DeepOcean plots North Sea growth

Subsea service and tech firm almost doubles staff in city

Subsea service and technology firm DeepOcean UK is beefing up its presence in Westhill, near Aberdeen, as it chases more North Sea work.

TheDarlingtoncompany – part of Netherlandsbased DeepOcean Group – told the Press and Journal itwasputting anewproject team into itsWesthill operation this week, increasing its eight-strong workforce there to about 15 people.

It has also just appointed a new regional director, Merv New.

In addition, it is moving to newoffices in Abercrombie Court from Westpoint House in Westpoint Business Park.

Mr New has a 25-year track record in the subsea oilandgas industry, including a recent role at Fugro Subsea Services.

DeepOcean UK managing director Tony Inglis said: “Merv’s experience will play a great part in driving the business forwardanddevelopingDeepOcean, both from our existing operations and client base and as we develop the business in the IRM (inspection, repair and maintenance) and Surf (subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines) markets in the region.

“We are looking to build on a successful year in Aberdeen and continue to grow on the back of our key business strengths in subsea services, and Merv will spearhead that expansion.”

DeepOcean Group has 1,350 employees across 10 offices in six countries. In 2013, its revenue totalled about £37million.

It was formed in May 2011 following the merger of the survey, IMR and decommissioning services of DeepOcean, seabed intervention company CTC Marine Projects and the towing and supply services of Trico Supply.

The group’s UK subsidiary owns seven vessels and has another 12 on longterm charters, with two loans due to start in 2016.

It also has a fleet of 35 remotely-operated vehicles, with five more joining them in 2015-16.

As well as the head office in Darlington and the growing operation atWesthill, the company has an offshore base on the River Tees, in Middlesbrough.