Over the last 3 months, workforce numbers at Nigg Energy Park have increased to more than 700 people on site, including provision from over 120 supply chain companies.
The Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd Project (BOWL) commenced in March 2018 and there are now four complete towers erected at the quayside with this figure increasing to meet load out demand to go offshore around the end of June. Global Port Services have secured multiple contracts, the main one to include the onshore crane and logistic operations for the BOWL project, for the supply of Heavy Lift Crawler Cranes, Auxiliary Cranes and skilled project management and lifting personnel for the loading/offloading of transport barges carrying incoming wind turbine main components and associated small parts. Moving of wind turbine main component from quayside to storage location, and back to quayside for final load out. Up-ending and setting tower sections on to quayside pre assembly and load out frames and overall responsibility for all lifting activities associated with the above. In addition, GPSS will assist with activities to load/unload wind turbine main components and associated small parts on the installation vessel through provision of crane and operator and other personnel to support Siemens Gamesa in the offshore scope.
This increased activity has led to a 50% rise in staff numbers to date. Further support to this contract is offered by Global’s Access & Coatings business where they have teams of GWO (Global Wind Organisation) trained technicians with a Crew Transfer Vessel working out of Wick Harbour to support offshore operations for the BOWL Project.
Global’s Marine division have also experienced work increasing within the IRM sector where over 400 people are supporting work on rig upgrades in both Nigg and Dundee. This additional work requires specific additional skills where there is a need to take on a further 20 or so people to add to their core staff over the next 12 months.
GEG North Fabrication now have some 270 trades people, more than doubling their staff since the end of last year as the oil and gas marketplace continues to recover. The fabrication shops 4 and 5 within Nigg Energy Park are being fully utilised working on various client contracts. This has provided the company with the confidence to take on nine apprentices in the last month from Nigg Skills Academy. Once again there is optimism within this area of work and there is every likelihood of more specific white collar skills being required over the coming year to support their core staff.
This cross sector multi energy approach was always envisaged as the way forward for Nigg Energy Park and with over £50 million invested it is really encouraging to see markets improving in all areas to take advantage of the world class facilities.
Multiple deep water quayside space and dry dock, good fabrication and lay down facilities, supported by the various logistical support services makes Nigg a very attractive option across the multi energy markets.
Nigg has undoubtedly become an important UK player and hub for renewables given its locationand facilities. However, there is no doubt of the benefits of Nigg to the wider Marine and subsea structures marketplace and the expertise and support of the Global companies, alongside the many supply chain companies gaining business at Nigg. The large scale fabrication shops and facilities, along with expertise and a proven track record of excellence in both work and safety make the Global companies well placed and enjoying contract wins to meet a cross section of client requirements within the multi energy marketplace.
The success of the Global companies is providing many good quality jobs and good supply chain opportunities thus having a positive impact on the local and wider Scottish economy.
Nigg Energy Park is one of Scotland’s most important energy industry facilities and is acknowledged as the foremost facility of its kind, providing unique turnkey solutions for customers in the international energy industry.
- Multi-sector energy park – currently has over 700 people on site
- 120 supply chain companies over the last three months
- Significant investment in heavy lift craneage
- IRM Heritage – 400 skilled personnel working on rig upgrades
- GEG North Fabrication employing 270 trades personnel
- Unrivalled location supporting UK renewables industry
- GEG supply chain making positive impact on wider Scottish economy
