TSmarine Launches UK Subsidiary Salt Subsea Support Regional Operations

25 October 2010

The TSmarine Australia Group has appointed 30-year oil and gas industry veteran Michael Earlam to lead the group’s new Aberdeen-based subsidiary SALT Subsea Ltd.

SALT Subsea, a wholly owned subsidiary of the TSmarine Australia Group, will initially support the long term AX-S™ contract with Expro Ltd.

TSmarine Australia chief executive officer John Edwards said Michael Earlam brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the North Sea operation.

“Michael is the logical choice to establish and develop the SALT Subsea business,” Mr Edwards said.

“His most recent appointment was as global chartering manager at a leading global installation contractor in Aberdeen, which means he has deep knowledge of the industry, its challenges and opportunities.”

“Michael has also managed strategic global vessel charters for core offshore markets and previously was the marine and general manager for an international logistics and supply chain management company.

“His experience will be invaluable during the mobilisation and operation of the Havila Phoenix supporting Expro and their AX-S deepwater rigless intervention spread and in developing other opportunities for SALT Subsea in the North Sea region.”

Mr Earlam said he was looking forward to representing the TSmarine Australia Group through SALT Subsea.

“This is an exciting time, particularly as we undertake the AX-S contract with Expro supporting the groundbreaking subsea well intervention system AX-S™ on a worldwide basis,” he said.

The TSmarine Australia Group operates a fleet of four modern DP2 construction and intervention vessels globally with the Havila Phoenix soon to have the AX-S™ deepwater intervention spread mobilised onboard.

The Phoenix has a large 1,100m² back deck, 250T AHC crane and two deepwater Schilling UHD work class ROV’s onboard.

Services offered to the subsea oil and gas industry cover the life of a field from initial development planning with geotechnical drilling through to comprehensive subsea construction services including conductor piling, tree installation and traditional SURF capabilities.

Operational field services include rigless well intervention via a subsea lubricator or AX-S™ system, as well as diver and ROV based inspection, maintenance and repairs.

End of field life services include decommissioning of subsea infrastructure including well plug and abandonment.

SALT Subsea is currently based in the Expro offices, Westhill Aberdeen, during the establishment phase of the AX-S™ contract.