Lewis, Grenland Form Well Intervention Alliance
by Grenland Group ASA
Friday, May 23, 2008
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Aberdeen-based subsea engineering consultancy Lewis Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Norwegian marine engineering giant Grenland Group ASA to create a groundbreaking non-exclusive strategic alliance. The alliance reportedly will benefit both partners and provide a unique and cost-effective one-stop shop for well intervention equipment.
The two companies bring together their experience in the oil and gas sector to provide the entire suite of products necessary for riserless and riser-based subsea well intervention. According to Grenland Group, all the operator has to do is provide a monohull or semisubmersible vessel.
The comprehensive package includes high-specification derricks and deck handling equipment such as skidding systems, craneage and winches from Grenland Group that complement Lewis' well intervention packages and control systems.
The formal alliance is expected to be finalized within six months. By pooling their expertise, the alliance partners aim to optimize both efficiency and effectiveness and offer enhanced safety and operational benefits.
In addition, Lewis and Grenland Group have developed a modular, integrated product that allows the operator to buy a low-cost basic riserless lubricator / derrick package for shallow water, and then upgrade to systems for deeper water or riser intervention at a later date. This maintains the value of the original investment rather than requiring early expenditure on high-cost systems, or later replacement of the original systems. This novel client-focused philosophy allows service companies to enter the field of low-cost riserless intervention without committing to their future capabilities from day one. It also allows service companies to develop their service offering in line with clients' expectations.
Grenland Group also stated that, by integrating such technically complex systems, the alliance's approach minimizes the number of interfaces that the client has to manage. This means operators do not need extensive technical knowledge prior to acquiring a riserless intervention vessel, and they still have the option to upgrade when required.
Lewis and Grenland Group have successfully worked together in the past, but the alliance means they will be able to offer a more streamlined and seamless service.
Lewis managing director Drummond Lawson said: "We have already had very positive feedback from potential clients about this exciting new alliance. As far as we know, combining intervention systems and derrick / handling systems is unique and has the potential to provide future clients with substantial benefits in terms of systems working fully integrated and ready for operations from day one."
Lawson highlighted the similarities in working philosophies and techniques between the two alliance partners - both have strong academically based engineering teams supported by experienced operational personnel - and said they will work well together as a team.
Lewis Ltd. is a young company that employs a host of personnel with extensive experience in subsea engineering and maintenance management. It has expertise in well control systems, pressure systems, subsea and electro-control hydraulics, surface control and surface handling systems as well as general interfacing solutions. It was recently granted the prestigious ISO 9001 accreditation for its quality management system. Earlier this year, the Aberdeen, Scotland-based company was acquired by Marine Subsea of Norway.
Grenland Group is a full-service engineering, procurement and construction company aiming to strengthen the business of its clients. Grenland Group has activities at 14 locations in Norway with a total of 1,150 employees. In addition, the company has engineering subsidiaries in Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur. Grenland Group had a turnover of approximately NOK 1.5 billion in 2007. It undertakes projects within design and engineering of new drillships and semisubmersibles, as well as modification and conversions of semisubmersibles, FSOs & FPSOs, shuttle tankers and other offshore and marine floaters.
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