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The Oil & Gas Specialist Technologies group now stretches nationwide and is twice as big and “strong” as when it started in New Plymouth last decade, says chairman Arun Chaudhari. By Neil Ritchie.
“The cluster group continues to gain momentum, with new members adding more depth and breadth, bringing their different strengths and experiences,” says Chaudhari, petrochemicals manager at Port Taranaki. Three new members joined during 2009 – Kaefer Integrated Services NZ, part of the German-headquartered global services and management Kaefer group; SGS NZ, part of the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification group and New Plymouth-based Arete Consulting, which is rejoining the cluster. Cluster members work together, pooling their resources to provide a, “one-stop shop approach,” particularly for oil and gas events and exhibitions. They share costs and resources, providing a platform for all and a mechanism by which clients can source a range of services from individual members – “and there have been some significant financial benefits”, Chaudhari adds. He says that six companies surveyed within the group won $10-12 million worth of work during the past two years that they attribute directly to belonging to the cluster – “that’s extremely positive”. “And, because we pool our resources, you could say this means we are at least twice as strong, than if each firm acted alone.” The cluster also works closely with the Engineering Taranaki consortium, “Because where there are oil and gas opportunities, there are often also engineering opportunities, and vice versa.” He says the group is looking forward to the arrival of the giant semi-submersible Kan Tan IV drilling rig this autumn for the most extensive offshore oil and gas exploration programme seen in ourwaters for some years. The rig is scheduled to drill at least six wells – four off Taranaki and two off Northland. “We have been looking closely for opportunities arising from this campaign.” Chaudhari adds that the group now offers a very diverse branch of specialist skill sets and experience across the “upstream” (oil and gas exploration and production) and “downstream” (petrochemical, refining, oil and gas wholesaling and retailing) sectors. As well as New Zealand, group members have won work in such countries as Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, Brazil, Singapore, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. “And we continue to be approached by several companies in the oil and gas industry for membership. “We would like all companies in the oil and gas industry to contact us and, if we are unable to fulfill their requirements, we will certainly make sure we put them in touch with the right people.” Members featured in this issue of Energy NZ include Asia-Pacific service consultancy Beca, remote digital video specialists Digital Insight, transport specialists Hooker Pacific, technology services company ITL, cable manufacturer Olex New Zealand and Port Taranaki.
Energy NZ Vol.4 No.2 March-April 2010 |
What started a few years ago, essentially as a 10-strong Taranaki team, facilitated by the regional economic development agency Venture Taranaki, has now become a cluster of 21 companies from Auckland to Bluff, although the Taranaki presence remains strong.