A north-east firm has secured two of its biggest ever contracts as it continues to flourish following the oil and gas downturn.
Ace Winches has been hired to use its linear winch pull-in systems on two major projects in the Gulf of Mexico.
The first contract was awarded by Subsea 7 for the Shell Vinto project – a deep water discovery approximately 241km south of New Orleans.
The second contract award by Subsea 7 is for the BP Mad Dog Phase 2 project located in the Southern Green Canyon area of Gulf of Mexico.
The multi-million-pound contracts will include all aspects of project management including engineering, manufacture, operating staff and installation and pull-in of equipment.
Ace Winches said the firm worked closely with Subsea 7 to simplify and deliver an innovative and cost-effective riser installation solution from design through to delivery for both projects.
The Ace linear winching system was produced to reduce the space taken up by riser installations.
If traditional approaches had been considered, for example using a drum or traction winch, the space requirements would have increased, creating challenges due to additional on-board vessel production equipment.
Alfie Cheyne, chief executive at Ace, said: “The Shell Vito and BP Mad Dog Phase 2 projects are major contract awards for Ace Winches, contracts such as these help us sustain and develop our workforce of almost 200 people in Aberdeenshire bringing jobs and significant value to the local economy.
It also highlights how our business is uniquely positioned to provide innovative solutions across our engineering, manufacturing and rental services.
“Our creative approach in challenging traditional installation methods has created value for our clients through early project concept engagement and active involvement throughout all stages of the
project.
This has provided a smart, revolutionary, cost-effective and safe solution on installation and start-up of both these major US Gulf projects.”