Scottish hoist manufacturer Pict Offshore, a joint venture between Orsted and Limpet Technology, is to expand production of its ‘Get Up Safe’ system for technicians working on wind turbines following the award of a grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Pict Offshore has received a £250,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise to expand production at its site in Inverkeithing in Fife and create up to 13 new jobs.
The funding is part of a wider multi-million-pound investment by Pict Offshore to expand manufacturing at its Inverkeithing site and will allow the company to accelerate the development of its R&D and assembly capabilities as it ramps up production for the offshore wind market.
The Get Up Safe hoist allows technicians to transfer on and off turbines without the need for access ladders and boat landing metalwork on turbines.
Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “I am pleased to see this RSA award. Indeed, we want to encourage and enable other offshore wind developers and Scottish supply chain companies to adopt a similar partnership approach to Orsted and Pict Offshore.
“If this collaborative approach was more widely adopted in the sector, it would be a very positive step towards increasing the level of local content in projects for Scotland and further afield.
“In addition, the Scottish Government, through Scottish Enterprise in this instance, is happy to invest in a project that ultimately creates a personnel access system which ensures that those working offshore can undertake their duties safely – which is of paramount importance and I congratulate Pict Offshore for developing such an innovative approach with Orsted.”
Scottish Enterprise Head of Low Carbon Transition Andy McDonald said: “We have witnessed this innovative Scottish company’s growth over many years to develop a transformative product for offshore wind – made in Fife and used across the world.
“The network of support around Fife Energy Park is also at the heart of this project as it is host to ORE Catapult’s Levenmouth demonstrator turbine and allowed the company to test its products on the world’s most advanced open access offshore wind turbines.
“This collaborative approach underpins Scottish Enterprise’s ethos in enabling growth alongside partners and highlights our focus on renewables and commitment to a low carbon economy too.”
Pict Offshore managing director Philip Taylor said: “The local expertise in offshore wind that exists in Scotland continues to play a key part of our growth.
“The support we have received from Scottish Enterprise and the ORE Catapult as well as Orsted has also been instrumental in bringing this new technology to market and to bringing down the time to market for the GUS system.
“We have ambitious plans for the future and the expansion of our capabilities will allow us to continue our growth as we lead the way in ensuring the safety of offshore wind personnel.”