Energy services giant Wood has established a “first of its kind” oil and gas advanced technology centre (ATC) in Mexico.
The Aberdeen-based firm has teamed up with technology specialist Cisco and Mexican energy sector-focused digital firm Roue Consultores in the venture.
Based at Wood’s operations centre in Mexico City, the ATC is aimed at making the distribution and transport market for oil and gas more cost-efficient.
It will allow companies to simulate operations for oil and gas transportation systems in a laboratory environment.
Wood said it would highlight the value of “the internet of things” – how a network of different assets and operations can improve data management and lower costs.
The facility will be open by request for use by any local or international company working in the oil and gas sector.
Companies will be able to test Wood’s tailor-made distribution terminal, which features fire and gas detection systems and a cybersecurity technology from Cisco.
Also on offer is Cisco’s connected pipeline system, which can more quickly detect leaks and prevent accidents.
Wood said the distribution and transportation market for oil and gas needed an efficient cost structure to remain competitive.
The new ATC was the “first step” in achieving that goal, the group added.
Bob MacDonald, chief executive of specialist technical solutions, Wood, said the company’s “deep understanding and experience” of the oil and gas ATC target markets, as well as its broader knowledge base would help to combine Cisco, Roue and third-party applications into “a value-added solution for midstream logistics”.
Mr MacDonald added: “It makes this a perfect partnership.”
Cisco Mexico general director Isidro Quintana said: “It is important that the oil and gas industry innovates.
“Digitisation can help (people) to work in a safe, reliable, efficient, and secure environment, and the use of data analytics can help faster decision-making.
“At the oil and gas advanced technology centre, it will be possible to realise the technology that helps in the digitisation of the industry.”
Wood, which completed a £2.2billion takeover of Amec Foster Wheeler last autumn, operates in more than 60 counties around the world.