ICR Group has secured another partnership agreement in Africa.
The collaboration with South Africa-based SGB-Cape, a leading industrial services provider, broadens the scope of ICR’s innovative products, including the Technowrap™ composite repair system and Quickflange™ weldless connections.
Scott Byers, Head of Business Development, Africa, at ICR, said: “Welcoming SGB-Cape into the ICR partner network marks another significant step in our mission to deliver cutting-edge integrity solutions worldwide. Their strong presence across the African market is ideal for the rapid introduction of our advanced technologies into new sectors, locations and customers. We are delighted to extend our reach by adding to our African partner network.”
Ben Garrad, Managing Director of SGB-Cape, said: “The collaboration is a perfect synergy, uniting SGB-Cape’s longstanding market presence and profound understanding of the African industrial landscape with ICR’s innovative solutions and international insights. SGB-Cape will serve as a key partner of ICR, solidifying its commitment to delivering unparalleled industrial services solutions.”
The alliance is a testament to both companies’ commitment to enhancing asset integrity management, corrosion protection and inspection services in Africa. It combines SGB-Cape’s 75 years of industry experience with ICR’s innovative solutions, promising to deliver a comprehensive suite of services to meet the unique challenges of the African market.
SGB-Cape, a leading provider of industrial services across Africa, specialises in asset integrity, corrosion protection and inspection solutions.
ICR Group has achieved a prestigious milestone in the renewables sector.
The company has been awarded Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) status – which acknowledges UK supply chain enterprises possessing the requisite expertise, skills and proficiency to excel in the sector.
The F4OR programme has been developed in collaboration with industry experts and is spearheaded by ORE Catapult, a leading innovation centre for offshore renewable energy.
ICR was supported by ORE Catapult and business consultancy Opergy during this process. ICR will continue to update the F4OR team on key company developments including contract wins – such as its drone inspections on turbines – to help measure the overall impact of the programme.
Hollie Lawson, Corporate Development Director & ESG Champion at ICR, said: “To be granted F4OR status is testament to the great deal of time, energy and resources we have applied to position ICR to support the renewables sector, and signals our future aspirations in the market.
“We have developed strategies for improving our capacity to deliver services in the sector and the F4OR achievement is further evidence of our commitment to that wider agenda. We are resolutely focused on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts and net zero goals to accelerate our energy transition objectives, including the publication of an annual Impact Report to ensure transparency and disclosure in line with best practice.”
F4OR is delivered by ORE Catapult. The programme is based on F4N, devised by Nuclear AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre).
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/
ICR Group’s innovative composite inspection technology INSONO has achieved validation from two globally-recognised accreditation bodies.
Now its INSONO solution has attained ISO/IEC 17020:2012 from UKAS (The United Kingdom Accreditation Service) for its inspection standards and levels of consistency.
In addition, INSONO has attained a validation statement from Lloyd’s Register (LR) which recognises the quality of its work for non-destructive examinations of composite wraps and repairs.
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. This accreditation underpins ICR’s confidence in the consistently high standards of delivery INSONO attains on behalf of customers.
INSONO 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 is a specialist solution for the non-destructive examination of composite repairs, providing operators with assurance in the installation, long-term performance and evidence that supports the life extension of the repair.
Antonio Caraballo, Inspection and Integrity Management Services Director at ICR, said: “The UKAS and LR achievements symbolise hallmarks of quality and compliance to international standards, adding significant value by enhancing credibility and customer confidence.”
ISO/IEC 17020 is an international standard that sets criteria for the competence and impartiality of inspection bodies, ensuring consistent, high-quality inspection processes across various industries and sectors, fostering trust and reliability in their evaluations and findings.
The INSONO innovation complements ICR’s Technowrap range and demonstrates to 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.
Technowrap provides life-long repairs that can be applied to internal, external and through-wall defects on complex geometries. The Technowrap repair system reduces emissions by 66% compared to the traditional replacement methods.
ICR’s 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.
With an extensive range,Quickflange is a cost-effective and efficient solution generating up to 80% time saving and a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over traditional welding. Welding and hot work are energy intensive processes requiring multiple materials, whereas the Quickflange technology offers a straightforward repair system that is less energy intensive and requires fewer specialist engineers.
In addition, ICR’s drone division, Sky-Futures, has secured UK and further international work. A global leader in unmanned aircraft and remote sensing operations, Sky-Futures and its team support clients by delivering high-quality inspection reports and data in support of asset build or inspection programmes.
As well as its Aberdeen headquarters, ICR has additional UK offices in Carnforth and Hemel Hempstead. The business has international operations in Stavanger (Norway), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Houston (USA) and Perth (Australia) as well as partners in over 25 countries.
For a deeper insight into ICR’s game-changing solutions and services, please visit www.icr-world.com
We are thrilled to have been revealed as a finalist in the Northern Star Business Awards 2024.
We are one of five organisations shortlisted for the Business of the Year category for the 20th anniversary of the awards, which will take place at the P&J Live on Friday, April 19, 2024.
The awards – run by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, in association with Brodies LLP – recognise successful and growing businesses that make a positive impact on the North-east economy.
A total of 70 organisations have been shortlisted across 14 categories for what will be the biggest business celebration of 2024.
The glittering ceremony celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of organisations across the North-east of Scotland.
Susie Mountain, partner at title sponsors Brodies LLP, said: “The Northern Star Business Awards is an event which brings the North-east business community together and hearing the stories behind all of the finalists this year has been a real privilege.
“The awards highlight the achievements of remarkable individuals and organisations of all sizes, and from all sectors, which continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to live and work here.
“The Northern Star Business Awards goes to show that there is reason to be extremely positive about the direction the North-east is headed in terms of the brilliant people here, their innovative initiatives and bright ideas.
“All of us at Brodies in Aberdeen are proud that we are the principal partner of the awards once again, and we wish all of the finalists the best of luck at the awards ceremony next April.”
Royal Bank of Scotland, Aberdeen International Airport, Gary Walker Wealth Management, Balmoral, CALA, University of Aberdeen, ANM Group, Port of Aberdeen, bp, Shell, RGU, True North, Luxe Scotland and Robert Gordon’s College are also among the key sponsors of the event.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “For us, Northern Star is the best night of the year – a unique stage to showcase and celebrate the brilliant work being done by businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, across our fantastic region.
“The companies in this area and pioneering, entrepreneurial and resilient, and will continue to be at the forefront of creating a bright economic future for the nation.”
The companies shortlisted for the 2024 Northern Star Business Award winners are:
Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland):
- Craig International Ltd
- ICR Group
- Mackie’s of Scotland
- Sport Aberdeen
- WM Donald
Customer First (sponsored by ANM Group):
- Bancon Homes
- Goldstar Cleaning Services
- IT Hotdesk
- Load Monitoring Systems (LMS)
- Specsavers Aberdeen
Driving Sustainability (sponsored by bp):
- ATPI Energy Travel
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Cairngorm Bothies
- Duncan Farms
- Port of Aberdeen
Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland):
- Amity Fish Company
- Craig International Ltd
- Katoni Engineering
- PMC Property Management Lettings
- WM Donald
Going Global (sponsored by Aberdeen International Airport):
- ASCO
- Fulkrum Technical Resources Ltd
- ModuSpec, a Vysus Group company
- TWMA
- Viper Innovations
Inspiration from Innovation (sponsored by Port of Aberdeen):
- AISUS Offshore Ltd
- Balmoral
- eserv
- Intellicore Ltd
- PCL Live
Inspiring Futures (sponsored by Robert Gordon’s College):
- Aberlour Futures Aberdeen
- Build Your Future, Grampian Construction Training Group
- Stork
- TechFest
- WM Donald
Making the Difference (sponsored by Balmoral):
- Aberdeen International Airport
- AberNecessities
- Kayleigh’s Wee Stars
- TechFest
- The Archie Foundation
Marketing Magic (sponsored by CALA):
- Clan Cancer Support
- Fifth Ring
- Maritime Developments Ltd
- Mearns & Gill
- ThinkPR & Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND)
Rising Star (sponsored by University of Aberdeen):
- Murray Collie – Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust
- Grace Arthur – Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Nicole Thompson – Grampian Housing Association
- Chloe Leslie – Infinity Partnership Limited
- Cassie McGunnigle – The Archie Foundation
Staff Matter (sponsored Gary Walker Wealth Management):
- Appetite for Business
- Balmoral
- Bancon Group Ltd
- Mackie’s of Scotland
- MRS Training & Rescue
Start-up Business of the Year (sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland):
- Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish
- Ondo Catering
- PCL Live
- Planner Bee VA Services Ltd
- Usana Mindset
Student Placement (sponsored by Robert Gordon University):
- Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL)
- eCERTO LIMITED
- RSM UK
- Sealand Projects Limited
- Renaissance The Cowdray Club
The Archibald Simpson Award (sponsored by True North Advisors):
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Ardent Group
- City Restoration Project
- Dough and Co
- Sugarbird Wines Ltd
Regional Contribution (sponsored by Shell):
- To be announced on the night
by Antonio Caraballo, Inspection and Integrity Management Services Director at ICR Group
It’s still a few weeks until COP28, but already there has been a call for the international climate summit to give more credence to the issue of methane emission reduction.
COP28 UAE President-Designate, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, recently said: “The oil and gas sector needs to up its game, do more and do it faster. Let’s aim to reach net-zero methane emissions by 2030.”
It follows a stark warning from the International Energy Agency (IEA) that although methane emissions from the global oil and gas industry fell by an estimated 10% in 2020, it was only due to producers slashing output in response to the historic shock of the COVID-19 crisis. It also warns that these emissions could rebound strongly without greater action by companies, policymakers and regulators.
Meanwhile, a 2022 study by researchers at Princeton University and Colorado State University signalled that the oil and gas industry may be falling short in its emissions measuring. It found that some estimates of methane emissions from offshore production in the UK have been severely underestimated for some time. This suggests that some of the methods widely used – in the UK and elsewhere – to calculate methane emissions rely on outdated or incomplete information, and therefore may not accurately represent actual emissions.
We also know that massive methane leaks, commonly referred to as super-emitter events, are still being reported around the world. To cite just one example, two major fields near the Caspian Sea were recorded as emitting combined methane emissions of 4.4 million tonnes – up to 427 tonnes per hour – in August 2022. (*EPR – commercial query)
The most common cause behind these events is equipment failure and if they aren’t identified quickly enough or prioritised, the leaks can last for weeks – resulting in significant environmental damage. They collectively signal that not all asset operators have an effective methane emission identification and remediation programme in place.
The threats of regulatory sanctions as well as reputational damage may influence the strategic response of operators. So too may the cost-effective gains of methane emission reduction; IEA analysis indicates that the costs of improving operations or making repairs to prevent leaks can often be paid for by the value of the additional gas that is consequently brought to market.
For many asset operators this is becoming a priority issue. Conventional identification and remediation methods are not as efficient or safe as they need to be. Using ground-level sensors, for example, simply cannot provide the necessary reach to capture leaks accurately, and therefore risks operators missing high levels of escaping methane.
Similarly, handheld sensors are available but present safety and accuracy challenges as well as representing a time-consuming and labour-intensive option.
It’s why a ‘top-to-bottom’ survey, using drones and an experienced integrity monitoring team, is increasingly being recognised as the best overall option when it comes to the identification and quantification of leaks.
Sky-Futures™, part of the ICR Group and possessing over 10 years of operating experience in the provision of critical asset inspection data and analysis, has partnered with industry-leading sensor technology from SeekOps, a company formed to bring NASA and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) technology used on Mars Rover missions to the terrestrial marketplace.
This partnership has been working with asset operators, not just in the offshore oil and gas sector but at onshore oil and gas facilities, as well as structures in the renewables sector, including petrochemical plants and biogas plants, to deliver a state-of-the-art, technology-first solution to methane emission detection.
By leveraging integrity monitoring teams, best-in-class sensors, advanced drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) inspections, and actionable analytics, the partnership is supporting asset operators to decarbonise their operations, not only detecting but quantifying methane leaks as early as possible.
This innovative approach not only saves the asset operator significant time – UAV/drone inspection can cut the time in half compared to alternative methods – but reduces the risk to personnel by removing the need for rope access or scaffolding. In addition, it saves operators millions of dollars by avoiding asset shutdowns or disruption to day-to-day operations.
Recently, the team supported an operator by measuring methane emissions at four platforms in the Southern North Sea. To ensure no disruption to operations, the team conducted the surveys from an inter-field vessel. The use of state-of-the-art technology, combined with highly-experienced drone pilots and engineers, identified areas of methane emissions in real-time to ensure accurate measurements could be obtained.
Our data analysis and report provided the client with quantified methane emission results required for their baseline study. The results not only captured the expected emissions from the vents, but also identified locations of methane releases not identified by deck-based inspection techniques.
Furthermore, our Sky-Futures™ and Integrity Monitoring teams recently undertook a series of comprehensive methane surveys of an FPSO located in the North Sea. This included aerial quantification (asset level). Using drone technology, this solution enables us to detect, identify and quantify methane emissions on a site-wide scale. The consequent aerial emissions report provides a complete overview of emissions sources, ensuring a holistic measurement of assets. Our macro method pinpoints and quantifies methane emissions at the source level.
For this project, we assessed all production areas covering components such as flanges, connections, small bore tubing and valves to identify exact emission sources and allow for quick repairs. This process helped our client to compare and efficiently tackle the most significant sources.
Onshore facilities are also benefitting with established working techniques for drone systems and inspection teams.
Given the severity of the problem that methane emissions represent, we hope that the use of innovative solutions to identify leaks and support a more proactive approach to monitoring is profiled during COP28 to raise awareness of the issue and remedies available today.
With COP28 looming and regulatory scrutiny intensifying, asset operators need to prioritise the detection of methane emissions – not only because they are told to, but because it is good for the planet and their bottom line.
Antonio Caraballo, Inspection and Integrity Management Services Director, has nearly 20 years’ experience in the energy sector. COP28 will be the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, held from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai.For more information, visit https://www.icr-world.com/what-we-do/inspection-integrity/sky-futures-uas-inspection/
IC Integrity Pty Limited, a key ICR Group partner, has landed a significant contract with an operator in Australia.
The agreement sees IC Integrity deploy its Technowrap™ technology for planned maintenance campaigns on several facilities.
Perth-based IC Integrity is a technology-focused provider of specialist maintenance inspection and integrity solutions across multiple sectors.
This latest contract builds on a long history of collaboration with the client.
Russell Collins, Regional Director (APAC) at IC Integrity, said: “This is a substantial project that truly reflects both the successful relationship we’ve developed with the client and our team’s commitment to engineering and technical excellence. We were selected and trusted to work on this project following a competitive tender process.
“This is an important project for us, and this contract with a key industry player again involves the use of our Technowrap™ composite solution, which has become an increasingly common feature of planned maintenance campaigns – not least because of its low carbon footprint.”
Chris Otterbeck, Service Delivery Manager at IC Integrity, said: “We have completed more than 100 applications of the Technowrap™ composite solution for this client and the latest award reflects well on our dependable technology, technical capability and extensive track record.”
As the world moves towards a lower carbon emission future, the firm’s Technowrap™ and Quickflange™ products continue to offer significant benefits in the context of the climate change agenda.
Technowrap™ provides life-long repairs that can be applied to internal, external and through-wall defects on complex geometries. It reduces emissions by 66% compared to the traditional replacement methods.
Quickflange™ offers cold work solutions with weldless, high-performance flange-to-pipe connections. It is a cost-effective and efficient solution generating up to 80% time saving and a 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over traditional welding.
In addition, INSONO™ is an innovative NDT (non-destructive testing) technique for the inspection of engineered composite repairs. It can validate the condition and integrity of composite repairs, giving operators long-term performance assurance.
ICR Group has partners in 25 countries and offices in the UK, Norway, USA and the Middle East. IC Integrity is a joint venture between ICR Group and IAS (UGL).
For further information, go to https://icrias-jv.com.au/
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.
