06/06/10

Subocean establishes new base in fast-emerging UK marine renewables port

Aberdeen-headquartered Subocean, a market-leading subsea construction specialist in marine renewables, has established new premises at a principal UK port as it further positions itself for future growth.

The company is to set up a workshop and equipment store at Great Yarmouth’s EastPort UK and will utilise both the outer harbour and river facilities as part of its new operations base.

John Sinclair, managing director of Subocean, said: “Great Yarmouth is a key region for Subocean in terms of supporting our operations including our work on all our marine renewables projects in the UK’s South East. Our base at EastPort UK enables us to establish a spare cable and parts depot from which we can deliver smarter and more cost-effective solutions for both Subocean and our clients.

“The port and its new deep water outer harbour is also a good, strategic location for facilitating our vessels such as our main deep water array cable installation vessel, the Polar Prince DP2.”

Subocean Group is industry-recognised as one of the UK’s leading renewable companies, specialising in high performance subsea cable installation and burial solutions. The company, which is the main sponsor of this month’s RenewableUK Offshore Wind Conference in Liverpool, is currently working on high-profile projects including the Thanet and Greater Gabbard, having also conducted the Lynn and Inner Dowsing, Robin Rigg and Rhyl Flats projects in the past two years.

The new port base comes after Subocean announced a new wave and tidal division to reinforce the company’s position in marine renewables.

John said: “We recognise the opportunities in developing wave and tidal sector, and in particular foresee an increase in engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) as well as considerable subsea maintenance work. On top of Subocean’s expertise to install cables, we can offer EPIC and provide the whole package for wave and tidal clients. Our aim here is also to keep as much of the supply chain work in the UK as possible.”

Award-winning Subocean is considered a major industry role player by setting standards in marine renewables’ industry. Having successfully transferred its oil and gas expertise into the market, the company has substantially invested in vessels and talent to support the company’s growth as well as that of the industry.

Earlier this year, Subocean also announced expansion into Europe. The company has opened an office in Bremenhaven, Germany, and appointed a business regional manager for the region.