Flotta bosses see need for new business
(From The Orcadian dated April 12, 2001)

One of the two new Flotta oil terminal managers has spoken of the challenges faced to guide operations and encourage new business after a period of uncertainty during Talisman Energy's takeover of the terminal and associated oil fields last year.

Canadian Mr Terry Buchy and Mr Tom McMillan assumed joint responsibility for Flotta on March 21, when former terminal manager Mr Trevor Newton left the job.

Mr Buchy told The Orcadian this week: "I like opportunities, and Flotta is an opportunity. Most of my experience has been in the onshore production field, in Canada and Indonesia, so there are a lot of similarities with my work at Flotta. The terminal here is very much part of the community, and Talisman are quite cognisant of that, and that there is a lot of healing to be done, and that we are a major employer in the islands."

Mr Buchy continued: "Tom and I spent the first few days meeting the workforce in small groups, introducing ourselves to them and seeing what they had to say, and being very open with them, to gain mutual trust. I don't think you really get to know a place until you've met all the people. I believe Flotta has some real possibilities going for it. It has an excellent safety record, an excellent record on environmental protection, and strong links with the community. My first impressions on going round the terminal was that it was well organised and neat, and that only comes from having a dedicated and competent workforce."

Mr Buchy and Mr McMillan have decided to work a 12-12, 9-9 shift system, which means that they'll each work 12 days on, 12 days off; followed by nine days on, nine days off. Mr Buchy explained that this had enabled them to bridge the normal seven-day shift pattern at Flotta, and meet all the staff. It also allowed there to be a management presence at the terminal 24 hours a day.

He added: "Our focus is to go to 2020. Talisman has bought up many assets over the years with a view to extending their life. It's the same with Flotta. I know that in the next year, Talisman will spend over £100-£115 million in the Flotta Catchment Area, not just at the terminal, but also on the associated fields to develop the reserves and really help prolong production. We are also looking for other opportunities, such as the handling of production from BP's Foinaven Field. We are quite cognisant that we will have to find more work like that in the future."