OCEAN KINETICS EXPANDS ORKNEY OPERATION AND CREATES NEW JOBS

Ocean Kinetics has announced that it is scaling up its operation and creating up to five new jobs as it takes over new premises at Hatston Industrial Estate in Kirkwall in March. The company will move its operation from Stromness to the new site while retaining its existing workshop at Hatston.

Since the purchase of Hamnavoe Engineering in 2023, the engineering and fabrication specialists have continued to expand their operation and invest in new jobs and equipment. The larger site – currently occupied by J&W Tait – will accommodate new and existing machinery at one location, including a High-Definition Plasma cutting machine for precision and complex cutting of sheet steel, stainless and aluminium.

The existing showroom and stores will be developed into a metal and hardware store supplying materials primarily for engineering projects – similar to Ocean Kinetics’ Lerwick shop. As well as supporting the company’s own projects, the shop will be open for the convenience of other business and individual customers.

Managing director of Ocean Kinetics, John Henderson, said: “This development is an excellent indicator of the current success of Ocean Kinetics’ business, with the move not only creating up to five further jobs but also providing our Orkney operation with the capacity and infrastructure to develop our services for our existing aquaculture, marine, and distillery customers, as well as expanding our work in the renewables sector.

“With this new infrastructure and resource, we are also ideally placed to pursue new opportunities in offshore wind developments.”

Ocean Kinetics specialisms include fabrication in steel, stainless and aluminium, machining and manufacture, inspection and testing, industrial insulation and cladding, as well as other services including marine works, rope access and underwater works.

The company also has modern workshops and design offices in Shetland as well as two workshops in Aberdeen.

A strategic partnership with MMG Ocean is Ireland has expanded the business’s offering and provided easier access to European markets.