Achi news desk-
“With our long history in challenging environments, we have the processes in place to manage renewable energy projects, reduce environmental impact and promote worker safety.”
Last month, Serimax UK Ltd, with its base in Evanton, Easter Ross and 135 local staff; It became one of seven businesses in northern Scotland and Orkney aiming to break into this multi-billion pound renewable energy market and was selected for the region’s first Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) program .
Serimax joins Ocean Kinetics Ltd (Kirkwall, Orkney), Orcades Marine Management Consultants Ltd (Kirkwall, Orkney), Leask Marine Ltd (Kirkwall, Orkney), Aquaterra Ltd (Stromness, Orkney), Berkshire Engineering (Wick, Caithness) and Imenco UK Ltd (Wick, Caithness) on the drive to reach net-zero.
The industry-leading supply chain growth program is delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE) and highlights, he says, the fact that collaboration with industry experts is key to achieving excellence engineering in the offshore sector.
“We will use our operational welding expertise through our skills transfer program to meet the evolving requirements of the offshore wind industry and be part of F4OR in consultation.
Experts in the offshore wind industry will provide us with the knowledge to be able to navigate the increasing complexities of offshore renewable projects.
“At Serimax UK, we recognize the enormous potential of the offshore wind renewables sector and are committed to playing a central role in its growth path.”
The words ‘transformational’ and ‘collaboration’ come up again and again: “As we embark on this journey, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence and look forward to contributing to the success of the renewable energy industry on the sea in the North of Scotland.”
Much of the recent impetus came from the recently formed Freeport Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green company where Serimax was part of the consortium that brought Freeport Status to the area. It is now looking to build on this and other port relationships with a view to supporting the renewable energy supply chain networks these ports are developing.
The evolution of the offshore industry from its previous focus on fossil fuels is one of the most significant opportunities for the Highlands and Islands for generations and by offering training skills to the local community, says de Crécy, the company gives the opportunity to work on their doorstep and weld with one of the most capable welding companies and one with a global footprint.
In-house training is essential: “We have our own in-house training school and have seen welding apprentices come through it since 2003.
“This training makes it possible for Scotland to help drive local regeneration by employing local talent in the long term for this and future generations, a huge boost for the Scottish Highlands and the UK in general.
“We identify and manage key certifications that help drive them into new industries and although we give Scots the opportunity to be trained locally, if they want to travel the world with us, they can use these skills at an international level. platform.”
And for anyone who mistakenly thinks that welding and the offshore environment is still a man’s world her view on the potential of women in the industry is uncompromisingly positive. “It’s a major ‘yes!’ from me regarding women in the business,” she said.
The Serimax training facility, she adds, identifies and provides the key certification for new industries and drives skilled resources into the ‘new’ industries while adopting their basic craft skills.
In a work environment as dangerous and challenging as that in which Serimax routinely operates, she says that a culture of safety is crucial. “Our employees are familiar with the rigorous offshore safety protocols, whether in the office or out in the field; safety is at the heart of everything we do.”
The company states that statistics show that there will be a shortage of welders in the future with the average age of welders now 55, but that it ensures it remains at the forefront of technology with developments such as its machine Saturnax welding 01. which unites human skills with innovative machines.
“The diversification of new technologies together with the necessary skills transfer in the offshore environment is key to Serimax’s ambitions in Scotland along with a specialist and collaborative approach – not forgetting a long history of resilience,” adds de Crécy.
www.serimax.com
