October 9 - MeteoGroup is to provide a weather forecasting service to Shell offshore operations in the UK, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands.

The service has been designed specifically for Shell to help maximise safety and efficiency by supporting the identification of key operational weather windows whilst minimising costs.

The weather data will be provided via an innovative web portal developed by MeteoGroup to deliver 24/7/365 access to seamless forecasting and other key information to logistics coordinators, marine controllers, surveyors, rig movers, OIMs, drillers and crane operators.

In addition to the new web portal, several MeteoGroup products are utilised including fixed, route and aviation forecasts, lightening detection and synoptic charts. Forecasters also offer round the clock support and teleconferenced briefings. The project will be managed by a team working out of MeteoGroup's Aberdeen office.

"MeteoGroup aims to keep Shell's seafarers safe and support confident risk management for the company's European offshore operations," commented Mark White, regional director MeteoGroup.

HLPFI's annual report on weather forecasting will be included in or January/February edition.

www.meteogroup.com