Fife, Scotland-based Pict Offshore has secured a £250,000 (US$308,000) Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise to expand production at its site in Inverkeithing and create up to 13 new jobs in a boost to the Scottish renewables industry
The funding is part of a wider multi-million-pound investment by Pict Offshore to expand manufacturing at the site and allow the firm to accelerate the development of its R&D and assembly capabilities as it ramps up production for the offshore wind market.
Pict Offshore was formed in May 2019 and is a joint venture between Orsted and Limpet Technology, which had previously been supported by Scottish Enterprise and Strathclyde University to develop the new hoist technology.
The partnership between Pict Offshore and Orsted, the world’s largest developer of offshore windfarms, has led to the commercialisation of the ‘Get Up Safe’ (GUS) system, a motion-compensated personnel hoist.
The hoist allows technicians to transfer on and off turbines more safely and increases the competitiveness of offshore wind energy – as using the technology also means there is no longer a need for access ladders and boat landing metalwork on turbines.
The Get Up Safe system also won an innovation award at the prestigious Scottish Green Awards in December 2019.
Assembly of the GUS systems will take place in Inverkeithing. Pict Offshore aims to add 13 jobs throughout 2020 and to start placing orders with the local supply chain that is already well set up to cater to the offshore wind industry.
Pict Offshore managing director Philip Taylor said, “We have ambitious plans for the future and the expansion of our capabilities will allow us to continue our growth as we lead the way in ensuring the safety of offshore wind personnel.”
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