The UK government will support a multi-million pound Aberdeen underwater engineering hub, aiming to assist the oil industry switch into green energy. According to Prime Minister, Theresa May, the initiative aspires to create new jobs and help businesses thrive.
Specifically, the UK wants to help Scotland become a key destination for subsea engineering, an industry that in the UK supports 45,000 jobs and 1,000 companies, 60% of which are based north of the border.
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Until now, the UK Government has supported the industry as the oil price has experienced fluctuations. The creation of this hub would gather the industry and academia from across the UK to give emphasis on creating subsea robotics, remotely operated underwater vehicles and maritime support vessels.
Oil and Gas UK chief executive Deirdre Michie welcomed this development, commenting that it recognizes the industry’s role in facilitating the transition to a low carbon economy.
For his part, Trevor Garlick, the leader of the development of the project, believes that the Hub will help UK companies gain more business overseas, attract investment and develop the necessary skills and technologies to increase their share in the global market.
What is more, Andy Samuel, chief executive of the Oil and Gas Authority, stated that this move is showcasing how the oil and gas industry’s supply chain can contribute to various industries, including those transiting to a lower-carbon economy.
