Technology from Europe:
The Netherlands

Dutch firms branch out beyond North Sea to deepwater projects

Mannfred J. Van der Wal

 Mannfred J. Van der Wal, Managing Director of Keppel Verolme, also serves as a director of IRO, the Association of Dutch Suppliers in the Oil and Gas Industry. Recently, he spoke to World Oil about trends in his country’s E&P industry for 2003, including the fast-growing emphasis on deepwater projects and capabilities.

  Q: Mr. Van der Wal, how would you describe IRO’s “mission” on behalf of the Netherlands, upstream oil & gas industry? 

 A: IRO is the Association of Dutch Suppliers in the Oil and Gas Industry. Its aim is to further the interests of the Dutch upstream industry, onshore and offshore, in the fields of politics, economics and technical affairs on a regional, national and international level. Through IRO’s network, the members can enhance their business activities.

  Q: What is your assessment of last year’s E&P market for Dutch operators, and equipment/service companies? Would you characterize the amount of upstream activity during 2002 as a disappointment?

 A: You should put this question in front of the Dutch operators themselves! On the basis of work that came out of the year for us, Keppel Verolme, we consider 2002 a somewhat disappointing year. This is especially true after 2001, which was very busy for us, when we converted the FPSO Balder.

  Q: Based on your assessment of last year, what level of activity and business do you expect for this year?

 A: We trust that we will have a somewhat higher level of activity in 2003. However, given the international geopolitical situation, the market is very difficult to predict.

  Q: What are some current initiatives or projects within which IRO is participating to help Dutch companies worldwide?

 A: To mention the most prominent ones, IRO is active in research, e.g., the Eurogrif and Eureka initiatives. Furthermore, there are the activities within the IRO well servicing group and IRO wind energy group.

  Q: What are some major projects, either in the North Sea or other regions, that Dutch companies are involved in?

 A: To mention an eye-catching example, there is the Kizomba-A-TLP project offshore Angola for Esso, in which quite a number of Dutch companies are involved. In addition, of course, there is the increasing number of FPSO projects initiated by SBM and Bluewater; plus pipelay projects by Allseas and Heerema, and Fugro’s worldwide survey projects.

 I should not forget to mention the innovative projects that Huisman Itrec is producing. My own company, Keppel Verolme, is at present completing the major conversion of a bulk carrier into the largest offshore stone dump vessel, Rocknes. It will be fully capable of dumping stone and burying offshore pipelines in water depths of 1,200 m (3,940 ft).

  Q: Can you mention some recent E&P projects that are notable in focusing on important Dutch technology or support developments? 

 A: This question is a little bit out of our scope of activities. However, one of our clients, Noble Drilling, which is also a member of IRO, is very active in our sector of the North Sea, making use of Dutch support developments.

  Q: Are any of these technical capabilities important to new international projects?

 A: Oh, yes. For example, since August last year, our yard, Keppel Verolme, has belonged to the Keppel Offshore & Marine Group of companies. As a result, our technical capabilities are available globally to all our offshore clients via the other 14 Keppel yards around the world.

  Q: Your company, like most IRO members, is involved in many countries. From your perspective, toward which international areas do you think that oil & gas company interest, and investment money, are moving?

 A: Investments go where the best results can be expected. To mention a few areas, I would include such deepwater regions as West Africa, the US Gulf of Mexico and Brazil. Russia and the Caspian Sea are also developing into very interesting areas.