Unique Group, one of the world’s leading integrated subsea and offshore solution providers, continues to implement its ambitious UK and European growth plans, via a £multi-million investment programme.
Reflecting an increased demand across its range of solutions and support services, the company’s regional development strategy has included the recent expansion of its Aberdeen and Werkendam (Netherlands) facilities.
Appointed in May 2019, Matthew Gordon, Regional Vice President for UK and Europe oversees Unique Group’s UK and European expansion:
“So far, 2019 has seen Unique Group embark upon a period of significant growth in our UK and European business – with particular reference to our subsea survey, and buoyancy & ballast capabilities. This includes upgrading our Aberdeen premises by around 50% to facilitate our ever-extending survey capabilities, whilst our Netherlands-based SPHL (Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboats) facility has expanded to meet growing client demand for our specialist hyperbaric products.”
Almost exactly a year after the company acquired Aberdeen-headquartered Water Weights, Unique Group’s Buoyancy & Ballast division has also announced renewal of an annual load-testing equipment contract with leading crane services provider in Aberdeen, whilst confirming it has added 110t Water Weight bags to the equipment available for sale or rental via the upgraded Aberdeen facility.
Matthew continues: “The multi-million pound investment in our assets, technology, people and facilities is a clear reflection of market demand for our products and services, as well as our own confidence in – and commitment to – the offshore energy market of the North Sea and beyond. We have seen a growing requirement for our technical capabilities and services in the Scandinavian region, which is another key focus area for us.”
Renowned for its innovative diving and hyperbaric technology, Unique also recently confirmed its position as market leader in the production of self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats (SPHLs), having manufactured a global record of 77 SPHLs, since production began in 2007.
Mandatory on board all dive support vessels, hyperbaric rescue facilities, such as SPHLs, are used during emergency evacuation of the mother ship, rescuing divers and securing them safely in a pressure chamber to avoid any interference with the saturation/decompression procedure.
Produced at the company’s Netherlands base, under the Oceanwide SaS brand, Unique Group provides expert SPHL maintenance and repair to the offshore energy industry, via workshop facilities in the UK, USA, Middle East, Singapore, India and South Africa.