‘Ready, willing and able’ – that’s the message from a new operations and maintenance supply chain sub-group set up by members of Team Humber Marine Alliance.
Formed last year, and comprising about 20 businesses in the Humber region, the sub-group will serve North Sea and UK offshore wind energy operators.
The companies have expertise in most kinds of operations and maintenance functions in offshore wind related environments, including diving, access at height, electrical and marine engineering, and large-scale lifting and testing.
Mark O’Reilly, director of Team Humber Marine Alliance , explained that the new sub-group offers real potential to win new business by member companies operating more closely together.
“Working collaboratively and sharing expertise, resources and knowledge will allow Team Humber members to increase the chances they have of winning or working on new service type contracts.
“Operating either between themselves or as a group, they not only come to a greater understanding of each other’s capabilities, but it shows to some of the big renewable energy developers exactly what a strong combination of expertise they can provide.”
One company involved is Hull-based Towne Lifting and Testing, which supplies lifting equipment and testing services to this increasingly important sector.
Chris Towne, managing director , said: “As there are so many opportunities out there we believe we can take advantage more fully with this joint approach, whether it is making tender applications or even just attending important trade shows.
“Each member has a different area of expertise and skills which they can bring to the group and which will complement any future projects and activities.
“Between us, we can provide a truly comprehensive O&M supply chain,” said Chris .
“We’re ready, we’re willing and we’re definitely able.”
The other companies alongside Towne Lifting and Testing include Alpha Energy, Colt Industrial, Corrocoat, Cosalt, Danbrit Shipping, Fairburns Group, Giraffe Access (Zarafa Holdings), Humber Access, Humber Electrical Engineering, Mullion, Northern Divers Engineering, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Point Engineering, Precision Marine Engineering, RES Offshore, Rope Access NDT, Survitec, TIA Marine and Wind Power Support.
On May 16, representatives of the group will also visit the Hertfordshire head offices of RES Offshore, which has the operations and maintenance contract for the Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm.
“This will allow members to look at what kinds of business opportunities are available and how companies can get involved either locally or nationally,” added Mr O’Reilly.
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Offshore WIND staff, March 08, 2012; Image: MAPA