April 1, 2005: ms Neumann Elektronik GmbH, together with VTS Al Fakhira, its partner in Abu Dhabi of many years, has successfully completed migration of the old emergency call and plant warning systems at ZADCO (Zakum Development Company), off the coast of the United Arab Emirates; a new, integrated communications concept has been realized.
One Year of Preparation
In the year 2003, the first contacts to ZADCO management were made with the help of Honeywell Middle East and ms Neumann Elektronik' local partner, the VTS Vision Technology Systems Al Fakhira company. After first thoroughly documenting the then current situation, the team was to develop a new, integrated communications concept for public address (PA), plant warning, emergency call, radio communication, wireless data communication, and video monitoring systems. The proposed solution was then to be delivered, installed and put into operation, and continuous support for the installation was to be guaranteed. One of the primary requirements was to be able to take the special situation on the offshore oil platforms into account, where the concept had both to be realized quickly and at the same time be able to guarantee a 100% level of safety and availability of the installation.
The Solution
In January of 2004, it was time to start building: together as system supplier and system integrator, VTS Al Fakhira and ms Neumann Elektronik delivered the emergency call system and control modules for a total of 200 emergency phones and 500 loudspeakers. A special challenge was to develop new interfaces to the existing PA and telephone systems so that a trouble-free integration with the new system components and the fire alarm system supplied by the Honeywell Middle East company could be guaranteed. This installation is today at the heart of the cable-bound communications on Zirku Island.
It was a difficult task for the team of technicians to realize this project, particularly given the difficult environmental conditions, and the isolation, on the islands and platforms. Despite these conditions, it was accomplished with the greatest precision and to the customer's complete satisfaction.
So Far, More Than 1,000 Days Without Incident
The "ZADCO Squad" took it as its duty to ensure perfect service and support at all times. One proof of this is certainly the fact that the new systems have now been in operation for over 1,000 days without failures or incidents.
Satisfied Employees and Satisfied Contractors
It was also certainly the tireless, creative dedication of this highly motivated, competent team of technicians that made it possible for Honeywell Middle East to bring this project, contracted at a total of 17 million US dollars, to completion successfully and on schedule.
About the Zakum Development Company (ZADCO):
ZADCO belongs to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Cooperation (ADNOC). With approximately 1,800 employees on 3 islands and on 25 offshore oil platforms off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, ZADCO is one of the world's largest oil producing companies. Since 1983, more than 2.5 billion barrels of oil have been exported from Zirku Island; the current storage capacity is 6 million barrels.
About Vision Technology Systems (VTS):
Since 2002, VTS Al Fakhira has been a competent partner in the Middle East for ms Neumann Elektronik for acquisition, planning and design.
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