A new state-of-the-art training facility to support the North Sea’s drilling sector will open in Westhill, Aberdeenshire next month.
Global rig intake and inspection experts ModuSpec and energy sector training provider Well Academy – both part of MR Group – have announced the creation of a purpose-built training facility as part of new office space at the Arnhall Business Park in Westhill. The facility will feature a drilling simulator that will allow engineers to practice complex, real-life operations in a safe and controlled environment, as well as classroom space.
Well Academy, which also delivers its UK courses from a base in Montrose, will expand market coverage in the North-east with the dedicated training facility in Westhill. ModuSpec’s Europe, Africa & Middle East operational team will move into new office space above the facility.
Well Academy currently has three dedicated training facilities in Houston, Texas; Perth, Australia; and Apeldoorn, Netherlands as well as associate centres around the world. It has been delivering industry-respected and certified courses – approved by the International Well Control Forum (IWCF) and the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) – for almost 30 years. The industry renowned ModuSpec Rig Inspection Workshop will also be re-launched later this year along with other rig equipment courses.
ModuSpec was reacquired by its original founder, Leo Nagtegaal the chairman of MR Group, in March this year. Duco De Haan, chief executive officer, says he is delighted to confirm the company’s commitment to Aberdeen and the North-east of Scotland.
Mark Watson, ModuSpec operations director outside the new office in Westhill
He said: “Aberdeen has long been of strategic importance to ModuSpec – indeed our first client was based in Aberdeen back in 1986. ModuSpec and our Well Academy have built a global reputation for excellence in delivering certified training. Now, to combine that offering under one roof in a purpose-built facility will elevate our clients’ experience and ensure we remain at the forefront of delivering world-leading well and rig training.
“With ModuSpec now part of our group once again, we can offer our clients end-to-end support throughout the lifecycle of their drilling operations. The new office and training facility in Aberdeen is further evidence of our ongoing commitment to support our North Sea client base and to enable them to safely enhance their operations.”
Mark Watson, ModuSpec operations director, said: “We are thrilled to have secured our new home in a location which allows us to blend the vast capabilities of our business to support our clients with specialist technical advisory services and training. In addition to targeting continued success for our rig intake and inspection and training offerings, our growth strategy is underpinned by demand for our real-time monitoring (RTM) expertise in the offshore rig market within the UK, Norway, West Africa and the Mediterranean.”
Headquartered in Singapore, MR Group has seven offices across five countries and has a team of more than 300 people globally. Since being acquired in March this year, ModuSpec has continued to expand internationally, with the Aberdeen-based team securing recent contracts worth more than £750,000 for its rig inspection services in the North Africa and Middle East region, including Egypt, Oman, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Through its portfolio of companies that include Well Academy, ModuSpec, and WellSpec, MR Group provides an integrated suite of services for the upstream industry. Services include rig intake and inspection services, project management and specialist resourcing, well intervention equipment assurance, real-time monitoring of well control and drilling equipment, and accredited and bespoke industry training.
For further information about MR Group’s offering visit: www.moduspec.com and www.wellacademy.com.