Subsea protection systems provider Tekmar is to acquire Pipeshield International from its founder Steven Howlett.
The new subsidiary will enable Tekmar to extend its product range, with subsea concrete mattresses, which Pipeshield provides to protect subsea equipment such as pipelines and power cables in marine environments, including offshore wind, marine renewables and offshore oil and gas.
Concrete mattresses work by stabilising cables in areas where they cannot be buried and are also used to limit localised scour – seabed erosion – on foundations, pipelines or in marine ports.
Pipeshield, headquartered in Lowestoft in Suffolk, has manufacturing operations in Aberdeen, the Middle East and Singapore.
The company has also leased a new production facility at Blyth in Northumberland, which is a UK offshore wind hub.
Pipeshield provided its patented mattress protection technology to the first commercial wind farms, including Eon’s Scroby Sands in 2004.
Most recently the business was awarded the East Anglia scope for Scottish Power’s project, which is currently under construction.
Tekmar chief executive James Ritchie said: “Pipeshield is a perfect fit for Tekmar. Its products are complementary, allowing us to upsell and expand our offering to clients, realising our group vision.
“The business has many similarities with Tekmar from both end customers to markets but also most importantly it fits culturally. The business focuses on technology, as its key differentiator, and Pipeshield has outstanding credentials, which demonstrate its commitment to safety, quality and, above all, its people; these are key values which we embrace across all Group companies.
“I am truly excited by the prospect of adding the Pipeshield offering to Tekmar’s portfolio and I welcome Steve and his team to the family.”