the marine analyst

BMT Wins Two Saipem Projects

Mooring Integrity Monitoring

Riser Monitoring for Aasta Hansteen

Saipem has selected BMT to provide riser monitoring systems for the Lula Norte and Egina projects. Learn more on page 5.

BMT recognizes the importance of mooring line monitoring and spotlights the technologies available. Learn more on pages 3 and 5.

BMT will provide Subsea 7 with the riser monitoring system for the Aasta Hansteen spar offshore Norway. Read about this project on page 3.

Service for Kizomba TLPsBMT will be providing systems maintenance for two TLPs offshore Angola. Read more about the maintenance plan on the back cover.

Fall 2014 issue

A part of BMT in Energy and Environment

the marine analyst | Fall 2014 issue

President’s MessageTom Johnson

BMT Values

BMT Scientific Marine Services is growing as attested by the number of new faces listed in this newsletter. Because we are growing and introducing new folks to the company we thought it important to review our culture and values, so we held a Values and Culture Workshop that engaged the vast majority of staff. The following graphic summarizes how we behave as well as how we aspire to behave. I am challenging our employees to live these values, but I also ask our vendors and our clients to challenge us by pointing out when you see us adhering to these values and where you see we can improve. I look forward to hearing your reaction to this newsletter. Keep in touch!

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the marine analyst | Fall 2014 issue

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Mooring Integrity Monitoring in Today’s Market

The need for mooring integrity monitoring has come under the spotlight once again, mainly because the use of floating production systems in the offshore Oil and Gas industry has been predicted to grow at a significant rate between now and 2017 with a peak in the number of new builds expected to occur in 2016/2017.

However, the track record of mooring system performance across the globe contains an uncomfortably high number of failures. On average between 2001 and 2011, there were more than two mooring system failures per year. During this period nine were multiple line failures (OTC2013-24025-MS) and other mooring incidents resulted in riser failures and thus extended field shut down (OTC2013-24181). Based solely on these past experiences, there is a clear business case for effective mooring integrity monitoring.

Typical requirements for mooring integrity monitoring of permanently moored floating systems encompass the need to measure mooring line tension, and/or behavior, and to transmit this data to the facilities topside for display and archiving. Monitoring systems therefore need to be designed to withstand high structural loads as well as harsh sea-states for the design life of the facility. This is achieved through robust design, correct installation and periodic maintenance and servicing once in service.

Key considerations when selecting a system include:• Is the system is for a new-build

or a retrofit?• Is position or inclination

sufficient, or is a measurement of in-line tension required?

• Can the system be diver or ROV deployable or serviceable?

• Will data be transmitted wirelessly or through a hardwired connection?

• Where is the most practical location to place the sensors without compromising safety or the quality of the measurement?

Although there are numerous concepts, at present two main technologies are prevalent in the mooring monitoring market. The first technology uses inclinometers to measure the angle of the mooring line from which the mooring tension can be inferred from a look-up table or relationship derived from the mooring properties and catenary equations. Systems of this type are relatively cost effective.

However, some of the main drawbacks are that dynamic mooring line tensions are not reliable and the accuracy of the static tension is dependent on the quality of the mooring line model. Nevertheless, they are sufficient for mooring integrity purposes, i.e. to assess if the mooring is still there and behaving as it should. BMT has deployed systems of this type to monitor CALM Buoy and FPSO moorings offshore West Africa and in Brazil’s Tupi field.

The second technology is based on strain measurements to monitor mooring line loads through compression load cells, load/shear pins or through a local strain measurement. BMT has experience with all three types of sensors, with the latest offering being our in-house Subsea Strain Sensor Assembly (SSSA) design.

Early BMT systems consisted of in-line instrumented shackles, submerged compression load cells in the chain stoppers and shear pin load sensors, all of which were deployed on turret moored FPSOs. In terms of cost, compression loads cells, instrumented shackles, and load/shear pins are more expensive than the inclinometer based approach. However, they provide a more accurate measurement of tension. On the down side, they can be difficult and costly to service or retrofit to an existing facility. The strain measurement using an SSSA is the most costly method, but the added advantages here are that the individual sensors can be diver serviceable.

(Article continues on page 5)

by: Rizwan Sheikh, PhD C.Eng

the marine analyst | Fall 2014 issue

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Saipem has selected BMT Scientific Marine Services to supply the riser integrity monitoring systems for the Lula Norte and Lula Extremo Sul developments in the Santos Basin Pre-Salt Region, Brazil’s largest sedimentary basin, and the Total Egina development located 150 km off the coast of Nigeria.

Riser integrity monitoring systems measure bending moments and tensile forces in risers in order to provide end users with an understanding of the risers’ condition. Data from these systems are then used

to verify riser design models, ultimately leading to long-term developments in riser design.

The Lula Norte and Lula Extremo Sul projects and the Egina project will feature systems that incorporate BMT’s ROV-Serviceable Subsea Strain Sensor Assembly. This allows for continuous monitoring and data collection, preserving the absolute bending and tension measurement while a single sensor is removed and replaced.

These two projects are the latest additions to BMT’s extensive riser monitoring project portfolio.

Saipem Awards BMT Two Riser Monitoring Contracts

the marine analyst | Fall 2014 issue

Subsea 7 Selects BMT for Aasta Hansteen Riser Monitoring System

Subsea 7 has selected BMT Scientific Marine Services to supply the riser monitoring system for the Aasta Hansteen Spar, approximately 300 km off the coast of Norway.

The integrated system includes an innovative suite of ROV-deployed strain, motion and position

sensors to monitor steel catenary riser (SCR) response in the Touch Down Zone (TDZ). Data acquired by the riser monitoring system will be used to validate both the spar and SCR design.

The Aasta Hansteen Spar will be the world’s largest spar platform and the first of its kind on the

Norwegian continental shelf. Furthermore, the spar will be the first ever deepwater floating production platform (+1000m) installed in the harsh environment north of the Arctic circle to utilize SCRs.

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Mooring Line Monitoring (continued from page 3)

Recently, an updated industry guideline on mooring integrity has been drafted by Oil & Gas UK with the support of operators, contractors and vendors. This draft is now in its final stages and due for imminent release. The guideline reinforces how mooring integrity management through effective monitoring and data management can provide information to help detect

mooring line failure and assist with validation of mooring design strength and fatigue analyses.

With mooring integrity now under a renewed emphasis within the Oil & Gas industry, there exists a heightened need for a robust and cost effective mooring integrity monitoring solution for both new-build and existing installations. Indeed, this challenge represents

a clear market opportunity, where innovation through advances in sensor technology and value-added data analysis will no doubt be key success factors.

the marine analyst | Fall 2014 issue

BMT New Staff Additions

Valentin is a new Electronics Technician based in Escondido. He earned his Associate Degree in Computer & Electronic Engineering from ITT Technical Institute. He has worked at Datatronics as an Engineering Technician and prior to that was a Welder and Assembler at Greg’s Structural Steel Welding.

Craig joined BMT as a Draftsperson in Escondido. He has over 10 years experience in mechanical and machine operation and design, including drawings and equipment specs. He holds an Operator Certificate in AutoCAD 2009 2D/3D, is a Certified SolidWorks Associate, and received his Certificate of Achievement in Computer Aided Drafting & Design from Fresno City College.

Cheryl has joined BMT as Quality Assurance Specialist II. She completed an Associate’s degree as Electronics Technician at Azusa Pacific College, earned her Green Belt Certificate from Villanova University and also holds a lead auditor cert for ISO 9001. She has 16 years experience as a Quality Manager, Analyst and Specialist.

Isaac joined BMT as an Electrical Engineer, based in the BMT Asia Sdn Bhd office in Kuala Lumpur. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at University Science, Malaysia. He previously worked as a Test Development Engineer at National Instruments.

Sheila has joined the BMT team as an Accounts Payable Specialist based in our Escondido office. She has over 20 years of accounting experience, including most recently as a Staff Accountant for both PMI Supply in Vista, CA and Weiland Sliding Doors & Windows in Oceanside, CA.

Philip has joined BMT as a Mechnical Engineer based in Escondido. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University and is currently working toward a Master’s. He previously worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer at S&S Worldwide in Logan, Utah.

Jordan has joined BMT as Product Manager, based in Houston. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Ocean & Coastal Resources, followed by her Master’s in Marine Resources Management, both from Texas A&M. Her experience includes working as a Senior Oceanographer/Project Manager and an Environmental Engineer, for CSA, Worley Parsons, and Fugro GEOS.

Mike has joined BMT as Purchasing Coordinator based in Escondido. He has over 12 years experience in inventory and purchasing roles. He has worked at a number of industrial and manufacturing companies, more recently at MVTS Technologies in Carlsbad and Pacific Gas Turbine Center in San Diego.

Yahn has joined BMT as an Electrical Engineer based in Escondido. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Western Washington University. He previously worked as an intern at Global Energy Network Institute in San Diego where he did research work on America’s energy grid.

Janis joined BMT as a Test Engineer. He received an Associate’s in Automotive Technology from Ogre Technical School in Latvia and has further training in Machine Tool Technology, Electronics and Computer Networking. He previously worked at L-3 Communications as Senior Optical Engineer.

Valentin Aguilar

Craig Carrillo

Cheryl Black

Isaac Chia

Sheila Godfrey

Philip Honzik Jordan Krumm

Mike Cate

Yahn Gentry

Janis Golubeckis

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BMT Scientific Marine Services continues to grow rapidly to meet the demand of large projects and to better serve our clients. Please join us in welcoming these new members of staff who have joined us this year.

the marine analyst | Fall 2014 issue

A.J. joined BMT as a Mechanical Engineer in Escondido. He received his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University in NJ, followed by his Master’s Degree in Engineering Management/Project Management, also from Rowan. AJ previously worked as a Mechanical Engineer with Ocean Power Technologies in Langhorne, PA.

Robert has joined BMT as the Production Manager in Escondido. He spent 16 years in the Navy, where he participated in numerous continuing education courses and because a Leadership and Management instructor. His most recent experience includes working for GP Strategies in Escondido as Electrical Controls Production Manager.

Long joined BMT as an Electrical Engineer. He received his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Pacific Western University. He has over 20 years Engineer and Technician experience, having worked at Datron World Communication, NextWave Wireless, Remec Defense & Space, and Anacomp.

Chuck has joined BMT as an Embedded Software Developer. He received his Bachelor’s in Computer Science from National University and attended Mesa College for his degree in Electronics Technology. He has over 20 years experience in senior software engineering roles with companies like SBS Technologies, QualComm and Datron.

Andy joined BMT as an Electrical Engineer based in Escondido. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from San Diego State University. He has over 20 years’ experience in positions ranging from a Senior Engineering Technician to an Engineering-Design Associate.

Ray has joined BMT as Sales Manager for Offshore Oil and Gas - Europe/Africa. He will support Louise Ledgard in coordination of sales activities in the region. He earned a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering and has previously worked in business development positions at Ashtead Technology and Fugro Structural Monitoring.

Lon joined BMT as an Electro-Mechanical Engineer based in Escondido. He is currently attending San Diego State University to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. He previously worked with BMT on a contract basis and we are pleased that he has now joined the team as a full-time employee.

Danielle joined BMT as the Office Manager/Receptionist for our Escondido office. She attended Palomar Colleage and is currently attending National University to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services. She previously worked as an Administrative Assistant at Mental Health Systems - Escondido and at McAlister Institute.

Mark joined BMT as an Electronics Technician. He was in the advanced electronics program in the U.S. Navy, having attended Electronics Warfare “A” School and Basic Electronics and Electricity. Mark previously worked as a Service Technician at CareFusion in San Diego, and has over 20 years’ experience in other technical and engineering roles.

Kadir joined BMT as a Mechanical Engineer based in Escondido. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University. Following numerous Research and Teaching Associate roles, he worked at SKS Engineering as a Project Engineer and has worked for ITRON as an Energy Surveyor.

Brook is a Project Engineer based in Escondido. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Design Technology from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. He previously worked for SeaBotix Inc in San Diego as a Mechanical Team Leader/Mechanical Design Engineer.

Rusty has joined BMT as a Mechanical Drafter working in our Houston office. He received his Associate’s in Design Drafting, from Central College in McPherson, KS. He has over 24 years of experience working as a CAD Operator/Designer, including previous work for 2H Offshore as a CAD Designer for Subsea Risers.

A.J. Woodburn

Robert Pagan

Long Nguyen

Chuck Osterlind

Andy Miller

Ray McGlynnLon Leonard

Danielle Rubino Mark Smith

Kadir Toksoy

Brook Wilson

Charles “Rusty” Webb

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955 Borra Place, Suite 100Escondido, CA 92029

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BMT to Provide Maintenance for Kizomba TLPs

BMT Scientific Marine Services has been selected by Esso Angola to provide maintenance services for systems installed on the two Kizomba Tension Leg Platforms (TLP) offshore Angola.

BMT previously installed integrated marine monitoring systems (IMMS) on the TLP and Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) facilities on both developments, as well as subsea riser tension monitoring systems. This contract allows BMT to provide servicing and maintenance on system instrumentation exposed to offshore conditions and ensure continued function and accurate data.

BMT’s Client Support Services plan will include twice-yearly service visits with calibration checks, software maintenance and updates, and remote technical support.

BMT provides innovative IMMS for a wide range of floating offshore oil facilities including the associated subsea risers and mooring systems.