Major North Sea operators are looking to the Highlands to meet overcapacity in Aberdeen, industry campaigners have claimed.
Representatives from firms including Chevron, Dana Petroleum, Talisman Sinopec, Wood Group PSN, Petrofac, Amec and Aker have held meetings with companies in the north as part of an effort led by trade body Energy North.
The organisation brokered the meetings as part of its Oil and Gas Taskforce, which aims to accelerate growth in both regions by making it easier for north businesses to provide services to the over-burdened industry in and around Aberdeen.
Ken Grant, Head of Oil and Gas and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “Whilst our construction yards no longer builds the huge platforms and topsides most people associate with the oil and gas industry in the Highlands and Islands, it is no secret that the region now is at the centre of a much more sophisticated subsea fabrication industry.
“It is a European hub for oil rig inspection, repair and maintenance, and has major oil exporting and transhipment ports.
“In addition to our emerging renewable energy sector, it could be argued that oil and gas is just as important to the Highlands and Islands now as it was 40 years ago.
“It is increasingly vital that our infrastructure and supply chain are primed to support Aberdeen and that is what is under way.
“These meetings gave some of our businesses, who share an extraordinary amount of expertise, the opportunity to speak directly to some of the largest developers in the world.
“Only by working together can we ensure that Scotland remains at the forefront of the oil and gas industry.”
The initiative has been welcomed by Dave Stewart, WGPSN’s UK managing director:
He said: “There are an abundance of skills, expertise and innovations on our doorstep. Many of these companies have experience in the oil and gas sector, we just need to make time to understand what’s on offer and how to maximise opportunities to expand the supply chain reach.”
Ian Couper, chief executive at Energy North, said: “If more north companies are to benefit from the boom in Aberdeen and enable the sector to continue to grow, it’s vital they know how to engage and do business with each other.”
Participating Highlands and Islands businesses included HW Energy, Highlands and Islands Airports, Green Marine UK, Kishorn Port, Lerwick Port Authority, The Lubricant Company, The Underwater Centre (Fort William), Intertek, Hi-Cad, Rookums and ServGroup.