McLaughlin & Harvey Goes ‘Off-Shore’ to Support Wind and Tidal Energy Sector

Northern Ireland-based construction and engineering company, McLaughlin & Harvey has announced its long term plans for growth by launching a specialist division which responds directly to the emerging and growing needs of the tidal and wave energy industry. 

Encompassing McLaughlin & Harvey’s globally renowned marine renewables department, the newly formed ‘Off Shore’ division will build on the company’s vast engineering experience in specialist marine plant and the deployment of tidal energy devices.

Product innovation and world-class solutions are at the core of the new division thanks to the recruitment of a team of marine and engineering experts and a major investment in R&D. This has resulted in the completion of the first phase of a major rig development project which, by harnessing the latest technologies, enables tidal and wave energy converters to be installed on the seabed in a more economically viable way than has previously been available.

Marine energy experts involved in the project believe the new fully tooled and proven solution has the potential to revolutionise the industry by overcoming many of the challenges and excessive costs associated with ocean device installation.

McLaughlin & Harvey OffShore was launched in Aberdeen last week before an audience of industry experts at All Energy 2013, one of Europe’s large renewable energy events. Reflecting on the company’s strong track record in the marine energy sector, Adam Holland, Marine Renewables Manager said:

“The tidal and wave industry is maturing rapidly and today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to keep ahead of the latest developments; to address the challenges facing the industry; and to develop solutions which deliver cost effective and timely results.

“This is most evident through our success in developing a unique installation technique for tidal energy device foundations. Suited to a variety of tidal/wave energy turbines and deliverable even in the most extreme conditions, this new technology offers a futuristic solution to today’s energy problems and has already been heralded as an industry breakthrough.”

Commenting on the announcement, Kevin McCann, Director of Advanced Engineering & Construction at Invest Northern Ireland, the Business Development Agency for Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted that McLaughlin & Harvey has taken this step to demonstrate its commitment to the marine energy sector, giving them a unique ability to support upcoming development in Northern Ireland, the UK and indeed globally. We are confident that this enhanced focus will strengthen McLaughlin & Harvey’s ability to deliver complex installation projects.”

Anders Janssen, CEO for Minesto AB also welcomed the news stating, “This is very positive news and we hope that McLaughlin & Harvey Offshore will continue to contribute to our development plans, after a very successful installation campaign in Strangford Lough in 2012. We are also exploring some very exciting research and development initiatives in conjunction with Invest NI and McLaughlin and Harvey which will be augmented by the creation of this new division”.