Newsletter N°14 - April 2012


OXAND - Newsletter 14
editorial

edito

Fukushima : What is the return on experience today?

Their goal is to draw lessons from the catastrophe and launch actions to reinforce the safety of the archipelago's installations.

During my recent visit to the Hamaoka nuclear power plant operated by Chubu Electric Power, I was able to observe the commitment of the entire firm. In less than 12 months, they analyzed in detail the tsunami risk scenarios, drastically increased the safety margins, opted for a new engineering solution, consulted suppliers, negotiated construction contracts, undertook exceptional works to reinforce safety … And all of this within a very short time frame as all the works will have to be completed before the end of this year!

The other important stake at present is restoring the confidence of both the public and government so that the nuclear power plants can be started up again once the corrective actions have been completed. This will, without doubt, require the intervention of outside third parties capable of evaluating the options retained in full objectivity and in an international framework.

The humility of the Japanese in reviewing their ways of doing things by improving their processes for greater safety constitutes an example to be followed in numerous industrial sectors.

Enjoy reading this 14th issue of our Newsletter.

 

Bruno GERARD
B.Gerard
Chairman and CEO
Oxand group

 


 

HeadOffice2011

Photographies ©Emile Luider / La Company pour Aéroports de Paris - Coentunnel - Infrabel - Iter Fidelis - Oxand

 


 
international  


Building and managing a supply chain for major infrastructure projects

DCInterview with Didier Combes, head of the Manufacturing Inspection department at NNB Genco, a EDF Energy - Centrica joint venture for new build nuclear projects in the UK. His mission includes the qualification and quality control of all major suppliers involved in the delivery of NNB’s new-build EPR projects in the UK. A new generation of nuclear plant construction is underway and for Didier Combes it is time to improve the way that suppliers are selected and controlled, by using a risk-based methodology.

Why is the qualification of suppliers and contractors a crucial strategic factor?
For any major engineering project, subcontracting or entrusting activities to suppliers is strategic, as choices made directly impact the quality and success of the final installation. Selection of suppliers affects not only the financial success of the programme and the respect of deadlines, but also engages ... >> Read more

 
 
inbrief fleche


Oxand and Suncor extend their collaboration on SAGD well integrity
Building on previous studies conducted in 2010-2011, the Canadian Oil & Gas leader Suncor Energy has commissioned Oxand to perform a 3D finite elements modeling study on their thermal wells producing bitumen via SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) technology from the Athabasca Oil Sands (Province of Alberta).
The results will enable Suncor to optimize the design, drilling and operations of SAGD wells, to ensure wellbore integrity over the whole lifecycle.

sagd


Oxand Switzerland accompanies the creation of a new asset management structure
In Switzerland, four electricity distribution network management entities have decided to regroup their forces by creating a common structure to improve asset performance.
They have asked Oxand to accompany them in setting up this firm, Tamdis. The multiple-phase mission entrusted to Oxand consultants entails analysis of the current situation, process creation support, elaboration of the first investment masterplan, advice and training. In short, a complete asset management service with the following objective: to provide Tamdis with all the tools required to accomplish its mission of optimizing the assets for which it will henceforth be responsible.


Widening Wilheminakanaal waterway – quality action plan for new lock
wilhemineThe Wilhelminakanaal is a major waterway in the south of the Netherlands. Opened nearly 90 years ago, Wilheminakanaal has seen a growth in traffic. Iter Fidelis, Oxand's Dutch subsidiary, has been working with a consortium on its tender for the design and construction of works to widen the canal, to allow it to accommodate larger vessels. The project also includes a new Lock III, adjacent to the existing old lock III, which will be constructed while operations continue. The consulting work carried out by Iter Fidelis included writing the Quality Action Plan for the project, describing organization and collaboration with the client Rijkswaterstaat, environmental hindrance reduction measures and implementation of risk and opportunity management.


Port of Sète facilities and equipment maintenance plan: 2012-2020
seteSince the beginning of 2008, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France has entrusted the operation of the port of Sète to the public service Port Sud de France (PSF). PSF asked Oxand to provide it with a vision of the maintenance works that will be required until 2020 for the equipment and facilities of the Sète port complex (boom cranes, gantry cranes, loaders, vehicles, buildings, hangars, roads, tracks,...).
This maintenance plan, which concerns the maintenance, repair and renewal of material assets, is accompanied by a financial analysis enabling the management to annually budget the expenses for maintenance, major works and renewal that are required for the proper functioning of the port over the long term.


Managing the supply chain for major nuclear new-build projects
In Great Britain, NNB GenCo, an EDF Energy and Centrica joint venture, is responsible for delivering the new nuclear power plant programs. Its Quality Control department recently entrusted Oxand UK with a specific mission: to provide a support tool for evaluating the supply chain that will be involved in the design and construction of the future EPR reactors at Hinkley Point and Sizewell.
Oxand’s solution integrates data from quality standards, (ISO 9001, IAEA GS-R-3...), nuclear design and construction codes (ETC-C, RCC-M…) and NBB's own specifications, and provides a classification and evaluation of supply chain risks. The experts responsible for service-provider selection and qualification will have a valuable decision-making aid at their disposal, which will also allow them to make efficient use of previous experience and to perpetuate knowledge acquired.


Securing the French railway network against cable theft
fotoliaRFF, owner and manager of the French railway network, has been confronted over recent years with an increase in cable theft. This situation has a major impact on train delays, the direct cost of repairs, and the indirect costs associated with network disruption and user dissatisfaction.
In this context, RFF commissioned Oxand, as a neutral third party, to optimize an investment plan concerning the reinforcement of railway network cable security against theft. After an in-depth analysis of the geographical areas and critical components in terms of network impact, Oxand carried out an overall cost-benefit study of the different solutions possible by integrating a European benchmark on the subject. Oxand thus proposed an itemized breakdown of the investment plan and contributed to supporting the RFF’s strategic decision.


In Switzerland, the TPG is optimizing risk management follow-up with Simeo ERM™
For a number of years, the Geneva Public Transport (TPG) has been implementing a risk management approach to its strategic and operational risks. To optimize follow-up, it recently indicated an interest in acquiring a computerized solution adapted to its context and activity. The TPG's requirement: a user-friendly, expandable and upgradable piloting tool capable of integrating company information and data corresponding to all international standards.
After a call for tenders, the TPG retained Oxand's Simeo ERM™ solution. This tool will allow the firm to simplify reporting, save time and increase efficiency, thus providing real added value to the Geneva public transportation operator. 

tpg


N33 Highway – supporting consortium during final bidding phase
n33The N33 highway, in the north of the Netherlands, is to be doubled to improve safety and handle increased traffic. Design, realisation and financing of the project, as well as maintenance over a 20  year period, will be entrusted to a private consortium. Oxand’s subsidiary IterFidelis is advising one of the consortiums bidding for the project. During the first bidding phase Iter Fidelis made a significant contribution to reaching the final bidding phase by advising the consortium on the Risk Management Plan.
 During the final bidding phase Iter Fidelis is assisting the consortium by advising on management and maintenance risks. The consulting work also includes development of management plans, proposals for performance management systems and analyses of penalty and availability risks during the operational phase.


Re-evaluation of civil engineering infrastructure
bridge damageAre aging infrastructures still in compliance with evolving regulatory requirements and prescriptions (seismic standards, for example)?
This question, frequently raised after inspection of civil engineering infrastructure, leads in most cases to a rapid answer.
In this context, Oxand has just completed its "engineering methods for rapid infrastructure evaluation" project. It allows prompt implementation of an expert method adapted to the reliability and the safety margins expected. This method integrates statistical data and takes into account the condition of ageing constructions as well as Oxand's experience feedback. The method has just been applied for re-evaluating seaport cryogenic gas storage tanks.
For more information 

 
 
En Bref fleche
 


New Organization at Oxand : As of January 1st 2012, Oxand implemented a new Group organization. Governance is ensured by an Executive Committee which includes the General Manager, the General Secretary, the subsidiary Executive Directors and the Group business line managers. The Board of Directors has a Strategy Board composed of 3 Board representatives and two prominent international figures. 
For more information…

Iter Fidelis consulted on tender for Dutch N18 highway : Iter Fidelis, Oxand's subsidiary in Netherlands, will provide risk analyses and management consulting to a consortium involved in the tender process for the N18 motorway. The project includes enlargement and maintenance of the motorway, as well as improvements to safety, circulation and environmental performance.

 
 
Ourpublications fleche
 

• Construction reliability - Safety, Variability & Sustainability

 
Rendez-vous fleche
 

2-4 July 2012 : 6th International ASRANet Conference, London, Croydon

 

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