Reflex Marine welcomed personnel from Coastguard Section of the Brazilian Navy into Aberdeen this week for testing with the company’s innovative crew transfer technologies.
Representatives from the Diretoria de Portos e Costas (Directorate of Ports and Coasts) explored Reflex Marine’s industry leading FROG capsule and witnessed immersion, load, vertical and lateral impact tests of both the company’s FROG-6 and newly launched FROG-XT.
Reflex Marine is currently working with the DPC to gain accreditation for the FROG to operate on board vessels registered in the country, although several operators have already put the device to use using foreign ships.
To continue developing important relationships in the energy industry between Aberdeen and Brazil, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and Gordon McIntosh, director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure at Aberdeen City Council met with Reflex Marine and the Brazilian delegates.
Carol Richards, sales consultant South America at Reflex Marine, said: “For the past two years we have had delegates from Brazil visiting Aberdeen and learning more about how our technologies can improve safety in the country’s burgeoning energy sector, and it’s great to extend that to members of the Brazilian Navy too.
“The standard method of transfer offshore in the region is by helicopter and traditional rope baskets are commonly used as a contingency. However, Brazil’s continuing commitment to exploring other methods of transfer is positive. It was great for us to demonstrate the safety and operational benefits of our products.”
Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said: “I was delighted to meet the visitors from the Brazilian Navy and those working for Reflex Marine. It’s always a pleasure welcome visitors from Brazil to our city.
“Our strong relationship with Brazil, which is experiencing considerable growth in its energy sector, is very important to Aberdeen and the North-east. Brazil is an important market for many of our businesses and the interest shown by the Navy is clear evidence of the high esteem in which the skills, knowledge and expertise Aberdeen boasts in all aspects of the industry are held worldwide.
“I believe the visit to Aberdeen was productive for everyone involved. The Navy officers were very complimentary about the tests they had witnessed and about the Reflex Marine product range. I hope this results in a productive business relationship.”
Gordon McIntosh said: “This visit from the Brazilian Navy, as the accredited body for offshore safety in Brazil, is extremely significant for the Aberdeen oil and gas industry’s growing reputation in that country. “Over the past 14 years we’ve worked closely with partners from Brazil to grow opportunities in this fast developing marketplace.”
Reflex Marine has established a number of accredited service centres for FROGs and TOROs around the world. These service centres offer stock, spares, rental services, inspection and maintenance and training to exacting standards set by Reflex Marine. The FROG-XT, an evolution of the current FROG capsule, was launched earlier this year and captures over 20 years of Reflex Marine’s vast learning and experience.
Photography by Norman Adams - Aberdeen City Council.