost or time-effective.

To prevent this issue from resurfacing, Axess Australia was asked to step in to conduct quality inspections on the vendor’s equipment prior to freighting them offshore.

Solution

With over two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, Axess is very familiar with the specifications and regulations related to equipment. Our team of highly qualified and experienced inspection engineers can help to ensure that the equipment is in proper working condition with the right certifications and are in compliance with the relevant regulations. Furthermore, as an independent third-party inspection company, we provide impartial advice and are only influenced by hard data.

In a particular scenario, our inspection engineers from Axess Australia were involved with inspecting a container and its contents (mechanical and pressurised equipment). They reviewed the certifications, carried out the inspections at the vendor’s premises, completed the relevant checklists and conducted function tests wherever feasible.

Documentation were uploaded onto Bridge, an Axess Digital product. It functions as a database for the client to review the findings at any point in time.

Some of the issues raised were incorrect validity dates for pressure gauges and missing Manufacturer Data Reports for accumulators. The team then liaised with Santos and the vendor for corrective actions to be taken. After ensuring that the equipment was compliant, Axess issued a certificate of conformity to allow the container to continue its journey to the offshore asset.

Throughout the entire process, the team maintained close communication with Santos and the vendor to ensure a quick and favourable result for all parties.

(Photo: Inspection of the underside of the container)

Results

By conducting vendor inspections prior to freighting equipment offshore, we eliminated safety risks associated with poor quality or non-compliance of equipment. Moreover, we helped Santos prevent any unnecessary downtime and additional costs to their time-sensitive project.

Ruano Stumpf, Regional Manager of Oceania at Axess Group, said: “We help clients focus on their business by handling the inspection aspect of the procurement process. With our global team of experts, we are able to provide vendor inspection services for our clients worldwide, for a wide range of equipment.”

If you are interested in inspections for your hired or purchased equipment, please reach out to us.

Axess Group secures extension of frame agreement with a global wind energy company

MOLDE, Norway, September 2, 2021 – Axess Group has signed a frame agreement extension with a global wind energy company. This extension signifies the continuation of the strong cooperation between the two entities.

The frame agreement involves the provision of inspection and maintenance services to the client’s onshore wind turbines in Northern Europe. Inspection of wind turbines at various stages of the project’s life cycle is critical to ensuring optimal performance.

The boom in offshore and onshore wind energy development in recent years has given Axess the opportunity to diversify into the renewables sector, where it could tap on its wealth of experience in the oil and gas industry to ensure safe and reliable operations in the wind energy industry.

Stian Guttormsen, Business Development Manager of Renewables at Axess Group, said, “Axess has delivered a variety of services to the client since 2018. The extension of this frame agreement is a confirmation of our value as a supplier and is in line with our strategy of developing a strong position in the wind energy industry.”

Axess Group wins contract with international drilling and engineering company

MOLDE, Norway, August 17, 2021 – Axess Group has secured a new contract with a leading international drilling and engineering company, headquartered in Aberdeen.

The scope of work includes asset integrity management and engineering, amongst others, on its asset located offshore Angola, Africa. A multi-skilled team from Europe and Africa will be mobilised to perform services such as the reactivation and servicing of redundant cranes, removing the need to purchase new ones.

Axess will manage this contract together with Alpa AS – Axess’ wholly-owned subsidiary which offers a comprehensive range of material handling solutions to the offshore and maritime industry.

Christiaan Enslin, Regional Manager of Southern Africa at Axess Group, said: “We look forward to supporting another distinguished client in the offshore oil and gas industry. This contract further cements our position as a trusted global partner in delivering world-class integrity and engineering solutions.”

Axess Group awarded contract for supply of crane offshore Canada

MOLDE, Norway, August 3, 2021 – Axess Group has secured a contract with a leading international energy company to supply a crane to an installation offshore Newfoundland, Canada.

Custom-made by Axess Group, the crane is designed to be extremely space-efficient while requiring minimum maintenance. The state-of-the-art crane allows for remote access from shore for better service support along with real-time condition monitoring of the system. In turn, this reduces the need for unnecessary mobilizations, decreasing carbon emissions.

Matthew Stanley, Country Manager of Canada at Axess Group, said, “We are happy to help another client meet its climate goals while improving the safety and efficiency of operations. At Axess, we strive to continuously bring new climate-efficient products and services to the market, helping our clients to ensure safe operations, reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.”

Offshore compliance: Achieving compliance with project standards

Client: Aibel Thailand
Industry: Engineering, Procurement and Construction
Asset: Johan Sverdrup Production 2 – Main Support Frame
Location: Laem Chabang, Thailand
Year: 2021

Challenge

In the oil and gas industry, offshore assets must achieve regulatory compliance in order to operate and the specifications can differ by country or region. In this case, lifting appliances on the asset had to be compliant with NORSOK standards, a requirement for offshore units operating on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

The Main Support Frame (MSF) module is the largest of the three modules for the Johan Sverdrup P2 Process Platform, Aibel’s largest project to date and the company’s second platform for the Johan Sverdrup field, the third largest oil field on the NCS.

(Photo: Illustration of Johan Sverdrup Production 2 by Aibel)

Aibel contracted Axess Group to ensure that the lifting equipment will achieve compliance in terms of design, construction and certification.

Solution

At the start of the project, a team of Axess’ engineers ran a technical workshop for the shipyard and asset owner, to define the scope of work and confirm a certified project test methodology. Subsequently, the team provided on-site engineering consultations for design and document verification and review, including attending site inspections. They also load tested all the lifting equipment before providing the final statutory certifications.

“We are delighted to be involved in another major project of Aibel’s. Compliance with NORSOK standards will help to minimise risks during lifting activities and meet operational requirements,” Rod Matzdorff, Operations Manager of Middle East at Axess Group said.

Due to the demanding schedule and strict deadlines, Axess’ engineers worked closely with the client’s site teams, collaborating on planning and site activities.

(Photo: Load test and functional test for a 18T travelling crane)

Results

Through excellent teamwork with the client and stakeholders, the asset was successfully delivered in compliance with the project standards.

“As a trusted provider for statutory verification, inspection and certification, we provide our clients with proven technical expertise and guidance to ensure compliance and quality. Our global network of experts also enables us to provide such services anywhere in the world,” Rod added.

(Photo: Successful teamwork with Axess (in red) and Aibel’s site team)

If you are interested in ensuring compliance to standards and regulations for your assets, please reach out to us.

Axess Group wins thruster replacement contract with Vantage Drilling International

MOLDE, Norway, July 21, 2021 – Axess Group has secured a thruster replacement contract with  Vantage International Management Co., a subsidiary of Vantage Drilling International, an offshore drilling contractor.

The scope of work includes all services related to external and underwater thruster replacement on the Ultra Deepwater Drillship, Platinum Explorer, including engineering, project management and execution as well as reviewing of technical specifications. With a focus on safety and reducing carbon emissions, the project will be managed from Axess’ office in Mumbai, India.

With offices in Houston, Dubai and Singapore, Vantage Drilling International is an offshore drilling contractor that operates and manages a fleet of modern, high specification drilling rigs on a worldwide basis.

Rajib Bhowmik, Country Manager of India at Axess Group, said: “We are excited to be given the opportunity to carry out this project, having worked with the client on various Asset Integrity Management-related scopes since 2018. Our extensive experience in offshore thruster replacements around the globe gives us the confidence to execute such projects efficiently.”

Axess Group signs long-term global contract with world’s leading integrated energy company

MOLDE, Norway, July 15, 2021 – Axess Group has signed a long-term global contract with an American multinational energy corporation.

The Master Services Agreement (MSA) is designed and agreed with the premise of assisting the client to meet their emission reduction targets and improving their Return on Investment (ROI), amongst other goals, by delivering a diverse range of essential services. These services, including marine assurance, engineering and inspection, will be delivered to vessels and assets within the client’s portfolio worldwide.

Jostein Tverdal, CTO & EVP of Americas at Axess Group, said, “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract to provide such a broad range of services to ensure the integrity and reliability of the client’s assets. This award is a testament to the expertise Axess offers coupled with our successful global footprint that we have developed over the last decade. We look forward to supporting such a valued client in the years ahead.”

Axess Group renews global inspection contract with leading international offshore drilling company

MOLDE, Norway, June 30, 2021 – Axess Group has secured a global third party inspection contract with a leading international offshore drilling company. The contract will see Axess continue to provide asset integrity management and engineering services to its assets across the globe.

This contract renewal follows Axess’ successful implementation of the Total Rig Integrity Management (TRIM) concept that maximizes value for its customers. The renewal also marks another milestone in the long working history between both parties that dates back to 1999.

“We are very proud with the trust and faith placed in Axess over the years and that the client has chosen to continue our partnership. Our consistent yearly investment in R&D has enabled us to steadily increase cost efficiency and achieve sustainable carbon footprint reductions with state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions. We are privileged to have their collaboration in pioneering new industry frontiers in improving HSEQ and compliance with Axess Group’s services and Axess Digital’s suite of digital products. We look forward to our continued collaboration in achieving our common long-term goals,” Jostein Tverdal, CTO & EVP of Americas at Axess Group said.

(Photo: Axess’ first inspection for the client in February 1999)

Safe and cost-effective flare tip replacement on offshore platforms

Client: Large Oil & Gas producer in the Middle East
Industry: Oil & Gas
Assets: 4 fixed platforms
Location: Offshore Qatar
Year: 2020/21

Challenge

Flare systems are an integral part of the safety systems on oil and gas-producing assets. They facilitate the controlled disposal of hydrocarbon-containing material.

Due to operational wear and tear, the flare tips (typically weighing 1 to 4 ton) of four fixed platforms were scheduled to be replaced in two shutdown campaigns.

The client had contracted Axess Group to replace the flare tips consecutively, within a short time frame. It was important for the replacements to be completed as soon as possible since a longer shutdown period would mean a more significant loss in revenue for the client.

As flare tips are located at height, above deck or sea, and out of reach of the assets’ deck cranes, flare tip replacements are complex operations that need to be well-planned to ensure safety and reliability.

Solution

As the production shutdown window was narrow, we decided on the helicopter method together with the client.

“At Axess, we have extensive experience in both helicopter and mechanical methods for replacement of flare tips. We understand that every project can have its constraints, thus, we always make sure to thoroughly assess the situation and advise on a solution that best suits our client,” said Bjørnar Bøe Lundberg, Team Leader at Axess Group.

Typically, prior to such a project execution, Axess will mobilise an experienced Field Engineer to conduct a site survey to assess the details of the site. However, an alternative measure was required due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of a site survey, Axess guided the client’s offshore personnel to collect the required data as part of an extensive desktop study.

(Photo: Preparing the new flare tip for lifting)

The replacement process on each of the four platforms was the same. The team first rigged and prepared the old and new flare tips for lifting. Subsequently, they used a helicopter to lift the old flare tip from the riser and positioned it on the laydown area of the helideck. Finally, the new flare tip was picked up from the platform laydown area and transferred to the flare tip platform for installation.

(Photo: Helicopter with the new flare tip)

Results

Due to excellent preparation, communication and teamwork, the team successfully replaced all four flare tips safely, within time and budget.

“Our global network of engineering experts enables us to provide a wide range of quality services to offshore assets located anywhere in the world. We are delighted to have helped another client with flare tip replacements,” Bjørnar added.

The client’s Campaign & Shutdown Lead said: “Another flare tip replacement completed during this pandemic with all the constraints that we are familiar with. Thanks to the team for the excellent work done.”

If you are interested in flare tip replacement for your offshore assets, please reach out to us.

Axess Group secures two long-term contracts with a Norwegian renewable energy company

MOLDE, Norway, June 10, 2021 – Axess Group has signed two inspection contracts with a renewable energy company based in Norway.

As part of these long-term contracts, Axess will provide inspections of lifts, lifting equipment and safety equipment in wind parks located in Norway, in accordance with statutory requirements. Additionally, Axess will conduct periodic control of bolt tension and support the client in establishing a risk-based inspection programme for bolted connections.

Stian Guttormsen, Business Developer – Renewables at Axess Group, said: “We are very happy to have the opportunity to work with another renewable energy client. This fits well into our strategy of developing local competence and solutions for the wind energy industry. With our extensive experience in conducting inspections on wind turbines, we are confident in our ability to deliver added value to the client through these contracts.”

Optimising inspections of offshore assets with drones

Client: Altera Infrastructure
Industry: Oil & Gas
Asset: Petrojarl Knarr FPSO
Location: North Sea
Year: 2021

Challenge

Altera Infrastructure had to get a full assessment of the coating condition on its asset, including its hull (above waterline), helideck structure, superstructure and flare structure.

Inspection of the external hull would typically require a support vessel located a certain distance away from the asset, which limits the accuracy. In addition, inspection of the various structures would have required a rope access team and it could have taken weeks to complete.

Solution

As such, to save time and improve accuracy, Axess performed the inspections on site with a drone that is equipped with a high-resolution camera. The experienced engineers were able to get good visuals of the critical areas, completing the inspections within just two days.

Results

Mobilising a drone is both time and cost-efficient for the client as the inspection of a large area was completed in a much shorter period of time with less manpower. It is also a safer alternative to inspectors working at height, over water or in a support vessel. Moreover, this allowed inspection of critical areas to be completed without any production downtime and eliminated any potential CO₂emissions from a support vessel.

Kristian Nelvik, OPS and BD Director of the QC department at Axess Group, said, “Axess views offshore drone inspections as a greener solution and we are also seeing more interest in this amongst our clients. We are happy that Altera Infrastructure has given us the opportunity to integrate drone technology into our offshore operations. Our engineers have successfully delivered this project by tapping on their experience in drone inspections of onshore assets.”

(Photo: Hull captured by Axess’ drone during inspection)

If you are interested in drone inspections for your onshore or offshore assets, please reach out to us.

Axess Group awarded contract for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, the world’s largest offshore wind farm

MOLDE, Norway, May 17, 2021 – Axess Group has secured an Enterprise of Competence service contract with Aibel’s fabrication yard in Laem Chabang, Thailand, for the Dogger Bank Substation A, the first of three phases of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm – the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

Axess will provide engineering review, inspection, testing and certification of lifting appliances on the platform, to ensure statutory compliance and delivery of the asset to regional operational standards.

Dogger Bank Wind Farm is located more than 130km off the North East coast of England, the first two phases have already reached FID in 2020 and phase 1 is due to start commercial operations from summer 2023. All 3 phases of the project will make up the world’s largest offshore wind farm, with an installed capacity of 3.6GW – capable of powering 6 million UK homes.

Dogger Bank A and B is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Eni (20%). Dogger Bank C is a 50:50 joint venture between SSE Renewables and Equinor.

Rod Matzdorff, Renewables Manager for Asia Pacific at Axess Group, said, “We are happy to continue our working relationship with Aibel after our last collaboration, and even happier that the latest award is in offshore wind. This contract further cements our position as a leading supplier in the renewable energy industry.”

(Photo: Artistic illustration of wind turbines and a substation at Dogger Bank Wind Farm by Aibel)

Axess India: Successful refurbishment of crane booms

Client: International drilling contractor
Industry: Drilling
Asset: Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU)
Location: Offshore India
Year: 2020

Challenge

The client was unable to use the three existing cranes at full capacity on its rig, due to various corroded (pitting) sections on the lattice boom structures. As there were ongoing drilling activities at that point in time, it was not possible to bring down the boom structures and move them onshore for refurbishment.

Axess India was requested to find a solution to carry out the refurbishment in situ.

Solution

As there were no 3D models available due to the age of the cranes, the team had to first create a model based on the available GA drawing of the cranes. Upon mobilisation of the crew, they carried out a full assessment of the condition of the crane structures. Subsequently, they refurbished the crane booms and conducted both Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to the global quality standards.

The pre-execution planning was the key to success, as the team had limited time to complete the project and they could only work on one crane at a time due to ongoing activities. Axess quickly developed the methodology, identified the risks involved, procured raw materials and formed a time-bound execution strategy.

This project was carried out with the virtual support of Axess’ Engineering Department and ALPA.

Results

Three crane booms were successfully refurbished and load tested, allowing the client to utilise the cranes at full capacity.

“Despite some limitations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to have successfully completed the scope of work according to the planned schedule and received excellent feedback from the client,” said Rajib Bhowmik, Country Manager of Axess India.

If you are interested in similar services for your asset, please reach out to us.

Axess Group secures global contract with Altera Infrastructure

MOLDE, Norway, May 3, 2021 – Axess Group has signed an offshore support services contract with Altera Infrastructure, a leading global energy infrastructure services group.

The long-term global contract will see Axess provide offshore support services to FPSO assets located on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the Brazilian Continental Shelf, as well as other assets in the future. The scope of work includes planning and executing inspection services.

Altera Infrastructure is focused on the ownership and operation of critical infrastructure assets in offshore oil regions of the North Sea, Brazil and the East Coast of Canada. They own more than 50 offshore assets, including FPSOs, shuttle tankers and towing vessels.

Kristian Nelvik, OPS and BD Director of the QC department at Axess Group, said: “This contract is an important continuation of an already established collaboration between Altera Infrastructure and Axess in the fields of inspection, inspection technology and integrity services. We look forward to continuing this good cooperation in the years ahead.”

Axess Group wins major contract with leading international energy company

MOLDE, Norway, April 26, 2021 – Axess Group has signed yet another long-term global contract with a leading international energy company. The contract will see Axess provide a full suite of products and services for its offshore and onshore installations around the world.

From engineering solutions to products designed to enhance safety and efficiency, Axess will help the client enhance the integrity of its assets and meet its emission reduction targets, amongst others, in the coming years. This contract was a result of a long-standing global partnership in multiple regions in various capacities. Our successful track record in the industry has opened doors for us to form partnerships with major oil and gas operators to flawlessly execute projects and push the limits on possibilities.

Matthew Stanley, Country Manager of Canada at Axess Group said, “Our extensive experience and unquenchable thirst to create technology and service offerings that revolutionize the oil and gas industry has allowed us to develop unique solutions to meet its challenges and demands. Our bespoke solutions continue to modernize the industry and we are proud to continue assisting this client in the years ahead.”

Axess Singapore: Remote inspection improves efficiency

Client: Leading Solutions Provider
Industry: Oil & Gas
Asset: Large Accommodation Vessel
Location: Asia
Year: 2020/21

Challenge

The client required inspection of the pressure vessels on its Floating Accommodation Unit, prior to sailing. However, as it was set to sail from Asia to Namibia within just a few days, there was insufficient time for Axess’ Senior Engineer in Brazil to go onboard, since he had to serve a mandatory 14-day quarantine as part of COVID-19 regulations.

Solution

To circumvent this issue, Axess Singapore mobilised a local inspector at short notice and arranged for the Senior Engineer to conduct remote inspection from the office/his home. This was made possible due to Axess’ global presence.

“Despite the travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic, our ability to mobilise at short notice, while maintaining quality standards, further cements our position as a strategic partner to our customers, by helping them achieve their business objectives,” said Ricardo Freire, Operations Director of APAC at Axess Group.

A hands-free, voice-controlled wearable device was provided to the inspector to bring on board, for him to stream audiovisuals and collaborate with the Senior Engineer in real-time. The Senior Engineer then utilised his expertise to guide the inspector and successfully performed the remote inspection.

(Photo: Example of how the device is worn)

Results

By conducting the inspection remotely, Axess not only limited disruptions to our client’s operations, but also helped them achieve time and cost-efficiency. Moreover, avoiding the flight from Brazil to Asia contributed to Axess’ goal of reducing carbon emissions.

“Our remote survey solution is governed by Axess’ strong focus on Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ), thus ensuring the highest levels of safety, integrity and reliability,” Ricardo added. “We have a dedicated team of experts who are able to provide remote support to clients worldwide.”

Axess Group secures extension of frame agreement with Odfjell Drilling

Axess Group and Odfjell Drilling have signed an extension of the frame agreement held between the companies since 2016.

The long-term agreement will see Axess continue to conduct periodic surveys of lifting appliances and lifting gear on Odfjell Drilling’s offshore units.

Odfjell Drilling is an international drilling, well service and engineering company with operations in more than 20 countries. Since its foundation, Odfjell Drilling has demonstrated its ability to conduct successful drilling operations in some of the most demanding environments on the planet.

Knut Stefanussen, CCO of Axess Group, said, “Axess is delighted to continue this long–lasting partnership, supporting Odfjell in ensuring the integrity of their assets and equipment.”

Axess Group secures frame agreement with Lede

Axess Group has signed a frame agreement with Lede (formerly known as Skagerak Nett), a Norwegian electricity grid owner, to provide inspection services for equipment at its power grids in Norway.

The long-term agreement will see Axess conduct EOC inspection of lifting equipment, inspection of fall arrest and personal protection equipment, as well as inspection of lifesaving and electrical testing equipment.

Lede is one of Norway’s largest power grid owners. The company distributes electricity to over 207,000 customers in Vestfold, Telemark and Svelvik. They are responsible for maintaining a reliable and effective distribution grid that is a critical part of Norway’s infrastructure.

Knut Stefanussen, CCO in Axess Group, said, “We are grateful to have been trusted by Lede to assist in their important role in our community. The award is a testament to our competence and ability to meet quality standards. This contract is aligned with our strategic initiatives towards renewables and energy companies, and we look forward to working with Lede.”