Wireline Issue 48 - Summer 2020

teams are dispatched to tackle specific work scopes for shorter periods of time offshore, will unlock efficiency and remove unnecessary wastage from offshore activities — while also reducing disease transmission risks for staff. With adoption now, the hope is that its effects could enact new ways of working far beyond the immediate pandemic. “In order to really move the needle, as a supply-chain, we need to accept that the legacy number of beds on offshore installation don’t need to be filled, in fact the opposite is true. There is a responsibility on companies like Global E&C to work smarter and think differently during our offshore execution activities,” adds Terry. Supplying the front lines Back onshore, many OGUK members were able to use their supplies and capabilities to assist national efforts, as well as their local communities. Equipment and supplies quickly became an area of focus, particularly personal protective equipment (PPE) to assist healthcare and NHS workers. Petrochemicals and E&P group INEOS was one of the first to spring into action, announcing in late March that it would produce one million bottles of hand sanitiser per month from a new plant at Newton Aycliffe, near Middlesbrough. Supplies were provided free to NHS sites, and offered to schools, workplaces, pharmacies and supermarkets. Expanding its efforts globally, by April the company had set up further plants in France and Germany, followed by US sites at Jacksonville in Arkansas and Neville Island in Pennsylvania. Commenting at the time, Sir JimRatcliffe, founder and chairman of INEOS noted that: “INEOS is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills. If we can find other ways to help in the Coronavirus battle, we are absolutely committed to playing our part.” Another OGUK member, marine services group TSG Marine, started its own initiative to make sure PPE got to those who needed it most. The idea came directly from one of its staff: “On one of our regular virtual team calls one of our team members highlighted

Left: COVID Copters have to be specially outfitted to protect pilots and provide care for patients. Above: INEOS set up hand sanitiser production plants in the UK, US and Europe to supply hospitals, care homes and other key services.

“The response of everyone across the group in pulling together to find solutions to what has been one of the biggest challenges of our lives has been outstanding.”

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