Wireline Issue 45 - Summer 2019

net benefit, rather than as an antidote to tough market conditions, is something he is keen to put across. “I think as we go forward you’ll see more and more of that. You’ll start to see more business models in companies like Verus that are different from those that have gone before, models that are more efficient, more cost effective and will result in more activity and MER in the long run.” have to keep doing things in a simple, straightforward manner that works for all parties.” "It’s not rocket science. We just

the timeline, but we can demonstrate that we’re adding technical value to these groups.” Nevertheless, being newer market entrants does allow them to think and operate differently. Julian describes Neptune’s “mature start-up” mentality, where a flat management structure enables speedy decision making, reducing costs and unnecessary process. As well as empowering individuals to make decisions – a point echoed by Alan Curran – it enables the company to be more open to new technologies and ways of working. In turn, a lean structure also allows these companies to engage with the supply chain in ways that larger E&P groups cannot. In Zennor’s case, that meant offering contractors deadline flexibility in installing the pipelines and umbilicals that will tie Finlaggan back to its host. Final installation cannot be completed until a period of shutdown in mid-2020, meaning the company is in no rush to hit arbitrary short-term goals. In return, Martin says the contractors were able to work to their own schedule and offer a competitive price. “It’s not rocket science,” he says, “We just have to keep doing things in a simple, straightforward manner that works for all parties.” For Curran, these kinds of cost-saving engagements – whether behavioural or technological – and trusting relationships will pay dividends to both E&P companies and their supply chain partners. This emphasis on business collaboration as a

Image left: The Alba heavy oil field, in which Verus has a 17% interest.

Image right: Zennor Petroleum managing director Martin Rowe.

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