Global Energy Group’s New Offshore Diving Division to Support Renewables

Leading international energy services company, Global Energy Group, is launching a new offshore diving division to expand its existing inshore diving operations.

Representing a multi-million pound investment by the highly successful Scottish-based group, Global Diving will deliver services for the offshore oil and gas and renewables sectors in the UK and world-wide.

Stuart Paterson, Managing Director, said:  “This is an exciting new venture for us. From our research and knowledge of both the offshore oil and gas and renewable sectors we are confident there is significant demand for air/nitrox diving services that Global Diving can provide in accordance with current industry legislation with a high focus on safety and delivering quality to the client.

“The group already has a client base of leading energy industry operators that requires air diving services and with offices around the world in Houston, Brazil, Australia and the Middle East, we hope to build on this opportunity and offer customers a truly global service. That provides a solid foundation and great prospect to launch this business, further strengthening our ties with our clients and expanding our offering to new customers and geographical areas.  Our intention is to grow this new business by building on our existing equipment, staff, accreditations and customer base.”

Among the senior management team leading the new diving division, along with  experienced diver Stuart, will be Alan Melia, who joined Global earlier this year from Stork Technical Services (Subsea). A highly experienced dive manager, Alan sits on a number of industry regulatory panels, previously holding the title of vice-chairman of IMCA Safety, Medical, Technical and Training Committee. He worked for Global in 2008 during its infancy.

Alan has been working closely with accreditation bodies and industry organisations such as IMCA and the Association of Diving Contractors (ADC) to ensure the company’s QMS and processes and procedures are at the highest possible standards.

Global currently has around 40 divers on its books, working regularly on projects in UK and European waters. It is looking to recruit more key personnel for the new division, targeting diving operations with a capability of up to 50m water depths. The company is investing £7 Million CAPEX in new offshore dive systems and a state-of-the-art daughter-craft, the first of a number of vessels it plans to use to support its operations.

The launch of the diving division is the latest development in the continuing growth of Global Energy Group, which has head offices in Aberdeen and Inverness. The group’s financial statements for 2013/14 are set to follow a continuing trend demonstrating a third consecutive year of considerable growth at circa 40% up on the previous year’s sales.

Turnover grew from £358 Million to just under the £500 Million mark to the year ending March 2014, with earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation (EBITDA) expected to reach £55 Million, compared to £34.5 Million in 2012/13.  In addition to growing international business, increased capacity at Nigg Energy Park, purchased by the group in 2011, contributed to its strong growth.

Press release, April 7, 2014; Image: Global Energy Group