Orkney-based marine consultancy Aquatera has won a contract from Hong Kong technology developer Finima to provide programme management and technical support for its forthcoming technology development activities in the UK.
Finima is to tank test its wave energy converter in the UK next year ahead of deployment of a prototype device at Orkney’s European Marine Energy Centre.
The wave technology developer is keeping details of its device under wraps but it plans to test and develop the device in the UK “over the next two years and possibly longer”, according to Aquatera senior consultant Ian Johnstone.
International work now accounts for over 60% of Aquatera’s turnover, according to Aquatera director Gareth Davies. The growing volume of work has led Aquatera to establish new satellite offices in Chile and France, with further businesses now being established in the Philippines and Indonesia.
“Realising from an early stage the challenges that lay ahead in Orkney with regards to grid connections, grid charges and access to development sites, Aquatera has always tried to learn as much as possible from local activity and be ready to share that experience more widely to help other places follow in the pioneering footsteps made here in Orkney,” Davies said.
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