UK: PPA, ASCO Group to Establish Peterhead Energy Hub

Two leading North-east-headquartered organisations have joined forces to promote Peterhead Port and the facilities available in the town, within key target markets.

Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) and international oil and gas logistics company, ASCO Group, have linked up to establish Peterhead Energy Hub, which aims to sustain and increase port activity through capitalising on the major opportunities available to the region in, specifically, the renewables, decommissioning and subsea sectors.

The initiative – which is also being supported by public-private partnership Energetica, which aims to create an energy corridor between Peterhead and Aberdeen – was officially launched at an Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce ‘Shire Connections’ event at the town’s Waterside Inn on Friday, March 4.

The partnership is in the process of devising a strategy to attract more business to Peterhead, whilst retaining the skilled talent within the area, which is required to maximise the potential of the region and service the targeted key industries in the future.

As part of the initiative, Peterhead Energy Hub will invite and host key industry figures and potential clients to showcase the port and the all encompassing range of specialist facilities on offer.

For example, PPA recently unveiled the £35million deepwater Smith Quay, which has significantly expanded the range of projects that can be handled and completed on-site.

In order to retain local talent, the partnership will carry out a range of activities, including delivering presentations within both local primary and secondary schools to highlight the many opportunities available to youngsters in the region and the skills required.

Support has also been provided by a range of educational institutions which are keen to introduce courses which will equip candidates with the skills required for these industries.

Walter Robertson, Managing Director, UK & Central Europe, for ASCO, commented: “ASCO has a long and distinguished history servicing the oil and gas industry from Peterhead Port. Over the years we have built a highly experienced and skilled workforce.

“The infrastructure we have created in Peterhead around our work in the oil and gas sector, gives us a unique opportunity to take advantage of new markets such as renewables and decommissioning work. This is a powerful partnership that will bring benefits to not only the Port but the surrounding local communities”.

Stephen Paterson, Chief Financial Officer of PPA, added that the Peterhead Energy Hub is an extremely important development, which could have a major impact on the continued growth and success of Peterhead and the wider Banff and Buchan community.

He said: “We’re delighted to partner with ASCO on this exciting project, which we feel is essential if the local area is to capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by the renewables, decommissioning and subsea industries.

“Peterhead Port is a key asset of the town and if we thrive then the wider local business community flourishes, so we’re extremely hopeful that companies and organisations in the region will come onboard to support us in our plans.

“Our location, experience, facilities and expertise demonstrate we offer the ideal solutions for the requirements of the sectors and we look forward to showcasing the exceptional services and facilities on offer in the town.”

[mappress]

Source: ppa, March 7, 2011