Company plans to double its workforce

AN offshore wind specialist has taken premises at the Port of Dundee as it unveiled plans to double its number of staff to 30 by the end of this year.

Mark Robson, managing director of Coast Renewables, said offshore wind has the potential to transform the city.

His firm, established in 2013, specialises in the construction, maintenance and service of wind turbines.

Coast, which currently employs 15 staff, has worked on major renewables projects for some of the biggest turbine manufacturers and energy firms such as SSE and EDF Renewables.

Mr Robson said: “We are taking on another three staff this week and are looking to have about 30 people on the books this year.

“We specialise in site management for construction of the wind farms. We will go on site to build them, commission them and then maintain them.

“The price of offshore wind is very low now. It is looking favourable. There will be busy times ahead.”

Mr Robson said he felt many people in Dundee didn’t realise the potential impact the sector could have.

“Dundee can play a huge part in the industry and we need to do more to win this work,” he said. “The opening of our new offices can provide employment opportunities locally and also highlight the city’s desire to play a pivotal role in the future growth of the industry.”