Sigma Offshore Expert to Give Talk at Asia-Pacific FPSO Summit (Singapore)

A worldwide authority on the offshore industry will be one of the speakers at a key event for oil and gas production vessels in Singapore next week (March 15-16, 2011).

David Galbraith, chief technology officer at Aberdeen-based Sigma Offshore, will give a presentation at the third annual Asia-Pacific FPSO Summit 2011 on the qualification and classification processes of bringing an innovative product to the market.

Sigma Offshore, which also has offices in Houston, Oslo and Singapore, has developed Smart Mooring System (SMS) for oil and gas production vessels such as FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading).

Mr Galbraith’s talk, entitled Technology Qualification of a New External Turret System – will take place on Day One of the event. He was part of the Sigma team that led the independent endorsements process from leading classification societies such as Det Norsk Veritas (DNV) for SMS.

Sigma’s SMS went through tank test trials and various examinations before receiving a Statement of Endorsement. David will highlight the process and the challenges faced bringing an innovative and cost efficient product to the marketplace.

Sigma Offshore believes its innovative system, which uses existing technology in a more efficient way for many applications, could save clients up to 30% on total installed cost. A bespoke SMS can cost from £10m (US$16.1m) to £30m (US$48.5m) or more depending on the complexity and size of the project.

David Galbraith said: “The qualification and classification process for SMS was challenging but one which resulted in a seal of approval for our system. I will be discussing a project that put great demands on the experienced Sigma team, but one which was ultimately rewarding.”

Mr Galbraith has more than 30 years’ experience in the offshore oil and gas industry and has been involved in the criteria for ISO standards. David is also a member of the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers), the Energy Institute and the Society for Underwater Technology.

His offshore career began with 10 years in design contracting which included greenfield and brownfield designs, fabrication and installation supervision and operational support. This was followed by 12 years with Mobil North Sea Limited during which time he was responsible for all structural aspects of their European offshore structures. He set up his own company in 2000 which he then sold six years later.

He has a number of industry firsts to his credit including the first use of carbon fibres for strengthening structural steelwork and the first diverless structural repairs. He joined Sigma Offshore in 2008.

As well as its mooring and riser solutions, Sigma Offshore delivers extended well testing systems, floating production export system solutions, subsea architecture design, deepwater subsea solutions, consultancy services and project management.

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Source: Sigma Offshore, March 11, 2011;