Global oil and gas logistics company Asco said yesterday it had taken total control of Scrabster Port Services (SPS) in Caithness.
The Aberdeen company said the move would enhance its service offering, particularly west of Shetland.
Asco acquired a 50% stake in SPS from Port Services Group in 2009 and has now added the group’s remaining 50% for an undisclosed sum.
SPS has four office staff and 16 operational workers – although not all full-time – and they will remain with the business as Asco employees.
Andrew Macdonald, Asco’s chief executive for its European region, said: “The acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Scrabster Port Services supports Asco’s international growth strategy.
“Scrabster will be a key logistics hub as the substantial west of Shetland fields come on-stream in the coming years. It offers established quayside services and a fast, direct shipping route to offshore fields from the UK mainland.
“Our presence in Scrabster is great news for our clients who are actively looking for suitable, efficient logistics solutions to support their work in the northern North Sea and to service the west of Shetland. Today’s announcement is also great news for the local community as it reinforces our commitment to Caithness.”
William Calder, chairman of Scrabster Harbour Trust, added: “Scrabster Harbour Trust welcomes the news of the Asco acquisition. This reflects Asco’s confidence in Scrabster’s pivotal role supporting the major oil and gas developments emerging west of Shetland.”
SPS was established in 1997.
Asco employs more than 1,600 people worldwide and the SPS acquisition is its second deal this month.
The company bought Aberdeen safety training and lifting specialist North Sea Lifting for an undisclosed sum. NSL employs about 50 people, the bulk of them in the north-east, in global operations based in Aberdeen, Texas and Louisiana.