H-Expertise Services is a leading service company specialising in comprehensive study reports on any release at sea. By utilising advanced technology and scientific methodologies, H-Expertise Services meticulously measures the environmental impact of oil spills, produced water or drilling discharge on marine waters and coastal regions. Their expert team conducts detailed assessments, operational recommendations, and coastal ecosystem disturbances.
By providing accurate and timely reports, H-Expertise Services aids regulatory bodies, environmental organizations, and marine operators in understanding the extent of the damage, facilitating informed decision-making for mitigation and restoration efforts. Their commitment to environmental stewardship ensures that the detrimental effects of offshore industrial operations are effectively addressed, promoting the long-term health and sustainability of marine and coastal environments.
Our environmental services
Simulation software
At H-ES we use SINTEF’s MEMW, which is composed of 3 modules dedicated to 3 different types of offshore discharge.
Oscar
The OSCAR module accounts for weathering and physical, biological and chemical processes affecting oil at sea, which have been coupled with laboratory activities at the SINTEF headquarters. This is used by our experts to simulate oil spills.
Dream
The DREAM module accounts for up to 200 chemical components, each described by a set of physical, chemical and toxicological parameters. This is used by our experts to simulate chemical discharge.
ParTrack
The ParTrack module, developed to simulate any particulate discharge in the marine environment, such as those released in drilling operations, but can be used for any particulate discharge at sea.
Our process
Data requirements
Our environmental team collaborates with you to gather the essential data required for our advanced simulations. This data can include release durations, environmental parameters, release coordinates, time step intervals, oil/chemical/particulate components, flow rates, and well architecture.
Simulation tests
We then conduct simulation tests using the collected data to verify that there are no issues and all inputs have been correctly selected, ensuring the accuracy of the results.
Simulation running
The simulations are then executed for the designated durations. The time required to complete the simulations can vary depending on the amount of input data, particularly concerning the time steps and the output of results.
Post simulation data treatment
After simulating discharge in the marine environment, our team meticulously processes, analyses, and interprets the generated data. This crucial step ensures that raw outputs are transformed into meaningful and actionable insights.
Data cleaning and extraction
Using Python Anaconda, an open-source distribution for Python and R programming languages, we begin by cleaning and extracting the necessary data. This phase ensures that the data accurately reflects our clients’ needs, resulting in a refined and specific dataset.
Data visualisation
The cleaned data is then input into Esri’s ArcGIS Pro for advanced data visualisation. Here, we create a variety of maps, such as presence probability and environmental sensitivity maps, to effectively represent the findings. This can be in the form of maps, graphs, charts and direct screen captures from the simulation software.
Statistical analysis
We perform detailed statistical analyses, extracting data from both MEMW and ArcGIS to identify relationships and trends. These analyses are represented through graphs and diagrams, providing clear and comprehensive insights.
Reporting and presentation
The analysed data is compiled into PowerPoint presentations or detailed reports, depending on the client’s preferred format. Throughout the entire project, our team collaborates closely with clients and partners to ensure the final results are tailored to their specific needs.
By following this thorough post-simulation data treatment process, we deliver precise and valuable insights, supporting our clients in making informed decisions based on the most accurate and relevant data available.
Our environmental team
Benjamin Livas
Environmental Modelling Expert
After obtaining a Master’s degree in aquatic ecosystem dynamics, Benjamin began working in the coastal environment field in a CNRS laboratory in Dinard, France. This work led him to bring his expertise to the oil and gas industry, working as a marine and coastal environment engineer on various projects. A keen surfer, Benjamin finds a perfect balance between his love of the sea and his work, often spending his weekends riding the waves off the French coast. With 11 years’ experience, he now specialises in the modelling of any discharge into the marine environment (oil spills, produced water, drilling cuttings, etc.) and the associated response, mainly using the MEMW© software, of which he is a certified user by the developers, SINTEF, located in Norway.
Lauren Derby
Environmental Modelling Engineer
Lauren holds a Master’s degree in Physical Geography from the University of Newcastle in England, and initially worked as a teaching assistant at the same university. She then joined the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN’s leading authority on weather, climate and water. During this time, she contributed to the history of global climate observing systems, the analysis of key climate variables, and the study of glaciers and sea ice, focusing on cryospheric hazards.
A keen sportswoman, Lauren devotes her spare time to a variety of sporting activities, balancing her demanding job with her love of exercise. In 2023, Lauren joined H-ES to strengthen the Environmental Services department, bringing her expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Python programming.