Mitigating Environmental and Industrial Risks

Q: How is the company involved with PEMEX and does it prefer to work in the public or private sector?

A: We operate in both the private and public sectors. We have two active projects with PEMEX. One is Lakach, where we are involved in environmental protection and reforestation. PEMEX is planning to build a hydrocarbons storage terminal as part of its offshore operation, which aligns with our environmental management business. The other project is a contract regarding a system of platforms in shallow waters, where we perform risk analysis focused on well drilling, which is planned for 30 wells this year. In this case, we were hired along with two international companies: Inerco and DNV GL. We were chosen due to our expertise and technical capabilities. The fact that we are a Mexican company has given us an edge, since international companies are supposed to expedite contracts to a certain number of national companies. Having been selected alongside these two international companies has allowed us to better position CSIPA in the market.

We are operating in Chiapas, Tamaulipas, Campeche and Veracruz and have created strategic alliances with DNV GL. Our involvement in multiyear projects, such as when we worked in the Ku-Maloob-Zaap system along with other international companies during a five-year contract, has allowed our company to obtain a great deal of experience. We also have diversified our services, collaborated with ASEA and the private sector as well.

Q: How do you define the role ASEA is taking now?

A: The hydrocarbons sector is strategic, not only nationally but internationally. It seemed like a logical step to structure ASEA toward a security and environmental policy. There are instances where issues arise due to some companies operating in the sector but not always understanding the environmental policies the authorities have imposed. These security and environmental policies are great for Mexico and investors. After all, companies can go bankrupt if they cause a natural catastrophe or a major incident. The system that ASEA is implementing allows the sector to develop and minimize risks at the same time. One issue earlier this year was the authorization process. Technical requirements here are rather specialized and even some experts in the sector might have difficulty guiding a company through these processes. Companies in the private sector experience a learning curve in order to execute a job successfully. Adapting to changes and circumstances will take some time, especially now that this curve has been steeper than usual. This is true not only for ASEA, but for developers as well.

Q: What role do you want to play in the development of the sector and the government’s production goals?

A: The company aims to get involved in big development projects on two fronts: in oil refining and production. In the case of refineries, we would like to help government authorities get their current requirements up to date. In the case of operations, we would like to carry out more studies. Soon, more wells will be drilled and established, so the future looks quite interesting, especially in shallow waters.

Q: What are some of the opportunities the company is planning to take next year?

A: We basically have pre-established contracts with PEMEX and we are still in communication with our clients. At this time, the oil sector has to carry out the management system SASISOPA to its maximum capacity. Considering this, there are a lot of services we provide for this particular system.

Q: How would you qualify the impact of technology and innovation in environmental risk analysis?

A: It is extremely necessary to apply top-notch technology in the sector because studies are better backed up when the use of technology is applied and therefore we obtain the best results.

CSIPA is a Mexican consultancy with over 15 years in operation.It delivers its services to private companies and PEMEX. It specializes in industrial, functional safety and environmental protection through diagnostics, studies, consulting and training.