Latest News - November 2009

Newcastle-based SEtech (Geotechnical Engineers) Limited, part of the Gardline Group are delighted to announce the appointment of John Morse as Business Development Director.

With its portfolio of diverse geotechnical consultancy services, SEtech offers substantial experience in the offshore, renewable and support sectors while Mr Morse´s own experience includes over 35 years in survey contracting and consultancy, marketing and business development.

Mr Morse comments: “I am delighted to be working within the Gardline Group, and look forward to the challenges that face us, both as we continue to seek opportunities and develop our expertise and capabilities within our geotechnical consulting business and in a wider context, within the renewable sector”

For further information please contact John Morse on +44 191 233 9500 or alternatively
john.morse@setech-uk.com

For further information regarding the Gardline Group or photography please contact Melanie Davey on +44 1493 845 606 or alternatively melanie.davey@gardline.com

SEtech are pleased to announce completion of their Finpile research contract. This was funded by the DTI and was focused on achieving improved lateral capacity and stiffness of monopile foundations being used almost exclusively for offshore wind turbines.

The work included finite element modelling, laboratory testing and field trials of piles and demonstrated that savings of up to 30% of steel weight could be achieved in some ground conditions. Other benefits are also anticipated to reduce requirements for drill outs and extension of monopile type foundations into deeper water depths.

The work has been presented to several windfarm developers and to a recent DTI research seminar in London. Considerable interest is being generated in the work and we are hopeful that the technique will be used on a met mast foundation in the near future.

In conjunction with sister company Gardline Marine Sciences Ltd, SEtech offer an integrated planning, survey and engineering service for the submarine telecoms industry. This was demonstrated for a new fibre optic cable link connecting the UK mainland to Guernsey and Brittany, France. Following an initial desk top study, survey permitting was carried out by SEtech. Following completion of the route survey, SEtech also carried out a burial assessment. Working together on this fast track project, Gardline and SEtech were able to offer a fully integrated service.

SEtech have developed a strong track record in suction pile design with a number of projects completed off west Africa on behalf of Acergy. SEtech is also currently undertaking suction pile design for a PLEM structure for a field development off Malaysia on behalf of Acergy Asia.

SEtech has recently partnered London Marine Consultants (LMC) in the design of FPSO suction anchors for the Sonagol Gimboa project, offshore Angola. SEtech undertook the specialist geotechical design with LMC completing the structural design. This was the first collaboration between the two companies and used the skills of both to their best advantage.

SEtech will be exhibiting at the 7th annual BWEA wave and tidal exhibition and conference. BWEA is the UK's leading renewable energy trade association, specialising in the wind, wave and tidal stream energy industries.

Wave and Tidal 2010 will take place at the QEII Centre, Westminster London, 4th of March. The conference brings together leading manufacturers, utilities, developers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, service companies, universities and research institutes. The programme for this year's event is set to be the finest yet, with progress expected from the Marine Renewables Proving Fund, the Crown Estate-led Pentland Project and development of the Marine Action Plan.

Please come and visit SEtech at Stand 7. Additionally, if you would like to arrange a more detailed discussion during the conference, please contact Cara Miller on 0191 233 9500.

SEtech will be attending the EWEA 2009. The third bi-annual European Offshore Wind Conference & Exhibition, is held between 14th and 16th September in Stockholm, Sweden.

EWEA 2009 is a unique event, gathering thousands of key players from the offshore wind industry and related sectors.

If you would like to arrange to meet SEtech during the conference, please contact Cara Miller on 0191 233 9500. We are happy to discuss our renewables experience and services.

For further information on EWEA 2009 visit www.eow2009.info

SEtech will be exhibiting at the 31st annual BWEA exhibition and conference. BWEA is the UK's leading renewable energy trade association, specialising in the wind, wave and tidal stream energy industries.

BWEA31 will take place at the ACC Liverpool, 20th-22nd of October. The conference brings together leading manufacturers, utilities, developers, contractors, consultants, suppliers and service companies, universities and research institutes.

Please come and visit SEtech at Stand 25. Additionally, if you would like to arrange a more detailed discussion during the conference, please contact Cara Miller on 0191 233 9500.

For further information on BWEA31 visit www.bwea31.com

SEtech are currently providing cable engineering to Subocean on a number of offshore projects. With support from Gardline Environmental, SEtech has been undertaking route development work, producing cable route lists (RPL´s) and undertaking burial performance and risk assessments. Recently completed and ongoing projects include Lynn & Inner Dowsing, Thanet & Robin Rigg.

In addition to the consultancy work provided by SEtech, Gardline Environmental are also providing positioning support directly to Subocean.