Global Underwater Hub | Statement from Trevor Garlick and Neil Gordon - Response to Scottish Government funding plans for North East energy sector

Trevor Garlick, Chair of the Global Underwater Hub and ONE Energy, said:

“We welcome today’s Scottish Government funding announcement for the energy sector in North East Scotland, which includes support for a Global Underwater Hub in Aberdeen to harness the huge potential the UK’s world-leading underwater engineering and technology expertise.

“The multi-sector Hub will help UK companies win more business overseas, attract inward investment and develop the skills and technologies needed to increase our share – currently £8 billion – of a growing global market with a gross annual spend expected to reach c.£100 billion by 2035.

“It will play a significant role in furthering Scotland’s and the UK’s net zero ambitions, connecting companies, universities and R&D institutions across the UK to leverage the collective strength of the UK’s underwater industries – from offshore renewables and oil and gas, to marine science and defence.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with underwater engineering and technology companies, Subsea UK and other trade associations, governments, academia and regional development agencies to deliver this exciting project.”

Neil Gordon, Chief Executive of Subsea UK said:

“Today’s announcement recognises the tremendous scale and potential of underwater engineering and technology as a valuable, standalone industry sector. By creating a world-class Hub, we can ensure the UK remains the global centre of expertise.

“We welcome the funding from the Scottish Government who have been supportive of the proposition for the Global Underwater Hub and the subsea industry in general.

“Working with government and other stakeholders, we’ve developed a compelling business case for the Hub which underlines the significance of the UK’s underwater engineering and technology sector and demonstrates how it can continue to lead the way around the world, support the energy transition and capitalise on the Blue economy.

“The worldwide underwater engineering market is expected to grow significantly – annual global spend could be as much as £140 billion by 2035. The UK has the competitive edge and has a real opportunity to gain a larger share of this growing market.

“While Aberdeen is home to the majority of underwater engineering and technology companies, there are significant clusters across the UK, including Scotland’s central belt, the North-East England and South of England, supporting a range of sectors including offshore wind, marine renewables, aquaculture, oil and gas as well as defence.

“As the industry’s trade body, Subsea UK has been central to the development of the Hub concept, working in partnership with industry, governments and academia and we will lead the delivery of the Hub.

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE.