Nova Scotia's Energy Team Heads to Houston

Nova Scotia's energy team is targeting expanded exploration, development and investment opportunities at one of the world's biggest oil and gas shows. Energy Minister Cecil Clarke is leading a delegation of 37 companies and organizations to the 2004 Offshore Technology Conference being held in Houston, Texas, from Monday, May 3 to Thursday, May 6.

"Bringing these companies to Houston is a crucial part of promoting our offshore potential," said Mr. Clarke. "There's no substitute for face-to-face meetings, sitting down with prospective investors and partners to build relationships that will lead to future business success. The Department of Energy is proud to work with the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS) to bring this impressive delegation of Nova Scotia companies to Houston."

The minister will meet with senior officials from several energy companies and will make presentations on behalf of the Nova Scotia government. The four-day conference includes a trade show, technical presentations, news conferences and industry meetings. This year, the Nova Scotia team will offer technical presentations on geological prospects, business capacity and skills and training at Café Nova Scotia, a networking and operating centre located at the Nova Scotia booth.

The companies and organizations heading to Houston represent Nova Scotia's growing oil and gas industry and have expertise in engineering, fabrication, supply and services, training and business development. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Nova Scotia Business Inc., the Greater Halifax Partnership join the companies in Nova Scotia's delegation. Irving Shipbuilding Inc., will also have a booth at the conference.

"OTANS members are doing business in Nova Scotia's offshore and around the globe," said OTANS chair, Tim Brownlow. "This conference is a great opportunity for us to meet potential customers from all over the world at one time. That's what makes this show such a valuable investment."

Founded in 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference is the world's foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection. With more than 2,500 exhibiting companies and 50,000 delegates, the Offshore Technology Conference ranks among the 10 largest trade shows in terms of attendance.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Following is a list of Nova Scotia delegates at 2004 Offshore Technology Conference.

ACCENT Engineering Consultants Incorporated:
ACCENT Engineering Consultants Incorporated is a multi- discipline, 400-person engineering and project management firm providing services to the oil and gas industry. Current contracts include the execution of all engineering and technical services for ExxonMobil's SOEP Tier I Offshore and Onshore Facilities and, in partnership with other firms, the Deep Panuke Offshore Development Project and the El Paso Blue Atlantic Pipeline Project.

Alscott Air Systems Limited:
Alscott Air Systems Limited has capability and experience in the design and supply of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for shipbuilding and offshore applications. Alscott offers full turnkey support for HVAC systems, including technical support, equipment supply, installation, system commissioning, field inspection, repair and overhaul and life cycle maintenance support. Specialized marine HVAC equipment is supplied to meet each customer's specific requirements from a standard range of qualified equipment used throughout the shipbuilding and offshore market. This includes air handling units, fire dampers, control dampers, terminal units, a/c cooling units, filters, weather louvres and HVAC control systems.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA):
ACOA is a federal agency that provides economic development leadership to foster economic growth through business development and job creation. ACOA offers a range of programs and services to help entrepreneurs and small business through all stages of the business life cycle. The agency offers direct financial assistance to commercial enterprises and funds non-commercial business support organizations. ACOA also has agreements with the four Atlantic provinces, through which joint funding is directed to activities of mutual concern and interest. Other ACOA priorities include increasing entrepreneurship, developing tourism, enhancing business competitiveness through technology, promoting better business management practices, identifying trade opportunities, and improving access to small business financing.

Atlantic Steelworks Ltd.:
Offshore fabrication, repairs and maintenance, conversions, upgrades and modifications of ships, rigs and supply vessels, machine/shop, pressure vessels. Engineering and design. Jacket , piles and topside fabrication.

CHC Helicopters International:
Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., CHC Helicopters International (CHI) operates a fleet of 36 medium and heavy helicopters, providing helicopter transportation services to both onshore and offshore petroleum markets around the world. CHI operates 13 bases worldwide and employs a team of over 350 professionals.

Cherubini Group of Companies:
Cherubini has extensive experience encompassing structural steel, plate fabrication, bridge and marine construction. Our existing four fabrication facilities will soon be joined by an eight-acre waterfront fabrication yard on the shores of Halifax Harbour.

CKT Nova Scotia Limited:
CKT Nova Scotia Limited is an international specialist in the design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of custom-built modular packages and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration applications. From living quarters, laboratories, and technical modules to custom-built HVAC and refrigeration installations, CKT delivers a wide range of quality solutions suitable for the energy, marine, and defense industries. CKT Nova Scotia Limited operates worldwide and has a reputation built on quality, technology and commitment.

Energy @ Dalhousie:
One of Dalhousie University's newest initiatives and highest priorities is Energy @ Dalhousie. This strategic enterprise establishes Dalhousie as a leader in energy initiatives through the creation and promotion of a collaborative teaching and research community. Energy @ Dalhousie covers a broad range of research across many faculties and departments including chemical, civil, and petroleum engineering; earth sciences and oceanography; law, economics, management, and political science; and computer science and mathematics. Areas of expertise include reservoir development and management, asset management, offshore and onshore processing, environmental impacts, and geoscience. We are meeting the increasing demand for highly skilled graduates to fill the technical roles required in the Atlantic Canada energy sector, and providing innovative research to assist in developing onshore and offshore resources.

Energy Solutions Group, Inc.:
With 29 years of industry experience, ESG offers companies wishing to expand in the energy industry consulting expertise in business and export development, market intelligence, partnerships and joint ventures. We represent and market clients as well as their products to the energy industry.

Fabco Industries Limited:
Marine offshore oil and gas fabricator and maintenance contractor, specializing in machining, mechanical, project repairs and management. Welding services, machine shop, fabricators -- general, engines, deck machinery and equipment, cylinders, boiler services and supplies, hydrostatic testing, offshore -- marine and onshore.

Frontline Safety Limited:
Frontline Safety is the largest privately owned full service training, consulting, auditing and safety equipment rental and repair company in Eastern Canada. We provide our services both nationally and internationally to organizations requiring assistance in fulfilling their occupational health and safety requirements. Frontline Safety specializes in confined space and shutdown equipment rentals such as tripods, breathing air equipment, respirators and gas monitors.

G.J. Cahill & Co. Ltd:
G. J. Cahill is a 50-year old company with offices in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick serving a variety of industries. G.J. Cahill is proud to have been a part of the Hibernia and Terra Nova projects and today is participating in both the Sable Tier 2 and Whiterose projects. G.J. Cahill's growth in the oil and gas industry includes all aspects of multi- discipline construction service offerings. G.J. Cahill's expertise spans from cradle to grave in the evolution of offshore developments; this includes budgeting prior to project sanction, planning, work scope development, construction, commissioning, hook-up, start-up, operations and maintenance, shutdowns, modifications, and decommissioning.

Greater Halifax Partnership:
The Greater Halifax Partnership is the private-sector led economic development organization for Halifax and is committed to being a leading organization in the growth of the energy sector in Nova Scotia. More than 115 private sector companies, including some of the world's leading energy companies, and all three levels of government invest annually in the partnership and the economic growth of our region. As the lead organization in Halifax's successful bid for membership into the World Energy Cities Partnership, the Greater Halifax Partnership provides information and partners on initiatives to drive growth in Nova Scotia's energy sector. One example is the Economic Impact Analysis of Offshore Development on Nova Scotia. Visit www.greaterhalifax.com for more information.

Guysborough County Regional Development Authority:
The Guysborough County Regional Development Authority (GCRDA) has been providing accurate, timely information in relation to the investment opportunities within the emerging petroleum industry in this region of Nova Scotia since 1995. The GCRDA has built a solid reputation as a professional economic development organization, working in concert with the private and public sectors. Established databases of relevant information allow the GCRDA to focus its energy on the investor. With two large, unencumbered industrial properties, in Goldboro (700 acres) and in Melford (14,500 acres), on the Strait of Canso we have the ideal locations to fulfill the requirements of industry as it grows in Nova Scotia.

Halifax Port Authority:
The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) is a government business enterprise mandated by the federal minister of Transport. The HPA leads in the development of the Port of Halifax and thereby serves as a catalyst for the local, regional and national economies. Products and services: port facilities. Qualifications and experience: oil and gas development projects. Member of the American Association of Port Authorities, International Association of Ports and Harbours and the Association of Canadian Port Authorities.

Hydraulic Systems Limited:
We are experienced in handling turnkey projects in marine, forestry and offshore markets, incorporating centralized hydraulic power systems, hydrostatic drives, deck machines, pneumatic and mechanical systems, filtration systems, piping installations and integrated control systems. We provide integrated pipework conditioning services comprising, pressure testing, chemical cleaning, oil flushing and on site certification for hydraulic and lubrication systems as completed by us for Hibernia. We represent: Denison, Danfoss, Gresen, Stauff, Pullmaster, Racor, Lantec, CC Jensen, etc.

Inland Technologies International:
Inland Technologies designs and builds equipment to reclaim and reuse monoethylene glycol {MEG] used as hydrate inhibitor in production lines. Low concentrations of MEG/water are processed using evaporation and/or distillation equipment for re-use in the same installation. Using a combination of technologies, Inland can meet extremely stringent environmental guidelines.

Irving Shipbuilding Inc./Halifax Shipyard:
Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is Canada's leading company in offshore construction, rig completion, shipbuilding, repair and conversion, fabrication, and total turnkey projects. Combining resources of six sites, together with engineering, pipe fabrication and quality assurance services, ISI ensures high product quality, project management and planned delivery. The group includes: Halifax Shipyard, Woodside Industries, Pictou Shipyard, East Isle Shipyard, Shelburne Ship Repair, Steel and Engine Products, Fleetway (engineering), AQTS (QA services). Woodside Industries in Halifax Harbour has clear passage to the Atlantic Ocean. This is a covered facility and has storage space with offices and services. It is fully equipped with carnage, CNC machines for metal preparation, fabrication, and outfitting. As one of Canada's leading offshore fabricators, Woodside Industries offers a full range of construction, modification, and maintenance services. This capability was utilized for the construction of the platform topsides for the Cohasset Project, Sable Project, as well as the utility shafts for the Hibernia Project jack-up and semi completion and upgrades and currently for the South Venture Deck.

Jacques Whitford Group:
JACQUES WHITFORD is a privately owned, multidisciplinary firm of consulting engineers, environmental scientists and risk consultants. Founded in 1972, with the corporate office in Dartmouth, the company now has 37 offices in Canada, the United States and internationally. Jacques Whitford provides the following technical services to a broad client base: geotechnical engineering -- onshore and offshore capabilities; environmental services -- sciences, engineering, management systems, hydrogeology, air quality and noise assessment; materials engineering; occupational health and safety services; and risk management services.

JADE Communications Inc.:
JADE Communications Inc. is an award-winning public relations and marketing firm. In partnership with our clients, we create comprehensive strategies involving research, development, implementation, and evaluation. We provide a suite of services including writing and editing, graphic and website design, media relations and training, presentation development and communications counsel. Our clients include Nova Scotia Power, Bangor Hydro-Electric, Remote Access Technology, Sani Engineering Ltd., Flemming Project Consultants, Victorian Order of Nurses, and IWK Health Centre. We offer international capabilities through an associate relationship with Hill & Knowlton Canada. H&K is a world leader in public relations and public affairs, with 72 offices in 38 countries.

LITECO Inc.:
Liteco is an electrical distribution company, with 12 locations in the Maritimes. Our offshore oil and gas interests are managed through our Dartmouth branch. Our success on large projects has helped established us as one of the leaders in this industry. We now maintain local inventory to support this industry.

M5 Marketing Communications:
For more than 20 years, the professionals at M5 Marketing Communications have offered the best advice in Atlantic Canada. With office in Halifax, St. John's and Moncton, our energy industry clients include the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Enbridge Energy and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.

Mammoet Canada Eastern Ltd.:
Suppliers of heavy lift and transportation equipment. Transporters 600 S.P.M.T axles and 600 conventional axles. 500 cranes -- maximum capacity of 3600 tonne. Mammoet Canada Eastern Ltd. has been involved in oil and gas projects around the world. Work has included lifting and transporting offshore jackets, decks and platforms. Projects in East Coast Canada have included: Sable, Hibernia and Terra Nova.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline:
M&NP is an 880 mile transmission system that transports natural gas from offshore Nova Scotia to markets in Atlantic Canada and northeastern U.S. With current capacity in excess of 0.5 Bcfd, M&NP is economically expandable along its existing corridor. M&NP provides interconnects with PNGTS, Tennessee Gas Pipeline, & Algonquin Gas Transmission.

Martec Limited:
Martec Limited is a leading engineering firm specializing in the development and application of numerical modeling and engineering analysis software. Martec provides consulting services, engineering software and contract research for a wide variety of industries including marine, offshore, aerospace and defence. Martec provides solutions to structural, materials and environmental problems for clients in industry and government. In general, this involves developing software tools and virtual prototypes for the analysis of complex structures and systems, such as aircraft, ships, pipelines, harbours, and offshore structures, as well as coastal and ocean processes. Martec's diverse capabilities, extensive experience and highly qualified professional staff have given the company an international reputation for superior technical expertise and client responsiveness. Founded in 1973, Martec is a privately owned company with headquarters in Halifax.

Municipality of the County of Richmond:
Richmond County established its economic development department in March 1999. Its present mandate is to promote and encourage the economic development of Point Tupper and Bear Head. Targeted industries include petroleum, fabrication and an offshore supply base. A new oil and gas office has been established to facilitate planning and infrastructure development. In addition to marketing to potential investors and developing a network of government and private sector contracts, the office will participate with community agencies and groups in the Strait of Canso area. It is expected that the new office will play a proactive role in projects proposed for the Point Tupper/Bear Head area including oil and gas, petroleum, heavy manufacturing, energy, etc.

Nova Communications:
Largest Motorola authorized two-way radio dealer, service and systems dealer in Atlantic Canada. Technical staff is Motorola factory trained. Technicians with WHIMIS and basic survival training for offshore service, two-way radio, paging, SCADA, data communications, position tracking systems, HF SSB, NDB, microwave and satellite. Offices throughout Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. 24-hour emergency service.

Nova Scotia Business Inc.:
Nova Scotia Business Inc. is the province's business development agency -- an organization that works with companies to provide business solutions. The private-sector led agency works to attract new businesses to the province and help those already in Nova Scotia expand through services like export development and financing. As the province's first point of contact for business, Nova Scotia Business Inc. guides business development efforts in the energy sector primarily through trade and export initiatives, as well as energy related manufacturing business investment opportunities.

Nova Scotia Community College:
As Nova Scotia's public college we respond to meet the challenges of the oil and gas and marine industries of the province. Our mandate is to support the communities we serve by providing quality, relevant training and education. Courses and programs offer the flexibility to meet your specific organizational requirements and can be delivered within your environment, offsite, or at one of our 13 locations provincewide. The college operates several unique facilities that are particularly suited to the needs of the oil and gas industry. These include the Atlantic Canada Centre for Electrical Technologies (ACCET), designed to provide explosion protection training (otherwise known as ex training), the Gas Technology Training Centre, the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) and the Nautical Institute.

Ocean Resources:
Ocean-Resources.com is designed, in consultation with oil and gas players throughout the region, to be the oil and gas industry's preferred source for current and accurate information on the East Coast. Features of the site include: daily industry news, procurements and contracts, calendar of events, Ocean Resources Magazine, industry players, natural gas and energy news, career opportunities, oil and gas directory, and lots more.

Patterson Palmer:
Patterson Palmer is one of Atlantic Canada's pre-eminent law firms. The energy, oil and gas group has experience in serving the sector from a legal and public policy perspective. The group is committed to adding value for their clients by providing leadership and merging local understanding with a global perspective. Their client base includes major firms in upstream and downstream sectors and other stakeholders. Visit www.pattersonpalmer.ca .

Pro-Dive Oceaneering Co.:
Pro-Dive Oceaneering Co. is a subsea services provider supplying heavy work class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) services, subsea engineering, tooling and deepwater expertise to the oil and gas industry on the east coast of Canada. Pro-Dive Oceaneering is a Canadian company with base facilities strategically located in St. John's, NL, and Halifax.

Spectrol Energy Service Inc.:
Spectrol is an ISO 9001 registered company providing inspection, quality and asset integrity engineering services, principally to the oil and gas industry on a worldwide basis. Since 1991, we have helped clients maximize equipment reliability and plant availability through traditional NDE and advanced non-intrusive inspection techniques as well as risk-based inspection programs. More recently, our international vendor quality surveillance business has expanded into China, Brazil, Korea and West Africa. Our lifting equipment inspection business can provide value-added training and certification programs for new and existing clients. Our tubular inspection business continues to provide innovative and cost effective technical solutions for clients that require advanced ultrasonic inspections of tubing and drill pipe in remote locations. Spectrol has offices in Atlantic Canada and Houston, Texas and affiliate offices in major industrial areas both nationally and internationally.

TD Bank Financial Group:
TD Commercial Banking, is collectively with it's affiliates referred to as TD Bank Financial Group (TD). Through offices across Canada, U.S. and major world centres, TD offers a wide range of corporate banking services, including operating, term lending facilities, cash management, letters of credit, deposits, international money transfer facilities and financial advisory services. The bank has officers who specialize in servicing industry groups such as energy, minerals, forest products, communications, insurance, automotive, health care, technology, chemicals, retailing, food and beverage.

Welaptega Marine Limited:
Welaptega Marine is the world leader in the underwater inspection of the mooring systems for floating production. The company is involved both in the development and commercialization of proprietary inspection technologies, and holds several international patents. Through an alliance with ChainCo International Welaptega can also supply traditional topsides inspection of moorings. Welaptega is active internationally, with operational experience and associate companies in Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Brazil and the United Kingdom. Subsea engineering support services, including: ROV-deployed mooring inspection systems for offshore facilities (FPSOs, FSUs, FPUs, CALM/SALM), deepwater (4000m) 3D video, marine growth (biofouling) management services. Affiliations: The Craig Group, Aberdeen, Scotland; Circle Technical, Aberdeen, Scotland; Surespek ISS pty, Perth, Australia; Lateral AS, Stavanger, Norway; IMS Brasil, Rio de Janiero, Brasil; Seaworks, New Plymouth, New Zealand.