Toll Offshore Petroleum Services (TOPS), part of Toll Group’s Global Resources Division, celebrated another important milestone with the official opening of its head office development at Loyang.

TOPS also announced the recent completion of berthing and jetty extension works at Loyang Offshore Supply Base (the Base) which will increase berthing capacity by 65 per cent. This brings the total sheltered berthing space to almost one kilometre, capable of accommodating drill ships, semi-submersibles, jack-up rigs and vessels of up to 26,000 displacement tonnes.

“This is a significant milestone in the re-development of the Loyang Offshore Supply Base which is scheduled for completion in September 2013,” said Mr David Jackson, CEO of Toll’s Global Resources Division.

“The Base has been in operation since 1970 and since 2008 has been undergoing a comprehensive S$300m redevelopment catering for the specific demands of the offshore oil and gas industry. This has included constructing heavy duty roads, service infrastructure, car parking and amenity buildings, plus comprehensive upgrades to communications and security infrastructure. The Base is International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code compliant.

“Toll’s focus has been to deliver a world-class oil and gas logistics base. The re-development of the Base will cement its place as the region’s premier oilfield services centre and continue to attract leading oil-industry organisations to accommodate their businesses here in Singapore.

“We are pleased that the demand from customers has exceeded expectations to the extent that several development phases have been brought forward to meet customer demands. Both offices and warehouse developments have had significant pre-commitments during the construction phase,” Mr Jackson concluded.

The Singapore Economic Development Board and the Jurong Town Corporation have both been strong partners with TOPS.

“We warmly welcome Toll’s commitment to Singapore through its re-development of Loyang Offshore Supply Base which is supporting the strong growth of the oil and gas sector in the years to come,” said Mr Lim Kok Kiang, Executive Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

“The growth of Loyang Offshore Supply Base since 1970 has paralleled Singapore’s rise in prominence as a global integrated marine and offshore hub. With more than 200 oil and gas companies leveraging on its connectivity and logistics capabilities, TOPS plays a crucial role in supporting offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production activities in the Asia Pacific,” Mr Lim concluded Customers who have recently committed to new facilities in the Base include Data Marine Systems, Subsea 7, CGG Veritas, and Altus. Weatherford Asia Pacific has also announced that it will locate its Asia Pacific headquarters to a purpose built 20,000sqm facility in the base due for completion in May 2012. These customers complement Hallin and Panalpina who took possession of new facilities in early 2010.

Mr Jacob Tan, Director of TOPS, says that the completion of the ramp-up warehouse facility in October 2011 will significantly help meet demand for covered space in the short term, although he has not ruled out further development phases being released.

“The design of the ramp-up warehouse facility is focused on satisfying the unique demands of the oil and gas industry. The industry typically demands heavy duty facilities requiring substantial space to handle unusual freight and equipment. We are working creatively to tailor facilities to meet our customers’ specific requirements,” Mr Tan said.

In January 2011, TOPS also completed the construction of an eight storey office building in the Base, together with a multi-storey car park, canteen and a medical clinic.

Mr Tan believes that providing a broader range of accommodation solutions and supporting amenities has been essential in TOPS’ capacity to create a world-class oil and gas logistics hub.

“Customers are increasingly looking to reduce costs by consolidating all of their operations into one central location, including their supporting office and administration functions. We can now provide these solutions in a modern business environment and on a very competitive basis. And importantly, we can have logistics support available on site, on demand,” Mr Tan concluded.

Office and ramp-up units are now available for inspection.