Global Energy Group is launching a new offshore diving division to expand its existing inshore diving operations.
Global Diving represents a multimillion-pound investment by the highly successful Scottish group and the objective is to deliver these services to the offshore oil and gas and renewables sectors, both in the UK and internationally.
The Inverness-headquartered group says it is confident that there are strong opportunities in both of its key target markets for offshore air and nitrox diving covering construction, maintenance and inspection services.
Critically, Global says it is starting from a firm foundation. It currently has around 40 divers on its books, working regularly on projects in UK and European waters.
It is looking to recruit more key personnel for the new division, targeting diving operations with a capability of up to 50m water depths.
The company is investing £7million in new offshore dive systems and a state-of-the-art daughter-craft, the first of a number of vessels it plans to use to support its operations.
Among the senior management team leading the new diving division, along with experienced diver and division MD Stuart Paterson, will be Alan Melia, who joined earlier this year from Stork Technical Services (Subsea).
Described as a highly experienced dive manager, Melia sits on a number of industry regulatory panels, previously holding the title of vice-chairman of IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) Safety, Medical, Technical and Training Committee. He worked for Global in 2008 during its infancy.
Melia has also been working closely with accreditation bodies and industry organisations such as IMCA and the Association of Diving Contractors (ADC) to ensure the company’s QMS and processes and procedures are at the highest possible standards.
Paterson told Energy: “This is an exciting new venture for us. From our research and knowledge of both the offshore oil and gas and renewable sectors we are confident there is significant demand for air/nitrox diving services that Global Diving can provide in accordance with current industry legislation with a high focus on safety and delivering quality to the client.
“The group already has a client base of leading energy industry operators that requires air diving services and with offices around the world in Houston, Brazil, Australia and the Middle East, we hope to build on this opportunity and offer customers a truly global service.
“That provides a solid foundation and great prospect to launch this business, further strengthening our ties with our clients and expanding our offering to new customers and geographical areas. Our intention is to grow this new business by building on our existing equipment, staff, accreditations and customer base.”
The launch of the diving division is the latest development in the continuing growth of Global Energy Group, which has head offices in Aberdeen and Inverness.
The group’s financial statements for 2013/14 are set to follow a continuing trend demonstrating a third consecutive year of considerable growth at about 40% up on the previous year’s sales.
Turnover grew from £358million to just under the £500million mark to the year ending March 2014, with earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation (EBITDA) expected to reach £55million, compared to £34.5million in 2012/13.
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