The Turkmenistan operation is now in full swing as all the vessels which were on stand by over the winter in Baku have now sailed across to Turkmenbashi for the start of the project. The CM Annie and CM Eagle carried out the tow of the Bumi Armada Lay-barge stinger and the CM Heather carried out a tandem tow of the barges M50 and M3610. CM Supporter accompanied the tow and took spares and equipment for the project on the crossing.

The CM Jet 1 and CM Jet 2 are now back in action operating from Atyrau, transporting offshore personnel to and from Kashagan Offshore development. The vessels were laid up for the winter in Kurik Port and have recently returned to the water having completed winter maintenance and a routine Main Engine change out.

CMI Offshore Group is delighted to announce the approval of Branch Registration in Turkmenistan. The Company now has established branches in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan giving full coverage of the offshore oil and gas sectors in the Caspian Region and with the highest levels of local managers and staff.

CM Annie, CM Eagle, CM Heather, CM Supporter and the barges M50 and M3610 arrive in Baku in preparation for the Petronas Project start up in early 2010 in Turkmenistan. The vessels will spend some time in Baku undergoing upgrades to their communication equipment and with scheduled dry dock works to be completed. The project is scheduled to start in early 2010. The vessels will be crewed with 100% Turkmen nationals and an extensive training programme is underway for all staff involved in the project.

CM Jet 1 and CM Jet 2 complete their first season’s operations of crew transportation from Atyrau to Kashagan. The vessels arrival in June provide new standards of reliability and comfort moving offshore workers to and from the Kashagan field. The vessels are also performing inter-field operations and providing day-trip capability from Kashagan to Bautino.

Four new ships purchased in 10 days. CMI Caspian Ltd wins contract, together with Integrated Petroleum Services Ltd of Malaysia, to provide 3 modern 45 ton bollard pull tugs and a PSV to support the 2010 field development work for Petronas/MMHE/Technip in Turkmenistan. The vessels are all being mobilised into the Caspian for lay-up during Winter 2009 and scheduled for commencement of operations around February 2010. In conjunction with this contract, CMI Group will open offices in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi through a Turkmenistan branch which will support these vessel operations.