Atlantic Offshore Scotland has created 50 new jobs through the purchase of two North Sea emergency response vessels.
The Aberdeen-based firm said the pair, which are yet to be named, represent a multi-million pound investment by the company and their main shareholder Ogreid.
Atlantic now has a locally-based fleet of eight emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRV).
The first was built in 2008 and the second in 2010, and both have capacity as a safe haven for around 300 survivors each.
The 50 new jobs will all be crew sailing in and out of Aberdeen, ranging from ship masters to deckhands.
Atlantic said the purchase represents its continuing strategy to invest in the UK North Sea.
Managing director Matthew Gordon said: “These vessels represent a significant North Sea-centric investment by Atlantic Offshore owners, and are a succinct illustration of the potential we see in long-term future of the UK basin which – in many ways – is bucking the trend, as organisations look to branch away from the UKCS.
“A growing fleet results in a raft of efficiencies and, as such, we are well placed to meet the requirements of an increasingly buoyant North Sea market.
“Additionally, the vessels will help optimise our relief system, thus providing cost-efficiency to our business, which can only help to strengthen us into the future.”
Trade association ERRVA praised Atlantic’s commitment to the sector.
Chairman David Kenwright said: “ERRVA serves the common interests of the ERRV owners and the offshore operators in the future development of Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels, promoting safety and the development of emergency response services, with the aim of being world leaders in rescue and recovery operations.
“This new investment by Atlantic Offshore demonstrates its commitment to ERRV operations in the North Sea, and further reinforces the ongoing ERRV fleet renewal process that has seen the delivery of over 84 modern vessels into the fleet since 2004.”
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