The Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC) (www.ogic.co.uk) signed a project agreement with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, which will result in a system that will enable heat from sub-sea pipelines to be converted into electrical power.

The project will see Exnics Ltd work with the university to develop a Thermo-electric Generator (TEG) to support its Hot Rings system, which will “increase the range of applications where power from waste heat can be used,” the OGIC said.

The group has also signed a contract with Iron Ocean Ltd to develop a garment designed to improve the chances of survival in the event of offshore workers finding themselves in the sea.

The compression-fit garment will be designed to be worn under current offshore survival suits; it will improve heat retention, be slash-resistant, generate heat and resist fire.

A coating will be designed to produce a thermal reaction to provide warmth to the wearer (with the reaction lasting at least one hour). Iron Ocean will work with Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design to construct a prototype that will be tested, certified and ready for use by industry within a year.

Ian Phillips, the chief executive of OGIC, said: “The confirmation of our 31st project is testament to the industry’s willingness to seek innovative solutions to the challenges currently being faced by companies operating in the UK Continental Shelf.

“Our most recent projects have all focused on very different aspects of the industry, but each has the potential to have a major impact on offshore operations.”