Following the launch of the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) at COP28, oil and gas companies are accelerating efforts to track, monitor and control their methane emissions
Eni has been awarded “Gold Standard reporting” of the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) for its commitment to reporting emissions at the highest data quality levels. OGMP 2.0 is an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, aimed at setting the global standard for methane accountability and transparency in the oil and gas sector as a necessary step to effectively track and target mitigation with measurement-based data. Eni has been awarded “Gold Standard reporting” for having effectively reached highest data quality levels.
Eni has set itself the goal to reach near zero methane emissions by 2030, in line with the OGDC objectives, and has more than halved methane emissions between 2018 and 2023. Eni’s Upstream methane intensity of 0.06% in 2023 places the company among the leaders in the sector. A founding member of the UNEP Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP), the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) and Methane Guiding Principles (MGP), the company is signatory to the OGDC as well as the Global Flaring and Methane Reduction trust fund (GFMR), an initiative launched by the World Bank to support governments and operators in developing countries to eliminate routine flaring and reduce methane emissions from the O&G sector to near zero by 2030. Eni has also signed collaboration agreements with National Oil Companies (NOCs) aimed at sharing its industry-leading experience in methane management to enable methane reduction across the sector.
Meanwhile TotalEnergies, which is also aiming for near-zero methane emissions by 2030, has announced that the company is going a step further in the monitoring and reduction of its methane emissions with the deployment of continuous, real-time detection equipment at all of its operated Upstream sites, enabling real-time identification of methane emissions, both fugitive and stationary, and immediate corrective actions to stop them. This continuous detection plan will be fully implemented by end-2025 and will use existing and proven technologies such as loT2 sensors, InfraRed cameras, flowmeters and Predictive Emissions Monitoring Systems on combustion sources.
The company will meet as soon as this year its target to reduce emissions by 50% compared to 2020, a year ahead of plan as a result of numerous initiatives, including the successful deployment of its AUSEA drone campaigns.
“Slashing methane emissions is a short-term priority to contribute to the fight against climate change. Continuous, real-time detection will enable our operators to act in an even more decisive manner in order to reduce our methane emissions and to repair leaks to achieve our near-zero methane emissions ambition. As a champion of the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), I am proud that TotalEnergies is leading the way in deploying such equipment at large scale and we will continue to work with the industry to share best practices in measuring and fighting methane emissions”, said Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.
See also https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/energy-transition/positive-progress-towards-ogdc-goals
The International Code Council (ICC) is participating in Big 5 Global, held from 26–29 November, showcasing its innovative solutions for building safety, sustainability, and resilience.
The organisation is contributing to critical industry conversations through its participation in a panel discussion titled "The Path to Zero: Energy Efficiency in HVAC Systems and Sustainable Construction.”
Representing ICC, Mohamed Amer, regional director of operations for the MENA region, will provide insights into achieving net-zero energy goals by integrating modern building codes with advanced technologies.
The session will explore cutting-edge HVAC innovations and strategies to enhance energy efficiency, aligning with regional sustainability objectives.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore ICC’s suite of services, including code development, product testing, certification, training, and consulting. These solutions are designed to help stakeholders improve compliance and safety standards, fostering long-term benefits for the construction sector.
The organisation is also strengthening collaborations across the MENA region, partnering with architects, consultants, and regulatory authorities to promote sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient construction.
Amer said, “Big 5 Global offers a critical platform to showcase our services and contribute directly to the evolution of sustainable building practices in the MENA region. Through our service offerings, we help our partners build safer and more energy-efficient structures that align with the regional sustainability goals.”
Abu Dhabi-based AIQ, a pioneer in artificial intelligence solutions for the energy industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Kent, a global leader in engineering and digital services.
The collaboration, unveiled at ADIPEC 2024, aims to push the boundaries of engineering optimisation and digital transformation in the energy sector.
This partnership combines AIQ’s AI technology with Kent’s expertise in digital engineering and project execution to deliver innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions.
Key areas of focus include the development of an AI-powered platform to optimise Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED), enhancing the productivity and capabilities of engineering teams.
The agreement also prioritises the exploration of autonomous operations, digital twin technologies for advanced asset management, and applications aimed at improving health, safety, and environmental standards.
Magzhan Kenesbai, acting managing director of AIQ, commented, “AIQ is at a pivotal stage in its development as we seek to expand our capabilities and geographies of operation. Collaborating with an established engineering and solutions provider like Kent will allow us to accelerate the scale and delivery of our transformational AI solutions as we progress autonomous and intelligent systems across the entire energy value chain.”
Tush Doshi, chief operating officer at Kent, said, “Working with AIQ allows us to combine our engineering and project management expertise with cutting-edge AI technology to address some of the most pressing challenges in the energy sector. We are committed to delivering solutions that not only meet today’s demands but also pave the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and digitally driven future. Together, we can create innovative solutions that make a real impact for our clients and the industry.”
The third edition of SIBEC, powered by SIBCA, a leading provider of fire, life safety, and ICT solutions, successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi from 13–15 November 2024.
This year’s event, themed ‘Innovation That Keeps You Safe,’ highlighted the critical role of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in advancing fire and life safety across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Drawing a record number of participants, the two-day event convened regional and global experts to explore emerging trends in sectors such as building management systems (BMS), extra-low voltage (ELV), audiovisual (AV), HVAC, lighting, and ICT.
A standout announcement during SIBEC was SIBCA’s launch of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Training Academy in Abu Dhabi.
Approved under the NFPA Network, the academy is set to offer professional training on fire protection, building safety, electrical hazards, and industrial safety.
Courses will be delivered by certified instructors, providing practitioners with up-to-date knowledge of NFPA codes and standards to enhance safety practices in the region.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in making the third edition of SIBEC a resounding success. More than just a conference, SIBEC provides attendees with an unparalleled chance to forge connections, pave the way for meaningful partnerships, and directly experience the latest high-quality products and services on the market, all in the interest of improving fire and life safety,” said Ibrahim Lari, Chairman & CEO of SIBCA.
Blackline Safety, a provider of connected safety technology, has published a whitepaper titled Navigating Radiation Risks: Key Concepts for Protecting Workers and Responders.
The document helps fire-hazmat teams and first responders better understand and mitigate radiation exposure, ensuring the safety of workers, the public, and the environment.
It outlines critical concepts about radiation, starting with its classification into four main categories: alpha, beta, neutrons, and electromagnetic waves (gamma rays). It also distinguishes between non-ionizing radiation, which is generally less harmful, and ionising (nuclear) radiation, which poses greater health risks. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective risk response.
Radiation sources are categorised into two types: naturally occurring radioactive materials, present in the air, food, and water, and artificial sources, such as medical imaging, nuclear energy, and weapons. Each source has different effects on the body, making tailored responses essential. Additionally, the paper highlights how radiation is measured differently across regions.
In the U.S., it is expressed in millirems (mrem) per year, while internationally, millisieverts (mSv) are used. Familiarity with these units is vital for accurately assessing health impacts.
Gamma radiation presents unique challenges as it is undetectable by human senses. Detection technologies are essential to identify its presence and implement appropriate safety measures. Blackline Safety emphasises that gamma radiation, while present in small natural doses in the environment, becomes a severe health hazard at higher exposure levels. Effective radiation safety plans must prioritise three core principles: time, distance, and shielding.
Advanced technologies, such as Blackline Safety’s EXO 8 Gamma area monitor, play a pivotal role in implementing these principles. The EXO 8 Gamma can detect up to eight gases alongside gamma radiation and connects directly to the cloud, offering enhanced real-time monitoring and response capabilities.
“For those on the front line, such as first responders, hazmat teams, and workers in industrial fields like mining and oil and gas, there’s an increased risk of accidental exposure to dangerous levels of radiation,” said Christine Gillies, chief product and marketing officer at Blackline Safety. “Quick thinking and robust emergency protocols are essential to ensure worker and community safety.”
“This whitepaper responds to a growing industry need to educate workers on the different types of radiation, early detection strategies, and approaches to address the broad spectrum of radiation risks, faster and smarter,” she said.
The HSE MENA 2024 conference, held on 12-13 November, convened health, safety, and environment professionals in Dubai for a forward-thinking exploration of sustainability, organisational safety, and technological advancements in HSE.
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Dubai, UAE: The two-day event, held at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to share insights and strategies aimed at enhancing workplace safety, resilience, and sustainability across the Middle East.
The conference opened with a presentation on leadership in sustainability by Dr. Rashed Mohammed Karkain, sustainable development expert at the Sustainable Development Research and Training Institute, who highlighted the necessity of environmental sustainability and global equity in driving organisational and societal progress.
Sessions on the first day focused on proactive safety governance, with insights from Thomas Meier, Executive Consultant at Krause Bell Group, who highlighted how organisations can develop stronger Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention strategies. Delegates were introduced to cutting-edge strategies for incident prevention through AI and data insights by Hussain Suliman Rasul, senior solutions consultant at Enablon, showcasing how digital tools empower proactive safety practices.
Day two expanded on themes of resilience and innovation, featuring sessions on emergency preparedness and leveraging AI in health surveillance.
A standout panel explored the integration of advanced technologies into personal protective equipment and predictive analytics for transforming incident management and operational optimisation. Lt Cdr Mahendra Hakde, founder and managing director of CUDE Analyser, and Ryan Mitchell, head of QHSEW at Farnek Services, provided insights into applying smart infrastructure and digital tools for proactive hazard identification and cost efficiency.
Key discussions also examined managing psychosocial hazards, with Sultan Karrani, senior engineer at ADNOC, addressing the mitigation of fatigue and stress to enhance workforce well-being and productivity.
Closing sessions delved into fostering a strong safety culture and driving social sustainability through comprehensive assessments and governance frameworks, led by Maged Elkassaby, IOSH chartered member and business assurance representative.
Networking breaks and interactive panel discussions enabled delegates to connect with peers, share best practices, and explore the latest HSE technologies in the exhibit hall.
HSE MENA 2024 stood out for its focus on innovation and collaboration, offering a platform to shape the future of HSE management in the region. Participants left equipped with knowledge and tools to drive safety and sustainability across their organisations.
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From 13-14 November 2024, the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi hosted SIBEC 2024, an event bringing together fire and life safety experts from around the world.
Organised by SIBCA, a leading provider of fire, life safety, and ICT solutions in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the two-day event focused on fostering collaboration and advancing safety and sustainability across the MENA region.
Themed ‘Innovation that Keeps You Safe,’ the 2024 edition spotlighted advancements in fire and life safety technologies, including building management systems (BMS), extra-low voltage (ELV) systems, audiovisual solutions, HVAC, lighting, and ICT. The event highlighted the transformative role of AI and IoT in smart building systems, along with the application of data analytics to enhance risk management and proactive safety measures.
SIBEC 2024 featured key industry players, supported by 30 major partners, including NFPA, UL Solutions, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Huawei, ABB, and Pelco by Motorola. Attendees engaged in presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitions that showcased innovative safety solutions. The event also offered training sessions and workshops for technical professionals, addressing the latest market trends and industry standards.
SIBEC 2024 marked the launch of the Trainovation Fire and Safety Academy Center in Abu Dhabi. Established in collaboration with the NFPA, the academy will offer NFPA-certified training programs to equip fire and life safety professionals with essential skills to protect lives and property, further strengthening the region's safety and sustainability framework.
“As the UAE and the GCC continue to expand vital infrastructure to accommodate the region’s rapidly developing economic and demographic trends, it is vital that the industry embraces the role of connectivity in driving innovation for a safer and more sustainable future. SIBEC provides a critical platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to come together to shape the future of safety and technology in the built environment,” said Ibrahim Lari, chairman of SIBCA and founder of SIBEC.
Intersec 2025, taking place from 14-16 January 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will address road safety as a critical challenge, bringing together experts to discuss strategies for managing road-related risks and advancing the goals of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.
Developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations, the Global Plan aims to halve road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. With 92% of global road fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries, despite these regions holding only 60% of the world’s vehicles, the issue poses a significant social and economic challenge.
Dubai has made notable progress in road safety, reducing traffic fatalities by 93% between 2007 and 2023, reaching a record low of 1.6 deaths per 100,000 people last year. This achievement has been attributed to improved traffic enforcement and enhanced infrastructure. Local initiatives like the Roads & Transport Authority’s "Golden Rules for Generational Safety" campaign, which educates school children on traffic rules, have also played a role.
The Intersec 2025 Safety & Health Conference will offer safety professionals a platform to explore advancements in workplace and road safety. Curated by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), the second day of the conference (15 January) will focus on strategies for improving workplace safety across industries.
Running parallel to the conference, Intersec 2025 will feature a dedicated Safety & Health exhibition zone with 180 exhibitors from 30 countries, including prominent UAE-based companies such as MSA Safety, Woodland, and Palletco. The event will also showcase solutions across other sectors, including Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, Cyber Security, and Homeland Security & Policing.
The 26th edition of Intersec will bring together 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and is expected to attract more than 42,000 trade visitors. With the theme "Mapping the future in safety, security & fire protection," the event aims to provide actionable insights and solutions to advance safety and security on a global scale.
Dr Karen McDonnell, head of global relations at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said, “This data highlights a critical social sustainability issue. By adopting a ‘safe systems’ approach that incorporates strong policies, innovative technology, and public-private partnerships, organisations in the UAE and across the region can take ownership of road safety issues, and we can make a measurable impact on reducing road-related fatalities and injuries.”
Eugene Mayne, founder and CEO of UAE-based Tristar Group, shared how his company has embraced road safety in its operations, “Tristar has achieved a remarkable record of over 500 million kilometres driven without a single fatality across its fleet. Our success can be attributed to our ‘visible and felt leadership’ and the use of cutting-edge technology, such as our patented fatigue detection system, which alerts drivers and control room operators to potential risks in real-time.”
Andy Shenstone, CEO, NEBOSH, commented, “NEBOSH is delighted to curate content for Intersec for the third consecutive year. More than eight thousand people from the UAE took a NEBOSH qualification in the past 12 months, so this event is a great opportunity for us to give back to the professional community here. We have assembled some of health and safety's leading voices to share their expertise with Intersec delegates, helping them to improve practice in their own organisations."
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently participated in the 4th International Fire Operations Conference (IFOC), held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 3-7 November.
The conference explored emerging trends and technologies in fire prevention, safety protocols, emergency response, and crisis management.
Bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators from around the globe, the event provided participants with cutting-edge insights, strategies, and best practices to address current challenges in fire operations.
With 130 years of expertise in fire safety, encompassing wildfire preparedness, electrical safety, hazardous materials management, community risk reduction, and public safety, NFPA played a pivotal role as a technical partner. Collaborating with its IFOC committee members, NFPA helped shape the conference theme, agenda, and speaker lineup.
NFPA representatives, including Dana Kamal, actively contributed to the event through workshops and panel discussions on critical topics such as “NFPA Codes & Standards: How to Use Them Effectively,” “Critical Issue of Fires in Buildings Under Construction,” and “Future of Safety: AR & VR Interactive Workshop.” Attendees also benefited from insights on preparing for the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Certification using the new Fire Protection Handbook (FPH).
NFPA’s participation in the 4th IFOC underscored its commitment to advancing fire and life safety standards in the Middle East. By fostering collaboration with regional leaders and innovators, NFPA continues to champion global best practices, paving the way for safer communities and more resilient infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
“With over 300 codes and standards, and recognised globally for our innovative research, professional training, public education, outreach, and advocacy, NFPA is honoured to share its expertise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the 4th International Fire Operations Conference. We aspire to collaborate with leaders across the health and safety sectors to uphold the highest standards and create a future where everyone is safe, both at home and in the workplace,” said Dana Kamal, director of international business development, MENA at NFPA.
Niftylift has unveiled ClipOn, a retrofittable safety device that offers access platform operators clear visual and audible cues to connect their harnesses before operating machinery.
Designed for Niftylift’s entire HeightRider range, ClipOn activates as soon as the key switch is turned on, alerting operators if they attempt to operate without securing their harness.
Red LED lights above connection points indicate an unfastened harness, and an alarm will sound if the operator tries to move the machine without proper attachment. Once the harness is secured, the LEDs turn green and the alarm ceases, ensuring a clear signal of safety compliance.
ClipOn’s visibility extends to ground teams with under-basket LEDs, signalling whether the operator is harnessed correctly, reinforcing safety protocols on-site.
The system integrates seamlessly into both new and existing Niftylift fleets and instals with ease using only three components—the control box, harness sensor, and light array. Its operation is intuitive, similar to seat belt alert systems in vehicles, making adoption straightforward for operators.
Effective safety protocols are essential, especially in high-risk sectors like working at height, where falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries.
Systems like ClipOn, with its simple yet powerful reminders, provide critical assurance for operators, managers, and site owners. ClipOn not only enhances safety but also simplifies inspection and compliance checks, offering a streamlined and unobtrusive safety solution that sets a new standard in access platform safety.
“Working at height inevitably involves risks, with falls being one of the most frequent causes of workplace injuries. That’s why ClipOn is crucial. Safety shouldn’t be complicated, and by ensuring every operator is securely harnessed before operating the machine, we’re making a simple but significant move towards eliminating the risk of falls from height,” said John Keely, managing director at Niftylift.
Caterpillar Safety Services has introduced "MindShift for Leaders," a five-session training programme aimed at equipping leaders with the principles of human and organisational performance (HOP) to drive safer workplaces.
Designed as a virtual series, the sessions guide participants to rethink and adjust their approaches to leading and managing safety, encouraging a shift in mindset toward more resilient safety cultures.
"MindShift for Leaders" moves beyond traditional safety management methods, which often rely on policies and processes based on managerial assumptions rather than on the realities of how work is actually performed. The programme leverages HOP principles as a foundation to build error-tolerant systems, fostering open discussions around safety and supporting organisations in creating adaptive safety cultures that account for human variability and build resilience.
“Expecting perfection from workers is not realistic, and traditional methods of managing safety do not account for factors that can disrupt a system. A human and organisational performance mindset does not manage the incident itself but assists organisations with building more error-tolerant safety systems that allow people to stay safe, even when they make a mistake," said Zach Knoop, manager at Caterpillar Safety Services.
Human and Organisational Performance (HOP) promotes a mindset built on understanding human behaviour, communication, and responses in the workplace. Rather than following a strict process, it encourages organisations to create error-tolerant systems that drive learning and improvement without focusing on blame.
Caterpillar Safety Services’ “MindShift for Leaders” programme comprises five 90-minute virtual sessions, each centred around core HOP principles. The programme teaches that errors are inevitable and that protecting workers means designing systems that can withstand mistakes. Rather than assigning blame, the focus shifts to identifying and addressing organisational weaknesses that contribute to incidents. HOP also highlights that behaviours are driven by context; understanding the environment in which actions occur can reveal the real drivers behind decisions. Leaders are encouraged to create a culture of learning by valuing insights from workers who are closest to the job, promoting a flow of ideas that can prevent incidents and improve practices. Finally, the way leaders respond to mistakes has a profound impact on team morale, and the programme instills the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership.
“MindShift for Leaders” aligns with Caterpillar Safety Services' vision of a Resilient Safety Culture, underpinned by the principles of Mindset, System, Ownership, and Leadership, providing leaders with tools to foster safer, more resilient workplaces.
International, a protective coating brand of AkzoNobel, has introduced the next evolution in epoxy passive fire protection (PFP)
Chartek ONE has been introduced as a single-coat, mesh-free solution that simplifies PFP application for assets in the energy sector by maximising efficiency, streamlining installation processes and enhancing health and safety.
As a 100% solids, boron-free two-pack material, Chartek ONE provides enhanced durability and combined corrosion, cryogenic and hydrocarbon protection. It provides three hours of jet and pool fire protection across a wide operating temperature range, effectively shielding assets from all fire types.
Chartek ONE can accelerate installation of PFP systems both in the workshop and onsite, lowering installed weight, reducing labour and material costs whilst achieving the same fire protection, which is particularly important for industries with strict weight requirements, such as offshore oil and gas. In doing so, Chartek ONE can reduce workshop hours by up to 59%, saving users both time and money throughout projects and over the lifetime of the asset.
Introduced for customers in the Middle East, Chartek ONE availability in other regions is planned for 2025.
“Chartek stands at the forefront of the industry, offering a comprehensive range of solutions that reflect our heritage and track record of success,” remarked Robin Wade, global fire protection manager at AkzoNobel. “Our investment in research, development and PFP capabilities enable us to provide our customers with the best possible outcomes.
“Chartek ONE was developed in our Felling facility which is one of the world’s largest UKAS-accredited PFP testing centers for intumescent PFP. Patented polysiloxane modified thio-ether and epoxy technology resolves many of the pain points found in the provision and longevity of epoxy PFP in one simple solution. International is a dedicated partner and through the celebrated history of Chartek, we are committed to excellence in technical support, product specific engineering solutions, and delivering class-leading products.”
Chartek benefits from a presence in the industry spanning more than half a century. As passive fire protection, it excels in the most demanding conditions and the range is one of the world's most complete portfolio of epoxy intumescent PFP coatings available, according to the company.
Formulated and tested against critical industry standards for energy assets including NORSOK M-501:2022 Edition 7 and ISO 22899 (standard and high heat flux jet fires), Chartek ONE is free from boron and has a 100% solids formula to reduce occupational risks and improve HSE performance and footprint.
“We are thrilled to be introducing Chartek ONE for our Middle East customers at ADIPEC 2024,” added Andy Holt, business development manager - Middle East at International. “Crafted to offer our customers superior safety, reliability, and peace of mind, Chartek ONE showcases our continued dedication to sustainability and innovation.
“This single-coat, mesh-free solution will drastically simplify PFP projects for our customers, minimizing downtime and reducing overall project costs. Our commitment to considering the environmental impact of our work is an integral part of the development process. Chartek ONE’s 100% solids, boron-free formula, stands as a testament to this commitment.”