EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: UNIQUE SYSTEMS FZE

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001065

STATE FOR PM/DTCC FOR BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR
USDOC FOR 532/OEA/M.HAMES/D. MUSLU
DHS FOR ICE/STRATEGIC

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: BEXP ETRD ETTC AE

SUBJECT: EXTRANCHECK: PRE-LICENSE CHECK: UNIQUE SYSTEMS FZE

REF: A. USDOC 05608

B. USDOC 05610


1. Reftels requested that post conduct a pre-license check at Unique
Systems FZE, Sharjah, UAE for re-export licenses D395250; D393603:
Orion Inertial Navigation Systems which are controlled under ECCN:
7A103 for Missile Technology and Anti-terrorism reasons. The
license applicant is Teledyne TSS Ltd., Watford, United Kingdom.


2. On 21 Sept 2008, Export Control Officer (ECO) met with Mr. Ray
Hughes, Managing Director and Mr. T. Mathew Antony, Assets Manager,
Unique System FZE. Hughes explained that Unique Systems specializes
in hydrographic and oceanographic equipment (www.uniquegroup.com).
Regarding the orders from Teledyne TSS, Hughes stated that the two
Orion Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) are for its off-shore
pipeline positioning equipment rental business. These systems would
be placed on remotely operated vehicles to help take measurements
for pipeline positioning. He explained that license application
D395250 was ordered for a possible Fugro Survey Middle East project
and that license application D393603 is actually destined for Unique
Systems LLC USA, located in Houston, Texas. Hughes said that Unique
Systems Sharjah may now in fact end up shipping both Orion INS units
(including the one allocated for Fugro Survey) to its newly
established Houston office because there is high demand in the U.S.
off-shore equipment rental market. ECO queried why Unique Systems
USA did not just order directly from Teledyne TSS. Hughes explained
that Unique Systems in Sharjah has an established relationship with
Teledyne TSS and the cost structure/purchase terms enabled a better
discount than what Unique Systems USA could have received by going
direct. Antony explained that Unique Systems USA is currently only
two people and all admin, logistics, and purchasing is conducted
through the Sharjah office. Hughes provided the following contact
details for the U.S. Office: Unique Systems LLC USA, 5355 West Sam
Houston N., Suite 320, Houston, TX, 77041; Tel: 713-937-6193; Fax:
713-937-8695. CEO is Arjun Ramchandani (arjun@uniquegroup.com);
Mobile 713-826-7992.


3. Post considers this PLC to be inconclusive as we are unable to
make a determination on the exact end use and ultimate end users
located in Houston, Texas.

GREENE