New technologies for the maintenance sector

Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Al Hamza, president of Plant-Tech Arabia, talks to The Energy Year about the innovations the company has introduced in Saudi Arabia’s scaffolding segment and its approach to reducing costs for clients using its new scaffolding technology. Plant-Tech Arabia provides maintenance services and provides ringlock scaffolding in Saudi Arabia through a strategic partnership.

What innovations has Plant-Tech introduced in Saudi Arabia’s scaffolding segment?
We have introduced ringlock scaffolding through an exclusive strategic partnership agreement with technology providers from across the globe. Our vision is to revolutionise the way scaffolding is built by gradually replacing conventional scaffolding with the modern ringlock system. The technology saves a lot of labour, promotes high safety measures and cuts down the time required to erect and dismantle scaffolding.
The technology is widespread in the European and US markets. We are establishing ourselves as pioneers in the field, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

How else do you look to become a leader in the installation of scaffolding systems?
We are negotiating exclusive distribution partnerships with some of the largest suppliers of scaffolding materials in the region. We offer our technology providers a platform to house a decent amount of inventory on our premises in the Eastern Province. With demos recently lined up for our clients, we are also developing an in-house, state-of-the-art training facility to train conventional scaffolders to help them adapt to the new installation technique.

What are the main disadvantages of traditional high-pressure water blasting?
Labour-intensive methods that require a lot of PPE, such as high-pressure water jetting, are normally used to clean industrial tanks or heat exchangers before inspections during a plant turnaround. Carrying a high-pressure water gun or hand lance to blast the surface of a hydrocarbons- or chemicals-related asset involves notable risk for workers. Moreover, when your business is so dependent on labour, then you’re at high risk of shutting down if there is Covid or a similar issue.
During the pandemic, companies were forced to run operations with as little workforce as possible. We thought of ways to reduce their reliance on labour while carrying out the same kind of maintenance activities.

How is your automated solution for high-pressure water blasting going to add efficiency?
Our solution still uses a high-pressure pump, but instead of a technician’s hands holding high-pressure jetties, the system is operated through a joystick and touchscreen. The technician does not need to get close to the asset to clean it. The area where high-pressure blasting takes place can be completely barricaded.
Semi-automation in hydro jetting is not new to the market. When we started our research we found a lot of off-the-shelf products for automating the cleaning lance, but there were other practical challenges associated with these machines.
Through considerable in-house R&D, we joined hands with our technology partners such as AWE and StoneAge to customise the advanced AutoBox and Sentinel cleaning technologies. The latter is more advanced and has many interesting future updates on the horizon. Eventually the machine will read the profile of the exchanger without an operator’s input. Our automated solution for high-pressure water blasting has three benefits. It reduces labour costs, increases efficiency and enhances safety in high-pressure water blasting occupations.

How can technological innovation leverage your competitiveness as a maintenance company?
Competition in maintenance services was traditionally exercised through prices, and in this business, there is always someone that can provide a cheaper rate. We prefer to compete by acquiring niche technologies that allow us to add a unique selling proposition to our services.
We prefer to develop direct ties with companies whose technologies can be further customised and enhanced to suit the requirements of Saudi Arabia. This is an essential way to stay ahead of the competition and get noticed in the market.

What are the main challenges in trying to introduce your technological innovations?
There’s always resistance when something new is being introduced on the market. Acquiring technology is usually capital intensive as well. There are few early adopters and even fewer clients willing to include new technologies in long-term contracts, which in contrast to spot bidding, help clients secure lower rates. The adoption rate of new technologies is high, however, when their task is not a part of day-to-day operations, as is the case with industrial cleaning.
Currently we have a few clients using our conventional hydro-jetting solution and fewer clients willing to adopt the latest technology. We are looking to obtain a blanket contract with larger parties such as SABIC and Aramco, which will ultimately reduce costs to the extent that all the big players in Saudi Arabia can utilise this technology.

How would you describe the changes in Saudi Arabia’s business environment?
The image of the kingdom has changed dramatically in recent years, and the business environment is completely different than what it was 10 years ago. International companies can now commence operations in only two months and retain 100% ownership.
Changes in business have also positively impacted social life. We see the inclusion of women in the workplace as very positive and in many cases a business advantage.
The great number of projects, mega-projects and events taking place here attracted a lot of competition, and one is inclined to think we are reaching a saturation point in terms of the number of companies working in the kingdom, but perhaps this inclination is incorrect. Given the number of projects being announced in the kingdom, this seems to be only the beginning of the country’s growth. We want more companies serving on these projects.

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