Words by Dayne Phillips, Trinidad & Tobago county manager at EnerMech.
The oil and gas sector is a central cog to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for 35% of the country’s GDP. For over 100 years it has been a vital producer of energy to the Caribbean and is the largest oil and gas producer in the region and contributes an estimated 35.7% of GDP, 78.4% of exports, and 23.4% to government revenue.
The pieces that make up the production jigsaw are multi-faceted and diverse, but one worth highlighting is safe and expertly delivered crane operations and its necessity to material handling and transport, construction, maintenance and safety, amongst other factors.
Time is a critical factor when enabling the movement and installation of heavy equipment, such as pipelines, modules, and other infrastructure components. The rapid and precision transfer, lifting and positioning of materials to ensure safe and efficient construction and maintenance activities, helps minimise downtime and enhance overall project efficiency.
Since 2022, EnerMech has worked with bp Trinidad & Tobago (bpTT), offering an integrated suite of crane operation and maintenance services, alongside the supply of loose lifting equipment across multiple facilities.
This is a region known for its challenging environment, making operations more hazardous and requiring specialised equipment and expertise to mitigate unpredictable weather conditions as well as taking into account installations are often in remote locations at various depths.
EnerMech’s turnkey solution encompasses the provision of crane operators and inspection services, with meticulous planning and comprehensive maintenance execution, ensuring all client requirements are met. The company's services have extended over time due to the strong relationship developed working closely with bpTT. With an increased reliance on EnerMech's integrated capabilities and solution orientated results, the need for multiple contractors on site is reduced, delivering increased efficiencies.
The growth is underpinned by EnerMech’s global expertise, particularly from staff in Aberdeen and crane specialists in the Caspian Sea, who also service bp. This diverse skill set enables the offering of a cohesive and efficient maintenance solution from the one provider.
A robust foundation for these activities was provided by a similar preceding contract with another major producer in the region. By using base knowledge at EnerMech Aberdeen’s Cranes and Training Division, a smooth transition was undertaken and technical support and competency assessments continued to be offered, ensuring the highest standards are maintained.
In total, EnerMech has successfully deployed up to 30 personnel for the bpTT cranes contract, comprising operations maintenance management, core crew crane operators, and multi-skilled maintenance staff. The ability to rapidly onboard, assess, train, and deploy personnel within a three-month period has emphasised an operational agility and commitment to efficiency.
EnerMech’s integrated service delivery has resulted in cost reductions and enhanced team collaboration. The entire bpTT crane operations team comprises local personnel, adhering to BS 7121 for training and assessment, with additional training provided both locally and via international resources. This approach ensures continuous skill development and certification maintenance, supported by partnerships with local technical training institutions.
Key challenges included managing the contract with a reduced onshore team, necessitating creative solutions and efficient resource allocation. Transitioning to campaign-style maintenance required balancing routine operations with project-specific demands.
While the contract setup presents ongoing challenges, EnerMech’s adaptive strategies position the company for potential contract extensions. EnerMech’s integrated approach, leveraging global expertise and local workforce development, has significantly enhanced bp's offshore crane operations and maintenance efficiency, laying a solid foundation for future growth and collaboration.
As the energy sector of Trinidad & Tobago continues to develop, ensuring what is a vital element of production operations running smoothly is essential enabling the country to maximise its potential.
