Global Energy Group is launching a new offshore diving division to expand its existing inshore diving operations.
Global Diving will deliver air and nitrox diving for the offshore oil and gas and renewables sectors in the UK and world-wide, covering construction, maintenance and inspection services.
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.
Experienced diver Stuart Paterson, managing director of Global Diving, said: “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.
Among the senior management team leading the new diving division will be Alan Melia, who joined Global earlier this year from Stork Technical Services (Subsea). Melia 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.
Melia 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 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 post a 40% increase on the previous year’s sales.
Turnover grew from £358 million to just under £500 million 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.