Offshore shutdown Crane boom
project is a first in refurbishment success for
Kazakhstan Chrysaor
2 3
World of possibilities
for control system upgrades
A cross the globe operators are
continuing to extend the life of
ageing assets. There are over 7,000
offshore cranes currently in service,
many of which have passed or are
reaching the end of their design
life. Therefore, there is a significant
requirement to review, refurbish,
upgrade and re-engineer crane systems,
as more enter this operational phase.
One area where Sparrows can particularly
add value is with the crane’s control system.
A crane control system manages the
operation of the crane as directed by the
crane operator (via joysticks and other input
devices) ensuring motions are within the
parameters and limits of the crane. The
Africa team welcomes first
female crane mechanic
9
“A control system upgrade
majority of cranes offshore are hydraulic
driven with electrical / hydraulic control
systems.
The complexity of control systems can
range from simple direct mechanical
linkages with pneumatic or hydraulic
controls, to those with electronic
proportional control through a
programmable logic controller.
Upgrade or replacement of the control
system, rather than the high cost
replacement of the entire crane, might occur
for a variety of reasons. Where cranes are
older there tends to be parts obsolescence
and reliability issues with the original OEM
supplied systems. We can address this with a
cost effective new or reverse engineered
The newsletter for
Sparrows Group
employees
INTERNAL USE ONLY
June 2019
or replacement provides a
commercially attractive
solution…”
Ewen Kerr
solution which will not only remove
obsolescence, but also improve reliability,
functionality, enhance safety systems and
improve certification and records.
Sparrows in-house electrical, automation
& control team have the capability to design,
build, test and install systems, as well as
having established long-term relationships
for system and component support with the
major suppliers such as Siemens, Wandfluh,
Bosch Rexroth and Parker.
A control system upgrade or replacement
provides a commercially attractive solution
with significant operational benefits, hence
as the offshore crane population continues
to age, Sparrows can support the life
extension requirements, with a focus on
delivery assurance of enhanced safety,
reliability and integrity n
Ewen Kerr, Chief Technical Officer
2 June 2019 INTERNAL USE ONLY
Offshore shutdown project
is a first in Kazakhstan
Island D.
A team of crane operators from
our flying squad were mobilised
to support a shutdown for the North
Caspian Operating Company (NCOC)
offshore Kazakhstan.
The shutdown, on Island D in the
Kashagan field, was one of the largest in
Kazakhstan and the only one currently
based offshore. In a series of firsts, this was
our first scope of work for the client and
the first time that we have had personnel
Oceaneering
contract for
deck crew
onboard
vessel Ocean
Evolution
working offshore in Kazakhstan since we
began operating there. It was also a first for
the crane operators as they had no previous
experience in the country.
Daniel Collins, MEIC operations
manager said “Completing our first
workscope for a client offshore in
Kazakhstan is an important step in our
growth aspirations. The crew
demonstrated utter professionalism in
front of the client and it was recognised
O ur US team have been awarded a
contract with Oceaneering for deck
crew onboard the Ocean Evolution, a
first for the US.
The one-year contract will provide six
personnel on a 28 / 28 day rotation, with
two crane operators for a large
knuckleboom crane and one hydraulic PLC
technician in each crew. Work began in
early May with the crew commencing
startup operations of the vessel and
gathering spares.
The Ocean Evolution was built in Mobile,
Alabama, commissioned in Port Fourchon,
Louisiana and is expected to be christened
that their skill and attitude contributed
largely to the shutdown being completed
ahead of schedule.
“Based on their excellent performance
we are confident that we will be called
upon to support these activities again in
the future. We are also hopeful that it will
lead to further work providing onsite
crane maintenance to support the
numerous pedestal cranes the client has in
the field.” n
in Galveston, Texas in mid-June.
Kevin Brunet, assistant business manager
in Slidell, commented “Although we have a
good relationship with Oceaneering, having
worked with them for over 15 years
globally, this is the first contract of its kind
in the US. It is currently a pilot program for
Oceaneering, but if successful we are
hopeful that we will have the opportunity
to provide the services across the rest of
their fleet.”
We will also be providing additional
services for the Ocean Evolution, such as
EMAG inspections of wire rope and DROPS
surveys, in the future n

Crane boom refurbishment
success for Chrysaor
R ecently the Chrysaor contract
team in Aberdeen delivered on a
demanding work scope for the client on
the Armada platform.
During inspections in 2017 and 2018 it
was noted that there was excessive
corrosion on both cranes on the platform
and they were downrated in order to
continue safe operation. This had a
significant impact on the lifting capability of
the platform and put future work scopes at
risk. In addition, the client will be
commencing a major drilling campaign this
year which requires a number of heavy lifts
to be carried out and takes one of the
platform cranes out of service.
A gap in the asset plan was discovered at
late notice, opening the opportunity to carry
out this work. The scope was kicked off on
the 11th January 2019 and the team was
asked to remove the boom from the east
crane, refurbish it onshore and reinstall it
before 20th May. This gave 18 weeks to
plan, mobilise and complete the project,
with a full boom refurbishment usually
taking at least 22 weeks to execute. Any
delays in completing the work would have
significant implications by delaying the
drilling programme.
Kevin Martin, business manager, said “A
dedicated team of Calum MacKenzie and
Grzegorz Kaczor were appointed to the
project, Calum has vast experience of these
types of accelerated work scopes and
understands what is required to achieve this.
With only a week’s notice, a flying squad
crew mobilised to the platform.”
Several challenges arose during the project
which increased the amount of work
required and decreased the amount of time
available. This included offshore weather
delays and the increase in repair scope
following further inspections onshore. It was
then discovered six weeks in to the
refurbishment that the arrival of the drilling
rig had been accelerated and was now
expected on the 27th April, losing four
weeks off the programme.
On Monday 25th March, seven weeks
after the boom was received at Sparrows,
the boom was fully refurbished and ready to
be shipped offshore. A flying squad crew
mobilised back to the platform in early April
and the crane was handed over, fully
re-rated and operational on the 26th April.
From initial scope kick-off to the return to
service was only 116 days taking 8,000-man
hours of effort. A huge achievement for the
combined Sparrows and client project team,
spanning both onshore and offshore.
Kevin added, “The scope is a perfect
example of Sparrows ability to react at short
notice to a client’s requirements and deliver
a large scope. Team work and
communication was at the heart of the
project, as well as the shared aim to deliver
for the client. Significant support and
planning from various departments was also
required and thanks to everyone who was
involved, without everyone working
together the project wouldn’t have been a
success.” n
INTERNAL USE ONLY June 2019 3
Continued focus
on US onshore
industrial
delivering results
A ctivity in the onshore industrial
market in the US is continuing
to see good growth with a number
of new contract awards in the past
couple of months.
In Beaumont, Texas, we’ve been
awarded labour, inspection and hydraulic
repair work at the West Rock paper mill,
as well as HPU set up and commissioning
for Hydro Jet Excavation. We’re also
going to be delivering labour, inspection
and repair for Jindall, a steel mill in Bay
St. Louis, Mississippi, and inspection and
repair at a natural gas facility in New
Orleans, Louisiana, for Atmos Energy.
In addition to the work we’ve been
awarded we’ve also been tendering for
other projects, some of which are in new
sectors such as agriculture, food, coal
and fertiliser.
A group of representatives from the
Slidell office also attended a Motion
Industries national sales meeting and
vendor fair which helped establish
contact with new clients in Texas and
Louisiana. Some of our recent wins and
opportunities have been as the result of
our relationship with Motion, a parts
distribution company that we have
partnered with in the industrial market.
Other work has been awarded due to
our ability to respond when the
incumbent is unable to, or thanks to our
reputation and problem-solving
capability n
Armada boom after refurbishment.
4 June 2019 INTERNAL USE ONLY
Tensioner sale completed in
Middle East for collaboration with Innovo
I n the Middle East, the CPLS team
successfully collaborated with Innovo
to supply a carousel tension feed system
to Saipem.
Innovo required to purchase a tensioner to
use as part of the system for the Saipem
Constellation. Our 15Te rental tensioner
provided the best option as it was available
in the UAE, however it required some
modification and de-rating to 8Te to fit the
project requirements. Senior project
engineer, Rao Narasimha, managed the
project from the Abu Dhabi office.
The tensioner was set up for horizontal
spooling but the planned solution for the lay
spread meant that it needed to be modified
for a vertical mounting operation. We
analysed the lifting frame of the tensioner to
determine if it could be re-orientated and
lifted vertically, and then performed a trial
lift to determine the centre of gravity (COG)
in the vertical position.
New relationships key
to continued Alpha success
H aving enjoyed a successful first
year as part of the Group, Alpha is
looking to carry this on through 2019
and continue to expand its global reach.
Although the company has long-standing
relationships with Vestas and MHI Vestas,
expanding the customer base is a key
strategy to furthering the growth of the
business.
Thanks to support from teams across
Sparrows they have now secured orders with
two new clients, GE Renewables and
Nordex. Initial trial work will be undertaken
in Europe for both businesses, with GE to
retrofit a range of safety systems and Nordex
for examining blade efficiency through
installation of various blade enhancements.
Both these companies are well known in
New lifting pad eyes were engineered by
the Mumbai team and then fabricated,
installed and lift tested in the Abu Dhabi
workshop. Other modifications included
designing a hold down mechanism to
ensure the tensioner could cope with the
vessel motions in the vertical orientation;
installing track centralising brackets to allow
the tracks to be manoeuvred to the centre
with the use of chain hoists; and putting a
limitation on the hydraulic system pressure
the renewables market; GE Renewables is an
onshore and offshore turbine supplier which
has grown to become one of the top three
OEM vendors. While Nordex is a major
European OEM, headquartered in Germany
it has a global footprint covering Europe,
Latin America, US and Australia.
Mikkel Lund, chief executive officer at
Alpha, commented “Following the business
development team identifying the
opportunities with GE Renewables and
Nordex, there has been a lot of work put in
by teams in legal, tax and proposals to
respond to the tenders and get us to this
point. I’d like to thank them all for the
support that they’ve given us.
“It is great to see the first orders with
these new clients and we are hopeful that
to limit the tensioner line pull capabilities to
8Te. As well as this, a test bed was
manufactured and set up in the workshop
yard to carry out all the pulling tests and
load calibration. Mike Milne, hydraulic
specialist in Aberdeen, was utilised to assist
with the testing.
The tensioner was installed on to the
vessel, mounted onto a diverter chute
frame, for spooling product into and out of
an under-deck carousel under controlled
tension. The diverter chute and tensioner
support frame were designed and fabricated
by Innovo, along with modifications to the
carousel spooling chute.
Following installation, commissioning and
familiarisation training the tensioner is now
fully operational on the vessel. The system
will initially be used for the ExxonMobil LIZA
project in Guyana, where we are also
supporting Saipem with the rental of a 36Te
four-track tensioner n
these initial scopes will lead to more work in
the future. Extending our client base is an
important next step to continuing the global
growth and expansion of the business.”
Alpha has also benefitted from external
promotion at WindEnergy Hamburg and
WindEurope in Bilbao leading to an increase
in tenders for work. The changing nature of
the market has had an impact as well, the
global growth of renewables has seen a shift
from the tendering period being over the
quieter winter months to a year-round
process. With a global market and wind
power capacity reaching 597 GW in 20181,
there is plenty of opportunity for operations
and maintenance activity n
World Wind Energy Association - https://wwindea.
1.
org/information-2/information/

All change in Africa team
T he Africa team has witnessed a
number of personnel changes over
the past couple of months.
We welcomed Colin Prentice at the start
of May as the new Angola country manager.
Colin is currently undertaking his handover
with the outgoing manager, Craig McKean.
Craig has been working in Angola in an
expat capacity for four years and is now
relocating back to the UK. His knowledge of
the country is extensive so it’s hugely
positive that this is being retained in the
business. All the team would like to take this
opportunity to thank Craig for his hard work
and dedication during his posting and wish
him every success in his new position.
Official ABS accreditation
for DROPS in United States
O ur United States business has been
recognised as an external specialist
by the American Bureau of Shipping
(ABS) for the provision of Dropped
Objects Inspection and Program Audits.
This is a huge milestone for us as we are
the first, and currently only, company in
the US to receive official accreditation
from ABS.
Chad Farrell, US inspection manager, said:
“Becoming ABS accredited recognises the
expertise within our inspection team and
reinforces our commitment to safe
operations.
“DROPS has only been recently introduced
to the US but is swiftly becoming an
important safety procedure within the
energy and industrial sectors. Having the
Also in Angola, Cameron Dixon and Phil
Collinson have started new roles where they
are based in a major client’s office on a 28 /
28 rotation. Having them in the local office
allows a reactive service with a discipline
expert on hand immediately, which is
proving very beneficial.
Innes Morrison joins as a graduate
engineer from the FMECA team. As part of
his development it is key that he is exposed
to various parts of the business to learn a
wide range of skills.
Being part of our team will introduce him
to a variety of work, but also give him
valuable experience in international
operations. He’s already settling in well and
“DROPS is becoming an
important safety
procedure…”
Chad Farrell
accreditation assures our customers that our
specially trained inspectors will carry out
DROPS inspections and surveys to the
highest standards.”
An effective DROPS survey plays a vital
role in supporting the safety practices of any
asset. An inspection team will scan an area
for any potential falling hazards with the
aim of preventing future dropped objects.
We can perform stand-alone DROPS surveys
or as an addition to any other work scope
taking place.
We have recently carried out DROPS
inspections for Oceaneering and Shell in the
Gulf of Mexico n
INTERNAL USE ONLY June 2019 5
is working with one of our major clients.
Sadly, as well as the new faces we’ve said
goodbye to some team members. Steven
Cross has left us to broaden his experience
in a UK contract. He was with us for over 10
years and his experience of the region was
invaluable, so we’re pleased to see him
staying in the business and wish him the
best with his new role.
Ian Alexander also moved on from the
team, having left the business to pursue
other opportunities. He was a long serving
employee of Sparrows and will be sorely
missed by us all. We’ve yet to appoint
someone to fill his role but the team is
working together to provide support n
Surveying
hydraulic hoses
in Singapore
W ork is currently underway at
the Sembcorp Megayard in
Singapore to carry out a hydraulic
hose survey for Helix Well Ops.
The survey, onboard the Q7000 well
intervention vessel, is being carried out
as part of the client requirement to
create a hose register for each piece of
equipment. To achieve this, we are
inspecting every hose to record data
such as pressure, length, type, size and
end fittings. The survey began in
mid-May, and with over 2,500
estimated hydraulic hoses on the
vessel, is expected to take four
technicians 30 days to complete.
We carried out our first work for
Helix in the region earlier this year and
the successful completion of those
smaller scopes has led to this project.
We’re also carrying out calibration of
pressure relief valves and critical
gauges for them.
Once the Q7000 is ready it will be
going to work for ExxonMobil in Africa
for 18 months before heading to the
North Sea n
6 June 2019 INTERNAL USE ONLY

Technical Services

Open loop hydraulic systems

Part 2 looking at the basic principles. The vast not ideal, however. In the central position
majority of directional control valves in open the flow from the fixed-displacement pump

W e mentioned in the previous

article that open loop hydraulic
systems normally use a directional
control valve (DCV) to control the
direction and rate of flow through an
actuator (most commonly a hydraulic
motor or cylinder).
The DCV is an important component in
an open loop hydraulic system as this is
what gives us control of the speed and
direction of motion of the actuator,
allowing the system to do the work for
which it was designed. It’s all about
diverting the right amount of pump flow to
the right places to control the actuators.
So how does it work? Well, let’s start by
loop hydraulic systems are “spool” valves.
These consist of a precision-machined spool
that fits, with close tolerances, inside the
valve body. This is demonstrated in Figure 1.
By moving the spool to a central position
we can stop the flow passing to the
actuator, therefore stopping the movement
of the actuator. This is demonstrated on
Figure 2.
The centring of the spool is normally
taken care of by springs and there are many
options for actuation of the spool, including
manual lever, hydraulic or pneumatic pilot,
electrical solenoid, roller lever, foot pedal,
etc.
The arrangement shown on Figure 2 is
has nowhere else to go except over the
relief valve. This means that the pump is
delivering full flow at full pressure, therefore
taking maximum power from the prime
mover when no actual work is being done.
This is wasteful and just generates heat in
the hydraulic fluid.
In order to address this, systems with
fixed-displacement pumps commonly
include a means to unload the pump when
the directional control valve is in neutral and
there is no demand on the system. One
method of doing this is to use a “mobile”
directional control valve (designed for use in
mobile machinery) with central bypass.
This is demonstrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5.

Figure 1

Valve ports
A B A B
Valve body

Spool

T P T T P T

E E

Spool moved to the left. Direction of flow: Spool moved to the right. Direction of flow:
Port P to port A, Port P to port B,
port B to port T port A to port T

High pressure Low pressure / return Pump suction Flow direction

 INTERNAL USE ONLY June 2019 7

When the valve spool is in the neutral Figure 2 Figure 3

position the central bypass path is open and Spool in centre (neutral) position. Spool in centre (neutral) position. Pump flow
the pump flow is diverted back to tank at Spool configuration: all ports blocked. is diverted to tank via the central bypass.
low pressure. When the valve spool is Pump runs off-load.
moved from the neutral position, the central
bypass path begins to close and the path To DSV port B
(omitted for
from the “P” port to the “A” or “B” port clarity
(depending on which way the spool is
A B
moved) begins to open. At a certain point it
will become easier for the fluid to start V-notches in A T
flowing towards the “A” or “B” service valve spool
to achieve Pump
ports than it is to flow through the proportional flow
restricted central bypass. control returns
to tank
At this point the flow is shared between P P via the
the central bypass and the service port. T P T
central
bypass
Modulation of the valve spool position
therefore allows the pump flow to be
divided between the central bypass and the
E
service port, allowing service port flow to be E
varied approximately in proportion to valve
spool position. The grooves in the valve
spool serve to improve the proportional
flow characteristics of the valve and Figure 5
therefore variable speed control of the Spool fully activated. 100% of pump flow is
actuator. Valves with proportional flow diverted to the actuator.
characteristics are known as proportional (or ISO 1219 symbol (actuation
modulating) valves. method not shown) To DSV port B
(omitted for
This type of valve therefore allows us to clarity
control the speed of the actuator (in
proportion to valve spool position), the Figure 4
direction of movement / rotation of the Spool partially activated to share flow A T
actuator and with the added benefit that between the central bypass and the service
the pump is unloaded when the spool is in port. Proportional control of the actuator Pump flow
the neutral position. speed is achieved by sharing the flow in returns to
tank via
In the next article we will look at this way. P P the central
actuators and then move on to open loop bypass
systems with variable displacement To DSV port B
(omitted for
pumps n clarity

E
Sandy Simpson
A T

Pump flow
returns to
T
tank via Figure 6
P P the central A ISO 1219 symbol for
bypass B
central bypass valve.

E P2

P1
8 June 2019 INTERNAL USE ONLY
Bob has HSEQ leadership in safe hands
“…we need to focus on
engagement, leadership and
commitment…”
Bob Jamieson
Congratulations on your new role
as HSEQ director! How have you
found the transition and the first
couple of months?
Thanks. It has been a busy couple
of months for me so far and for the
department. Adjusting to the changes in
responsibilities while still providing the
service expected of us has been challenging,
however the team have been very
supportive throughout.
How would you describe the role
and what (if anything) will be
different to previously?
I think most people in Sparrows would
say no two days are the same and it is no
exception in HSEQ. Each region has its own
requirements, operate in different cultures
and face different challenges both internally
and externally. It is my responsibility to
ensure that the HSEQ team provide the
necessary level of support to meet those
challenges, that our strategy is clearly
defined and that health and safety, the
environment and customer satisfaction are
at the forefront of everything we do.
Anything that you expect to be
particularly challenging or that
you’re looking forward to?
It is an interesting time to be at Sparrows as
we continue to diversify in to new markets
and sectors. The challenge for HSEQ is to
ensure we identify and comply with any
legal requirements, integrate best practice
and meet the expectations of clients we
have not dealt with before.
One current example of this is the
ongoing process of achieving API Spec Q2 in
Singapore to meet the requirements of the
drilling contractors in the region. I’m sure all
involved will agree that it has been more
demanding than they expected, however I
have no doubt that we shall be successful
with this and any other new requirements
asked of us.
What will you be focusing on in
the next six months?
We will shortly be communicating a new
HSEQ plan which focuses on key elements
that I am confident will drive improvement
in our HSEQ culture and ultimately our
performance.
We all strive to find that one thing that
will make the big change in safety or service
delivery, however unfortunately it has so far
eluded everyone. Therefore, we need to
focus on engagement, leadership and
commitment in order to make an effective
change in culture. This will be a challenge
for us all, as it is in any company, however I
am confident that we have the passion and
enthusiasm to make this happen.
How long have you been at
Sparrows?
I started with Sparrows in 2011 as the
Health and Safety Manager for the eastern
hemisphere, before taking responsibility for
quality and environment a few years later.
These responsibilities extended to the group
in 2018, prior to taking up my current
position.
What did you do previously?
Prior to joining Sparrows, I was the
operations manager for Petersons’ supply
base in Great Yarmouth. During my time at
Petersons I also worked in HSEQ, warehouse
management and material control. I have
had many varied roles in the past having
spent a few years in the Royal Air Force and
held management positions in industries
outwith oil and gas.
What’s the best piece of career
advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I have been given is to
only worry about what you can alter.
This is perhaps not specifically career
related, but it is great advice for the times
when stress levels are high, prioritising
workload is difficult or life in general seems
overwhelming n
 INTERNAL USE ONLY June 2019 9

Africa team welcomes

first female crane mechanic

I n March, Mazambi ‘Nenet’ Nfumu

became the first female crane
mechanic in Africa when she joined
the team in Malongo, Angola. Nenet
“I believe you
was recruited as part of a drive for should follow your
new level 1 mechanics for our contract
with CABGOC (Chevron) and is already
dreams and that is
showing great appetite and promise to what I am doing.”
develop within our business.
Growing up with her parents in Uige
Mazambi ‘Nenet’ Nfumu
Province, Angola, Nenet didn’t exactly have
the simplest journey that destined her to
work for Sparrows. Her parents divorced
when she was just seven years old and due
to the Angolan Civil War, she had to move
to the Democratic Republic of Congo as a
refugee.
Nenet lived in Kimpesse, where she grew
up with her mother and stepfather. She was
determined to further her education, but
family had to come first “I studied chemistry
in high school but never got the chance to
develop myself through higher education
because of the cost and need to focus on
income for my family.”
In 1997, after the war, Nenet re-
established communication with her
biological father and his side of the family.
They decided to return to Angola and
ventured to Luanda, as the majority of
employment was available there. Nenet
couldn’t afford to study, so undertook short
courses like English and IT to get basic
employment to help support her family. It
was during this time Nenet met her partner
and welcomed a new addition to the family,
This provided Nenet with a great that is what I am doing.”
a baby girl.
opportunity to capitalise on what she enjoys Feeling very grateful, Nenet praises
In 2004, her family moved to Cabinda in
most, learning new skills, undertaking Sparrows for providing her with an
search of better opportunities. Nenet
hands-on work and increasing her opportunity to work in a sector she cares
believes it was definitely the right move
knowledge. Unfortunately, in 2016, due to about greatly “I’ve always had an interest in
“Cabinda is known as a large oil hub
the climate in the industry, she was made cranes and even applied at the crane shop in
alongside other industries such as mining.
redundant. the past, where I was unfortunately
The city is also very precious to me as I
Nenet shows true passion towards her unsuccessful.
married my partner here and we also had
career, believing you can do anything you “I love mechanics and working hands-on
our second child, another girl.”
put your mind to, especially being a woman and the challenges that crane and lifting
In late 2004, Nenet felt the need to return
working in a male dominated industry “I maintenance gives me. I am determined to
to work. She took on a role at MI Swaco as
have been approached by colleagues in the develop into a highly skilled technician and
a logistics coordinator, then in 2010, she
past and they seemed surprised that as a I’m confident the team in Africa will help me
started as a solids control engineer, which
woman I prefer to do hands-on work. I reach my goal.” n
allowed her to work in various offshore
believe you should follow your dreams and
locations.
10 June 2019 INTERNAL USE ONLY
Name the boat
shortlist
In the last issue of Insight we
opened up nominations for the
naming of Peter Rhodes’ boat for his
Row North Atlantic challenge.
Thank you to all who sent in
suggestions, there was definitely a good
variety for Pete to choose from! The final
shortlist is:
• Fighting Spirit
• Heart of the Ocean
• Hope
To vote for your favourite, please use
the survey on the Row North Atlantic
page on The Link, or you can email the
name of your top choice to
communications@sparrowsgroup.com
Vote by COB Friday, 12th July and
we’ll announce the winner on The Link
and in the next issue of Insight in early
August n
Kilen Rundt
A team of eight from Alpha
recently participated in the
annual running / walking race ‘Kilen
Rundt’ in Struer, completing the 5km
route in super fine style.
The event is aimed at engaging people
in the community in exercise. A total of
1177 people took part this year, with
Alpha being the third largest company
registered. Everyone enjoyed some
celebratory sandwiches at the end of
the evening n
Aberdeen team get sporty
for Charlie House appeal
A group of seven employees in
Aberdeen took part in a 24-hour run
as part of a local community Sportathlon
event to raise funds for the Charlie
House Big Build Appeal.
Organisers Kevin Mottram and Neil Thom
are leaders for the Jog Scotland group based
in Newmachar, Aberdeenshire, and took on
the challenge for the group to run 1,000
miles over 24 hours.
A four-mile route was set up and each of
the runners committed to completing a
number of laps during the event. Kevin and
Neil were joined by colleagues Andy
Coughtrie, Cameron Gow, Gavin (Nips)
Milne, Peter Walterson and Stuart Smith, as
well as 50 other runners from the Jog
Scotland group.
The initial 1,000 mile target was reached
after 13 hours and 15 minutes but the team
kept going for the full 24 hours, covering a
total of 1,664 miles. They also doubled their
initial fundraising goal and have raised just
over £6,000.
As well as the Sportathlon, the
Dancing with the Black Dog
W e all know our industry can be a
lonely, arduous and stressful place
to work. I am also sure we all know
someone who has at some time felt
anxious or depressed. Certainly, they
are not alone – it is estimated that three
million people in Australia are living
with anxiety or depression.
That is why in the Australia operations we
are supporting the ‘Dancing with the Black
Dog’ campaign. Having started as a blog
about one man’s experience of beating
anxiety and depression it is now a registered
charity with a global campaign.
We will be issuing Australian based
personnel with a small lapel pin to wear
to demonstrate support. Patches will also
be issued for coveralls or work shirts and
Newmachar community has been
completing a variety of other events to
support Charlie House and has so far raised
£21,379, surpassing the initial target of
£12,900.
Charlie House supports families in the
North-East of Scotland who have children
with life-limiting conditions. The Big Build
Appeal is aiming to raise £8 million to fund a
purpose-built facility, this will improve the
services offered and dramatically change the
support available to these children and their
families locally.
If you’d like to add to the team’s
fundraising, you can make a donation at:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nrg-s-24 n
we have car stickers too.
This provides a visual symbol to show
anyone who is suffering in silence that it’s ok
to say if they don’t feel ok. It’s optional for
personnel to take part and wear the badge
or patch, those who choose to are asked
that they are open to talk to anyone who
approaches them. Sometimes all it takes is a
simple conversation! Maybe a colleague
wants to talk in confidence to a mental
health professional, demonstrating support
might make them more comfortable in
taking that step.
For more information, please visit
www.dancingwiththeblackdog.com/
its-okay-to-say/
And remember – we can’t have good days
all the time. David Brough n

B ryan Milton, training instructor /
assessor at the training centre in
Aberdeen, took up running several years
ago but decided this year to undertake
his toughest test.
At the end of April, Bryan completed the
London Marathon in three hours and thirty
minutes, a brilliant time for the event.
Bryan’s challenge wasn’t just about tackling
the race, he undertook it to raise money for
Long service awards
C ongratulations to the following
people who have been recognised
with a long service award in April and
May:
Five years
• Abdul Nasar Paremmel, Crane Operator,
UAE
• Anayo Uche, Lead Engineer, UK
• Colin Chapman, Welder / Plater, UK
• Craig Troup, Painter / Blaster, UK
• David Spink, Lead Engineer, UK
• David Hetherington, Quality Control
Engineer, UK
• David Waters, Crane Operator, UK,
• Hadlie George Gomes, Hydraulic
Technician, UK
• Jamie Gibson, Rigger, UK
Bryan’s London Marathon run
for The Scottish Cot Death Trust
The Scottish Cot Death Trust (SCDT) – a
charity which is close to his heart.
“My partner and I lost our daughter Kirsty
to cot death in 2011 and I started running
shortly after that as a kind of mental
release,” explains Bryan. “I still do it to as a
way of blowing off steam when required
and to help me keep fit. I quite enjoy it too!
“I completed the Inverurie Half Marathon
in 2015, raising £2,300 for the SCDT in
Kirsty’s memory. This year, I decided to take it
up a notch and entered to run the London
Marathon. In the run up, I was seen running
around our village at all hours of day and
night to fit training in around my work
schedule, so that I could complete it in the
best possible time.
“So far, I’ve raised around £2900 including
Gift Aid and it was great to get support from
my daughter Isla as she kicked off the
fundraising with a stall at her school last
Christmas. Family, friends and colleagues
have been great in raising this money and
have made the marathon worthwhile.
“The Marathon was a brilliant experience
• Kishore Ekanath Kadam, Rigger, UAE
• Lauren McDonald, Training Sales Co-
ordinator, UK
• Lianne Duguid, Buyer, UK
• Lonnie Aube, Crane Operator, US
• Moorthy Krishnamurthy, Crane Supervisor,
UAE
• Nitu Ashar, Logistics & Procurement
Assistant, UAE
• Peter Michael, Rigger / Deck Crew, UAE
• Ratheesh Koitharayil Nair, Technician, UAE
• Stephen McFadden, Rigger, UK
• Stuart Sharman, Mechanic, UK
• Thomas Brian Fernando, Rigger, UAE
Ten years
• Ashokan Parakunnath, Yard Assistant,
UAE
INTERNAL USE ONLY June 2019 11
and one that I would highly recommend.
Easy to say now that my legs have
recovered!
“The crowd and volunteer staff are truly
amazing and really help to pick you up when
it’s most needed. I’m now enjoying a more
relaxed lifestyle without the dreaded long
weekly training run on a Sunday, but still find
the time to squeeze in a few easier going
runs.
“As for future ventures, who knows?
Ultra-marathon perhaps. Just don’t tell my
partner Kerry for the time being!”
Sadly, one Scottish baby dies every nine
days. The SCDT gives support to bereaved
families, educates professionals and parents
about ways to reduce cot death risk and
fund research into why these babies die and
how future deaths can be prevented.
Although the marathon is finished, Bryan’s
fundraising page is still open so if you would
like to make a donation you can do so at
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-
display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Brya
nMilton&pageUrl=1 n
Fifteen years
•
•
David Smithies, Mechanic Operator, UK
Kevin Craib, Rigger, UK
• Paul Craib, Mechanic Operator, UK
• William Smith, Mechanic Operator, UK
Twenty years
• Alexander Ewen, Warehouse Leader, UK
• Alexander Simpson, Head of Eng., UK
Thirty years
• Graham Low, Hydraulic Tech, UK
• Robert Morrison, Services Foreman,
Angola
• Stephen McKelvie, Crane Operator, UK
Forty years
• Ian Douglas, Crane Operator, UK n
12 June 2019 INTERNAL USE ONLY
Jobs well done
Noe commended
for problem solving
Noe Hernandez received praise from our
client by recognising a potential flaw
relating to crane safety and remote range.
Whilst discussing the installation of a small
hoist, Noe pointed out the wrong hoist
could be operated if the wrong remote was
handed out. The client currently doesn’t
have a unique tag system or verification
that the right remote is being given out on
their Master Tag for work. The client stated,
“Noe’s crucial input was a huge insight to us
and we greatly appreciate the value of his
effort and contribution to our procedures.”
Pascal impresses crew with
excellent delivery of training
“I’d also like to convey some positive
feedback on Pascal, whom the crew advised
was first class. Coaching and mentoring
them and really taking the time to explain
things properly went a long way. It’s not
often we get such a positive reaction from
the crew and as such it is only right to
recognise Pascal.”
Rig manager, West Tucana
Team praised for efficient boom
rope change out
“I wanted to pass on my thanks for the
efforts and performance regarding the
change out of the boom rope. Appreciate
this was reactive initially, however, the
response from the team once offshore to
complete the change out on the Thursday
in one day should be noted. This allowed a
much quicker turnaround than anticipated
and helped regard available flights and
demob. My thanks for this performance
and please ensure my thanks is passed on
to those involved.”
Donald McDonald,
Gannet manager, Shell
Alex requested for next
project after making great first
impression
“Just a short note to say thanks for providing
Alex Flett on the familiarisation survey.
Have any good news to share? Send your story and a high resolution picture to communications@sparrowsgroup.com
Alex was very pro-active, engaging and
provided good feedback and observations
with regards to the current condition of the
crane. Please pass on our thanks to Alex for
his work on this visit. Also, can you advise
on Alex’s availability to support us on the
above intervention campaign.”
ConocoPhillips focal point
Filming project gets boost with
training centre help
“I’d like to thank Trevor Dear at the training
centre for his support during filming
with an ITN production crew. We used
the training centre as a backdrop for an
energy industry documentary that we
agreed to take part in. Despite it being
an incredibly busy day at the centre,
Trevor accommodated all the film crew’s
requests, supported Maureen Morgan in
operating the crane for her segment and
was on hand for any questions, tackling
everything with good humour. Trevor is
always understanding of marketing and
communications needs and a pleasure to
work with.”
Kathryn MacKenzie,
Communications manager
Malcolm’s support saves delay on
drilling operation
“Malcolm supported the drilling team,
working a full shift to perform a Lifting
Operations and Lifting Equipment
Regulations (LOLER) conformant visual
inspection of third-party rigging equipment.
In doing so, Malcolm identified defects that
could be resolved with the use of platform-
managed rigging equipment. Without this
level of support, a delay would have been
incurred to the Clair Ridge drilling operation.
I have also been made aware that Malcolm
offered to stay onboard Saturday 4th
May to support such emerging inspection
requirements, missing a prearranged
anniversary dinner with his wife. Please can
you pass on the Clair Ridge team’s thanks
to Malcolm”
Simon Hicks,
BP wells superintendent
Other high scoring customer
feedback forms and thanks were
received for:
Aiful Amir Awang Noh, Alan Smith, Alan
Sinclair, Allan MacLean, Allan Turner, Allen
Bryan, Allen MacLean, Andrew Matthews,
Andrew Oddie, Brian Moncur, Cameron
Leel, Craig Bain, Daniel Barrat, David
Calcott, Davide Bardetti, Garry Anderson,
Garry Duguid, George MacKenzie, Graham
Buchan, Gregor McHardy, Gregor Robin, Ian
McAulay, Jakub Bobrowski, Jamie Moore,
Jarek Piatowski, John Le, John Poolson,
John Walker, John Smith, Kakarla Kumar,
Keith Gray, Ken MacLeod, Ken Rose, Kent
Arias, Keri Bommer, Kevin Craib, Kieran
McBarron, Letham Cameron, Macaulay
Hodges, Maciej Zrobek, Michael Booth,
Michael Moore, Murray McGregor, Norman
McQuaide, Peter Goulding, Peter Thomas,
Peter Whyman, Richard Brown, Roberto
Palacio, Rob Smith, Ryan Illand, Ryan Mair,
Sammy Wilson, Scott Cochrane, Scott
Inkster, Scott Maitland, Sean Mizen, Steven
Smith, Stuart Sharman, Tim Woolley, Tony
Sirmond, Trevor Irving, Trevor Toups, Willie
MacAulay, Zac Kiernan n
Monthly
safety award
winners
March
• Timur Sarbupeyev, Engineer, Caspian
• Inamat Sarsenbayev, Engineer, Caspian
• Joy Francis, Welder, India
• Brian Fraser, Yard Foreman, Europe n