In its latest report involving a crane barge accident, the NTSB says that an owner’s lack of inspection and maintenance led to the capsizing and sinking of a crane barge last year in the Gulf of Mexico.

The labor market appears to be cooling, but construction labor woes won’t go anywhere anytime soon, an economist says.
 Source: Construction Dive

Underwater Intervention attracts a global audience of engineers, technical specialists, industry leaders and experts, to share ideas, debate the issues of the moment and to create common agendas for the future of the industry. Underwater Intervention features some of the world’s leading figures within the upstream oil and gas industry coupled with technical sessions covering the most current challenges and up-to-date strategies and technologies.

We speak with Olaf Olsen, representative for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, breaking down some of the misconceptions and myths of becoming a union contractor and diver. Episode is brought to you by Dryden Diving Company.

Dutch geo-data specialist Fugro has opened a new geotechnical testing laboratory in Taiwan to cater to the offshore wind market and energy and infrastructure sectors.
Source: Offshore Energy

Dana Petroleum has confirmed a new hydrocarbon discovery in the UK North Sea, in a statement sent to Rigzone.
 Source: Rigzone

Repsol and Wintershall Dea have closed a deal with Edison SPA to increase respective interests in the Reggane Nord natural gas project onshore Algeria.
Source: Oil & Gas Journal

Hull, U.K., based MMS Workboats, a division of MMS Ship Repair & Dry Dock Co Ltd. (MMS), has launched a cutting-edge all-electric workboat designed for plastic and debris collection. Called the Envirocat All-Electric Eco 8.5, the 8.5 meter vessel can be operated by a single user, enabling efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly clearance of plastic and flotsam from the water’s surface.
Source: MarineLog

French start-up Seaturns has deployed a scaled wave energy prototype at Ifremer’s sea trials site in Sainte-Anne du Portzic, near Brest.
Source: Offshore Energy

Santa Barbara, California, is home to HDS Deepwater Diving Monument commemorating super stars in commercial gas diving. The Superlite® diver statuettes are available now and are selling quickly. For purchasing information, go to www.deepwaterdivingmonument.com. Payment plans are also available there.