Emphasizing the Value of Independent Risk Assessment

“We support Pemex in applying risk and safety analysis and implementing upgrades to reduce the operating risk on offshore platforms, drilling rigs and vessels,” says Mauro Heredia Carrera, Technical Country Manager of Global Maritime Mexico, a marine, offshore and engineering consultancy. As approved Marine Warranty Surveyors, the company not only provides consulting services to Pemex and its service providers, but also serves as a link between the oil and gas industry and its insurance providers.

In the past, Global Maritime provided warranty survey services for over 50 fixed platforms and modules for the Cantarell field. “At the moment, we are talking to Pemex to participate in an interesting project to improve performance across a range of operational areas. In safety operations, we would like to upgrade Pemex’s current inspections system. In semi-submersibles, we are looking at opportunities to provide stability study updates, failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) and risk assessment services,” says Heredia Carrera.

One particular area of opportunity that Global Maritime has identified in Mexico is the deepwater industry, where risk management strategies need to be put in place before work can begin on Pemex’s potential projects. In deepwater projects elsewhere in the world, Global Maritime has acted as consultant at many stages of project development, from engineering design to operations and contracting. On some projects, such as the Morpeth tension-leg platform (TLP), the world’s first mini-TLP built for British Borneo (now ENI), Global Maritime undertook the risk analysis for the entire project. Through risk assessment, companies like Global Maritime identify hazard initiators and identify risk reduction solutions for the offshore oil and gas industry.

“In my personal opinion, one of the most important success factors in deepwater operations is the quality of personnel because with a qualified team of people, a company can avoid failures,” says Alberto Morandi, the President of Global Maritime America. “Thanks to Global Maritime’s experience in deepwater projects, we are in permanent communication with Pemex regarding their planned move to deepwater. Our priority in Mexico in this area is vessel operation, and performing risk assessments for the operations of deepwater vessels. We would also like to be involved in all areas of the engineering in deepwater construction. The goal for the company is to work on the upcoming upgrades.”

Heredia Carrera goes on to assess the risk management strategy of Pemex in other areas: “While in regions where Pemex has been operating for a long period, such as shallow water areas and onshore, the company has a risk management strategy in place, we believe that there is work to be done to bring these standards in line with international levels. This is an area where Global Maritime can play an important role in Mexico.”

“Companies like Global Maritime can provide ‘third party assurance’ for the industry,” says Morandi. “We do not furnish equipment, we are not the operator and we are not part of the government. We are a fully independent third party with a firm technological background in risk assessment.”

Morandi explains that Global Maritime is currently working with the Mexican Petroleum Institute to develop new technologies that could benefit the industry and that the company is hoping to expand its operations in Mexico in coming years by offering a wide array of services. These services include, marine warranty surveying, dynamic positioning, assurance of mission critical equipment, structural and foundation integrity, and stability and watertight integrity. “The idea is to try to stay involved in all of Pemex’s operations as an assistant,” Heredia Carrera concludes.