Latest Specialist Services article feature in OGN – Oil & Gas News

Innovation helps Specialist Services lead through challenging times

With a proactive approach, throughout these challenging times, Specialist Services has been continuously working on innovative solutions that maximise efficiency for our clients, while optimising costs, as clients are hugely price conscious in these uncertain times.

Ian Rogers, CEO, and Chris Ridley, Group Sales and Marketing Director, speak to OGN about the changes in demand in the Oil & Gas industry and the company’s proactive and innovative approach in addressing these changes to better serve our clients. They also discuss about the Specialist Services’ forward-thinking approach in addressing the increasing demands for specific products in other industries, such security and defence, renewables, vessels and others.

Within this ADNOC Review issue of OGN, Chris Ridley also talks about Specialist Services’ long-term call-off contract with ADNOC Offshore for all accommodation upgrades and refurbishment works for a period of five years.

While continuing our development and expansion in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, we have recently completed also the acquisition of rental assets from HB Rentals outside the Americas, which include offshore accommodation modules and Zone rated office modules. Leading through challenging times, we have no plans to slow down, as further growth and expansion strategies are already underway.

Find out more in the feature article available online.

Modular Building Refurbishment for ExLog

Specialist Services successfully completed the Refurbishment works of a 27ft modular building for ExLog

In October 2019, ExLog awarded Specialist Services the Refurbishment works for one of their 27ft modular buildings manufactured in 1998.

Client: ExLog
End User: ExLog
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Project Completion: January 2020

Project requirements

In August 2019, ExLog sent a requirement to Specialist Services for refurbishment works of a 27ft Zone II certified modular building and then awarded the project in October 2019, with a project timeline of 10 weeks. The unit was manufactured in 1998 by Labtech Services Limited in the UK, a Specialist Services Group Company since 2011.

The full scope of work was determined following a visual survey of the unit by a Specialist Services Engineer, which included the following:

  • Full external blasting and painting
  • Supply and installation of new logos
  • Supply and replacement of A60 door lock, door hinges and seal
  • Supply and installation of door closer
  • Repairs of B15 door and replacement of gasket
  • Repairs of Sink and cleaning of rested area
  • Supply and installation of window glass and repairs of frame
  • Replacement of emergency door lock and handle
  • Cleaning of emergency door rested area
  • Supply and replacement of drawer locks
  • Painting of metallic rusted drawers
  • MPI to be carried out by a third party along with inspection
  • Sling recertification
  • Replacement of MCT blocks
  • Complete testing of electrical and pressurisation system
  • Complete servicing of A/C system

Solution

Following the cabin delivery at the Specialist Services yard, after systems’ power on, a number of other required repairs have been identified. These included the failure of various A/C system components, fire & gas detection devices, and other areas. In addition, during the blasting and painting process, we identified further structural issues, which resulted in the required replacement of the A60 main door and emergency escape hatch.

Within the tight timeline, we worked closely with the Client for the additional works requirements, sourcing all additional material, and delivering the refurbished unit within the agreed deadline. The project has been completed in line with all the requirements and specifications.

Conclusion

The Client was very satisfied with the quality of our Refurbishment works, and with our project management skills used in the completion of all additional replacements and repairs without any delays. As a result, ExLog extended the order to carry out a variety of refurbishment works on four modular buildings. The refurbished unit is now being used by ExLog in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Labtech offers enhanced refurbishment services from new premises in Dyce

In response to improving market conditions in the Oil & Gas Industry and following an increasing demand for Modular Buildings rental and support services, Labtech Services Limited has relocated its facilities in Aberdeen, with enhanced refurbishment services.

“This change marks another important milestone at Labtech and Specialist Services Group. The currently improving market conditions in the industry are reflected in an increased demand for modular building rentals, service, maintenance and refurbishment works, as well as new builds. During the past two years, Labtech has been focused mainly on providing Modular Hire units for rental and service works, and in response to increased demands has now relocated to a larger facility in Aberdeen, from where we can offer enhanced refurbishment services to our clients,” said Ian Rogers, Chief Executive Officer at Specialist Services Group.

The new facility is located in The Bond Building on Howemoss Drive, Kirkhill Industrial Estate, Dyce, and includes office space for the Labtech team, a workshop and a yard for our Modular Hire fleet storage, refurbishment, recertification and modification works.

  

“We already have the highest specification and newest Office Module fleet available anywhere in Europe and to support the increased demand we are experiencing for our Modular Hire units, we are expanding our fleet in Aberdeen, including our fully ABS compliant FLEX 33 Accommodation Modules. Our Modular Hire fleet, along with our service capabilities covering HVAC, F-GAS, ATEX and IECEx recertification, will now also be complemented by refurbishment works, which represents an exciting next step in Labtech’s development. In addition, Labtech will continue to deliver new build solutions to our client base manufactured at our Group facility in Dubai, ensuring internationally compliant products at commercially competitive costs,” said Chris Ridley, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Specialist Services Group.

The facility relocation will bring significant benefits to Labtech and Specialist Services Group by providing sought after Modular Hire units at competitive rates for immediate delivery, responsive call out service and maintenance works, and also refurbishment works.

Visit our Contact page for Labtech new location and contact details.

Reinstatement and Modification of Portable Accommodation Modules for Sea Trucks Group

Reinstatement and Modification of Portable Accommodation Modules for Sea Trucks Group

In November 2016, Sea Trucks Group (STG) awarded Specialist Services the contract for the reinstatement and modification of the Accommodation Modules built for STG in 2014, to form a block 11 modules wide and 4 modules high.

Project: Reinstatement and Modification of Portable Accommodation Modules
Client: Sea Trucks Group
End User: INPEX
Location: Australian waters, 890km West of Darwin
Project Completion: 15th May 2017

Project requirements

Sea Trucks Group required reinstatement and modification works on the Accommodation Modules that Specialist Services manufactured and delivered to them in 2014. We have been awarded this reinstatement and modification job based on the excellent work we did on the 2014 project with a fast track execution, including a production schedule of all 48 modules reduced to 16 weeks. The new Accommodation Block was required to be modified in order to provide Accommodation, Locker Room, Washroom, Toilet, Office, Recreation and Conference facilities, accommodating up to 224 personnel on board. The modules were required to be connected to form a block 11 modules wide and 4 modules high.

Within the requirement, the existing Mess Room needed to be converted to a Gymnasium, and the Locker Room and Dry Store to be converted into Recreation Rooms. STG also required communication system upgrades, HVAC improvements, door and panel modifications, installation review and supply of required consumables for the new stacking arrangement, and supply of all materials required to complete the upgrade. Electrical engineering / drawing updates and a module stacking study were also required by STG for this project.

Solution

The project execution by Specialist Services has been carried out in line with STG requirements at the site in Batam, converting the Mess Room into a Gymnasium, and the Locker Room and Dry Store into Recreation Rooms, as per the drawings provided by the client.

Specialist Services team also completed the A/C drainage system upgrade, electrical and Fire & Gas interconnection cabling works, the provision of an Electrical Distribution Panel for each floor, as well as the upgrade of the communication system, which included the relocation of patch panels from outside the module into its interior and mounting required infrastructure to allow the installation of existing switches within the modules.

A total of 44 modules were installed on the Barge, connecting the modules to each other in rows of 11 modules with 4 stacking. The resulting Accommodation Facility was built in compliance with ABS guides for Portable Accommodation Modules and MLC (Maritime Labour Convention 2013).

Conclusion

In line with the project requirements, we provided a highly skilled team of specialists from our Dubai facility to manage the project and carry out the reinstatement and modification works at the client’s venue of choice, a shipyard in Batam, Indonesia.

The project was successfully completed by Specialist Services within the specified timeframe. At the end of the project were issued as built drawings incorporating all the modification works, and Specialist Services supported STG with the documentation requirements for obtaining an updated ABS certification.

The high quality modifications, upgrades and reinstatement works provided by Specialist Services resulted in comfortable living and working environments. All works have been completed to a very high standard and STG Management was very satisfied with Specialist Services’ team performance.

Refurbishment of Accommodation Units

Labtech Services Limited successfully completed a refurbishment project with a high standard finishing that significantly increased the life-span of existing accommodation areas

In January 2015, an Aberdeen-based Drilling Company awarded Labtech Services Limited, a Specialist Services Group Company, a contract for upgrade and refurbishment of office spaces, mud laboratories and recreation areas on-board their drilling rig during the quayside visit to Invergordon.

Project: Refurbishment of Accommodation Areas
Client: Aberdeen-based Drilling Company
Location: Drilling rig offshore Shetland – North Sea
Project Completion: 17th May 2015

Project requirements

In January 2015, at the request of the client’s Rig Manager, Labtech was given the opportunity to supply two outfitters to carry out a destruct programme on-board the drilling rig, during the rig tow from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Invergordon, Rosshire. During the destruct programme, the client requested a full survey and report of the current status within the accommodation. Labtech submitted a full report with budgets and recommendations for upgrades of office spaces, mud laboratories and recreation areas.

The project timeline was set at 6 weeks and one of the key elements of the project was that the client had to have confidence in Labtech to complete the execution of the project prior to the rig sail-out.

Solution

Labtech executed surveys for each area and provided regular estimates of labour and materials quotations, designs, discussed changes, procured materials and delivered the complete scope on site. Due to the limited timescale of this project, the Labtech team ensured that the procurement of materials, work packs and labour resource was in place for the arrival of the rig at Quayside.

Following the extension of the project timeline to a total of 18 weeks, Labtech scope of work grew considerably with additional areas identified and requiring refurbishment. In addition to the original scope, and at the request of the client, following the high standard of finish to the original areas, Labtech were given the opportunity of increasing the scope of work with a further 5 areas for refurbishment during the extended period at Quayside.

Bespoke furniture such as workstations has been manufactured for the required upgrades and refurbishment, together with lighting, ceiling, wallcoverings and flooring, all of which had to be on site within the required timeframe and with high quality finishing.

Surveys and quotations have been completed and submitted to the client almost on a daily basis in order to progress with additional requirements. Labtech management travelled each week to site in order to liaise with client about all requirements and work progress.

Accommodation units – before:                                                 Accommodation units – after:

Mud Laboratory – before:                                                           Mud Laboratory – after:

Mud Logging Laboratory – before:                                             Mud Logging Laboratory – after:

Cinema / Smokers Room – before:                                             Cinema / Smokers Room – after:

Conclusion

During the time at Quayside, the 7 man offshore fit-out team worked diligently ensuring that the scope was carried out as per client’s specification to a high standard, in a safe manner resulting in over 5800 man-hours without incidents / accidents.

The high quality refurbishment work provided the client with more comfortable living and working environments as well as a significantly increased life-span of their current accommodation areas.

All areas identified by the client, that were subsequently quoted and accepted, have been completed to a very high standard prior to the rig departing Invergordon, throughout the project assistance from the client’s personnel on-board and management staff during the upgrades has been excellent.