News / Decommissioning grants for local firms
TWO Shetland based companies are among a group of six enterprises that have been offered a share of a £1.5 million fund set up to stimulate Scotland’s budding oil and gas decommissioning industry.
Lerwick Engineering & Fabrication Ltd (LEF) and Sella Ness based EMN Plant Ltd have both been successful in the second round decommissioning challenge fund.
Managing director of EMN Plant, Ellis Nicolson, said he was delighted to receive financial backing of £114,000 to help the plant hire and civil engineering firm diversifying into decommissioning.
He said the company’s focus was not so much on the Lerwick decommissioning base at Dales Voe, but on plans by new Sullom Voe Terminal operator EnQuest to decommission parts of terminal that were no longer needed.
Nicolson said: “The funding is mainly equipment such specialist excavators with shear attachments to process scrap metal, but also specialist training for our staff.”
In Lerwick meanwhile LEF has been allocated £81,330 mainly to invest into a CNC plasma profiler and a high capacity bandsaw and material handling system.
The other projects successful in the bidding round were Dales Marine Services, Edinburgh – £765,000, Downhole Energy, Glasgow – £126,000, Kishorn Port – £322,000 and Orkney Islands Council – £96,000.
During a visit to Dales Marine Ltd in Leith Docks on Thursday morning, energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said the Scottish Government was delighted to contribute to the project of upgrading the Imperial Dry Dock in Leith to ensure the future of the site for vessel decommissioning.
“Our Decommissioning Challenge Fund is a clear signal to the market to think seriously about decommissioning – a market that is forecast to be worth up to £17 billion over the period to 2025 – and to plan and invest accordingly,” the minister said.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.