A collaboration between Aberdeen University and a North Sea oil firm on underwater lifting technology has been rated “outstanding” by Innovate UK.
The partnership saw Aberdeenshire-based Aubin’s “DeepBuoy” project being incorporated into a system for divers and ROVs to move objects underwater.
It resulted in the Aubin Underwater Lifting system being launched at the National Decommissioning Centre of Excellence earlier in the year.
The achievement has been recognised on the national stage by the UK’s innovation agency.
Richard Neilson, from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Engineering, led on the development of the system alongside Sergi Almirall from Aubin Group.
He said: “I am delighted that the University’s collaboration with Aubin Group has been acknowledged as ‘outstanding’ by Innovate UK’s KTP Grading Panel, in recognition of our achievement in meeting the KTP’s objectives.
“The University of Aberdeen is renowned for the strength of its industry partnerships, which are leading to the development of technologies that directly benefit the oil and gas industry.
“Our collaboration with Aubin Group is just one example of how we are working with industry to drive forward innovation in the sector.”
Aubin CEO Paddy Collins said: “We are delighted at the success of the KTP and the strides it has helped us take with our technology. This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when universities and SME’s work together.”