Author Archives: Sophie Graham

  1. Sidara Annual Report 2026

    Comments Off on Sidara Annual Report 2026

    Penspen has been a proud member of Sidara (formerly Dar Group) since 1990. Sidara is a global collaborative of leading specialist firms that design for people and the planet.

    In 2025, Sidara surpassed USD 3.6 billion in gross revenue and has grown to more than 55,000 people across 70+ countries. But the story behind those numbers is about much more than growth. The Annual Report explores the projects shaping communities around the world, the people driving change, the progress we’re making on sustainability priorities, and the opportunities ahead.

    “What gives me greatest confidence is not the scale of our platform, but the strength of the people who power it. Their ability to innovate and deliver meaningful outcomes for clients remains the foundation of our success.” – Talal Shair, Sidara Chairman and CEO.

    Penspen Impact

    In the report, Penspen’s impact is recognised through a record year for Penspen, with $500 million in new contract awards — its best sales performance to date and largest-ever contracted backlog for 2026–29. Penspen was also recognised as an ADNOC Top 20 contractor by backlog contract value for the first time, alongside major projects supporting energy security across the Middle East & Africa, including the Trans Saharan Gas Pipeline feasibility study that enabled the landmark project to move towards construction.

    The report also celebrates Penspen’s growing project portfolio across Europe and LATAM — from the engineering and design of Switzerland’s CO₂ transport network and hydrogen and biomethane studies for Gas Networks Ireland, to asset integrity services supporting ENGIE Mexico’s largest gas transmission and distribution networks.

    Explore the full report here.

    About Sidara

    Sidara is a global collaborative of leading specialist firms that design for people and the planet. Our 55,000 visionaries, thinkers, and innovators from over 450 offices across 70 countries offer clients a broad range of highly specialised services—from architecture and design, engineering, and project management to digital strategy, sustainability consulting, and energy innovation—all under one umbrella. 

    To learn more, visit https://sidaracollaborative.com/

  2. Penspen Latin America Director Appointed to AMPP Global Technical Advisory Committee

    Comments Off on Penspen Latin America Director Appointed to AMPP Global Technical Advisory Committee

    International engineering consultancy Penspen is pleased to announce that Gustavo Romero, Director – Operations (LATAM), has been appointed to the Global Technical Advisory Committee (GTAC) of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).

    AMPP is the world’s leading authority on materials protection, bringing together a global community of professionals dedicated to advancing corrosion control, protective coatings, and asset integrity. Its Global Technical Advisory Committee (GTAC) serves as a strategic advisory body to the Research, Innovation, and Technical Advancement (RITA) Committee, helping to shape AMPP’s technical programmes and ensure they remain relevant, accessible, and valuable to members across different regions and industries.

    As a GTAC member, Gustavo [pictured left] will work with technical leaders from around the world to gather and represent feedback from AMPP members, chapters, and industry stakeholders. He will contribute to the development of technical initiatives, identify opportunities for greater collaboration and engagement, and help promote best practices in volunteer participation, communications, and regional partnerships.

    Commenting on his appointment, Gustavo said: “Being part of the GTAC in 2026 represents an important step in my professional career as it will allow me to participate as an advisor in AMPP’s path towards research, innovation, and advances that involve all the regions where AMPP is present.”

    Gustavo’s appointment reflects the extensive experience he has gained throughout his career, including more than 15 years with Penspen, in asset integrity and corrosion management, as well as the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the advancement of technical excellence across the energy industry.

    The appointment also builds on Penspen’s longstanding relationship with AMPP. In 2025, Penspen was recognised with AMPP’s Distinguished Organisation of the Year Award, acknowledging the company’s significant contribution to the advancement of materials protection, corrosion control, and industry best practice.

  3. Penspen Launches Three New Asset Integrity Training Courses in the Middle East & Africa Region

    Comments Off on Penspen Launches Three New Asset Integrity Training Courses in the Middle East & Africa Region

    Penspen has launched three new Asset Integrity online training courses across the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, supporting operators in strengthening pipeline integrity and managing ageing infrastructure.

    The new courses focus on Pipeline Integrity Management Systems (PIMS), Intelligent Pigging, and Pipeline Defect Assessment, three core disciplines that underpin safe, efficient, and risk-based pipeline operations. Designed to address growing industry demand for specialist integrity expertise, the training provides practical insight into inspection tool selection, defect assessment methodologies, and long-term asset life extension strategies.

    As many assets across the region approach or exceed their original design life, operators are increasingly focused on improving inspection accuracy, reducing operational risk, and extending asset performance. The courses draw on Penspen’s extensive project delivery across the Middle East & Africa region since 1961 and reflect real-world challenges faced by clients in the region.

    The courses will be led by Penspen’s Head of Asset Integrity – East Region, Nicholas Molnar, who brings more than 14 years of experience in the oil and gas industry across engineering, operations, and pipeline integrity. A licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng), Nick has supported operators in addressing complex integrity challenges and previously held senior roles with a major North American pipeline operator.  Since joining Penspen in 2024, Nick has been involved in delivering complex asset integrity and energy transition projects and is a member of Penspen’s Centre of Engineering Excellence.

    Commenting on the launch of the new courses, Nick said: “I am excited to be launching these courses and engaging in meaningful discussions with attendees. Regardless of experience level, integrity engineers often bring valuable field insights and real-world problem-solving experiences to share. Having delivered several pipeline integrity training sessions throughout my career, I have consistently found that some of the most valuable learnings come directly from the audience.”

    Part of Penspen’s Global Training Offering

    The launch complements Penspen’s established global training service line, which spans asset integrity, asset management, pipeline legislation, and hydrogen repurposing and carbon capture. Penspen has trained more than 5,000 professionals worldwide through public and private courses, with programmes recognised by leading industry organisations for continuing professional development.

     

    For more information and to secure a place on one of the courses, visit training.penspen.com/w/courses/ or email contact@penspen.com.

  4. Penspen Shortlisted for Large Company of the Year at 2026 Gas Industry Awards

    Comments Off on Penspen Shortlisted for Large Company of the Year at 2026 Gas Industry Awards

    Penspen has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Large Company of the Year award at the 2026 Gas Industry Awards.

    The awards, organised by the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) and the Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA), have recognised excellence across the gas industry for over 25 years, celebrating organisations and individuals driving performance, innovation, and progress across the sector.

    Penspen is one of three organisations shortlisted in the Large Company of the Year category, which recognises sustained growth, strong leadership, and excellence in safety, people, and the energy transition.

    Recognising a Strong Year of Growth, Delivery and Capability Building

    Over the past five years, Penspen has doubled its revenue and global headcount to more than 1,700 employees. 2025 has been one of the strongest commercial and delivery years in Penspen’s history, with $500 million in new contract awards — a 120% increase compared to 2024.

    Investment in people and safety remains central to Penspen’s performance. In 2025, the company continued its commitment to zero harm, recording zero lost time incidents (LTIs) alongside a record number of proactive safety observations.

    Penspen’s dedicated training service line and purpose-built training centre have supported more than 4,000 professionals across the energy sector, including HSE, Gas Safe Register, and Retail Energy Code. In 2025, Penspen’s asset management courses were recognised by  IGEM, alongside the launch of new hydrogen and carbon capture courses, building on long-standing conventional energy expertise and growing capability in the energy transition.

    Penspen’s mission to improve access to secure and sustainable energy is reflected in key projects delivered during 2025, including CO₂ infrastructure design for HyNet Liverpool Bay, hydrogen repurposing assessment for Gas Networks Ireland, and renewed long-term Asset Management contracts with Uniper, GTC, and Indigo Networks.

    A total of 41 individuals and organisations have been shortlisted across 12 categories ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on 13 May 2026 at the InterContinental London Park Lane, London.

    For more information on the Gas Industry Awards, visit IGEM’s website.

  5. Penspen Strengthens Centre of Engineering Excellence With Senior Consultant Appointment

    Comments Off on Penspen Strengthens Centre of Engineering Excellence With Senior Consultant Appointment

    Penspen has appointed Michael Young to its Centre of Engineering Excellence (CEE) as Senior Consultant, Materials & Corrosion.

    Michael brings over 14 years of experience in asset integrity management within the oil and gas sector, spanning onshore, offshore and subsea assets. He joins Penspen from ROSEN, where he most recently held the role of Principal Engineer in the Upstream Group.

    He holds a PhD in Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering, alongside a BEng in Materials Engineering. His technical expertise includes asset integrity management systems (AIMS, PIMS), risk-based inspection (RBI), corrosion management, asset life extension, and Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessments.

    Michael Young commented: “I’m excited to take the next step in my career with Penspen and see this role as the perfect platform to further develop my skills and experience. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to support the team across a wide range of asset management and engineering projects, as well as contributing to the company’s ongoing growth and success.”

    Throughout his career, Michael has led technically complex projects, including large-scale pipeline asset life extension programmes, offshore pressure system RBI implementation, integrity management plan development, and assurance reviews for major North Sea operators. He combines strong technical expertise with proven capability in project leadership, client engagement, and business development.

    Commenting on the appointment, Nigel Curson, EVP of Technical Excellence at Penspen, said: “Michael’s deep technical knowledge, regulatory understanding, and collaborative approach will be a tremendous asset to Penspen and our clients. We are delighted to welcome him to the team and look forward to the expertise and energy he will bring to our growing capability.”

    The appointment reflects Penspen’s continued investment in its asset integrity service line, following the recent opening of its new Newcastle office at Time Central. The facility is home to more than 30 integrity engineers, materials and corrosion consultants, and technical specialists, supporting a range of UK and European gas network operators, including Gas Networks Ireland, Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), and National Gas.

    About Penspen’s Centre of Engineering Excellence

    Penspen’s Centre of Engineering Excellence (CEE), led by Nigel Curson, EVP Technical Excellence, brings together senior technical authorities across hydrogen transition, CO₂ transport, pipelines, materials, process engineering and infrastructure optimisation.

    The CEE functions as a dedicated consultancy and technical authority group within Penspen, providing independent review, specialist advisory input, and early-stage technical validation across complex energy transition programmes. Under Nigel’s leadership, the CEE supports studies focused on:

    • Reuse and repurposing of existing infrastructure for hydrogen and CO₂
    • Assessment of hydrogen compatibility and blending considerations
    • Infrastructure transition from methane to hydrogen service
    • CO₂ transportation and sequestration system development
    • Concept-stage evaluation and optimisation of gas infrastructure assets

    Explore the work of our CEE here.

  6. Penspen Wins Innovation & Digital Award at 7th Grupo Energía Bogotá Supplier Recognition Gala

    Comments Off on Penspen Wins Innovation & Digital Award at 7th Grupo Energía Bogotá Supplier Recognition Gala

    Penspen recognised by Transportadora de Gas Internacional S.A., Colombia’s largest natural gas operator, with the Innovation and Digital Award at the 7th Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) Supplier Recognition Gala, held on 19 February in Colombia.

    The Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) Supplier Recognition Gala is organised annually by the Colombian-based multinational energy company to honour contractors, suppliers, and strategic partners who demonstrate exceptional performance and strong alignment with GEB’s core values, including sustainability, transparency, operational excellence, and safety.

    The award recognises Penspen for the successful delivery of a Statistical Model of Pipeline Failure Probability project for TGI’s extensive pipeline network. This innovative project focused on developing an advanced Probability of Exceedance (POE) model for corrosion, integrating data science with Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessment methodologies in accordance with ASME standards.

    Through this work, Penspen has enhanced TGI’s ability to predict pipeline performance, proactively manage risk, and optimise maintenance investment, strengthening the overall reliability and efficiency of its operations.

    Penspen was nominated for the award by TGI’s Innovation Leader, Ana Maria Salcedo, in recognition of the project’s significant contribution to innovation and digital transformation.

    Commenting on the award, John Alfonso, Country Manager for Colombia at Penspen, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised by TGI for delivering a successful technology initiative that positions TGI at the forefront of digital transformation in gas transportation and consolidates Penspen as a strategic partner in global asset integrity. This project and award showcase our ongoing commitment to improving access to secure and sustainable energy.”

    • Discover more of Penspen’s work across Latin America here.

  7. Penspen Opens New Newcastle Office to Drive European Asset Integrity Growth

    Comments Off on Penspen Opens New Newcastle Office to Drive European Asset Integrity Growth

    International engineering consultancy Penspen has opened a new office in Newcastle’s Time Central facility as it plans further growth in the European asset integrity market.

    The new office is home to more than 30 integrity engineers, materials and corrosion consultants, and technical specialists who are responsible for supporting a range of UK and European gas network operators including Gas Networks Ireland, Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), and National Gas.

    The new facility will also host Penspen’s industry-recognised training courses, covering pipeline legislation awareness, pipeline defect assessment, and energy transition sessions focused on hydrogen and carbon capture.

    The move follows a record year for Penspen, with over $500m in sales in 2025. Its Europe asset integrity team has welcomed several new leadership appointments over the last 18 months, including Chris Wood, Director of Asset Integrity (Europe), Andrew Wynne, Integrity Manager, and Dominic Wynne, Regional Business Development Manager – Europe.

  8. Penspen Strengthens Leadership Team Following Record Year

    Comments Off on Penspen Strengthens Leadership Team Following Record Year

    International engineering consultancy Penspen has announced two strategic appointments in its leadership team following a record sales year. Neale Carter has been promoted to the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer. Arun Behl has been promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing – East Region. This promotion expands his remit to include the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside his current responsibilities across the Middle East and Africa.

  9. Sidara Annual Report 2025

    Comments Off on Sidara Annual Report 2025

    2024 was a landmark year for Sidara. Just one year after launching our unified global brand, we’ve seen extraordinary progress across our network – a testament to the talent, resilience and shared purpose of our people.

    Despite well-documented market turbulence around the world, Sidara reached a major milestone, surpassing $3 billion in gross revenue for the first time. This achievement reflects not only our strategic positioning in key markets, but the relentless commitment of our teams, who continue to elevate the human experience through industry-leading expertise in design, innovation and sustainability.