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Vol. 11, No. 50 Week of December 10, 2006
Providing coverage of Alaska and northern Canada's oil and gas industry

PETROLEUM DIRECTORY: COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

Alaska Railroad debuts the AFN Express

During this year’s Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage the Alaska Railroad Corporation celebrated the maiden voyage of the AFN Express, providing free intra-city transit service between the Bill Sheffield Alaska Railroad Depot at the Anchorage airport and the Historic Downtown Depot.

The train was open to delegates, their families, and the general public On October 22, 23, 24, 25, and 29 and was free of charge.

The 2005 AFN convention was held in Fairbanks, where the local Convention and Visitors Bureau planned for multiple forms of transportation to get delegates and visitors to and from the airport to events around the city. Following suit for the 2006 convention, the Alaska Railroad’s AFN Express provided an appropriate response to logistics issues for the larger venue of Anchorage.

Bruce Bustamante, Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO, named Alaska Railroad Corp. as a shining example of corporate participation for the event, saying the AFN Express would add to the overall experience for participants. Being able to host the AFN convention was also considered important to the Anchorage economy, providing an estimated economic impact of $4 million.

For more information on ARRC special events trains and tours taking place year-round visit www.akrr.com.

BW Technologies introduces GasAlertMicroClip

BW Technologies by Honeywell introduces the rugged, ultra compact GasAlertMicroClip — the toughest, smallest, easiest and lowest-price, multi-gas detector on the market — simultaneously displaying H2S, CO, O2 and LEL gas concentrations with simple one-button operation. Slim GasAlertMicroClip is equipped with standard data and event logging and is ideal for confined space environments.

For more information about GasAlertMicroClip, visit www.gasmonitors.com.

Carlile kicks off new campaign to recruit qualified drivers

Carlile Transportation Systems has launched a new campaign, “Careers at Carlile” designed to recruit qualified and experienced drivers. The company’s attention will be on Alaska and Washington in an attempt to remedy the labor shortages the American Trucking Association claims will continue through the next decade.

The Careers at Carlile campaign will initially focus on the immediate need to fill driving positions for line drivers, local drivers, and owner operators, but will also educate students and individuals on the opportunities available within the transportation industry.

The message: a career in the trucking industry provides a job with very competitive wages and excellent benefits. Drivers must have a commercial driver’s license and some additional driving experience.

The campaign will use several types of media to educate the public on the current shortages of qualified drivers and will include strategies to address long-term industry needs.

Founded in 1980 by brothers John and Harry McDonald, Carlile has grown from two tractors to one of Alaska’s largest trucking companies. Carlile employs more than 600 people, with terminals in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Kodiak, Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse, Seward, Houston, Minneapolis, Tacoma, and Edmonton.

To learn more about Carlile Transportation Systems and a career at Carlile please visit: www.carlile.biz or call the Anchorage office at (907) 478-1853.

Computing Alternatives chosen as delegate to India

The U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration and its U.S. Commercial Service posts in India will host a U.S. delegation to the India Business Summit to be led by Under Secretary for International Trade Franklin L. Lavin, Nov. 29-30, 2006. Computing Alternatives Inc., an Anchorage, Alaska based IT consulting company, has been selected as a delegate on this mission — expected to be the largest in the department’s history.

This mission will provide delegates access to India’s high-level business, industry and government representatives, and opportunities to gain timely insights into the country’s trade and investment climate in strategic breakout sessions. Following the Summit, CAI will attend an ancillary mission to Hyderabad. The spin-off mission will include market briefings, networking receptions, and one-on-one business appointments with prospective agents, distributors, partners, and end-users.

Chuck Becker, director of the U.S. Commercial Service Alaska operations said, “All mission participants were subjected to a rigorous vetting by Commerce officials in Washington, D.C., and in India to ensure that their service or product will find customers in the Indian sub-continent. CAI offers unique expertise in a highly competitive industry sector.”

CAI President and CEO Sunil Sethi said, “CAI is very excited to be part of a precedent-setting trip to the largest democracy in the world that holds enormous potential for American businesses. It is a great opportunity to export our Custom Software Development Services and bring new jobs to the Alaskan economy.”

Computing Alternatives is developing a Web-based royalty accounting system for the State of Alaska Division of Oil and Gas.

Control Microsystems announces 32-bit upgrade for SCADAPack™ RTU/PLCs

Control Microsystems, global developer of advanced RTU/PLCs, SCADA management software and intelligent sensors, announced at the ISA Expo 2006 the release of the SCADAPack™ Upgrade Kit, a high performance hardware and software package that provides an immediate upgrade path for 16-bit SCADAPack RTU/PLCs to 32-bit performance.

The Upgrade Kit features a 32-bit RISC processor, expanded 8-MB memory and additional communication ports. Optional source level debugging software is also available. The total package installs in minutes in the field or factory, boosts performance by up to 100 times, and adds input/output (I/O) capacity for thousands of analog and digital I/O.

“Each year, the complexity and speed of SCADA applications increases,” said Dale Symington, senior vice president of engineering, Control Microsystems. “With the SCADAPack Upgrade Kit, we provide customers with an easy to install and cost effective upgrade path that delivers the features and performance they need to keep pace with automation demands while minimizing downtime.”

The SCADAPack32 Upgrade Kit is fabricated with conformal coatings, gold-plated machined sockets and zinc-plated steel system components. This provides reliable and compact stand-along performance in even hazardous environments.

The SCADAPack32 Upgrade Kit is available for Control Microsystems’ SCADAPack Series P1, T1, W1 and V1 systems. A three-year warranty on the new processor board is included. Pricing starts at $950 US. Delivery is immediate. For more information visit www.controlmicrosystems.com.

Control Microsystems recognizes Devon Energy

Control Microsystems recognized Devon Energy Corp. for its 2006 Customer Innovator Award at the recent ISA Expo 2006. This annual award recognizes one Control Microsystems customer who demonstrates excellence and innovation in solving SCADA application challenges using Control Microsystems products.

The presentation was made during the ISA Expo at the Control Microsystems booth No. 2050. Devon representatives Reed Estes and Kathleen Carrizales were present to accept the award on behalf of Devon.

“We are thrilled to recognize Devon Energy for all their hard work in automating their field service processes and for using Control Microsystems as part of their innovative solutions,” said Dale Symington, senior vice president engineering, Control Microsystems. “We commend the entire Devon team for winning this award.”

Devon Energy is an Oklahoma City-based independent energy company engaged in oil and gas exploration, production and property acquisitions.

Control Microsystems is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of state-of-the-art automation products for remote monitoring and control, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). Founded in 1980, the company has led the industry with such innovations as the SCADAPack™ Series of RTU/PLCs that combine high performance communications with high speed processing, and ClearSCADA™ process management software that provides a complete state-of-the-art solution in one powerful product. The company’s product line also includes intelligent sensors and gas production automation products engineered for remote installation in harsh, unattended environments. For more information visit www.controlmicrosystems.com.

Epoch Well Services opens new training facility in Houston

Epoch Well Services is pleased to announce the opening of a new training facility for field-based employees in Houston, Texas. This modern facility is conveniently located in a new building at 6846 Theall Rd., near Beltway 8 and Highway 290.

Newly hired Mudlogging Geologists and Instrumentation Technicians from all over the country undergo a comprehensive 40-hour training class on wellsite safety, drilling rig systems, drilling techniques, DML™ Mudlogging software, E-Series™ Gas Detection Equipment and the RIGWATCH ™ Instrumentation System. This new facility can seat up to 12 employees, and classes are held each month.

The instructor for Epoch’s DML Mudlogging class is Brady Killmer, who has more than 14 years experience as a mudlogging geologist and manager for Epoch. The instructor for Epoch’s RIGWATCH Instrumentation class is Toby Tousha, Epoch’s Technical Training Specialist who has more than six years of experience as an Epoch instrumentation technician and trainer.

For more information on Epoch Well Services, please visit www.epochwellservices.com.

ESS Alaska grows, makes personnel changes

The Anchorage, Alaska division of ESS Support Services Worldwide has a variety of announcements to make regarding local team members. George Cuzzort, in addition to his duties as president /CEO of ESS Alaska, will add the responsibilities of vice president of business development for ESS North America, and Larry Weihs, formerly vice president of operations, has been promoted to chief operating officer of ESS Alaska.

Dan Knauss has joined the local crew and has taken over for Weihs as vice president of operations. Knauss brings more than 20 years in food services and facility management to ESS. Most recently he worked with NANA Services and was responsible for management of their 8-A contracting division. Previously he was employed with BP in Prudhoe Bay where he was responsible for the operations of the BP residential facilities. His knowledge of high volume camps and high profile accounts, marketing, and government contracts will add another dimension in service to ESS customers and clients.

Mel Porter has joined the ESS team as director of Business Development Western, including the continental U.S., Alaska and the Caribbean. Porter brings more than 20 years in food service and management to ESS. Most recently he worked with AIR as a commercial sales representative. Previously, he was employed with Wonder Bread as general manager and dealt with marketing and sales to major food service customers in Alaska.

ESS Support Services is a division of the Compass Group, the largest foodservice company in the world, and the leading provider of specialist foodservice and related support services to clients in remote site, defense and offshore locations around the globe.

Local firm wins BP Exploration Alaska contract

Local firm Hawk Consultants LLC, together with Moody International Group, based in Houston, Texas, have been awarded a contract to provide agency personnel across BP Exploration (Alaska) operations. The Moody/Hawk strategic alliance will provide project professionals to augment BP Alaska’s growth initiatives and projects in the North Slope oilfields.

Hawk Consultants LLC is an Alaskan-owned firm specializing in project management services supporting client organizations with people and resources to ensure project success. The principals of Hawk are Mike Jens, Dave Norton and Maynard Tapp. Moody International Group is a leading international technical services company providing construction and project management, procurement control, quality assurance, and system and product certifications.

For further information contact Maynard Tapp at Hawk Consultants LLC: (907) 278-877, www.hawkpros.com or Pat McQuillan at Moody International Group: (281) 367-8764, www.moodyint.com.

Horizon moving up

Horizon Well Logging Inc.’s Anchorage office and shop moved into a larger facility this year, located at 351 E. 92nd Ave.

Horizon remains the only independent mudlogging company in Alaska and credits its independence for the creation of its innovative, adaptable software, used to combine well site data from a variety of sources. Horizon serves its clients with crucial information, combined with the expertise of wellsite geologists, to implement the data and effectively communicate findings.

Horizon’s operations manager, Bernie Leas, has over 30-years experience in the Alaska oilfield and is based in the Anchorage office.

Horizon is currently active in three Central American nations, including Belize, where after 50 dry holes in 50 years of exploration, a significant oil discovery was made. With the analysis and interpretation provided by the firm, the first oil field in Belize is now producing thousands of barrel’s each day of 39 gravity oil.

Hunter 3-D ‘down under’

Hunter 3-D was invited to present at the Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2006. The presenting group traveled to Australia and covered their paper on integrating gravity, well data and seismic velocities for petroleum exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. The paper, “Geostatistical Integration of Seismic Velocity and Well Data to Constrain 3-D Gravity Inversion — Deep Water Gulf of Mexico” was presented July 1, 2006, at a workshop titled “Geologically Realistic Inversion of Gravity and Magnetic Data” session W8.

Current projects for the company include work with Shell International Exploration and Production and others to apply some of Hunter 3-D’s inversion and integration techniques, as well as the drilling and completion of an 18,000 foot wildcat onshore South Texas on a 3-D seismic prospect that was mapped and developed for a group of oil and gas investors.

Hunter 3-D is expanding its office space and has added two new consultants, each with many years experience in seismic interpretation and AVO analysis.

Marathon’s Christine Gay takes on new opportunities

Christine D. Gay has recently accepted the position of assistant technician with Marathon Oil in Anchorage. In this capacity, she will provide lease analyst duties to support both the Land and Production departments, which she has been working with in other capacities for some time. Gay will continue to work in the Anchorage office with Ben Schoffmann, who said she had been “holding down the fort” for some time, and has rightly earned her place in this new capacity. When asked about the recent changes, Gay said that she’s “happy to have the opportunity to learn and do more.”

Marathon has been actively exploring for, and developing hydrocarbons in Alaska for more than 50 years, with exploration activities focused on natural gas. The company’s Alaska operations are based in Anchorage, and it is one of the largest natural gas producers in the Cook Inlet region of Southcentral Alaska and the adjacent Kenai Peninsula.

M-I SWACO introduces water treatment system

M-I SWACO has prepared a four-page brochure introducing its Epcon Compact Flotation Unit (CFU), described as a cost-effective alternative to traditional produced-water treatment systems.

A key component of the Epcon Offshore AS acquisition in February 2006, the CFU combines a number of influences, including gas, flotation and induced centrifugal inertia forces, to optimize the removal of hydrocarbons, hydrophobic substances, aromatic compounds and small particles from produced water. Compared to conventional separation units, the patented CFU has a smaller footprint and eliminates the costs associated with adding emulsion breaking chemicals or flocculants.

M-I SWACO, which is based in Houston, Texas, and owned 60 percent by Smith International, Inc. and 40 percent by Schlumberger Ltd., is a leading supplier of drilling, reservoir drill-in, completion fluids and production chemicals products/systems for the global petroleum industry. In addition, the company also provides a wide range of solids-controls, drilling waste management and wellbore clean-up equipment and engineering services.

For additional information contact Jim Redden at (832) 295-2648 or [email protected].

Nabors Industries to acquire Moncla Companies

Nabors Industries Ltd. announced on September 21, 2006 that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire the Moncla Companies for an undisclosed price. The principal assets consist of 56 workover and well-servicing rigs, 13 truck-mounted swabbing and testing units, rental equipment, various auxiliary equipment and real estate. The land rig fleet is composed of 28 350- to 450-horsepower and 21 500- to 900-horsepower heavy workover rigs while the offshore fleet consists of seven - 500 to 1,000 horsepower barge workover rigs. Moncla’s headquarters, central training and maintenance facility and principal operations are located in Lafayette, Louisiana, with extended operating yards located in Mississippi and Southeast Texas.

Both parties looking towards future

Gene Isenberg, Nabor’s chairman and CEO commented on the acquisition, “We view this as an excellent opportunity to expand into one of the few markets we do not serve through the acquisition of the most highly regarded well servicing operation in the region. It also serves as a good platform for deployment of our new 400- and 500-horsepower state-of-the-art Millennium rigs. We do expect the transaction to be accretive to both our near and longer-term results. We expect the existing Moncla management team will remain with Nabors and continue to run the various operations. We are delighted to welcome all of the Moncla customers and employees to the Nabors family of companies.”

Charlie Moncla, president of Moncla Companies, commented, “Over the last 22 years, we have expanded the scope of our services and the geographies we cover. Today, we are the largest, privately held well-servicing company in the U.S. I want to thank all of our loyal

Totem Equipment and Supply welcomes custom jobs

Totem Equipment and Supply has recently concluded the construction of a rather novel high pressure washer system for BP Exploration (Alaska) by way of VECO.

The water pressure is gauged at 3,000 psi at 7.8 gpm with two operators being able to work simultaneously. The unit is powered by a 26 horsepower Lombardini with a 500 gallon water tank and is totally self-contained. The enclosed trailer is insulated with spray foam to approximately R-14 and supports paneled walls, ceiling and flooring with 18 gauge galvanized metal. The trailer has 5,200 pounds of tandem axles with battery-powered running lights. Two hose reels with a total of 400 feet of hose and a detergent siphoning system are also included.

Alaska-based Totem Equipment and Supply was founded in 1961 by Cliff and Allie Huston. Originally supplying light- and medium-weight equipment, the company quickly expanded to meet growing industry needs. The company now operates as a full-service equipment dealership representing well over 200 product lines for purchase or rent through its Anchorage and Wasilla yards, and also specializes in full-fabrication and design services. For more information call (907) 276-2858 or email [email protected].

Rain for Rent introduces HH-200c and HH-125c pumps

The HH-200c eight-inch pump and the HH-125c four-inch pump from Rain for Rent are both specifically designed to produce larger flows and higher discharge heads for mining dewatering projects and temporary fire protection systems. The HH-200c has superior hydraulic efficiency (up to 82 percent), and is able to move more gallons of water at a lower cost. Because it can handle solids up to 3-3/8 inches in diameter, it can also be used as a sewer bypass pump. The HH-200c is capable of producing flows up to 5,000 gpm and discharge heads up to 370 feet. Mounted on galvanized skids to protect against rust and corrosion, this equipment has a nearly maintenance free surface.

The HH-125c is also specifically designed to produce larger flows and higher discharge heads for mining dewatering projects and temporary fire protection systems. With superior hydraulic efficiency this pump is also able to move more gallons of water at a lower cost. Because the versatile HH-125c can handle solids up to 3 inches in diameter, it can also be used as a sewer bypass pump. The pump is capable of producing flows up to 1,400 gpm and discharge heads up to 360 feet. An electric motor driven option is also available.

The HH-200c and the HH-125c are both mounted on galvanized trailers and skids to protect against rust and corrosion, creating a nearly maintenance free surface. Combine the HH-200c eight-inch pump and the HH-125c high head pump with other Rain for Rent products for a complete system to solve your unique liquid handling problems. Contact Rain for Rent for sales and rental inquiries at (800) 742-7246.

Quadco Inc. expands North Slope operation

Quadco Inc. has served the oil industry for over 40 years starting in the Four Corners oil patch of New Mexico, then expanding to Alaska in the late 70’s. In December 2005 the company opened a store in Prudhoe Bay to better serve its North Slope customers.

Presently, the North Slope office is stocking Derrick Shaker screens and parts, Texas Oil Tool BOP parts and Jet-Lube products. Plans for inventory increases and product line additions are always in the works to meet customer requirements.

Don McWorkman and Brent Blada operate the business on a 7-day week, 12-hour day basis. Don McWorkman brings his experience from working in the oilfields of Texas to the Arctic Ocean, to the day-to-day challenge of the store.

Brent Blada has worked the oilfields of Alaska and Russia for over 27 years, 17 of those on the North Slope, from Badami to Kuparuk fields.

Quadco knows both men have the knowledge and the experience needed to get the job done, and are eager to help supply the Alaska oilfield with the parts it needs when it wants them.

Call Brent or Don at the Prudhoe Bay office: 907-659-9449.

New happenings at Carlile

Carlile Transportation Systems recently announced a few new happenings at the company:

• Darrin Semeniuk was recently promoted to oversee and manage Carlile’s Alaska Sales team in Anchorage, Kenai and Fairbanks. Darrin has worked for Carlile for nine years, handling a wide array of customers from food, construction, retail, and oil and gas.

• Tom Hendrix, new business development manager for Carlile, was recently elected to the Alliance Board of Directors. Hendrix’s primary responsibilities at Carlile are in the oil and gas business sector. Now in year 14 with the company, he’s credited with being responsible for the development of the company’s Houston, Texas, Edmonton, Alberta, and North Slope operations.

• Carlile recently acquired 18 new Kenworth trucks that are equipped with the latest engine technology designed to comply with new federal diesel emission regulations. By the end of 2006, the U.S., Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require all new trucks to be equipped with engines that are capable of using “Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel” fuel (ULSD).

• Carlile has ordered the first truck driving simulator to be installed in Alaska. The simulator should provide improved training with entry level drivers and make it possible to pre-test applicants without the time, risk and liabilities of on-the-road tests.

• The Fairbanks terminal is working to design a new maintenance and wash facility to be located on Deere Street. The company expects to break ground in the Spring of 2007. The new shop will make Fairbanks-based maintenance more efficient and cost effective, making it easier to keep the trucks clean, as well as greatly improving working conditions for company mechanics.

Doyon Drilling makes a move in Anchorage

Doyon Drilling Inc. has moved into the Calais I building at 3201 C St. in Anchorage and is sharing the 7th floor with the Doyon Human Resources department. The move was prompted by the company’s desire to consolidate its resources. Not only does the new location provide offices for both Doyon Drilling and the HR department, parent company Doyon Limited has also reserved office space for time spent in Anchorage away from corporate headquarters in Fairbanks.

Doyon Drilling is operating five rigs on the North Slope with two additional rigs scheduled to go online this winter.


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