Technology Transfer Builds Industries

Technology transfer, a subset of knowledge transfer, is a benefit inherently derived from the creation of joint venture alliances. In fact, research on the topic suggests that international joint ventures are ­considered to be the most efficient formal mechanisms for technology transfer to occur—through inter-­partner learning.

In 1995, the Crosbie Group Limited (CGL) considered just that in building a relationship with Salamis of Aberdeen. The joint venture company, Crosbie Salamis Limited, was successful in ­replicating the multi-disciplined support services and maintenance solutions ­being delivered in the U.K. offshore environment and adapting them to ­satisfy local industry needs. At that time, traveling to the U.K. to see the ­processes and technologies in action and to infuse international project management expertise into the local environment, Crosbie Salamis Limited consistently delivered innovative solutions and industry-leading processes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas industry—and continues to do so today as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Crosbie Group Limited.

Eighteen years later the company is continuing down a similar path. Building from the success of the previous U.K. relationship, the Crosbie Group Limited, through its member company Atlantic Maintenance Services (AMS), has established a joint venture company with PYEROY, an industry-leading multi-disciplined industrial services provider based in Newcastle, U.K. Grounded in a trusted partnership ethos, there is a great deal to gain from the affiliation—with technology transfer being yet another obvious benefit.

The application of corrosion barrier systems is a core service offering of CGL’s industrial service-based businesses, both onshore and ­offshore, and likewise for PYEROY. As such, the company is keen to embrace new technologies and methodologies in this regard—broadening the breadth of the service offering and ensuring effective solutions. ­Thermal Sprayed Aluminum (TSA) is one such option, and it seems to be ­garnering increased attention since the onset of the Hebron project. Although the benefits of using this technique are notable, the application of aluminum coatings via gas or electric systems can be complex with numerous impacts to consider. Fortunately, PYEROY has over 20 years of experience in TSA service delivery and is eager to transfer that learning to the local joint venture. As it currently stands, this application is not prevalent in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Realizing the steep learning curve often associated with the ­adoption of technologies such as the TSA application, establishing a joint ­venture alliance to deliver the service (among other services) appeared to be the best-fit option to provide a more viable guarantee to clients. ­Infusing years of process experience and best-practice solutions into the ­local industry from the onset provides a framework for a more ­efficient ­model from which future service delivery can be benchmarked against. ­Keeping the potential safety, quality, and environmental concerns in mind, 20 years of prior experience in addressing these issues brings incontestable value to the offering. It would be extremely difficult to ­replicate that value through simply purchasing the equipment and ­delivering the service.

The oil and gas industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, and elsewhere for that matter, has benefited immensely from the technology transfer ­activity over the past 20 years or more. There are obvious ­advantages, from an efficiency and effectiveness perspective, of condensing the adoption learning curve through shadowing experienced industry ­leaders—and in the process developing local talent.