UK-based Swire Oilfield Services, worldwide supplier of specialist DNV rated offshore cargo carrying units (CCU) and modular systems, announced further expansion in Asia with the establishment of an Indian incorporated entity, headquartered in Mumbai, the first of its kind in the country.
Swire Oilfield Services India Private Limited commenced operations on 20 January 2011 and is the only provider in the area to supply DNV standard CCUs for rental and sale to the oil and gas industry, according to a company statement. Globally, Swire Oilfield Services has over 150 standard unit designs, a fleet of over 50,000 CCUs and is said to support the world’s largest fleet of DNV 2.7-1 and EN 12079 rated equipment.
Nithin Menon, director and general manager of Swire Oilfield Services India Private Limited, said: “Positioning is not just about features and specifications, it’s about the core product and service differentiating the company from everyone else in the market. At Swire Oilfield Services, we are proud that our units will act as the catalyst for the paradigm shift to high quality DNV standard CCUs and modular systems in the Indian hydrocarbon sector.”
Initially, the focus of operations is on the east coast of India, with a supply base established in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The base is strategically located in the port city of Kakinada, home to several oil and gas companies and service providers actively exploring and producing in the Krishna Godavari basin, which is considered by many as the epicentre of India’s energy resources. The facility can perform periodic testing, certification and maintenance of the Swire units in accordance with the globally accepted and recognised DNV 2.7-1 standards.
The new company will initially employ four staff in Mumbai, with an expectation that this will increase as business in India gathers pace. The business already has 200 CCUs in market, following an investment of £1.5 million (US$2.4 million), with contracts in place with many of the major operators and service companies. In addition, Swire Oilfield Services India Private Limited will offer the full range of Swire modular systems, including A60 cabins, workshop units, freezer units and storage units.
Swire Oilfield Services’ entry into the Indian market is in line with the demands of the country’s oil and gas industry, which is increasingly seeking to adopt enhanced and safer working practices. The company will bring its global expertise and quality assurance systems to bear in India at a time when the country’s hydrocarbon and shipping regulators are proposing to introduce stricter guidelines for the safe carriage of cargo offshore.
Rupert Bray, chief operating officer, said: “Swire Oilfield Services is very proud to be the first internationally recognised CCU and modular provider to be established in India, and we are excited about being part of India’s rapid emergence as an energy giant.”
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