The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set out to reduce the total carbon emissions from marine transport by half by 2050. This involves lowering the sulphur content in vessel fuels and setting the limit at 0.5 per cent. With this regulation with effect from 2020, shipping companies may choose to switch to an alternative fuel – LNG. Natural gases provide a more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient fuel for ships, with an estimated emitting up to 90-95 per cent less sulphur oxide as well as nitrogen oxide than oil-based ones. However, there are risks involved when transporting LNG. As natural…

  Being able to manage the media is crucial to the operations of any organisation. Whether for a product launch, quarterly announcement or crisis management, the spokesperson needs to be able to convey messages clearly, concisely and convincingly.   Crises are inevitable for businesses but being prepared through proper training and having the right spokesperson to speak in front of the media is key. Crisis management is an essential skill for all businesses. Crisis management is key to effectively manage an organisation’s reputation in times of crisis. Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can wipe out stock valuations…

  Process safety incidents can induce an enormous loss of capital and business continuity, while negatively affecting the company’s reputation. As companies are responsible for all onsite workers, companies will need to know how to guarantee their safety while ensuring the facility is always operating at maximum safety. In addition, companies will need to know how to ensure acceptable risk level through a comprehensive management system and to ensure that it is fit for purpose and suits the Process Safety Management (PSM) system.   If an organisation’s PSM system is to be successful and sustainable, it requires the commitment of…

  Laytime/demurrage is traditionally one of the most contentious issues in the shipping industry, owing to the frequency with vessels are delayed in port, the cost caused by such delays, and the often ambiguous wording in charter parties and contracts for the international sale of goods. In order to maintain a harmonious business relationship between shipowners and charterers, it is desirable to avoid disputes on charter parties. Therefore, the establishment of a clear and solid contractual basis on laytime calculations and demurrage rules for all parties is one of the utmost importance. A firm understanding of the legal and practical…

  The need for increased safety levels in the industry is seen through the recent introduction of a set of Major Hazards Installations (MHI) Regulations under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. The core feature of the MHI Regulations is the Safety Case Regime where the submission of a safety case is compulsory.   A safety case is a structured argument produced by an MHI operator, which: Identifies the hazards and risks that may lead to a major accident Describes how the risks are controlled Describes the safety management system in place to ensure controls are applied in a consistent…

  Pipeline integrity ensures a pipeline and all its related components are running properly and in good working condition. It involves and ensures that pipelines are designed, built and operated to be safe, reliable and sustainable. Pipeline integrity management is done through every aspect of the pipeline life cycle – from design and construction to operations, maintenance and retirement. There are many challenges to the integrity, or overall safety, of a pipeline: Corrosion, cracks caused by the environment, mechanical damage (strain, dents, gouges), manufacturing or construction defects, equipment failure, operation error or external forces.   Corrosion Pipelines are prone to…

  To succeed, every organisation needs to put in efforts in sustaining, growing and constantly innovate its business activities and directions. Project management thus serve as an ideological framework and implementation mechanism for administering and controlling various investment initiatives in the form of projects. However, only well-managed and controlled projects will provide the organisation with significant opportunities to create value.   Project audits aim to meet the objectives to ensure success of a project. The ultimate goal of a project audit is to ensure that the project is meeting project management standards through investigations and evaluations. The following are five…

  Decommissioning is a rapidly developing market sector in the petroleum business, with major potential and major risks. Decommissioning is a source of major liability for countries, operators, contractors, and the public, which must be understood if it is to be managed and cost effectively. Asia-Pacific is gearing up for increasing activity as more comprehensive guidelines and regulations are formed. According to Wood Mackenzie’s latest analysis, decommissioning Asia Pacific’s offshore assets – nearly 2,600 platforms and 35,000 wells – could cost over US$100 billion. Decommissioning in Asia Pacific appears to be a mammoth task for which the various stakeholders are…

  Pipeline integrity ensures a pipeline and all its related components are running properly and in good working condition. It involves and ensures that pipelines are designed, built and operated to be safe, reliable and sustainable. Pipeline integrity management is done through every aspect of the pipeline life cycle – from design and construction to operations, maintenance and retirement. Practical aspects of pipeline integrity assessment include corporate objectives, risk, planning integrity programs, internal inspection tools, anomaly identification and analysis, repair, coating, and pressure testing. The practice of inspecting pipelines utilises various tools that accurately detect a diverse range of pipeline…