Global Energy Group announced contracts yesterday for work on two rigs worth about £12million to the Highland economy.
The Aberdeen company’s engineering project-service division, Global:EPS, has been carrying out the work at Invergordon.
The rigs involved are the John Shaw and Ocean Guardian.
Roy MacGregor, chairman of Global Energy Group, said: “We recently completed the work on the John Shaw drilling rig. This project alone required 70 of our own personnel, plus more than 100 subcontractors.
“Our efficiency in delivering this contract has resulted in the arrival of the Ocean Guardian rig to Invergordon for upgrading.
“This project will require increased manning levels and bring further economic benefit to the Cromarty Firth, while keeping the Invergordon port very busy over the coming months.”
Mr MacGregor said the projects were just the beginning of a line of contracts secured by the firm.
He added: “Securing the contracts on the John Shaw and Ocean Guardian rigs has resulted in a requirement for additional staff, bringing further benefits to the Highlands. It has also helped to attract additional work to the port of Invergordon, with more rigs due to the base in the coming weeks.
“This is fantastic news not only for the port of Invergordon, where there is excellent service provision and a skilled workforce, but also for the economy of the local area, which has been affected by the well-documented credit crunch.”