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VIDEO: Ulstein, NOV Present Next Generation Offshore Vessel
In the following video, National Oilwell Varco (NOV) and ULSTEIN present what they describe as the “next generation of modern offshore vessels.”
According to the caption of the video published on Ulstein’s YouTube channel “this is the standard for future offshore construction.”
The vessel platform used is the ULSTEIN designed Deepwater Enabler.
The 160.0 m long Deepwater enabler is a Multi-purpose Offshore construction vessel of a highly flexible design that can, according to Ulstein, be customized to meet client’s specifications and requirements.
The construction vessel is designed for various offshore operations. With a simplistic customization process it can be used to install and maintain offshore wind turbines, as well as for flex-lay, well intervention and slim hole drilling operations for the offshore oil and gas industry.
If February this year, Toisa placed an order for a construction vessel of the Deepwater Enabler design. The vessel will be built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries.
See the video below:
USA: Eastern Shipbuilding Launches Harvey Deep‐Sea Vessel for Harvey Gulf
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. announces the launch of the HARVEY DEEP‐SEA, the fourth of its Tiger Shark Class Offshore Support Vessels being constructed for Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC of New Orleans, LA.
The HARVEY DEEP‐SEA was launched on Wednesday December 12th, 2012 after successfully completing all regulatory hull exams. The HARVEY DEEP‐SEA is Eastern’s second Construction Vessel (LCV) for Harvey Gulf. Eastern Shipbuilding Group has constructed 10 vessels for Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC since 2002.
The HARVEY DEEP SEA is an ABS A1, AMS, ACCU, Circle E, Enviro +, Green Passport (GP), NBLES, CRC, HELIDK Offshore Support Vessel and certified under SOLAS. ABS class includes the ABS DPS‐2 notation and FIFI 2. It is AC Diesel‐Electric powered with twin Schottel Z‐drives and it measures 302’ X 64’ X 24’‐6”. This Multi‐Purpose Construction Vessel (LCV), the HARVEY DEEP‐SEA, will be equipped with an active heave‐compensated, National Oilwell Varco 165‐ton knuckle boom crane capable of lifting/setting 100 tons at depths up to 10,000 ft. The HARVEY DEEP‐SEA is scheduled for final outfitting and delivery in the summer of 2013. This vessel will fill a niche in a very selective market.
At the 33rd annual 2012 International Workboat Show in New Orleans LA, Harvey Gulf International received the Outstanding Environmental Initiative Award. Harvey Gulf International has constructed a series of diesel electric OSV’s at Eastern Shipbuilding Group that meet ABS ENVIRO+, Green Passport (GP) notation requirements.
“These vessels exceed current environmental requirements and follow strict company policies, thus helping to further reduce air and water pollution. The vessels were also constructed with environmentally friendly materials that can be completely recycled or broken down without harm to the environment where possible” commented Bruce Buls, Workboat Magazine’s technical editor and one of the award judges.
Founded in 1955, Harvey Gulf International Marine is a marine transportation company that specializes in towing drilling rigs and providing offshore supply and multi‐purpose support vessels for deepwater operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Tens of thousands of man‐hours of labor were required to complete this stage of construction. At Wednesday’s launch hundreds of Bay County residents, workers, and their families gathered around to watch the christening and launch at Eastern’s Allanton Facility.
Brian R. D’Isernia, the President/CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, said Eastern has built over 300 ships using local workers and that has had an important economic impact on the local area.
“The construction of this vessel involved hiring citizens from Panama City, Bay County and Northwest Florida. America can do it. We’re doing it, and in doing so, we’re providing jobs for ourselves, members of our communities, and their families,” said D’Isernia.
On December 10, 2012 Eastern Shipbuilding Group was awarded the Governor’s Top Job Producer Award presented to Brian R. D’Isernia by Florida’s Governor Rick Scott. This award is given annually to the top job producers that are dedicated to Florida’s economic development and job creation efforts.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has two shipbuilding facilities in Panama City, Florida and has been in business since 1976 building, converting and repairing steel and aluminum vessels of all types including tugs, barges, offshore support vessels, research vessels, firefighting vessels, crew vessels, barges, ferries, passenger vessels, fishing vessels and towboats.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group is currently under contract to build fifteen (15) large Diesel Electric Offshore Supply Vessels of its “Tiger Shark” series for customers in the United States and in Brazil. These new contracts will maintain Eastern’s role as one of the largest manufacturers of OSV’s in the United States. In anticipation of upcoming manpower requirements the company has expanded its training programs. Eastern currently has over 1300 employees, and expects to have more than 300 new employees in all shipbuilding trades to fulfill future additional contracts.
Subsea World News – Eastern Shipbuilding Launches Harvey Deep‐Sea Vessel for Harvey Gulf, USA.
National Oilwell Varco Gives $905,000 to UH’s Subsea Engineering Program
left to right: UH Cullen College of Engineering Dean Joseph Tedesco, Charles N. Grichar, NOV senior vice president/technology development, Matthew Franchek, founding director of UH’s subsea engineering program.
November 6, 2012-Houston–
National Oilwell Varco (NOV) is giving $905,000 to the University of Houston’s subsea engineering program to further research initiatives and develop a computational laboratory.
NOV’s gift will be used to establish the National Oilwell Varco Computational Engineering Laboratory and to conduct contractual research for UH’s subsea engineering program and NOV.
The computational lab will be used to perform detailed computational calculations on complex subsea equipment that must operate under high-temperature and high-pressure oil and gas conditions that occur in ultra-deep subsea reserves.
The lab also will support the subsea engineering curriculum and students, enabling them to complete capstone design projects using the latest in computational subsea engineering tools.
Recently, UH received the state’s approval to offer the nation’s first subsea engineering graduate program, which will teach the scientific and technical skills necessary to create the first generation of formally trained subsea engineering specialists. UH already offers a certificate program in subsea engineering, which also is the only such program in the United States.
“NOV has made an important investment in UH’s efforts to build a premier graduate program in subsea engineering. We are grateful to NOV for recognizing the value of this ambitious energy initiative,” said Matthew Franchek, founding director of UH’s subsea program and a mechanical engineering professor.
“The subsea engineering graduate program is part of UH’s ongoing efforts to support the area’s energy sector,” Franchek said. “With NOV’s help, this program will produce students with the skills needed to overcome the unique challenges of deepwater exploration.”
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved UH’s proposal to provide a graduate subsea engineering program, which is expected to begin in fall 2013.
Formed in partnership with the world’s leading energy engineering companies, the master’s program will include classroom lectures and hands-on software education for subsea systems design. Recognized experts in the industry will teach the courses.
Offshore oil and gas reserves are increasingly important sources of energy. Some experts believe that billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas lie within federally controlled waters in the Gulf of Mexico alone. But these massive reserves lie underneath 10,000 feet of water, presenting unprecedented engineering challenges such as freezing temperatures, corrosive seawater and immense water pressure.
A subsea engineer is responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of the equipment, tools and infrastructure used in the underwater phase of the offshore oil and gas drilling and production.
Last year, UH began its subsea engineering certificate program in response to the oil industry’s increasing need for these skilled engineers. It was the first of its kind in the U.S. Subsea engineering typically has not been considered a distinct discipline in the U.S., but a number of universities abroad offer degree programs in the field.
The new subsea graduate program will dovetail into UH’s growing petroleum engineering program, which two years ago established an undergraduate degree program in addition to its graduate curriculum.
About the University of Houston
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city, UH serves more than 39,500 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country.
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National Oilwell Varco to Buy Robbins & Myers for USD 2.5 Bln (USA)
National Oilwell Varco, Inc. and Robbins & Myers have entered into an agreement under which National Oilwell Varco will acquire Robbins & Myers, Inc. (NYSE:RBN) in an all cash transaction that values Robbins & Myers at approximately $2.5 billion.
Under the agreement, Robbins & Myers’ shareholders will receive $60.00 per share in cash in return for each of the approximately 42.4 million shares outstanding (“the Transaction”.) The Boards of Directors of National Oilwell Varco and Robbins & Myers have unanimously approved the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of two-thirds of Robbins & Myers shareholders. Closing would be expected to occur in the fourth quarter of calendar 2012.
Robbins & Myers’ largest shareholder, M.H.M. & Co., Ltd, which owns approximately 10% of the outstanding common shares of Robbins & Myers (“Common Stock”) has agreed to vote its Common Stock in favor of the Transaction in accordance with the terms of a support agreement entered into in respect of the Transaction. The support agreement will terminate in the event the merger agreement is terminated in accordance with recommendation of the Board of Robbins & Myers.
Mr. Pete Miller, Chairman, President and CEO of National Oilwell Varco, remarked, “Robbins & Myers has many complementary products with those National Oilwell Varco currently offers the industry. I am particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of incorporating their downhole tools, pumps and valves into National Oilwell Varco Petroleum Services & Supplies and Distribution & Transmission segments. We feel that our combined manufacturing infrastructure and portfolios of technology will further advance our presence in the oil and gas markets we serve. We are extremely excited about this combination and look forward to welcoming a very talented group of employees into the National Oilwell Varco family.”
Mr. Pete Wallace, President and Chief Executive Officer of Robbins & Myers commented, “Robbins & Myers Board of Directors believes that the proposed transaction with National Oilwell Varco represents a compelling value for our shareholders. This transaction allows Robbins & Myers to join forces with an industry leader that will enable its business segments to fully capitalize on their respective strategies, enhance leadership positions in niche applications, and execute growth plans at a faster pace. We have worked hard to create a focused business with reduced complexity and a culture of continuous improvement, all based on improving customer productivity and profitability. This is the right time for this transaction and I believe National Oilwell Varco is the right partner to take us to the next level of performance.”
National Oilwell Varco is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of equipment and components used in oil and gas drilling and production operations, the provision of oilfield services, and supply chain integration services to the upstream oil and gas industry.
Robbins & Myers, Inc., headquartered in Houston, TX, is a leading supplier of engineered, application-critical equipment and systems for global energy, chemical and other industrial markets. The company provides products and services for upstream oil and gas markets, along with a portfolio of industrial process and flow control products. Robbins & Myers has 3,400 employees and operates in 15 countries.
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USA: Schlumberger, NOV Complete Wilson Transaction
Schlumberger Limited has completed the sale of its Wilson distribution business to National Oil well Varco, Inc.
Terms of the all-cash transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, were not disclosed.
Founded in 1921, Wilson is a leading distributor of pipe, valves and fittings as well as mill, tool and safety products and services to the international energy business and to other industrial customers. The company manages a distribution business of approximately 200 sales and operations locations across the United States with a growing presence in other key international geographies. Wilson employs approximately 2,500 employees as a standalone Schlumberger business unit.
National Oilwell Varco is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of equipment and components used in oil and gas drilling and production operations, the provision of oilfield services, and supply chain integration services to the upstream oil and gas industry.
Additionally, Schlumberger has committed to divest the remaining portion of its distribution business by agreeing to support NOV’s previously announced proposed acquisition of all outstanding shares of CE Franklin Ltd. for CAD$12.75 in cash per share. Schlumberger owns 9,729,582 common shares of CE Franklin, or approximately 56% of CE Franklin’s outstanding common shares.
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USA: NOV Posts Solid 1Q Results
National Oilwell Varco, Inc. today reported that for its first quarter ended March 31, 2012 it earned net income of $606 million, or $1.42 per fully diluted share, compared to fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011 net income of $574 million, or $1.35 per fully diluted share.
The first quarter 2012 results included transaction costs totaling $7 million pre-tax, and, excluding these, earnings were $612 million, or $1.44 per fully diluted share. Earnings per share improved 44 percent from the first quarter of 2011 and five percent from the fourth quarter of 2011, excluding transaction and devaluation charges from all periods.
Revenues for the first quarter of 2012 were $4.3 billion, an increase of one percent from the fourth quarter of 2011 and an increase of 37 percent from the first quarter of 2011. Operating profit for the quarter, excluding the transaction and devaluation charges, was $881 million, or 20.5 percent of sales. Sequentially, first quarter operating profit increased two percent, resulting in operating profit flow-through (change in operating profit divided by the change in revenue) of 48 percent, excluding transaction and devaluation charges. Year-over-year first quarter operating profit increased 40 percent, resulting in operating profit flow-through of 22 percent, excluding transaction and devaluation charges.
Capital equipment orders for the Company’s Rig Technology segment increased 15 percent sequentially to $1.91 billion during the first quarter, reflecting higher demand for drilling equipment for new build offshore rigs. At March 31, 2012 the segment’s backlog was $10.36 billion, up two percent from the end of the fourth quarter.
Pete Miller, Chairman, President and CEO of National Oilwell Varco, remarked, “Our Company got off to a good start in the first quarter of 2012, with strong results in all three segments. Our Petroleum Services & Supplies group performed exceptionally well, helped by high levels of oilfield activity which is spurring demand for all our products and services. National Oilwell Varco continues to provide critical, enabling technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of oil and gas operations around the globe. Our outlook for demand for our capital equipment is very strong and our expectations high for the remainder of the year. Overall, efficient execution of orders in our backlog, innovation in our leading technologies, commitment to great service, and, most importantly, the hard work of the best team in the industry, led to solid earnings again this quarter.”
National Oilwell Varco is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of equipment and components used in oil and gas drilling and production operations, the provision of oilfield services, and supply chain integration services to the upstream oil and gas industry.
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Schlumberger Announces Agreement to Sell Wilson International Inc.
HOUSTON, April 10, 2012—Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NYSE:NOV) to sell its Wilson distribution business. Schlumberger acquired Wilson International Inc. as part of the acquisition of Smith International in 2010. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
“Schlumberger’s global supply chain has benefited from Wilson’s best-in-class distribution practices and we look forward to working with Wilson in the future,” commented Paal Kibsgaard, Schlumberger Chief Executive Officer.
Founded in 1921, Wilson is a leading distributor of pipe, valves and fittings as well as mill, tool and safety products and services to the international energy business and to other industrial customers. The company manages a distribution business of approximately 200 sales and operations locations across the United States with a growing presence in other key international geographies. Wilson employs approximately 2,500 employees as a standalone Schlumberger business unit.
About Schlumberger
Schlumberger is the world’s leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Employing more than 113,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in approximately 85 countries, Schlumberger provides the industry’s widest range of products and services from exploration through production.
Schlumberger Limited has principal offices in Paris, Houston and The Hague, and reported revenues of $39.54 billion in 2011. For more information, visit www.slb.com.
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For further information, contact: Malcolm Theobald Vice President, Investor Relations Schlumberger Limited Tel: 1 713 375 3535 or Stephen WhittakerDirector, Corporate Communications
Phone: 33 1 4062 1308
investor-relations@slb.com
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- Schlumberger to Acquire Norway-Based SPT Group (mb50.wordpress.com)
Schlumberger to Acquire Norway-Based SPT Group
Schlumberger announced that it has entered into an agreement with Altor Fund II to acquire SPT Group—a privately owned software company specialized in dynamic modeling for the oil and gas industry.
The company provides a combination of software and consulting services for multiphase flow and reservoir engineering applications. Closing is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
“The dynamic modeling and reservoir optimization software of SPT Group will complement the existing Schlumberger production software portfolio,” said Tony Bowman, President, Schlumberger Information Solutions (SIS). “In combination with the Petrel* E&P software platform and other SIS technologies, this will enable customers to further optimize production from reservoir performance to processing facilities.”
“This is a great testament to our employees and a remarkable opportunity for the company,” commented Tom Even Mortensen, Chief Executive Officer of SPT Group. He continued, “Combining the skills, abilities, presence and technologies of the two companies will further increase the scale of our activities and enable continued delivery of products and services with the quality and pace the market demands.”
SPT Group Chairman and Altor Partner Reynir Indahl added, “We are proud to have developed a very successful company together with SPT Group management, and believe that Schlumberger will be a great home for SPT and its employees.”
SPT Group, founded in 1971, is headquartered in Norway and employs approximately 280 people in 11 countries worldwide. The company is a leader in dynamic modeling of multiphase flow and reservoir optimization through renowned software products and a global team of professional consultants. SPT Group has invested more than most comparable firms in developing cutting-edge technology. The company’s employees, global presence, close ties to industry research environments, and clear focus on customer needs have been important factors in its success.
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