Offshore
Strengthening Security Offshore
By George Esson CBE, QPM, LL.B., Chairman, Ship and Port Security Division, Poseidon Maritime (UK) Ltd.
The oil and gas industry faces daily security-related threats that, though wide-ranging, are often dismissed as minor and inconsequential. However, such threats can and frequently do have significant long-term repercussions and visible weaknesses in practices and procedures may expose operators as soft targets for extremists. The possibility of a terrorist attack cannot be discounted and therefore cannot be ignored. Terrorist activity and the imminent fear of attack has had an unprecedented impact on society and the business economy and the oil and gas industry is no exception. No sector or service provider is immune from the threat. Offshore installations, tankers, pipelines, supply vessels and industry personnel are all at risk. Therefore, there is a clear necessity to bolster security and consider the issue as seriously as HSE in the workplace. The introduction of robust security planning and processes, including the need for full threat analysis, can dramatically reduce the possibility of terrorist or criminal activity. Unlike the maritime industry, which is legally obliged to follow the International Ship and Port
Facility Security (ISPS) Code, some international governing bodies and authorities have placed no formal requirements on offshore installations. One clear way of achieving this is through regular audits of security procedures and supporting processes, both on and offshore, to ensure they always remain fit for purpose. Having carried out such an audit, one major offshore oil company uncovered areas of serious concern including: � gaping holes in the supply chain security management of goods and equipment going both offshore and onshore � weaknesses in the security procedures governing the transfer of personnel to and from the installation � the inability to pinpoint the whereabouts of large quantities of high value and often large pieces of equipment Drills and exercises are essential to identify shortcomings and test a company's security plans, supporting processes and people, without the pressure and stress of a real, and possibly tragic, incident. However, evidence has come to light to suggest that some key post holders responsible for implementing and overseeing security measures have not received full training required. This could ultimately mean that any learning
outcomes gained from drills are failing to be maximised. Though front-line responsibility lies with the post holder, senior management and directors cannot hide from accountability if the worst case scenario was to happen. The threat of lengthy litigation and possible criminal charges such as manslaughter and corporate killing cannot be underestimated. In the face of public scrutiny, a company may also lose its reputation, which can have a significant impact on its future viability. Perhaps Occidental lost its social license to operate in the UK following the Piper Alpha disaster in the North Sea? There is a clear need to strengthen security measures and elevate its position and importance to that which is routinely applied to safety in the industry. While both issues share relatively common and complementary aims, safety processes, procedures and knowledge alone are not sufficient to address security issues. The budgetary implications of providing integrated or stand alone security measures cannot be short-changed, nor given low credence because 'nothing has happened'. With demand for oil and gas resources dramatically spiralling and the current political climate threatening operations
About the Author
George Esson, Chairman, PML - Ship and Port Security Division has had a long and distinguished Police career, which extended to 36 years, attaining the rank of Chief Constable. George graduated in law (LL.B) at Aberdeen University where he tutored as a part time member of the academic staff. He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal and the CBE for distinguished Police Service. www.poseidonuk.com
in hostile environments, it is generally accepted that the offshore oil and gas industry could be a target for extremists to infiltrate and attack. Unified action, clear guidelines and regular training exercises can go a long way to protect an organisation, its people, assets and as importantly, its reputation from those seeking to undermine its license to operate.
COSCO Diverts Ships for Domestic Use
COSCO Holdings Co has reportedly diverted ships for domestic coal transportation, according to a Reuters report. COSCO Holdings said on its website that it had shifted the vessels from its international fleet, and was using 34 vessels to transport coal along China's coast. They had shipped about 3 million tons of coal from the northern producing areas to the south.
production, 200,000 barrels of oil and 180 million cubic feet of gas a day, by the end of 2008, the company said. It also plans to begin production at Thunder Horse by the end of 2008. BP started pumping crude from the Greater Plutonio field off the Angolan coast in October and natural gas from two fields offshore Trinidad in November and December.
tract beginning by the end of April 2009. The daily charter rate is $53,500 less 3.75% commission. Golden Ocean Group on Monday also announced a ten year time charter contract for a Capsize tanker currently under construction at the Zhoushan Jinhaiwan Shipyard in China.
Oil Discovery in the North Sea
StatoilHydro Petroleum has concluded drilling of a development well with an exploration target, well 35/11-B-23-H in the Fram area. The well is located 10 km north of Troll. The licensees in the production licence will consider producing the discovery to the Fram field.
Superior Energy Appoints New Executives
Superior Energy Services, Inc. announced that Patrick Zuber has been appointed Executive Vice President, International Sales, and Charles Hardy has been named Executive Vice President, Marine Services. Zuber resides in Dubai. During the past 12 years he held various international business development positions at major oilfield service companies. He has also served in a range of management, business development, and engineering positions for both service and exploration and production companies over his career that spans more than 25 years.
He holds a petroleum and natural gas engineering degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (formerly Texas A&I University). Hardy has been with Superior since 2004, and most recently served as Vice President and General Manager, Marine Services. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hardy held various management and operational positions with a number of marine and oilfield service companies. Mr. Hardy has more than 30 years of industry experience.
BP Profits Soar
BP Plc reportedly posted a 53 percent jump in fourth-quarter profit as production rose, according to a Bloomberg report. Output rose for the first time since 2Q '05 because of new fields in Angola, Trinidad and the Gulf of Mexico. BP expects to raise extraction to more than 4 million BOE a day in 2009, which will rise to about 4.3 million barrels a day in 2012. BP in December started oil and gas exports from the Atlantis platform after a oneyear delay. Pumping will reach plateau
44
RSA Invests in Signal
The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) has become the largest investor in Signal International, with a $100m purchase of shares in the shipbuilding firm that will move its headquarters from Pascagoula, Miss., to RSA's new skyscraper in Mobile. Signal builds and repairs ships and offshore oil rigs. The firm employs about 3,000 people in Mobile, Pascagoula and in the Texas cities of Houston, Port Arthur and Orange.
Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
Golden Ocen Group Secures Timecharter
Golden Ocean Group secured a time charter contract for its Capesize vessel Channel Navigator. The 172,000 dwt vessel was fixed out on a five-year con-