Tag: innovation

The USA is a thriving market for ICR Group . In recent months we’ve doubled the size of our American business, and we have stregthened our team to help us capitalise on new opportunities in diverse market sectors.

As a provider of specialist maintenance, integrity, and inspection solutions, we have a range unique products that provide significant benefits customers in industries ranging from oil & gas oil & gas and renewables to defence, nuclear and telecoms.

Stemming from our focus on technological innovation – and founded on the principles of safety, reliability, and efficiency – our products serve to protect and maintain assets and critical infrastructure for customers around the world.  One of the products that is gaining significant traction in the USA is Technowrap.

Technowrap™ is a versatile “Structural, Pipework and Pipeline repair and rehabilitation technology that offers a long-term alternative to steel replacement that requires minimal disruption to operations. Applied to live targeted areas, with no requirement for shutdown, Technowrap supports safe operations whilst delivering tangible cost savings and environmental benefits.

One of the key benefits of the technology is it’s versatility.  Our bespoke engineered repair systems use either glass or carbon fibre stitched cloths, combined with two-part epoxy resins Technowrap is suitable for use on pipework and piping components, valves, and flanges as well as repairs in the Splashzone as well as structural components; including decks, roofs, beams, caissons and risers, blast walls, tanks and vessels.

Technowrap™ is internationally recognised and all engineering is bespoke and completed in-house, in accordance with the latest issues of ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2, offering a repair life of up to 20 years dependant on design conditions.

Some of the key

• With Technowrap’s increasing popularity among US customers, there are numerous examples that attest to this, foir example;.We provided an engineered composite repair on a large methanol drip pan on an offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico – with a 10-year design life –

• Technowrap was used repairto reinstate the integrity of two pressure vessels for a major operator in the Texas Eagle Ford Basin. This solution has a 20-year design life as well as long-term corrosion protection.

• We partnered with a local specialist provider to refurbish a corrosion-hit main deck on a platform offshore Trinidad & Tobago. The work, for a global operator, constituted a cold-work solution as the platform was online.

• Technowrap was used to reinstated a production chemical injection skip pan on an asset in the Gulf of Mexico, for a global major operator. Again, this was engineered with a 10-year design life

• Several areas of a logging support deck plate on a global supermajor’s platform in the Gulf of Mexico were repaired using a Technowrap application.

Each of these projects posed unique challenges, yet they all shared a common priority: implementing a robust repair solution that would restore confidence in our customers regarding the integrity of their infrastructure.We’re continuing to grow our reputation in the States – and indeed internationally – as a specialist partner looking to identify and safely deliver the optimum solution.

I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in the US to date, but we’re only getting started. We plan to grow our profile, grow our business, and grow our track record of front-line success.

Houston-based Phil Paterson is ICR Group’s Business Development Director. ICR Group specializes in asset integrity, maintenance and inspection across various sectors, with a strong presence in the US and the Gulf of Mexico.

Today we put the spotlight on our North-west of England technical base

ICR’s Carnforth operation is on course to increase its contribution to the overall turnover figure of the company this year.

The hub is the group’s base for on-site machining, hydraulic bolt tensioning, leak sealing, Quickflange and Technowrap.

ICR has invested in new equipment and training at Carnforth, where additional technical and sales staff have been added. The team at the base has risen from 42 to 60 in the past year.

Carnforth’s status within ICR has been further underpinned after the group secured a four-year extension to a major contract for specialist onsite machining projects at a large engineering facility in the North-west. Work has also been secured in the energy, nuclear, government and defence sectors, across projects including flange management, controlled bolting, machining, leak sealing and composite repairs.

Darryl Dixon, General Manager of ICR at Carnforth, said: “We have a clear vision of our mission, which in turn cascades outwards so our customers know what it is ICR stands for and what we will deliver: right first time, innovation, safety and reliability.

“Our ongoing success reflects a genuine team effort at our Carnforth base, alongside collaboration with wider ICR operations and the support of senior management. We’ve invested significantly in facilities, equipment and people to ensure that knowledge and training from our existing technicians is shared across our wider pool of new talent.

“We already have exceptional subject matter experts, from design engineers to product-specific technical authorities, and our on-site technicians do great work every day in delivering our products and services on behalf of clients. Our goal now is to capitalise on all those resources, capabilities, and experience to realise further growth – not least in new markets such as renewables.”

This article appeared in the Herald Newspaper on Monday 29 January 2024

Glasgow-born Jim Beveridge is the chief executive officer at ICR Group.

With its headquarters in Aberdeen, ICR is a global technology-focused provider of specialist maintenance, inspection and integrity solutions across multiple industrial sectors. The firm recorded a 20% rise in turnover for its latest financial year and it expects to exceed that figure this year.

ICR supports clients with their asset integrity challenges, reducing time and costs. It also has a ‘drones’ division, Sky-Futures, a worldwide leader in unmanned aircraft and remote sensing operations. This part of the business plays a key role in addressing issues related to emissions.

Demonstrating a robust commitment to sustainability, ICR employs pioneering techniques that significantly contribute to the net zero goals of its clients.

What is your business called?

ICR Group.

Where is it based?

Aberdeen, Carnforth, Hemel Hempstead, Stavanger (Norway), Houston (USA), Abu Dhabi (Middle East), Perth (Australia). ICR has partnership agreements in 25 countries, where we train the local workforce to deliver engineering projects. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint.

What does it produce/do?

ICR specialises in cutting-edge maintenance, inspection and integrity solutions. We are playing our part in the transition to a lower carbon future across multiple industries and international markets.

For example, Technowrap provides life-long repairs that can be applied to internal, external and through-wall defects on complex geometries, while INSONO is an unique NDT (non-destructive testing) technique for the inspection of engineered composite repairs. The Technowrap repair system reduces emissions by 66% compared to the traditional replacement methods.

To whom does it sell?

Clients from a broad range of sectors count on ICR to support engineering projects. These include oil & gas, renewables, defence, nuclear, telecommunications, process industries, utilities and infrastructure and other markets.

What is its turnover?

Turnover for our 2022-23 year-end was £41.7m – a 20% increase on the previous financial year. The aim is to hit £50m in 2024 and I’m confident we will achieve this.

How many employees?

268. We’re looking to add to the team.

Why did you take the plunge?

The chance to create long-term sustainable jobs and to continue to grow a business across an international footprint was an extremely attractive proposition. The CEO role at ICR was an opportunity to put my own stamp on things, and lead from the front. I was previously with a global engineering and consulting business with more than 35,000 employees.

What were you doing before?

Senior vice-president, Asia Pacific Central at Wood plc. I enjoyed my 19 years with them. I joined ICR as CEO in April, 2022. It’s been an interesting career journey since growing up in Govan.

What do you least enjoy?

Jet lag. The novelty of long-distance travel wore off a long time ago!

What are your ambitions for the firm?

It’s vital we continue to be a sustainable business. We are diversifying into new sectors and continually looking at new opportunities. The aim is to create long-term jobs and significantly grow revenue and profitability year-on-year. As well as organic growth, we are also looking to expand through acquisitions.

What single thing would most help?

Continued product development is key. We must always be a forward-thinking company – one able to move with the times and not be reliant on one region, product or industrial sector. For example, we are working with Robert Gordon University on a number of innovative solutions.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

You can’t stand still in business, you need to keep looking to improve. As Albert Einstein said: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’”

You’ve got to change it up. Also, I’m very appreciative of the people I worked beside when I started my apprenticeship on the Clyde with marine and mechanical engineering firm Hutsons.

Many of my colleagues were working class and extremely intelligent. They came from a generation where university wasn’t really an option. I’m always grateful for their time and advice. It was my university of life experience; one which led to me eventually going on to gain a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Glasgow.

Where do you find yourself most at ease?

On the golf course or watching football with lifelong friends.

If you weren’t in your current role, what job would you most fancy?

I used to think being a chef would be good, but it looks like it would take a huge amount of effort to really do it to a high standard.

What phrase or quotation has inspired you the most?

“Everyone I pass on the way up I’m going to meet again on the way back down.” Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated yourself.

What is the best book you have ever read? Why is it the best?

Who moved my Cheese? It’s a business book by Dr Spencer Johnson. It’s a simple, short story that illustrates how people must embrace change and should adapt to new situations with an open mind and a motivated spirit.

What has been your most challenging moment in life or business?

In my previous role we had more than 1,000 workers that couldn’t leave a number of offshore installations in South East Asia due to a major Covid outbreak. There was a great deal of responsibility on myself and my colleagues to ensure we looked after the well-being of the team. The way everyone pulled together was a sight to behold and all worked out well in the end, but it was a huge logistical challenge. The health and safety of your team should always be your priority.

What do you now know that you wish you had known when starting out in your career?

Embracing failure as a learning opportunity; it’s an essential part of growth and innovation.

This article can be found online here – https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24078257.university-life-stands-govan-raised-engineer-good-stead/

We are pleased to announce that our composite inspection technology, INSONO™, has received accreditation from UKAS (The United Kingdom Accreditation Service). UKAS supports the delivery of quality assessment and conformity processes, benefiting businesses and organisations that specify or use accredited tests, measurements, inspections, or certification schemes. UKAS has granted accreditation to our organistion against the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020:2012. Accreditation provides consumers with confidence in an increasingly complex, dynamic, and global marketplace by ensuring consistently high standards in the quality of purchased products or services.

Our clients can have confidence in our ability to meet their needs and deliver services with competence, impartiality, and independence in accordance with recognised international standards and best practices.

What is INSONO™?

INSONO™ is a solution that allows for the extension of defined life repairs, reducing waste and avoiding high-carbon emissions associated with traditional steel replacement alternatives. Developed by ICR, INSONO™ validates the condition and integrity of composite repairs, providing operators with assurance in the installation, long-term performance, and evidence to support life extension of the repair.

INSONO™ complements ICR’s Technowrap™ range and assures operators that their composite repairs are fit for purpose and comply with regulatory body guidelines on inspection criteria.

INSONO™ can detect defects in three main areas of concern: the bond line, interlaminar dis-bonds, and the steel substrate. A scanner provides 3D models and visual representations of the repair, allowing for precise dimensions to be used. Subsequently, an automated visual inspection report and 3D model are provided.

This technology may also enable composite repairs to be carried out in higher-risk locations, subject to risk assessment and engineering validation, where this may not have been previously considered.

Contact Antonio Caraballo, Inspection and Integrity Management Services Director to find out more antonio.caraballo@icr-world.com

ICR Group has recorded its highest turnover since the business was launched in 2011 – with the Middle East playing a key role in the firm’s success.

ICR, a technology-focused provider of specialist maintenance, inspection and integrity solutions across multiple sectors, has seen increased demand across its core energy sector operations, following the roll-out of an internationalisation strategy and diversification into other sectors.

The UK firm’s turnover for its 2022-23 year-end was £41.7m, a 20% increase on its previous financial year.  Headcount has increased globally by 15%, from 204 to 235, since May 2022, and the company expects to create around 50 jobs across its operations during the next phase of its strategy.

Jim Beveridge, Chief Executive Officer at ICR, said: “Our presence in the Middle East has been particularly noteworthy, with recent high-value projects completed in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We have also solidified our presence in the region by appointing a new partner in Abu Dhabi.

“Our ongoing international expansion not only bolsters our long-term sustainability but also plays a vital role in creating meaningful and enduring employment opportunities, rightly positioning us as a contributor to the energy transition.

“The Middle East is a dynamic market, brimming with potential for innovative companies such as ICR. At ADIPEC, we are eager to foster deeper relationships with our partners and engage with organisations striving to achieve their net-zero objectives. With COP28 on the horizon, our industry must remain steadfast in its commitment to facilitating a just transition toward a lower-carbon future.”

ICR’s established technological solutions continue to play a significant part in its growth. Technowrap provides life-long repairs that can be applied to internal, external and through-wall defects on complex geometries, while INSONO is an innovative NDT (non-destructive testing) technique for the inspection of engineered composite repairs. The Technowrap repair system reduces emissions by 66% compared to the traditional replacement methods.

Quickflange offers cold work solutions with weldless, high-performance flange-to-pipe connections. It provides a permanent repair option for improving pipeline integrity and flow assurance, eliminating the need for welding or hot work. ICR’s drone division, Sky-Futures, has also secured further international work.

NAMA Development Enterprises is ICR Group’s sponsor in Abu Dhabi, while its new execution partner in Abu Dhabi is APS.

ICR Group and NAMA Development Enterprises will be exhibiting at Stand 6210 at ADIPEC.

ICR Group is set to highlight its innovative technologies by contributing to a broader conversation on decarbonisation strategies at Offshore Europe.

Ross McHardy, Group Director at ICR, will be hosting a session entitled ‘Small Steps for a Bigger Change: Decarbonisation Through Technology’. The event on Tuesday, September 5 (10am-11.15am) at Aberdeen’s P&J Live will also feature other industry leaders.

This seminar is part of the Collaboration Zone, an initiative organised by the Energy Industries Council (EIC). Running throughout the week, the programme offers an avenue for speakers and attendees to exchange knowledge, explore smarter operational methods and present valuable insights gained from past experiences.

In addition’s, ICR’s innovations will be showcased at the same venue on Wednesday, September 6 (10am-10.30am) during a dedicated Technology Spotlight Session. This EIC event, hosted by Josh Cannell, Interim Head of Sales – Quickflange™, and Calum Macnaughton, Inspection and Integrity Engineer at ICR, will put the focus on Quickflange™ and INSONO™. Day 2 of the EIC Collaboration Zone – Navigating Net Zero – is sponsored by ICR.

Ross said: “Offshore Europe serves as an excellent platform to engage with the industry and share best practice and innovative ideas. Decarbonisation stands as a pivotal element in ICR’s strategy for fostering sustainable growth and both these EIC events provide a first-rate opportunity to highlight our ethos and smart technology.”

ICR’s Quickflange™, a weldless connector solution, offers an alternative for cold work applications, particularly for high-performance flange-to-pipe connections. This technology facilitates permanent repairs, enhancing pipeline integrity and ensuring fluid flow, all without the need for welding or hot work. With its wide range of applications, Quickflange™ has proven to be both cost-effective and efficient, reducing repair times by up to 80% compared to traditional methods. Remarkably, it also contributes to a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when contrasted with conventional welding practices.

INSONO™ is an innovative NDT (non-destructive testing) technique for the inspection of engineered composite repairs. It is a solution that allows for the extension of defined life repairs, reducing waste while avoiding high-carbon emissions from traditional steel replacement alternatives. INSONO™ complements ICR’s Technowrap™ range and provides operators with the assurance their composite repairs are fit for purpose and satisfy regulatory body guidelines on inspection criteria.

Technowrap™, a lifelong repair system, boasts the capability to address internal, external, and through-wall defects, even when dealing with complex geometries. This innovative solution has demonstrated a remarkable 66% reduction in emissions when compared to conventional replacement methods.

In his capacity as Group Director, Ross oversees the ICR repair division, which encompasses Technowrap™, Quickflange™, mechanical services and leak sealing business lines. He holds a BEng in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Offshore Engineering and is a chartered structural engineer. With 30 years of industry experience, he has held senior positions in various companies, including TAQA, EnQuest, and EnerMech.

Offshore Europe is celebrating its 50^th anniversary. For more information about the conference & exhibition, please visit https://www.offshore-europe.co.uk/en-gb.html