Green Marine UK, the Orkney-based marine services firm, has just dropped a bombshell announcement: a seven-figure capital investment in a new Subsea Services Department, squarely targeting the U.K.’s booming offshore wind sector. This isn’t just a splash in the pond; it’s a tidal wave of ambition, backed by the financial muscle of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The company is pulling out all the stops, snapping up subsea technology from the likes of Rovtech (Seatronics), Sonardyne, Norbit, Voyis, Tritech, Digital Edge Subsea, EIVA, and a smorgasbord of other sensors. This isn’t your average tech upgrade; it’s a full-blown transformation.
The new department, set to launch in late spring 2025, isn’t just about having shiny new toys. It’s about offering in-house turnkey solutions and data that will make waves in the industry. We’re talking General Visual Inspection (GVI), 3D survey with real-time SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) analysis, marine site characterization, multibeam, and O&M monitoring with a laser focus on subsea cables, pipelines, and offshore structures. Green Marine isn’t just dipping its toes into the water; it’s diving headfirst into the deep end.
The company estimates the ‘service addressable market’ for subsea O&M services across U.K. offshore wind to be worth a staggering $340 million by 2030. That’s not pocket change; that’s a goldmine. Jason Schofield, Green Marine UK’s Managing Director, is bullish about the future. “Green Marine has built a strong track record over many years with particular success in the offshore wind sector,” he said. “The unique skills and experience we’ve developed during this period have put us in prime position to diversify in line with growing industry demand.” Schofield isn’t just talking about a quick buck; he’s talking about a long-term strategy that involves continuous investment and expansion. He’s not just thinking about the next quarter; he’s thinking about the next decade.
Myles Metson, Green Marine Operations and Technology Director, echoes this sentiment. “Ultimately, this means we are not reliant on equipment availability or unknown personnel. Instead, we offer a single Green Marine Team capable of reacting quickly and consistently to our clients’ requirements,” he said. This isn’t just about having the best tech; it’s about having the best team, ready to roll at a moment’s notice.
Green Marine UK’s project portfolio is already impressive, spanning the world’s largest offshore windfarm, Dogger Bank, and the world’s largest floating offshore windfarm, Kincardine. They’ve also been involved in Moray East, Triton Knoll, Greater Gabbard, and a host of other high-profile projects. This new investment isn’t just about maintaining their position; it’s about cementing it.
So, what does this mean for the future of the sector? It’s a clear signal that the offshore wind industry is here to stay, and it’s growing fast. Green Marine’s move is a bold statement that the future is subsea, and those who don’t adapt will be left high and dry. It’s a wake-up call for competitors to up their game and a reassuring pat on the back for clients who want reliable, in-house solutions. This isn’t just about Green Marine; it’s about the entire industry. It’s about innovation, adaptation, and growth. It’s about the future of offshore wind, and it’s looking bright.
