Industry News
London − Equinor UK Ltd and Shell U.K. Limited are to combine their UK offshore oil and gas assets and expertise to form a new company which will be the UK North Sea’s biggest independent producer. The incorporated joint venture (IJV) will be set up to sustain domestic oil and gas production and security of energy supply in the UK.
On deal completion, the new independent producer will be jointly owned by Equinor (50%) and Shell (50%), two leading global energy companies with decades of experience operating in the UK North Sea. With the once prolific basin now maturing and production naturally declining, the combination of portfolios and expertise will allow continued economic recovery of this vital UK resource. The new company will be more agile, focused, cost-competitive, and strategically well positioned to maximise the value of its combined portfolios on the UK Continental Shelf.
Source: https://www.shell.com/
Institute News
On 17th January 2025, following a successful handover meeting led by Dr Danny Burkle and Izabela Gajewska, we are thrilled to introduce Kathy as the new Young ICorr Chair.
Both Danny and Izabela have dedicated significant effort to advancing Young ICorr initiatives, and while they now step back from the leadership role, they will remain supportive members of the new committee. This collaborative approach promises a seamless transition and continued progress for the group. Kathy brings an impressive background and lots of enthusiasm to this role. Here’s a bit about her in her own words:
“Hi, I’m Kathy, and I’ve been in the corrosion field for several years now. After completing a Master’s in Chemistry at the University of Hull, I worked as a Technical Service Manager at Teal and Mackrill, a specialist coatings manufacturer, while also working as an ICorr-qualified Coating Inspector. After several years in this role, I pursued a PhD in Corrosion at The University of Manchester, where I became more involved in ICorr activities, joining the Northwest Committee and initiating a student lecture series. I now work at the University of Leeds
as a research fellow in Corrosion. I’m excited and looking forward to developing more opportunities and activities for
the Young Members of ICorr, and I’m incredibly grateful for
this opportunity.”
Kathy’s vision for Young ICorr focuses on fostering engagement and creating opportunities that empower young professionals in the field of corrosion. Her leadership is guided by enthusiasm, collaboration, and a strong commitment to developing initiatives that support career development.
The Young ICorr Committee is actively seeking further proactive and enthusiastic individuals to join and contribute to the future of ICorr’s young members. If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference, now is the perfect time to get involved!
Let’s all join in welcoming Kathy to her new role and look forward to the exciting journey ahead for Young ICorr!
Please contact Kathy on youngicorrchair@icorr.org to register your interest in joining the Young ICorr committee.
Kathy brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm
to the role. Her background includes:
- A MSc in Chemistry, from the University of Hull.
-
Industry experience as a Technical Service Manager
at Teal & Mackrill, specialising in protective coatings.
- Becoming an ICorr qualified Coating Inspector.
-
Completing a PhD in Corrosion at The University
of Manchester, where she initiated a student lecture series.
-
Currently working as a Research Fellow in Corrosion
at the University of Leeds.
Industry News
Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has signed a shareholders’ agreement with Linde and SLB, paving the way for development of a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) hub that is expected to become one of the largest globally. Under the terms of the shareholders’ agreement Aramco will take a 60% equity interest in the CCS hub, with Linde and SLB each owning a 20% stake. The project will support the company’s ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its wholly-owned operated assets by 2050.
It represents a significant milestone for the project and is a key component in Aramco’s emission mitigation strategy. With the support of the Ministry of Energy, phase one of the new CCS hub in Jubail, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, is expected to capture and store up to nine million metric tons of CO2 annually, and construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Later phases are expected to further expand its capacity.
For more information contact media.inquiries@aramco.com
Source: https://www.aramco.com
ICorr Training:
This month we are profiling Tony Rizk, developer and tutor of ICorr MIC training course.
Tony Rizk
• Chair of ICorr of new ETGB (Engineering Training Governing Board).
- PhD corrosion science.
- Fellow member of The Institute of Corrosion (FICorr).
- Developer and tutor of ICorr MIC training course.
- Trainer certification programme, Phases 1 and 2.
Tel: +44 7425 888 108
Email: tony.1.rizk@gmail.com
Tony holds a PhD degree in Corrosion Science from the University of Manchester. Has over 30 years of international experience in both research and field investigations. After graduation career started with CAPCIS Ltd, followed by 11.5 years as a Science Specialist at Saudi Aramco Research and Development Centre, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Served as the company main contact point for microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and led a number of technical committees, focus teams, and failure analyses. Honorary Reader at the University of Manchester between 2018 and 2021. Active member of the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) and developed the only known certified MIC training course by a recognised professional organisation. Currently chairing ICorr Engineering Training Governing Board (ETGB).
Advocates the use of less toxic and environment friendly chemicals and led a number of classified JIPs and cross company projects. Directed the multi-phase research project to assess the effect of the non-toxic anti-SRB bio-competitive exclusion treatment and authored the reference document “The Effect of Nitrate Anti-Souring Treatment on Corrosion of Mild Steel” that was published by the Energy Institute, London, November 2006, ISBN 978 0 85293 458 6.
Career responsibilities involved the development of young engineers and scientists and the mentoring of employees’ postgraduate students. Qualified trainer with extensive experience both in-house (Saudi Aramco) and at various technical events in Europe and the Middle East.
ICorr Training:
TÜV Rheinland, founded in 1872, is a global leader in technical services, providing safe and sustainable solutions for the interaction between humans, the environment, and technology. Since 1996, they have offered training and personnel certification in China, being Europe’s largest independent education institute.
TÜV Rheinland Industrial Services Greater China, comprising world-leading experts, delivers technical inspection, testing, and certification for the oil, gas, chemical, petrochemical, energy, power, construction, and process industries worldwide. Their comprehensive services ensure products and equipment meet market requirements, supporting local industries in developing safely and sustainably.
History with ICorr
In collaboration with Argyll Ruane, TÜV Rheinland has successfully introduced ICorr training to China, becoming the sole ICorr training provider in the country in 2018. On-site training can be conducted in coastal cities such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Zhuhai, Qidong, and Zhoushan, where numerous international offshore FSPO and LNG projects are active.
In 2024, ICorr, TÜV Rheinland (China) Ltd., and Argyll Ruane (Sheffield, UK) celebrated 7 years’ collaboration, and have achieved the 1000th Certificates in China. In the same year, Protective Coating Inspector Training Level II and Level III have been delivered by TÜV Rheinland, where all ICorr surface treatment courses are available for the candidates in China by now.
Here is the training schedule in 2025 for information:
2025 Training Schedule:
| Training Courses |
Schedule |
| Protective Coating Inspector
Level 2 |
7th-20th April
11th-24th August
20th October-
2nd November |
| Protective Coating Inspector
Level 3 |
May / November |
| Passive Fireproofing (Epoxy) Inspector Level 2 |
15th -16th May
28th -29th June
6th -7th September
6th -7th December |
| Passive Fireproofing (Epoxy) Inspector Level 3 |
February / August |
| Insulation Inspector Level 2 |
28th February – 2nd March
16th -18th May
1st – 3rd August
17th – 19th October |
| Hot Dip Galvanizing
Inspector Level 2 |
10th -11th May
27th – 28th Sep
|
TUV China Tutor (Tiger) – Jianjun Hu Teaching to LINK
Contact Details
Room 301, 3F and Room 1203, 12F,
Building C, CATIC Plaza,
No. 15, Ronghua South Road,
Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area,
Beijing, China
Tel: +86 10 8524 2141
Fax: +86 10 8524 2200
Email: Jing.Fang@tuv.com
