Oil industry technology. Engineers working on the patented Ball Grab system, designed for use in the offshore oil industry. This device has been designed and manufactured by BSW, a company based in Lancaster, UK. The Ball Grab system was made for use at BP's Mad Dog Site, and has since been used by other oil companies. The device is designed for use when installing pipelines and making strong, reliable connections between systems in an underwater industrial environment that involves lifting heavy loads. It works by 'stabbing in' and 'grabbing' a ball-type connector. The engineers are working on the male connector. The female receptacle is at lower left. BSW expanded and moved into new premises in Lancaster in 2003 after 10 years based at the University of Lancaster.