Oil and gas

Due to global economic and political developments, and natural disasters, the prices of oil and gas have increased significantly. Energy companies have set up major investment programmes in the search for new reserves. Easily accessible sources are already in production and so this search is focused on less accessible areas, such as the polar regions and deep oceans.

IHC Merwede has been responding to these developments with a major expansion of its offshore activities. It has built up a respected position in the market as a supplier of advanced equipment and complex integrated offshore vessels.

Positive outlook

The offshore market is picking up. In this positive trend, the Brazil pre-salt oil fields development is playing a significant role, but the offshore oil and gas markets are also developing elsewhere in the world.

For example, more than 250 offshore construction and decommissioning projects were completed worldwide in 2011. Global E&P capex budgets of $544billion increased by 16% in 2011, compared to $458billion in 2010. Exploratory drilling for the year has provided a total of 131 discoveries – an increase of ten compared to the previous year. These factors have ensured solid growth for the offshore construction market.

Safety and regulations

After major oil spills in recent years, regulations have become even more stringent than before. This has consequences for all parties involved in the oil and gas industry. As a reliable supplier of offshore solutions, IHC Merwede is well aware of how its customers have to comply with legislation. Due to its vast experience in this field, IHC Merwede has become an authority on this area of the business, and can advise on the best and safest solutions to meet specific regulations.

Research and development

The IHC Offshore Technology Institute (OTI) carries out an offshore-focused research programme for IHC Merwede. It provides innovative solutions, concept development, high-level multi-disciplinary simulations and in-depth market research. Its main areas of expertise are pipelay, cablelay, trenching, diving support, offshore construction, well intervention and renewables.

IHC OTI also specialises in Arctic and deep-water environments, and feasibility studies. It can be consulted on a wide range of services, from technology to process, and from product to market.

Keeping in close contact with IHC Merwede’s customers allows IHC OTI to observe trends and discover potential requirements at the earliest opportunity. It explores new areas, such as design consequences for working in Arctic conditions and at extreme water depths, and new developments in oil and gas field development and IRM (inspection, repair and maintenance).