Author Archives: Colene Woolcott

  1. Penspen and Senslytics Collaboration to Elevate Pipeline Integrity Analysis with Artificial Intelligence

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    Penspen, a leading international energy consultancy, has today announced a strategic collaboration with Senslytics, a venture-backed start-up that develops artificial intelligence (AI) corrosion mitigation technologies.

    Sharing the news at the International Pipeline Conference and Expo (IPCE) in Calgary, Canada, the two companies say the collaboration aims to explore how AI can supplement or enhance the existing extensive data analysis capabilities of Penspen’s THEIA digital pipeline integrity management by incorporating Senslytics’ CausX AI technology, empowering pipeline integrity engineers to improve decision-making in high-impact situations, reducing risks and improving capital efficiency.

    Louise O’Sullivan, managing director of Penspen THEIA said: “We’re excited to be working with Senslytics. Artificial intelligence offers huge potential for the energy industry, but we need to understand how best to harness it to work effectively alongside tried and tested integrity assessment methodologies and standards to give engineers confidence in results. Together with Senslytics, our ambition is to explore the myriad opportunities presented by AI in delivering next-level predictive corrosion management for pipeline operators.

    “Senslytics’ CausX AI technology elevates the capability of our THEIA platform, utilizing AI in an effective, informed manner to support integrity engineers not only in the management of live and historical pipeline data, but in the creation of future maintenance models.”

    Blake Bixler, Senslytics CEO commented: “Senslytics is thrilled to collaborate with Penspen in an effort to provide end-to-end data management and interpretation for pipeline integrity and corrosion. By leveraging each company’s unique capabilities, we can deliver a powerful service for pipeline operators.”

    A new generation of integrity management

    By integrating material data, inline inspection results, weld and seam type information, along with geographic data in one powerful and secure tool, Penspen’s digital pipeline integrity management system, THEIA, streamlines compliance processes, enhances analytical capabilities with real-time data, and ensures the ongoing safe and reliable operation of transmission pipelines.

    Unlike other machine-assisted corrosion management technologies, Senslytics’ CorroX product using CausX AI is an engineer-oriented solution for identifying corrosion, its cause, and projecting growth rate. CorroX merges existing data with SME knowledge to create an explainable form of AI that can be more easily validated. The CausX AI platform has been validated in two separate upstream use cases and is broadly adaptable across gathering and transmission pipelines as well as facilities.

    Louise O’Sullivan added: “With the implementation of the Mega Rule on the horizon, our combined expertise, market insight and shared commitment to providing effective technology solutions position us to support our customers at time when having access to accurate, timely and consistent integrity and corrosion data and risk profiles has never been more critical.”

    For media inquiries, please contact:

  2. Integrity Appointment Enhances Penspen’s North America Growth Strategy

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    Andres Acosta brings more than two decades of asset integrity expertise to Penspen’s North America team

    Penspen, a leading international energy consultancy, has announced the appointment of Andres Acosta as Integrity Engineer as part of continued growth of its asset integrity service provision in North America. 

    Based in Penspen’s Houston office, Mr Acosta boasts over two decades of experience in pipeline integrity, risk assessment, corrosion control and reliability engineering. His considerable expertise spans upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, with a particular focus on ensuring the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure.  

    Harnessing his in-depth knowledge, Mr Acosta will work closely with the company’s pipeline integrity digitalization arm – THEIA – on wider asset integrity initiatives, including supporting operators to prepare for compliance with upcoming Mega Rule deadlines. 

    Mr Acosta will also collaborate with Penspen’s Latin America integrity team, leveraging his experience in the regional market to ensure the delivery of high-quality services to clients. 

    Commitment to expansion  

    Having held senior roles in several prominent companies in the sector, including Vecor Pipeline Integrity, Mr Acosta has a proven track record in developing integrity management plans, conducting fitness for service assessments, and leading initiatives to prevent pipeline ruptures and leaks. He has also worked extensively in Venezuela’s oil and gas sector with PDVSA, where he managed pipeline inspections, risk assessments, and the development of integrity management strategies. 

    Brandon Alexander, director – North America at Penspen, commented: “This strategic appointment highlights our commitment to expanding our presence and capabilities in asset integrity services across North America. 

    “Andres’ addition to the team is a clear statement of intent to continue working towards our goal of cementing Penspen’s position as a leader in asset integrity throughout the Americas.” 

    Penspen in The Americas

    In 2006, Penspen merged with GreyStar Corporation, an asset management company founded in 1995 in Houston, Texas to provide asset management services in the Gulf of Mexico.  Now trading solely as Penspen, the company services the whole of the Americas, with more than 115 employees providing a range of a range of technical manpower, asset management and asset integrity services from bases Texas, U.S, and Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Chile.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

     

  3. Penspen builds on aviation fuelling track record with TotalEnergies Colnbrook contract award

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    Two technicians working on an aviation fuel pipelineColnbrook terminal feeds London Heathrow Airport, building on Penspen’s long-term experience at Manchester International Airport

    Penspen, a leading international energy consultancy dedicated to improving access to secure and sustainable energy for communities worldwide, has been awarded a multimillion-pound contract by TotalEnergies in the UK for the operation, maintenance and management services for the Colnbrook Rail Terminal and Colnbrook Pipeline.

    Commencing in September 2024, the contact award sees 22 employees transfer to Penspen from British Pipeline Agency Ltd (BPA).

    Peter O’Sullivan, chief executive officer at Penspen said: “The award from TotalEnergies is testament to the track record we have built in the aviation sector, providing integrated fuelling systems, including pipelines, fuel depots, hydrant distribution networks and associated facilities, to ensure uninterrupted, cost-effective operations.

    “Our extensive experience, commitment and quality of services ensures that aviation pipeline operators, whether commercial or government, trust Penspen to deliver fuel transportation and storage services safely and reliably from concept to completion, and beyond.”

    Servicing London Heathrow Airport

    The Colnbrook Rail terminal incorporates a rail offloading facility and a 1.9km 12in pipeline feeding the Northern Fuel Receipt facility at London Heathrow Airport. The terminal receives Jet A-1 product by freight train from storage terminals in the UK. The fuel is then transported onwards to Heathrow’s Northern Fuel receipt facility via the Colnbrook Pipeline for which Penspen will become Statutory Operator duty holders under the Pipeline Safety Regulations (PSR).

    Following contract commencement, Penspen will be responsible for: railcar receipt, management and off-loading; receipt and dispatch of fuel; fuel sampling; instrumentation inspection and calibration services; the inspection and maintenance regime for the site facilities including pump and switchgear; management of the pipeline integrity through inspection and maintenance; cathodic protection (CP) system management, and general site maintenance including lands management.

    Penspen’s Aviation Experience

    Penspen has extensive global airport fuelling experience, including maintenance of 55km of pipelines and facilities collectively known as Manchester Airport’s Pipeline System (MAPS) on behalf of Manchester Jetline (MJL). MAPS is the sole supply of aviation fuel to Manchester International Airport, and having designed and constructed the original pipeline, Penspen now oversees the safety and integrity management, and the day-to-day maintenance of the system, ensuring its continued integrity by drawing on the company’s specialist technical consultancy services.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

  4. Penspen Reports $106 Million Worth of New Contract Awards Secured in First Half of 2024

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    Company’s comprehensive engineering expertise helps improve energy access for communities worldwide

    A Penspen employee inspecting pipework on site.Penspen today announces a positive start to the fiscal year with $106 million awarded in new contracts during the first half of 2024, a 30% increase on the same period in 2023.

    Key highlights:

    • Middle East and Africa region: 19 new contracts with a total value of $80 million including study, FEED, detailed design, integrity assessment, fitness-for-service (FFS Assessment), project management supervision and consultancy service, and an energy transition framework agreement.
    • UK and Europe region: 58 new contracts with a total value of $12 million including engineering design services for hydrogen infrastructure, gas network maintenance services, gas transmission pipeline integrity services, and fuel management and bulk storage modification engineering services.
    • North America and Latin America: 31 new contracts with a total value of $13 million including projects for the implementation of integrity management systems, integrity advisory services for gas transportation systems paired with digital data management, corrosion monitoring services, evaluation of cathodic protection systems, and multi-contract field operations.

    Peter O’Sullivan, Penspen CEO, said: “We are delighted to report strong growth in sales and revenues in the first half of 2024 across all regions. Our strategy to support our clients navigate the evolving energy landscape and to have a positive impact on their businesses and surrounding communities continues to deliver positive results.

    “The first six months of the year, we have seen substantial growth in our asset integrity service line and our digital platform, THEIA, in Latin America, with the opening of our first base in Peru in March 2024 to support new contract awards. In the UK and Europe, we’re seeing a focus on strategic energy security work, including the repurposing of critical infrastructure for hydrogen and the development of distribution and transmission networks for future fuels, while we continue to experience growth in our aviation fuelling portfolio. Indeed, in this region our engineering and project management service line work is now split almost evenly between energy transition and energy security scopes.

    “Using our extensive expertise in engineering, project management, asset management, asset integrity, and digitalisation, we are well positioned to deliver projects which support decarbonisation in all our key markets.”

    Neale Carter, Executive Vice President – East Region, added: “Penspen’s regional business continued to record a strong commercial and operational performance during the first half of 2024, delivering on our commitment to support our clients develop new energy assets, improve the productivity and efficiency of existing assets, and ensure maximum returns on their investments.

    “Our presence in the Middle East has been strengthened by the growth of our workforce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where we have witnessed increasing demand for our engineering and project management services on both new and existing energy projects since opening our regional headquarters there in 2023.

    “It is clear that our team’s dedication to providing high-quality, innovative consultancy services that address our client’s most challenging requirements is not only contributing to the successful growth of our business, but supporting energy security, supply and affordability both nationally and internationally.”

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    • Mike Newby, Energy PR: mike@energypr.co.uk

  5. Penspen Strengthens Latin American Presence with New Strategic Base in Peru

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    A Penspen employee in Mexico carries out an inspectionFirst facility in Lima signifies regional growth for international engineering consultancy

    Penspen, a leading global energy consultancy, has opened a new strategic base in Peru following significant growth in the Latin American region.

    Penspen chief executive officer Peter O’Sullivan commented: “Latin America continues to be a strategically important region for Penspen, and we believe that having our people closer to our clients in Peru will enable us to provide them with an enhanced service. We also look forward to developing partnerships with local organisations, industry associations and educational institutions that have regional and global energy ambitions where Penspen can bring them the benefit of our international experience and broad sectoral expertise.”

    The branch has opened initially with 10 employees, headed up by Project Manager Percy Coca, with plans for future growth.

    With this new base, Penspen aims to deepen its relationship with clients in the Andean region, complementing Penspen’s existing Latin American presence in Villahermosa, Mexico and in Bogotá, Colombia, where more than 50 employees provide asset integrity, engineering and project management consulting, and pipeline integrity digitization solutions for the energy industry.

    Asset integrity expertise positions consultancy for continued growth

    Gustavo Romero, director of LATAM operations at Penspen said the expansion into Peru enables the company to offer an even wider range of services in the region, including advanced corrosion analysis thanks to a dedicated corrosion laboratory on site.

    “Opening a base in Peru demonstrates our continued commitment to support our clients in Latin America whilst strengthening our strategic vision to improve access to secure and sustainable energy for communities worldwide,” said Mr Romero.

    “As a leading provider of asset integrity services in Latin America, we continue to see increasing demand for our specialist services across traditional hydrocarbon intensive industries and renewables, particularly in corrosion assessment and management. Our internationally certified engineers are experienced in a comprehensive range of inspection techniques, geotechnical analysis, cathodic protection, and ongoing maintenance programs, whether risk-based, preventative or corrective.”

    He continued: “We are also uniquely placed to be able to support our clients with regulatory compliance thanks to our digital pipeline integrity management platform, THEIA. As operators prepare for upcoming deadlines such as Mega Rule, our engineers can support their integrity teams to not only ensure compliance but consolidate years of historical data sets in one holistic platform to enhance decision making for future inspection and maintenance programs.”

    Operating for more than 70 years, Penspen employs over 1,100 people and has offices in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    For media inquiries, please contact:

  6. Penspen and Pipelinelogic Partnership Aims to Enhance Asset Integrity to Meet Mega Rule Compliance

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    An image of Brian Ellis and Brandon Alexander.Penspen, a leading global energy consultancy dedicated to improving access to sustainable energy for communities worldwide, has announced a strategic partnership with asset integrity services specialist pipelinelogic to support pipeline operators in North America enhance their integrity management programs and prepare for the energy transition while adhering to existing and upcoming regulatory requirements – including the gas Mega Rule.

    With a regional headquarters in Houston, Texas, Penspen is a global energy consultancy with over 1,100 employees operating in key regions across the world. The company has over 70 years’ experience and specialises in consulting, project, and engineering solutions across the entire energy project lifecycle.

    Meanwhile, Colorado-based pipelinelogic specialises in the design, implementation, and optimisation of pipeline integrity management programs, providing high quality data with practical tools, thorough knowledge of regulatory compliance issues, and a deep understanding of integrity engineering.

    The two companies aim to revolutionise the pipeline integrity management landscape in North America.

    Brandon Alexander, Penspen’s North America Director said: “The partnership of Penspen and pipelinelogic brings together global expertise and local delivery to provide industry-leading asset integrity services that leverage digital pipeline management solutions, supporting operators as they prepare for upcoming enforcement of key industry regulations.”

    The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) introduced the Gas Mega Rule in 2020, which aims to improve pipeline safety and reduce the frequency of natural gas pipeline failures. 100% compliance must be achieved by 2035, so operators must understand the impact of these regulations on their operations and take the necessary steps to comply.

    Brian Ellis, President at pipelinelogic commented: “Compliance with industry regulations is not only a regulatory and legal requirement but also a moral obligation for pipeline operators to maintain the social contract to safely operate pipelines that deliver energy to global communities daily.

    “Operators in North America face an upcoming deadline in 2035 to achieve compliance with the regulations as outlined in the Mega Rule. The strategic partnership between Penspen and pipelinelogic will provide these operators with the pipeline integrity management solutions required to ensure the integrity and safety of their onshore steel transmission pipelines, mitigating risks and maintaining regulatory compliance.”

    Digital platform provides real-time data to enable decision-making and risk mitigation

    The Mega Rule regulation states operators must have traceable, verifiable, and complete (TVC) pipeline records, confirm the Maximum Acceptable Operating Pressure (MAOP) for the pipeline, and have plans in place to regularly assess Moderate Consequence Areas (MCAs).

    By integrating material data, inline inspection results, weld and seam type information, along with geographic data, Penspen’s digital pipeline integrity management system, THEIA, streamlines compliance processes, enhances analytical capabilities, and ensures the safety and reliability of transmission pipelines.

    Mr Alexander added: “Managing vast amounts of data related to regulatory compliance, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring timely reporting adds another layer of complexity to compliance efforts. Failure to comply with regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.

    “THEIA centralises critical asset information in one powerful tool, providing operators with the real-time data to effectively mitigate risks, prevent regulatory penalties, and maintain the integrity of pipeline assets in accordance with regulatory standards.

    Mr Ellis added: “Our combined capabilities, integrating complex engineering principles with innovative digital solutions, enable Penspen and pipelinelogic to deliver top-tier holistic pipeline integrity management solutions to our valued clients in North America.”

    For media inquiries, please contact:

  7. Penspen Reports $81 Million Worth of New Contracts Secured in First Half of 2023

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    Company’s comprehensive engineering expertise helps improve energy access for communities worldwide

    Penspen today announces a positive start to the fiscal year with $81 million awarded in new contracts during the first half of 2023.

    The company’s latest financial results underscore the trust that energy companies place in Penspen’s ability to deliver tangible results by addressing complex industry challenges, optimising the performance of assets, and maximising value across the full energy value chain – from initial concept through to sustainable operations.

    Key Contract Awards:

    • 28 new contracts with a total value of $67 million in the Middle East and Africa Region for our Engineering, Project Management Consultancy, and Asset Integrity Service Lines, including Study, FEED, Detailed Design, Integrity Assessment, Risk Based Inspection, Project Management Supervision and Consultancy contracts for National and International Energy companies as well as EPC contractor clients
    • 91 new contracts with a total value of $5 million in the UK and Europe across the Asset Integrity, Asset Management, and Engineering service lines including continuing work on a CO2 pipeline for carbon capture, pipeline design for a hydrogen infrastructure project, a site overhauls programme for a gas network, design of fuel farm and hydrant network for aviation, and multi-project contracts from major national energy companies
    • 36 new contracts with a total value of $5 million in North America and Latin America across the Asset Management and Asset Integrity service lines, including projects for the rehabilitation of cathodic protection systems, integrity advisory services for gas transportation systems including the use of our digital platform, THIEA, electrical interference studies for solar power installations, and multi-contract field operations services for a major US exploration and production company

    “We are excited about helping our clients to navigate the evolving energy landscape and to have a positive impact on their businesses and communities. As a result of our relentless focus on delivering the best technical support to help them get the most value out of their energy assets, we have seen strong growth in sales and revenues in the first half of 2023 across all of our regions,” said Peter O’Sullivan, Penspen CEO.

    “Penspen is proud of its contribution to the development of sustainable energy systems through the use of its deep experience and expertise. We look forward to continuing to work together with the industry to shape the future of the energy sector.”

    Neale Carter, Executive Vice President for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific Regions, added: “Our regional business has achieved 30% year-on-year sales growth. This success is a testament to the focus, performance and dedication of our engineering teams and support staff. We are committed to continue delivering exceptional project value for our clients and advancing the development of assets to ensure a stable, secure and abundant supply of energy both nationally and internationally.”

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    • Roxie Nilsson, Global Director of Marketing & Communications, Penspen: r.nilsson@penspen.com

  8. Penspen announces launch of Energy Transition Consultancy

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    Low carbon and hydrogen-related projects at the forefront as company defines pathway to net zero.


    Penspen today announced the launch of its dedicated Energy Transition Consultancy – a multi-disciplinary centre of expertise to lead the international energy industry on the pathway to net zero emissions.

    The Consultancy brings together a range of industry-leading energy transition experts with the know-how to effectively advise clients on low carbon-related opportunities from a project financing and development, regulatory and infrastructure standpoint. The move further strengthens Penspen’s position as a trusted partner in the development and management of infrastructure across the energy sector, providing the technical knowledge required for the industry to reduce carbon emissions and produce cleaner energy across the globe.

    Penspen CEO Peter O’Sullivan said: “Our focus is to improve access to sustainable energy for communities worldwide. We face several challenges in doing that, whether related to the wider economy or to the scale of the investment in the energy sector required. The teams that make up our Energy Transition Consultancy have the broad range of skills required to help our clients navigate the challenges that lie ahead and achieve the goal of net zero emissions, no matter their location or stage on their decarbonisation journey.

    “By working together with operators and their supply chains, we are helping to find the solutions to these challenges, moving us towards a cleaner world with a brighter future from which we will all benefit. However, we need to develop the energy systems of tomorrow whilst continuing to deliver on the energy needs of today and will continue to support our clients in this regard.”

    Penspen’s energy transition work is built around four pillars of expertise: building new hydrogen & CO2 infrastructure, the repurposing of existing infrastructure for the energy transition, operating with hydrogen & CO2, and maintaining infrastructure to maximise its lifecycle. The company’s work in these four pillars spans a range of services, including: Engineering & Project Management, Asset Integrity, Asset Management, Digital Services, alongside the company’s Centre of Engineering Excellence.

    The teams that make up the Energy Transition Consultancy have been involved in many first-of-a-kind sustainability projects across the global energy industry, including:

    • Complete engineering and consenting for a large-scale hydrogen production hub
    • Hydrogen assessment feasibility study for a power station
    • Carbon capture and storage for an onshore/offshore operator
    • Hydrogen blending facility design for natural gas and transmission system
    • Fitness for service and fracture control for a gas transportation pipeline
    • Repurposing power stations for hydrogen
    • Cathodic protection programmes for solar power installations

    Penspen’s Energy Transition Consultancy Team is comprised of Senior Engineers and Consultants with extensive experience building low carbon fuel infrastructure, as well as talented young engineers developed through the company’s successful graduate programme.  This programme emphasises Penspen’s commitment to investing in growing the engineering talent pool to help further energy transition knowledge.

    Peter added: “Penspen have launched this consultancy in response to an increased focus on low carbon fuels such as hydrogen across the energy industry and to address the need to overcome the global dependence on fossil fuels. We believe a key factor in reducing hard to abate sources of carbon emissions, such as domestic heating, industrial heating and heavy vehicle transportation, will be the ability to reuse existing infrastructure at least initially.”

    The announcement comes following the recent COP27 conference in Egypt where Peter addressed delegates on hydrogen and the energy transition, sharing knowledge on how a significant scale-up of low carbon hydrogen is required to decarbonise hard to abate sectors – reducing both carbon emissions and production costs.

    Penspen is an active member of associations including World Hydrogen Leaders, Hydrogen Europe, Energy Industries Council, North West Hydrogen Alliance (UK), and Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), supporting building a brighter energy future through collaboration.

    To learn more about The Consultancy:

    Visit the Penspen Energy Transition Consultancy page.

    For media enquiries:

    • Roxie Nilsson, Global Marketing and Communications Manager, Penspen: r.nilsson@penspen.com
    • Andy Groundwater, Fifth Ring: andy.groundwater@fifthring.com

  9. Penspen Supports Development of Next-Gen Engineers

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    Company graduate training program providing pathway to employment for talent 

    Leading global energy services company Penspen is demonstrating its continuing commitment to the United Arab Emirates with a tailored scheme to develop the next generation of engineers.

    Penspen’s proven expertise in delivering asset solutions at every project stage is providing energy companies with the technical knowledge to meet multiple challenges across the globe, and it is ensuring these skills are passed on to future generations with its Emirati Graduate Program. The scheme is specifically designed for graduates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)and is delivered in partnership with Khalifa University, with the aim to help future engineers develop the technical competency and real-world experience required to succeed in their fields.

    Neale Carter, Penspen Executive Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific Regions said: “We are committed to investing in the Middle East both in terms of projects and people. The region is rich with engineering talent, and we are dedicated to helping graduates fulfill their potential as we all work towards improving access to safe, secure and clean energy supplies for the communities in which we work.”

    Since launching in 2020, 30 people have successfully completed the Emirati Graduate Programme, with more than 20 securing full-time positions with a major national oil company and other locally based energy sector companies, and one employed as a graduate engineer in the Penspen Engineering team in Abu Dhabi. Neale added: “We have established strong relationships with clients across the Middle East, and we will continue to deliver value through the local talent and knowledge we have with our graduates.

    “The programme provides graduates with the opportunity to start their careers from the strongest base possible, working alongside those with a deep knowledge of engineering, ensuring that Penspen knowledge and experience built up over many decades is fused with exciting new ideas. “We look forward to bringing this powerful combination to our clients as well as continuing to support the development of expertise in the UAE for the benefit of the people and the country.”

    Penspen recently announced it had been awarded nearly 30 global contracts in the second quarter of 2022, which followed positive operational momentum from the start of this year.

    Want to learn more about the program?

    Visit our Emirate Graduate Program page here to learn more.

    Contacts

    • Roxie Nilsson, Global Marketing and Communications Manager, Penspen

    r.nilsson@penspen.com

    +44(0)7966 313216

    • Andy Groundwater, Fifth Ring

    andy.groundwater@fifthring.com