In The Spotlight
GPT Industries introduces Iso-Smart solution to Middle East market
Oil Review Middle East caught up with Michael Monica, director sales, marketing and customer care, GPT Industries at ADIPEC, where the company was showcasing its Iso-Smart remote monitoring solution for pipelines
Iso-Smart, which GPT is currently introducing to the Middle East, is an all-in-one solution for checking Cathodic Protection (on and instant off potentials), Isolation, Bond currents, AC vs. DC on the line, and more from remote locations. The device can be mounted on the pole at any current test station along a pipeline, and incorporates True RMS technology to provide reliable real-time data, helping pipeline owners make informed decisions, address any issues or anomalies before they become critical and comply with pipeline integrity regulations. Combining GPT Industries’ decades of corrosion prevention expertise with the latest remote monitoring technology, it sets a new standard for a versatile, user-friendly remote asset integrity monitoring.
Unique characteristics
“The unique characteristic of this device it that it doesn’t require someone to take measurements physically at the test station, this device will do it remotely,” underlines Monica. “It can gather data and provide instant readings on demand, so the user can see what the condition of their pipeline is anywhere where there's an electrical lead or test station.”
Monica explains that as such, it not only provides significant savings in time and cost but in particular addresses the critical issue of safety, as it eliminates the need for physical inspections which may require crossing property lines or accessing remote or inaccessible locations, particularly valuable in the vast and often harsh terrains of the Middle East.
“The original remote monitors were used on rectifiers, where they can turn the rectifier on and off. This device goes to the next level; you can turn the unit on and off remotely, and actually test the current on your pipeline on demand. If you've got critical bonds on the pipeline, you can monitor the critical bonds. You can also directly measure current on the pipeline, across bonds or isolation joints as opposed to calculating prone potentials across a shunt. So it's a really nice diagnostic tool to determine that you have adequate protection against corrosion.”
He adds that the other unique thing about the device is that it addresses the issue of AC interference on the pipeline, a significant concern for the industry today.
“If pipelines are running through a corridor where you've got overhead power lines, those overhead power lines can put AC current onto the pipeline, and depending upon the amount or the density of the AC current, if it reaches a certain threshold or level, it will significantly increase the potential for corrosion. This device can tell you what your AC density is, so you can put mitigation measures in place to make sure that that you don't have a critical amount on your pipeline.”
Middle East interest
While Iso-Smart is only now being introduced to the Middle East, it has already attracted a lot of interest from operators in the region, given that pipeline integrity and corrosion protection are key concerns.
“Operators are cathodically protecting their pipelines, but they want to be able to determine the status of the current on their pipelines and identify where they have issues with AC current, because it adversely affects their DC current.”
Turning to future plans, Monica says that the company is developing a next-gen compact version of the Iso-Smart that will be able to be fixed inside the test station, thus addressing any issues with potential tampering.
https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/technical-focus/gpt-industries-launches-iso-smart-for-monitoring
Powering the future: Parker's vision for the Middle East's energy transition
The bustling ADIPEC exhibition in the UAE was the perfect backdrop for Nicolas Villemain, global capital projects manager, Fluid Connectors Group, Parker Hannifin to share the company's ambitious plans for the Middle East market. As a global leader in motion and control technologies, Parker is positioning itself at the forefront of the region's energy transition.
"ADIPEC is a really important show for us," Villemain explained. "It's a great place to meet our current distributors and look for new opportunities to grow. We still have room to find new channels and partners to expand our reach." And with the Middle East's booming market, there is no shortage of potential.
A key area of focus for Parker is supporting the region's shift towards cleaner energy sources. "We are focused on helping our current oil and gas companies grow, do more carbon capture, and study hydrogen," said Villeman. The company's extensive, almost US$20bn portfolio of products, puts them in a unique position to tackle these challenges.
Middle East growth
Villemain highlighted Parker's expertise in developing solutions for harsher environments and higher pressures - critical considerations as the industry navigates new frontiers. "We have developed an expertise on high pressure and corrosion-resistant alloys. There's also work we can do with our customers to make systems safer and reduce emissions, we have great solutions for that."
To deliver these innovations, Parker relies on its strong global network and local partnerships. "We come with expertise from around the world, and we like to work closely with end users and EPCs to provide technical expertise and share our experience," Villemain explained. "Companies like ADNOC and ARAMCO benefit from our knowledge and added value solutions to achieve their goals."
Parker is keen to emphasise its strategy for fostering innovation within the company. "This is really at the heart of our strategy," Villemain responded. "We're showcasing solutions like valves, fittings and hoses that can handle hydrogen, high pressures and harsh medias, as well as filtration systems for electrolyzers. It's amazing to see the progress we've made in just the last 20 years."
The Middle East's growth prospects have Parker equally enthused. "Saudi Arabia is a major key market for us globally," Villemain stated. "And in the UAE, the transformation over the past 25 years has been incredible. There are still so many exciting projects, like the Helium gas hub, that we're eager to be a part of."
To capitalise on these opportunities, Parker has made the strategic decision to exhibit directly at ADIPEC, rather than relying solely on local partners. "We realised this is the biggest show in the world for oil and gas, where people speak about the energy transition journey," he explained. "It's where we invest, with many applications in our clean tech segment, including hydrogen, carbon capture, and digitalisation."
This direct presence also allows Parker to strengthen its regional distribution network. "We continue to expand our partnerships in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia," he added. "It's important for us to get questions from people all over the world, and be identified as a global player in this industry."
As the Middle East accelerates its shift towards a more sustainable energy future, Parker is poised to play a pivotal role. With its innovative technologies, global expertise, and local partnerships, the company is well-equipped to power the region's transition.
Al Masaood expands its offering of cutting-edge sustainable solutions
The oil and gas sector will continue to be an important mainstay of UAE-based conglomerate Al Masaood, according to Group Industrial CEO Hani El Tannir
Speaking to Oil Review Middle East, El Tannir said, “Our response to the requirements of the energy sector in general, including end users and their EPCs, is still very much centre stage – but we’re evolving with the industry.
“We are doing a lot more in terms of value addition locally, managing in detail the process with the client on the one hand and the supplier on the other. Value addition is the name of the game for us,” he said.
The Group’s products and services are evolving and diversifying as well, with a stronger focus on services and tailored solutions in terms of engineering, manufacturing and integration, alongside traditional activities such as Rotary Equipment, filtration equipment and workshop equipment supply. Al Masaood’s Projects and Engineering Services (PESD) division offers comprehensive solutions across sectors including asset integrity management (a critical need in the UAE where 80% of oil and gas and power equipment is more than 30 years old), specialised site services and advanced engineering.
Furthermore, through its strategic alliances with global brands, Al Masaood PESD is able to deliver complete turnkey DBOOM (Design, Build, Own, Operate, Maintain) packages for compressors, allowing the integration of compressors and sustainable technologies across diverse energy applications.
El Tannir stressed the company’s focus on environment-friendly products and recycling and the importance of good materials management, adding that, while a large proportion of materials still comes from abroad, the focus on local manufacture means better control of the supply chain, as well as preparing the base for future generations to join the workforce.
PESD has ongoing collaborations with 12 major brands, including KSB, Chart, Man Energy Solutions, QuartzElec, and Hengst, all contributing innovations aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Cutting-edge advancements
At ADIPEC this year, Al Masaood’s PESD division anchored the Group’s presence, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in areas such as LNG, hydrogen and carbon capture, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation and aligning with the country’s net zero by 2050 pledge. They include modular LNG liquefaction and storage solutions, developed in collaboration with Chart Industries, and compact and energy-dense liquid hydrogen storage solutions, offered through its collaboration with Chart and Howden, which eliminate the need for high-pressure cylinders and prioritise safety and efficiency. While advanced carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies are offered through its partner MAN Energy Solutions, enabling companies to reduce their CO2 emissions.
Also, within ADIPEC, Al Masaood showcased its specialist manufacturing for the Energy Sector, and introduced its regional agreement with NIDEC Power, covering motors and alternators. Al Masaood Motor Tech Services is already executing works for various end users and EPCs in the region.
In 2025, Al Masaood plans to expand its innovative and value-added services for the regional market.
El Tannir added, “We will continue to be a strong pillar for the energy market, as we know the future demands and requirements. The energy sector is critical, technology innovations and sustainability are needed, and we are the company to meet this need. To this end, we are joining hands with many more companies to bring such solutions to the local market.”
XRG and bp establish Arcius Energy
XRG, ADNOC’s energy investment company, and bp, have established a new regional gas platform, Arcius Energy, which will initially focus on gas development in Egypt
Arcius Energy will focus on natural gas growth to meet growing regional demand, while supporting Egyptian energy security and economic development. It includes the Shorouk concession (bp 10% interest), which contains the producing Zohr field; North Damietta concession (bp 100% interest), which contains the producing Atoll field; and North El Tabya, Bellatrix-Seti East and North El Fayrouz exploration concession agreements.
Arcius Energy is 51% owned by bp and 49% by XRG and will be headed by Naser Saif Al Yafei, from ADNOC, who was appointed as chief executive officer while Katerina Papalexandri, from bp, was appointed as chief financial officer.
Exciting new chapter
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, executive chairman of XRG said, “The formation of Arcius Energy marks an exciting new chapter in our long-standing partnership with bp, and fully aligns with XRG’s objectives to accelerate the transformation of energy systems and build a world-scale integrated gas and chemicals portfolio to meet rising global demand. This progressive partnership will unlock a lower-carbon transition fuel to build a future where smarter, cleaner and more affordable energy is accessible for Egypt and the world."
Murray Auchincloss, chief executive of bp, added, “Arcius Energy brings together the strengths of our two companies to create a dynamic new platform for international growth in natural gas in the region. Together, we can continue to build on bp’s 60 years of technical expertise and delivery of safe and efficient operations in Egypt – a hub for new opportunities to build out a highly competitive gas portfolio in the region.”
bp, along with its partners, currently produces around 70% of Egypt’s gas through its gas development projects in the West and East Nile Delta.
Masdar joins Hydrogen Council as board member
Masdar, Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia has joined the Hydrogen Council as board members, effective as of 1 January 2025
The Hydrogen Council Board is driven by global CEOs working to advance visionary ideas to leverage hydrogen as the means for the energy transition. The first board member from the Middle East, Masdar will bring valuable insights on the ambition and investment progress in the region, while Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia bring expertise in electrolysers and ammonia production respectively.
Welcoming the new members, Jaehoon Chang, CEO of Hyundai and Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde, co-chairs of the Hydrogen Council, said, ‘We are pleased to welcome Masdar, Siemens Energy and Yara Clean Ammonia to the Board and work together as we guide the sector through a pivotal time for the energy transition. Hydrogen has made encouraging progress, with record levels of committed capital and projects past Final Investment Decision reported globally in 2024. However, over the next two years, regulatory stability, clear demand signals and global standardisation will be key to maintaining a robust scale-up trajectory and unlocking hydrogen’s full economic and societal benefits. We look forward to collaborating with the entire Board to tackle these challenges and driving the hydrogen industry forward together."
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, "The Hydrogen Council is central to advancing hydrogen as a key component in the transformation of the energy system and uniting our sector’s expertise has never been more critical. I am honoured to join the Council’s Board and work with global leaders to drive innovation, shape policies, and accelerate large-scale hydrogen deployment worldwide."
Samsung E&A awarded Qatar contract
SAMSUNG E&A has been awarded a contract with Ras Laffan Petrochemicals (RLP) for the Qatar RLP Ethylene Storage Plant, to be executed as a joint venture with CTCI of Taiwan
The total contract amount of the project is around US$418mn, with SAMSUNG E&A's share being about US$215mn, and the contract period is estimated to be 34 months. The client, Ras Laffan Petrochemicals, is a joint venture between Qatar Energy, Qatar's state-run energy company, and a subsidiary of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC.
This project includes the construction of a 30,000-metric-ton ethylene storage facilities and associated utility infrastructure at an industrial complex in Ras Laffan, 80 km north of Doha, Qatar's capital. It is located within the same complex as the RLP ethylene project awarded to SAMSUNG E&A and CTCI in 2023 and is currently under execution. Its purpose is to store ethylene during the plant's maintenance and repair periods, ensuring availability in case of an emergency, while allowing flexible handling of ethylene from both upstream and dowonstream suppliers. SAMSUNG E&A is responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of key equipment, including 30,000 metric ton storage tanks, compressors, and pumps.
The joint venture plans to deliver exceptional schedule management for the client by applying innovative strategies in project execution. This includes a pioneering approach to procurement, with key equipment and materials being purchased before the engineering process is finalised.
Hong Namkoong, president and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A said, “As we have secured a linked order with Ras Laffan Petrochemicals, we will successfully carry out the project based on our performance experience and innovation strategy and strengthen our position in the Qatari market.”
Michael Yang, chairman of CTCI, said, “We appreciate Ras Laffan Petrochemicals’ continued trust in offering this opportunity to our team. We will continue to deliver high-quality engineering and safety management to ensure the project is completed on time and up to standard.”
Oil & gas majors are deploying VR for training: GlobalData
Industry leaders such as Shell, and ExxonMobil are using VR simulations to train their employees in critical operations. This provides a highly safe and cost-efficient approach to introduce personnel to a new facility in both offshore and onshore terrains, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData has released its strategic intelligence report, titled, 'Virtual Reality in Oil and Gas' that looks into areas of application of virtual reality in the industry, from rigs and pipelines to refineries. Oil and companies are now investing on training modules for the workforce and visualising the asset under consideration for planning and decision making.
Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, said, "VR enhances the operational safety through immersive training programmes. It can help develop safety procedures at production facilities to address smaller accidents as well as for emergency response."
Leading oil and gas companies such as Shell, bp, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, have adopted VR to train as well as aid regular workflows in operations. It offers a cost-effective means to acclimatise the workforce to various environments through immersive training programmes. It also offers safe environment for the workforce to understand the workflows by participating in virtual walk-throughs, without being in proximity of heavy industrial equipment.
Puranik continues, “Industry technicians work in hazardous environments, such as offshore rigs or at a densely packed equipment maze in a refinery. VR can be used to relay important information and instructions to the technician onsite, without the need to fly out experts to that location or carrying detailed instruction manuals for referencing.”
VR plays a key role in the digital twin set up, helping companies recreate scenarios through detailed simulations. During planning and development, the collaborating teams can share information using VR to simulate various scenarios. It is useful in optimizing equipment performance and maximizing the asset life. Digital twins help to design workflows and identify bottlenecks to optimize a plant’s performance. Twins also help to create a 3D visualization of the seismic data using VR simulations.
Puranik concludes: “Various aspects of a production platform can be modeled through VR simulations to enhance the understanding of personnel for on-field tasks. They can simulate the processes using VR before implementing on the operational floor. It thus reduces the scope for human errors during critical operations. Besides, designers and engineers can better visualize the layout under development using VR technology. This can potentially help to improve designs, and carefully plan its execution to optimize the project costs.”
SAFEEN Group webinar addresses future of offshore operations
Oil Review Middle East hosted a very well-attended webinar on 20 November on the future of offshore operations, in association with SAFEEN Group, part of AD Ports Group
The webinar explored the latest trends and challenges in the rapidly evolving world of offshore operations, focusing on groundbreaking innovations that are driving sustainable and efficient practices. In particular, it highlighted SAFEEN Green – a revolutionary unmanned surface vessel (USV), setting new benchmarks for sustainable and efficient maritime operations.
Erik Tonne, MD and head of Market Analysis at Clarksons, gave an overview of the offshore market, highlighting that current oil price levels are supportive for offshore developments, and global offshore capex is increasing strongly. The Middle East region will see significant capex increase over the coming years, with the need for rigs and vessels likely to remain high. Offshore wind is also seeing increased spending. Global rig activity is growing, while the subsea EPC backlog has never been higher, with regional EPC contracts seeing very high activity. Tonne forecast that demand for subsea vessels and other support vessels will continue to increase.
Tareq Abdulla Al Marzooqi, CEO SAFEEN Subsea, AD Ports Group, introduced SAFEEN Subsea, a joint venture with NMDC, which offers reliable and innovative survey, subsea and offshore solutions to support major offshore and EPC projects across the region. He highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, internationalisation and local content, and how it is a hub for innovations and new ideas, taking conceptual designs and converting them to commercial projects. A key project is SAFEEN Green, which offers an optimised inspection and survey solution.
Tareq Al Marzooqi and Ronald J Kraft, CTO, Sovereign Global Solutions ME and RC Dock Engineering BV. outlined the benefits and capabilities of SAFEEN Green as compared with commercial vessels, in terms of safety, efficiency, profitability and sustainability. It is 30-40% more efficient through the use of advanced technologies, provides a safer working environment given it is operated 24/7 remotely from a control centre, and offers swappable payload capacity. Vessels are containerised and can be transported easily to other regions. In terms of fuel consumption, the vessel is environment-friendly and highly competitive, reducing emissions by 90% compared with conventional vessels, with the ability to operate on 100% biofuel.
As for future plans, SAFEEN Green 2.0 is under development, which will be capable of carrying two inspection work-class ROVs simultaneously. A priority will be to collect data to create functional AI models for vessels and operations, with the first agent-controlled payload systems in prospect by around 2027.
To view the webinar, go to https://alaincharles.zoom.us/rec/share/mNHjZhAhQzn1sPzmFWZCgrq7_SckfLRcSb4w81I7aVlokO9sgHM_zVeOqgN3DgJS.bO4OIRqNeFP09SPu?startTime=1732095689000
Aramco progresses carbon capture hub
Aramco is significantly advancing its net-zero ambitions with the signing of a shareholders’ agreement with Linde and SLB to progress the development of a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) hub at Jubail, set to become one of the largest globally
Under the terms of the shareholders’ agreement Aramco will take a 60% equity interest in the CCS hub, with Linde and SLB each owning a 20% stake.
The first phase of the hub, due for completion by late 2027, will have the capacity to capture nine million metric tons of CO2 from three Aramco gas plants and other industrial sources, with the potential for expansion in later phases. The captured CO2 will be transported through a pipeline network and stored below ground in a saline aquifer sink, leveraging the Kingdom’s geological potential for CO2 storage.
Net-zero ambitions
The project will support Aramco’s ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its wholly-owned operated assets by 2050. It also complements the company’s blue hydrogen and ammonia initiatives.
Ashraf Al Ghazzawi, Aramco EVP of Strategy & Corporate Development, said, “CCS plays a critical role in furthering our sustainability ambitions and our new energies business. This announcement represents a step forward in delivering on our strategy to contribute to global carbon management solutions and achieve our emission mitigation goals. Aramco’s collaboration with SLB and Linde demonstrates the importance of global partnerships in driving technological innovation, reducing emissions from conventional energy sources and enabling new, lower-carbon energy solutions. This CCS hub is among several programmes that will enable us to meet rising demand for affordable, reliable, and more sustainable energy.”
Oliver Pfann, Linde EVP EMEA, added, “Carbon capture and sequestration is essential for achieving the Kingdom’s emission reduction targets. Linde is proud to collaborate with Aramco and SLB, contributing Linde’s innovative technology and experience in delivering world-scale decarbonization projects.”
Gavin Rennick, SLB president, New Energy, said, “Leveraging our proven portfolio of CCS technologies and extensive experience in complex CCS projects around the world, we are confident that SLB will play a critical role in advancing this important initiative. This project aligns perfectly with our commitment to industrial decarbonisation, and we look forward to collaborating closely with Aramco and Linde to make it a success.”