Rig preparation for Saudi Aramco in the Middle East

Client: Global offshore drilling contractor
Industry: Drilling
Asset: Jackup rig
Location: ASRY, Bahrain
Year: 2023

Challenge

The client required one of its rigs to be prepared before handing it over to Saudi Aramco as part of a new contract.

Axess Middle East was contracted to ensure that the asset is in optimal working condition, meeting safety, regulatory and Saudi Aramco’s standards.

Solution

A comprehensive scope of work was carried out at the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) in Bahrain, including complex rigging such as the installation of travelling block and top drive, commissioning of critical equipment like the crane engine, as well as essential mechanical and electrical works.

Given the demanding timeline and the need for a wide range of skills, personnel from our global offices in the region, namely, KSA, UAE, India and Singapore, were mobilised to work on this project.

(Photo: Personnel carrying out top drive replacement)

Results

The team worked tirelessly to carry out the project smoothly within the tight window. Over 8,500 man-hours were dedicated to the project without any Lost Time Injuries (LTI).

“We are happy to have exceeded the client’s expectations in terms of mobilisation and execution speed. This project has demonstrated our shipyard capabilities. Our two-decade partnership has seen us support the client in various locations worldwide. With our strategic presence in the UAE and KSA, we look forward to continued collaboration,” Ravi Mishra, Regional Manager – Middle East at Axess Group said.

Crane delivery to Hydro Husnes

MOLDE, Norway, September 12, 2023 – Axess Technologies will be delivering three 15T service cranes to Hydro Husnes, formerly known as Sør-Norge Aluminium AS (Søral), in Norway.

All cranes will be equipped with the latest technologies, including anti-skewing control, soft start, and pick-up. They will be fully operational by Q2 2024.

Having 3 layers of electrical insulation, hook, trolley and crane level, each crane has a capacity of 15T, with a speed of 0-9m/min for hoisting, 0-45m/min for crane travelling and 0-30m/min for cross travel.

The cranes are intended to facilitate the operation of an anode jacking frame during the aluminium production process.

Rune Vabø, Sales Director at Axess Technologies, said, “We are thrilled to be able to support Hydro in another project, and to leverage our product expertise from other industries to the aluminium industry. These crane deliveries provide an excellent opportunity to acquire valuable experience in this specialised market.”

Hydro Husnes is the fourth-largest aluminium producer in Norway, measured by annual production capacity.

Axess Group strengthens presence in Taiwan with a new General Manager

MOLDE, Norway, September 5, 2023 – Axess Group is strengthening its presence in Taiwan with Michael Wang as the new General Manager. With over a decade of experience in offshore wind development in Taiwan, Michael has a deep understanding of the local landscape and a demonstrated record of accomplishments. These qualities make him the ideal candidate to spearhead the company’s endeavours in the region.

Michael’s leadership will further elevate efforts to serve the wind industry with solutions such as asset integrity management, material handling, BOP inspections and QA/QC inspections. In addition, the entity will supply products such as winches and custom lifting equipment.

Michael Wang, General Manager – Taiwan at Axess Group, said, “Taiwan’s energy market is rapidly changing and it is one of the leading offshore wind markets outside Europe. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my expertise and experiences gained over the years to the team, fostering mutual growth and success in the region.”

Fergus Murray, Vice President – APME at Axess Group, said “We are really pleased to have Michael on the team. His extensive experience with offshore wind developers will complement our growing renewables team within the region. Michael’s leadership will play a pivotal role in our expansion efforts in Taiwan and East Asia, which is in line with our sustainable energy strategy. I wish him all the best in the new role.”

(Photo: Fergus Murray (left) with Michael Wang (right) at the Taipei office)

605T load test of a BOP crane

Client: International offshore drilling contractor
Industry: Drilling
Asset: Semi-submersible rig
Location: Norway
Year: 2023

Challenge

Load testing of all lifting equipment onboard the drilling rig was required as part of its 5-yearly inspections. Ensuring that all lifting equipment is functioning as intended is critical for the safety of personnel and equipment onboard.

Of all the load tests carried out, including a 165T load test of an X-mas Tree crane and 110T load test of deck cranes, the most challenging was the 605T load test of a blowout preventer (BOP) crane. To put this in perspective, the weight is equivalent to lifting 300 Tesla Model Y or 120 fully-grown African elephants.

Solution

The 605T load test was carried out with water bags, shackles, load cells and water hoses.

As a Work Leader, Roger Eidem has performed several load tests throughout his career at Axess, and this was the most significant project he has been involved in.

“The biggest challenge for this test was the limited space in the moonpool area. Successfully arranging a test of this scale in such a confined space requires experience, ingenuity, and meticulous planning. Filling the water bags alone took about a day. I am proud to be part of a team which possesses the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to execute this test safely and effectively,” Roger Eidem, Work Leader at Axess Group said.

(Photo: Rigging of water bags in the moonpool)

Results

The project was safely completed within time and budget as a result of good cooperation with the rig personnel and the equipment supplier. Mobilising a multi-skilled team enabled Axess to execute multiple scopes of work in addition to the load tests. The consolidation of tasks reduced mobilisations, resulting in cost savings and decreased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Odd Øyvind Fjørtoft, Operations Manager, AIM at Axess Group, said, “Given the limited space and associated risks involved in the load test of this scale, thorough planning was crucial. To keep costs to a minimum, we worked closely with the rig personnel and equipment supplier to minimise the rental duration since rental costs were significant due to the size of the equipment.”

Axess signs JV agreement with Gainde Marine Offshore in Senegal

MOLDE, Norway, August 8, 2023 – Axess Senegal S.A.S.U. has signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with Gainde Marine Offshore, to establish Axess Gainde SN JV SAS (AGSAS).

As the leading global provider of integrity and engineering solutions to the energy industry, Axess expanded its operations to Senegal in 2022, to better serve existing clients and forge new partnerships. Forming a JV with a local Senegalese company will allow Axess Senegal to meet the needs of the expanding market.

Combining Axess’ decades-long experience in the energy industry, and Gainde Marine Offshore’s local knowledge and expertise, the new entity will be focused on servicing the offshore Oil and Gas market in the MSGBC region.

Neil Holtshausen, BD Manager – Senegal at Axess Group, said, “Local content development is of great importance to us as it further diversifies our talent pool and contributes to the economic growth of the countries we are present in. By forging strategic partnerships with local companies, we aim to improve onsite training, enhance skillsets, and drive innovation in the creation of new products and services. This collaborative approach empowers us to deliver tailored services that cater to our clients’ needs while simultaneously cultivating career pathways for local personnel.”

Established in 2022, Gainde Marine Offshore is an integrated marine services provider, providing services including vessel chartering and brokerage, customs clearances, personnel logistics, and storage, to international clients.

Jules Y. Diop, Co-Founder and President of Gainde Marine Offshore, said, “Senegalese oil and gas is a young sector but the attractiveness of the country for business is evident. We have a strong, stable political scene and have never experienced war. Gainde Marine offers a no-fret solution for fresh and established players in the country’s emerging mega-industry.”

(Photo: Jules Y. Diop (left) with Neil Holtshausen (right))

Drone inspection of a semi-submersible rig

Client: International drilling company
Industry: Drilling
Asset: Semi-submersible rig
Location: Norway
Year: 2023

Challenge

The client required an inspection of its semi-submersible rig, as part of a Special Periodical Survey (SPS) conducted every 5 years.

The focus area was the fairleads along the vessel sides and welded connections from columns to deck box.

Solution

Axess’ team in Norway conducted a drone inspection of the rig. The drone utilised a camera equipped with excellent optical zoom capabilities, allowing inspections to be conducted from a distance without compromising data quality. This provided the team with an opportunity to manoeuvre the drone across a broad area, enabling them to capture the best inspection data from a wide range of angles.

Class surveyors joined the team for the inspection, ensuring that all inspection data and results adhere to their rigorous standards.

(Photo: Axess’ drone pilot inspecting the rig)

Results

The use of a drone improved safety by minimising the risks associated with working at height. Additionally, the drone covered a large area in less time, maximising efficiency and reducing overall project costs. Furthermore, as a drone inspection requires fewer resources, the expenses related to equipment, scaffolding and labour are reduced.

The project was successfully completed with high satisfaction from both the client and class surveyors.

“We are happy to have supported the client in this project. Our team of highly-skilled drone pilots and inspectors efficiently handle all aspects of inspections, from planning and precise execution to thorough evaluation. With our equipment and dedicated personnel, we are always prepared to respond promptly to any situation,” Fredrik Crowo, Technical Lead / Operational Manager RPAS at Axess Group said.

Top drive change out on drilling rig

Client: Offshore drilling contractor
Industry: Drilling
Asset: Semi-submersible rig
Location: Australia
Year: 2023

Challenge

Top drives play a vital role in contemporary drilling machinery by delivering reliable and efficient power needed to rotate the drill string during drilling operations. In response to a damaged gearbox in the old top drive system (TDS), the client requested a replacement.

The process of changing out a top drive is a multifaceted operation that entails the careful removal and replacement of the existing unit, meticulous planning, coordination, and execution in collaboration with the drilling crew, usually in a short timeframe.

Solution

After the old top drive was disconnected and removed, the replacement top drive was lifted and positioned against the dolly track. Once new service loops, adaptor links, S pipes and tie rods were installed, the top drive was raised and connected to the arms of the block dolly. A laser alignment check was performed to ensure proper alignment with the well centre.

(Photo: Removal of dolly arms’ bodura bolts)

Results

The top drive replacement operation was completed safely within the stipulated time. To maximise their time onboard and to add value to the client, the multi-skilled team also completed other pressing tasks that the client required.

“The successful top drive replacement was the result of meticulous planning, exceptional communication and teamwork. All safety procedures were followed, including undertaking thorough safe job assessments, and implementing the necessary controls to minimise potential hazards. The work was performed in accordance with the lifting plan and carried out in a step-by-step manner,” Jacob Tham, Technical Manager at Axess Group said.

(Photo: Checking for alignment of top drive and dolly track)

Establishment of Axess Industries

MOLDE, Norway, July 4, 2023 – Axess Group has expanded its business with the establishment of Axess Industries AS, a turnkey provider of material handling products, service and maintenance to the onshore market in Norway. The company will be headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

Axess Industries offers off-the-shelf lifting equipment as well as fully automated and custom-made cranes, along with service and maintenance capabilities for the entire equipment range, independent of the original equipment manufacturer. The company has the required competence, tools, equipment and facilities to effectively fulfil all lifting and material handling needs in the onshore market.

This expansion represents a significant milestone in Axess Group’s growth strategy and its unwavering commitment to providing excellent service, maintenance, and delivery of lifting equipment.

Rune Vabø, Managing Director at Axess Industries, said, “With an impressive track record of experience within lifting and material handling, we have amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise to cater to the specific requirements of our onshore clients. We are well-positioned to leverage our solid foundation and enhance our capacity and capabilities to serve clients in various segments, including advanced metal industries, incinerator plants, shipyards, workshops, fabrication units and power plants.”

Rune formerly held the position of Senior Advisor at Axess Technologies, after accumulating over 40 years of experience in the sale of cranes and material handling equipment.

slide-1

slide-2

slide-3

(Photo: Examples of products)

Axess Technologies signs frame agreement with Golar LNG

MOLDE, Norway, June 14, 2023 – Axess Technologies AS has won a long-term framework agreement with Golar LNG, a prominent player in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry.

The scope of work includes the delivery of service and modification work on cranes and material handling equipment onboard FLNG Hilli Episeyo, as well as the provision of technical advisory services to Golar LNG on crane and lifting equipment matters.

The agreement between the two companies is the culmination of their long-standing collaboration, which included a modification project onboard FLNG Hilli Episeyo. Notably, Axess Technologies has assumed the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) responsibility and executed a major upgrade of the 45T knuckle boom offshore deck crane.

The modification consisted of several elements, including the redesign and rebuild of the crane’s hydraulic system. This involved the delivery of a completely new machinery room which included an electrically-driven hydraulic power unit (HPU), hydraulic system, and mechanical and electric components. Additionally, a crane control system was delivered and installed, along with all necessary hardware and software components for Atex Zone 1. Finally, all major components of the crane were upgraded to ensure stable operational conditions and extend its operational life.

(Photo: Upgraded 45T knuckle boom crane)

Andreas Tautra Vegsund, BD Manager – Service & Modifications at Axess Technologies, said, “The complexity in the delivery and the quality of the work delivered on this project makes me very proud of our team. We are looking forward to maintaining our strong relationship with Golar LNG and working closely together to deliver the best operational solutions in the years ahead. I am extremely proud of our project and service teams, who are dedicated to delivering the highest standards in HSE and quality across all disciplines.”

Ole Rekdal, Project Manager at Axess Technologies, added, “It has been very inspirational working closely together with a professional partner like Golar on finding the right solutions and solving the logistical challenges in such a project. We look forward to continuing to do so in the future.”

This agreement includes a Master Services Agreement (MSA) between Golar LNG and Axess Group, enabling the Group to provide its full suite of solutions to support Golar LNG’s ongoing global operations.

As one of the industry’s most innovative developers of floating terminals, Golar LNG has produced more LNG from a floating facility than any other operator. Located offshore Cameroon, FLNG Hilli Episeyo is the world’s first FLNG conversion which commenced operations in 2017.

Axess Group secures long-term wind contract with Nordex

MOLDE, Norway, June 8, 2023 – Axess Group has secured a long-term contract with Nordex, one of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers.

The contract involves the provision of statutory inspection services on wind turbine generators at the Midtfjellet and Øyfjellet wind farms in Norway, which have been installed and maintained by Nordex. While ensuring safe and efficient operations, Axess is also contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and the shift towards a low-carbon economy.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with Nordex. This contract is in line with our aspiration to broaden our activities within the renewable energy sector. We are committed to providing high-quality services to help our partners maximise the lifespan of their wind turbine generators,” Rune Jacobsen, Sales Director, AIM at Axess Group said.

The Midtfjellet Wind Park contains 55 wind turbines, which collectively produce around 433.7 GWh annually, sufficient energy for all of Sunnhordland. The Øyfjellet Wind Park is the biggest wind farm in Norway, with 72 turbines producing approximately 1,320 GWh annually, enough energy for 73% of those who live in Nordland.

Mark McCloat, Director of Service – Nordic Region and MD of Norway at Nordex Group, said, ”Safety of our colleagues is the number one priority for Nordex Group and Nordex Norway AS are happy to continue the partnership with Axess Group by entrusting them with the responsibility for statutory inspection of the safety equipment on the Midtfjellet and Oyfjellet windfarms for the coming years. Axess have shown their competency through the competitive tender process and having a local Norwegian supplier for these, and other services are of great benefit to Nordex Norway AS and the wind industry in Norway.”

Founded in 1985, Nordex Group is one of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers, offering highly-efficient and competitive wind turbine systems, enabling long-term economical power generation from wind energy in all geographical and climatic conditions.