Atlantic Offshore Rescue to launch more ships

Atlantic Offshore Rescue, the Aberdeen-based standby vessel operator, is to expand its fleet after securing North Sea support contracts worth £12 million.

The firm, which employs 350 people, said all nine of its emergency response and rescue vessels are fully utilised following the contract wins from Hess, Nexen and Shell. It has also signed up Talisman Energy as a new client.

Managing director John Bryce said the company, which also runs four platform supply vessels, wants to beef up its standby and emergency response capabilities in both the Norwegian and British sectors of the North Sea following a “very positive” start to the year.

He added: “We have invested heavily into our fleet and staff training and are dedicated to continuing to do so.

“We anticipate expanding the fleet with further vessels in the near future to meet client demand.”