Subsea Expo — Conference & Events

Subsea UK

Conference & Events

21 - 23 February 2023

P&J Live, Aberdeen

an event by

Conference & Events

The conference runs multiple parallel sessions and attracts a broad range of experts to discuss the challenges facing the industry including energy transition, net zero, renewables, new technologies and digitalisation, among other topics.

  • Join the free to attend Global Opportunities Business Breakfast at Subsea Expo, ahead of the opening plenary session for the conference.

    You must book here to secure your place at the breakfast.

    • Biography

      Andrew Hodgson leads the board of the Global Underwater Hub as it works across all sectors of the industry. He is a recognised strategic business leader, with a reputation for delivery in periods of significant organisational change and brings a wealth of corporate, private and public sector experience to the GUH which will be crucial in this formative period.

      His career has spanned international technology, engineering and manufacturing, built on a sound financial background. His significant board experience includes nine years as chair and vice-chair of the North East (of England) Local Enterprise Partnership. He has won a number of business accolades, including the Queen’s Award for Industry three times, and was awarded an OBE in 2015 for Services to Manufacturing and the North East of England Economy.

    • Abstract

      Axiom will explore expected offshore project sanctioning, quantify O&G & wind facility installation demand, as well as examining the potential impact of increased mineral requirements for renewable and green-tech solutions on the viability of offshore mining. Demand side expectations will be set against the current capacity of the supply chain and potential pinch points highlighted.

      Biography

      James Hall, director and co-founder of Axiom EMI, a research and consulting firm focused on the offshore energy sector. Previously James was a director and Wood Mackenzie and Infield Systems and focused on OFS buy-side support. James also worked for RBC Capital Markets as an associate in the O&G investment banking team.

    • Abstract

      Having developed one of the first offshore basins, the UK is a global leader in decommissioning, meaning that the skills, competences, techniques, and knowledge gained in the North Sea now have exportable value in other markets. There is a growing demand for the UK supply chain to support decommissioning projects globally, and we are here to help you.

      Biography

      Shozey leads the Energy Transition & Network Infrastructure team at the Department for International Trade. Previously the department’s Decommissioning and Energy Transition Specialist, Shozey has worked closely with Operators and supported UK supply chain companies to identify and participate in securing contracts for global decommissioning projects.

    • Abstract

      During the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the business opportunities that exist for companies that wish to enter the energy market. Offshore energy, conventional and unconventional energy will be deepened, and how Argentina approaches the concept of energy transition.

      Biography

      Industrial Engineer from the University of Salta and Master in Business Administration from the Austral University (IAE). She served as Secretary of Mining and Energy and as President of the Economic and Social Council of the same province. Since 2023, she has been the Secretary of Energy of the Argentine Republic.

    • Abstract

      An overview of the global opportunities within the civil Subsea sector. A summary of the UK capabilities Maritime Capability Campaign Office is interested in and how Maritime Capability Campaign Office can support UK capabilities to enter foreign markets.

      Biography

      John is Head of Civil Maritime at the Department for International Trade. John has over 20 years’ experience across government, science and the private sector in senior policy and operational delivery roles; including working closely with ministers and as managing director for a green energy company.

    • Abstract

      An overview of the global opportunities within the civil Subsea sector. A summary of the UK capabilities Maritime Capability Campaign Office is interested in and how Maritime Capability Campaign Office can support UK capabilities to enter foreign markets.

      Biography

      Renna is the Marine Engineering Manager at the Maritime Capability Campaign Office. Renna is the sector lead for civil maritime Subsea exports, sub sector lead for equipment exports, and country lead for China and Japan.

    • Abstract

      Overview of the Offshore Wind and Decommissioning landscape in Brazil, major players, challenges and opportunities.

      Biography

      Flavia is Business Development Manager for DIT in Brazil focused on developing contacts in Offshore Renewables, Oil & Gas Transition and Maritime Industries. Flavia´s main role is to develop and maintain a network of contacts in order to assist UK companies in their efforts of doing business in Brazil. Flavia and her team conduct market researches, identify opportunities, and barriers to trade.

  • Subsea Expo 2023 kicks off on the morning of Tuesday 21st and begins with the opening plenary session, chaired by GUH’s Head of Communications Kirstin Gove.

    The theme of the panel will be ‘Into the Blue’ with a focus on the Blue Economy and, during the session, the panel of experts will be highlighting the opportunities available in a rapidly-growing underwater market and how to grasp them.

    • Biography

      Kirstin Gove joined Subsea UK (now Global Underwater Hub) as Head of Communications in October 2021 in the lead up to the organisation’s transition into the GUH. A seasoned communications professional, Kirstin has nearly three decades of experience in the media, marketing and corporate communications sectors.

      A former STV news anchor and broadcast journalist, Kirstin has gained knowledge working across various sectors of the energy industry including oil and gas, drilling and decommissioning, and was most recently Head of Communications at Step Change in Safety, the UK’s oil and gas safety organisation.

      During her career, Kirstin has also delivered media training, emergency response and reputation management services to a broad spectrum of clients and governmental organisations across the country. She remains a seasoned industry event host and panel chair.

    • Biography

      With over thirty-years’ management experience Neil was appointed as chief executive of Subsea UK in 2011 which subsequently transitioned into the Global Underwater Hub in 2021. During this time, he effectively led the self-sustaining organisation through both its most challenging and most successful periods. Under his leadership, the subsea industry has transitioned to become recognised as a stand-alone industry operating in diverse sectors, including oil and gas, offshore wind, marine renewables, defence, ocean science, subsea mining and aquaculture.

      His early career involved managing and developing businesses, some which he owned and also worked offshore as a commercial diver. Prior to joining Subsea UK, he spent four years managing the National Hyperbaric Centre building a strong credible reputation working and developing with the subsea sector throughout the world including India, Middle east, Africa and Brazil.

       

    • Biography

      Benj Sykes leads Ørsted’s UK team responsible for business growth, setting and delivering our sustainability and environmental agendas, and managing the company’s relationships across government, authorities, and NGOs. He was previously UK country manager and set up and led the company’s asset management function. Until November 2020, Benj co-chaired the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) alongside the UK Government’s Energy Minister and led the work to agree a programme of activities and commitments between industry and government through the Offshore Wind Sector Deal to support the continued growth of the sector.

    • Biography

      Tavish Scott is Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland. Salmon Scotland Ltd is the voice of Scottish farmed salmon, the UK’s biggest food export. We are a source of trusted information and represent our members’ interests in Scotland, across the UK and internationally. He previously was Head of External Affairs for Scottish Rugby (2019-20) and MSP for Shetland (1999-2019). He served as a Government Minister in various portfolios, held various parliamentary positions and is a former leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

      Tavish is non-executive director of Shetland Space Centre and is on the board of Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association, part of the UK Wide People for Places Group, and a visiting Professor for the Aberdeen Business School at Robert Gordon University. Tavish has an honours degree in Business Management from Napier Edinburgh University

    • Biography

      Sue Barr has 20 years’ experience in the offshore and nearshore construction and environmental industries, including the wind, wave, and tidal sector. She is a Board member of Marine Energy Wales, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, and a Non-Executive Director of Marine Power Systems. Sue also chairs the UK Marine Energy Council. Sue has played a key role in driving renewable industry development and policy in the marine area, both in the UK and internationally.

  • Chair: Andrew Hodgson

    • Biography

      Andrew Hodgson leads the board of the Global Underwater Hub as it works across all sectors of the industry. He is a recognised strategic business leader, with a reputation for delivery in periods of significant organisational change and brings a wealth of corporate, private and public sector experience to the GUH which will be crucial in this formative period.

      His career has spanned international technology, engineering and manufacturing, built on a sound financial background. His significant board experience includes nine years as chair and vice-chair of the North East (of England) Local Enterprise Partnership. He has won a number of business accolades, including the Queen’s Award for Industry three times, and was awarded an OBE in 2015 for Services to Manufacturing and the North East of England Economy.

    • Abstract

      The UK offshore energy industry operates in a harsh & challenging environment and is accustomed to building resilience into a wide range of activities in the pursuit of delivering safe, efficient and productive operations.  The pandemic generated a new challenge, and the environment became increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) causing the industry to form a Pandemic Steering Group (PSG) to reduce the impact of the VUCA elements on the industry with the aim of protecting those working offshore and maintaining security of supply. With the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia the offshore energy industry took a similar approach witnessed during the pandemic and formed an Industry Resilience Group (IRG) to ensure that a pre-emptive approach could be taken to maintain security of supply.

      The IRG is formed from members of BEIS, OPRED, NSTA, Police Scotland, IADC, and industry to ensure that potential threats to the industry can be reviewed and control measures are proportionate and pragmatic to the level of threat whilst ensuring that we demonstrate that as an industry we are prepared. The offshore energy environment has a large number of preventative and containment/ response controls already in place that provide resilience in relation to security of supply.  Some of these are; competency arrangements, performance standards supported by backup systems, surveillance/ inspection programmes, hydrocarbon release prevention programmes and incident response arrangements.

      Biography

      Mark Wilson is the Health, Safety, Environment & Operations Director, for Offshore Energies UK and supports HSE & operational arrangements for the UK offshore assets.  This role also includes the OEUK resilience lead focussing on both COVID-19 and security of supply aspects in relation to the crisis in Ukraine.

      Having spent the first part of his career with the British Army as a mechanical engineer, Mark joined ConocoPhillips and for seven years he held HSE and operational roles both on and offshore, including as an Offshore Installation Manager.  He then moved to EnQuest as the HSE Director, which also included being the COVID-19 lead, the Group enterprise risk co-ordinator, and emission management focal point.

      Mark is the vice-chair and Energy Ambassador for the Aberdeen and Grampian Branch of the Institute of Directors, holds an MBA and is a Chartered Engineer.

    • Biography

      With over 10 years’ in the Offshore Wind industry Ajai has a broad technical and commercial experience, having worked across the Development, Engineering, Construction and Operations phases on various projects for several Operators / Developers.

      Recently joining RenewableUK as the Head of Supply Chain, Ajai is now focussing on making sure industry can deliver upon the UK’s ambitious offshore wind deployment targets, and indeed seeing how opportunities in UK supply chain can be realised.

    • Biography

      Dr. Phil Weir is a historian specialising in the Royal Navy in the first half of the twentieth century. He gained his PhD from the University of Exeter in 2007 looking at British naval aviation between the wars, is the author of “Dunkirk and the Little Ships” and various articles. He has also contributed to both television and radio programmes including the BBC’s ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’

    • Abstract

      The outline topics are:
      1. What are the challenges and risks?
      2. What does the landscape look like now?
      3. Focus on risk and ability to design in resilience

      Biography

      Stephen Dawe is “Engineering & New Business Manager” at Vodafone Group Services Ltd. He has been involved with the subsea telecommunications industry since 1983. Stephen is Chairman of the European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA) and Executive Committee member of ICPC.

  • Chair: David Rodger

    • Biography

      David re-joined AREG in the role of CEO on the 1st of October 2021. He spent four years as communications manager of the group from 2005-2009. He joined Vattenfall in 2009 and supported the development of the Clashindarroch onshore wind farm near Huntly, as well as the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, before joining Shell in 2012 where he worked in the upstream communications team.

    • Abstract

      As the industry grows into this new dawn of industrialisation, we have a lot of learning still to do. Deeper waters, harsher conditions offer a whole new set of challenges for offshore wind developers.

      Over the next 10-15 years we have thousands of turbines, miles of cables & moorings, hours of inspections and maintenance to be carried out in the UK and Ireland alone. The question is how?

      Biography

      I have spent the past 10 years studying the Offshore Wind market and through my journey have witnessed a huge advancement, from 2MW turbines at Scorby Sands, to the imminent release of the 14MW machine to debut at Dogger bank C. From strike prices of £137/MWh at Beatrice, down to the lows of £37.35 in Allocation round 4. Where can we go next?

    • Abstract

      The challenge of robotics performing operations and maintenance in offshore wind is explored. The state of the art is considered as well as future requirements for technology and regulation optimization. Use cases from ORE Catapults offshore robotic demonstration site (DARE) will be showcased.

      Biography

      Russell starting work as a Technician Apprentice, directly after GCSE, he then concluded the 4 year term as an draughtsman with an HND. An opportunity arose in the automotive sector where Russell worked as a Design engineer for 7 years, designing and building bespoke machines that made seats for land rover and Jaguar, delivery conveyors installed into lorries for Johnson Controls. Thereafter, for 14 years, Russell worked as a Technical Sales Manager winning substantial business supplying custom designed thermal management systems into Leonardo, Airbus, Mercedes F1, Thales and McLaren.

      Since then Russell has been part of the commercial arm of ORE Catapult as Business Development Manager representing the pre-eminent offshore validation site in Europe.

    • Abstract

      Installation and maintenance strategies for offshore renewables are inherently complex given the associated logistical challenges. With this complexity comes opportunity to reduce LCOE through innovation. This paper presents a review of conventional approaches and discusses emerging alternative solutions such as shared anchors/moorings and quick connect/disconnect systems.

      Biography

      Stephen is a principal engineer in Apollo’s Marine and Mechanical team. He is experienced in the design of mechanical and structural equipment for the offshore environment, most recently putting this skillset to use as technical lead in the development of Apollo’s ‘PALM’ quick connection system for floating renewables.

    • Abstract

      Leveraging over 30 years’ experience in the analysis of dynamic systems in the subsea industry Wood has performed a comparative assessment between conventional tethered lazy wave systems and a novel weighted lazy wave system. The assessment has been performed using Flexcom Wind. Flexcom Wind is Wood's dedicated simulator package for offshore wind turbines.

      Biography

      Senior Engineer at Wood, based in the Subsea and Export Services service line of the Consulting business based in Aberdeen. Seconded part time to the Net Zero Technology Centre. Providing engineering consultancy and supporting projects in their Energy System Integration programme. Work across the oil & gas, offshore wind and marine renewable sectors of the subsea industry.

  • Chair: David Jousset

    • Biography

      David Jousset started his career with TechnipFMC in project management and engineering for large EPCI projects in France, US and Indonesia. David recently moved to Aberdeen, UK for his current role, Vice President OneFleet, overseeing its integrated global fleet of Construction, Diving and Pipelay assets.

    • Abstract

      The all-electric eLARS™ incorporates MacArtney’s tried and tested technology and answers a market need for more eco-friendly products. Featuring zero pressurised oil over water, significantly reducing the risk of oil spillage and providing energy efficiency improved by more than 30%, the eLARS™ provides a technology solution for tomorrow. Designed and manufactured in Denmark with more than 40 years of MacArtney experience, the MERMAC eA-frame can be delivered as an integral part of a complete Launch and Recovery System or as a stand-alone A-Frame, providing excellent versatility.

      The all-electric system is fully customisable and can be designed to meet specific customer needs and technical specifications. The robust design features an optional Emergency Recovery Mode capable of safe recovery even in the event of a drive malfunction. The all-electric eLARS™ supports a wide range of inspection and observation class, as well as work class ROVs and even Trenchers! Easily mobilised either on a fully scalable skid or as stand-alone products the eLARS™ can be tailored to customer specifications.

      Biography

      Kevin has a BA in Business Studies and the CIM Diploma in Marketing. He has had a variety of senior management positions in the subsea technology space, spanning 20 years. Kevin previously held senior sales management roles for Unique Group, Ashtead Technology, VERIPOS, Stenmar Sonavision and CDL. As well as holding global sales management roles based in Aberdeen, Kevin has covered APAC with Ashtead, based in Singapore. Additionally, his last oversea stint before returning to Aberdeen was based in Abu Dhabi for Ashtead and then Unique covering Middle East, Africa and Caspian. Kevin joined MacArtney UK Ltd, one of the world’s leading underwater technology companies, in March 2021 as Head Of Sales. He was promoted to Sales Director a year later and then Managing Director in May 2022

    • Abstract

      Offshore wind capacity will expand fivefold by 2030, creating an urgent need for data-driven optimisation and adaptation of legacy hydraulic equipment to increase capacity and efficiency.
      Motive’s Innovation Centre is working to improve cost and carbon efficiency across the subsea industry with new technology to digitalise all back-deck processes and equipment.

      Biography

      James co-founded the business in 2010, following over twenty years in the oil and gas industry.

      As COO, James’s focus is directing the operational activities of Motive Offshore Group, ensuring these align with the company strategies.

      As the organisation continues to grow, James remains passionate about preserving the core values upon which Motive is built: People, Planet and Product.

    • Abstract

      Offshore wind capacity will expand fivefold by 2030, creating an urgent need for data-driven optimisation and adaptation of legacy hydraulic equipment to increase capacity and efficiency.
      Motive’s Innovation Centre is working to improve cost and carbon efficiency across the subsea industry with new technology to digitalise all back-deck processes and equipment.

      Biography

      Edward graduated Robert Gordon University in 2020 and joined Motive through the University of Aberdeen as a KTP Associate. Edward is responsible for developing Motive’s SmartWinch technology and conducting research into employees perception of technological change. Today, Edward is employed full time by Motive as R&D Lead.

    • Abstract

      This presentation examines the advantages of the patented Deep Water Capstan with fibre rope in deep water heavy lifting applications compared to traditional technologies using steel wire. It will also examine opportunities to use this unique self-fleeting solution to provide tangible benefits to other applications such as mooring systems and cable lay operations.

      Biography

      Andrew is an experienced technical sales professional with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Aston University. Andrew works with clients from submarine cable manufacture and lay, deep water lifting, naval, oil & gas, offshore renewables and other industries to provide a range of high-quality, value-added specialist handling solutions based on client requirements.

    • Abstract

      One of the major barriers to decarbonisation and full electrification of offshore support vessels is the range of vessel battery technology. This presentation will explore a leading collaborative concept, establishing new intelligent in-field subsea energy storage and charging infrastructure at offshore wind farm sites, allowing at-sea charging to maximise operating efficiency and vessel range.

      Biography

      Paul Slorach is a founding team member of Verlume and has been integral to the company’s growth. Passionate about subsea technology and the energy transition, Paul leads Verlume’s technology development, ensuring Verlume’s products and capabilities are aligned with the industry needs and direction. Paul’s background is mechanical engineering, with over 15 years’ experience in subsea engineering.

    • Abstract

      The Fugro Orca is Fugro’s first uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in Europe that can remotely launch an electrical remotely operated vehicle (eROV). Fugro strive to deliver data quickly whilst undertaking our operations as safely and sustainably as possible. The 12m Fugro Orca USV is part of Fugro’s purpose of creating a safe and liveable world.

      Biography

      Nick Simmons is Fugro’s European Director USV & Remote Operations, responsible for operating a fleet of 4 USVs by end 2023. Based in the UK, Nick has worked on and operated a range of vessels in the maritime survey sector for many years.  His entrepreneurial approach and passion for combining technology and people is helping Fugro drive forwards to a carbon neutral survey solution.

    • Abstract

      As the industry moves towards net zero, offshore marine contractors are looking for ways they can cut down on emissions and operate in a more sustainable way. Ocean Installer will discuss the initiatives being implemented in our offshore environment to mitigate our carbon footprint, reduce waste and play our role in the energy transition.

      Biography

      Gregor Scott has more than 20 years’ experience in the international oil and gas and offshore renewables industries working in a variety of roles from Naval Architect to Commercial Management. He joined Ocean Installer in 2012 and was recently promoted to Managing Director, for the UK business. He holds a BEng (Hons) in Naval Architecture from the University of Strathclyde.

  • Chair: Dorian Hindmarsh

    • Biography

      Having joined Proeon in 2012, Dorian heads up the commercial team overseeing customer relations to ensure Proeon meets the demand of its growing global customer base. PhD qualified Engineer with over 20 years’ of professional experience in Business development in Clean Tech and Energy industries in both the UK and Scandinavia.

    • Abstract

      Digital has enormous potential to address the challenges of offshore energy generation, storage & transports and the climate emergency, both driving the need to meet Net Zero targets. Presenting real world case studies from industry projects at the National Subsea Centre, we demonstrate how digital is being used to accelerate the energy transition and how this contributes to improved optimisation.

      Biography

      Prof. John McCall has over 25 years of research expertise in data science/artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in solving the challenges of energy transition and industrial revolution driven by climate change and technological advances. John leads the National Subsea Centre, who aim accelerate the energy transition through smart technologies applied to industrial/environmental challenges.

    • Abstract

      This presentation will demonstrate, through anonymized case studies based on real assets, the methods and compelling insights gained by enhancing advanced data analytics, with engineering analysis and insight, beyond ML/AI.
      Recognizing early degradation and advanced warning before failure, offers huge value through efficient response, reduced downtime, resource wastage, and reduced emissions.

      Biography

      Caroline, a founding director of Astrimar, is a specialist consultant in reliability engineering, technical risk and integrity management. With 30 years experience supporting operators, suppliers and technology developers, she has supported development and implementation of best practices in reliability, technology qualification and life extension, for both subsea O&G and offshore renewables.

    • Abstract

      Our Interactive 3D Design and Analysis software IDEA-FDK-DT developed by Canadian software company GRi Simulations is going to be used on a multi stakeholder Digital Offshore project for the east coast of Canada and other regions. This will include user application cases for subsea IMR modelling of Underwater Intervention Drones and AUV’s/AIV’s also e battery powered Resident Workclass ROV’s.

      Biography

      Charles (Charlie) has over 35 years experience in marine and subsea engineering. He started his career as a Marine Engineer with Texaco Overseas Tankships in the 70’s after gaining a BSc in Marine Engineering from Strathclyde University, with 10 years service achieved Chief Engineer (C.Eng.) status. He then transferred across into subsea engineering with Texaco Upstream North Sea. He also gained an MSc in Project Management (2007) and founded a well-established (SME) in 2010.

    • Abstract

      This presentation demonstrates the potential of acoustic emission-based digital monitoring for pipelines using case studies. The approach, which goes beyond ML/AI, combines data analytics with engineering expertise for proactive maintenance and resource optimization, enhancing safety and sustainability in the blue economy.

      Biography

      Dr Md Junayed Hasan is an accomplished research scientist with 6 years of experience in acoustic emission based fault diagnosis, and artificial intelligence. Currently, he is working towards creating a sustainable-ocean-based economy by targeting the net-zero challenges related to subsea infrastructures.

    • Abstract

      Over the past decade 3D reconstruction has evolved from the novel application of in-air technologies to field proven underwater solutions that routinely remove subjectivity and risk from subsea decision making. As the subsea industry settles into the Digital Age, the use of 3D imaging must evolve further, from a reactive decision support tool to ubiquitous remote sensing capability.

      Biography

      Dr. Sam Bromley holds a PhD in Computing and Intelligent Systems Engineering from the University of Guelph, Canada. He is President and CEO of Whitecap Scientific Corporation, creator and owner of ROV3D. Whitecap Scientific’s ROV3D systems have been providing valuable video-based, real-time 3D inspection data to subsea professionals since 2016.

    • Abstract

      Due to the complexed underwater environments, the image quality of optics system can be severely degraded, resulting in bad object detection performance. Therefore, it is essential to develop image enhancement and deep learning (DL) based object detection methods. By integrating the scotopic imaging and AI-driven models, obstacles detection in a dark or limited light environment can be achieved.

      Biography

      Dr. Yan is a Senior Research Fellow in NSC of RGU. He has rich experience on multimodal image processing, computer vision and machine learning. He has published many research articles on prestigious conferences and journals, and sits in the guest editor of Remote Sensing and Frontiers in Plant Science.

  • Round off the opening day of Subsea Expo by joining colleagues from across the underwater industry at the free-to-attend Subsea Expo Networking Drinks Reception. Kindly sponsored by international project delivery, engineering and consulting business Wood, the reception will be held in The View at P&J Live on Tuesday, 21 February from 17:30 until 19:00. The evening event is an excellent opportunity to network with exhibitors, delegates, sponsors and organisers in a relaxed setting.

    To book, please visit the Global Underwater Hub website and secure your free ticket now.

Show Dates

Exhibition & Conference
21 February 2023 : 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
22 February 2023 : 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
23 February 2023 : 9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Awards Ceremony & Dinner
22 February 2023 : 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Location

P&J Live
East Burn Road
Stoneywood
ABERDEEN
AB21 9FX

Contact Us

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Global Underwater Hub
01224 506600

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