A&P Tyne in ‘Super Group’ to Demonstrate Region’s Ability in Offshore Renewable Industry (UK)

A&P TYNE is part of a newly-launched North East “Super Group” formed to tell global business just how deep the region’s talent pool is in the growth area of renewable energy.

The influential band of companies – united under the name Energi Coast – aim to demonstrate the region’s ability to service the entire needs of the renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind.

A&P Tyne is one of 19 companies brought together by NOF Energy to promote the region as being perfectly positioned to supply the offshore wind market, with the required skills and facilities already in place.

 Neil Jarvis, Sales & Commercial Director at A&P Tyne, said: “The North East is increasingly recognised as the best place in Britain to service the burgeoning offshore wind market.

 “It’s traditional engineering skills in shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing and engineering are easily transferable to building, operating and maintaining large offshore wind farms and our geographic location is ideal for major offshore wind developments such as the Round 3 Dogger Bank project.

 “The region can literally be a “one-stop shop” for the offshore renewables sector. We have companies that can provide services and solutions that extend right across the offshore wind supply chain.

 “Add to that the ongoing development of wave and tidal power devices and the prospects for the North East are likely to be significant.”

The other companies in Energi Coast are Able UK, Barrier Ltd, CTC Marine Projects, Heerema Fabrication Group, JDR Cable Systems, McNulty Group Holdings, Mech-Tool Engineering, MPI Offshore, NOF Energy, OGN Group, PDL Solutions (Europe) Ltd, Port of Tyne, Reef Subsea, SMD, Tag Energy Solutions, Tata Steel Europe, Technip UK Ltd and Wilton Engineering Services.

 Mr Jarvis added: “Like others in Energi Coast, A&P Tyne has successfully diversified in recent years into new sectors such as offshore oil and gas and renewable energy

 “Not only are we building new structures for these markets, but we continue to use our core marine skills in vessel conversions and upgrades.

 “We’re proud to be a founding member of Energi Coast, bringing attention to the fact the North East has the engineering capability and the proven track record to meet all the renewable energy markets’ requirements.

 “All the companies involved will be working collaboratively to ensure a first-rate supply chain that we believe can effectively compete against anywhere in the world.

Energi Coast will have its own website which will be linked back to the group members own website, the NOF Energy website and supply chain directory pages.

The group say the fact that 70% of all North Sea platforms were built in the region highlights the experience it has in marine structures, which is readily transferable to the renewable energy market.

 Mr Jarvis added: “It’s our hope that the clean energy market will bring more work and – most importantly – more employment to the area, which will filter right the way down the supply chain.

 “Energi Coast can deliver the message that the North East of England is a centre of engineering excellence and give the region a strong platform and a wider voice to promote its undoubted strengths.”

 George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF Energy, said: “The region is home to a collection of extremely innovative and successful companies that have blazed a trail for the North East supply chain in the oil & gas sector and are already expanding their expertise into offshore renewables.

 “Energi Coast will play a serious role in the debate of the cost of renewable energy. A cohesive and collaborative supply chain operating from one geographic location can have an impact on reducing the cost of producing renewable energy for the long-term.”

[mappress]

Source: northnews, October 21, 2011