Brazil president signs law authorizing offshore wind development
A statement released late Friday said that Brazilian President Luiz inacio Lula da Silveira had signed into law the bill authorizing offshore wind farms. The move was made to improve the energy security of the country and spur a wave investment. In a statement, it was stated that the new law provides incentives for the development offshore energy projects within Brazilian territorial waters. The wind speed offshore is usually faster and more stable than the wind speed on land. This could be an advantage over wind farms constructed on a continent.
Global Marine Group Extends UK Footprint
Offshore engineering services provider Global Marine Group (GMG) has expanded its operations base in the United Kingdom to include the Port of Blyth, Northumberland. Blyth, a modern, well-specified port, has emerged as a major support base for U.K. offshore energy projects. Operating from the Port of Blyth, both of GMG’s two business units, CWind, which provides services to the offshore wind industry, and Global Marine, which provides fiber optic cable solutions to multiple sectors, will be able to offer regionally-focused support, resulting in faster mobilization, greater flexibility and enhanced response times for customers.
OI 2016 Preview: Hydrography, Geophysics & Geotechnics
Hydrography, geophysics and geotechnics lie at the heart of Oceanology International, the world’s largest marine science and ocean technology exhibition and conference, (ExCeL London, UK 15-17 March), and this year’s conference session at OI 2016 shows just how relevant the topics continue to be. “This year’s Hydrography, Geophysics and Geotechnics session will be split into two themes,” explains Chairman Andy Hill, Marine Geohazard Technical Authority, BP exploration and a long-time OI supporter, who shares the role with Richard Salisbury, Director, Fugro and Ken Games, Geophysical Director, Gardline Geosurvey.
Van Oord, Falck Ink Safety Training Deal
Van Oord has signed a two year contract with Falck Safety Services for the provision of safety training. Van Oord, a contractor for dredging, marine engineering and offshore energy projects, including oil, gas and wind, said it has invested in a trainee program for its employees for many years. The new contract will see Falck provide Van Oord with the majority of necessary safety training. Alongside safety training for the offshore, maritime and wind industries, Falck also offers occupational health and safety training (Falck BHV) in the Netherlands.
EnerMech Looking Long-Term In Norway
As the price of energy continues to fall and talk turns toward pulling the plug on select offshore energy projects, mechanical engineering company EnerMech seems to be bucking the trend in Norway, announcing plans to boost its workforce by more than 20% in the coming year, expanding its offering in Stavanger and Bergen from 60 to 75 staff, with additional plans to invest more than $4m in new equipment. Based in Aberdeen, EnerMech provides integrated service to the oil and gas sector, including cranes and lifting, process, pipeline and umbilicals (PPU), hydraulics and equipment hire.
Van Oord Cable-layer Launched by Damen
Van Oord’s new DP2 cable-laying vessel, Nexus, was officially launched at Damen Shipyards Galati on June 30. The 123 m multipurpose vessel will be deployed installing electricity cables for offshore wind farms. The international contractor for dredging, marine engineering and offshore energy projects has made the investment in this vessel to pursue its strategy to offer Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts to offshore wind farm developers. With a beam of 28 m and a dynamic positioning system (DP2), the Van Oord vessel will be equipped with a cable carouse able to carry more than 5…
