A north-east wildlife cruise firm’s diversification into commercial workboat charters for the offshore sector has required a new vessel to meet growing demand.
McLachlan Marine Group, of Stonehaven, has taken over the Aberdeen-based Ocean Predator offshore crew and cargo-transfer boat and its business.
The value of the deal was undisclosed but it was financed by a six-figure loan from Clydesdale Bank.
McLachlan, owned by 29-year-old Ruari McLachlan, said the deal with crew-transfer business Inch Cape Marine Services had already led to its small workforce growing by three to five people and it expected to recruit a further one or two.
The firm’s annual turnover has also doubled to more than £200,000.
Originally operating as Castle Charter and Marine Services, McLachan was founded two years ago with the acquisition of the Lady Gail II, which had previously been used by subsea electronics manufactures and rental companies, but was put to work on wildlife cruises and sea-angling trips.
A downturn in tourism forced the firm to diversify and most of the income generated by the boat is now from rentals to the oil and gas industry for equipment testing and seabed surveys.
The Ocean Predator means further expansion into the energy service industry. The 12-passenger vessel provides transfers to oil, gas and renewables vessels anchored offshore.
Its change of ownership was marked at an event attended by Aberdeen Lord Provost George Adam.
Mr McLachlan said: “After expanding into oil and gas services with Lady Gail II, acquiring Ocean Predator will help us to increase our share of the market.
“Ocean Predator transfers are a lifeline for bigger vessels that can’t anchor in Aberdeen’s busy harbour.
“As well as transporting staff for maintenance and crew changeovers, we also deliver goods and supplies. To date, this has included everything from essential spare parts to fresh yoghurt for a ship’s hungry crew.”