Bibby Subsea in talks increase ROV presence in Gulf of Mexico

Bibby Offshore’s newest international division, Houston-based Bibby Subsea, has gone from strength to strength since its launch in October last year, having trebled the team in the past four months.

The subsea installation contractor developed the base in North America as part of its continued global growth strategy and to meet the growing demand of its clients in the region. In a bid to further strengthen ties with the region, Aberdeen-based Bibby Offshore last week hosted Houston based HM Consul General, Andrew Millar, the senior official representing the government in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Alongside Aberdeenshire Council Provost Jill Webster, Chief Executive of Subsea UK Neil Gordon, and senior members of Aberdeenshire Council; discussions were held regarding Aberdeenshire’s extensive investment into the Subsea Industry and plans to further develop Bibby Offshore’s presence in Houston and the Gulf of Mexico.

This expansion plan is already evident with Bibby Subsea having increased its initial Houston team of three to now include Barry Straughan as HSEQ Manager, Daniel Wheeler as Subsea Business Manager, and four offshore personnel. It plans to double the Bibby Subsea workforce by the end of the year.

Straughan brings 37 years’ health and safety experience to the team, having previously worked internationally in the subsea industry. Wheeler also complements the team with several years’ experience and will provide the team with a wealth of regional expertise and knowledge to develop the company’s business opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico.

Andrew Duncan, President and Managing Director of Bibby Subsea, said: “We have received significant interest in the division since its launch, with Bibby Subsea being perfectly positioned to deliver enhanced capabilities and undertake subsea projects using our international fleet of subsea support vessels and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Bibby Subsea’s preliminary $1million contract with Cal Dive International to mobilise a work-class remotely operated vehicle (WROV) on Cal Dive International’s support vessel in Mexico, the Mystic Viking, is ongoing, with talks in place to increase our ROV presence in the region. Market demand for subsea services is forecast to grow by 43% over the next five years, and Bibby Subsea is positioning itself as a major player within the ROV market, with an increased level of in-house capabilities which we can offer to clients.”

Bibby Subsea aims to deliver a diverse range of subsea construction projects for operators worldwide. Services include project management and engineering, innovative remotely operated vehicle support vessels (ROVSV) and survey capabilities, diverless intervention, advanced remote systems and tooling packages, in-house survey and data processing, subsea construction support services, and inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM).

Bibby Subsea, Bibby Offshore and sister company Bibby Remote Intervention Limited has grown from 10 employees in 2003 to now employing more than 1,300 people onshore and offshore worldwide, with offices in Aberdeen, Liverpool, Newcastle, Singapore, Trinidad and Houston. The company has an international fleet of eight subsea support vessels and 15 ROV and will continue to add to its fleet to meet demand.

Bibby Subsea aims to further penetrate the US energy market by showcasing its services and capabilities at the Subsea Tieback exhibition and conference from the 4-6 March Booth#1511, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, Texas USA.