The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Why Onboard Tracker can be a vital tool
Talk of the energy industry’s digital transformation is everywhere. But what does this mean in reality?
For most organisations, the act of scanning paper forms, moving to the “cloud” or deploying standalone software solutions that do not talk to other vital systems has been the extent of their digital transformation.
The UKCS is still running on spreadsheets despite spending fortunes on large ERP systems. Many energy companies have implemented digital systems. But if they are not connected, they do not provide better decisionmaking power.
However, there is one company which believes the industry can do considerably better in the quest for success in a digitally-connected world. Aberdeen-based IT support company Solab has been leading the way in the development of a real digital revolution for almost three decades.
In 2012, Solab software development experts launched Onboard Tracker, an online solution to connect operations across your business.
The modular, web-based software-as-a-service portal centrally manages integrated functions including operations, crew management, personnel logistics, training and competence.
Over the last nine years, managing director Kevin Coll has focused his team’s efforts on ensuring operational visibility is at the heart of their clients’ businesses.
Onboard Tracker is a powerful, connected portal that pushes enriched, consistent data to all vital departments throughout the company to ensure efficient and informed decision-making to improve business performance.
A FUTURE DIGITAL WORKFORCE
In this fast-evolving digital world, technology should never stand still. Onboard Tracker has grown and progressed over the years. In fact, it is always advancing.
The latest new functionality introduced is the planning module which sits seamlessly alongside the wider operational modules. It connects and talks to all data, fully incorporating the critical planning process based on real-time data.
One company reaping the benefits of the linked system, including the new planning module, is leading global subsea service provider Subsea 7.
Before Onboard Tracker, its mature, robust processes for managing personnel worked well, but the system was archaic.
Subsea 7 recognised a need to modernise its approach, make the best use of its processes and have a digitally connected strategy.
“Onboard Tracker is central to our wider digitalisation objective,” said Paul McGowan, IT engagement manager at Subsea 7.
“It brings us stability, supporting 24-7 operations across our global footprint. Our data is accessible, real-time and presented in a clear way to enable decision-making. We are excited about the future with Onboard Tracker.”
Mr Coll said Onboard Tracker is truly the most flexible option for managing and connecting data in highly regulated industries: “From our humble beginnings in 2012, Onboard Tracker has stayed ahead of the curve by adapting our software to continually evolve to meet the needs of modern business. We are particularly proud of our newly-launched planning module which is taking planning processes and decision-making to the next level.
“Looking ahead to 2022, digital transformation should be about taking control of processes with structured and consistent data bolstered by an ecosystem of modern, connected software applications playing a key role in business growth and success.”
After at least two false starts over the past 50 years, a flotilla of low-carbon ship design options is garnering commercial interest.
There are now commitments to build vessels from prominent companies.
Windship Technology’s radical propulsion system comprises triple-wing “hard” sails coupled with extensive solar arrays.
The UK company also claims to have developed a new diesel-electric ship drive system that eliminates carbon dioxide and nitrogen and sulphur oxide waste gases plus particulates. It has been branded as the true zeroemissions solution.
Windship Technology says the sails can develop a driving force greater than single-masted solutions of the same height.
Importantly, the 48m-high, composite rig can be stowed on deck to aid port navigation and cargo handling.
The concept drawing depicts a radical, torpedolike slim hull equipped with multiple masts.
Windship Technology prefers to describe it as the “Tesla of the sea”.
DNV will verify the design with a view to classifying emission reductions, safety and operability.
The company is now looking for commercial partners.
Meanwhile, another radical design has won the backing of the NorwegianSwedish shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
The Oceanbird class Orcelle Wind is described as a wind-powered “pure car and truck carrier” that will be capable of delivering up to 90% reduced emissions compared with current diesel/diesel-electric shipping. Craig Jasienski, CEO, said: “The journey towards zero emissions requires great strides forward and we believe the Orcelle Wind is one of them.”
Orcelle Wind is likely to have an overall car capacity of 7,000 vehicles, the ability to carry heavy machinery and breakbulk cargo, a length of around 220m and breadth of 40m, and a speed of 10-12 knots under sail that can be increased with the supplemental power system.
The French tyre maker Michelin has agreed to ship some of its products using two large sailpowered cargo ships being developed compatriot Neoline.
Tyres will be shipped from Michelin’s facilities in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Saint-Nazaire, France as soon as Neoline’s vessels enter service in 2023.
Michelin is seeking to decarbonise its logistics supply chains as part of its commitment to zerocarbon emissions by 2050.
The 136m-long sisters will have a cargo capacity of 500 cars and 280 containers.
With 4,200sqm sail area and engine assist, Neoline claims it can achieve a speed of at least 11 knots to sustain its bi-weekly service schedule commitment while also achieving verified bunker fuel savings.
Under its original strategic schedule, the company had expected its first Neoliner completed and at sea late this year. Now it could be 2023 at the earliest.
Westwood Global Energy reports that as of February 24 there was one exploration well and one appraisal well active in the UK, with no change since the end of December.
WEST OF SHETLAND
The last well to complete in the region was Hurricane’s Warwick West 204/30b-4 appraisal well on December 13 2019. No E&A wells were drilled in 2020 and there is currently no E&A drilling expected in 2021.
NORTHERN NORTH SEA
With the completion of Apache’s 9/19b-28 and 9/19b-29 Gamma/ Losgann exploration well programme on December 25, there is no current E&A drilling in the Northern North Sea.
CENTRAL NORTH SEA
Operations continue with Cnooc’s 22/26d-3
Glengorm South appraisal well which spudded on December 3 with the Prospector 5 jack-up.
The well is targeting the Upper Jurassic intraHeather Formation J54 Freshney Sandstone Member at a location to the south of the 2019 discovery well and is planned to be tested.
The well has an expected duration of 300 days, including the test programme. The well will be followed by a second Glengorm appraisal well in block 22/21c which will be drilled once operations on this well have completed.
Operations continue with Apache’s 22/6cB4 Bacchus South exploration well with the Ocean Patriot.
The well is targeting the Upper Jurassic Fulmar Formation within a series of tilted fault blocks adjacent to, but separated from, the Bacchus field.
If successful, the well will be developed via the current infrastructure which delivers hydrocarbons to the nearby Forties field.
SOUTHERN NORTH SEA
The last well to complete in the region was Eni’s 53/14a-2 Aspen exploration well on December 11 2019 which was abandoned as a dry hole.
The next well that is expected to be drilled is Shell and Deltic’s 41/5a-B Pensacola exploration well, which is planned to spud this year.