A £500,000 investment in a new product line by north-east construction and engineering specialist AquaTerra Group has delivered an early reward.
The company said its QuikDeck underdeck access system had already helped to secure more than £1 million-worth of new work.
AquaTerra, which is based in Midmill Business Park, Kintore, Aberdeenshire, added ongoing discussions with oil and gas operators – primarily in the UK – could lead to it winning more lucrative business offshore.
QuikDeck is a new underdeck access system, designed as a cost-effective alternative to scaffolding.
The patented product has been used by AquaTerra for decommissioning and fabric maintenance projects in the North Sea and the company is now working towards using it in the civil sector for bridge access work.
Managing director Peter Robinson said: “QuikDeck has proved to be an advantageous step forward in the range we can offer our customers and we are confident the system will play an important role in the future growth of the company.”
AquaTerra was formed about 17 years ago by Mr Robinson, Ged Riley, James Grosset and Elaine Pacitti.
Originally launched as an offshore rope access company in Stoneywood, Aberdeen, the firm now provides products and services for a wide range of technically challenging construction and decommissioning projects.
These include caisson and conductor inspection, repair, and maintenance jobs, as well as removals and replacements.
AquaTerra’s rigging and lifting expertise, access systems and engineering, fabrication and offshore construction services reach more than 30 countries globally.
Its expertise can also be found at the heart of many of the North Sea’s major oil and gas decommissioning projects.
The firm currently has about 35 onshore full-time staff and an average of 60 people working offshore. Turnover for last year was around £14.5 million.
Earlier this year the company acquired the trade and assets of fellow north-east firm Subsea Engineering and Technical Services (Sets) out of administration, saving five jobs.
The integration of Sets within AquaTerra is seen as a major step forward for the group, adding value to conductor and caisson intervention services above and below the waterline.
Sets, which was owned by Chris and Sharon Tierney, of Balmedie, provided project management and engineering services to the oil and gas industry.
Administrators from FRP Advisory were appointed after the Aberdeen-based business suffered “considerable trading and cash flow problems”.
The value of its acquisition by AquaTerra – announced in February – was undisclosed.
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