North-east technology solutions firm secures major FPSO contract

A market leading mobile technology asset management provider has secured a significant six-figure contract with a global vessel construction firm.

Arnlea Systems, which is based in Johnstone House in Aberdeen, was awarded the contract by SBM Offshore, the global leader in FPSO vessel construction and leasing, to rollout its enhanced Intrinsix Ex inspection system across the firm’s fleet of FPSO vessels.

Under the three year contract, Arnlea, which is currently working with a number of blue chip customers, will rollout the Ex technology across SBM Offshore’s FPSO vessels leased out to oil companies around the globe, including Brazil, South-east Asia and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Ex inspection system, which is part of Arnlea’s mobile technology product suite, Intrinsix, will enable SBM Offshore to enhance its inspection and work management operations around hazardous area equipment. Complying with ATEX industry regulations, the system alerts relevant parties to potentially serious issues in a time-critical manner, reducing unplanned shutdowns and loss of revenues.

Increased control

Currently the largest selling Ex system in the North Sea, the technology provides the operator with increased control of the safety of its personnel, as well as effective operation and maintenance of its equipment. Its ability to rule out human error also results in both cost and time savings, whilst enhancing efficiency and operational safety across the operator’s fleet.

Arnlea Systems managing director, Allan Merritt, said: “This is Arnlea’s first fleet deal and it is a substantial global contract for us that will help to secure and stabilise jobs across our Aberdeen and Philippines offices. Our team has established a great working relationship with SBM Offshore, having supplied inspection systems to the operator prior to our improved Ex offering, and so the rollout of the system across its fleet will be a smooth and highly beneficial process for the client.

“Intrinsix Ex will enable SBM to follow a set of processes in compliance with ATEX regulations to help provide tangible benefits to the firm, including return on investment within the first year. We recognise that the FPSO market is growing rapidly and we look to expand further into this sector whilst continuing to broaden our product development.”

One of a kind

The Intrinsix technology, which was first introduced in 2014, has already been installed on topsides across the globe and is the only product of its kind in the North Sea. It is available as a complete solution or in separate modules, utilising mobile and AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) technology to support inventory, logistics and operations management, and is aimed at transforming the process of capturing data and managing assets.

The integrated software enables Arnlea’s clients to manage their supply chain and operations more effectively and safely from warehouse to field operations within a range of industries including, oil and gas, renewables, nuclear, petrochemical, chemical, utilities, pharmaceutical and manufacturing. Since its introduction, Arnlea has invested a further £250 000 on product development during 2015 to enhance the software and rollout improved offerings such as Intrinsix Ex.

To find out more go to www.arnlea.com or visit the firm on stand 37 at Topsides UK on 16 - 17 March 2016 at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre. Mr Merritt is also due to deliver ‘Driving efficiencies by adopting new topsides technology’ presentation at 13:30 on day one of the exhibition.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/offshore-and-subsea/07032016/north-east-technology-solutions-firm-secures-major-fpso-contract/