Scottish company Briggs Marine has acquired a majority stake in ARB Wind, a Fife-based, inspection, testing and certification business for the global wind industry.
ARB Wind provides a service to wind energy clients onshore and the new association with Briggs will enable these skills to be transferred offshore, the companies said.
They will collaborate closely to provide operations and maintenance services to Scottish wind farms, with Briggs providing the marine expertise and project management capabilities to support expansion.
Both companies are based on the Forth Estuary, ideally placed to provide support as well as allowing developers to invest in the local supply chain, the duo added.
ARB Wind will remain an autonomous company, teaming with its network of regional, national, and international partners and will continue to target growth in its established onshore wind markets.
Briggs Marine Contractors managing director Collieson Briggs said: “The agreement with ARB Wind represents an exciting opportunity for Briggs to further its involvement in the offshore wind sector.
“Briggs is keen to build on its reputation for providing marine services across all aspects of the renewables industry and this new partnership with ARB Wind allows Briggs to provide a complete package in terms of maintenance services for wind farms, both above and below the waterline.”
ARB Wind managing director Arran Bell said: “We are delighted to be joining the Briggs Group this year in a joint commitment to provide enhanced offshore operations, inspection and maintenance services to the wind energy sector.
“Combining Briggs extensive marine experience with our onshore expertise will offer the Scottish offshore market a unique integrated package of wind farm services.”