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Major Oil Discovery in Danish North Sea
Frankfurt, 25th March 2013 Germany's Wintershall GmbH has made what it says could be a major oil discovery in the Danish North Sea, pending appraisal drilling. Wintershall, the exploration arm of chemicals group BASF, said in a press release that it had found potentially 100 million barrels of recoverable oil in the Hibonite exploration well. The well lies about 337km north of Den Helder in the Netherlands and 278km west of the Danish port Esbjerg. |
Originally Posted by Fareastdriver
(Post 7746056)
What was the average Crew Weight? Chinese captain, approx 170lbs. All co-pilots, 140lbs |
North Sea Near Miss Investigation Opened
Edinburgh, Thursday 11th April 2013 AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into an incident in which an air ambulance and a North Sea helicopter were involved in a near miss off the Aberdeenshire coast. The two helicopters were involved in the alert last December while they were flying at 1000 ft two and a half miles east of Aberdeen International Airport. One of the helicopters was a a Bond EC135 helicopter being operated on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service and the other an AS332 Super Puma on an offshore crew change flight. There were no patients on board the air ambulance. The incident is being investigated by officials from the UK Airprox Board after an air proximity report was filed by Bond on 2 April. A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said: “The investigation is currently ongoing and it could be from three to six months until the report is published. It essentially is a near miss, but we don’t yet know what the separation distances were – that is, how close the two aircraft were to each other. That will come out once the investigation is complete and when the report has been published.” A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said : “Bond Air Services has advised that the pilot of an EC135 helicopter operated for the Scottish Ambulance Service reported an ‘air proximity event’ to the Civil Aviation Authority. “The incident occurred near Aberdeen Airport and no patients were on board the aircraft at the time. The report is currently being assessed by the CAA.” |
Both aircraft in radar contact?
If so, it should be fairly easy, radar tracking is accurate to 60 meters. Don't ask me how I know... |
Record investment planned for North Sea
London, 12th April 2013 Record levels of investment will flow into the North Sea this year as 14 new oilfields come into production, triggering a historic rise in oil and gas output after more than a decade of decline. According to Oil & Gas UK, the offshore industry group, some 470m barrels of oil and gas will come on stream in 2013 – a fivefold increase on the average over the past three years. The group’s chief executive, Malcolm Webb, told the Financial Times that capital investment in new fields will rise from £11.4bn in 2012 to £13bn this year – the highest ever. Aberdeen Traffic Down Glasgow, 13th April 2013 Aberdeen Airport continued to feel the effects of a drop in helicopter traffic, sparked by the continued grounding of the Super Puma EC225 model because of technical faults. New figures show that 267,341 passengers used the airport in March, down 3% year on year, which was put solely down to decreased helicopter activity. Helicopter passenger numbers dropped by 18%, with the decline offset by a growth in domestic services to destinations like Sumburgh on Shetland. |
... domestic services to destinations like Sumburgh ... |
all those announcements don't say how many of the new developments are sub-sea or not-normally manned platforms..............
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Espied today coming out of Aberdeen docks backwards on a low-loader. A CHC 332L in the old colours with the registration and hummingbird taped over.
Ex Oz maybe? |
Probably an aircraft that had blades damaged by high winds whilst being based offshore and shut down overnight.
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Probably an aircraft that had blades damaged by high winds whilst being based offshore and shut down overnight. |
Investigators probing two separate ditchings of Super Puma helicopters in the North Sea have called for tighter regulations around the technology used by rescuers to locate survivors in the event of an aircraft crash
9th May 2013 In May, all 14 passengers and crew members on a Super Puma were rescued after the craft came down off the coast of Aberdeen. It was on a scheduled flight from Aberdeen Airport to a platform in the North Sea. The model was thrust into the spotlight again in October when a CHC-owned helicopter was forced to ditch while carrying an oil crew from Aberdeen to a rig 86 miles north-west of Shetland. The 17 passengers and two crew were rescued and escaped injury. An earlier AAIB bulletin blamed a problem in the aircraft's gearbox for the crash. Today, the AAIB report warns water flooding the cabin may have caused the CPI to cut-out in the May ditching, and that improvements were needed to ensure search parties could locate a helicopter and its passengers if ditchings occur in future. CPI is a "primary location aid" which transmits a beacon signal that can be detected by satellites, pinpointing a stricken aircraft's location. In the first crash, the AAIB reports that CPI – supposed to be water-activated – was not triggered, possibly due to electrical failures. The report said: "Photographs show the water level in the cabin was above the level of the water activated switch. While further work is required to support any final conclusions, issues relating to the continuity of the helicopter wiring when submerged, the design of the water activated switch and the location of the water activated switch relative to the water level following the ditching are being investigated as possible causes for the non-deployment of the CPI." |
Corrosion probably caused North Sea helicopter ditchings
Eurocopter identifies factors that caused emergency landings By David Ewen chief reporter Published: 10/05/2013 The “probable” cause of two helicopter ditchings has been revealed. Manufacturer Eurocopter has identified corrosion as one of the factors that forced two Super Puma EC225s to land in the North Sea. In May last year, 14 passengers and crew members on a Super Puma helicopter were rescued after it ditched about 30 miles off the coast of Aberdeen. And in October, 17 passengers and two crew escaped injury after a gearbox problem caused a helicopter to ditch near Shetland while carrying an oil crew from Aberdeen to a rig. |
Petroleum Safety Authority Audits Ekofisk Helideck
http://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/w...ies-Norway.jpg The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA), with assistance from the Civil Aviation Authority, carried out an audit of Ekofisk 2/4-L facility on 4 – 5 April 2013. The objective of the audit was to verify that Ekofisk 2/4-L , located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, was built in accordance with regulatory requirements within the preparedness discipline, including helicopter operations/helicopter deck. One nonconformity was identified in relation to the helicopter approach and departure sector. Furthermore, improvement items were identified in connection with signposting and labelling of escape routes; life jackets; rescuing personnel from locked cabins and MOB boat handling. PSA Displeased with Ekofisk Helipad| Offshore Energy Today Courtesy of HeliHub |
Ekofisk helideck 1977 - 1982
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Ekofisk helideck 1977 - 1982
Finger trouble, sorry about that! Whatever happened to the 2nd.flare or are my mk.1 eyeballs becoming rheumy?
ambi:ok: |
Ekofisk 2/4-L - Journalist error
Hi Folks
That offshore energy today article is misleading - - The photo does not show Ekofisk 2/4-L. - Nor is Ekofisk 2/4-L "located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea". Ekofisk 2/4-L is located in Singapore. She's a brand new platform, still under construction in the builders yard. PTIL report (google translation). ambi - Ekofisk Sør Flare, plus some of the platforms, were removed a few years ago. EDIT - Looks like both flares have now been removed. Pics of Ekofisk's recent layout. ATB Paul |
Aviation Seminar in Aberdoom 4 June
Any other Ppruners going?
Don't have much say over where I will be staying but open to suggestions for evening entertainment/locations............ |
You can't beat The Thistle Hotel at the airport for accommodation and entertainment.:E
Try to get a room overlooking the courtyard and if you are lucky enough to be there on a Saturday night the entertainment will be in the form of drunken, kilt wearing Scots flighting after the wedding reception. |
.. and if you are lucky enough to be there on a Saturday night the entertainment will be in the form of drunken, kilt wearing Scots fighting after the wedding reception. About the conference: Venue: Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre Bridge of Don Aberdeen AB23 8BL Date: 04 Jun 2013 Start Time: 09:00 End Time: 17:00 Offshore helicopter incidents focus the minds of everyone involved in the oil and gas industry; particularly the workers who travel every day by helicopter to and from oil and gas installations. Even 'day to day' in-flight occurrences requiring flight crews to return to base en route offshore can be just as concerning to the passengers involved. Confirmed Speakers: Nigel Talbot and Francesco Bellardi, AgustaWestland Chester Armstrong and Brian Pattinson, UK CAA Jake Molloy, RMT Dan Hunter, Sikorsky Mark Stevens, Shell Aircraft International The theme of this year's seminar is: As the oil and gas industry continues to work hard to improve offshore safety, what is being done by the aviation industry to provide safe, efficient and reliable helicopters to support offshore operations? |
So we have the manufacturers, the regulators, the customers and even Jake Molloy i.e the spin doctors!
Where are the operators? The ones that actually do deliver a safe operation! Am I the only one that finds the "theme" somewhat insulting? |
I’m not defending the wording of “the theme”, but I’m not sure I find it insulting. It might be perceived as more inclusive if operators were on the confirmed speakers list. But I think the speakers’ presentations will stimulate good discussion where the operators in attendance will have the opportunity to grade the manufacturers and regulators on their plans to enhance safety. I don’t think the operators will be bashful with their comments if the presentations fall short of their expectations.
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Perhaps the manufacturers and clients could ask the operators why they keep operating the aircraft outside of the approved flight envelope........that is to say landing with tailwinds when not prescribed in flight manual
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Safety standards in the North Sea continue to improve, a new report has stated, despite several high-profile industrial incidents in the past year. Oil & Gas UK’s annual study into offshore health and safety compliance has found an industry-wide commitment to constant improvement was keeping workers safer than ever. The findings come despite the abandonment by French oil firm Total of its Elgin platform in the central North Sea following a major gas escape and two helicopter ditchings at sea forced by major technical issues on the aircraft. |
£29m CHC Contract
Friday, Jun 21, 2013 CENTRICA Energy and Centrica Storage Limited have signed a £29million three-year contract, with options for a two year extension, with CHC Helicopter to secure an improved helicopter service to meet its operational needs across key oil and gas fields in the North Sea. In the Southern North Sea, CHC will operate an AW139 aircraft out of Humberside Airport from November 2013, to support Centrica’s offshore activities, including the York and Rough platforms, as the operator relocates all flight operations from Yarmouth. In the Northern and Central North Sea, Centrica Energy has secured the use of aircraft out of Aberdeen, from June 2013, on a part-exclusive basis to improve scheduling and flexibility of flights to its operated Kittiwake platform. |
Perhaps the manufacturers and clients could ask the operators why they keep operating the aircraft outside of the approved flight envelope........that is to say landing with tailwinds when not prescribed in flight manual Exactly where is it forbidden, prohibited, or otherwise proscribed to make a "Down Wind Landing"? After Julie answers that question first.....then we can go from there! |
In most flight manuals, a tailwind component is not permitted within a Category A procedure.
ICAO makes clear that it can be used when permitted by the Flight Manual but a significant safety factor should be applied - i.e. not less than 150% of any reported tail wind component. It has to be really unusual circumstances for tailwind components to be accepted when operating to/from an offshore installation. Hence the fatal consequences following an engine failure in an offshore departure in Myanmar. Jim |
In most flight manuals, a tailwind component is not permitted within a Category A procedure. ICAO makes clear that it can be used when permitted by the Flight Manual but a significant safety factor should be applied - i.e. not less than 150% of any reported tail wind component. Thus Jim....as I read your carefully worded response....there is no absolute prohibition. |
In the Southern North Sea, CHC will operate an AW139 aircraft out of Humberside Airport from November 2013, to support Centrica’s offshore activities, including the York and Rough platforms, as the operator relocates all flight operations from Yarmouth. |
Just Centrica flights :rolleyes:
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Thus Jim....as I read your carefully worded response....there is no absolute prohibition. (Well most offshore jobs outside of GOM). |
I expect Julie's comment relates to offshore ops ......more and more of the NS contracts appear to stipulate PC1 for the onshore atleast - and there are no tailwind component figures in the manual in the PC1/2 section that I can see so so can't see how you can do it operating to PC1 onshore .......
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Shake-up in Bristow
Bristow has just lost some key players in its Q & S organisation. Colin Cheesewright, who had only been in the post of Global Engineering Standards Manager is leaving to join Conoco-Philips and now it has been announced that Jonathan Stripling, Global Director Quality, Safety and Standards and Grant Ireland, Global Manager Quality and Safety already left 5 days ago :suspect::eek:. Rumor has it that Stripling and Ireland are going to join Bristow former Vice President Operations, Richard Burman, who is now a director of Avincis Group, the new owner of Bond Helicopters and the INAER group. This now leaves the Q&S department in Bristow in tatters as they still have no confirmed Q&S Managers in either Europe or Africa. Tim Rolfe, the Global Training Standards manager is the interim Director of Quality, Safety and Standards and is an exceptionally capable person, head and shoulders above his predecessor, but whether he will be offered (or accept) what appears to be a poisoned chalice is open to question. He is undoubtedly capable of filling the post he now occupies, but with so many of his support staff going or gone it will be a very difficult decision for him as to whether he steps up to the new mark. He can only do it if he is given a free hand to appoint new key players into the Q&S and Global Standards roles now vacant as soon as possible. With so much going on in all its theatres of operation, Bristow faces some tough challenges to get respected, qualified and willing people into these key positions as soon as possible to prevent predators like Burman with so many insights into Bristow operations poaching more key staff and undermining the Bristow quality, safety and standards organisation. Of course, all of this depends on Burman's own standing and those joining him in the IOC community.
There are interesting times ahead as newly emerging companies and alliances seek to take on the old established order. |
Keke Napep - Surely Bristow can always recruit more quality/safety managers if they need?
Meanwhile, away from the North Sea - Eurocopter Delivers 3 Helicopters to O&G Companies in Asia http://corporatejetinvestor.com/cust...0oil%20gas.jpg The deliveries of three new EC225s to customers in Vietnam and Malaysia further expands the fleet of Eurocopter’s workhorse helicopter deployed worldwide in demanding operating conditions of the offshore oil and gas industry. EC225 deliveries involve the Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South), along with Awan Inspirasi Sdn Bhd (AISB) and MHS Aviation – both of Malaysia. “We are committed to collaborating closely with our customers to ensure that the EC225 remains an important asset for oil and gas operators. We thank customers such as VNHS, MHS and Awan Inspirasi for their continued confidence in the EC225,” said Eurocopter CEO Guillaume Faury. VNH South accepted its third EC225 this month in a handover ceremony at Eurocopter’s production facility in Marignane, France. With the expected delivery of its fourth unit next year, the company will have a total of 10 Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft in its inventory, consisting of four Super Puma family EC225 and four AS332 L2 helicopters, along with two EC155 Dauphins. VNH South benefits from the close support of Eurocopter’s South East Asia subsidiary based in Singapore. VNH South began oil and gas operations 27 years ago with the SA330 Puma as its first helicopter. Since then, the company has increased its fleet with more acquisitions to meet the expanding business needs, including purchase of the four EC225s in the past six years. To date, VNH South has logged an impressive 54,000 flight hours with its Super Puma fleet. *Its been said that the 225 doesn't suffer the same problems found in the North Sea when operating in warmer temperatures. ;) |
KN,
Knowing one of the Departed from his time as a Greenie....if the Peter Principle is valid....he has finally found his level of total incompetence.....which only tends to confirm my suspicions about HSE Programs. I can think of one old time Bristow Engineer who has gone on to become a very capable and experienced Quality/Safety Professional who would be a very good match for any of the vacancies and who is well known in the Aberdeen area and International circles. I would strongly recommend him for any position within that part of the Bristow Management Structure as I know him to be very capable, affable, and a very nice guy in all regards. |
Out of interest - what is the average number of total crew on board a typical North Sea oil rig?
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HeliStudent |
Thanks again FED. Does anyone know roughly how many people work on an oil rig eg. how many shuttles do you need to do in order to change an entire crew?
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how many people work on an oil rig eg A medium sized platform would generally have one changeover aircraft every weekday. The personnel are on 2 weeks on, 2weeks off so they changeover every fortnight. 19 out and 19 back X 5 days X 2 weeks equals 190 each way. Not always full so generally a bit less. I don't think Cambodia was in the Rotordyne market. Third world countries used all sorts of aviation pictures for their air mail stamps. The same with banknotes. Before 1980 China used notes for every denomination and the 1 fen note, about 1.5 inches X 1 inch had a picture of a Russian copy of the Douglas DC3 on it. |
The drilling unit that I am sat on is currently at its max POB of 120, which is typical of a NS semi-sub, while jack-ups tend to run to 100-110 in my experience. The platform next door has currently 60 bods onboard, and is maxed-out, but there are both larger and smaller platforms about, so it is difficult to put an accurate figure on it. Oh, and there are numerous variations of crewchange routine too, including 3 on, 3 off, 2-2, 2-2 followed by 2-4, plus you have those service hands who only pop out for a short visit.
Not quite so simple. |
FED - thanks for taking the time to explain this, really appreciated.
I suppose if all the departments on each of the rigs/platforms coordinated their rotas they could use a bigger helicopter and costs could come down or the bigger helicopter could visit more than one rig? I suppose this is being looked at all the time by the operators and manufacturers its just that one thinks that all the effort that goes into designing and building a 20 seat helicopter can probably be just as easily done for a 30 seat one? |
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