First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed Maritime Craft Services’ (MCS) EUR 11 million deal on his return from a trade mission to Germany’s Lower Saxony province. MCS will purchase three new offshore wind farm support vessels, which are expected to create 30 new jobs and generate up to EUR 4 million turnover per year.
Mr. Salmond described this multi-million deal as further proof of “Scotland’s prominence in the global renewables industry”.
The commission is the latest stage in MCS’s growth, which is expected to see them move next year from their base in Largs to new purpose-built premises in nearby Fairlie.
The company has received support previously from Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International to advance their business growth and international expansion, including participation in overseas offshore wind trade events.
First Minister said:
“These three new vessels will take Scottish expertise and know-how into the waters off Germany and Denmark, proving once again the extent of Scotland’s prominence in the global renewables industry.
“The news that MCS is investing €11 million in expanding its operations off continental Europe reflects Scotland’s leading role in offshore renewables both at home and abroad.
“It is good news for the local economy in Germany. It is even better news for the economy of Ayrshire, contributing to MCS’s growth and providing a firm foundation for their further expansion next year.
“This investment exemplifies how Scottish companies – with some public support, and even more hard work and talent – can achieve success in European markets.”
MCS Managing Director, Dirk Kuijt, said:
“We are very excited about this new development, which should further our presence within the German Offshore Renewable market. The positive attitude of the present Scottish administration in renewables along with the help of Scottish Enterprise, SDI and North Ayrshire Council’s economic development department have made a big difference.
“We are now able to service the offshore renewable industry with these state of art crew transfer vessels which are operated by our highly experienced and certified crew.”
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Offshore WIND Staff, November 22, 2012; Image: Scottish Government