ICR Group’s innovative composite inspection technology INSONO has achieved validation from two globally-recognised accreditation bodies.
Now its INSONO solution has attained ISO/IEC 17020:2012 from UKAS (The United Kingdom Accreditation Service) for its inspection standards and levels of consistency.
In addition, INSONO has attained a validation statement from Lloyd’s Register (LR) which recognises the quality of its work for non-destructive examinations of composite wraps and repairs.
UKAS supports the delivery of quality assessment and conformity processes, benefiting businesses and organisations that specify or use accredited tests, measurements, inspections or certification schemes. This accreditation underpins ICR’s confidence in the consistently high standards of delivery INSONO attains on behalf of customers.
INSONO allows for the extension of defined life repairs, reducing waste and avoiding high-carbon emissions associated with traditional steel replacement alternatives. Developed by ICR, INSONO is a specialist solution for the non-destructive examination of composite repairs, providing operators with assurance in the installation, long-term performance and evidence that supports the life extension of the repair.
Antonio Caraballo, Inspection and Integrity Management Services Director at ICR, said: “The UKAS and LR achievements symbolise hallmarks of quality and compliance to international standards, adding significant value by enhancing credibility and customer confidence.”
ISO/IEC 17020 is an international standard that sets criteria for the competence and impartiality of inspection bodies, ensuring consistent, high-quality inspection processes across various industries and sectors, fostering trust and reliability in their evaluations and findings.
The INSONO innovation complements ICR’s Technowrap range and demonstrates to operators that their composite repairs are fit for purpose and comply with regulatory body guidelines on inspection criteria.
INSONO can detect defects in three main areas of concern: the bond line, interlaminar dis-bonds and the steel substrate. A scanner provides 3D models and visual representations of the repair, allowing for precise dimensions to be used. Subsequently, an automated visual inspection report and 3D model are provided.
This technology may also enable composite repairs to be carried out in higher-risk locations, subject to risk assessment and engineering validation, where this may not have been previously considered.
Technowrap provides life-long repairs that can be applied to internal, external and through-wall defects on complex geometries. The Technowrap repair system reduces emissions by 66% compared to the traditional replacement methods.
ICR’s Quickflange offers cold work solutions with weldless, high-performance flange-to-pipe connections. It provides a permanent repair option for improving pipeline integrity and flow assurance, eliminating the need for welding or hot work.
With an extensive range,Quickflange is a cost-effective and efficient solution generating up to 80% time saving and a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over traditional welding. Welding and hot work are energy intensive processes requiring multiple materials, whereas the Quickflange technology offers a straightforward repair system that is less energy intensive and requires fewer specialist engineers.
In addition, ICR’s drone division, Sky-Futures, has secured UK and further international work. A global leader in unmanned aircraft and remote sensing operations, Sky-Futures and its team support clients by delivering high-quality inspection reports and data in support of asset build or inspection programmes.
As well as its Aberdeen headquarters, ICR has additional UK offices in Carnforth and Hemel Hempstead. The business has international operations in Stavanger (Norway), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Houston (USA) and Perth (Australia) as well as partners in over 25 countries.
For a deeper insight into ICR’s game-changing solutions and services, please visit www.icr-world.com
We are thrilled to have been revealed as a finalist in the Northern Star Business Awards 2024.
We are one of five organisations shortlisted for the Business of the Year category for the 20th anniversary of the awards, which will take place at the P&J Live on Friday, April 19, 2024.
The awards – run by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, in association with Brodies LLP – recognise successful and growing businesses that make a positive impact on the North-east economy.
A total of 70 organisations have been shortlisted across 14 categories for what will be the biggest business celebration of 2024.
The glittering ceremony celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of organisations across the North-east of Scotland.
Susie Mountain, partner at title sponsors Brodies LLP, said: “The Northern Star Business Awards is an event which brings the North-east business community together and hearing the stories behind all of the finalists this year has been a real privilege.
“The awards highlight the achievements of remarkable individuals and organisations of all sizes, and from all sectors, which continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to live and work here.
“The Northern Star Business Awards goes to show that there is reason to be extremely positive about the direction the North-east is headed in terms of the brilliant people here, their innovative initiatives and bright ideas.
“All of us at Brodies in Aberdeen are proud that we are the principal partner of the awards once again, and we wish all of the finalists the best of luck at the awards ceremony next April.”
Royal Bank of Scotland, Aberdeen International Airport, Gary Walker Wealth Management, Balmoral, CALA, University of Aberdeen, ANM Group, Port of Aberdeen, bp, Shell, RGU, True North, Luxe Scotland and Robert Gordon’s College are also among the key sponsors of the event.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “For us, Northern Star is the best night of the year – a unique stage to showcase and celebrate the brilliant work being done by businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, across our fantastic region.
“The companies in this area and pioneering, entrepreneurial and resilient, and will continue to be at the forefront of creating a bright economic future for the nation.”
The companies shortlisted for the 2024 Northern Star Business Award winners are:
Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland):
- Craig International Ltd
- ICR Group
- Mackie’s of Scotland
- Sport Aberdeen
- WM Donald
Customer First (sponsored by ANM Group):
- Bancon Homes
- Goldstar Cleaning Services
- IT Hotdesk
- Load Monitoring Systems (LMS)
- Specsavers Aberdeen
Driving Sustainability (sponsored by bp):
- ATPI Energy Travel
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Cairngorm Bothies
- Duncan Farms
- Port of Aberdeen
Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland):
- Amity Fish Company
- Craig International Ltd
- Katoni Engineering
- PMC Property Management Lettings
- WM Donald
Going Global (sponsored by Aberdeen International Airport):
- ASCO
- Fulkrum Technical Resources Ltd
- ModuSpec, a Vysus Group company
- TWMA
- Viper Innovations
Inspiration from Innovation (sponsored by Port of Aberdeen):
- AISUS Offshore Ltd
- Balmoral
- eserv
- Intellicore Ltd
- PCL Live
Inspiring Futures (sponsored by Robert Gordon’s College):
- Aberlour Futures Aberdeen
- Build Your Future, Grampian Construction Training Group
- Stork
- TechFest
- WM Donald
Making the Difference (sponsored by Balmoral):
- Aberdeen International Airport
- AberNecessities
- Kayleigh’s Wee Stars
- TechFest
- The Archie Foundation
Marketing Magic (sponsored by CALA):
- Clan Cancer Support
- Fifth Ring
- Maritime Developments Ltd
- Mearns & Gill
- ThinkPR & Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND)
Rising Star (sponsored by University of Aberdeen):
- Murray Collie – Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust
- Grace Arthur – Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Nicole Thompson – Grampian Housing Association
- Chloe Leslie – Infinity Partnership Limited
- Cassie McGunnigle – The Archie Foundation
Staff Matter (sponsored Gary Walker Wealth Management):
- Appetite for Business
- Balmoral
- Bancon Group Ltd
- Mackie’s of Scotland
- MRS Training & Rescue
Start-up Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland):
- Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish
- Ondo Catering
- PCL Live
- Planner Bee VA Services Ltd
- Usana Mindset
Student Placement (sponsored by Robert Gordon University):
- Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL)
- eCERTO LIMITED
- RSM UK
- Sealand Projects Limited
- Renaissance The Cowdray Club
The Archibald Simpson Award (sponsored by True North Advisors):
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Ardent Group
- City Restoration Project
- Dough and Co
- Sugarbird Wines Ltd
Regional Contribution (sponsored by Shell):
- To be announced on the night
by Antonio Caraballo, Inspection and Integrity Management Services Director at ICR Group
It’s still a few weeks until COP28, but already there has been a call for the international climate summit to give more credence to the issue of methane emission reduction.
COP28 UAE President-Designate, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, recently said: “The oil and gas sector needs to up its game, do more and do it faster. Let’s aim to reach net-zero methane emissions by 2030.”
It follows a stark warning from the International Energy Agency (IEA) that although methane emissions from the global oil and gas industry fell by an estimated 10% in 2020, it was only due to producers slashing output in response to the historic shock of the COVID-19 crisis. It also warns that these emissions could rebound strongly without greater action by companies, policymakers and regulators.
Meanwhile, a 2022 study by researchers at Princeton University and Colorado State University signalled that the oil and gas industry may be falling short in its emissions measuring. It found that some estimates of methane emissions from offshore production in the UK have been severely underestimated for some time. This suggests that some of the methods widely used – in the UK and elsewhere – to calculate methane emissions rely on outdated or incomplete information, and therefore may not accurately represent actual emissions.
We also know that massive methane leaks, commonly referred to as super-emitter events, are still being reported around the world. To cite just one example, two major fields near the Caspian Sea were recorded as emitting combined methane emissions of 4.4 million tonnes – up to 427 tonnes per hour – in August 2022. (*EPR – commercial query)
The most common cause behind these events is equipment failure and if they aren’t identified quickly enough or prioritised, the leaks can last for weeks – resulting in significant environmental damage. They collectively signal that not all asset operators have an effective methane emission identification and remediation programme in place.
The threats of regulatory sanctions as well as reputational damage may influence the strategic response of operators. So too may the cost-effective gains of methane emission reduction; IEA analysis indicates that the costs of improving operations or making repairs to prevent leaks can often be paid for by the value of the additional gas that is consequently brought to market.
For many asset operators this is becoming a priority issue. Conventional identification and remediation methods are not as efficient or safe as they need to be. Using ground-level sensors, for example, simply cannot provide the necessary reach to capture leaks accurately, and therefore risks operators missing high levels of escaping methane.
Similarly, handheld sensors are available but present safety and accuracy challenges as well as representing a time-consuming and labour-intensive option.
It’s why a ‘top-to-bottom’ survey, using drones and an experienced integrity monitoring team, is increasingly being recognised as the best overall option when it comes to the identification and quantification of leaks.
Sky-Futures™, part of the ICR Group and possessing over 10 years of operating experience in the provision of critical asset inspection data and analysis, has partnered with industry-leading sensor technology from SeekOps, a company formed to bring NASA and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) technology used on Mars Rover missions to the terrestrial marketplace.
This partnership has been working with asset operators, not just in the offshore oil and gas sector but at onshore oil and gas facilities, as well as structures in the renewables sector, including petrochemical plants and biogas plants, to deliver a state-of-the-art, technology-first solution to methane emission detection.
By leveraging integrity monitoring teams, best-in-class sensors, advanced drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) inspections, and actionable analytics, the partnership is supporting asset operators to decarbonise their operations, not only detecting but quantifying methane leaks as early as possible.
This innovative approach not only saves the asset operator significant time – UAV/drone inspection can cut the time in half compared to alternative methods – but reduces the risk to personnel by removing the need for rope access or scaffolding. In addition, it saves operators millions of dollars by avoiding asset shutdowns or disruption to day-to-day operations.
Recently, the team supported an operator by measuring methane emissions at four platforms in the Southern North Sea. To ensure no disruption to operations, the team conducted the surveys from an inter-field vessel. The use of state-of-the-art technology, combined with highly-experienced drone pilots and engineers, identified areas of methane emissions in real-time to ensure accurate measurements could be obtained.
Our data analysis and report provided the client with quantified methane emission results required for their baseline study. The results not only captured the expected emissions from the vents, but also identified locations of methane releases not identified by deck-based inspection techniques.
Furthermore, our Sky-Futures™ and Integrity Monitoring teams recently undertook a series of comprehensive methane surveys of an FPSO located in the North Sea. This included aerial quantification (asset level). Using drone technology, this solution enables us to detect, identify and quantify methane emissions on a site-wide scale. The consequent aerial emissions report provides a complete overview of emissions sources, ensuring a holistic measurement of assets. Our macro method pinpoints and quantifies methane emissions at the source level.
For this project, we assessed all production areas covering components such as flanges, connections, small bore tubing and valves to identify exact emission sources and allow for quick repairs. This process helped our client to compare and efficiently tackle the most significant sources.
Onshore facilities are also benefitting with established working techniques for drone systems and inspection teams.
Given the severity of the problem that methane emissions represent, we hope that the use of innovative solutions to identify leaks and support a more proactive approach to monitoring is profiled during COP28 to raise awareness of the issue and remedies available today.
With COP28 looming and regulatory scrutiny intensifying, asset operators need to prioritise the detection of methane emissions – not only because they are told to, but because it is good for the planet and their bottom line.
Antonio Caraballo, Inspection and Integrity Management Services Director, has nearly 20 years’ experience in the energy sector. COP28 will be the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, held from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai.For more information, visit https://www.icr-world.com/what-we-do/inspection-integrity/sky-futures-uas-inspection/
IC Integrity Pty Limited, a key ICR Group partner, has landed a significant contract with an operator in Australia.
The agreement sees IC Integrity deploy its Technowrap™ technology for planned maintenance campaigns on several facilities.
Perth-based IC Integrity is a technology-focused provider of specialist maintenance inspection and integrity solutions across multiple sectors.
This latest contract builds on a long history of collaboration with the client.
Russell Collins, Regional Director (APAC) at IC Integrity, said: “This is a substantial project that truly reflects both the successful relationship we’ve developed with the client and our team’s commitment to engineering and technical excellence. We were selected and trusted to work on this project following a competitive tender process.
“This is an important project for us, and this contract with a key industry player again involves the use of our Technowrap™ composite solution, which has become an increasingly common feature of planned maintenance campaigns – not least because of its low carbon footprint.”
Chris Otterbeck, Service Delivery Manager at IC Integrity, said: “We have completed more than 100 applications of the Technowrap™ composite solution for this client and the latest award reflects well on our dependable technology, technical capability and extensive track record.”
As the world moves towards a lower carbon emission future, the firm’s Technowrap™ and Quickflange™ products continue to offer significant benefits in the context of the climate change agenda.
Technowrap™ provides life-long repairs that can be applied to internal, external and through-wall defects on complex geometries. It reduces emissions by 66% compared to the traditional replacement methods.
Quickflange™ offers cold work solutions with weldless, high-performance flange-to-pipe connections. It is a cost-effective and efficient solution generating up to 80% time saving and a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over traditional welding.
In addition, INSONO™ is an innovative NDT (non-destructive testing) technique for the inspection of engineered composite repairs. It can validate the condition and integrity of composite repairs, giving operators long-term performance assurance.
ICR Group has partners in 25 countries and offices in the UK, Norway, USA and the Middle East. IC Integrity is a joint venture between ICR Group and IAS (UGL).
For further information, go to https://icrias-jv.com.au/
We are pleased to announce that our composite inspection technology, INSONO™, has received accreditation from UKAS (The United Kingdom Accreditation Service). UKAS supports the delivery of quality assessment and conformity processes, benefiting businesses and organisations that specify or use accredited tests, measurements, inspections, or certification schemes. UKAS has granted accreditation to our organistion against the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020:2012. Accreditation provides consumers with confidence in an increasingly complex, dynamic, and global marketplace by ensuring consistently high standards in the quality of purchased products or services.
Our clients can have confidence in our ability to meet their needs and deliver services with competence, impartiality, and independence in accordance with recognised international standards and best practices.
What is INSONO™?
INSONO™ is a solution that allows for the extension of defined life repairs, reducing waste and avoiding high-carbon emissions associated with traditional steel replacement alternatives. Developed by ICR, INSONO™ validates the condition and integrity of composite repairs, providing operators with assurance in the installation, long-term performance, and evidence to support life extension of the repair.
INSONO™ complements ICR’s Technowrap™ range and assures operators that their composite repairs are fit for purpose and comply with regulatory body guidelines on inspection criteria.
INSONO™ can detect defects in three main areas of concern: the bond line, interlaminar dis-bonds, and the steel substrate. A scanner provides 3D models and visual representations of the repair, allowing for precise dimensions to be used. Subsequently, an automated visual inspection report and 3D model are provided.
This technology may also enable composite repairs to be carried out in higher-risk locations, subject to risk assessment and engineering validation, where this may not have been previously considered.
Contact Antonio Caraballo, Inspection and Integrity Management Services Director to find out more antonio.caraballo@icr-world.com
ICR Group has recorded its highest turnover since the business was launched in 2011 – with the Middle East playing a key role in the firm’s success.
ICR, a technology-focused provider of specialist maintenance, inspection and integrity solutions across multiple sectors, has seen increased demand across its core energy sector operations, following the roll-out of an internationalisation strategy and diversification into other sectors.
The UK firm’s turnover for its 2022-23 year-end was £41.7m, a 20% increase on its previous financial year. Headcount has increased globally by 15%, from 204 to 235, since May 2022, and the company expects to create around 50 jobs across its operations during the next phase of its strategy.
Jim Beveridge, Chief Executive Officer at ICR, said: “Our presence in the Middle East has been particularly noteworthy, with recent high-value projects completed in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We have also solidified our presence in the region by appointing a new partner in Abu Dhabi.
“Our ongoing international expansion not only bolsters our long-term sustainability but also plays a vital role in creating meaningful and enduring employment opportunities, rightly positioning us as a contributor to the energy transition.
“The Middle East is a dynamic market, brimming with potential for innovative companies such as ICR. At ADIPEC, we are eager to foster deeper relationships with our partners and engage with organisations striving to achieve their net-zero objectives. With COP28 on the horizon, our industry must remain steadfast in its commitment to facilitating a just transition toward a lower-carbon future.”
ICR’s established technological solutions continue to play a significant part in its growth. Technowrap provides life-long repairs that can be applied to internal, external and through-wall defects on complex geometries, while INSONO is an innovative NDT (non-destructive testing) technique for the inspection of engineered composite repairs. The Technowrap repair system reduces emissions by 66% compared to the traditional replacement methods.
Quickflange offers cold work solutions with weldless, high-performance flange-to-pipe connections. It provides a permanent repair option for improving pipeline integrity and flow assurance, eliminating the need for welding or hot work. ICR’s drone division, Sky-Futures, has also secured further international work.
NAMA Development Enterprises is ICR Group’s sponsor in Abu Dhabi, while its new execution partner in Abu Dhabi is APS.
ICR Group and NAMA Development Enterprises will be exhibiting at Stand 6210 at ADIPEC.
ICR Group is set to highlight its innovative technologies by contributing to a broader conversation on decarbonisation strategies at Offshore Europe.
Ross McHardy, Group Director at ICR, will be hosting a session entitled ‘Small Steps for a Bigger Change: Decarbonisation Through Technology’. The event on Tuesday, September 5 (10am-11.15am) at Aberdeen’s P&J Live will also feature other industry leaders.
This seminar is part of the Collaboration Zone, an initiative organised by the Energy Industries Council (EIC). Running throughout the week, the programme offers an avenue for speakers and attendees to exchange knowledge, explore smarter operational methods and present valuable insights gained from past experiences.
In addition’s, ICR’s innovations will be showcased at the same venue on Wednesday, September 6 (10am-10.30am) during a dedicated Technology Spotlight Session. This EIC event, hosted by Josh Cannell, Interim Head of Sales – Quickflange™, and Calum Macnaughton, Inspection and Integrity Engineer at ICR, will put the focus on Quickflange™ and INSONO™. Day 2 of the EIC Collaboration Zone – Navigating Net Zero – is sponsored by ICR.
Ross said: “Offshore Europe serves as an excellent platform to engage with the industry and share best practice and innovative ideas. Decarbonisation stands as a pivotal element in ICR’s strategy for fostering sustainable growth and both these EIC events provide a first-rate opportunity to highlight our ethos and smart technology.”
ICR’s Quickflange™, a weldless connector solution, offers an alternative for cold work applications, particularly for high-performance flange-to-pipe connections. This technology facilitates permanent repairs, enhancing pipeline integrity and ensuring fluid flow, all without the need for welding or hot work. With its wide range of applications, Quickflange™ has proven to be both cost-effective and efficient, reducing repair times by up to 80% compared to traditional methods. Remarkably, it also contributes to a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when contrasted with conventional welding practices.
INSONO™ is an innovative NDT (non-destructive testing) technique for the inspection of engineered composite repairs. It is a solution that allows for the extension of defined life repairs, reducing waste while avoiding high-carbon emissions from traditional steel replacement alternatives. INSONO™ complements ICR’s Technowrap™ range and provides operators with the assurance their composite repairs are fit for purpose and satisfy regulatory body guidelines on inspection criteria.
Technowrap™, a lifelong repair system, boasts the capability to address internal, external, and through-wall defects, even when dealing with complex geometries. This innovative solution has demonstrated a remarkable 66% reduction in emissions when compared to conventional replacement methods.
In his capacity as Group Director, Ross oversees the ICR repair division, which encompasses Technowrap™, Quickflange™, mechanical services and leak sealing business lines. He holds a BEng in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Offshore Engineering and is a chartered structural engineer. With 30 years of industry experience, he has held senior positions in various companies, including TAQA, EnQuest, and EnerMech.
Offshore Europe is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For more information about the conference & exhibition, please visit https://www.offshore-europe.co.uk/en-gb.html
ICR Group has appointed two business development directors in the US.
Brian Begnaud, who will be based in Lafayette, joins from Eriks, while Houston-based Brandon Kangas was previously with SMC Industries. Both directors possess extensive industry expertise in identifying opportunities and developing partnerships across a variety of sectors.
The Houston office has played a key role in ICR’s global success over the past year, securing master service agreements (MSAs) with oil and gas operators, the US operation of a global communications, mobile networks and technology business and other US-based clients.
David Sedge, ICR President, Americas, said: “The welcome addition of Brian and Brandon to our team marks a significant milestone in ICR’s journey as we continue to engage with more and more clients across diverse markets.
“We plan to capitalize on their exceptional experience to take the profile of our technology-driven approach to new levels, showcasing its remarkable ability to streamline operations, optimize cost efficiency and contribute to decarbonization aspirations.
“Our American business has doubled in size in the past year and, with Brian and Brandon injecting new energy and flair into our market-facing activities, we expect this pace of growth to continue over the next 12 months.”
Brian and Brandon form a key part of the BD team along with Houston colleague Phil Paterson, Business Development Director.
A recent key agreement covers the provision of drone services by ICR Sky-Futures, a global leader in unmanned aircraft and remote sensing operations. Its team supports clients by delivering high-quality inspection reports and data in support of asset build or inspection programmes. This project entails drone inspections of cell towers across the Lower 48 in support of the 5G roll-out.
ICR Group has recorded its highest turnover since the business was launched in 2011 – and is set to grow its workforce significantly over the next year.
The Aberdeen-headquartered firm’s turnover for its 2022-23 year-end was £41.7m (US$54m), a 20% increase on its previous financial year.
ICR, a technology-focused provider of specialist maintenance inspection and integrity solutions across multiple sectors, has seen growth driven by strong activity in its core energy sector operations, the roll-out of an internationalisation strategy and diversification into other sectors.
Headcount has increased globally by 15%, from 204 to 235, since May 2022, and the firm expects to create around 50 jobs across its operations during the next phase of its strategy.
ICR has additional UK offices in Carnforth and Hemel Hempstead, and international operations in Stavanger, Norway, Abu Dhabi, Houston, USA and Perth, Australia as well as partners in over 25 countries.
Jim Beveridge, ICR Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is extremely positive growth for our business and is testament to the hard work and drive of our team. The continued internationalisation of ICR further supports our long-term sustainability, ultimately helping to create meaningful and lasting jobs to make us part of the energy transition.
“These outcomes illustrate how the business is remaining relevant across multiple sectors as we diversify our portfolio while maintaining and developing opportunities in existing markets. These are exciting times for ICR as we repeatedly demonstrate our value-adding capabilities and consequently strengthen our market position.”
Alan McQuade, Group Managing Director at ICR, said: “We retain a strong position in the UK but more than half of ICR’s revenue is now generated in international markets. Our global operations and network of strategic partners mean that we can react quickly to customer requirements and this footprint provides access to further growth for ICR. As we aim to capitalise on these opportunities, we are actively seeking to expand our team across all operations.”
ICR remains a strong performer in the UK North Sea and Norwegian North Sea in particular, while also growing its international footprint.
With record activity in the Middle East – it has recently performed high-value work in UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and appointed a new partner in Abu Dhabi – this is also a key region of growth for ICR.
While oil and gas remains a core industry, ICR has an additional focus on new onshore industries, with diversified growth foundations in place across renewables, telecoms, petrochemicals, nuclear and defence.
Further record activity in the USA now sees a team of 18 in Houston, with onshore telecoms drone inspection work through newly secured contracts and regular Gulf of Mexico repair scopes.
ICR’s drone division, Sky-Futures™, has secured UK and further international work. A global leader in unmanned aircraft and remote sensing operations, Sky-Futures™ and its team support clients by delivering high-quality inspection reports and data in support of asset build or inspection programmes.
Earlier this year, ICR secured a new partner in Guyana and increased its footprint in West Africa.
ICR’s established technological solutions continue to play a significant part in its growth. Technowrap™ provides life-long repairs that can be applied to internal, external and through-wall defects on complex geometries, while INSONO™ is an innovative NDT (non-destructive testing) technique for the inspection of engineered composite repairs. The Technowrap™ repair system reduces emissions by 66% compared to the traditional replacement methods.
Quickflange™ offers cold work solutions with weldless, high-performance flange-to-pipe connections. It provides a permanent repair option for improving pipeline integrity and flow assurance, eliminating the need for welding or hot work. With an extensive range, Quickflange™ is a cost-effective and efficient solution generating up to 80% time saving and a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over traditional welding. Welding and hot work are energy intensive processes requiring multiple materials whereas the Quickflange™ technology offers a straightforward repair system that is less energy intensive and requires fewer specialist engineers.
ICR has made a commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) and net zero goals to accelerate its energy transition objectives. This includes the publishing of an annual Impact Report to ensure transparency and disclosure in line with best practice. ICR has been awarded the prestigious EcoVadis Silver Award for its commitment to sustainability.
Solving problems, working as part of a diverse team and delivering projects that really make a difference – engineering is an exciting professional choice.
Today is International Women in Engineering Day. Each year, I’m glad to say, this awareness day seems to increase in scale and profile.
I’d like to think this momentum can encourage more and more women to consider a career in engineering.
While women remain hugely under-represented, with figures indicating that in the UK only 16.5% of engineers are women, you’ll be surprised by how many women you will find in this field – whether lecturers, engineers or fellow students. I never see gender, there is no distinction. I just see classmates and colleagues.
I don’t see any barriers to it being a sound career choice that’s full of opportunities for women.
My own journey started in Nigeria where I first discovered my interest in science in secondary school at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuloma, Port Harcourt. My earliest memory of finding my passion was in chemistry class. I had an amazing teacher and took private lessons to explore it further.
From there, I gained my degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Ghana, and, through the National Youth Service Corps, went on to work in a safety role at a civil engineering company in Nigeria for a year.
In 2019, I decided to broaden my horizons and study for an MSc in Oil & Gas Engineering at Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen. The first part of the course was very enjoyable but the second – due to Covid – was tough. It was challenging to study online, but I got through it and just a month later, I started my second masters – this time in Project Management, again at RGU.
It really broadened my skillset, as did a 12-week internship with a North Sea operator, which gave me a better understanding of projects and working as part of a team. Project management was more daunting for me. It was a move away from engineering into a business and management course. So much of what I do is a mix of engineering and project management principles and practices, so that knowledge and experience was really important.
I’m now 11 months into a graduate engineering role at ICR and enjoying it very much. I saw the position and thought it fitted perfectly with what I wanted. It’s a two-year structured graduate programme, with three-month milestones across all aspects of my work and learning. This would lead me to become a project engineer, having learned from experienced engineers and become acquainted with all the different disciplines.
My day-to-day work is dynamic and fast. I’m given the responsibility to deliver projects, with the right amount of support from senior colleagues. It involves engaging with clients and solving problems – whether it involves new built chemical injection packages, pressure testing systems, instruments sizing, process/utility calculations, managing procurement for projects, rental equipment or supporting other departments in ICR. Genuinely, no two days are the same.
You could be working on an assigned project and have a clear plan for that but then something comes in and you have to put that scope of work on hold to prioritise the one that needs done with a shorter timescale. I get to collaborate with people from design, process, industrial production, workshop, technicians, procurement, supply chain, logistics … people inside and outside the company. It’s thrilling, it’s exciting. There’s never a dull moment.
I enjoy how the company solves problems through innovative products such as Technowrap and Quickflange, and appreciate the culture of the business with its commitment to net zero solutions and its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibilities.
As I develop my engineering career, I have been supported by the team at ICR, in particular my line manager Alan Simpson as well as Project EngineersJames Black and Keith Harper. I’m learning so much from the people around me.
As a student, I was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Young Professionals. I am also part of AFBE-UK – a diversity and inclusion group that supports young people into careers in engineering – with their Transition and NextGen event which visit schools and collaborate with companies. I’m a beneficiary of this type of programme. It’s how I came to love what I do, and I’d encourage others to do the same.
What would I say to a 14-year-old girl who has a passion for a science and a desire to work in engineering… go for it! Take it seriously, look for females working and studying in science and engineering, speak to them about their experiences, break through the stereotypes.
If it’s what you love, make a path for yourself.
International Women in Engineering Day, organised by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), celebrates its 10th year in 2023 and is once again promoting the amazing work that women engineers do across the globe. This year’s theme, incidentally, is Make Safety Seen.
Are there challenges in having a career in engineering? Yes, but there are also great opportunities across multiple sectors and roles. It’s a dynamic, diverse and exciting career choice – one I would wholeheartedly recommend.
