The Terra Nova FPSO is expected to come in for a general maintenance turnaround at some point later this year, and operator Suncor Energy is looking at the turnaround as an opportunity to inspect the production vessel’s mooring chains. The chains are massive pieces, with each link weighing hundreds of pounds.
Sources have told The Telegram one chain on board needs replacing.
How long that work will take and exactly how it will be completed is still under consideration.
Lifeboat sims at Hibernia
The Hibernia platform now has a lifeboat simulation system, known as SurvivalQuest. The system is from Virtual Marine Technology and was installed only recently on the platform.
“Lifeboat simulator systems expose mariners to simulated harsh environments, equipment malfunctions and other situations and scenarios not possible to create during conventional training and drills,” said Capt. Anthony Patterson, president of Virtual Marine Technology, in a statement.
“Simulators allow lifeboat coxswains to develop enhanced competency through frequent practice of drills and ultimately to reduce the potential risk of injury to crew and damage to life-saving equipment in the event of an emergency situation.”
Irish oil conference
Ireland is looking to expand its offshore oil and gas activities, not unlike Newfoundland and Labrador.
The minister of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in Ireland has approved a seismic survey off the Irish coast, covering an area of about 18,000 square kilometres and Ireland’s Petrel Resources has claimed a find in that country’s South Porcupine basin.
The country has tapped resources — like the drill rig Eirik Raude — spotted here at one point in time.
For Noia conferencegoers, the Ireland Oil and Gas Summit is scheduled to run Sept. 10-11 in Dublin with “more about offshore activities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,” according to organizers.
Tow jobs with Merlin
Atlantic Towing Limited is adding another offshore supply vessel to its local fleet.
The Atlantic Merlin will be the company’s newest vessel and is expected to arrive early in 2014, according to a statement.
The vessel is coming from Jaya in Singapore, the producers of the Merlin’s sister ship the Atlantic Kestrel. That ship was christened in mid-January.
The arrival of the 85-metre-long Atlantic Merlin is expected to result in 24 crew jobs.
“The size and overall capability of this ship will enable Atlantic Towing to access new markets and continue to grow with our existing customers.” said Wayne Power, vice-president of Irving Transportation and Logistics. Irving is parent to Atlantic Towing.
‘Quest for Oil’
How do we connect more people with what is happening in the oil and gas industry? Maersk thinks games may hold the key.
“Most people take for granted that we have oil and natural gas and not many people understand what it takes to find and produce it,” says Jakob Thomasen, CEO of Maersk Oil, in a company statement about a new oil-hunt video game.
“New times calls for new measures, and we want to use the computer game to tell the story of an extremely innovative business, which the entire world depends on, in a new and engaging way,” said Claus Hemmingsen, CEO of Maersk Drilling.
Launched June 10, Quest for Oil can be downloaded free at www.questforoil.com.
Returning minister
Glen Sheppard is returning to the role of minister of Lands and Natural Resources for the Nunatsiavut government.
Sheppard, a member for Postville, served in the role from the spring 2011 to October 2012, before stepping down for what president Sarah Leo says were personal reasons.
He was sworn in as minister June 11.
Quality assurance
In a recent story regarding quality assurance contracts for the Lower Churchill project, reference was made to the independent engineer evaluating the project and its progress on behalf of the federal government. The position was created as an extension of the federal loan guarantee.
A spokesman for the federal Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that work has gone to MWH Canada Inc. — of MWH Global.
The Natural Resources Notebook
is compiled by reporter Ashley Fitzpatrick.
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