News
After a successful 3 year contract with Dynamic Industries Inc, C-MAR are delighted to announce that a continuation of the services contract has been signed with Superior Energy Services Inc for C-MAR to provide Marine Crewing & Technical Management for the derrick barge ‘Superior Pride’.
The Superior Pride was built in China and launched in 2008 in preparation for going into service in 2009. The Superior Pride is an 8 point moored derrick barge with an 880 ton crane equipped with additional accommodation for up to 360 personnel.
Dynamic Industries Inc (DII) used the Superior Pride as an accommodation barge to support construction personnel working on the South Nemba platform operated by Chevron in Angola waters.
The first C-MAR crew members commenced joining the barge in Angola in late Feb 2009 after the vessel arrived in Angola with all the usual challenges.
Immigration laws into Angola changed by the week, compounded with political issues with various countries’ embassies, made entry into & exit from Angola an art. Visas and work permits for C-MAR crew were obtained with the greatest of help and assistance of DII’s sister company Dynamic Angolan Contractors (DAC) to whom C-MAR is indebted.
The dynamic & very lengthy immigration processes created many difficulties and much stress for all concerned. Mariners flew the globe to access embassies issuing 72 hour entry visas & then faced an undefined period of time on board until the work permit was issued & passport returned. For many a 6 week tour turned out to be as long as a deep sea trip. Steven Flett (Logistics Co-ordinators – Aberdeen) picked up the challenge initially to get the logistical management to service the contract under control. In fact for a year Steven kept assuring us he was almost there.
Lesley Geddes (Logistics Co-ordinators – Aberdeen) relieved Steven of the Pride in August 2010 whilst Steven still had one foot in the ‘sanity camp’. Lesley continues the good work Steven started caring for our mariner’s wellbeing in a somewhat difficult environment (although I am told Lesley does it so much better).
The contracted scope with SESI being to provide marine crewing in its present form. This is a commendation to the team on board. From the commencement of discussions, SESI have advised C-MAR they want the team to remain.
The crew make comprises of Master, Ch Officer, Safety / 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer, Ch Engr, 2nd Engr, 3rd Engr, ETO, Electrician, Crane Operator, Mechanic, Motormen and AB/Riggers; an onboard complement of 20 Europeans & Filipinos.
The relationships between C-MAR, Dynamic Industries & Chevron would not have been a success had it not been for the Superior Pride’s crew past & present. And so to all a very warm thank you is extended. This article is too short to mention everyone in turn & their contribution, but everyone’s patience (albeit very thin at times), their willingness to cover other’s duties and to ‘hang in’ there waiting on the illusive passport has been greatly appreciated.
A special mention is however justified for our current Masters Matvey Platov and Chris Davies and our previous Masters Colin McLaren and Ross Lora who have been put to the test and succeeded with flying colours. All good material for their memoirs.
A final special mention goes to Dan Stoyle who commenced this journey with C-MAR as the Technical Superintendant assigned to the Superior Pride. Dynamic recognized Dan’s skill’s & offered him the fire as the frying pan was far too comfortable. Again Dan has been very instrumental in the all round success of the contract.
At present the barge is en route to Durban for dry dock after which the Pride will return to Angola under SESI management and C-MAR's contract with DII with cease. At this point C-MAR's new contract with SES will commence for the continued provision of international marine crew and marine technical management.
The future is what we make it & there are many opportunities for the Superior Pride in South East Asia where immigration laws for mariners may not be so stringent.
