While energy transition pushes away from conventional rental equipment, posing logistical and financial challenges for rental companies, Byrne is taking advantage of the moment to redefine its business model and approach, Pat Fallon from Byrne tells OGN

Byrne Equipment Rental’s growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arbia is a testament to its dedication to quality service and continuous improvement.

The expansion of its rental fleet, introduction of new product categories and collaborations with leading brands underlines that commitment to providing clients with a comprehensive and cutting-edge suite of equipment rental solutions.

In an exclusive interview, Pat Fallon, Group Deputy CEO of Byrne tells OGN energy magazine how the company is reviewing and adjusting its current inventory to align with decarbonisation goals.

With decarbonisation now expected to gather pace in the region after the COP28 declaration, what challenges and opportunities does this bring for the region, especially in the equipment rental segment?

Following COP28, decarbonisation has become a major focus, creating a unique landscape of challenges and opportunities for the equipment rental industry.

Byrne is expanding its fleet of solar-powered temporary buildings and lighting towers

One of the biggest hurdles is transitioning away from conventional equipment towards more sustainable alternatives, which could pose logistical and financial challenges for companies with established fleets.

However, this shift towards sustainability also presents opportunities for innovation and growth within the equipment rental sector.

Companies must navigate the challenges of adapting to the new inventory while also leading the way in providing eco-friendly solutions.

Despite the challenges posed by the current situation, Byrne Equipment Rental is taking advantage of the moment to redefine its business model and approach. We recognise the need to invest in a more diverse range of environmentally friendly equipment rental options, thereby creating a comprehensive fleet that aligns with COP28’s sustainability goals.

To facilitate this transition, we plan to explore and hopefully collaborate with equipment manufacturers to develop and make available viable green alternatives.

Education is also a critical component of this change, both for our team and our clients.

Over time we aim to raise awareness about the benefits of adopting eco-friendly solutions, establishing Byrne as a leader in sustainable equipment rental.

How is Byrne responding to this and what impact will it have on the company’s current inventory that may not be aligned with decarbonisation efforts?

Byrne's modular camps can seamlessly integrate into diverse locations and accommodate varying project dynamics

In response to the COP28 declaration, Byrne Equipment Rental is taking a forward-thinking approach towards embracing sustainable practices.

As mentioned earlier, working on partnerships with manufacturers to hopefully integrate greener alternatives, as well as expanding our fleet of solar-powered temporary buildings and lighting towers, initially reducing our carbon footprint.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, Byrne Equipment Rental is committed to reviewing and adjusting its current inventory to align with decarbonisation goals.

While certain equipment may not be immediately compatible with sustainability initiatives, Byrne is committed to responsibly tackling this challenge without negatively impacting our client operations.

What has contributed to the growth of the rental equipment segment in Saudi Arabia?

Several factors have contributed to the flourishing equipment rental industry in KSA. Renting equipment is an affordable option for companies looking to access various equipment types without significant upfront investments.

It also allows businesses to scale resources quickly, resulting in increased operational efficiency.

Rental reduces ownership responsibilities while enabling adaptability to changing project requirements, ultimately mitigating risks.

For companies operating in KSA’s dynamic oil and gas landscape, renting equipment is a practical and desirable option.

What are some lessons learned from camp installations – where Byrne has a track record – in the oil and gas industry?

One crucial lesson learned is the importance of flexibility. Oil and gas projects often operate in remote and ever-changing environments, demanding adaptable solutions.

Our experience has enabled us to develop a modular and customisable fleet that caters to the specific needs of each project.

This flexibility ensures that our high-quality modular camps can seamlessly integrate into diverse locations and accommodate varying project dynamics.

Scalability is another key lesson. Oil and gas projects may experience fluctuations in workforce size or operational needs.

Byrne’s camp installations are designed to scale up or down efficiently, allowing our clients to manage their workforce and facilities in alignment with project requirements.

This adaptability is crucial for optimising costs and ensuring that the camp remains a valuable asset throughout the project lifecycle.

How has Byrne’s fleet in KSA grown over the years?

With nine strategic depots located throughout the Kingdom, Byrne Equipment Rental has consistently grown its rental fleet over the years.

Today, we boast a diverse range of equipment that covers various categories to meet the extensive needs of our clients.

Our rental fleet of mechanical and non-mechanical comprises over 15,000 pieces of equipment.

Our commitment to providing a single source solution is reflected in the strategic growth of our rental fleet.

We regularly update and expand our inventory to keep up with the latest technological advancements and meet the ever-evolving demands of the oil and gas industry.

In order to maintain our position as a single source provider, we constantly expand not only our fleet, but also our services.

We have placed a high priority on sustainability throughout 2023 adding solar powered temporary buildings and lighting towers to reduce fuel consumption and provide eco-friendly alternatives.

Additionally, we provided battery solutions for independent power and synchronised options using the main supply power (generator/grid) that can reduce fuel consumption.

Can you share a case where you specified solutions to the client’s satisfaction?

Byrne was appointed to provide a turnkey solution for a temporary camp supporting an exploration project situated in a remote location.

The challenge involved creating a comfortable and functional living space for the workforce while adhering to stringent safety and environmental standards.

Our dedicated team designed a modular camp precisely aligned with the unique needs of the project.

This installation encompassed temporary accommodation, catering facilities and recreational spaces.

The modular design allowed for swift deployment and customisation, adapting to the evolving requirements of the project.

Client feedback emphasised the successful implementation of our turnkey solution, meeting not only safety and environmental standards but also providing a comfortable living environment for the workforce.

The adaptability of our camp was a pivotal factor contributing to the client’s satisfaction.

By Abdulaziz Khattak