Global Process Systems: Leading Turnkey Solutions for Oil & Gas Facilities
World leaders
The complex nature of oil and gas developments, whether onshore or offshore, requires an in-depth understanding of the technology involved and end-user requirements in order to deliver effective process solutions that enable optimum reliability and productivity.
Founded in 2000, international process facilities provider Global Process Systems (GPS) has grown to become a niche player in this sector of the market.
Boasting a complete turnkey capability in all areas of process equipment and plant supply, from concept, through to detailed engineering, fabrication, commissioning, testing and early operations, GPS has expanded strategically to establish a strong presence in the UAE, Singapore and Malaysia. Group CEO Ian Prescott emphasises that among the key reasons for the firm’s success are its integrated portfolio of services and the commitment and expertise of its people.
“GPS offers a true one-stop-shop for our customers; we have our own in-house engineering teams, procurement group, dedicated fabrication facilities, work yards and pre-assembly areas. This single point of responsibility minimises the number of interfaces the client is required to manage and ensures greater consistency and better project delivery. Crucially it also means we retain complete accountability for project delivery, which is to the benefit of our clients,” says Ian.
“Central to all our accomplishments though is the team of people we have built
up in our three principal locations,” he adds. “A mix of oil and gas professionals with extensive experience and newer recruits with engineering and project management backgrounds, these individuals combine to create a highly skilled, dedicated workforce.”
Building talent
With a high level of backlog, GPS has maintained an active recruitment drive in order to ensure a steady stream of talent and experience flows into the organisation. This year alone, over 90 new personnel have been recruited into various engineering, QA/QC, HR and business development roles, in all three locations.
Director & general manager of GPS Singapore Vince D’Rozario says the company is highly committed to developing its talent pool. “Because our business revolves around the delivery of quality process solutions, we recognise that a strong body of talent in our workforce is critical for success. That’s what gives us our niche position. It also means we have been able to implement international standards and productivity processes across the board.”
In one initiative, GPS is undertaking programmes to encourage women to join the workforce. “At our fabrication facility in Batam, we have just engaged six female welders. They have some experience but we will put them through our welding school, which will allow them to improve their skills and their qualification levels,” says Vince.
Making good headway
Pre-qualified with international and national oil companies as well as the significant EPC and EPCM organisations in all the key areas relating to health, safety and product quality, GPS has built up a strong track record working for global leaders such as Shell and ExxonMobil, FPSO operators and main contractors. The scope of delivery can range from a small skid-mounted package to a complex topsides module for an FPSO or the complete EPC delivery of MOPUs, where GPS is a market leader.
“The level of capability and delivery demanded by these clients is extremely high, not least of all in the area of health, safety and environment. We are very proud that our excellent track record has supported our pre-qualification and eventual award of key projects,” says Ian.
A recent example of its work in Malaysia is the successful design and delivery of a water injection package for a major offshore development. This significant project was secured through GPS’ partnership with local firm Wenmax, one that has since secured further work, the most recent being a trio of packages from industry leader Sapura Kencana Petroleum. All three are destined for the Serendah project, off the coast of Sarawak in the South China Sea, and operated by one of the region’s biggest end users, Murphy Oil.
In the Middle East, GPS is making good headway in one of its key target markets, Abu Dhabi, with its in-house fabrication facility at Mafraq adding further weight to its offering. “Being a member of the Al Jaber Group is also a major plus point, as the Group is very well-established in the region in a number of highly diversified sectors,” says Ian. Other markets in the Gulf Region are also delivering promising results for the firm, including Oman and Egypt, where the company has been awarded critical projects for leading organisations such as Petroleum Development Oman and Bapetco-Egypt, a joint venture between Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and Shell.
Promising prospects
“Looking at the state of the oil and gas industry as it stands today, what gives us great optimism for the medium-to-long term future is the level of confidence we are seeing through the actions of our clients, particularly in relation to the planning and execution of new projects and exploration activities,” Ian explains. “This has resulted in not just the opening up of several new markets, such as Myanmar for example, but also an unprecedented rise in activity from the more traditional markets like Indonesia and Malaysia where we have a long track record and presence.”
Since the restructuring of its business two years ago, GPS is certainly now reaping the rewards, with 2012 to date seeing revenue figures up by over 60 per cent in comparison to those recorded at this time in 2011. As the company continues to grow and develop its people and service portfolio, this trend is expected to continue, driving GPS to its ultimate goal of being the pre-eminent company in its field of expertise – the partner of choice for process solutions.
Global Process Systems
Services: Process technology