The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
New partnership could unlock opportunities for UK subsea sector
Trade body Subsea UK has said a new partnership, announced today, with its counterpart in the electronics industry has the potential to “unlock untapped opportunities”.
Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TechWorks, both bodies will align their strategies with the aim of increasing exports and creating jobs.
The organisations said the collaboration would help further the development of new and advanced underwater technological solutions.
Described as “Nasa but on the seabed”, the underwater engineering industry, represented by Subsea UK, deploys technology and services to unlock energy resources in oil, gas and offshore wind.
With annual revenues of almost £8 billion and supporting around 45,000 jobs, it is increasingly extending into emerging sectors such as marine renewables and aquaculture.
TechWorks represents the UK “deep tech” sector, and focuses on five main areas – automotive electronics, the internet of things, the electronics manufacturing industry, power electronics and electronic systems.
The MoU is designed to counter challenges that are facing subsea and electronics firms.
Both are regarded as “high-value, fast-growing, stand-alone industries”, which support thousands of UK jobs providing often “hidden”, yet critical, technological solutions.
Subsea UK and TechWorks will co-ordinate a range of initiatives to explore and encourage potential areas for collaboration among their supply chains to help members leverage technologies and opportunities.
Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, said: “The electronics industry, like the subsea industry, is often hidden from view. For example, the electronic systems in a car or the subsea infrastructure, are largely unseen but critical to the functioning of a vehicle or the production of energy.
“It became apparent we could work collaboratively to help the supply chain grow, enhancing UK capabilities in both industries and, through a joined-up supply chain strategy, have more impact and more meaningful engagement with government. The technologies being developed by the electronics industry in, for example, electric vehicles drive systems, battery storage and navigation are relevant in the advancement of underwater robotics and underwater artificial intelligence.
“Working together, we can learn from and collaborate with the electronics industry to develop new advanced technologies.”
Alan Banks, chief executive of TechWorks, said: “The deep tech industries in the UK are going through unprecedented change and the best way to overcome the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities we face is by joining forces with likeminded organisations.
“Subsea UK is a wonderful example of where the like-minded thinking and collaborative spirit will make us stronger.
“There are many examples of where the technologies being developed and the scientific, engineering and design thinking challenges being overcome in the UK are applicable in both of our sectors”.