Fast-growing oil and gas technology firm GDi is targeting new business from North Sea operators looking to save cash during and beyond the latest industry downturn.
GDi, which stands for Global Design Innovation, has developed laser scanning technology its bosses believe will be much in demand as more firms look to keep their offshore workforce numbers down in line with social distancing requirements.
The Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) has hailed GDi’s “disruptive” technologies as “game-changing” and calculated they could save the industry £250 million a year.
Aberdeen-based GDi was founded about four years ago by managing director Gianni Brooke.
Gareth McIntyre joined the business as a director in 2018 after spells at Talisman Energy, BP, Dana Petroleum and Dubai Petroleum.
GDI’s third director is Karl Green, who was previously managing director of Optimus Projects, Optimus Aberdeen and GRO Oilfield Services.
Launched during the last oil and gas downturn, GDi has in-house survey, design, engineering, fabrication and construction operations aimed at helping clients safely and efficiently manage their offshore assets.
The company has grown from four to 30 people during the past year, boosted by two innovative projects developed under a partnership with Granite City-based OGTC.
“Digital twin” laser scanning at the heart of the OGTC collaboration is focused on asset visualisation and inspections, allowing operators to gather vast amounts of good-quality data remotely.
Mr McIntyre said: “It has been an exciting journey for GDi over the past number of years. Our core engineering business has gone from strength to strength.
“With the addition of the OGTC projects, we have seen a sharp increase in growth and client base.
“This technology underpins GDi’s core offering and has helped secure contracts worth well over £5m.”
He added: “The data collected via laser scanning is vital for engineering purposes, whether it is small repairs or large projects and modifications.
“Utilising our technology, this data can be used to ascertain equipment condition, offering a game-changing approach to asset management.”
OGTC asset integrity solution centre manager Rebecca Allison said: “GDi is delivering game- changing technology for the UKCS (UK Continental Shelf) and beyond.
“Leveraging cutting-edge laser scanning technology is a step change from traditional methods whereby images were taken and subject to inconsistent interpretation.”