Romy spent a day at the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, where she attended an Offshore Energy course and participated in the Offshore Experience. We asked her a few questions to give you a glimpse into this fascinating world.
What did you learn during the course?
A lot! The course was intensive and covered oil and gas extraction and its history. It was really understandable, even for people without a technical background. They explained how oil rigs work and what the people there do.
One of the most astonishing facts was how much oil is consumed daily. The number is enormous! There’s even a special unit linked to oil because so much is used. It’s measured in Peta Joules, equivalent to 10 to the power of 15.
Was there something that really surprised you?
The number of barrels of oil consumed daily is gigantic. They use a special unit to measure it because it’s such a huge quantity.
The daily consumption is: 100 million barrels of oil per day. 1 barrel = 159 liters
Additionally, I was amazed at how oil rigs actually work and how complex the operations are.
What did you think of the offshore experience?
It was truly an experience and very interactive! From the moment you enter, the experience begins with a countdown timer for the safety instructions, making the tension and reality of offshore life immediately palpable. While waiting to enter the Experience, you could turn wheels to see how investments affect oil prices. It felt like being at sea. The 360-degree screen, sounds, and interactive games made it very realistic.
What could you do during the offshore experience?
You could land a helicopter and load containers onto a platform. Everything was very interactive. There were also simulations where you could see how wind and sea affect operations.
Did they explain any new technologies?
We explored hydrogen extraction and geothermal energy. Geothermal energy, which involves harnessing heat from the earth, was a completely new concept to me. Additionally, we learned about various wind farms in the North Sea. These windmills can be mounted on special buoys that float on the water. The posibility of these constructions of offshore wind farms was particularly fascinating to hear about.
Did you hear about any exciting projects in the offshore energy industry?
Definitely, there are large tenders in the North Sea and near the Wadden Islands. In Iceland, they are also working on geothermal energy, which is very innovative. These projects show how dynamic the offshore energy sector is.
What did you find most surprising about the offshore energy sector?
The quantities produced and what life on a platform looks like. Every time you board, you get the same safety instructions, no matter how many times you’ve been there. It highlights the importance of safety in this sector and how effective these measures are in preventing accidents. People live and work there for extended periods, which brings a unique lifestyle.
What did you learn about the future of offshore energy?
A cool project that will soon be realized is placing solar panels between wind turbines at sea. This project uses existing infrastructure, making it cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. It’s an innovative idea that could change the future of offshore energy.
How was the day concluded?
At the end of the day, we all received a certificate. It was a great way to conclude a very educational and fascinating day. The course and the experience were organized by the IRO – The Association of Dutch Suppliers in the Offshore Energy Industry, which made everything very professional and well-organized.
Conclusion
Romy’s experience with the Offshore Energy course and the Offshore Experience at the Maritime Museum Rotterdam was educational and inspiring. She gained deep insights into the offshore energy sector, learned about new technologies and innovative projects, and experienced the reality of life on an oil rig. This experience increased her enthusiasm for the sector and provides valuable knowledge for anyone interested in offshore energy.
Want to learn more about working in the offshore energy sector or looking for a job in this dynamic industry? Contact M Restart.
📲 +31(0)10 71 41 80 0
📩 info@mrestart.nl