The appointment of Arthur Hollmann has enabled Bluestream Offshore to gain a vital foothold in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) market, complementing its existing Specialist Services capability.
Certified by the Netherlands Directive Detection and Clearance of Conventional Explosives (BRL-OCE), Arthur Hollman’s considerable knowledge in the EOD field stems from his work as an EOD Diving Officer in the Royal Netherlands Navy. Subsequently, as Division Manager at Monshouwer, Arthur established the company’s UXO clearance services. His expertise is now helping diving, ROV and rope access specialists Bluestream to provide a logical extension to its energy and marine industry support services. Arthur will be responsible for the UXO and Renewable disciplines at Bluestream.
Bluestream’s Managing Director Rolf de Vries is clear about the importance of Arthur’s experience to the company’s enhanced capability: “Leveraging Arthur’s unique insight and knowledge has enabled us to offer high quality marine surveys, investigation, consultancy, training and support for the clearance of areas contaminated with ordnance, bombs and mines. This is a key development for the company, in line with our mission to provide world-class survey expertise in challenging offshore environments.”
Arthur Hollmann outlines the problem faced by some of Bluestream’s clients: “Unexploded ordnance (UXO) and bombs (UXB) contaminate many of the world’s onshore and offshore environments. The legacy of longstanding conflicts, military use or sea dumping, ammunition, bombs and sea mines present an ongoing risk to people, vessels and infrastructure. However, as companies race to develop the energy potential of the sea, the need for UXO surveys is set to increase. Given the complexities of the marine environment, it’s essential that the right experience and resources are deployed” .
Bluestream Offshore assesses, manages and mitigates UXO and UXB risks in accordance with statutory regulations. The company’s bespoke EOD risk mitigation strategies range from initial desk-based threat assessments through the complete EOD risk mitigation process. This results in clearance certification that meets exact client requirements.
Supporting windfarm developments; subsea cable and pipe-laying projects; oil, gas and mineral exploration; and capital dredging projects, Bluestream’s services include:
Bluestream Offshore is currently providing underwater UXO clearance support to Phase II of the Thorntonbank Wind Farm, offshore Belgium.
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Source: iro, December 07, 2011; Image: bluestreamoffshore