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James Christie, new regional director for Africa and Europe, STR. (Image source: STR)

With a special focus for expansion across Africa and Europe, Subsea Technology & Rentals has made a fresh appointment of a regional director to address strategic growth and full field development experience 

Operations in these regions will be managed out of Aberdeen, spearheaded by James Christie, who has been with Ashtead Technology previously, bringing in more than 25 years of industry experience. Christie has also spent more than 10 years of his career with Subsea7 in operational roles.

“James joins us at a hugely exciting time for STR as we continue to grow at pace, diversify our product and service offering and enter new markets. Meeting evolving customer demand remains central to our strategy, with more clients choosing to collaborate with us on new product development programmes, partnering with us beyond traditional rental models.

“James brings a highly strategic approach to growth and full field development experience spanning operations, inspection, and maintenance to decommissioning, which will support our ambition to diversify and strengthen our service offering to our customers,” said Steve Steele, CEO of STR

Christie's impressive track record of developing strong client relationships and technical prowess will significantly add to STR's consistent market presence with more than US$10mn investments in technology and innovation, and atleast two product launches annually.

“I am thrilled to be joining STR at such a pivotal time as the business has become firmly recognised as a subsea technology leader and continues to invest, creating value for customers and bringing new challenger products to market. I look forward to further strengthening customer partnerships, supporting the growth ambition, and enhancing our focus and footprint across key global regions,” said Christie. 

The models cover a wide range of applications. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) gas has launched its new MethaSense range of battery-powered methane detectors, comprising three models using cutting-edge NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) sensor technology for reliable and precise methane detection

MethaSense, designed for residential and commercial applications, is a compact, wireless natural gas detector with a range of 0-5 % volume, featuring accurate detection without false alarms, and immediate alerts through integrated audible and visual alarms. With progressive signal processing algorithms, MethaSense detects, alarms and monitors methane at concentrations as low as 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) for enhanced safety. Optional wireless (LoRaWAN) connectivity enables real-time gas detection visualisation, providing clear, actionable insights.

MethaSense XP is engineered for industrial environments where robust performance and reliability are essential. MethaSense XP’s rugged design and reliable detection capabilities ensure worker safety and operational continuity, especially in areas where maintenance access is limited

It combines the same advanced NDIR sensor technology with enhanced durability and wireless communication options, including LoRaWAN, NB-IoT and Bluetooth. MethaSense XP again features audible and visual alarms, while its 10+ year battery autonomy and immunity to corrosion and saturation make the detector ideal for continuous safety monitoring in demanding conditions. With ATEX and IECEx certifications, MethaSense XP operates reliably in hazardous zones.

MethaSense Trace is a high-performance methane detector for LDAR (leak detection and repair) and utility applications, where accurate and autonomous methane monitoring is essential for regulatory compliance and environmental protection. A rugged build with IP67 ingress protection rating for outdoor use ensure uninterrupted performance in harsh conditions, reducing operational risks and maintenance costs.

With exceptional methane sensitivity, it provides 10× higher methane selectivity than previous-generation sensors, with a detection range that extends from 50 ppm to 100% volume for both low-emission environmental monitoring and high-concentration safety thresholds.

The detector delivers 24/7 methane emission monitoring, detection and quantification across large-scale industrial sites. By combining real-time sensing, cloud-based analytics and automated reporting, MethaSense Trace enables operators to detect, localise and measure methane emissions with precision. This not only helps reduce emissions but also ensures full compliance with new methane regulations.

“NDIR technology, as utilised by all three detectors in our new MethaSense series, offers high selectivity, fast response times and long-term reliability,” explained Régis Prevost, product line manager, Teledyne GFD. “Users benefit from natural gas detectors that provide a low-maintenance, cost-effective, versatile solution for continuous methane monitoring, supported by key features that include up to 10+ years of battery life, zero recalibration requirements, wireless connectivity options, and suitability for smart infrastructure and safety-critical environments.”

The programme aims to upskill participants in the energy sector.

With an aim to advance the Energy Jeel Initiative, the African Energy Chamber has entered a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Oil and Gas of Libya

The programme aims to upskill participants in the energy sector, keeping in mind a just and inclusive energy future that is currently driving Africa. Areas of focus will include skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and gender inclusion in the energy workforce, with an approach designed to integrate Libya into the nation’s energy community. The AEC will work closely with the Ministry to facilitate on-the-job training and internships; host joint ventures, workshops and youth summits; provide visibility and endorsement through AEC platforms and publications; and enable access to Africa’s vast energy networks.

By investing in youth-led growth, the Energy Jeel Initiative will help address critical challenges in Africa’s energy future – including energy poverty, workforce gaps and the need for greater regional collaboration. With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity and 900 million still reliant on traditional biomass for cooking, Africa’s oil, gas and renewable energy resources pose a strong opportunity to drive industrialisation. Building a skilled and inclusive workforce is key to cultivating this sustainable development.

Libya’s energy sector offers vast potential for both fossil fuel and renewable energy development. With significant oil and gas reserves, alongside world-class solar and wind resources, the country is uniquely positioned to play a major role in Africa’s energy security and transition. Through the Energy Jeel Initiative, the Ministry of Oil and Gas aims to ensure that this development benefits all segments of society, particularly young people and women. 

The Energy Jeel Initiative also stands to benefit from Libya’s renewed upstream momentum, with recent developments such as ExxonMobil’s MoU with the country’s National Oil Corporation signaling fresh investment and exploration activity. As global players re-engage with Libya’s oil and gas sector, the Initiative will equip young professionals with the technical skills and industry knowledge they need to participate in and lead future projects. This alignment ensures Libya’s youth are directly connected to the country’s expanding role in Africa’s energy landscape.

 

 

A MoU was signed between the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and UEG. (Image source: Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources)

While paying an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, held a meeting with Song Yu, chairman and executive director, Kamel El-Sawi, the company's Regional President for Africa, and the accompanying delegation

UEG's investment expansion interests in Egypt and its strategic partnership with the Egyptian petroleum sector in Iraq were acknowledged during the meeting.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and UEG to establish a strategic framework for cooperation in exploring investment opportunities in the oil and gas sectors inside and outside Egypt, while exploring the possibility of expanding renewable energy projects and energy trading activities.

Following the signing, Song Yu appreciated the fruitful cooperation with the Egypt's petroleum sector, highlighting that the successes achieved on the ground reinforce the company's desire to continue expanding the partnership, especially in light of the strategic pillars and efforts by the Ministry of Petroleum, under the leadership of the Minister of Petroleum, to attract investment and develop the sector.

Both partners have entered into detailed commercial discussions.

Europa Oil & Gas' associated company, Antler Global Limited, will be farming out an interest in the EG08 production sharing contract (PSC) offshore Equatorial Guinea by a non-binding Heads of Terms with a major energy company 

Both partners have entered into detailed commercial discussions to advance the farm out agreement, which will become official once approved by the Minister for Energy of Equatorial Guinea

Europa has a 42.9% equity interest in Antler which in turn holds an 80% working interest in the EG-08 PSC, with the remaining 20% held by GEPetrol (Guinea Equatorial de Petroleos), the national oil company of Equatorial Guinea, representing the State’s interest.

The EG-08 block contains 2.116 TCF (Pmean), with the primary prospect being Barracuda which is estimated to be 798 BCF (Pmean).

William Holland, chief executive officer of Europa, said, “The signing of these heads of terms is a very positive step forward and comes after an extensive period of negotiations with what we believe is an excellent partner. Although there are no guarantees, I am confident that we will progress to signing a farm out agreement in the coming months and will then move to drilling the Barracuda well as soon as possible thereafter. I look forward to updating the market of our progress in due course.”

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