Aker Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

Global demand in subsea markets for oil and gas continues to help drive growth at manufacturing, assembly and testing specialist Express Engineering, which is investing in capital equipment and its workforce. The international business, based in Gateshead in the North of England, has been enjoying buoyant growth during the last 12-18 months – growing its workforce while building a record pipeline of new work. With buoyant oil and gas prices and optimistic five-year forecasts from energy specialists like Westwood, Express Engineering is seeing a strong upturn in sales for its key products and services. Across the remainder of 2024 Chris Thompson, chair of Express Engineering Group said: “The subsea sector is in a strong position for the next five years. I am delighted to say our orderbook has reached record levels, the highest in our 50-year history, and it’s only expected to increase further across the remainder of 2024." “With demand for product high, we hope to invest further in our capability this year, which will include a new CMM machine and a new horizontal borer to be situated in our Gateshead factories.” Integrated welding and engineering services Express Engineering has seen sales in the oil and gas sector grow greatly in recent years The current order book stands at around £70m for the next 12-18 months – with the group receiving an intake of £10m in new orders in the last month alone. Express Engineering has seen sales in the oil and gas sector grow significantly in recent years resulting in a jump in revenues from £20m in 2019 to more than £60m in 2024/25 Mr Thompson added that the acquisition of QA Weld Tech, based on Riverside Industrial Park, Middlesbrough, in 2023 had made a positive contribution to the overall group. QA Weld Tech is a pioneering provider of integrated welding and engineering services. Building and strengthening the workforce Thompson said: “Since acquiring QA Weld Tech we have integrated the business into the group and invested in new processes, shift patterns and capital equipment while also building the team in Middlesbrough. We have doubled turnover and are securing work from overseas, breaking into new international markets. The future bodes well for all our sites on Teesside and Tyneside.” Building and strengthening the workforce and skill levels has been a major priority during the last year or more. Around 260 people work across multiple Team Valley sites for Express Engineering, while the headcount at QA Weld Tech has risen to 46. Assembly and test operators Group is looking to recruit fitters, assembly and test operators and CNC machinists at Express Gary Thirlwell, MD of Express Engineering, said: “Our overall order book is so strong that we expect to increase our shift patterns and grow our headcount even further during 2024, both in Gateshead and Middlesbrough. We are looking to take on a lot more apprentices.” The group is looking to recruit fitters, assembly and test operators and CNC machinists at Express Engineering. Welders, platers and technical support staff are required at QA Weld Tech. Subsea carbon capture projects Internationally, Express Engineering has become a renowned global supply specialist for actuator assemblies, connection systems and tooling for wellheads, drilling and subsea tree structures. The company is also getting involved in subsea carbon capture projects. Collaborating with customers like TechnipFMC, Baker Hughes, OneSubsea and Aker Solutions, Express Engineering is a significant exporter of products, operating within various geographical areas, including the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, east coast of Brazil, east and west coasts of Africa, Malaysia and Australasia.

A who’s who of business leaders, ocean experts, and key industry stakeholders have been announced as participants in 2023’s Nor-Shipping Blue Talks. The unique programme, running from 6 – 8 June, will see CEOs, politicians, and changemakers discussing the key ‘big issues’ facing ocean development today and tomorrow. Theme: successful, sustainable #PartnerShips 2023’s Blue Talks support Nor-Shipping’s main theme of forming successful, sustainable #PartnerShips within the ocean space. Each hour-long session is devoted to the strategies, solutions, and technologies capable of transforming ocean challenges and opportunities into long-term, responsible business growth. Nor-Shipping Director Sidsel Norvik says the discussions deliver “unique insights from some of the brightest minds in the business.” From people to power Twelve themed Blue Talks will take place in Hall E at Nor-Shipping’s exhibition facilities in Lillestrøm, Norway Twelve themed Blue Talks will take place in Hall E at Nor-Shipping’s exhibition facilities in Lillestrøm, Norway. An opening series of ‘Ted Talks’ style presentations will kick the programme off with a star cast of industry A-listers, featuring; Jarand Rystad, CEO of Rystad Energy, Lynn Loo, CEO, of Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Ana Fontoura Gouveia, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate, Portugal, and Siva Ariyapadi, Global Business Manager, Bioenergy, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. The following sessions cover a broad spectrum of topics, including; future fuels, CO2 capture, offshore wind, sustainable finance, autonomy, green shipping corridors, talent recruitment and development, and much more. Blue buzz “The Blue Talks always create a buzz both at Nor-Shipping and throughout the industry and this year will be no exception,” states Norvik. “We have an amazing line-up of ocean stakeholders gathered from all over the world to tackle some of our biggest issues head-on." “The intimate setting and lively chats with moderator Craig Eason make for an engaging atmosphere and truly compelling content. With an industry in transition, looking out for both the ways to work together and the solutions and strategies for tomorrow, these sessions offer real value and inspiration. I’d advise everyone to check out the programme and add them to their calendar.” Delivering value The Blue Talks are free of charge, but space is limited to ‘just’ 120 seated audience members The Blue Talks are free of charge, but space is limited to ‘just’ 120 seated audience members. In addition to the opening session line-up, speakers include names such as Maarten Lodewijks, CEO & Founder, of Value Maritime; Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO, of Export Finance Norway; Erik Dyrkoren, CEO, of Zeabuz; Philippe Kavafyan, Executive Director, Aker Horizons; Cristina Aleixendri, Co-founder & CEO, Bound4Blue; Danielle Southcott, Founder, Veer Group; Diane Gilpin, CEO, Smart Green Shipping; and many more. A world of opportunity Nor-Shipping runs from 6-9 June, bringing the global maritime and ocean industries together at venues across Oslo and Lillestrøm. In addition to 22,000m2 of exhibition space, a host of social, networking, and knowledge-sharing activities are planned, including the Ocean Leadership Conference, the first-ever Nor-Shipping Offshore Wind and Offshore Aquaculture Conferences, the 2nd Maritime Hydrogen Conference, The Nor-Shipping BBQ, the Fourth International Autonomy Summit, the AfterWork@AkerBrygge social scene, and much more.

The second North Sea Summit which is being organised by the Belgian Federal Government will have an important industrial outlook since it will be supported by seven Belgian companies and federations. These are the system operators Fluxys and Elia, the hydraulic engineering specialists DEME and Jan De Nul, the Belgian Offshore Platform, the Belgian employers' association for technology companies Agoria, and the Port Oostende. North Sea Summit  They will be welcoming the CEOs of 100 top European companies that work in the field of offshore renewable energy on Monday 24 April 2023. During two roundtable discussions, they will join national and European policymakers to discuss the future of the North Sea. The largest coalition ever focusing on energy in the North Sea The European offshore sector can strengthen its position and contribute to a sustainable energy system The North Sea Summit in Ostend will follow in the footsteps of the May 2022 North Sea Summit held in Esbjerg, Denmark, and will aim to make the North Sea the new green power hub of Europe. By working together, accelerating, and focusing on innovation, the European offshore sector can strengthen its leading position across the world and more quickly contribute to the establishment of a more sustainable, affordable, and independent energy system.  Addressing energy challenges Following a suggestion from the Belgian Federal Government, the number of countries that were involved in the summit in 2022 is being expanded from 4 (Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark) to 9 (UK, Ireland, France, Norway, and Luxembourg). Along with experts from the offshore industry, the largest coalition ever focusing on energy in the North Sea will thus gather together in Ostend. Discussions with 100 European industry front-runners The North Sea Summit in Ostend will host national and European politicians and, in line with the Belgian Federal Government’s recommendations, 100 CEOs from large industrial companies. The entire offshore renewable energy value chain will therefore be represented at the summit. Guests will include representatives from wind farm developers and investors; representatives from manufacturers of wind turbines, electrolysers, foundations, and other related components; EPC contractors; ship operators; ports; and transmission system operators. The latter are all essential for the building, integration, and operation of offshore renewable energy technology. Political and an industry strand At the start of the conference, a roundtable discussion will be held, which the energy ministers will attend The North Sea Summit will include two strands: a political strand and an industry strand. Representatives from the industry will be hosted at their separate locations. Political leaders will join them at two different points during the day. At the start of the conference, a roundtable discussion will be held, which the energy ministers will attend alongside European Commissioner Kadri Simson. Green hydrogen Additionally, towards the end of the day, the heads of state and governments and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, will join industry representatives for the second time.  Together, they will take part in discussions related to supply chains and competitiveness, enhanced European cooperation, grid infrastructure investments, innovation, and the acceleration of offshore renewable energy deployment. Building on the previous summit in Esbjerg, the expansion of green hydrogen will also be discussed. 7 Belgian partners In terms of the timetable for representatives from European industry, the Belgian Government established a partnership with 7 Belgian companies and federations that are making a significant mark on the development of offshore renewable energy in the North Sea and beyond. Their representatives will therefore have a prominent voice during the roundtable discussions. Ports Ports are essential nodes in the supply chains of the offshore wind turbine industry" "Ports are essential nodes in the supply chains of the offshore wind turbine industry," Dirk Declerck, CEO of Port Oostende. "Ports which are key contributors to the diversification of our energy supply and the acceleration of renewable energy should be appropriately recognised and be part of the European transport infrastructure network." Offshore grid “The North Sea will become the engine of Europe’s economy. This will only succeed if we develop the necessary infrastructure for it, which will look different compared with today." "The future offshore grid needs innovations such as hybrid interconnectors (interconnectors that are linked to wind farms) and energy hubs such as the first artificial island we are building in the Belgian North Sea," Chris Peeters, CEO of Elia Group. Electrification and hydrogen system "A balanced system of electrification and hydrogen in the North Sea is the way forward. Hydrogen can also be stored to secure our energy supply in the medium to long term." "In addition, carbon removal technologies are needed to capture unavoidable emissions from industrial processes. The North Sea has many depleted oil and gas reservoirs and aquifers that can be used for the permanent storage of CO2," Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys. Renewable energy The industry is ready to convert as much North Sea wind as possible into renewable energy" "Industry is ready to convert as much North Sea wind as possible into renewable energy for citizens and businesses. We ask the heads of state and governments and the President of the European Commission to accelerate their work on a robust legal framework." "This is necessary to attract investments in the production, transport, and storage of North Sea energy," Annemie Vermeylen, Secretary-general Belgian Offshore Platform. Energy transition "By combining our knowledge, expertise, and ambitions, we as the Belgian and European offshore industry can take on a leading role in accelerating the energy transition, boosting energy security, anchoring the industry in Europe, and strengthening the European lead in offshore technology." "To be successful in this, however, it is important to address urgent needs around the supply chain, human resources, and capacity to successfully realise these ambitions," Bart Steukers, CEO of Agoria. Supply chain "As we face geopolitical instability, the offshore energy sector needs a long-term stable investment environment. We are pioneers and world leaders in our sector, but the European supply chain (wind farm components, installation vessels, etc.) needs to be strengthened so that we have a guaranteed supply of parts at competitive prices." "It is also essential to have a sound compensation mechanism for offshore wind farms that protects both consumers and the supply chain," Julie De Nul, CEO of Jan De Nul Group. Innovative solutions The European offshore energy sector has the know-how and capabilities to help realise the energy transition" “The European offshore energy sector has the know-how and capabilities to help realise the energy transition, make Europe more energy independent, and anchor these activities in Europe." "DEME is a prime example of this and is extremely well positioned to continue providing the innovative solutions needed for this green future. This North Sea Summit is important for highlighting the opportunities, but also the challenges and the framework conditions that need to be addressed to achieve these goals," Luc Vandenbulcke, CEO of DEME Group. Overview of European industry and federations participating in Ostend For Belgium Port Oostende, John Cockerill, DEME, Jan De Nul, Besix, Smulders, Sibelco, Parkwind, Fluxys, Elia, ArcelorMittal, Solvay, Ackermans & van Haaren, North Sea Port, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Agoria, Belgian Offshore Platform, Virya, and Otary For Denmark Vestas, NKT Group, Ørsted, Energinet, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Port of Esbjerg, Green Power Denmark, Haldor Topsoe, Maersk, Dansk Industri, Dansk Erhverv, Danske Rederier and DSV. For France Nexans, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, Eiffage, Port du Havre, Alstom, Engie, EDF, TotalEnergies, RTE, GRTgaz, EVOLEN, France Énergie Éolienne, McPhy, Port de Saint-Nazaire and Port de Dunkerque. For Germany Linde, Siemens Gamesa, RWE, OGE, GASCADE, 50Hertz, Amprion, BASF, ThyssenKrupp, BWO, EnBW, Iberdrola Germany and KfW. For Ireland XOCEAN, Electricity Supply Board, Mainstream Renewable Power, Simply Blue Group, SuperNode, MaresConnect, EirGrid, Enterprise Ireland, Temporis, and Wind Energy Ireland. For The Netherlands NWEA, IRO, Van Oord, Sif, TenneT, Gasunie, Port of Rotterdam, Eneco, GBM Works and Huisman. For Norway Aibel, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, Aker Solutions, Equinor, Statkraft, Statnett, NVE, DNV, NorSea/ Wilhelmsen and Norge Mining. For the UK Shell, BP, SSE, National Grid Ventures, ScottishPower, Associated British Ports, Energy UK, Renewables UK, Catalyst Technologies, The Crown Estate, National Gas, and INEOS. European associations WindEurope, Clean Hydrogen Partnership, European Sea Ports Organisation, Europacable, EIB, WWF, and Renewables Grid Initiative.