In the energy-intensive oil and gas industry there are significant economic and environmental arguments to reduce power consumption, eliminate wastage and increase energy efficiency; the challenge is how to identify products that can help achieve these objectives. Products such as SOLASOLV® anti glare roller screens can certainly help. Apart from the environmental and cost saving benefits, their safety aspect is also extremely important. As a result, sales for SOLASOLV® screens for navigation bridge and control room windows continue to grow in the offshore oil and gas markets.
SOLASOLV® screens, which are manufactured by UK based Solar Solve Marine, use a sophisticated solar shade film which protects crew against the harsh effects of sun glare and heat gain whilst offering a 100% clear outside view. By rejecting up to 93% of glare they significantly reduce eye-strain and reflection ensuring modern computer displays are easier to read, so human errors are less likely to occur. The sunscreens also have heat rejecting properties to reduce up to 87% of the sun’s heat which helps to reduce fatigue by creating a more comfortable and cooler working environment for crew. This also places less need for air-conditioning which means that environmentally conscious offshore vessel owners can benefit from fuel savings while lowering their CO₂ emissions if they install screens at every window.
In May 2012 Solar Solve received an order from Brazilian based Queiroz Galvao Oleo e Gas S.A. for the Olinda Star, a semi-submersible rig. 12 SOLASOLV® screens were required for operator cabin windows to ensure a clearer outside view for safer operations. Then in July, the same company placed two further orders, one for the Atlantic Star, another semi-submersible rig and also the Alpha Star a newly built, ultra-deepwater, dynamically positioned semi-submersible rig. 14 SOLASOLV® sunscreens were for the Atlantic Star and a further 12 for the Alpha Star.
Paul Hopkins, Solar Solve’s Sales and Marketing Executive commented, “ Sales to the oil and gas sector are very strong at the moment. It seems the crew who work in this sector are learning how beneficial SOLASOLV® sunscreens are, and word is obviously spreading about their effectiveness as we are benefiting from an increase in orders for offshore vessels.”
