New offshore support base in Aberdeen

Company News - January 25, 2010

Marine and cargo-handling operator Sea-Cargo is expanding its involvement in the offshore oil and gas industry by launching a new Aberdeen offshore support base to provide oil companies and other offshore clients with a wider choice of services in the port. The six-figure investment is likely to lead to the creation of a number of new jobs and further development of the existing Sea-Cargo Matthews Quay facility.

Sea-Cargo already has a long track record in handling offshore vessels on an ad hoc basis and has now formalised their offshore support base services in response to market demand.

Located at Matthews Quay, the Sea-Cargo facility is well served with extensive berthing, warehousing and quayside marshalling areas. Sea-Cargo has a long established support infrastructure that includes cranes, transport, forklifts, stevedores and specialised handling equipment. The company is building on a strong existing operation and client base, with weekly scheduled vessel shipments from Matthews Quay to West Africa and Norway and other ports in Northern Europe giving oil and gas clients a unique ‘one-stop shop’ for their oilfield cargo handling needs. The Matthews Quay Base is also home to a two-storey 450m2 office building that can be made available to clients.

Sea-Cargo Aberdeen General Manager, Ian Shewan, said “We have carried out offshore support vessel discharges and loadings for several decades and recent market trends have led us to widen this service and increase the options for oil and gas companies wishing to use Aberdeen harbour.”

“Our team has handled over 1,000,000 tonnes of cargo in recent years – the majority of this oil and gas related – and with our advanced cargo-handling techniques and cost-effective approach we believe that we are well positioned to develop a major offshore support facility in the heart of Aberdeen harbour.”

Sea-Cargo has appointed Jim Cargill to head up the offshore support base and he comes to the company after many years of UK and overseas experience with companies like SBS, ASCo, OIL and Wood Group Offshore.