Business / Ocean Kinetics founder John Henderson reflects on 30 years in business
ENGINEERING firm Ocean Kinetics has marked its 30th anniversary by announcing it has increased employment at its range of bases in Shetland, Orkney, and Aberdeen by some 40 per cent over the past year.
New figures released earlier this week reveal that while the firm began 2023 with a workforce of 80, it has begun 2024 with 111.
Ocean Kinetics managing direct John Henderson said: “Three decades ago, I started the business with some marine-related projects, mostly repairing and building fish farm cages for the salmon industry.
“This evolved into marine works, oil and gas, and general engineering. Initially working out of rented warehouses, we built our first workshop in 1996. We extended the building a couple of times before finally building the new facility we have in Port Business Park in Lerwick and opening a workshop in Aberdeen.”
Among the opportunities the company has taken recently was the decision to partner and invest in Irish firm MMG Ocean, while it also increased its presence in Orkney.
The company said that following successful collaborations on a number of projects, Ocean Kinetics chose to combine its industry experience, market reach, and resources with MMG Oceans’ innovative product development, expertise, and access to European markets.
Another significant development in 2023 was the building of a strong presence in Orkney built on the services previously provided by Hamnavoe Engineering. This now offers high-quality fabrication, including coded welding, and engineering services from a new purpose-built facility in Kirkwall, as well as maintaining the facility in Stromness.
Henderson added:“There have been many highlights over the years, including challenging salvage operations of sunken vessels; recovering the black box from a Super Puma helicopter; the design, manufacture, and installation of thermolicers for the aquaculture industry; decommissioning a 3,500-tonne production rig; demolishing and rebuilding a deep-water wharf in Antarctica; supporting the £350 million Aberdeen Harbour extension; designing and completing a full engine installation for Lerwick Power Station; and supporting Sullom Voe Oil Terminal and Shetland Gas Plant with engineering services.
“The sectors in which we operate are always evolving, and I am confident that with our growing team, we will continue to lead, innovate, and make a positive impact in Shetland, Orkney, Aberdeen, and now with our partners, MMG Ocean, in Ireland.
“Our priority will be to continue to deliver a high-quality, solution-focused service to our customers, and with this foundation, we now look forward to the next chapter of the Ocean Kinetics story.”
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