North-east subsea technology specialist Ecosse Subsea Systems (ESS) has doubled the size of its workforce after winning a £5million contract to design, build and operate a cable-lay system for a major utilities provider.
It is the first deal of its type for the Banchory firm, which was unable to say who the client was but said the work involved an offshore windfarm off the Humber Estuary. ESS is using a 50-strong team, including 30 new recruits, for a project expected to last at least 10 months.
The company was previously asked to carry out seabed preparation and boulder clearance work on the windfarm, using its SCAR plough technology, but this is its first renewables cable-lay award.
Using a client-chartered support vessel, the Atlantic Carrier, ESS will instal more than 70 half-mile cables linking wind turbines to transformer stations.
ESS managing director Mike Wilson said the firm’s reputation in renewable subsea projects had opened up new markets. He added: “We’ve completed countless cable and pipe lay projects in the major oil and gas producing regions but this award is a breakthrough into the renewables cable-lay market, which could significantly impact on our business.
“Our reputation in the traditional hydrocarbon industries for innovation is well-established and we are looking to repeat that in the renewables sector.”
ESS was established in Aberdeen in 1996 and specialises in offshore engineering consultancy and subsea technology for the subsea energy and offshore renewables markets.
Clients include Shell Exploration and Production, CNR International, Bibby Offshore, Subsea 7, Technip Offshore and BP North Sea.
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