Paper Summary
TGS has achieved yet another significant milestone with the successful completion of its annual full-scale emergency response exercise.
The exercise took place on November 21, 2024, and involved nearly 100 TGS participants. We drilled the company’s newly merged Emergency Response Organization by testing the robustness of our processes, highlighting our effective ability to work as a global team and ensuring operational readiness.
A Post-Merger Milestone
The exercise came at a pivotal time for TGS, taking place just four months after its merger with PGS in July; a mere two months following the go-live date of the newly unified 2nd Line Operations Emergency Response Organization. The exercise demonstrated the efficiency of TGS’ integrated emergency response plans and processes across our global operations.
Scope of the Exercise
This year’s exercise involved key teams from TGS’ vessel Ramform Atlas and shoreside participants located in TGS' offices in Houston, Oslo and Rio. The scenario presented a challenging but realistic test, which involved the Ramform Atlas colliding with a container vessel during seismic production. The simulated incident included severe hull damage, equipment loss, an oil spill, crew injuries and vessels listing, all of which necessitated a full-scale evacuation and response, including a mock media press briefing with real journalists.
Objectives and Execution
The primary goals of the exercise were to:
- Train and further develop TGS’ new Emergency Response Organization.
- Test the organization’s ability to execute emergency plans, processes and procedures effectively.
- Verify communication, coordination and cooperation between internal and external stakeholders.
- Evaluate TGS’ compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
When the simulated emergency was reported, TGS’ Global Operational Emergency Response Team (2nd Line) mobilized and gathered in the contingency room in the Oslo office within 20 minutes. The Strategic Crisis Management Team (3rd Line), located in Houston and Oslo, quickly mobilized thereafter. Meanwhile, the Emergency Response Team in Rio was on standby, ready to support.
Throughout the exercise, the teams demonstrated strong communication and seamless coordination across global office locations and various time zones. All available methods and procedures were applied to successfully manage and mitigate the simulated crisis.
A Test of Readiness
The exercise concluded with a press briefing led by Pamela Risan, Internal Communications, where Rob Adams, EVP Operations, provided an incident briefing and adeptly handled tough questions from the media. This element tested the organization's ability to manage external communications during a high-pressure situation.
External Observers’ Impressions
While the final evaluation report from Maersk Training is pending, initial feedback from external observers has been overwhelmingly positive. Observers commended TGS’ ability to handle such a complex emergency, especially at this stage of the integration process. They noted that all Emergency Response Teams worked with calm professionalism and displayed a high level of knowledge and expertise.
The external observers also confirmed that TGS performed well within the acceptable category for emergency response and crisis management and granted a clear pass for the organization's capability and readiness to handle a real emergency.
Looking Ahead
Adams stated, “This exercise marked a significant step in demonstrating TGS’ operational readiness and commitment to safety and security. While we are proud of the results, we will focus on identifying areas for improvement and taking the necessary actions to refine our emergency response capabilities further.”
The exercise serves as a testament to TGS’ dedication to safeguarding its personnel, the environment and its assets and reputation. With continued training and process improvements, TGS is extremely well-positioned and prepared to respond to future challenges.
