Jack-up and MODU operations require careful planning and engineering input from an early stage. Understanding the site conditions, identifying potential risks and putting the right procedures in place are all important to safe and efficient execution.
Chris Bintcliffe, Global Service Manager – Jack-ups & MODUs, has more than 20 years of experience in the offshore industry. He began his career in offshore structural engineering before moving into Marine Warranty Surveying and risk prevention.
Since joining Global Maritime as Engineering Manager in Houston, Chris has progressed through several roles, including Global Lead for Jack-up Engineering, to his current global position.
In this Q&A, Chris discusses his day-to-day role, the importance of early geotechnical and engineering input, and how Global Maritime supports jack-up and MODU operations globally.
What inspired you to pursue a career within our industry?
I joined an engineering consultancy out of university that focussed on the design and analysis of offshore structures but also did a lot of work with the London insurance market. Through this, I worked on claims and forensic investigation of incidents which eventually led to me wanting to be involved in preventing claims from happening and my shift to Marine Warranty Surveying.
How has your career evolved at Global Maritime?
I started off at Global Maritime as Engineering Manager in Houston, responsible for MWS projects. This evolved to include a Global Lead role for Jack-up Engineering which has in turn evolved to my Global Service Manager role today.
What does a day in the life of Global Service Manager – Jack-ups & MODUs look like?
Every day is different. I could be reviewing Rig Move Procedures for units in APAC, assisting with a challenging jack-up location in the North Sea, or working with the team on LPAs and SSAs for a WTIV off the Eastern Seaboard of the US. We support MODUs and jack-ups all over the world, from Location Approvals and rig moves to everything in between, so there is a great deal of variety in my day-to-day work.
How does early geotechnical and engineering input help reduce risk during jack-up operations?
Early geotechnical and engineering input is essential for jack-up operations. It allows us to assess the feasibility of placement on a site at an early stage and implement procedures to mitigate risks. Whether through preloading at draft, installing a gravel pad to support the unit, or changing the orientation to avoid geohazards, these measures play a critical role in risk identification and mitigation.
How does Global Maritime support clients across the planning, assessment, and execution of jack-up and MODU operations?
Global Maritime supports our clients across the full lifecycle of Jack-up and MODU operations. From feasibility studies and LPAs / SSAs, through marine assurance all the way to site attendance as MWS or Rig Mover, we can assist our clients with any aspect of their operations.
What’s your favourite thing about being part of the Global Maritime team, beyond the day-to-day work?
The sense of family that we have within the company, from the graduates, right up to the CEO.
Looking ahead, how do you expect the jack-up and MODU market to develop over the next few years?
It’s a pivotal point for our industry, with uncertainty surrounding the long-term effects of events in the Middle East. At the same time, more countries are expanding into alternative energy sources, creating both challenges and opportunities.
Find out more about how Global Maritime’s Marine Warranty Surveying services support safe, compliant and well-engineered offshore operations.
