Energy Central has welcomed its newest tenant, as a family owned subsea dive firm returns home to Blyth.
RockSalt Subsea provides a range of commercial diving services for the offshore energy and ports facilities across the World. The company, which was established in Aberdeen by Blyth based entrepreneur Tony French and his family, is now returning ‘home’ after opening a new project office at Arch’s Blyth Workspace as part of Energy Central.
The underwater commercial diving company has now expanded into Blyth to capitalise on the established offshore energy and subsea cluster closer to his original home.
The company met with Arch and The Port of Blyth at the Offshore Europe industry conference and exhibition last year and quickly recognised the growing importance of Energy Central as a premier East coast port location.
RockSalt Subsea has over a wealth of 50 years’ experience in the commercial diving industry. The company has undertaken project work scopes for clients, including fully integrated health and safety processes across the UK.
The RockSalt team has experience with projects such as decommissioning, civil works at harbours, ships husbandry such as propeller clearance, light construction, lay operations and full Inspection, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) service provision.
Tony French, Director of RockSalt Subsea said: “Blyth is exactly the right location for us. There are advanced subsea and offshore energy industries here which are perfect for our business and has meant we can return home to where I originally grew up and grow the business further. The North East has as array of qualified, technical and talented personnel that we can utilise where necessary. The thriving off-shore and renewable industries based in the county are an ideal market for our work.”
Richard Wearmouth Chair of Arch stated: “We are delighted RockSalt Subsea has chosen to relocate to Blyth. Energy Central offers an ideal location for companies looking for access to markets in the offshore and energy sector. The area offers benefits including an experienced and ready-made skills base, Enterprise Zone status and a £25m investment to add a new deep-water quay at the Northumberland Energy Park site.”
Energy Central provides access to nearly 200 hectares of land strategically positioned with quayside access. The quayside location on the Blyth Estuary is well connected by road, rail and air and the energy sector in the area is supported by an established supply chain, a skilled workforce and a pipeline of talent.
Blyth Workspace consists of first-class, contemporary managed offices in a striking quayside location. Office space ranges from 20 sq. m to 100 sq. m with the added bonus of 24 hour access and free on-site parking available. Businesses requiring space are being encouraged to take a look at the building and Arch are taking reservations now and arranging tours around the site.
For more information about the North East Offshore Energy Sector, please visit our dedicated website Energy Gateway North East England
