VIPUL SAWE, SENIOR PROJECT DIRECTOR
By the time Vipul joined Petrofac in 2011, he already had 20 years’ experience in the energy industry. Most recently he has led the Seagreen project – from the concept stage back in May 2019 through the FEED and execution, including the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

When fabrication works started in April 2020, the pandemic was yet to reach its height... We didn’t know how much it would affect us, but it was soon clear that one significant issue was securing skilled resources during lockdown.  It was an unprecedented challenge but one we took on. Those first few months were difficult, but we diverted some of the scope from the subcontractor to local workshops and began to use locally sourced workers. Eventually we were able to source around 350 skilled fabricators and welders while working within the restrictions. As with all challenges, it was about being flexible and finding solutions for any situation.

Facing challenges is something I have enjoyed throughout my career… I started as a trainee engineer with Larsen and Toubro and then had eight years at McDermott, working on many challenging offshore oil and gas projects. When I joined Petrofac in 2011, the company was developing its Offshore Capital Projects business in the Middle East and was looking for people with expertise in that area. We were able to show our engineering capability very quickly and won our first job within a year. I’m very proud of having been a part of that.

All that experience also helps with the current Seagreen project… a unique proposal for building a three-circuits substation platform – much of the project knowledge and expertise I have could transfer. It’s very rewarding to work on something from the very beginning as I have with Seagreen. I enjoyed being able to engage with the client in Scotland and present our ideas to finally secure this project. That early involvement means you are very motivated to get things moving on the ground. It also means there will be huge sense of fulfilment when key stages of the project are completed.

As a project director, I always like to lead by example…  It can be very hard work in this business and it’s important that the team see me working with them. We have a good mix of young trainees and more senior engineers, and everyone takes pride in this prestigious project. I’m very impressed with their dedication, especially working through the pandemic. The way people have supported each other as well as the project has been very impressive.  

Meet the people behind the project