Sparrows Group wins inspection contract with Stena

expat network

Sparrows Group wins inspection contract with Stena

Sparrows Group has been awarded a 20-month inspection services contract to cover Stena Drilling’s global fleet of drilling vessels.

The agreement will see Sparrows Group deliver LOLER lifting gear surveys, potential dropped objects surveys, cargo carrying unit (CCU) and non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections as well as rig specific maintenance.

Sparrows Group had previously held a similar contract with Stena for an eight-year period.

Stewart Mitchell, chief executive officer of Sparrows Group, said: “Over the years we have developed a strong relationship with Stena and we are delighted to now be working with them again. It is encouraging to see that they are committed to ensuring safety and integrity across their global fleet.

“Our experienced inspection team has a reputation for delivering quality, cost effective services to our customers. I have no doubt their professionalism and track record for reliability has contributed to us regaining this contract. In today’s low oil price environment it is more important than ever to ensure inspection and maintenance is carried out effectively to avoid costly emergency repairs.”

This latest contract with Stena Drilling comes shortly after Sparrows Group announced it had secured a five-year contract in the North Sea with Statoil. In March, the firm revealed it was to deliver cranes and maintenance services at the prestigious Mariner development.

Established originally in 1946, the Sparrows Group moved into the oil and gas market in 1975 and has more than 40 years’ experience working offshore. They are one of the most well-known and trusted names in the oil and gas industry. The company provides engineered products and services, primarily to the offshore sector, specialising in lifting and handling, cable and pipe lay, and fluid power solutions.

For more information, please visit: www.sparrowsgroup.com

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.