Norwegian offshore technology company Enhanced Drilling has opened new UK headquarters in Aberdeen in an attempt to win more business on this side of the North Sea.
Enhanced Drilling, which demerged from Norway’s AGR Group last year, said the new premises in Bridge of Don would help to further strengthen its global presence.
The site was officially opened by David Hine – the firm’s chief executive – and Svein Egil Steen, its vice-president for Europe.
Enhanced Drilling said the 10-year lease represented a six-figure investment.
Its new UK HQ adds to overseas operations in Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, Malaysia and the US.
UK manager Scott Bremner said: “With three major North Sea contracts with a combined multimillion-pound value being added to our portfolio in recent weeks, it’s an ideal time to show our long-term commitment to the area through this investment.”
The firm – formerly AGR Enhanced Drilling – provides cuttings removal, dual gradient drilling and managed pressure drilling technologies to clients around the world.
It has had a small presence in Union Plaza, Aberdeen, since spring last year, but now has a permanent site in Europe’s energy capital.
The new facility – opposite Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre – features more than 11,300 square feet of workshop accommodation and a further 5,900sq ft of office, parking and yard space.
Enhanced Drilling, which is currently recruiting for its Granite City operation, said there was plenty of room for future expansion.
The new site was previously used by Schlumberger subisidiary M-I Swaco as a training centre.
Renovation work has been carried out in recent weeks to bring it up to standard for the specific needs of the new tenant.
Enhanced Drilling chose it from a shortlist of two potential Aberdeen locations after ruling out a number of others.
Mr Bremner said: “It offers modern and functional facilities and is a great setting for our staff to work.
“It is easily accessible by road from Aberdeen International Airport and the city’s port.
“As a fast growing business, having the right base to continue our planned development is vital.”
Enhanced Drilling has brought some innovative new products to market this year, including its EC-Drill, which the firm said had attracted significant interest from companies worldwide.
The technology was recently used by Statoil on the Troll field, and the Norwegian operator will be using it again later this year on a multi-well project in the Gulf of Mexico.
Enhanced Drilling’s expertise is also being used by companies working on large developments west of Shetland.
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