WSS widens supply points network in Asia

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) is expanding its network of supply points across Asia as it responds to an increasing level of offshore oil and gas exploration and production.

The first new WSS supply point, at Songkhla, southern Thailand opened in January 2014 and other locations have been identified to enable WSS to work closer to areas of emerging demand. New supply sites are under consideration in Kemaman, Malaysia, Balikpapan, Indonesia and in Myanmar.

Countries including Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar present strong regional growth potential, with marginal and deepwater fields continuing to drive the investment in upstream assets. Malaysia and Indonesia have already put in place policies to attract additional investment in oil and gas production and Myanmar is due to announce the winning bidders for its deepwater blocks in the first quarter of 2014.

Joe Peng, Offshore Account Manager Asia-Pacific, WSS, says the company’s focus on safety and its strong network are natural advantages in a region where the offshore sector is still growing.

“This is a complex market with a diverse customer base, ranging from oilfield operators, drilling contractors, production operators to offshore support companies. Close engagement over the past 12 months enables us to understand their challenges of operating in such a diverse and often remote geographical location. Their top three concerns are safety, logistics issues and reliability, subjects where WSS can bring value and vast knowledge.”

A surge in spending on exploration and production globally is also driving newbuilding orders at shipyards in China, South Korea and Singapore, as an ageing fleet is being renewed with higher specification assets.

WSS’s offer to offshore customers reflects the need for tailored product supply. By listening to customer feedback the offshore team determined a growing concern over drop-risks on offshore installations. In response, WSS offers a dual purpose DNV-certified rack system that provides safety in lifting and storage of gas cylinders and can also be transformed into a manifold rack for charging of accumulators.

WSS has also made available the Cleanrig HP RTU (Rigwash) system in a 1,000 litre tote tank in addition to the usual 200 litre drum. As a market leader in supply of marine chemicals, WSS has been able to transfer its knowledge to the offshore market, helping customers rectify fuel oil contamination issues with the provision of treatment systems and technical know-how.

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Press Release, March 19, 2014