November 13 - NorSea Group (UK) and Independent Oilfield Services (IOS) have formed an alliance to provide a complete logistics, storage and inspection package to provide cost benefits for energy sector companies operating in the north-east of Scotland.
The arrangement will combine NorSea Group's full range of quayside services and logistics expertise at its purpose-built deepwater base at Smith Quay, Peterhead, with IOS' facility at nearby Longside, just four miles from Peterhead Port.
According to NorSea Group, most equipment coming into north-east ports must be transported considerable distances by road to reach suitable storage and inspection facilities. This alliance gives companies the option of landing equipment at Peterhead for the brief trip to the storage base, cutting down on the level of transportation required and reducing associated costs.
In addition the alliance with IOS, NorSea Group has recently completed the first phase of its multi-million pound investment at its shore base within Peterhead Port, with the opening of a custom-built Marine Gas Oil (MGO) facility on Smith Quay.
Two MGO tanks, which hold a combined total of 3,000 cu m of fuel, are now operational meaning project support and supply vessels can now be fuelled directly at the quay.
Walter Robertson, managing director of NorSea Group, said: "This investment delivers a much needed fuelling option for vessels supporting offshore activities. Project related vessels now have a full one stop shop capability."
Phases two and three of NorSea Group's expansion plans at Peterhead also include development of reclaimed land adjacent to Smith Quay, the construction of a mud plant and slops recovery tanks. When complete, NorSea Group UK will have a total of 58,000 sq m of laydown area and 350 m of berthing between the two quays.
NorSea Group says this enables it to accommodate exploration and production (E&P) logistics contracts and larger projects for subsea, decommissioning and renewable work.
