A subsea contractor best known for its work in the offshore oil and gas industry has won a breakthrough contract in the offshore wind industry
Vattenfall, the Swedish energy group behind the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), has contracted Rigmar to inspect and maintain subsea structures and cables as well as foundations, turbine transition pieces, subsea cabling and boat landings.
The contract is Rigmar’s first as a main contractor in offshore wind, having built up experience as a sub-contractor after working exclusively in the offshore oil and gas industry for many years as a provider of support services throughout the lifecycle of offshore assets.
Vattenfall UK country manager Danielle Lane said, “We are delighted to support Rigmar’s ongoing transition into offshore wind with this offshore inspection and maintenance contract.
“As the offshore wind industry continues its rapid expansion, the Sector Deal should give confidence to oil and gas companies to take a serious look at this sector and we’re pleased that Rigmar has made that move.”
Rigmar chief executive Keith Nelson said, “Having completed a number of offshore wind projects as a sub-contractor, we are delighted with our first as the main contractor. We appreciate the support we have received from various government agencies in our move into this important new line of business and are looking forward to demonstrating our capabilities to the European offshore wind industry.”
The EOWDC has been generating electricity since mid-2018 and is expected to continue operating for another 24 years.
Vattenfall’s head of EOWDC Kevin Jones said, “It is clear that local businesses will benefit from the windfarm. Now that EOWDC is up and running, Vattenfall is spending £2-3M (US$2.5-3.8M) every year in the local economy. We are well placed to build on relationships with the northeast’s supply chain.”
Rigmar was supported in its efforts to enter the offshore wind industry by the Fit 4 Offshore Renewables supply chain programme funded by the Scottish Government and run by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
ORE Catapult business development lead Andy Martin said, “Rigmar is one of the first companies to benefit from participating in ORE Catapult’s Fit 4 Offshore Renewables business improvement programme. The programme is a unique service to help the UK supply chain get ready to bid for work in the offshore renewable energy sector.”
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.