Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- ESG
- Date: 2 October, 2024
- Year: 2024
At a recent seminar on climate-resilient solutions, Dr. Jacinta Dsilva, research director at SEE Institute, emphasised the importance of health and safety in building sustainable urban environments.
As communities face mounting environmental challenges, particularly in the UAE and the wider Middle East, urban planning must prioritise both physical and mental well-being to ensure resilience against climate threats.
Dr. Dsilva explained the pressing need to integrate health and wellness into urban design, stating, “Sustainable urban planning enhances both physical and mental well-being.” She pointed out that walkable spaces, green areas, and cyclable routes not only make cities more livable but also improve the overall health of residents by reducing stress and promoting physical activity. In today's fast-paced, tech-dominated world, these spaces foster vital social connections, which are crucial for mental health.
Reducing environmental risks
She also touched on the role of community engagement in promoting health and safety. “Social connectivity…really creates a lot of social well-being,” Dr. Dsilva noted, explaining that bringing people together through community events and shared spaces can reduce isolation, a growing issue in modern urban life. In a world where social media often replaces face-to-face interaction, urban planners must design spaces that encourage real human connections.
Addressing the environmental risks that directly impact community safety, Dr. Dsilva spoke about the importance of mitigating climate-related threats like flooding and extreme heat. Nature-based solutions such as wetlands can reduce flood risks by “up to 40%,” while initiatives like cool roofs and urban forests can lower urban temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. These strategies not only make cities more resilient to climate change but also safeguard the health of vulnerable populations, particularly in extreme weather conditions.
Dr. Dsilva also emphasised the importance of waste management in ensuring a safe and healthy urban environment. She pointed out that “waste segregation and recycling programmes” can drastically reduce the waste sent to landfills, helping to prevent pollution and improve public health. By embracing circular economy principles, communities can reduce the environmental hazards that endanger both human and environmental health.
In closing, Dr. Dsilva urged urban planners and communities to take proactive steps in creating resilient, healthy spaces. “We need to focus on sustainable urban design,” she said, “and ensure that health and wellness are at the core of these efforts.” Her call to action was clear: as climate challenges intensify, prioritising health and safety is essential to building thriving, resilient communities.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 30 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
Paul Burns, who heads corporate HSSE training at ACWA Power, pens a piece for Health, Safety and Environment Review Middle East. Read on:
There is a dual impact of HSE on people and businesses. At last year’s MENA HSE Forum, I emphasised the critical importance of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) practices in benefiting both individuals and businesses. Embedding comprehensive HSE strategies into an organisation's fabric is essential for transforming approaches to health and safety and enhancing business performance.
Robust HSE policies create a secure work environment for individuals, minimising risks and boosting well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity. Organisations also benefit from fewer disruptions, lower incident-related costs, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced reputation.
It is important to enhance organisational culture and compliance through safety knowledge. At ACWA Power, 2023 marked a significant shift in HSE strategy, transitioning from traditional injury metrics to an accountability-driven approach. This realignment, focusing on people-based safety and proactive management, has been fundamental in embedding an advanced culture of safety and responsibility.
Safety training also empowers our workforce to identify potential hazards and take proactive measures – supporting regulatory alignment and promoting adherence to safety standards. At ACWA Power, a well-informed workforce is a crucial part of our organisational culture, instilling responsibility and collective awareness and making each member feel valued and integral to the process.
The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation in HSE
These values of responsibility and inclusion are now significantly enriched by the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation. These technologies are revolutionising HSE operations by enhancing data collection, analysis, and response capabilities. Digital devices enable real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and employee health, facilitating initiative-taking risk management.
Furthermore, automation technologies streamline safety processes, improve incident reporting accuracy, and minimise human error. ACWA Power's adoption of digital tools, including AI for data analysis, has set a new standard in data-driven safety management. Additionally, Third-Eye AI at key ACWA Power sites has enhanced real-time hazard identification and intervention capabilities and provided greater reassurance and security while showcasing the potential of technology in improving safety.
Despite our progress, the MENA region faces significant HSE challenges, including diverse regulatory frameworks across countries and the need for improved safety awareness and training across industries. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between government bodies, organisations, industry groups, and thought leaders. As a leader in the field, we are proud to partner with external bodies to share our expertise as thought leaders in HSE.
ACWA Power’s outlook and the future of HSE
Our ability to lead by example was borne out in hard evidence in 2023 – with the company accumulating 72 million man-hours and reducing the lost-time injury rate to 0.01. This is 22% lower than in 2022, with no fatalities. This progress enabled crucial project milestones and implementation of the Reliability of Supply framework, boosting consolidated power availability from 87% to almost 92%.
Looking ahead, HSE will evolve as an operational imperative through the integration of disruptive technologies. Sustainability and resilience will become central to HSE strategies, with organisations adopting holistic approaches that integrate environmental stewardship with traditional safety measures.
The MENA HSE Forum provided a valuable platform for sharing insights, exploring developments in HSE practices, and networking with industry leaders. As a sponsor and speaker, ACWA Power demonstrated its commitment to advancing HSE practices across the region.
The MENA HSE Forum serves as a crucial platform for tackling HSE challenges and unlocking new opportunities. Through ongoing collaboration, investment in technology, and a focus on safety culture, we can drive meaningful progress and ensure a safer, more resilient future for all.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 27 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
Italy’s Industrie De Nora, which specialies in sustainable electrochemical technologies and in the emerging green hydrogen industry, has been awarded a contract to supply electrochlorination units for Qatar’s North Field South (NFS) project
The contract to supply electrochlorination units for the onshore LNG facilities in Ras Laffan, was awarded by the T.EN CCC Joint Venture, led by Technip Energies (T.EN) in partnership with Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), for QatarEnergy LNG. This is a continuation of the first phase, North Field East (NFE) Project, which was awarded in June 2021 and is now under construction. Together with the North Field West project, these projects form the North Field LNG expansion programme, the world’s largest LNG expansion project, which will raise Qatar’s LNG production capacity from 77 to 142 mtpa in 2030.
This contract will include two CECHLO-MS 326 units producing a high-strength, 12.5% sodium hypochlorite solution on site. Spread across two mega LNG generator trains, the units produce 294 kg of sodium hypochlorite per hour, equivalent to seven tons per day – enough to support LNG production capacity of 16 MTPA per train.
The new system will supplement the units awarded for North Field East (NFE) project in 2021, which included units spread across four mega LNG trains with a capacity of 8 MTPA each. Once completed later this year, these units will produce 11 tons per day of chlorine equivalent used to control biofouling as well as disinfect the formation of service water and firewater, and brine management from the desalination plant to the sea.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 26 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
At InnoTrans, HIMA Group will present its digital safety solutions for the railway sector, including the Independent Open HIMA Safety Platform.
These solutions are designed to meet the needs of light, urban, and high-speed rail networks, focusing on safety, flexibility, and cost reduction.
HIMA will showcase its RaSTA implementation, which has been integrated into the Open Safety Platform, offering a cost-effective approach for SIL 4 railway automation solutions. The company will also feature solutions beyond safety, such as rail electrification and secure ecosystems.
Chris Elliott, global head of rail at HIMA, stated, “At InnoTrans, we are presenting holistic solutions based on our Independent Open Safety Platform, which avoids being tied to proprietary systems.”
HIMA’s solutions for traction power control, demonstrated through TrackLink SCADA, will also be on display. The company will highlight its mobile safety systems, including the TrackLink Overspeed Prevention System for tramways, and discuss cybersecurity challenges in collaboration with genua to ensure secure ecosystems for railway operations.
A new safe HMI (SIL 3) will be introduced, providing an advanced, touch-enabled solution for displaying critical safety information.
“At this year’s InnoTrans, we are presenting various new products and solutions with added value for our customers by enabling maximum flexibility, integration and cost efficiency,” said Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 25 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
Each year, nearly three million people lose their lives due to work-related accidents or illnesses, with industrial and manufacturing plants posing significant risks from chemicals, explosives, and heavy machinery.
To address these hazards and enhance safety protocols, companies are increasingly adopting Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) software as a key tool to reduce workplace incidents.
According to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, the EHS software market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% over the next decade, reaching US$2.2bn by 2034.
“Safety is an integral part of companies' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, and it’s become a board-level priority. Businesses must demonstrate improvements in safety metrics, which can foster a stronger safety culture throughout the organisation. However, many industrial and manufacturing sites still rely on outdated paper-based data collection. EHS software allows companies to collect data, analyse it to establish a baseline, and track progress with visualisation tools,” said Michael Larner, analyst at ABI Research.
Employees urged to be part of the conversation
The chemical industry was among the first sectors to recognise the importance of refining safety processes, given the severe consequences of mistakes. However, other sectors such as oil & gas (CAGR 7.0%) and mining (CAGR 7.1%) are beginning to invest heavily in EHS solutions.
“EHS software is no longer limited to safety professionals. With innovations like capturing images via mobile devices, annotating them, and logging potential risks, more employees are encouraged and empowered to take an active role in improving safety within their facilities,” Larner said.
Companies such as Alcumus, ComplianceQuest, Cority, Dakota Software, Enablon, Ideagen, Intelex, IsoMetrix, SafetyCulture, Secova, TenForce, and VelocityEHS are helping businesses digitise their safety protocols and improve overall safety practices.
These insights are part of ABI Research’s analysis report Ensuring Worker Safety with EHS Software. This report is included in the company's Industrial & Manufacturing Markets research service, which provides analysis, data, and expert insights into key market trends.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 24 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
Seadrill, a global leader in oil and gas offshore drilling, is to equip its high-spec fleet of floating drilling vessels with Oil States' managed pressure drilling (MPD) technologies, in a new collaboration aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency while simplifying and standardising MPD systems in offshore operations
Oil States’ field-proven MPD Integrated Riser Joint (IRJ) improves the safe handling of gas influx while significantly reducing nonproductive (NPT) time typically encountered with deepwater MPD operations, and is specifically designed to enhance MPD operational efficiency. This riser joint is more compact, allowing for safer and easier handling with greater functionality, which enables the rig to remain over the well while testing the retrievable seals within the joint. All features of the IRJ can be function and pressure tested while on deck. The IRJ is equipped with twin retrievable annular seals, a passive rotating control device (RCD) bearing assembly and hard-faced bore that eliminates the need for a wear sleeve. Together, these advances reduce NPT and unnecessary trips while promoting longer bearing and seal life. This contributes to seamless and streamlined MPD operations, supporting Seadrill’s MPD standardisation efforts while delivering safer, more efficient operations to their customers.
Cindy Taylor, Oil States president and CEO commented, “We look forward to a long-term relationship with Seadrill as we supply them with multiple MPD IRJs for their fleet of high-performance vessels. While supporting Seadrill’s adoption and integration of our MPD system, we endeavour to optimise our equipment to allow for oil and gas reserves to be unlocked safely and efficiently to meet growing global energy demands.”
Samir Ali, executive vice president, chief commercial officer, Seadrill commented, “This technology places Seadrill at the forefront of safe, cost-effective deepwater MPD services, offering our customers an unrivalled simplicity of MPD drilling while providing the highest levels of drilling efficiency and safety.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Technology
- Topic: Technology
- Date: 19 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
As the global perimeter security market expands, with projections estimating it will reach US$89.82bn by 2027, mobile credentials are emerging as a key element in shaping the future of access control and security management across the Middle East.
At Intersec 2025, scheduled for 14-16 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), AMAG Technology, a leading provider of security technology, will showcase the increasing integration of mobile credentials into regional security frameworks. This technology offers enhanced protection and flexibility for managing security across large organisations or multiple locations.
James Clark, director of sales – EMEA & APAC at AMAG Technology, explains how mobile technology is revolutionising security by reducing costs, improving convenience, and streamlining operations.
“Everyone carries a mobile device to manage their bank accounts, monitor and control their home, so it makes sense to use a mobile device or a mobile Wallet to unlock doors in the workplace. Organisations eliminate the expense of physical cards, printers and the administrative burden of managing physical cards. Meanwhile, security leaders can distribute credentials remotely, which creates operational efficiencies because there is less to manage,” said Clark.
Digital revolution
At the Commercial & Perimeter section of Intersec’s 26th edition, AMAG Technology will present its visitor management solution. The event, hosted in Sheikh Sa’eed Halls 1 and 2, and the Trade Centre Arena, will feature other prominent exhibitors such as Assa Abloy from the UK and IDEMIA from the UAE.
According to the UAE Government portal, the country leads globally in information and communication technologies (ICT) usage, government efficiency, and mobile network coverage. With 100% smartphone penetration, the UAE's digital transformation strategy, bolstered by the UAE PASS digital identity platform and its 5 million registered users, reinforces the adoption of mobile credentials.
Grant Tuchten, portfolio director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, noted, "As security leaders prioritise user-friendly and future-proof solutions, mobile credentials are poised to transform access control. The Commercial & Perimeter Security sector at Intersec 2025 will be the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and services that enhance convenience for consumers and organisations and elevate security with scalable and data-driven innovations.”
Intersec 2025 is set to be the largest edition to date, with over 1,200 exhibitors from 60 countries and an expected 52,000 visitors. In addition to the Commercial & Perimeter Security sector, the event will also feature Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Cyber Security, and Homeland Security & Policing product sections.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 18 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
ENOC Group has won the World of Safety and Health Asia (WSHAsia) Award 2024 in the Environmental Sustainability category for its Service Station of the Future, located at the Dubai Expo 2020 site.
The award highlights ENOC's efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations through innovation.
The Service Station of the Future employs biomimicry, drawing inspiration from natural processes to design materials and structures. It is the first service station globally to achieve LEED Platinum certification, meeting high standards in energy efficiency, water conservation, and CO2 reduction.
The WSHAsia Award acknowledges companies contributing to environmental sustainability within the Occupational Safety and Health industry, focusing on innovative products or services that tackle current and future environmental challenges.
His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said, “Sustainability has always been a core brand mission for us at ENOC. Our multi-award-winning Service Station of the Future at the Expo 2020 site serves as a symbol of our aspirations to further drive innovation to meet the requirements of the future. World of Safety and Health Asia (WSHAsia) Award underscores our commitment to lead the way in energy savings and water efficiency in alignment with UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050.”
The Service Station of the Future uses solar, wind, and traditional hydrocarbon energy. It is equipped with 283 solar panels generating 140MWh of solar power annually and a 25m wind turbine producing 12.7MWh of wind energy each year. Since its launch, the station has been recognised for its innovative design and sustainability features.
ENOC’s continued focus on sustainability aligns with the UAE’s goal of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and contributes to the country's economic growth and diversification.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 17 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
From protective gear to cutting-edge technology, MSA Safety offers expertise and solutions that help firefighters and fire brigades safeguard both themselves and their communities. These comprehensive MSA Safety fire protection solutions will be showcased at the upcoming Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham taking place on 18-19 September.
A highlight of this year’s ESS will be MSA Bristol Managed Services, part of MSA Safety’s Services & Solutions portfolio. This end-to-end offering promotes first responder safety by providing full management and logistical support for the care and upkeep of fire protective clothing (FPC) and personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters. The Bristol Managed Services team has developed specialised repair routines based on extensive experience and proven outcomes, all while adhering to essential UK standards for cleaning and inspection.
“We help to keep our customers and their teams safe, here in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe and the Middle East,” said Dave Howells, president of MSA International. “We've been leading the way in driving advancements in safety solutions by focusing on customer-driven innovation. Throughout our history, this has been one of our main focuses. We remain committed to this and will continue working alongside our customers to help find or develop the solutions that address their challenges effectively.”
MSA Safety will also feature its full line of Bristol fire protective clothing at ESS, including:
- MSA Bristol Rescue Stretch: The latest addition to Bristol’s range, this design incorporates the innovative, lightweight GORE-TEX CROSSTECH PYRAD stretch fabric, offering flexibility, waterproofing, windproofing, and blood-borne pathogen protection.
- Bristol X4 Wildland Garment: Designed for long-term use in hot conditions, this lightweight garment is ideal for firefighters in scenarios where a structural suit may be less efficient.
- Bristol X4 TRW-Hybrid Suit: Tailored for the evolving needs of technical rescue teams and wildland firefighters, this suit can transition between technical rescue and wildland firefighting roles.
Products at display
ESS attendees will also get to explore the latest advancements in MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform, a suite of hardware and software solutions designed to help fire departments manage PPE and related data for usage and maintenance. This includes the M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), the MSA HUB, a cloud-connected wireless gateway for on-scene and remote monitoring, and FireGrid software.
MSA Safety will emphasise the benefits of the data generated by the Connected Firefighter Platform and how information transmitted from the M1 SCBA to the cloud integrates with FireGrid to enhance safety, improve on-scene decision-making, and simplify remote monitoring and post-event analysis. This year, MSA will also showcase FireGrid Inventory Management, highlighting how it can digitise tasks like equipment checks and inspection scheduling for SCBA and fire helmets. Inventory Manager helps fire departments better track equipment usage, locations, and maintenance needs, ultimately extending the lifespan of their gear.
“With our Connected Firefighter Platform, we’re continually working to provide valuable insights to firefighters and fire brigades without adding complexity or getting in the way,” said Bob Apel, MSA Safety executive director of fire service and digital experience. “At ESS, we’re looking forward to having conversations with our customers and showcasing how our solutions can help them make progress toward their safety goals and make compliance easier. We know the fire service market and environment are constantly evolving, and we are continually looking at ways to enhance our capabilities to bring innovative solutions to the fire service to help keep firefighters safe and ready to go.”
MSA Safety will also be presenting its Gallet range of fire helmets at ESS, including the GALLET F2XR Rescue Helmet. Designed to meet multiple challenges, the GALLET F2XR helmet is certified for wildland firefighting, technical rescue, urban search and rescue, climbing, and water rescue, offering firefighters a versatile option to enhance safety during operations.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 16 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
ENOC Group wrapped up its 2024 Summer Safety Campaign, aimed at providing retail employees with the knowledge and tools needed to safely navigate the summer season.
The Group conducted a workshop on electrolyte drinks, with the aim of raising awareness among employees about the importance of hydration and getting enough water during the summer.
The campaign also comprised the distribution of over 9,000 essential summer supplies across its three company-owned accommodations. These supplies included, water bottles, fruits, cooling bags, vitamin water, ice cream and mini sunblock.
The campaign concluded with a recognition of key partners, including Sharjah Police, Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, and the Occupational Health Services Centre, for their contributions. In line with the UAE's mandatory midday break from 15 June to 15 September 2024, the initiative highlighted ENOC Group's commitment to employee safety and wellbeing.
Additionally, ENOC honoured 55 employees during its annual HSE Excellence Awards as part of the World Safety and Health Day at Work 2024 celebrations.
His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said, “The safety and wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance to us at ENOC. Our proactive approach to ensuring all our retail staff is equipped with the necessary know-how during the summer season is reflective of our commitment to employee safety. Our Summer Safety Campaign 2024 is an integral aspect of our core brand value to enhance and ensure a safe working environment for our people across all operations.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 13 September, 2024
- Year: 2024
Crescent Petroleum, based in Sharjah, has rolled out a specialised Oil & Gas solution tailored to its operations, provided by global technology firm SAP.
This implementation is part of Crescent Petroleum’s broader solutions roadmap, which began in 2020 with the initial phase. At that time, it became the first company worldwide to deploy SAP S/4HANA Oil & Gas Model Company 1809, integrating essential functions such as plant maintenance, procurement, project systems, finance, human resources, and health, safety, and environment (HSE).
Achieving operational efficiency
The second phase was delivered through a hybrid approach, where activities such as solution workshops, user acceptance testing, and cutover were conducted on-site, while the build phase was managed remotely.
Ravi Kumar, chief corporate officer of Crescent Petroleum and board member of the Crescent Group, said, "Having completed the Phase 1 of the SAP roadmap in a record eight months, we set out to integrate Crescent Petroleum's operations, providing a seamless flow of data, from Wellhead to Customer, in Phase 2. The benefits are significant as we have integrated data across disparate parts of the plant, allowing us to seamlessly integrate plant systems with SAP systems and ensure a single source of truth across the company."
Kumar added that digitising the processes has accelerated Crescent Petroleum's broader objectives of determining real-time visibility of information across the entire company and providing insightful data for a range of digital initiatives planned for the future.
Sergio Maccotta, senior vice president of SAP Middle East & Africa - South, said, "We enjoy a strategic relationship with Crescent Petroleum, which is a strong advocate of 'best practice adoption' in the Oil & Gas industry, as confirmed when it won the SAP Quality Gold Award for best implementation in 2021 for Phase 1 of this project.
"A large part of the success of Phase 2 has been due to the close collaboration of all the team members involved. The result is an integrated solution delivering relevant and reliable data, streamlined processes, enhanced operational efficiency and easily managed reporting for compliance purposes. This plays a crucial role in the next phase of Crescent's digital transformation."