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Integrated Global Services (IGS), a global leader in surface protection and asset optimization, has released new research revealing that a growing share of oil and gas infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and the UAE is operating beyond its intended design life, an issue now intensified by regional disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The impact is being felt unevenly across the Kingdom. Facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province have been most heavily affected, with many plants undergoing unplanned shutdowns for restoration, while others are operating at reduced output due to constrained export routes. At the same time, operators in the Western Province are increasing production to compensate, placing additional strain on assets and accelerating the need for performance optimization.

Across the region, these conditions are also creating shutdown periods, both planned and unplanned, which operators are using, where possible, to reassess asset reliability, performance, and long-term resilience.

The survey of oil and gas leaders and operators found that nearly half (46%) say up to half of their assets are operating beyond their original design life, while 14% report this applies to the majority of their infrastructure.

Despite these pressures, confidence in existing infrastructure remains high. More than four in five (83%) respondents said they are somewhat or very confident in their assets’ ability to meet future demand, highlighting a clear gap between confidence and operational reality.

Around 65% of respondents reported significant production or throughput losses due to unplanned downtime, underscoring the operational risks associated with aging assets. These risks are now amplified as operators balance reduced output in some regions with intensified production demands in others.

As a result, operators are placing greater emphasis on maximizing the performance of existing infrastructure. In higher-output facilities, there is a growing focus on solutions that enhance thermal efficiency and sustain reliability at elevated firing rates, helping plants maintain performance even under intensified operating conditions.

More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents said advanced asset integrity and protection solutions are viable where payback is achieved within five years.

“This reflects a clear shift in focus across the region,” said Dennis Snijders, Director Middle East and North Africa, IGS. “With disruptions affecting both export routes and production balance, operators are under pressure not only to maintain reliability, but to optimize performance under very different operating conditions. While some plants are

offline, others are running harder than ever, making asset integrity and efficiency equally critical.”

The findings also highlight the growing tension between decarbonization goals and cost pressures. While emissions reduction remains a priority, respondents identified investment constraints as the primary barrier, now compounded by operational uncertainty and shifting production dynamics.

Snijders added: “Saudi Arabia and the UAE operate some of the most advanced oil and gas facilities in the world. As these assets mature and regional conditions evolve, maintaining reliability while managing cost, emissions, and fluctuating production demands becomes more complex. Treating asset integrity as a strategic priority will be essential to sustaining long-term performance.”

Additional technical information on IGS’s in-situ corrosion mitigation and asset integrity and efficiency mobilization capabilities for Middle East shutdowns is available here.

Engineering facilities across the UK are under increasing pressure to decarbonise operations, reduce emissions, and improve energy efficiency without compromising performance. Steam remains a critical utility across many industrial processes, and transitioning to lower-carbon generation methods is now a key priority. CERTUSS supports this shift with a range of advanced steam technologies designed to meet both current and future sustainability goals. Manufactured in Germany, CERTUSS steam generators are known for precision engineering, reliability, and high efficiency.

These systems are widely used across sectors including manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and cleaning processes, where consistent, controllable steam is essential. To support decarbonisation, CERTUSS offers fully electric steam generators, providing a zero on-site emissions solution when powered by renewable electricity.

The EMX range delivers highly responsive, fully modulating output, allowing facilities to match steam demand precisely while minimising energy waste. However, full electrification is not always immediately viable due to infrastructure, capacity, or cost constraints. In these cases, CERTUSS provides hybrid steam solutions, combining electric and fuel f ired systems to significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining operational flexibility. This approach allows facilities to transition in stages, aligning with wider energy strategies and grid capabilities. Looking ahead, CERTUSS continues to innovate with the development of the UMX steam generator.

This future-focused system is designed to deliver ultra-low NOx emissions, well below current regulatory standards, offering an environmentally responsible alternative where combustion-based steam generation remains necessary. With rapid start-up times, compact modular designs, and scalable outputs, CERTUSS systems are engineered to adapt to evolving energy demands. Supported by local expertise in the UK, CERTUSS works closely with engineering teams to design tailored steam solutions that balance sustainability, efficiency, and reliability.

Providing essential aeration in a settlement pits, Landia Chopper Pumps have completed a decade of service at one of the UK’s leading producers of carrots.

At a site in the North of England, where around 30,000 tonnes of carrots are processed each year across 900 acres of prime sandy land, the 11kW Landia units have, without any breakdowns or rebuilds, managed the important job of handling effluent from the carrot washing process that uses recirculated lagoon water.

The design of the world’s first ever Chopper Pump, invented by Landia in 1950, has changed very little in more than 75 years, with its external knife system continuously reducing particle sizes to prevent important wastewater systems from blocking.

Tamas Rieder, Landia’s Service and Aftersales Manager, commented: “We are very proud of the performance of these pumps and our service engineers who carry out such a consistently high level of work. Ten years of operation with no major problems is quite a record, but we have numerous pumps that are still working just fine after 15 and 20-years-plus service.

He added: “We work as closely as possible with our customers, gaining an increasing number of service contracts, but even if we don’t regularly carry out the maintenance ourselves, we are always ready to help at the end of ‘phone, and then get to site promptly, if required.”

In addition to this application for handling effluent from a carrot washing process, Landia’s large portfolio of similar projects also includes work with HAYLEY DEXIS at a company that makes machines for the post-harvest processing of vegetables.

Landia Chopper Pumps with special external shredders, replaced units from another manufacturer, whose equipment could not cope with the fibrous and gritty material that is an inevitable part of the wastewater process with vegetables

.

Originally developed to deal with difficult wastewater solids in the fish processing industry, the Landia shredder-propeller design has now proved its capability in handling troublesome stringy material such as carrot tops, that typically cause problems for standard pumps.

Gary Wharton, Sales Team Leader for Landia, added:

“Our pre-cutting shredder-propeller brings another important chopping stage for certain effluents with difficult solids, as it continuously reduces particle size to keep process lines running efficiently.”

www.landiaworld.com

Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) play a vital role in keeping energy infrastructure reliable and efficient. In a sector where downtime can have major operational, financial and environmental impacts, organisations must balance continuous production with strict safety and regulatory requirements. This is often made more complex by a mix of ageing and modern assets.

Moving from Reactive to Proactive Maintenance

A CMMS provides a centralised platform to manage maintenance activities and asset data. This allows organisations to shift from reactive fixes to a proactive approach. By scheduling preventative maintenance, teams can reduce unplanned downtime and improve asset performance.

Pemac CMMS supports this with automated work orders and structured maintenance planning, helping ensure issues are addressed before they become failures.

Improving Asset Visibility and Decision-Making

A key benefit of CMMS is improved asset visibility. By consolidating maintenance histories, documentation and performance data, organisations gain a clearer view of asset condition and criticality.

With Pemac CMMS, teams can track performance, identify high-risk assets and analyse recurring faults, enabling more informed decisions around maintenance and investment.

Enabling Predictive Maintenance with IIoT

Modern CMMS platforms can integrate with Industrial Internet of Things technologies. Sensors monitor equipment in real time, tracking factors such as temperature, pressure and vibration. This supports predictive maintenance, allowing teams to address issues early.

Pemac CMMS integrates with these technologies to enable condition-based monitoring, helping reduce costs and extend asset life.

Supporting Compliance and Reducing Risk

The energy sector is highly regulated, making compliance essential. A CMMS ensures maintenance activities are documented and aligned with safety standards, reducing risk and simplifying audits.

Pemac CMMS includes features such as permit-to-work controls and contractor management, giving organisations greater oversight of safety and compliance.

Driving Efficiency Across Maintenance Teams

CMMS solutions improve efficiency by streamlining workflows, automating tasks and improving labour allocation. Teams can ensure the right resources are available when needed.

With mobile access and digital work management, Pemac CMMS enables engineers to manage tasks and capture data in real time, even in remote environments.

Supporting the Energy Transition

As energy systems evolve, organisations must manage both legacy infrastructure and new renewable assets. A CMMS supports this by helping optimise performance across a diverse asset base.

Pemac CMMS offers a modular approach, allowing organisations to scale capabilities such as inventory, reporting and analytics as requirements grow.

Keep Your Critical Assets Running

A CMMS helps energy organisations increase uptime, extend asset life and maintain safe, compliant operations. By making maintenance more data-driven, it becomes a strategic function that supports long-term reliability.

To learn how you can optimise your maintenance strategy, explore Pemac CMMS and discover how to keep your critical assets running efficiently.

www.pemac.com

At Maintec 2026, taking place on 3–4 June at the NEC Birmingham, ShireSystem will be showcasing a practical and straightforward approach to asset management. The focus is simple. Help organisations take control today while preparing for what comes next.

There is a lot of noise in the market around AI and future technology. It is easy to get caught up in big promises. ShireSystem takes a more grounded approach. Instead of leading with hype, we focus on what actually drives results. Reliable data, clear processes, and a structured path to improvement.

Because the truth is, you cannot automate what you do not trust.

For many maintenance teams, the real challenge starts with data. When information is incomplete or inconsistent, decisions become reactive. That leads to more downtime, higher costs, and less confidence in the systems meant to support you. Without a strong data foundation, advanced technologies simply cannot deliver value.

This is where ShireSystem makes a difference.

Our approach is built around helping organisations move from reactive maintenance to a more proactive and controlled way of working. It starts with understanding where you are today. By assessing your current level of maintenance maturity, you can clearly see what needs to improve and where to focus.

From there, it is about putting a practical plan in place. A roadmap that reflects your priorities and your resources. Implementation is supported by experienced teams who understand how to configure systems to match real operational needs.

But this is not a one-off project. Ongoing optimisation is key. As your business evolves, your asset management approach should evolve with it. That is how you continue to unlock value over time.

The outcome is greater control across the areas that matter most. Reduced downtime, lower costs, and stronger compliance. At the same time, you are building cleaner, more reliable data that supports better decisions every day.

This also lays the groundwork for the future. Becoming ready for AI is not about jumping straight to automation. It is about putting the right foundations in place so that when the time comes, the technology actually works for you.

Visitors to the ShireSystem stand at Maintec will be able to see this approach in action. Not just through messaging, but through real examples and demonstrations of how modern asset management systems support day-to-day operations.

Whether you are replacing a legacy system, looking to improve efficiency, or planning for the future, ShireSystem offers a flexible solution built around your needs.

Join us on 3–4 June at the NEC Birmingham to see how you can take control of your assets today and be ready for what comes next.

www.elecosoft.com

The UK food and beverage manufacturing sector is currently navigating a complex landscape of uncertain input costs and a clear need for decarbonisation. Against this backdrop, achieving operational certainty is no longer just a goal - it is a business imperative. Addressing these challenges head-on, Food+Beverage Engineering 2026 will return to Derby Arena on 16 June. Following its successful launch last year, this dedicated event - organised by Curious Heads Media - is tailored specifically for engineering, production and operations professionals. The event is a vital resource for those in plant, process, production, maintenance, operations and continuous improvement roles, offering a unique space to explore how innovation can drive operational improvements on the factory floor.

Bridging the Gap Between Engineering and Sustainability

A defining feature of this year’s event is its continued co-location with Sustainable Food Factory.

This partnership acknowledges a critical industry reality: sustainability and engineering efficiency are two sides of the same coin.

By attending both events in a single, focused day, industry professionals can bridge the gap between ESG strategy and the practical, engineering-driven solutions required to implement them.

A Seminar Programme Built for Action

The seminar programme goes beyond theory, featuring expert presentations and interactive panel debates to address real-world manufacturing challenges.

Key sessions will tackle:

• Energy Management: Deep dives into heating, cooling, and refrigeration - the most energy-intensive areas of any facility.

• Resource Management: Best practice on water management and waste reduction.

• Asset Reliability: A heavy focus on production line optimisation through predictive maintenance and smart asset management strategies.

• Machine Safety & Compliance: Addressing the importance of viewing safety and compliance as strategic engineering decisions which form part of an integrated system design.

Innovation on Display

The exhibition hall offers visitors an opportunity to engage directly with leading suppliers of engineering, energy, and automation solutions. 

From sensors that mitigate downtime to high-efficiency motors, exhibitors will showcase the technologies essential for reducing operational costs and enhancing capacity.

Whether an SME or a multinational, the day delivers actionable insights and peer-to-peer learning. It is a strategic opportunity to step away from daily production pressures to focus on asset management, plant performance, and line optimisation.

Food+Beverage Engineering 2026 is free to attend for professionals in food and beverage manufacturing and processing.

Join the conversation and secure your visitor pass at: www.foodandbeverageengineering.live

The barcode has been a fixture on consumer packaging for over 50 years, streamlining checkout and enabling the rise of self‑service. But the traditional barcode is limited: it identifies a product, and that’s about it. Today’s consumers and retailers want far more information, and the industry is now preparing for a major shift. By the end of 2027, 2D QR‑style codes will be scannable at point of sale worldwide, marking the biggest change to product identification in decades.

2D codes can hold much more data while still fitting neatly onto packaging. They give consumers instant access to details that influence buying decisions, and they give retailers richer, more accurate information. For manufacturers, this means the transition to QR codes must begin now. With that comes the responsibility to ensure every code is accurate, consistent, and fully readable before products leave the factory.

WMH has spent years developing and integrating QR code scanning systems designed specifically for this challenge. As the industry moves toward universal adoption, our technology is ready to adapt; checking every code for data accuracy and print quality to prevent errors that could lead to fines, chargebacks, or, more seriously, consumer risk if allergen or expiry information is wrong or unreadable.

Our inline scanner uses multiple cameras within a single compact unit, combining their images to create a full 360º view of each product. This guarantees the code is captured and verified from every angle. The system can automatically reject faulty items or stop the line when more serious issues arise, allowing operators to correct problems quickly.

With labelling errors still the leading cause of product recalls, investing in robust code integrity checking is a practical, forward‑looking step. The shift to 2D codes brings new opportunities, but also new responsibilities and manufacturers who act now will stay ahead of regulations, avoid costly recalls, and deliver the accuracy and transparency today’s market expects.

For more information please visit www.wmh-uk-ltd.com

Advanced combustion control from ETC

Energy Technology & Control (ETC) delivers advanced combustion control systems, supporting industrial operations with efficient, compliant solutions you can rely on. With decades of engineering expertise behind them, ETC systems are designed to perform consistently in demanding environments where performance and reliability are critical.

A proven approach to combustion control

Founded in 1983, ETC has become a global leader in advanced electronic burner controls. All ETC systems are designed to optimise combustion processes across a range of industries, from manufacturing and food processing to energy and heavy industrial environments.

ETC’s technology focuses on practical results. Improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and lower operating costs all sit at the core of every single solution. This makes the systems a reliable choice for organisations wanting to balance performance with compliance, but also long-term cost control.

With a strong track record across global installations, ETC is known for providing customers with strong, well-engineered systems that add smoothly into existing operations.

Designed for real-world performance

ETC solutions are built to handle the day-to-day demands of industrial environments. All controls are designed to maintain stable combustion across varying loads and operating conditions, helping reduce risk and improve consistency. 

By improving how combustion is monitored and managed, ETC helps reduce fuel waste, support compliance with emissions standards and extend the lifespan of critical equipment. The result is a more efficient and dependable operation over time.

Clear system visibility and responsive control also allow engineers to identify issues early, which reduces unplanned downtime and supports more proactive maintenance strategies.

Strengthened by Fireye

ETC is now part of Fireye, a global manufacturer of flame safeguard controls and burner management systems. This brings together ETC’s combustion control expertise with Fireye’s long-standing experience in flame monitoring, safety and system protection.

The two product ranges complement each other. ETC’s advanced control technologies work alongside Fireye’s flame safeguard and monitoring systems to deliver a more complete and integrated burner management solution.

Customers benefit from improved system insight, enhanced diagnostics and greater confidence in both performance and safety. The combined expertise also supports a broader range of applications, from standard industrial systems to more complex, high-demand environments.

ETC continues to operate with the same team, products and customer support. What changes is the level of backing behind it, with Fireye’s global reach and technical capability adding further strength to an already established, trusted expertise.

A reliable choice for industrial operations

ETC combustion control systems are designed to support efficient, compliant and reliable operation across a wide range of industrial environments. With proven performance in demanding conditions, the ETC systems offer a practical solution for organisations looking to improve control, reduce emissions and manage operating costs more effectively.

As requirements around efficiency and emissions continue to evolve, ETC provides a future-ready approach to combustion control that supports both operational performance as well as regulatory demands.

Speak to our team to find the right solution for your operation

http://www.energytechnologycontrol.com/

Integrated Global Services (IGS) today announced the acquisition of Flamsprutarna AB, a global provider of turbine maintenance and thermal spray services. The acquisition strengthens IGS’s ability to support power plant operators worldwide with integrated maintenance solutions across gas turbines, steam turbines, and nuclear assets.

Flamsprutarna brings more than 40 years of experience in turbine maintenance, thermal spray coatings, and nuclear power plant services, with an established track record of supporting customers globally. Its expertise complements IGS’s existing capabilities in large-frame gas turbine maintenance, enabling a more comprehensive, multi-technology service offering across combined-cycle and nuclear fleets.

The acquisition reflects growing global demand for reliable power generation, extended asset life, and reduced outage durations. By expanding its technical capabilities and service capacity, IGS is positioned to support operators in meeting increasing performance and reliability requirements across critical energy infrastructure.

Flamsprutarna AB will continue to operate from its headquarters in Sweden, maintaining its existing team, technical expertise, and customer relationships. As part of IGS, the company is expected to expand its delivery capacity and support a greater volume of projects worldwide.

Customers are expected to benefit from a more integrated, single-source service model, improved coordination across turbine technologies, and enhanced outage execution. The combined organization will leverage IGS’s global footprint alongside Flamsprutarna’s specialized capabilities to deliver responsive, high-quality support for mission-critical equipment.

Rich Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of IGS, commented: “Power generators are under increasing pressure to deliver higher output with fewer outages and greater reliability. The addition of Flamsprutarna strengthens IGS’s ability to support these requirements by expanding our capabilities in steam turbine and nuclear services, while increasing our capacity to serve customers globally.”

Victor Aaroe-Holm, Chief Executive Officer of Flamsprutarna, said: “Flamsprutarna has built a strong reputation for quality and safety in demanding operating environments. As part of IGS, we will be able to extend our reach and take on more projects globally, while continuing to deliver the high standards our customers expect.”

The combined organization will continue to operate in accordance with established quality and safety standards, with a shared focus on supporting reliable plant operations and long-term asset performance.

. Learn more at https://integratedglobal.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, or Facebook.

When Iain McLean asked me to present the Keynote Address for Food+Beverage Engineering in 2025 it was a no brainer to support this important F&B and Sustainability event at Derby Arena. I’m looking forward to returning again on the 16th June. This year the co-located shows come closer together as Engineering and Sustainability in the Food and Beverage sector are so closely linked, many opportunities exist at the front line where Maintenance, Engineering, and Operators can help deliver on all of the Sustainability KPIs.

With this in mind my keynote in 2026 shares this opportunity along with a case study of the largest snack food site in the UK moving from a totally reactive state to one of a world class operational standard. In these uncertain times all inputs have extreme pressure on price and availability, every improvement in yield and reduction in power use have raised the importance of availability of production at the lowest possible pence per kilo.

Improved outcomes and sustainability of businesses is going to be difficult in F&B for the foreseeable future, by coming together at shows like Food+Beverage Engineering and Sustainable Food Factory it can often be the the first step towards achieving the operations in control we seek. One way to achieve these upticks in your performance is by coming together this June at Derby Arena in the centre of the Velodrome to start your journey towards a World Class Maintenance and Operational standard, delivering outstanding Sustainability metrics in your Food or Beverage Factory. Looking forward to meeting in Derby at my keynote address or afterwards on the UPTIME Consultant Ltd stand.

Andy Gailey Managing Director UPTIME Consultant Ltd