The End - Jul 2016 to Dec 2019

As the end of 2018, and my contract with EMAS/Subsea 7 fast approaches, it's a good time to reflect on events which have kept me busy for the past 2.5 years. On reflection, I can break this down into three distinct sections, each with their own challenges and opportunities to learn and grow personally and professionally:

July 2016 to February 2017 - I remember receiving the call from a former colleague and friend asking me what my current situation was. At the time I was working as a freelance consultant and doing very well but I am always open to conversation about new opportunities, especially if said offer gives the opportunity to experience living and working in another part of the world. It was a tough decision to leave what I was doing and go back to a salaried role but, when Singapore is mentioned, you just have to take that leap. A few weeks later and I was on a one way flight to Singapore to start an exciting new chapter. I had visited Singapore in the past, attending the F1 in 2013, so I already had a good idea of what was waiting for me. It was an exciting time to be joining the company as EMAS had just received significant investment from Chiyoda and NYK and been rebranded as EMASChiyoda Subsea (ECS). The company had also just been awarded the Hasbah II project as part of a JV with Larsen and Toubro. The project was awarded under the LTA held with the end Client, Saudi Aramco. The ECS scope includes EPIC of offshore pipelines, cable and umbilicals as well as T&I of platforms (including two floatovers). Hook up and commissioning is a joint scope with L&T. Those who have followed my LinkedIn profile over the years will no doubt be aware that I was responsible for delivery of some of the major packages, focusing mainly on the CRA line-pipe and CRA and CS bends (purchased items) as well as managing 6 pipe-mills globally to deliver over 550km of free issued line-pipe ranging from 8" to 36".

February 2017 to June 2017 - It was towards the end of 2016 that whispers started ot circulate around the office. There were some rumours that EMAS was starting to struggle financially and, for those of us operating at the interface between ECS and its suppliers, it was becoming more of a challenge with each passing day to keep suppliers on side as the whispers turned to open statements and the rumours started to become a reality. The press were now reporting frequently on the situation and it was common public knowledge that things did not look good. It wasn't helped by the fact that the marine industry in general withing Singapore had taken a massive hit during the downturn, Swiber, for example, had just recently gone the way of the dodo. The situation came to a head late February of 2017 when ECS filed for bankruptcy protection under US Chapter 11 law. Anyone who is well read in the O&G industry no doubt followed events, or was at least aware, so I'm not going to go into detail about the process but I will touch on the experience from a personal perspective. Once it was confirmed we were in Chapter 11 it was, to some extent, a relief. At least now we (the employees) knew what the future looked like, sort of anyway. At a 'town hall' meeting we were all assured that everything was being done to find investment to keep the company alive but, as with all these things, nothing was guaranteed. This is where it became a little harder for me personally, not knowing from one day to the next if there was a job to go to, trying to follow events by reading the latest motions filed at the court in the US, keeping family updated and, let's not forget, continuing with the day job whilst also handling the constant stream of inquiries from suppliers, clients and those in my network who were just generally interested in the events. The whole experience, although not exactly enjoyable, has contributed somewhat towards my personal growth. The one thing I took from the experience was to let them who are paid to handle these kinds of things do so.

July 2017 to December 2018 - End of June 2017 saw certain parts of the EMAS business acquired by Subsea 7, part of which was ECS. This brought to an end the Chapter 11 process, at least for us operating at ground level. There was an immediate uplift in morale within the company and significant increase in cooperation and opportunity with our valued suppliers, many of whom, to their credit, stood shoulder to shoulder with the company at the darkest of times. Now we really could focus fully on delivering the project and another new opportunity saw me relocate to UAE (Abu Dhabi) in late 2017 as Subsea 7 started to build its presence in the Middle East. As mentioned earlier, I have been responsible for delivery of major packages, mostly focusing on the CRA items (line-pipe and bends). In early November of this year, the final critical items were received at the fabrication yard in Sohar and this was the beginning of the end of my own scope on the project. And that brings us to present day. My last few days here in UAE will be spent finalising exit procedures as well as doing some Xmas shopping (well who who would choose to traipse around in the cold when you can do it in shorts and t-shirt). I have gained significant knowledge over the last 2.5 years and I have been fortunate enough to work with almost every CRA manufacturer from plate mill to pipe mill to bend manufacturer, from metallurgically bonded to weld overlay, from Belgium to Hokkaido and many places in between. There have been a plethora of challenges along the way, frustrating at times and down right annoying at others but, ultimately, this whole experience and gained knowledge has helped me grow and develop my skills immeasurably and, when all is said and done, this is only going to be beneficial in the future.

Finally......

It has been a challenging yet rewarding 2.5 years where I have met and worked with some wonderful people. Without the support of my colleagues across all levels it would not have been possible to deliver the scope of work under my responsibility to where it is today. I'm now officially on annual leave to the end of December and it's time to head back to Europe for a well earned rest and to spend some much needed Father/Son time with the number one reason why I stepped out on this journey to begin with. Thanks for reading and do feel free to connect, comment or contact me if any of my skills, knowledge and experience could add some value to your organisation and remember folks.......#QualityMatters