The Marine Technology Directorate Limited

The Marine Technology Directorate (MTD) Ltd provides an international focus for activity in ocean technology from its base on the AOTP. The organisationís expertise lies in research and development, education, training, publication, production and the provision of information services to the energy industry. The MTD's international members range from industry to Government and research establishments to academic institutions, all of which have significant interests and capabilities in ocean-related technology. With its growing membership and influence, it is regarded as the primary organisation in the UK for the promotion of marine innovation relating to sea and seabed exploration and the exploitation of the oceanís resources. Established links with bodies such as the Petroleum Science and Technology Institute, the Institute of Marine Engineers and the Society for Underwater Technology ensures that a rational and effective approach is taken for technological developments in the industry. The organisationís main research areas are oil and gas exploration and production; offshore oil and gas structures; subsea vehicles and tasks, and ships and transportation.

The volatile economic background of the oil and gas sector has greatly influenced the technology needs in these fields, and as a result of this the MTD is concentrating its efforts on four strategic areas: Floating Production The need to 'mop up' the large number of marginal fields which do not justify fixed structure or subsea completion and the developments in West of Shetland have made this a priority. Improved Oil Recovery Improved production techniques have to be developed to increase the level of recovery and therefore the profitability of fields. Data Collection and Management New and improved sensors and better use of data to improve the overall management of exploration, development and production is vital. Remote Technologies As new finds occur in deeper water, the importance of remote technology for the exploitation of reserves is becoming increasingly important. To achieve its aims in these important areas, the MTD operates a variety of programmes with different institutions and industry companies to research and develop the necessary technologies for the long term future of the industry. One such initiative is the organisationís SME Scheme, a project developed to encourage interaction with smaller firms operating at the forefront of advanced technology. Numerous companies with less than 20 employees are now enjoying the benefits of MTD membership, and they are working in diverse areas such as downhole tooling and sensors; sonar systems; geology and general engineering. The AOTP - based office is also co-ordinating a High Performance Computing Initiative to assist the industry with complex design and R & D work. The organisation is offering researchers and industry the use of a suite of software to assist with development problems, including access to the Cray T3D, the most powerful computer in Europe. MTD is an independent non-profit making body which administers the research programmes of UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council in specific areas of marine technology. Over the years though, the organisation has broadened its involvement in the industry and is now active in all related areas associated with the seas and oceans.

The Marine Technology Directorate Ltd. The Innovation Centre Exploration Drive Aberdeen Offshore Technology Park Bridge of Don Aberdeen AB23 8GX Tel: +44 (0)1224 827005 Fax: +44 (0)1224 827107