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John Stiff, senior consultant with ABS Consulting, received the Minerals Management Services (MMS) Corporate Leadership Award (CORLA) for his exceptional leadership of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico MODU Mooring Strength and Reliability Joint Industry Program (MODU JIP). The JIP focused on improving hurricane preparedness by acquiring and assessing performance data, updating standards and developing new equipment and procedures.

During the 10th Annual Industry Awards Program & Luncheon, during the Offshore Technology Conference, more than 700 attendees joined MMS to recognize companies and individuals for achievements in offshore safety and fiscal compliance. The CORLA honors those individuals who voluntarily performed exemplary acts or services that greatly benefited the MMS mission.

"ABS Consulting is extremely proud of John's achievements and, as a key member of our staff, we're equally delighted that he has been recognized with this well-deserved award," said Thomas Devlin, senior vice president of energy operations, ABS Consulting.

Over the last two years, Stiff has played a key role in managing the MODU JIP, which studied the strength and reliability of MODU moorings and developed a risk-based approach to drilling site assessment. Tasks included revising the hurricane metocean criteria, ascertaining the impact that these new data have on MODU fleet capability, improved understanding of mooring failures, and developing a formal way to assess the consequences of a mooring failure. The results of the metocean study were submitted to the API committee and were instrumental in the publication of API RP 2INT-MET. The JIP was a major catalyst in the move of industry toward a risk-based approach to MODU location assessment. 

For more information, contact John Stiff.