Neptune Shows Versatility
Subsea experts swapped the wilds of the North Sea oil fields for the confines of inner city London’s river network as the potential for energy sector knowledge to be used in a diverse range of projects was underlined in advance of a major international marine event.
Specialists from Aberdeen-based Neptune were mobilized to work on the Thames Tideway Tunnel development.
The 20 day survey support project was completed in January as work on the landmark scheme continues. When operational the 25km tunnel will create a new sewer, urgently needed to protect the River Thames from pollution caused by sewage overflow due to insufficient capacity.
Neptune provided diver tracking services to Hughes Sub Surface Engineering, with a surveyor working on board the Thames Explorer to monitor those working on the riverbed near Blackfriars Bridge as they conducted an unexploded ordnance (UXO) survey. The scope was carried out by Neptune and Hughes on behalf of VolkerStevin, which was awarded the contract for enabling works for the sewer development.
Versatility will be at the heart of Neptune’s offering when it exhibits at Oceanology International this month. Taking place at London Excel from Tuesday (March 15), the three day event is regarded as one of the world’s leading forums for the marine science and ocean technology sectors.
Neptune will fly the flag for the North Sea subsea industry as it showcases its capabilities to a global audience, with the Thames Tideway contract amongst those set to be featured in presentations to delegates.
The business will also be represented by project manager Gwilym Conran when he features as a guest speaker during a technical session on the second day of the conference entitled Monitoring Structural Integrity: Understanding Risk and Reliability.
Kevin Stephen, operations and business development director for Europe, Mediterranean and Africa, said: “Neptune is built on strong foundations in oil and gas, but utilizing the knowledge and expertise we have within the business across a wider spectrum of applications is at the heart of ambitious plans for growth.
“Decommissioning, renewable energy, nuclear energy and a wide range of subsea opportunities are all open to us and the Thames project is a perfect example of the ability we have to diversify.
“UXO surveys are common throughout Europe, an unfortunate wartime legacy, and we are well versed in the process – from initial magnetometer surveys used to identify targets through to diver and ROV surveys as well as subsequent clearance. On this occasion our involvement was in dive support, but we are equipped to provide the full scope.”
Neptune will take part in Oceanology during an exciting period in the company’s development, with a focus not only on diversification but also on reinforcing its established subsea, design and manufacturing expertise.
Neptune is a leading provider of integrated inspection, repair and maintenance solutions to the oil and gas, marine and renewable energy industries. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Neptune’s presence spans operational centers throughout Australia, UK and Asia.