global environmental and ocean sciences no.16 first...

G L O B A L E N V I R O N M E N T A L A N D O C E A N S C I E N C E S N O . 1 6

The tragic consequences of the tsunami thatstruck in the Indian Ocean on 26 December2004 have acted as a major eye opener tocountries vulnerable to similar disaster. Asa result, urgent efforts are being made toestablish early warning systems to reduce,or minimise, the impact of future tsunamis.

Accordingly, Malaysia has taken the initiative toimplement a Seawatch tsunami detection systemcomprising three buoys and a number of automatictidal stations.

From a distance of about 200 km off thecoastline, a seabed-mounted pressure sensor-processor will continuously communicate waterpressure data to a surface anchored buoy throughan acoustic transmission link. As a tsunami isdetected, an alarm will be activated and transmitted

via satellite to the operational warning centre.This enables a warning to be communicated tothe population well before the tsunami hitsthe coast.

In addition, a number of automatic tidal stationswill be installed along the Malaysian coast tocomplement the newly installed buoydetection system.

Astronautic Technology Sdn Bhd, the appointedsolution provider to the Malaysian Government,has been working closely with Fugro OCEANOR,part of Fugro Global Environmental and OceanSciences (GEOS), in establishing the tsunamidetection system.

More about the Seawatch tsunami detectionmodule on page 3.

First Seawatch Tsunami Detection System

Fugro GEOS played a key role during thetow-out, positioning and installation of twoconcrete gravity base substructures (CGBS)for the Lunskoye A (LUN-A) and Piltun-Astokhskoye B (PA-B) platforms for theSakhalin II Phase 2 Project for Aker MarineContractors. Both CGBSs, amongst thelargest concrete structures ever built inRussia, were towed from the dry dock atVostochny near Vladivostok to theirinstallation positions off the north east coastof Sakhalin Island.

Fugro GEOS's Weather Forecasting Divisionprovided real time weather information duringthe tow-out. Senior meteorologists were basedonshore for the tow from the port to the holdingarea and then moved to a support vessel. TheMeasurement Division measured waves, currentprofiles and water level during the tow-out andinstallation of the two gravity based platforms.

The meteorological task

“The most critical part of the meteorologicaloperation was moving between the port andholding area,” explains weather forecaster,Hong Wang. “The weather criteria was very low,less than 0.5 metre significant wave height andless than 10 knots of wind. The meteorologists'services were in heavy demand - unforeseenchanges in the weather would need to be quicklyand carefully managed. Once the structureswere at the holding area the meteorologistsjoined a supply vessel to provide ongoing weathercoverage for the tow and final positioning on-site.

“Wind and waves were key issues duringinstallation - forecasting them correctly was oneof the major tasks, critical to accurate decisionmaking. Our Measurement Division's data enabledus to closely monitor wave conditions, gain abetter understanding of what was happeningand thus provide a thoroughly realistic forecast.The Aker team found our 'Operational Safety

Forecast' invaluable; tailored specifically to theircriteria, it gave them an easy 'view' of the forecast.”

Measuring sea states

The Measurement Division had a five-monthcontract with Aker Marine Contractors to builda complete understanding of waves, currentprofile and water level that could be expectedduring tow-out and installation.

“The current profile and sea elevation weremeasured by a bottom mounted ADCP andpressure sensor,” explains Fugro OCEANORproject manager, Jan-Petter Mathisen. “Duringtowing operations the data were transmittedby electrical cable to a SEAWATCH mini buoy,measuring wave directional parameters. All datawere then transmitted to a towing vessel by theInmarsat satellite system and presented by ourStationGuard software. Measurements werecarried out at two locations at water depths of30m and 50m. We also ran a completebackup system.“

More involvement with Sakhalin II on page 5.

Fugro GEOS Plays Vital Role During Sakhalin II Tow-Out

In this issueNew Developments..............................................................................................................page 2New Projects .........................................................................................................................page 4Education & Outreach ..........................................................................................................page 6Featured Division .................................................................................................................page 7QA & HSE ..............................................................................................................................page 7MD's Comment .....................................................................................................................page 8Personnel, Contacts & Information.....................................................................................page 8

Data transmission to operational warning centre in Kuala Lumpur

Tow-out and installation of the CGBS platform

A Q U A

The move making Fugro Structural Monitoringa division of Fugro Global Environmental& Ocean Sciences (GEOS) marks an extensionof Fugro GEOS's already broad range of services.

“The amalgamation highlights the Fugro Group'sintention to focus efforts into the developmentof the existing Fugro GEOS business by selectiveacquisition and organic growth providing ourclients a global integrated approach to the offshoremarket,” explains Jeff Coutts, Managing Director,Fugro GEOS. “It's the logical culmination of aprocess which started in 1998 when FugroStructural Monitoring and Fugro GEOS'sSeasystems division first worked together onintegrated projects for our offshore clients underthe banner of Fugro Integrated Marine MonitoringSystems (Fugro IMMS).

“Thanks to this assimilation as Fugro IMMS wecould offer integrated packages to a numberof clients. Bringing Fugro Structural Monitoringunder the Fugro GEOS name further enhancesthe range of services we provide to clients,particularly in the deep waters of the Gulf ofMexico and West Africa.”

Seasystems and Structural Monitoring's firstjoint project was a weather and vessel motionpackage for a floating vessel for explorationwork off the Falkland Islands. Since then theyhave co-operated on increasingly complexprojects including the IRIS-3D (Integrated Riser

Instrumentation System) for deepwater drillingand work over risers (two systems have beensupplied). Currently Fugro IMMS is working toprovide BP with an innovative VIV (Vortex InducedVibration) monitoring system for the DevelopmentDriller 2 vessel for operation in the Gulf of Mexico.

The full integration of Structural Monitoringcapabilities offers Fugro GEOS clients worldwidea highly cost effective, one-stop source ofintegrated marine monitoring systems. It hasmanufacturing facilities in Scotland, Houstonand Norway and service and marketing basesat all Fugro GEOS offices globally.

The newly introduced robust, economicaland flexible Seawatch Mini II is a newlow-cost small buoy providing wavedirectional measurements and offeringthe flexibility of adding other oceanographicor meteorological sensors.

The hull of the Seawatch Mini II is made fromfoam filled polyethylene to ensure there is norisk of corrosion and sulphation, as well asproviding excellent resistance to impact. Indeed,the buoy is practically unsinkable. Below thesurface it is spherically shaped to ensure optimalshape for wave measurements and above thesurface, the robust marine grade solar panelshave been fitted in recesses for security.

Add to that a long list of features including:

• Solar charging allowing long-term unattended operation

• A wide range of optional sensors

• Optional Meteorological sensor mast

• Choice of GENI datalogger or WAVESENSEintegrated datalogger and directional wave sensor

• Various two-way communication options

“This is a good alternative to the Wavescanand Seawatch buoys in locations where depthand current conditions allow use of a smallerreduced buoyancy buoy,” explains Svein ErikAasen, Technical Manager, Fugro OCEANOR.

“When used for directional wave measurements,the integrated wave sensor and dataloggermeans one less power consuming processor -decreasing the system's complexity and increasingits reliability.

“It's ideal for a host of applications includingharbour and coastal monitoring, coastalengineering, offshore design and operations;

scientific studies; wave energy studies; maritimetraffic control; and water quality control studies.”

New from Fugro OCEANOR - The New Seawatch Mini II Buoy

New Developments:Integration of Fugro GEOS and Fugro Structural Monitoring

Example of a typical IMMS System configuration

New Seawatch Mini II Buoy

“In simple terms, Seasystems measures the metocean inputs to astructure and Structural Monitoring measures the responses(dynamic motions, loads etc).”

Jeff Coutts, Managing Director, Fugro GEOS

The modular design of the Seawatch systemallows the integration of a tsunami moduleinto existing buoys based on Fugro OCEANOR'sSeawatch technology. This module is theSeawatch Deep Sea Module (SDSM) unitmounted on the seabed.

The SDSM is a highly reliable yet uncomplicatedsystem consisting of only two parts, a combinedhigh-resolution pressure sensor-processor unitinterfaced to an acoustic release-modem unit -connecting to a SEAWATCH surface buoy mooring.

Using state-of-the-art low power electronics, theSDSM continuously measures the water pressure onthe seabed transmitting at regular intervals to thesurface, enabling verification of the system's operation.

The pressure measurements are processed inreal-time and the resulting data analysed fortsunami events. In the case of a likely tsunamievent, the SDSM switches into fast datatransmission mode, sending real-time data to thesurface buoy, which transmits directly to shoreusing the satellite link.

A Wealth of Information at the Click of a MouseThe Fugro GEOS website has been completelyre-designed and updated.

“There's a wealth of information on the sitewhich is easily accessed,” says Jeff Coutts,Managing Director. “We've designed it so thatright from the moment the home page appears itis easy to find just what you are looking for, be itbackground information on the company, detailson our services, the latest news, solutions tooffshore related challenges, career opportunities,the most recent issue of Aqua, or information onwhere you can meet us at exhibitions.”

www.geos.com

Tsunami Component of the Seawatch System

Seawatch Deep Sea Module. L: In working environment. R: Close-up

A project which began over 10 years ago inthe vast south Pacific Ocean, the results ofwhich are now used worldwide, is proving tobe of vital importance to one of the world'ssmallest communities.

“The UK Government is anxious to double thepopulation of 50 on the Island of Pitcairn byencouraging tourism. We have been contracted tosupply estimates of offshore design wave heightsby a New Zealand coastal engineering company,who are working on a feasibility study for a newbreakwater to enable safer transport of passengersand supplies,” explains Stephen Barstow, SeniorProject Engineer - Fugro OCEANOR.

The basic concept which became WorldWavesoriginated on the back of Fugro OCEANOR's workin the South Pacific on ocean wave energyresource mapping in the early 1990s.

“At that time, we received funding from theNorwegian Research Council for the developmentof 'A Global Analysis System for Ocean Waves',”recalls Stephen. “This system consisted ofmethodology to develop wave climate statisticsanywhere worldwide combining short-term buoymeasurements, global satellite altimeter data,long-term wave model hindcast data andnumerical (coastal) shallow-water wave models.”

“We also received funding at that time from theNorwegian Space Centre to develop what becameWorld Wave Atlas (see www.oceanor.com/products/software/wwa). We fairly quicklybuilt up a significant client base with severalcoastal engineering companies who requiredreliable offshore wave model data to feed intotheir own shallow water models. Our methodsfor validating and calibrating the hindcast wavemodel data provided the client with higherquality data than was previously available.”

Over the next decade Fugro OCEANOR wasinvolved in several European Union projectsincluding MAST II WAVEMOD and JOULE IIWERATLAS which, together with the rapidlyevolving PC technology and funding through theFP5 research project EnviWave and the Dutchresearch project Wave Data for the Workabilityof Dredgers, led to the development of WorldWavesfor global use.

Since that time projects involving the predicting ofwave statistics in deep and shallow waters havebeen carried out throughout the world for theport and coastal, offshore oil and gas, rapidlyemerging marine renewables industries andshipping companies. Data and services have beensold for 37 countries, in just the last two years.

WorldWaves - a decade of achievements

The two-way communicationfeature allows for easy interrogationand performance control ofthe SDSM from the surface toprovide essential informationfor early tsunami detection.

WorldWaves model gridpoints are validated globallyand calibrated relative tosatellite data. The mapshows the very highcorrelation coefficientbetween model and Topexaltimeter wave heights.

A Q U A

A study carried out on the dynamicbehaviour of the Ivory Coast's East Espoirplatform led to the Structural Monitoringdivision (FSM) winning a contract fromCNR International to supply a permanentmonitoring system for the platform.

The on-line monitoring (OLM) system measuresmotions of the East Espoir wellhead platformand verifies the structure's continuing integrity.Accelerometers deployed on the platformmeasure motions in the NS and EW directions,and a WaveRadar is included in the system toevaluate wave height/displacement relationships.

Data from the sensors is recorded and analysedby a computer system to determine the natural

frequencies of the platform. A change in anatural frequency can indicate member severanceor a weakening of the foundation.

The award of this contract marks the continuationof the long-term relationship built with CNR inthe North Sea where monitoring systems areoperated on the Ninian South and Murchisonplatforms. This relationship was further emphasisedby the award of a further CNR contract in October

2005 to Fugro GEOS to determine if the Agulhascurrent in South Africa impacts on potentialdrilling sites.

This will be the first commercial measurementproject in this deepwater frontier region knownfor high wave activity. The team will be workingwith the South African Government - Departmentof Environmental Affairs and Tourism who areproviding access to their research vessels.

“In the Gulf of Mexico the loop current is apersistent, variable feature. It enters the Gulfthrough the Yucatan Channel, undergoesclockwise (anticyclonic) rotation, and exitsthrough the Straits of Florida ultimately tobecome the Gulf Stream. The northern extentof the loop current varies aperiodically, attimes penetrating up to the continental shelfin the northern Gulf. During those periodsstrong currents of up to four knots impactdeepwater drilling and subsea constructionoperations. This can often lead to costlydelays and potentially damage facilities.”explains Jan van Smirren, Regional Director,Fugro GEOS.

“Large masses of warm water can break off theloop current, creating eddies with diameters upto 400km that propagate westward across thedeepwater drilling regions. The strong currentsat the edges of eddies can also reach up tofour knots.”

Concerns that the impact of these deepwatercurrents is not understood, and that the safetyand efficiency of offshore operations and facilities

in the Gulf of Mexico may be compromised, haveled the Minerals Management Service (MMS) toissue a Notice to Lessees (NTL 2005-G05) thatrequires real-time current monitoring beundertaken for all floating facilities (productionand exploration drilling) in water depths greaterthan 400m (1,300ft).

In response, Fugro GEOS has developed a suiteof tools to provide reliable data to minimise therisks. GEOS's full monitoring and measurementcapabilities, data quality control and processingservices are tailored to provide the deliverablesrequired by the MMS and classification societies.

Fugro GEOS's RigADCP system is the principalinstrument deployed to pro-actively managepossible disruption caused by currents and toenhance the safety and efficiency of offshoreoperations. It is a rig or drillship-mounted currentprofiling system, providing real-time datathroughout the water column. In operation forover 15 years, the system has undergonecontinued refinement, including the introductionof new measurement technology and deploymentoptions. It automatically provides real-time

current profile data, updated at 10-minuteintervals, that can be displayed in the controlroom and other locations as required.

Fugro GEOS's RigADCP systems supported around20 rigs and platforms at any one time during2005. In addition Fugro GEOS deployed up tofour vessel mounted ADCP systems to criticalareas during the 2005 loop current and eddyevent, to provide data about areas of high current,and an assessment of current movement, enablingcritical marine operations such as constructionactivity or riser monitoring to proceed withgreater safety.

Fugro GEOS’s ADCP data acquisition andmanagement software allows real-time webdisplay and access to real-time data fromADCP monitoring systems.

The combination of the RigADCP system andthe software enhances the awareness of drill rigpersonnel's awareness of current phenomena,and enables a rapid analysis of the spatialvariability of currents and determination of currentmovement in relation to rig position.

New ProjectsLoop Currents - Fugro GEOS Meets the Challenge

The OLM system can be used for design verification for newinstallations; structural integrity confirmation after storm orseismic events; early warning system for structural or foundationdefects; and unmanned platform collision detection.

Contracts x2 from CNR International

Time lost due to bad weather when drillingoffshore can be expensive, which is whyFugro GEOS's Weather Forecasters werecalled in by a client to advise on theimplementation of a squall warning systemfor use during drilling operations off thecoast of Mauritania.

Mauritania, and the whole west coast of Africaas far south as Angola, is subjected to sudden anddamaging squalls. These are high winds resultingfrom collapsing thunderstorms that bring withthem heavy rain and sometimes sandstorms.

“Our role was to ensure safe operations of adeep sea drilling vessel, drilling in shallow waterof about 300m,” explains Forecast Manager,Trevor Pitt. “In such water depths there is

very little flexibility for the marine riser. Hadstrong winds shifted the vessel more than 5m,expensive damage would have been caused tothe riser and the subsea assets. One way ofavoiding the damage was to withdraw the drillstring when a squall was predicted. However,the financial implications of this action every timea squall was expected would have been extensive,and it was therefore essential to monitor thesquall's movement and determine its proximityand impending danger to the vessel.

“We were called in to solve this challenge, byproviding on-board advice and assistance inestablishing a squall warning system. This workedextremely well. The success led to predicting andmonitoring five squalls during the 2-week durationof the project.”

Operating 24-hours a day, every day of the year,the Fugro GEOS Weather Forecast Centre, inWallingford in the UK, provides clients withdetailed meteorological information; it is staffedwith experienced forecasters who prepare detailedand easy-to-understand weather forecasts fora wide variety of applications.

They were on hand to assist throughout theMauritanian project by monitoring every imageof cloud structure over the relevant area at heightsranging from 10,000 to 60,000ft and assessingthe risk remotely, whilst Trevor Pitt, onboard thevessel, experienced the squalls at first hand,ensuring that the advice being given to the clientfrom Wallingford was timely and accurate.

“We are confident that from Wallingford we canadvise operators and drilling contractors thewhole length of West Africa about the squallprocedure steps they should take and when toimplement them. Our presence on the scenewould only be essential for very weather sensitivetasks such as installing an FPSO or where rigs areoperating very close to their limits.”

The service enables clients to receive instant up-to-date weather forecasts for any locationeither onshore or offshore by telephone or e-mailrequest. Fugro GEOS's service enables clients tospeak directly to a forecaster who has the latestinformation at his fingertips and can discussspecific requirements. The service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

'Squall Warning Service' Saves Money & Delays

Fugro GEOS has been awarded a contractfor the installation of an integrated real-time Environmental MonitoringSystem on the ChevronTexaco Agbami FPSOwhich will be located offshore Nigeria, inwater depths of 1500m, approximately220 miles south east of Lagos.

The system comprises wind speed and direction,air temperature, atmospheric pressure, relativehumidity, cloud height, horizontal visibility andprecipitation sensors to be installed on the FPSO.In addition, a solar-powered Fugro OCEANOR

Seawatch Mini II Buoy will be deployed toobtain directional wave, surface current andseawater temperature data close to the FPSO.The buoy will transmit the data via a UHF radiolink to the FPSO to ensure data are availablein real-time.

“The system will provide accurate meteorologicaland oceanographic (metocean) measurementsto support shuttle-tanker and helicopteroperations in the vicinity of the FPSO,” explainsMichael Quinnell, Seasystems Divisional Manager.“All data will be acquired, processed, displayed

and output to the client's ICSS (IntegratedControl and Safety System) in real-time by FugroGEOS's 'Weather Monitor 2000' softwarepackage. The system will also present data onthe FPSO's LAN (Local Area Network) to maximiseaccess and ease of use of the data so that allconcerned are kept firmly in the picture.”

The system for the Agbami FPSO is one moreof many integrated real-time EnvironmentalMonitoring Systems that Fugro GEOS has providedrecently for new fields offshore West Africa.

Big Project Offshore West Africa for Fugro GEOS

Fugro OCEANOR Seasystems division,which previously won a contract for themanufacture and delivery of CCTV andEMS (Environmental Monitoring Systems)for Sakhalin II with ABB AS, AutomationTechnologies Division, was awarded anextension in 2005.

The new contract was for a LAN based CCTVsystem for general surveillance of the LNGTerminal at Sakhalin Island. The FugroOCEANOR CCTV range comprises the much-used Crane Boom Camera System and a rangeof Surveillance Camera Systems for both safeand hazardous areas including the recentlylaunched CCTV Explosion Proof Camera Station.

…and More Involvement with Sakhalin II

Squall approaching well site

Cloud formation indicating the approaching Squall in Mauritania

The Fugro OCEANOR CCTVrange comprises the much-used Crane BoomCamera Systems for bothsafe and hazardous areas

A Q U A

IMarEST accredited training scheme Fugro GEOS is currently working withthe IMarEST to design and implement anin-house graduate training programme.

This company-specific training programme willcover all aspects of working within the commercialoceanographic industry, both from the technical

aspect as well as concentrating on personaldevelopment. Modules will include detailedand specific training on operational oceanography,oceanographic instrumentation, projectmanagement, proprietary as well as generalsoftware, data acquisition and data analysis.Upon successful completion of the course,

anticipated to take approximately 3-4 years,Fugro GEOS's graduate oceanographers willacquire Chartered Marine Scientist status. FugroGEOS's graduate training programme will be thefirst to be approved by the IMarEST for a companywithin the commercial oceanographic community.

Still contributing to the SUT's EducationalSupport Fund, the two Fugro GEOS 2005awards were presented to student projectsjudged by a panel from the Society's Educationand Training Committee.

Laura Baxter of Heriot-Watt University wonthe post-graduate award, her topic being ‘Astudy of the reef fish communities of LasPerlas Archipelago, Panama’; and Luke Pinsonof Southampton University won the under-graduateaward with: 'A study on the quality factors andattenuation within unconsolidated marinesediments, and how these might affect attenuationobserved within deep crustal seismic surveys'.

BSc Bursary award programme

The 2005 Annual Bursary was awarded toRachel Gibson, a student from SouthamptonUniversity. As part of the programme Rachelspent two months during her summer vacationworking at the Fugro GEOS office in Wallingford,gaining valuable experience and insight intothe operations of a metocean organisation.

“The placement allowed me the opportunityto expand my knowledge on oceanographicmeasuring techniques in commercial oceanography,

which helped supplement my course. It was apleasure to gain such an insight and experienceat this stage in my degree, which I hope to utilisein my career path when I graduate this summer,”recalls Rachel.

Through the collaboration of Bangor, Southamptonand Plymouth Universities, the programme, whichhas been a success for a number of years,encourages young students to follow a career

in marine science by exposing them to thevarious aspects of commercial oceanography,and allows them the opportunity to interact withoceanographers with years of knowledge andexperience. Some of these bursary awards havesuccessfully led to full employment, after graduation.

The programme involves: paid summer work for6-8 weeks, paid accommodation throughoutthe 6-8 weeks, and a £750 bursary.

…and in the UK

BSc Bursary award recipient - Rachel Gibson with a team of Fugro GEOS oceanographersBack L-R: A. Watson, S. Redford, R. Williamson, M. Goff, A. Keibel, A. Leonard-Williams.

Front L-R: Rachel Gibson, J. Upton, A. Moore

Education & OutreachIn the UK, a new industry-government body - Energy Research Partnership - has just been launched with one of its aims being toaddress the high level skills shortages in the energy sector and to communicate the exciting and challenging opportunities that thesector offers… here at Fugro GEOS we have long believed in the value of encouraging students.

US: SUT Scholarship Awards Fugro GEOS and the Houston's branch ofthe Society for Underwater Technology(SUT Houston) awarded scholarshipstotalling $30,000 to marine technologystudents during a recent ceremony at TexasA&M University at Galveston.

This is the second year that Fugro GEOS andSUT Houston have collaborated to awardscholarships in support of marine science,engineering and underwater technology education.SUT is a multi-disciplinary association linkingmembers from more than 40 countries who sharea common interest in underwater technology,marine science and offshore engineering.

“With tragic impacts on coastal communitiesfrom natural disasters this year in Asia andHurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast, we mustencourage young people who pursue careersin marine science and engineering,” explainedFugro GEOS Regional Director Jan van Smirren.

SUT Houston awarded a $10,000 graduatestudent scholarship and three $5,000 undergraduatescholarships. Fugro GEOS awarded its ownscholarship worth $5,000 to Andrew McInnes,a senior in ocean and coastal resources at TexasA&M University at Galveston.

Back row L-R: Rob Smith (Fugro GEOS), Mr. William C. Hearn(Asso VP for Student Affairs & Administration),

Dr. R. Bowen Loftin VP and CEO,Christpher Lindsey-Curran (SUT Houston Branch Chairman)

Front Row L-R: Andrew McInnes, Laura Truxal, Tina Mezzatesta

Aqua 15 featured Seasystems; in this issuewe turn the spotlight on the WeatherForecasting Division of Fugro GEOS. Aquainterviewed Mark Wimshurst, the WeatherForecasting Divisional Director.

Q: What's the history of the Fugro GEOSWeather Forecasting division?

A: Our weather forecasting operation was firstset up in Singapore in 1993; the marine serviceswe supplied were expanded in 1999 with theacquisition of Marine Weather Service Pte Ltdenabling us to become the dominant supplier ofweather forecasts in the SE Asian region. FugroGEOS then expanded globally by opening anoffice in Kuala Lumpur (2000), with the acquisitionof the marine forecasting division of IAL EmiratesLLC in the UAE (2000) and the acquisition ofNoble Denton Weather service in the UK (2002).

Q: How large is the division and whatvolume of forecasts do you issue?

A: Globally we currently employ 32 staff in thedivision, 28 of whom are fully qualifiedmeteorologists/forecasters. We offer a marineforecasting service from our four offices and aspecialist land forecasting service from our UKoffice. Every day we issue up to 300 site-specificmarine forecasts from the four offices, includingland forecasts from the UK office. Some of ourinteresting recent land assignments have beenwind forecasts for tower crane operations for thenew Wembley Stadium, Heathrow Terminal 5and the Scottish Parliament building.

Q: How do you divide your operations?

A: We provide services globally, by dividing ouroperations into three Regions:

• The UK office supplies weather forecasts in theAtlantic Region.

• The Abu Dhabi office supplies weather forecastsin the Middle East Region.

• The Singapore and Kuala Lumpur offices supplyweather forecasts in the SE Asian Region.

Q: Is all your work done from your offices?

A: No, far from it! We are in the unique positionof being able to offer the services of twelveexperienced on-site weather forecasters. All ofthem have worked directly with clients' offshoreoperational personnel on construction andinstallation programmes throughout the world.

As you will read in this issue of Aqua wehave supplied forecasting staff for installationoperations off Sakhalin Island; and the challengingwork done by an on-site forecaster during theimplementation of a vital squall warning systemoff West Africa. We also supplied offshore/on-siteforecasters and specialist swell energy forecastsfor heavy lift, pipelay and float out installationoperations in the Caspian Sea, offshoreNorway, Egypt, West Africa; in the Gulf ofThailand and the South China Sea. In 2004 weundertook 23-man months offshore work and in2005 we exceeded 30-man months offshorework. The life of an on-site forecaster is

full of interesting challenges - they all relish the task!

Q: Are you planning any new developmentsin your division?

A: We are currently developing the nextgeneration of fully interactive online servicesusing the latest web technologies to provideour clients with faster access to operational datavia powerful visualisation tools. Building on newcapabilities for regional wind and wave modelling,we can now offer richer data content that reflectslocal wind-effects and high-resolution spectralwave forecasts at specific locations of interest.

To ensure that planning information remains easilyaccessible to offshore operators, we have alsobroadened our services to include a suite ofdecision-support tools - including operationalsummaries and Offshore Safety Forecasts (OSF),as featured in the previous Aqua. Suchdevelopments allow us to maintain closerelationships with our clients and further improveour level of service."

Our office details can be found on the backpage of this Aqua.

Featured Division

QA & HSENew BSI certifications Congratulations go to the Fugro GEOS andFugro OCEANOR offices in Singapore andin Sandnes (Norway). The BSI ExternalAuditor recommended certification of the Sandnes office to ISO9001:2000; andfollowing a recent continual assessmentvisit, the BSI External Auditor recommendedcontinued certification of the Singaporeoffice to ISO9001:2000. The Sandnes office

is now awaiting the result of the auditor'svisit to validate their Certification toEN13980 (Application of Quality Systemsin Potentially Explosive Atmospheres).

Wallingford, Singapore, Houston and Sandnesare now all listed in the appendix to our BSICertificate of Registration. The Glasgow officehas been separately assessed and certified by

DNV to both ISO9001:2000 and Tickit; andthe Trondheim office has been separatelyassessed and certified by Dovre toISO9001:2000.

Congratulations to the international team fortheir support, hard work and commitment toachieving such high standards!

Lifting SafelyAll Fugro operating companies have recentlytaken part in a four-month safety campaignaimed specifically at lifting operations.

“Zero accidents is very much a 'holy grail' forour company and this useful campaign, which

included a film, guidelines, reports, Powerpointpresentations - with examples enabling our entireworkforce to learn from other people's experience- and a lifting and mechanical handling posterwas a very worthwhile and important step

towards our goal,” says Jeff Coutts, ManagingDirector of Fugro GEOS. “It is good to see thatthe whole company has got behind a campaignlike this and used every means possible to ensureour safety record goes from strength to strength.”

Forecast Manager Rob Cowle

(Singapore office)

Forecast Manager Nam Heh Yeong

(Kuala Lumpur offfice)

ForecastingDivisional Director

Mark Wimshurst

Forecast ManagerPeter Framingham(Abu Dhabi office)

Forecast ManagerTrevor Pitt

(Wallingford office)

New Staff & Promotions

A Q U A

Fugro GEOS Ltd Fugro House, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford,

Oxfordshire OX10 9RB, UK

• Tel: +44 (0)870 402 1500 • Fax: +44 (0)870 402 1599

• e-mail: [email protected]

Fugro GEOS Inc PO Box 740010, 6100 Hillcroft (77081), Houston,

Texas 77274, USA

• Tel: +1 713 346 3600 • Fax: +1 713 346 3605


Fugro GEOS PO Box 43088, Abu Dhabi, UAE

• Tel: +971 2 55 45 101 • Fax: +971 2 55 45 059


Fugro GEOS Sdn Bhd11th Floor, Wisma Genting, 28 Jalan Sultan Ismail,

50250, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Tel: +60 3 2164 6210 • Fax: +60 3 2162 9242


Fugro GEOS Pte LtdPO Box 5187, Loyang Offshore Supply Base, 125

SOPS Avenue, Loyang Cresent, 508988, Singapore

• Tel: +65 6543 4404 • Fax: +65 6543 4454


Fugro OCEANOR ASPir-Senteret, N-7462 Trondheim, Norway

• Tel: +47 7354 5200 • Fax: +47 7354 5201


Fugro OCEANOR ASLuramyrveien 29, N-4313 Sandnes, Norway

• Tel: +47 5163 4330 • Fax: +47 5163 4331


Fugro GEOS LtdStructural Monitoring Division,

1 Queenslie Court, Summerlee Street, Queenslie,

Glasgow , G33 4DB, UK

• Tel: +44 (0)141 774 8828; • Fax: +44 (0)141 774 6112

• Email: [email protected]

For additional contact details, please refer to our

website: www.geos.com

Contacts www.geos.com

Aqua 15 went to press just as Jeff Coutts, tookover as Managing Director of Fugro GEOS.With just over six months in post under his beltwe have invited him to look back - and forward.

“It has certainly been an extremely busy and stimulatingsix months. One of the most evident features has, ofcourse, been half a dozen Fugro operating companiesand divisions getting used to working under one roofat our outstanding new building in Wallingford,Oxfordshire, UK. This has all gone extremely smoothly,and the cohesion between the companies has alreadybecome evident. The building was officially openedby Fugro's then CEO and President Mr Gert-Jan Kramerat an official opening in September 2005, just beforehe retired.

“During this period we have also seen the successfulintegration of Fugro Structural Monitoring into FugroGEOS, as I explain elsewhere in this issue, this is thelogical culmination of a process started in 1998.Already we are seeing the worth of this 'joined up'thinking, which enables clients worldwide to takeadvantage of a highly cost effective, one-stop sourceof integrated marine monitoring systems. I ampleased to see things move so quickly and effectivelyon this front; and am looking forward to meetingmany of our clients at such events as OceanologyInternational and OTC and explaining, with othermembers of our team, the very obvious advantages.

“We have, of course seen unexpected events takeplace over recent months. Hurricanes Katrina and Ritahad a devastating effect on Gulf of Mexico activities.I am lost in admiration at the efforts of our Houston-based team who worked tirelessly to ensure that theinterests of our many clients working in the Gulfwere safeguarded.

“It is of course our dynamic team of scientists andengineers right across the company who make it whatit is; and ensure that Fugro GEOS is at the forefrontof the market, meeting - and regularly exceeding -clients' expectations. I am delighted to be workingwith them, and look forward to welcoming anincreasing number of talented men and women ofall ages to our team.”

Jeff Coutts, Managing Director, Fugro GEOS

UK Office Accounts Assistant Shirley Clarke

Operations Co-ordinator Delano Maycock

Senior Oceanographer Michael Connatty

Oceanographer Lulu Lodder

Oceanographer Ruth Lawford

Marine Forecaster Neville Smith

Technical Reviewer Karen Stapleton

Marine Forecaster Richard Adams

Singapore OfficeOffice Administrator Teresa Teo

Sandnes, Norway OfficeAutocad Specialist Erik Fosli

Project Leader for CCTV & EMS Per Jogeir Karlsbakk

US OfficeOceanographer Heather Roberts

Operations Co-ordinator Jessica Crownover

Workshop Technician Mitch Scoggins

Oceanographic Electronics Technician John Talavera

Senior Field Technician Terry Riggs

Senior Field Technician Michael Taylor

New Staff

MD’s Comment

Should you need more information on any particular article in this issue of Aqua or would like to makeany comments or suggestions, please email us at:

[email protected]

Where to see us:

• Oceanology 06 - London• OTC 06 - Houston• OCEANS 06 - Singapore• ONS 06 - Stavanger

Where to hear us:

• Oceanology 06:Topic - The Fugro OCEANOR Seawatch System is alsofeaturing Tsunami DetectionTopic - Hurricanes - Uncertainties in Design Parameters

Trade Shows andConferences

US OfficeDivisional Manager Chris Yetsko

Singapore OfficeDivisional Manager Mike Quinnell

UK OfficeMarine Forecaster Steve Ramsdale

Meteorologist Kate Halladay

Marine Forecaster Dan Harding

Senior Forecaster Patrick Dupuis

Project Oceanographer Alex Keibel

Technical Manager - Metocean Andy Moore

Sales & Marketing Assistant Maxine Collins

Trondheim, Norway OfficeSenior OceanographerCathy Primrose

Staff Movements/Promotions

Jeff 'at work' with his team of oceanographers at aninternal Fugro GEOS training course.

L-R: Steve Redford, Richard Gaches, Jeff Coutts & Adam Leonard-Williams

global environmental and ocean sciences no.16 first...

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