Abstract
Martin Belshaw is Technical Director for Semco Maritime and Chairman of the North of Scotland Section of the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC). After graduating with an honours degree in Maths and Computer Science from Teesside Polytechnic in 1981, Martin embarked on his career in the energy industry by joining Ferranti as an assembler programmer on some of the first subsea controllers to go into the North Sea.
A Chartered Engineer and a long-standing member of the Institute, Martin has over 30 years of experience designing and managing computer-based process control systems, networks and systems integration projects in the energy sector. He has developed particular expertise in fault-tolerant process controls, safety systems and control room re-instrumentation projects, including live control and instrumentation installations – both new and retro-fit.
Martin considers himself fortunate that his career in the International Oil and Gas Sector has allowed him the opportunity to work on many pioneering projects in different parts of the world. He was involved in commissioning what became Shell’s first computer-controlled multi-well subsea template in the world. He has also taken overall responsibility for designing process control system/distributed control system (PCS/DCS), programmable logic controller/supervisory control and data acquisition (PLC/SCADA) and telemetry content of both offshore and onshore projects from concept through to commissioning.
During his 21 years with his current employer, Semco Maritime, Martin’s design and instrumentation skills have been applied to significant projects throughout the world. In more recent years he has undertaken feed studies and consultancy for major plants in the United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East with regard to control room re-instrumentation and the live installation of replacement systems.
His involvement with his local branch of the InstMC spans 20 years, 3 years in the role of Vice Chairman and the last 4 years as Chairman.
Having experienced the real opportunities that a career in science and engineering presents, Martin has a genuine motivation for encouraging others to consider this path. In addition to speaking regularly to his peers at industry events, Martin also makes time to get involved with a variety of school, college, university and community groups and has participated in UK-wide initiatives such as National Science and Engineering Week.
North of Scotland Local Section Contacts: