Energy consultancy Xodus Group has launched a £5 million office in The Hague bringing a truly integrated subsurface and surface capability to the global oil and gas industry.

A number of key appointments have been made and Xodus aims to have 20 people operating from The Hague by the end of the year.

Colin Manson, CEO of Xodus Group said the move was in direct response to a demand from operators for a consultancy offering the first integrated subsurface and surface service.

He added: 'We have been building our subsurface capabilities over the last two years in response to the industry need for a clearer understanding of what is going on in challenging reservoirs. We are taking that service offering to the next level, with a dedicated, integrated subsurface and surface team. We predict an increase in opportunities around the globe.'

Xodus now has a team of 30 subsurface professionals across the company with plans to increase to 70 during 2012.

Boma Pepple has been appointed operations director, joining from subsurface specialists SGS Horizon BV where he worked for six years as a managing director heading up the firm's Nigerian business.

Mr Pepple previously spent four years with Shell International in the Netherlands as a reservoir engineer and subsurface consultant where he worked on development projects across the globe. He had previously worked for Shell Nigeria for eight years after starting his career as a drilling engineer with Schlumberger.

Mr Pepple said: 'Xodus has a growing reputation for its integrated approach to field development and boosting the subsurface expertise and marrying it with surface capabilities will enable us to squeeze the most out of a client's assets. We will be taking a forensic view in order to maximise production and deliver more value.'

Barbara Thuss has joined The Hague team as senior petroleum engineer. She joins from OTM Consulting where she was a management consultant, responsible for the Geopressure Management Network which focuses on formation pore pressure for exploration and drilling.

Industry recognised expert Casper Vlierboom has also been appointed as principal petroleum consultant. He brings 25 years of operational and reservoir study experience with Occidental International (OXY), Occidental-Quatar, TransCanada International, GDF SUEZ and SGS Horizon.

Earlier this year Xodus announced a £10 million equity deal which resulted in Edward van Kersbergen and Stephane Constant, managing partners of The Hague's Sunrise Energy Group, take up new positions as non-executive directors on the board of Xodus.

Tags: Xodus Group