ICR IAS JV

Author: Katie McLaren

ICR Group and its regional partners have secured $3.5 million worth of contracts in the Middle East over the past four months.

ICR’s flagship brand, Technowrap, has been instrumental in driving growth in the Middle East. The increasing interest highlights the commitment to extending the lifespan of critical assets without the need to shut down.

Technowrap provides a long-term alternative to traditional steel replacement, often with a design life of up to 20 years. The quick application can significantly reduce downtime, leading to cost savings, while offering  up to a 66% reduction in carbon emissions.

Technowrap is valued for its versatility and efficiency as it can be used to repair a wide range of infrastructure, including pipelines, pipework, tanks, vessels and structural components, both onshore and offshore.

ICR’s operations are supported by its Abu Dhabi office and strategic partner agreements, enabling local service delivery of the product range across the Middle East.

Jim Beveridge, CEO of ICR, stated, “Our recent success in the Middle East is a testament to the expertise of our team and local partners. The proven reliability of our products and services positions ICR to enhance operational efficiency and protect critical infrastructure, all while minimising environmental impact. I am confident in our ongoing success in the region as demand continues to grow.”

Aftab Shaikh, Business Development Manager at ICR, based in Abu Dhabi, said: “The suite of ICR products continue to generate significant interest due to their ability to support production uptime. Our local partners help us to leverage regional expertise and market knowledge, ensuring tailored solutions and faster service delivery every time”

Recent projects in the Middle East have included work on offshore and onshore installations for operators and engineering contractors repairing pipelines, pressure systems and structures.

Notably, Technowrap has been used in a critical subsea repair project on a 48-inch pipeline, where its ability to withstand harsh conditions and extend the life of infrastructure is crucial. ICR also supports similar onshore pipeline repairs and is developing new products for 2025 to further enhance its offerings.

To further complement the Technowrap range, ICR also offers non-destructive composite inspection technique called INSONO. It has been developed to validate the condition and integrity of composite repairs, giving operators and regulators confidence in the application and long-term performance. The technology can detect anomalies in the bond line and interlaminar dis-bonds within composite repair material, supporting life extension.

Quickflange, permanent flange-to-pipe connectors, from 2” to 14”, is another core offering that addresses scenarios where traditional welding solutions are impractical due to hot work constraints or time limitations.

ICR is exhibiting at ADIPEC (November 4 to 7), on stand 6210.

Why I chose ICR?

ICR handed me a golden ticket, a leaping board per say, and it is something I will forever be grateful for. As a first-year business student, I knew I might not be the most “hireable” candidate, but I persisted. After my first interview with ICR, my curiosity was piqued by the company, and I did some more research. ICR works in a multitude of different areas, most of which I didn’t even know could be done in Aberdeen. I knew it was a company that could offer a huge range of opportunities, so when I was called in for a second interview, I knew I wanted to be the successful candidate.

A day in the life of an ICR Corporate Business intern

My day starts at 8 am in a sleepy office that quickly comes to life as my co-workers arrive, eager to chat and talk about the day ahead. During my time with the Procurement team, I managed a portion of the SAP purchase orders, onboarded clients and suppliers to our portal, and updated expired insurance and ISO certificates. In the Commercial team, I’ve created a contract register, assisted with NDAs and ORB reviews, had meetings with suppliers to understand contractual needs of both parties, and gained insight into the art of contract language writing. A highlight of my day is the lunchtime walks with the ‘Nature Girlies’ at noon—a great way to catch up and take a break from screens and office chairs.

Advice for future interns

  1. Learn the “Unwritten Rules”: Pay attention to the company culture and unwritten rules, I found communication styles, work-life balance norms, and decision-making processes being the most valuable to learn. Understanding these can help you navigate the workplace more effectively and hopefully more successfully.
  2. Document Your Contributions: Keep a running list of your accomplishments, both big and small, during the internship. This has helped me feel actively engaged, I know when I need more work, and it will be vital for resume updating in the future. Bonus is when a review comes at the end, you are already well prepared and confident in your accomplishments.
  3. Schedule Reflective Meetings: I have found it helpful to set aside regular time, mainly weekly, to reflect on what I’ve learned, challenges faced, and areas for improvement. This practice has helped me process all my experiences more effectively and importantly adjusts my strategies as needed. It is weekly advice from highly experienced colleagues that you can soak up like a sponge.

ICR Group has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Energy Industries Council (EIC) National Awards 2024.

The nominations, in the Culture and Environmental & Sustainability categories, recognise ICR’s forward-thinking approach to workplace culture and its commitment to sustainable practices in the energy sector.

The culture nomination reflects ICR’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive working environment, while simultaneously embedding strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across the business.

Jim Beveridge, CEO at ICR Group, said: “These nominations validate our commitment to both culture and sustainability. Our team has worked tirelessly to develop technologies that not only deliver value to our clients but also support the global energy transition. We are honoured to be shortlisted by the EIC and look forward to the awards night.”

In the Environmental & Sustainability category, ICR is being recognised for its innovative solutions that help clients achieve carbon reduction goals. This includes Technowrap, a composite repair solution that supports maintenance and repair programmes. Technowrap reduces waste and extends asset life by up to 20 years, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative.

ICR’s non-destructive testing technology, INSONO, ensures the long-term integrity of these composite repairs, while Quickflange provides a weldless, cold-work solution for flange-to-pipe connections.

Recently, ICR was awarded Silver status by EcoVadis, a global leader in sustainability ratings, in recognition of its commitment to ESG principles. This achievement highlights the company’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its business strategy. Winners of the EIC National Awards will be announced on Thursday, October 10 (2024) at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London.