Ocean Kinetics 30th anniversary expansion

Engineering specialist Ocean Kinetics has marked its 30^th anniversary with the announcement that it has increased employment at its range of bases in Shetland, Orkney, and Aberdeen by some 40 per cent over the past year. New figures released today (Wednesday 24 January) reveal that while the firm began 2023 with a workforce of 80, it has begun 2024 with 111.

Managing director, John Henderson, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be creating new job opportunities through the expansion and delivery of our services. This has been a particularly busy period for Ocean Kinetics, and we are very proud to have recorded such positive results this year.

“Our successes and our expansion have been built on a number of key factors, including seizing opportunities when they appeared, diversifying and being innovative, and above all, looking after all our customers.”

Among the opportunities taken was the decision in October of this year to partner and invest in Irish firm MMG Ocean.  Following successful collaborations on a number of projects, Ocean Kinetics chose to combine its extensive industry experience, market reach, and resources with MMG Oceans’ innovative product development, expertise, and access to European markets. The partnership has strengthened both companies’ offering across a range of sectors.

Another significant development in 2023 was the building of a strong new presence in Orkney. This built on the services previously provided by Hamnavoe Engineering and offers high-quality fabrication, including coded welding, machining, and engineering services from a new purpose-built facility in Kirkwall, as well as maintaining the facility in Stromness.

John Henderson continued: “Three decades ago, I started the business with some marine-related projects, mostly repairing and building fish farm cages for the salmon industry. This evolved into marine works, oil and gas, and general engineering. Initially working out of rented warehouses, we built our first workshop in 1996. We extended the building a couple of times before finally building the new facility we have in Port Business Park in Lerwick and opening a workshop in Aberdeen.

“There have been many highlights over the years, including challenging salvage operations of sunken vessels; recovering the black box from a Super Puma helicopter; the design, manufacture, and installation of thermolicers  for the aquaculture industry; decommissioning a 3,500-tonne production rig; demolishing and rebuilding a deep-water wharf in Antarctica; supporting the £350 million Aberdeen Harbour extension; designing and completing a full engine installation for Lerwick Power Station; and supporting Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and Shetland Gas Plant with engineering services.

“The sectors in which we operate are always evolving, and I am confident that with our growing team, we will continue to lead, innovate, and make a positive impact in Shetland, Orkney, Aberdeen, and now with our partners, MMG Ocean, in Ireland. Our priority will be to continue to deliver a high-quality, solution-focused service to our customers, and with this foundation, we now look forward to the next chapter of the Ocean Kinetics story.”