A Scottish engineering business that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year has won several new contracts and plans to recruit a number of apprentices, trainees and skilled tradesmen in 2023.
Ocean Kinetics has provided first-class engineering services to the marine, energy, decommissioning, renewables, fishing and aquaculture, power and utilities, and space industries for the past three decades. During that time, the same insurance broker has supported the firm as it has continued to grow and prosper.
Ruth Newbold, from TL Dallas, which is based in the Shetland Islands, and has worked with Ocean Kinetics’ director, John Henderson for 30 years. Ruth said: “It’s a real privilege to have worked with John and the team at Ocean Kinetics for so many years, going right back to the time I headed up the General Insurance side at Irvine Insurance & Financial Services based at 22 Commercial Road. As John’s business grew, his insurance requirements also grew and I made sure that all the necessary covers were put in place to meet his needs.
“Our Shetland office opened 30 years ago this April, and Joanne Goudie and I joined the company in 1999. We feel very proud to have supported Ocean Kinetics as it has grown and expanded over the years.”
Ocean Kinetics provides welding and fabrication works, diving, remotely operated vehicles, machining and mechanical services, as well as inspection services to clients that include EnQuest, Scottish Sea Farms, Port of Aberdeen, SSE and Balfour Beatty.
Director, John Henderson, said: “We have worked hard over the years to provide a high-quality, solution-focused, and innovative service to our clients. In an ever-changing world, and in some of the most challenging environments, we have earned a reputation for delivering on our promises and building long-lasting relationships with clients and suppliers.
“Over the last 30 years we have heavily invested in our premises and our teams, and we have also opened a shop selling a huge range of engineering materials, tools and equipment. We have worked on lots of interesting decommissioning jobs, including a 3,500-tonne production rig and our salvaging services have seen us recover numerous vessels, barges and even a helicopter black box!
“We are very proud of the marine works we have carried out in Antarctica, and our numerous projects for Shetland Gas Plant that have all been completed with no lost time incidents. Our long-standing relationships with more than 20 harbours throughout the UK and our Scottish exporter of the year award win are both highlights for our business, as is our relationship with TL Dallas.
“As you can imagine, in our business there’s lots of risk and it’s essential we have a broker that thoroughly understands our business. Ruth, Joanne and the team at TL Dallas provide us with a wide portfolio of cover, but where they add value is in the ability to provide a local service with regular face to face meetings, as well as adapting our covers to suit our sometimes very challenging requirements. It’s not every week you have employees and equipment needing covered in Antarctica!”
TL Dallas opened in Lerwick in April 1993 and has a long-standing reputation for its considered, professional advice and excellent client care. The Shetland team is headed up by Ruth Newbold, and benefits from being part of the wider TL Dallas Group. The family-and employee owned business has 11 other offices across the UK and is also a founding member of UNA – the National Alliance of Independent Brokers.
Ruth added: “Many of our clients have worked with us for decades, and at every renewal we seek to get the best possible outcome for our clients. We work especially hard to understand our clients’ businesses so we can add value when it comes to managing and insuring their key risk exposures adequately and cost effectively.”
TL Dallas in Shetland works for clients across all sectors but has particular expertise in the contracting, marine engineering, shipping, transport and technology sectors. Ocean Kinetics has offices in Lerwick, Aberdeen and Oban.