Subsea technology boost signalled for Scottish port

Seabed imaging, anchor and foundation company Subsea Micropiles is spending £5 million (€5.8 million) over the next three years to expand its manufacturing and offshore operations at Montrose Port in Scotland.

The programme is supported by £1.45m from Scottish Enterprise.

The Aberdeenshire-based company plans to expand its capability at the port to produce and maintain subsea technology used in offshore survey and construction.

The company announced the investment during a visit to its Montrose facility by Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Enterprise managing director for investment and international Reuben Aitken.

Subsea Micropiles is developing an integrated approach to offshore foundations and anchors that combines seabed site investigation, foundation engineering and subsea construction technology.

A key part of its technology programme is the adaptation of terrestrial micropiling techniques for offshore construction. The company is using subsea robotics and remote drilling to install foundation and anchoring systems on the seabed.

Its technology portfolio also includes Acoustic Zoom, a high-resolution seismic imaging system designed to provide more detailed information about seabed conditions. The company says the technology is intended to support decisions on foundation design and installation.

“Ultimately, we see significant potential to establish high-volume production of our anchor and foundation systems in Montrose as the market develops,” said Derek Robertson, CEO of Subsea Micropiles. “These are scalable solutions which can be manufactured locally, with the potential to retain significant economic benefit in Scotland through engineering, vessel services and offshore supply chain.”

Robertson said the Scottish funding would help the company develop the capacity required to respond to future demand.

“This funding support from Scottish Enterprise is an important part of enabling that next phase of growth and helping us establish the capability required to respond to future market demand,” he said.

Swinney said the investment would support Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain.

“Subsea Micropiles’ commitment to expand at the Port of Montrose will help ensure more of the economic benefits of the energy transition are retained in Scotland,” he said.

The company said its foundation and anchoring technologies are intended for fixed and floating offshore wind, as well as wider energy and marine projects.