Pritchard-Gordon enters renewables market with UXO-focused services company

PG Renewables will initially focus on unexploded ordnance (UXO) identification, relocation and disposal services in the UK and Europe.

The company said it will offer clients “the benefit of highly experienced EOD specialists, proven low and high order techniques” and what it described as “the only remote ordnance lifting system to be proven at scale.” 

Company director Henry Keane said, “We are excited to launch of PG Renewables. With this addition to our portfolio in the offshore wind and marine renewables market, we are continuing our commitment to supporting the energy transition while safeguarding the marine environment.

“The PG Renewables team has a track record of success in the UXO space, having successfully completed more than 10 windfarm and five subsea infrastructure projects to date without incident.” 

PG Renewables has secured the experience of UXO and EOD solutions provider EORCA UK on an exclusive basis. This arrangement provides clients with access to an extensive and innovative range of EOD equipment as well as skilled EOD supervisors, technicians and divers.

EORCA UK owner and technical authority for EOD at PG Renewables Adrian Dann said, “I am delighted to be part of the PG Renewables team. Having personally completed the mitigation of nearly 2,000 pieces of UXO using innovative high order, low order and unique remote ordnance lifting techniques in the UK, Europe and US, the formation of PG Renewables will allow us to support clients in both development projects and unplanned interventions using proven capability.”  

PG Renewables’ service offering will include UXO re-acquisition and identification services; high and low order UXO disposal services utilising Barracuda (bomb and mine disposal system) variants, depending on operational circumstances; a timesaving ‘multi-shot’ remotely operated vehicle (ROV) placement system allowing for several Barracuda systems to be deployed in one operation; and a proven, unmanned remote ordnance lifting system for the safe and effective movement of UXO. 

It will also include mobilisation and supply of offshore UXO spreads; skilled teams for the completion of near-shore and offshore scopes using diver or ROV intervention; fast response support craft, including specialist daughter craft; provision of multi-role, multi-purpose vessels to support UXO operations and boulder clearance; and project documentation, reporting and management.