Orga shows the way ahead at OTC 2017

Orga once again exhibited at the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2017 in Houston, Texas, 1–4 May.

The largest event in the world for the oil and gas industry, this year’s OTC featured more than 2,300 exhibitors, with attendees representing 100 countries.

Despite the fact that attendance was down on last year, at more than 64,700, the pervading mood at OTC was one that was fairly optimistic about the shape of the offshore industry.

While efficiency, safety and technology formed a large part of this year’s programme, one new theme explored how industry conditions are creating technology breakthroughs.

“This is particularly apparent in the niche area of offshore helideck lighting,” says Daniel Powell, Business Manager Helideck at Orga, looking back at OTC 2017. “Orga has been operating in this market for more than 40 years and during that time we have witnessed many changes to the CAP437 regulatory framework governing offshore helideck landing areas.

“For the last 20 years we have worked closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) – the UK’s specialist aviation regulator – developing new CAP437 standards and manufacturing the respective advanced technologies. Previous projects include Touchdown/Position Marking (TD/PM) Circle-H lighting, helideck status light and perimeter light system – all of which were showcased by Orga at OTC.”

Powell continues, “Game-changing innovation is at the heart of Orga’s business. In fact, we are currently working with the UK CAA on the development and validation of a new specification to add function to a vessel’s Helideck Monitoring System (HMS).”

Following the recent release of the updated eighth edition of CAP437, OTC was a timely event says Powell. “With less than 12 months before the UK CAA’s 31 March 2018 deadline for implementing Circle-H lighting on offshore helidecks in the UK, it was a good place to meet current and new customers and discuss what needs to be done to avoid night flying restrictions.”

CAP437 is the accepted worldwide source of reference, and globally the industry is now well aware of the Circle-H requirement, says Powell. “Brazil’s aviation safety regulations are being updated to include Circle-H lighting and other countries will follow. From talking with the many international visitors to our stand, the message from OTC was clear: they wanted to get ahead and start planning for future requirements.”

With a long history of collaborating with the UK CAA and more than 60 Circle-H systems installed worldwide with over 100,000 landings, Orga is well positioned to help advise clients on changing aviation safety regulations and to provide efficient compliant helideck lighting solutions. “OTC gives us the ideal platform,” says Powell.

“OTC continues to be an important feature in Orga’s calendar, demonstrated by the high quality attendees, feedback and new opportunities we took from this year’s event. I would like to thank all those who attended and to our staff who worked hard to make this an enjoyable and successful OTC 2017.”