Parental Company Specialist Subsea Services (S³) Delivers New Vessel

April 26, 2012 - International subsea service group Reef Subsea AS unveiled its new inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) and subsea construction vessel at Aberdeen Harbour yesterday (Wednesday 25^th April 2012). The Reef Larissa, which has just returned from four days of trials in the North Sea, will be operated by Aberdeen-based ROV and survey services provider Specialist Subsea Services Ltd (S³).

The vessel is one of two sister ships on a five year charter agreement from Neptune Subsea AS. Originally named Neptune Larissa and Neptune Despina, the vessels have been renamed the Reef Larissa and Reef Despina.  Measuring  98.6m x 19m in size, the Reef Larissa is a DP2 class, suitable for deepwater, and sleeps up to 78 people. Two of S³’s Triton XLX work class ROVs are installed on board along with a suite of survey equipment.

The vessel is equipped with a 150 tonne SWL crane with active heave compensation, an enclosed ROV hangar with two integrated LARS for the deployment of work class ROVs on both sides of the vessel, a large moonpool and up to 935m² of deck area. On its own, the 150 tonne crane is able to work in depths of over 2,000m, and when combined with the work class ROVs, the vessel will operate in depths of up to 3,000m.

The Larissa has been designed to produce a faster transit speed in head seas, and is environmentally efficient due to its reduced fuel consumption and streamlined design.

Graeme Kidd, managing director of S³, said: “We are delighted to be in a position to offer the Reef Larissa, which is S³’s first IMR and subsea construction vessel. Its addition to the Reef Subsea fleet will place us in a stronger position to support offshore operations in the North Sea, Europe and Africa and provide customers with a comprehensive package of services.

“The Larissa is equipped with the latest technology and combined with its ability to operate in deepwater, will allow us to use our work class ROVs in conjunction with tooling packages on a wider range of projects. These benefits are further strengthened by recent enhancing works that have been implemented on board to provide suitable working conditions for our offshore project teams. These works include more office space and an increased accommodation capacity from 65 to 78.”

Tim Sheehan, Reef Subsea Chief Operating Officer, added: “We are extremely pleased to unveil the Reef Larissa in Aberdeen Harbour before she leaves for her first assignment. Like her sister ship she will bring to all our clients from both oil and gas and renewable energy sectors the additional resources they may need to develop their subsea and offshore fields. The new vessels enjoy Clean Design and Green Passport status to further reduce environmental footprint and increase safe working conditions for offshore crew and project teams.”

Caledonian Geotech Awarded Hat-trick of Prestigious Industry Standards

15th February 2012

Caledonian Geotech has proved its commitment to achieving the highest possible standards by being awarded a hat-trick of prestigious industry accreditations.

Based in Dundee, Caledonian Geotech was formed in 1980 and encompasses the practical application of geology, engineering and oceanography.

Following a detailed audit conducted by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) the company was awarded accreditation according to the ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 operating standards.

The ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards testify to the company’s strong quality and environmental management performance whilst OHSAS 18001 is the internationally-recognized assessment awarded to companies who take stringent steps to protect their workforce and actively promote health and safety in the workplace.

Caledonian Geotech was acquired by Specialist Subsea Services (S³), a provider of ROV and survey services to the international energy industry, as part of the company’s strategic growth plans in 2011.

S³’s Managing Director, Graeme Kidd, said: “This certification shows that Caledonian Geotech’s health and safety standards are among the best in industry and underpins the company’s reputation for providing an extremely high-quality service that helps customers reduce risk and comply with the latest legislation.”

OHSAS promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing a framework that allows organizations to consistently identify and control health and safety risks, reduce the potential for accidents, aid legislative compliance and improve overall performance.

Parental Company Specialist Subsea Services (S³) Announced as Subsea UK Award Winners

9th February 2012

Specialist Subsea Services (S³) celebrated success at last night’s Subsea UK awards after being named winners of the much coveted New Enterprise award.

S³, one of two companies to reach the final in more than one category, was recognised for its vision in business development and its contribution to the subsea sector, both in the UK and internationally.

Graeme Kidd, managing director at S³, said: “Winning the award for New Enterprise is a fantastic achievement and we are very proud to have been recognised by such a prestigious organisation as Subsea UK.

“This has been very much a team effort and I’d like to thank everyone at S³ for their hard work and dedication to delivering outstanding levels of service.”

Now in its sixth year, the Subsea UK awards celebrate the excellence, innovation and outstanding achievements generated across the pioneering subsea sector and recognise the achievements of individuals and companies of all sizes.

Parental Company Specialist Subsea Services (S³) Named as Subsea Uk Finalists

16th January 2012

Specialist Subsea Services (S³)has seen off tough competition to be named as finalists in an impressive two categories at the prestigious Subsea UK Awards.

S³, the only company to reach the final in more than one category, is in the running for both the New Enterprise and Global Export awards.

Graeme Kidd, managing director at S³, said: "To be shortlisted as a finalist in two categories is a remarkable achievement considering the strong competition in the oil & gas industry. The team at S³ has worked extremely hard to offer an outstanding service over the years and this is really a testament to their dedication.”

Now in its sixth year, the Subsea UK awards celebrate the excellence, innovation and outstanding achievements generated across the pioneering subsea sector and recognise the achievements of individuals and companies of all sizes.

Results will be announced at an award ceremony and dinner at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on February 8^thwith Mark Gallagher, former marketing director of Jordan Grand Prix, acting as speaker for the evening.

Press Release - Caledonian Geotech Ltd

2nd February 2011

Aberdeen energy service company Specialist Subsea Services (S³) has aquired geoscience consultant Caledonian Geotech.

It has paid a six figure sum for the Dundee firm as part of its strategic growth plans.

S³, a provider of remotely operated vehicles and survey swevices, has 30 staff.

Caledonian, which has five staff, will remain in Dundee.

Turnover for both companies is predicted to be £7.5million in 2011, and is forecast to rise to more than £10million next year.

S³ managing director Graeme Kidd said: "With the ever expanding near-shore engineering and construction market, in particular the renewable-energy sector, Caledonian Geotech is well positioned to provide extensive support services to operators and contractors alike.

"I am delighted to welcome the team to the S³ family, where they will complement our exisiting offshore subsea services."

"We plan to continue to develop our UK presence and build on work we have carried out internationally with the Mediterranean and west Africa being the main focus of the year ahead."

Caledonian Geotech founder RIchard Robinson said: "I am very pleased that the name and reputation of Caledonian Geotech will be carried forward by the team at S³."