BELFAST shipyard owners Harland & Wolff Group Holdings has created its own technologies division, which will be based in the UK's energy capital Aberdeen.
Called Harland & Wolff Technologies (HWT), it will operate in conjunction with the company's four delivery centres while working independently and directly with its clients in other shipyards.
One of the main services being provided by HWT will be the in-service support to assets that are already operational and are not in any dry dock.
Richard Davidson will be managing director of the new subsidiary, bringing with him three decades of experience in the energy and maritime markets. He has been instrumental in introducing and commercialising new technologies centred around propulsion and fuels.
In his last role with Echandia, he was responsible for developing and monetising large scale battery technologies for the marine market.
New technologies within the marine market are advancing at considerable pace and ensuring the company is at the forefront of this as an early adopter of new technologies is essential.
HWT's focus on batteries, propulsion, future fuels and systems integration will facilitate progress towards being a successful leader in these areas and make a meaningful contribution to the UK's net zero targets.
HWT says it will be developing a suite of support agreements and joint venture partnerships with original equipment manufacturers in order to provide the highest level of service to the company's clients.
John Wood, group chief executive officer of Harland & Wolff, said: "With projects starting to ramp up and new technologies increasingly being incorporated into the majority of them, the establishment of HWT enables us to be at the forefront of client requirements now and into the future.
"In the first instance, we will be focusing on in-service support including mechanical, pipework, fabrication and outfitting services.
"HWT's offering will allow assets to be in operation whilst being serviced by our riding crews.
"Ultimately, this will reduce the time spent by an asset in a dry dock, keep it in continuous operation, and therefore reduce downtime costs, all of which are highly attractive outcomes for our clients."
