We’re leading exploration into unknown territories through innovative engineering.
According to a recent report published by Deloitte Centre for Energy Solutions, after years of cautious investment to find new oil and gas reserves, companies are now increasingly exploring new methods as world reserves begin to run low.
However, in an environment where oil and gas rigs often do battle with some of the harshest weather conditions in the world, digging deeper into existing or new resources on the ocean floor is not without risk. But as the industry must speculate to accumulate more reserves, exploration in these harsh locations requires highly trained people, advanced technology and extensive new investment.
How will the hydrocarbon industry meet the challenge of digging deeper to discover remaining oil and gas reserves?
Earlier this year the UK government’s Technology Strategy Board announced that it was investing £5 million to maximise the recovery of oil and gas from the North Sea. And from the seabed to the reservoir new engineering solutions are constantly emerging, such as 3D and 4D acoustic imaging which allows scientists to study the seabed more accurately.
These innovative engineering solutions will help companies plan the installation and laying of foundations, pipelines and other offshore structures, therefore reducing risk, maximising effectiveness and driving the profitability of mining ever more difficult reserves.
For over 25 years Sheffield Forgemasters International Limited (SFIL) has been supplying offshore castings and mooring products through its subsidiary Vulcan SFM to secure oil platforms. From its base in the Yorkshire and Humber region of the UK, the company manufacture products that are currently being used in some of the most hostile waters in the world, from the North Sea through to the hurricane infested waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
In fact SFIL now boasts a worldwide supply of more than 50,000 tonnes of offshore castings, these include pad-eyes, riser baskets and Rotolatch mooring products and lifting components, which are used to install vast offshore platforms.
The company’s offshore products also have an unmatched reputation for innovation and reliability resulting from an extensive research, design product development and testing programme.
The advanced engineering and materials sector in Yorkshire and Humber offers businesses access to some of the world’s leading expertise in high value engineering and materials research.
The region boasts the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), a £40 million facility that houses cutting-edge research and manufacturing organisations and develops new technologies for the likes of Boeing, Airbus and BAE Systems. Not only does this unique facility have the world’s largest friction stir welding machine, it is home to Europe’s most sophisticated Titanium Vacuum Melting System for the manufacture of titanium castings.
The universally acclaimed Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is also located at the AMP. This multi-million pound partnership between the University of Sheffield and Boeing is internationally respected for developing innovative and pioneering technology solutions for advanced materials forming.
The International Energy Agency has stated that global oil consumption will increase 35% by 2030. This means it is essential that existing reserves are maximised and new ones are discovered to meet demand. With 17,000 industry specialists and 1,400 engineering companies based in Yorkshire and Humber the region provides the expertise, knowledge and innovation to ensure the oil and gas industry can dig deeper, more safely.
Our role is to support foreign owned businesses who wish to set up operations in the Yorkshire and Humber region of the UK. For more information on what service and support we can offer click here or to contact us now click here.