When it's time for change start here

This weekend, members of the Petroplan team came together at the Texas Children's Hospital Houston Open, held at Memorial Park Golf Club. While the tournament itself brought world-class golf to the heart of Houston, for Petroplan, the real highlight was the opportunity to connect, recharge, and reflect on a fantastic start to the year.

At Petroplan, we believe that strong teams aren’t built solely in boardrooms or Zoom meetings—they’re forged in the moments we take to step back, spend time together, and celebrate what makes us unique. The Houston Open provided just that kind of moment. Under perfect spring skies, our team came out to enjoy the day, connect with colleagues, and be part of an event that supports a cause we deeply admire: Texas Children's Hospital.

These kinds of events have become a core part of the Petroplan culture. We hold regular team gatherings outside the office—not just to unwind, but to reinforce our shared values and commitment to one another. Whether it's volunteering in our communities, enjoying local sports, or celebrating key milestones, we know that these experiences bring us closer together and remind us why Petroplan is such a special place to work. 

The tournament was a thrilling spectacle, with Australian golfer Min Woo Lee clinching his first PGA TOUR victory. Lee's remarkable performance, highlighted by a record-setting score, captivated the audience and added to the excitement of the event.

The start of 2025 has already been an exciting one for us. From expanding our service offerings to launching new client partnerships, the momentum is strong—and it’s powered by our people. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on what’s always set us apart: a team that looks out for each other, works hard, and knows when to have a little fun along the way. We're grateful for weekends like this one - not just for the fresh air and shared laughs, but for what they represent: a culture of togetherness, celebration, and appreciation.

“Strong teams don’t happen by chance," said Craig McConochie, Petroplan's Director - USA. "They’re built through trust, shared experiences, and taking the time to connect beyond day-to-day work. When we invest in each other, we perform better, communicate more openly, and build a culture where people can feel at home." 

The global LNG industry is expanding at a rapid pace, driven by increasing energy demand and the push for cleaner alternatives to coal and oil. While securing financial investment, managing supply chains, and ensuring regulatory compliance are all vital to the success of LNG projects, one factor often determines the difference between smooth execution and costly delays: recruitment. Having spent years in energy recruitment, I’ve seen firsthand how staffing the right workforce at the right time can make or break an LNG project. These projects are uniquely challenging—not just because of their technical complexity, but because they require a strategic and agile approach to talent acquisition. Here’s what I believe are the most important factors in managing recruitment for major LNG developments.

1. Understanding the Specialized Nature of LNG Talent

Unlike many other energy sectors, LNG requires a highly specialized workforce across multiple disciplines, including engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance. Professionals in this industry must possess deep expertise in cryogenic technology, liquefaction processes, and safety-critical operations. However, such specialists are in short supply, and competition for talent is fierce. A key mistake I often see is companies assuming they can fill roles with general energy-sector professionals. While some skills transfer, LNG demands a level of specialization that only a tailored recruitment strategy can address. Working with recruiters who have deep industry knowledge ensures that the right skill sets are matched with the specific demands of LNG projects.

2. Planning for Project Timelines and Phases

LNG projects are capital-intensive and operate on long, phased timelines. From initial feasibility studies to front-end engineering design (FEED), construction, commissioning, and eventual operation, each phase requires distinct types of talent. If recruitment isn’t synchronized with project milestones, bottlenecks emerge, causing delays and escalating costs. One of the most common recruitment challenges is failing to anticipate labor shortages in peak construction phases. Some disciplines are in particularly high demand during particular phases, yet many projects face hiring bottlenecks because they didn’t engage talent early enough. A forward-looking recruitment plan—one that builds talent pipelines ahead of demand—can prevent costly delays.

3. Global Mobility and Local Workforce Integration

Global LNG projects are often located in remote or offshore environments, requiring a mix of international expertise and local workforce participation. Striking the right balance between expatriate talent and local hiring is essential—not just for compliance with local labor regulations but also for fostering community engagement and long-term project sustainability. Countries investing heavily in LNG, such as the U.S., Qatar, Australia, and Mozambique, have different labor laws and expectations for local content requirements. Understanding these regulations early in the recruitment process prevents legal hurdles down the road. More importantly, integrating local talent into the workforce can improve project stability and create lasting economic benefits for host communities.

4. Addressing the Industry’s Cyclical Nature

The LNG sector is highly cyclical, with demand for workers fluctuating based on market conditions and project timelines. While some projects demand thousands of workers during peak construction, workforce needs evolve over time, often transitioning to more specialized teams as different phases of the project progress. Managing this volatility requires a flexible recruitment strategy that can scale up or down as needed. Many LNG developers struggle with this, leading to workforce shortages in boom times and layoffs in downturns. By leveraging a mix of contract, contingent, and full-time staffing solutions, companies can optimize workforce costs while ensuring talent availability when needed most.

5. Ensuring Safety and Compliance in Hiring

LNG projects operate in high-risk environments where safety is paramount. Hiring workers who understand safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting lives. Recruitment in this space must prioritize candidates with proven safety records and experience in hazardous environments. Furthermore, companies need robust onboarding and training programs to ensure all workers meet safety expectations before stepping onto the project site. A strong safety culture starts with hiring the right people and reinforcing compliance at every level.

The Bottom Line: Recruitment as a Strategic Priority Too often, recruitment is treated as an afterthought in LNG projects—something to address once technical plans are finalized. But in reality, workforce planning should be embedded in the earliest stages of project development. Without the right people in place, even the best-engineered projects can face significant delays, safety risks, and cost overruns. Success in LNG isn’t just about technology, infrastructure, or financing—it’s about talent. Companies that recognize recruitment as a strategic priority will be the ones best positioned to deliver projects on time, on budget, and with long-term sustainability in mind. By focusing on specialized expertise, project-driven workforce planning, local integration, flexible staffing, safety, and technology, we can build a stronger LNG industry—one where people remain the foundation of success.

Petroplan is proud to announce its appointment as the recruitment partner for Woodside's Louisiana LNG Project. This partnership will play a critical role in supporting Woodside through the Final Investment Decision (FID) process and beyond as the  Louisiana LNG project construction continues to advance. As part of this collaboration, Petroplan will recruit individuals for roles based both at the project site in Sulphur, Louisiana, and at Client's U.S. corporate office in Houston, Texas. These highly skilled professionals will be instrumental in the success of this ambitious project, which aims to establish one of the largest LNG production and export facilities in North America.

Petroplan is proud to announce its appointment as the recruitment partner for Woodside's Louisiana LNG Project. This partnership will play a critical role in supporting Woodside through the Final Investment Decision (FID) process and beyond as the  Louisiana LNG project construction continues to advance. 

As part of this collaboration, Petroplan will recruit individuals for roles based both at the project site in Sulphur, Louisiana, and at Client's U.S. corporate office in Houston, Texas. These highly skilled professionals will be instrumental in the success of this ambitious project, which aims to establish one of the largest LNG production and export facilities in North America.

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This week, Petroplan proudly celebrates a significant milestone as Helen Fowler marks 10 years of exceptional service with the company. Over the past decade, Helen has become a cornerstone of Petroplan’s operations, playing a vital role in contractor care, onboarding, and client support. Her unwavering commitment, meticulous approach, and dedication to excellence have made her an indispensable part of the team.

Craig McConochie, Regional Director for the US, expressed his gratitude for Helen’s contributions: “It’s safe to say the US team would not be the same without her, and I’m grateful to be able to call her a colleague and friend. Thank you for all you do, Helen—congratulations on an incredible 10 years of service.”

Helen’s work at Petroplan centers around contractor care, which she views as a holistic and essential function in successful staffing and project management. From the moment a contractor accepts an offer, Helen ensures they feel supported and prepared for their assignment. "I want everyone who works through Petroplan to feel supported from their first day," she explains. Her team handles everything from guiding contractors through the onboarding process to ongoing support throughout their assignment.

The onboarding process, as Helen describes it, is about removing stress and providing clarity. “Communicating essential details up front takes the stress out of the first day on-site,” she says. “For contractors here in Houston, we aim to meet with them on their first day at the project site to ensure all goes smoothly.”

Helen’s support doesn’t end after onboarding. She and her team remain engaged with contractors, addressing any questions about benefits, workplace issues, or travel needs. "We take on all aspects of contractor care," Helen says. “Whether it’s an inquiry about medical benefits, travel insurance, or a workplace environment question, it’s important that contractors feel they have a team they can turn to for solutions.”

Her role extends beyond contractors to include fostering strong relationships with clients. By ensuring processes are aligned and addressing performance or compliance issues with professionalism, Helen ensures Petroplan’s services meet the highest standards. "We’re here for our clients as well," she explains. "We do our utmost to ensure their assignment needs are met with professionalism and efficiency."

Over her decade with Petroplan, Helen has witnessed and contributed to the company’s evolution. "We have many more permanent and contracting staff now, and our client base has grown tremendously, diversifying across a much broader range of energy sectors," she says. This growth has provided her with opportunities to expand her role, overseeing regional and global onboarding and compliance functions while gaining commercial insights.

Recent changes, such as Petroplan’s acquisition by TXM in 2024, have brought further advancements, including the automation of administrative tasks and paperwork. Helen sees these developments as a chance to enhance the contractor and client experience. “There are improvements in the pipeline, and I’m excited to see what the future will bring,” she says, adding that her focus remains on maintaining Petroplan’s commitment to safety, compliance, and premium service.

Throughout all the changes over the years, one thing remains constant: Helen’s dedication to building lasting relationships. "We are committed to improving our service to be there for our clients and contractors for the long term," she reflects.

As Petroplan celebrates Helen’s 10 years of service, her contributions stand as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a people-first approach. Helen’s leadership and commitment have left an indelible mark on Petroplan, and her team, contractors, and clients are all better for it. Congratulations, Helen, on an incredible decade of excellence!
 

Last week, members of the Petroplan team laced up their running shoes and took part in the Hess Corporate 5K in Houston, an event that brought together local businesses to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. This annual event not only encouraged corporate teams to stay active but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and connection among colleagues and local organizations.

The Hess Corporate 5K, organized in the heart of Houston, is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of corporate teams uniting to promote a healthy work-life balance. The event encourages participants to engage in physical activity while also building stronger bonds with coworkers outside the office. For Petroplan, participating in the 5K aligns with the company’s values of teamwork, resilience, and community support.

“Events like the Hess Corporate 5K are a fantastic way to bring our team together outside of the usual work setting,” said Craig McConochie, Director of the USA for Petroplan.

“Not only does it give us an opportunity to prioritize our health and wellness, but it also strengthens our sense of unity and shared purpose while supporting the Memorial Park Conservancy alongside our longtime client and partner, Hess. It’s a great reminder that we’re all in this together—both on the racecourse and in our work.” 

Petroplan employees from across departments came together for this event, many of whom spent the weeks leading up to the race training and preparing. This collective effort exemplified the collaborative culture at Petroplan, where teamwork and supporting one another are central to the company’s mission. The camaraderie among team members was evident as they cheered each other on, both during training sessions and on race day. Participating in the Hess Corporate 5K also gave Petroplan an opportunity to connect with other organizations and businesses in Houston. Events like this help create a sense of community and solidarity within the corporate landscape, allowing companies to come together around shared values of wellness and giving back. This year’s race was particularly meaningful, as it highlighted the importance of corporate health initiatives and the role they play in enhancing employee engagement and satisfaction. For Petroplan, the 5K wasn’t just a race; it was a chance to foster a healthier, more connected workplace culture. In addition to strengthening the team’s sense of community, the event also promoted physical and mental wellness—a priority that Petroplan is committed to supporting among its employees. As Craig McConochie explained,

“Being part of an event like this reflects our commitment to not only achieving business goals but also supporting the well-being of our people. A healthy, motivated team is essential to our success, and the 5K is just one of many ways we invest in that.”

Looking ahead, Petroplan plans to continue participating in community events like the Hess Corporate 5K, reinforcing its dedication to health, wellness, and community involvement. With each step taken during the race, the Petroplan team demonstrated its commitment to building a culture of support, resilience, and positivity. By taking part in events that inspire both personal and professional growth, Petroplan reinforces its core values and continues to contribute to the Houston community in meaningful ways. As the team crossed the finish line, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and pride.

The Hess Corporate 5K served as a reminder of the power of teamwork and the positive impact of corporate engagement in community initiatives. Petroplan’s participation exemplifies the company’s belief that supporting employee well-being and fostering a strong team culture ultimately strengthens the organization as a whole.

The Petroplan US team are out in force at this week's Gastech Conference and Exhibition taking place 17-20 September, 2024 at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston TX. 

"The energy at Gastech today is fantastic." says Jaime Hewitt, Business Manager, "We've been having some amazing conversations with both old and new connections."

With 50,000 visitors expected across the four days, there's plenty of people at the event. There are almost 800 exhibitors, including Petroplan with a dedicated stand at B100C. 

"We're here to help people," says Sam Erickson, Business Manager, "I've been speaking to people about how we can help with their hiring challenges, particularly for projects in Mexico where Petroplan has real strengths when it comes to bringing in international talent." 

The exhibition includes 20 international country pavilions, showcasing technology and innovative solutions. 

Specialist industry areas include decarbonization technologies, climatetech & AI, and hydrogen, alongside dedicated conference areas focusing on critical industry issues. 

Traffic at Petroplan's stand has been steady throughout the event so far. 

"I really enjoy the international feel of this conference and appreciate all of the interest in Petroplan", says Jaime, "Petroplan has so much to contribute, Gastech is the place to be this week." 

For more information about Petroplan and what we can deliver, reach out to any of the team through houston@petroplan.com 

As the Regional Director, USA for Petroplan, I am thrilled to share some updates from our Houston office. 

Petroplan has embarked on a transformative journey following our acquisition by TXM Group.  

This milestone presents exciting new opportunities for our team and you, our valued clients, candidates and contractors. We are now better positioned than ever to deliver exceptional value by leveraging the combined strengths of Petroplan and TXM Group across the globe. As always, we remain dedicated to addressing your hiring challenges and delivering the ideal workforce to meet your needs. I look forward to sharing more details soon. 

 We are expanding our Houston team with top-tier talent.  

We are excited to welcome specialists in the LNG and emerging energies sectors to our team. With their extensive knowledge and experience, these new additions significantly enhance our expertise in critical areas of the energy industry and ensure we can meet the evolving needs of our clients. They allow us to provide you with even more tailored solutions and resources, ultimately enabling us to serve you better than ever before.

Petroplan will be at Gastech.

The team is looking forward to participating in Gastech September 17-20 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Stand B100C. I invite you to stop by and connect with our team – I am eager to learn more about your needs and explore how we can support you. 
Thank you for being a part of our journey. I look forward to sharing more updates soon.

Best regards,  
Craig

Craig McConochie, Regional Director, Petroplan USA

Craig.McConochie@petroplan.com

Petroplan is excited to attend Gastech, showcasing its specialized talent solutions for the energy sector.

The event provides a platform to connect with industry leaders, explore innovations, and demonstrate Petroplan’s expertise in delivering top-tier recruitment services tailored to the evolving needs of the gas, LNG, and energy industries.

Visit the Petroplan team at Stand B100C for a chance to win an iPad and meet the team. Learn more about how we can overcome your hiring challenges, or assist in your job search.

Shannon Johnson is a heavy hitter for the Petroplan operations team. On any single day she will be juggling candidate visa processes, managing multiple clients and keeping immigration attorneys close to ensure compliance at every stage. 

We asked Shannon about her role, her motivations, and her hopes for the future.

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to this role?

I began working in the Oil and Gas Industry in 2010 with a focus on international immigration for Oil and Gas Clients. At first I processed work permits and mobilized UK and US nationals for projects in Africa (Angola – Congo), then Saudi Arabia, Equatorial Guinea, and Brazil and so on. 
As my career progressed, I gained the knowledge that’s essential for successful US Immigration and Compliance, which has helped me in developing and managing several key clients at Petroplan.
Now my role means supporting our clients’ day-to-day operations, and candidates with mobilization and then throughout their employment with Petroplan. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your new role so far?

Watching candidates thrive in their new positions and seeing the positive impact on both clients’ and Petroplan's operations is deeply rewarding. The positive feedback I get confirms I’ve positively influenced my candidates' careers, and contributed to my clients' success. This gives me a real sense of accomplishment. 

How do you tackle the challenges associated with the E2 visa application process?

Being well-informed is crucial for overcoming visa challenges. Preventing issues before they arise is key, so it's important to manage requirements. For example: I pre-screen candidates and help them prepare for a successful visa interview so they know what to expect. We avoid delays and any unexpected surprises. Being proactive means contingency planning, so I’m ready for potential issues and can adapt quickly as needed. 

Staying up-to-date on visa requirements and changes to U.S. immigration laws is a vital part of my role. I work closely with our excellent immigration attorneys to ensure full compliance.

Getting the visa is just part of the journey - success in my role means offering ongoing, personalized support that helps employees adjust to actually working and living in the US. With my experience I have lots of success stories to guide them through the transition, and we have many resources to make the move easier. I am always gathering feedback from both clients and employees on the relocation process – this information helps me make improvements for the next case.

Can you share an interesting fact or insight about the E2 visa process that might surprise people?

There’s currently no limit to the number of times an E-2 visa can be renewed, making it a flexible option for long-term business operations.

What strategies are you considering to improve the efficiency of visa processing for contractors?

I’m always trying to streamline the entire process which means anticipating challenges, and managing contractor and client expectations. This year I’ve enhanced the mobilization packet we give to new contractors with additional information to help them transition as painlessly as possible.

What are the important skills or qualities for successfully managing the E2 visa process?

Definitely effective communication – this is the core of my approach. I focus on understanding the needs and concerns of both clients and candidates by actively listening and empathizing with their situations. I aim to understand their needs and promptly address any concerns. Then I can set clear expectations regarding timelines, processes, and potential challenges so everyone is on the same page.

It’s important to have in-depth knowledge of immigration and visa processes, so I can provide the best guidance and support, and ensure compliance.

I focus on developing and managing strong relationships that facilitate successful outcomes for everyone involved.

Can you describe a typical day in your role managing the E2 visa process? 

Every day is different. I manage each stage for every E2 visa candidate. I pre-qualify candidates for my clients, explore viable visa options available, gather associated costs and initiate the process with the client, candidate, and immigration attorney. I communicate with both my client and candidate about timelines, processes, and expectations.

In addition to my E2 visa candidates, I also manage day-to-day operations for other key accounts. There’s lots of variety.

What are your main goals for the department over the next year? How will you achieve them?

My goals are to build upon existing relationships and support growth for Petroplan’s clients. Given our E2 Treaty Investor status at Petroplan, we have a great opportunity to support our client’s needs for specialized talent while also helping candidates achieve career success. Petroplan has candidate networks beyond the US, which gives our clients access to the global talent pool. It can take a diverse range of qualifications to stay competitive. 

At the end of the day, my personal goal is to offer the best support I can to Petroplan’s clients with all of their hiring needs, both locally and globally.