Swire Oilfield Services (Swire), the leading global supplier of cargo carrying solutions, modular systems, offshore aviation services and fluid management has officially opened two new facilities in the Macaé region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.
The establishment of the new facilities in this key strategic hub for the oil and gas industry is part of the company’s long-term growth plan that will see Swire Oilfield Services expand its presence across South America.
Located in Macaé, the sling manufacturing facility will produce an array of wire rope products including lifting sets for cargo carrying units (CCUs) and is expected to produce up to 3,000 units per year. The second facility is the first DNV 2.7-1 offshore CCU manufacturing plant in Brazil. Owned by Mayfly / GWR, and run in partnership with Swire, the plant exclusively caters for Swire’s growing requirements in Brazil. Located just outside Macaé, the plant has a current production capacity of 1,000 units per year with significant in-built expansion capacity. In line with the shift in industry expectations, both facilities are certified to DNV 2.7-1 and are ISO accredited.
Since Swire began its Brazilian operations in 2010, the company has invested more than £40 million (R$120 million) in the region, which has included importing in excess of 3,000 units, infrastructure installation, a 60,000m2 land purchase in Imboassica on top of the significant investment in local recruitment. The new facilities are expected to generate approximately 200 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years.
Marcelo Nacif, general manager of Swire Oilfield Services in Brazil said, "With deep water exploration and pre-salt activity, Brazil will demand more modern solutions in transportation logistics in order to guarantee the safety of operational professionals and the integrity of valuable exploration equipment.
"Our products are used by the major international companies which already operate in Brazil and hold contracts with Swire Oilfield Services. Our goal is that these two new bases will perform not only support our traditional logistics operations but also service the rapidly changing and growing Brazilian market."
Rupert Bray, chief operating officer for Swire Oilfield Services, said, "The establishment of these two new facilities demonstrates our commitment to the region and the significant investment we are making highlights the global importance of Brazil. The underlying principals of exceptional performance in HSEQ, and delivering the highest levels of customer service continue to be the foundation on which our growth is built.
"As the largest global provider of these units and associated services, Swire has the resources and commitment to invest in growth and to assist the offshore industry in achieving its safety, quality and productivity targets."