Utskriftsvennlig versjon10.12.2007
With their characteristic circular FPSOs and drilling vessels, the Norwegian high tech company Sevan Marine has conquered the international oil industry. – Our success is based on the brilliant idea of one of our founders back in the 1990s, says CEO Jan Erik Tveteraas in Sevan Marine.
Petrobras, the government-owned oil conglomerate in Brazil, has contracted two units from Sevan Marine, one FPSO and one drilling unit. FPSO Sevan Piranema is already producing oil off the coast of Brazil, while the brand new Sevan Driller will be on its way to the US Gulf in 2009 to participate in exploration and production. In addition, Sevan Marine has three contracted FPSOs in the pipeline, as well as two newbuildings – so far without contracts.
Sevan Marine has around 100 employees in Brazil, of which 98 are Brazilian, and the other two from England. – Brazil is the world’s leading nation when it comes to expertise within deep sea drilling, and for us it is an honor to have Petrobras as our main client, says Jan Erik Tveteraas. – Establishing a sustainable relationship with Petrobras has taken a long time, but we have benefited from the respect that Norwegian engineering technology enjoys internationally, continues Jan Erik Tveteraas. Sevan Marine is in good company with other major, Norwegian players in Brazil, for instance Aker, Solstad, Dof and StatoilHydro. Tveteraas explains that the Brazilians have strict regulations when it comes to local contribution, and that foreign ownership is difficult. Leasing contracts is a better way to go. – In my opinion, the Brazilians could ease their strict regulations now. With low unemployment compared to other emerging markets and a booming economy, Brazil could benefit from letting more foreigners in, thinks Jan Erik Tveteraas.
Building in China
Sevan Marine has built hulls at different Chinese shipyards since 2004. Up until now the hulls have been towed to Holland for the fitting of Norwegian equipment and drilling packages. – Lately we have noticed that our Chinese associates want to participate in a larger part of the value chain, comments Jan Erik Tveteraas. – This is also our aim, but the Chinese are ambitious and becoming more demanding. Until now, the main competitive advantage in China has been low costs. Now they are trying to increase their prices. But the question is if this is the right strategy for the ambitious Chinese shipyards. With higher prices, the justification to go to China compared to more experienced yards located nearer to home disappears, says Jan Erik Tveteraas.
According to Jan Erik Tveteraas, China is a demanding market to operate in. Sevan Marine has spent a lot of time and money on training of personnel and increasing of competence, as well as introducing different standards in the production processes. Also, lack of English speaking professionals is a problem. The Chinese are friendly, but they know how lucrative it is for foreigners to be in the Chinese marketplace, and make their demands accordingly, concludes Jan Erik Tveteraas.
Looking to India
Like so many other companies within the oil industry, Sevan Marine looks at India as a very interesting market for the future. Contact with a local partner is already established, and Sevan Marine thinks that their technology can be useful off the east coast of India where waters are deep and weather conditions rough.
Going forward
Jan Erik Tveteraas thinks that the future will bring many new business opportunities for Sevan Marine. High prices associated with producing oil and gas in deep waters and remote areas will lead to increased demand for movable production units. At the moment Sevan Marine is developing a floating gas production unit for use at sea. This can supply power to offshore installations directly on site. At the same time the concept is environmentally friendly as all the CO2 will be returned to nature via specially designed technology.