Bibby Offshore is to buy an 800-ton carousel from Ecosse Subsea Systems to launch its entry in to the offshore wind array cable installation market (pictured)
And both companies have agreed to collaborate to develop other technologies and working methods which will reduce risk and lower costs to clients.
Carousels are used in the storage and transportation of subsea cables, umbilicals and pipes and enable the safe deployment of equipment from a vessel to the seabed.
Aberdeenshire-based Ecosse Subsea first diversified from its core seabed preparation and trenching services after identifying a supply chain issue regarding the availability of carousels needed for specialist subsea projects.
In 2013, it invested £2.5 million in the design and manufacture of the company’s first carousel as part of a lease and buy-back deal with a major utility company for use on a windfarm construction project off the UK’s east coast.
The carousel may be further upgraded to provide a 2000-ton capability for Bibby Offshore, with the redesign and manufacture being managed by Ecosse Subsea at its fabrication facility in County Durham.
Mike Wilson, Managing Director, Ecosse Subsea, said: “A lack of availability of carousels which were in high demand for traditional oil and gas and renewables projects prompted us to design and manufacture our own.
“It was a calculated risk at the time but it has paid off and the strong performance track record of our carousel appealed to Bibby, who are focused on expanding their offshore renewables service offering.”
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