CARIS HIPS is a powerful software system, which effectively processes large bathymetric data-sets for hydrographic surveys, cable and pipeline route surveys, geophysical exploration, as well as management and control of the fisheries. CARIS HIPS 5.1 has an enhanced user-friendly interface for importing and processing multibeam and singlebeam data from a variety of sonar formats. They include Simrad, Atlas, Elac, Reson, Hypack, and many more. In addition, new and improved algorithms have been developed to permit fast and easy sensor cleaning.

Additional highlights of CARIS HIPS 5.1 are the introduction of the Surface Cleaning functions for area based depth cleaning using polynomial regression and a scheme for subdividing the survey area based on HHcoded tiles. The Surface Cleaning uses an iterative, re-weighted, least squares (IRLS) algorithm for computing polynomial solutions within each HHcode tile. The polynomial solution for each tile is used to compute the residual for each sounding and to compare the residual against user defined statistical thresholds. CARIS HIPS 5.1 in also introducing the new HIPS Field Sheet Editor tool, which will allow the user to define field sheets covering the survey project area. The field sheets can then be populated with output product data generated from the clean bathymetry.

In its twenty-year history, CARIS has developed an innovative product line of geospatial technologies for applications in Land, Marine and Systems Integration that is reshaping the geomatics industry.
To learn more about CARIS HIPS 5.1 visit http://www.caris.com.

ETCE 2001 features topical industry symposia on drilling, production and pipelines, materials, dynamics, plus offshore and Artic systems, among others. Workshops topics will include discussion in the areas of Gas Lift, J-Pipelaying, Multiphase Metering and Compact Separation.

Three top industry leaders will deliver keynote speeches during the conference. They include Michael E. Wiley, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Baker Hughes Incorporated, Dr. Paul Chu, director of the Texas Center for Superconductivity and professor of Physics at the University of Houston, and Luis E. Giusti, senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based institute on public policy.

Other events include an international reception, the annual luncheon hosted by ASME’s Petroleum Division and the ETCE Reception and Awards Banquet. ASME International is a 125,000-member organization focused on technical, educational and research issues.

ASME conducts one of the world’s largest technical publishing operations, holds some 30 technical conferences and 200 professional development courses each year, and sets internationally recognized industrial and manufacturing standards. E-mail Mel Torre at torrem@asme.org or visit http://www.asme.org

This comes on top of the supply of five more Rapid Response Rugged complete Hydrographic systems supplied to the British Navy. Two of the Black Box systems have already been in service for some months. The Black Box system is a specialized complex box unit containing the Bruttour Ceeducer , a Rocky2 rugged PC running HypackMax software with Helmsman display and enough battery power run an intense survey for more than 9 hours in one run. External GPS or Differential corrections are also capable with the system, making it a very versatile complete system which was designed especially for the MoD. Since the buyout of the Del Norte Technology Ltd company by Laurie Smith the business has taken on a new and enthusiastic forward push. In the last two months nine HypackMax Hydrographic software packages, and numerous Navitronics Echo Sounder and software packages have been sold.

With the addition of Bristol and Great Yarmouth Port Authorities Del Norte now have seventeen UK waters ports running its dedicated Hydrographic systems. The ISO9000 quality and after sales support ensures that more will be added in the next exciting year. Laurie wishes to thank everyone who has supported him over the last year and wishes all E-PageAds readers an enjoyable Christmas break and hope for a peaceful and profitable 2001 for everyone. E-mail Laurie Smith at Lsmith@del-norte.co.uk or visit http://www.del-norte.co.uk

Reidar Michaelsen, Chairman/CEO of PGS, stated: "We are convinced that the work performed on the 'Ramform Banff' during this shipyard stay will solve the problems that have previously limited production during harsh weather conditions. We are committed to the project and would like all safety and mechanical issues to be finalized during this shipyard stay. This delay is not significant to PGS' earnings, especially in light of existing insurance coverage, and in reality the weather conditions during late December and early January would not make for an efficient re-connect in any case. We will continue to keep the market appraised of our progress towards first oil as we move into January 2001."

PGS, an oilfield service company, is primarily involved in two areas of activity: geophysical seismic services and production services. For full press release, click here.

Under the terms of the letter of intent, the joint venture would own and operate the existing R&B Falcon U.S. Gulf of Mexico marine business, consisting of 34 offshore tugs, 72 inland tugs, 28 crewboats and 66 service barges. In connection with the formation of the joint venture, R&B Falcon would receive $80 million in the form of a secured contingent note and 25 percent of the equity of the joint venture company. For full press release, click here

The stricken refrigerated cargo ship "Green Ålesund" has three fuel tanks that threatened to spew tons of heavy bunker oil into the waters off Haugesund. Stein-Inge Riise of Riise Underwater Engineering said the vessel's largest tank was emptied on Monday. The two others were emptied by mid-day Tuesday, leaving only lubricating oil in a hard-to-get-to tank behind the engine room. Riise's crews pumped a total of 214 tonnes of oil off the reefer. For full press release, click here

Woodside will take a 15 per cent interest in the Ohanet Risk Service Contract (RSC), a 50 per cent interest in the Boukhechba Production Sharing Contract and a 50 per cent interest in the Ouest Hassi R'Mel Gas Study Agreement. The transaction is subject to Algerian government and SONATRACH approvals. For more information, visit http://www.bhp.com

Speaking about the award, Raymond Carlsen, President of Kvaerner Oilfield Products in Norway, said: "Kvaerner's selection as supplier for the Canyon Express Development consolidates our position as one of the world's leading supplier of umbilical systems." The Canyon Express Development, operated by Elf Exploration, Inc. (a TotalFinaElf affiliate), combines the production from three deep-water oil fields. These are BP's King's Peak, (BP, operator), Aconcagua, (Elf Exploration, Inc., operator) and Camden Hills (Marathon Oil Company, operator). The depths range between 1,900 and 2,200 metres.

The Canyon Express umbilical system will be the deepest steel tube umbilical ever installed, containing steel tubes, electrical cables and fibre optics. The work embraces the production of more than 100 kilometres of steel tube umbilicals, of which 73 kilometres will be supplied as one continuous length. The three fields will be 'daisy-chained' together. For more information, visit http://www.kvaerner.com/group/ and click on 'News'